Dear friends,

Welcome to the first newsletter of 2026.

We hope you have had a peaceful and happy Xmas, and are feeling optimistic for the new year.

We are excited for 2026, and happy to report there is a lot of musical activity coming up

Firstly…

MORE RECORDING IN PROGRESS – THE SOLO ALBUMS

While the MWK album is now currently being manufactured and being readied for release in April, Lou is about to head into the studio and start work on her new solo album. Her first in over 20 years!

So firstly we must say a huge THANK YOU to all of you who have get involved with the crowdfunder so far.

We are still a little ways off the target so sharing the link again here.

We have added a couple of other rewards so please take another look and pledge for any that are of interest.

Please also feel free to pass the link onto any kindred spirits too, those who you think may want to pitch in. It all helps. Making good records is a costly business.

NOTHING CAN HURT ME ANYMORE

As mentioned we are delighted to announce the release date of April 4th (Bebe’s birthday) for the new MWK solo album, and we can immediately share 2 songs from it:

‘La Bamba In The Rain’ is set in the English seaside town of Southport, where Michael grew up, and addresses the current trend of flag waving across the UK, and the call by those on the right for the ethnicity and immigration status of perpetrators of attacks to be made public, while ‘Into The West’ reflects on seeking pastures new, swapping one lifestyle for another in an attempt to shake off the past. It features a guest appearance from poet Oliver James Lomax who also co-wrote the song.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN / ALBUM LAUNCHES

SEASONS IN THE SUN

For any of you fancying a musical few days in the sun, and would like us to be your sound track while sipping cocktails, MDC are playing at the Costa Festival Ibiza in May, taking place at the Seaview Country Club.

The festival runs for a week, and we play on the 27th and 28th. More details on costs, accommodation, flights, passes for the festival etc here.

Dear friends,

Welcome to the final newsletter of 2025.

We do hope this year had been good to you.

We have some big news as we head into 2026, and we need your help to make it happen.

More of that to come, but first…

CURTAIN CALL

Our final 4 shows of the year are coming up very soon. It has been a quiet Autumn by our standards so we are really looking forward to these shows, which will include a deep dive into the My Darling Clementine back catalogue, the first ever performances of some brand new songs, plus, as always, a choice obscure cover or two.

Friends across the West Midlands, in the South East, the East Midlands,  and the North West, the ticket links are below.

Or, for a friends and supporters overseas, London, Liverpool and Birmingham are great cities to do your Christmas shopping, and take in a show, especially one of ours.

We’ll also be touring across the UK and Europe next year. More dates TBC, but here are the ones confirmed so far:

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Thanks to Jeremy Baker for these snaps from our recent show at The St Marys Session in Dorking. More here.

 
 

RECORDING IN PROGRESS

So, the other news we are excited to share is that next year will see the release of 2 solo albums, under our individual names (though we will still be touring as My Darling Clementine).

On top of that, these are going to be the first releases on our own label.

Consequently we have started a crowdfunding project for which we are aiming to raise an initial £10,000.

In truth, to record 2 albums, master them, manufacture and market them (PR, promo vids, adverts etc) will cost a lot more than £10k but, we want to get the ball rolling and set a reachable initial target. Maybe, with your help and generosity, we can exceed?

So, there are two ways to contribute;

1. Via the Crowdfunder page. “Two albums, one year 2026” where you will find various rewards available.

2.  Contacting us directly, via the website or on social media and someone will be in touch to give you bank details. Naturally rewards will still apply. Including the opportunity to be an Executive Producer and have your name credited on the albums sleeves.

Michael’s album is called “Nothing Can Hurt Me Anymore” – here is a brief preview / interview, including one of the new songs.

Lou’s album is written, the songs are fabulous, and so very poignant. The recording of her album will begin as soon as affordable. Ideally we’d like it recorded before year end so both albums can be out in the spring.

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IN STORE

As well as supporting via the crowdfunder and in turn, securing rewards for your contributions, another way to help the project is to order items from the MDC store.  

New merchandise will be coming as soon as these albums are out into the world but meanwhile there are still older albums on cd & vinyl available, along with signed posters and beautiful, limited edition prints; and so too hand-written lyrics, which when framed and personalised, make for great gifts.

Our thanks to everyone who has ordered something recently. Browse everything at the MDC store.

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FAREWELL 2025

Thanks everyone.So that just leaves us to wish you a very happy Christmas and a peaceful new year. Enjoy the festive season, savour the company of family and friends, and support art and artists wherever you can

Yours in music,
Lou & Michael