Andy Glass (Solstice) and Howard Rankin Interview.
The books cover
I recently had the pleasure of talking with Andy Glass and Howard Rankin about the A New Day book. That documents the Sia trilogy through a collection of photographs taken on the tours surrounding each album release, This includes some commentary by the likes of Gregory Spawton of Big Big Train and Steven Wilson amongst others.
The book is a large size paperback book of some 150 pages and its contents are a blend of Stage performance shots along with some more formal pictures, these are mainly in colour. There are severa evocative pictures that benefit from a black and white treatment.
The book arose from conversations between Andy and Howard, with Andy approving the pictures with input from the rest of Solstice. So as to both preserve all modesty and also not to portray folks in an unfavourable light.
I asked both Andy and Howard which was there favourite shots, Andy felt the shots portraying the clann of band members, friends and supporters was very special as it conveys the sense of inclusion, Friendship and family that Solstice offer.
Howard thought the shot of the band taken at the Cropedy festival in the glorious sunshine captured the Colour and Spirit of Solstice most convingly.
I asked Howard what he looked for whilst taking a shot to which he replied I look for any interactions between the band members, As that always conveys the sheer sense of Joy that is ever present at a Solstice show. He also commented that digital cameras have made taken pictures far easier as you can quickly edit and remove any pictures that are blurred or that don't capture what is happening clearly enough, This also removes any pictures that are of a less flattering nature.
He also commented that as movement is a central figure in a Solstice performance. As these provide great opportunities for capturing the essence of the show, I commented that I liked that the book follows a remarkable journey of the ongoing development of the band, Both Andy and Howard agreed that it tells the story of the increasing presence of the band and their onging rise in popularity. I said I liked that it had shots from the show at zthe Dome that I attended and reviewed.
We then spoke around the issues of getting Solstice to a far wider audience than they currently are reaching, and we discussed Marillion weekends and collaboration opportunities I mentioned Steve Hackett who is usually keen to explore new collaborative effort as he does with Djabe.
Andy is keen to explore this possibility I said I could possibly help in that respect as I know Steve pretty well as I've interviewed him about 14 times in the past 12years or so. He knows who I am
Howard ventured an opinion that we should have a Solstice weekend of shows, travelling together and sharing community together with some shows in the mix
We all though this was worthy of consideration.
I Personally find it incredulous that many Prog fans are still unaware of Solstice's existence in the 21st century.
Andy sees this as a challenge they have still to fully address,
I said that I will be coming to see the band in leek hopefully with friends in tow.
After this our time was concluded with thanks expressed between us for the most enjoyable time spent talk8ng about the book and the future for Solstice.
Author John Wenlock-Smith Sunday 17th May 2026