Squire

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin "Squire" by Alan Hull from his 1975 album of the same name. This track, a centerpiece of Hull’s second solo outing, was inspired by his starring role in a 1974 BBC TV play called Squire, written by Tyneside playwright Tom Pickard. Hull played Alfy, an unemployed Newcastle lad with Walter Mitty-esque fantasies of wealth, and the song’s lyrics reflect that dreamy, high-flying vibe with lines like “Call me the Squire, ‘cos that’s what I am / A high flying flier, a high flying man.” The album, recorded at Morgan Studios in London, has a polished yet raw edge, blending folk rock with shades of The Kinks and solo John Lennon. Some fans on Rate Your Music speculate it’s a concept album, tracing a squire’s fall through society, with its bittersweet tone capturing Hull’s reflections on fame and struggle.

The song “Squire” stands out for its sharp social commentary, a hallmark of Hull’s songwriting. In a 2021 BBC 4 documentary, Lindisfarne’s Geordie Genius: The Alan Hull Story, Sam Fender and others like Sting and Elvis Costello praised Hull’s ability to weave empathy for the underdog into his music. The track’s production, featuring Hull’s voice with a slapback echo and Mellotron flourishes, gives it a distinct mid-70s prog-rock flavor. A review from Record Collector Magazine notes the song’s “hard-assed” vocal delivery and backward guitar riffs, likening it to Lennon’s solo work. Hull himself described the album as a farewell to an era, with tracks like “Golden Oldies” on the same record hinting at his nostalgia for the fading 60s and 70s music scene, as discussed in a blog post on Alan’s Album Archives.

Alan Hull’s journey to “Squire” began in Newcastle upon Tyne, where he was born on February 20, 1945. Growing up in Benwell, he started piano lessons at nine and picked up the guitar at twelve, writing his first song soon after. His early gigs in local folk clubs, while working jobs like window cleaning and nursing at a mental hospital, shaped his humanist perspective. Hull’s time as a nurse, in particular, influenced his empathetic lyrics, as noted in his 1995 obituary in The Independent. He joined the band The Chosen Few before forming Downtown Faction, which evolved into Lindisfarne in 1970. Lindisfarne’s folk-rock sound, with hits like “Lady Eleanor,” brought Hull fame, but after the band’s 1973 split, he went solo, releasing Pipedream before Squire.

Though Alan Hull passed away in 1995, his legacy lives on through fan communities and Lindisfarne’s continued presence. His official website is linked through Lindisfarne’s site, which celebrates his contributions. Fans can connect on Lindisfarne’s official Facebook page, where Hull’s solo work is often discussed, or join the Lindisfarne Fan Club group for lively chats about his music. On Lindisfarne’s Instagram, you’ll find tributes to Hull’s songwriting, while their X account shares updates on reissues and memorials. Fan sites like Alan’s Album Archives offer deep dives into Hull’s discography, keeping the Zoo Freaks’ spirit alive as they vibe to “Squire.”