DANA GILLESPIE 

Spent The Day In Bed 

Released 19th April 2024

 Photo by Terry O’Neill 

Legendary singer-songwriter Dana Gillespie, announces the release of Spent The Day In Bed on 19th April 2024, the lead single from her stunning new album First Love, released on 31st May 2024 through Fretsore Records. 

Watch the video below:

Spent The Day In Bed is written by Morrissey, who is full of praise for Dana’s recording: “It's incredible, where do I start?” he says. “Dana's ‘Spent’ is very special, and I don't say that 'just because…' it's so well done and very well structured musically and that guitar solo is magnificent. Every vocal nuance is full of mischief and maverick free spirit ... which, really, is typical Dana.  It’s an inspiring version for me, and really so much better than the original. It’s a triumph".

Morrissey has designed the artwork for Dana’s limited edition Spent The Day In Bed 7” single which will be released on the 10th May. For the cover Morrissey chose an iconic Terry O’Neill photograph of Dana, taken in 1973.

Spent The Day In Bed is one of eleven songs reimagined by Dana on her new album First Love, including the self-penned title track.  Every recording on the album has a personal resonance for Danawhich features material written by Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, Leonard Cohen and David Bowie (who was such an integral part of Dana’s early career). First Love has been produced by Marc Almond and Tris Penna.

“Tris felt, and I agree with him,” said Dana, “that Spent The Day In Bed should be the single. It’s absolutely relevant as I do think people should stop watching the news because it’s depressing and so debilitating!"

That guitar solo is performed by Dom Stockbridge, a member of Dana’s regular touring band along with Harry Whitty (bass guitar), Evan Jenkins (drums) and musical director Matt Gest (keyboards) who support Dana throughout the album.

Spent The Day In Bed by Dana Gillespie is out on 19th April 2024 through Fretsore Records.

Listen to Spent The Day In Bed HERE.

Digital pre-release link HERE.

Pre-order 7" vinyl single below:

Rough Trade

Sister Ray

Resident  

Photo by Christina Jansen 

About Dana Gillespie

Dana Gillespie, a quintessential artist with an adventurous and creative spirit, has lived a life full of musical and theatrical exploits. Born in 1949 and raised in London in an era of unrivalled experimentation and artistic rebellion, Dana began her recording career at 15 with Pye Records. By 1968, she was signed to Decca/London releasing two albums including Box Of Surprises, showcasing her songwriting prowess, with a steadfast trajectory further solidified by her 1974 release Weren’t Born A Man which included David Bowie as part of the production team, having written the song Andy Warhol especially for Dana.

Her journey in entertainment is marked by significant milestones, including being the first actress to play Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar, and worked and collaborated with icons such as Bob Dylan and Elton John.  Despite challenges, including the implosion of her management company MainMan, Dana's ability to pivot as an enigma of that time showed a resilience that led to a successful acting career in the late 1970s and early 1980s, where she featured in various notable films.

Dana’s revered status in the industry is especially of note considering the context of her early career given no female soloist hit No.1 with a studio album in the UK until 1980. Returning to music in 1982, she released Blue Job, reaching a new career milestone by venturing into blues and founding the Mustique Blues Festival. A respected radio presenter, Dana also embraces spirituality, recording bhajans since becoming a follower of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, adding devotional music to her extensive discography.

An esteemed underdog of music, stage and screen, Dana Gillespie's illustrious career as a gifted entertainer is detailed in her 2021 memoir Weren’t Born A Man, epitomising the adventurous spirit of a true artist. In 2023, she made her debut at the SXSW Music and Film Festival, a significant addition to her already impressive portfolio.

On her latest studio project First Love, Dana takes on the unlikely reimagining of certified and newly established classics with her unique and contemporary style. Exuding the confidence and conviction of the master of her craft, First Love re-asserts Dana’s place in art-pop history. 

With a career spanning decades Dana Gillespie remains a significant figure in the music industry, enchanting audiences with her unique blend of blues, pop, and spiritual music.

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