Edwyn Collins
Edwyn formed the musical group Nu-Sonics in 1976, which became Orange Juice in 1979. Critically admired within independent rock circles, Orange Juice are perhaps best known for the number 8 hit single Rip It Up, their only major UK Top 40 single and biggest commercial success. In 1985, Orange Juice disbanded, and Collins has since then pursued a solo career.
Collins is best known for his 1994 hit single, A Girl Like You, which was a big hit in both the UK and the US and was featured in the films Empire Records and Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, and for "Magic Piper of Love", a 1997 single that featured on the soundtrack of Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.
He built his own studio in 1994 and produced his own third solo album, Gorgeous George. He has also worked extensively as a producer with other artists, including The Proclaimers, A House, The Cribs, and Little Barrie.
On the 20th of February, 2005, he was admitted to intensive care in London's Royal Free Hospital after apparently suffering a major cerebral haemorrhage. On 25 February, he underwent an operation, reportedly after suffering a second haemorrhage. The procedure was successful, and Collins is currently working on a lengthy program of neurological rehabilitation. He has right sided weakness affecting his hand and arm which prevents him from playing the guitar, and also affecting his gait.
It was announced in June 2007 that Collins would be releasing his sixth solo album in September 2007 on Heavenly Records entitled Home Again. The album was recorded before his illness but mixed after his discharge from hospital.
Edwyn Collins is still on the road to recovery, and he has recently returned to singing live, including playing a gig at The Arts Theatre in London.
A BBC Artworks Scotland documentary Edwyn Collins: Home Again was broadcast on 19th May 2008. Filmed during 2007 it followed his progress in recovering from his illness and his first return to live performance at the BBC Electric Proms.
Edwyn releases the 7” single “Home Again’ on the 23rd of June, 2008.
Review of launch event here - NME