‘The Third Day of Spring’ is the seventh album from The Attention Seekers…‘Four years in the making and I can hardly believe that I’ve made another album’ said songwriter Alan Fish…’and in many ways is the third album in a trilogy that pay homage to the 3 minute pop song.’
The other albums in this sequence are ‘a song for tomorrow’ and ‘Seven Bridges’. Check out the interview with Alan in April this year.
‘The main outlet for these albums has been radio, downloads/streaming and the occasional play at St. James’ Park. This very much influences the type of songs I am writing, the musicians I use and the effort that is taken in the production process.’
‘We are all aware of how we are living in uncertain times, I like to think that the positive and upbeat vibe of my songs give the listener a welcome distraction from the doom and gloom of the daily news.’
‘I am lucky and fortunate that the previous albums have more than covered their costs which allows me to use the very best musicians in the area, this has a huge impact on the sonic quality of tracks.’
‘A key moment for me was discovering Tony Davis’s Cluny Studios in Newcastle. Tony is a brilliant engineer and also an excellent keyboard player. Tony also introduced me to drummer Trevor Brewis, they played together in The Caffreys. Tony and Trevor are both key to the sonic quality of my last two albums.’
‘I’m often asked what is the inspiration behind the songs? To be honest I try not to analyse the process too closely, I’m just eternally grateful when a new melody or idea arrives. However, I have attempted to answer the question’.
The Prudhoe Song (Fish/Wanless) In 2023 I was approached by Prudhoe born and bred singer/songwriter Rob Wanless to help him write and record a tribute to his home town. As far as I’m aware this may be the first song written about this bustling Northumberland town. The song has received extensive radio play both locally and nationally. In December 2025 it was nominated as Radio Caroline’s Steve Anthony’s ’Song of the Year’.
Sweet Anna Brown (Fish/Leslie) I had the melody all I needed was the subject matter. I decided to have a look back on my old junior school class photos and via social media see what everyone was up to. Anna Brown was the cleverest girl in the class and doesn’t appear to have any social media presence… “whatever happened to Sweet Anna Brown?”
The Thought Never Crossed My Mind (Fish) Whilst on tour in the Netherlands (2024) with USA singer/songwriter Jesse Terry, I would often play this song at our soundchecks. Jesse really liked it and suggested we added it to the set. He also asked if he could sing it. The song was perfect for Jesse’s voice and after the tour via the wonders of 21st century technology we transatlantically recorded the song.
The Third Day of Spring (Fish) This song came to me very quickly and served as the perfect vehicle for my extremely talented friends, Niles Krieger (fiddle and mandolin) and Shona Newey (accordion).
The Background Action Game (Fish) Having spent many years working in the TV and Film industry inspired me to write a song dedicated to those unsung heroes – the Background Action actors.
Where The Deals Are Done (Fish) A song about facing life’s challenges and where possible, turning them into opportunities.
Here Comes Trouble (Fish) By the age of fifteen I had developed into a reasonably competent guitar player and via a friend’s older brother found myself playing in a covers band with musicians 10/15 years older than me. This was a fast track into the adult world and I soon learnt that not everyone was in a band for the same reasons.
Whilst I had ambitions to become the next Pete Townshend, Alvin Lee or Paul Kossoff, for Tom, (rhythm guitar vocals) there were three reasons for getting up on stage. In no particular order they were girls, girls and more girls!!! This led to occasionally Tom beating a hasty retreat from venues and some dynamic confrontations with furious boyfriends and husbands.
I’ve remained friends with Tom throughout the years and was best man at his third wedding! Tom (yes that’s his actual name) has given me permission to tell his story.
It Doesn’t Happen Every Day (Fish / Leslie) Every now and then I have a major tidy up and a ‘re- listening to’ of old ideas, and every now and then inspiration arrives and breathes new life into a half finished song. ‘It Doesn’t Happen Every Day’ dates back to 2001, but never got off the ground. With our 40th wedding anniversary on the horizon I was determined to get this one over the line, and here it is, finished at long last.
Blue Red and Green (Fish) Recorded in May 2023 the song features my dear friend Sam Blewitt on vocals. Sam, fresh from touring with Kenney Jones (The Jones Gang) was on fine form for the sessions, equalled by some lovely cool brass work from Pete Tanton (trumpet).
Your Poster On My Wall (Fish/Smeaton/Younger) Paul Kossoff was one of the greatest guitarists of his generation. This is our tribute – “When the kid played the blues, you were hard to lose”.
Seven Bridges (Fish/Leslie) – At the start of the 2025-26 season, I received a call from the club asking if I would be interested in creating a bespoke version of ’Seven Bridges’ (by which they actually meant ‘a shorter version’), there was no hesitation. Within 24 hours they were sent this mix which now receives regular half-time plays at St. James’ Park. As a lifelong Newcastle United football fan, I am in ‘Geordie Dreamland’.
Alan added…‘Many thanks to all the talented musicians who contributed to the album and to our friends in ‘radioland’ for all the plays and support, it’s greatly appreciated and makes the time and effort all the more worthwhile. I will definitely be playing the songs live and will be posting details on my Facebook page.’
‘You know I’ve been writing songs for over fifty years – I’m still learning the craft, and I’m confident there is more in the tank.’
The album is now available to download/stream via the digital platforms with CD copies available to buy at gigs. For more information contact the official website >>>
Alikivi October 2026
