• One time only limited pressing
• The only live performance of 'Grave New World' in its entirety
• A live realisation of Cousins' vision for how his proudest work was to be experienced
• Produced and mixed by Larry Fast (Peter Gabriel, Bonnie Tyler, Kate Bush, Foreigner)
• Mastered at Abbey Road Studios by Geoff Pesche (Gorillaz, Coldplay, New Order, Dire Straits)
• 180g translucent red vinyl, gatefold outer sleeve, printed inner sleeve with deluxe trifold booklet
In marking the death of David Cousins on 13 July 2025, Witchwood Records is absolutely delighted to announce the release of the first recording from Strawbs 50th Anniversary – ‘Grave New World Live’. This will be released as a limited pressing, just 1,000 for the world, gatefold LP with booklet – presented libretto-style, as was the original studio album. This is the first of a series of recordings to be released from Strawbs 50th. This release captures the only ever concert rendition of this landmark record.
Grave New World, released on 4 February 1972, reached number 11 in the UK Albums chart, selling almost 100,000 copies in the UK alone. It was one of the albums of which David Cousins was most proud. He continued to perform songs such as New World and Benedictus throughout his career.
In developing Strawbs 50th Anniversary, to be held in Lakewood, New Jersey, USA from 26 April through 28 April 2019, David decided that the programme should include the only live performance of the album. As such, he invited Wesley Stace to collaborate with him in writing a narration for this ‘theatrical performance’.
John Ford and Blue Weaver, both of whom had performed on the original album, were invited to take part. They were joined by Wesley Stace, Eric Bazilian (of the Hooters), Tony Fernandez, Brian Willoughby and Cathryn Craig. With only an afternoon’s rehearsal, the performance took place on the early evening of 27 April. As would be the case for a theatrical performance or classical concert, the audience was asked not to applaud until the end.
In addition to the numbers that David sang, and Wesley’s narration, John Ford sang Heavy Disguise and Wesley performed The Flower and the Young Man.
David’s ill health, together with COVID-19, meant that it wasn’t possible for Grave New World Live to be completed as soon as he would have wished. Work had already been started by Larry Fast, a pioneer in electronic music production, and record producer Blue Weaver, before David’s death in July 2025. In accordance with his wishes, this recording, on vinyl like the original, is now presented as the first major work from the 50th Anniversary. Unlike many “live” albums, however, the songs are heard as they were performed.
Track listing:
1. Benedictus
2. Hey Little Man Thursday
3. Queen Of Dreams
4. Heavy Disguise
5. New World
6. Hey Little Man Wednesday
7. The Flower And The Young Man
8. Tomorrow
9. On Growing Older
10. Ah Me Ah My
11. Is It Today Lord
12. Journey’s End
13. Benedictus 2
Dedicated to the life and work of David Cousins.
To pre-order: https://a.co/d/095UlkWa
Witchwood official website: https://witchwoodrecords.com/
Press inquiries: Keith James, Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com
