Poignant Tyneside Tribute Marks Armistice Day with New Single and Special Event at the Lowlights Tavern
A powerful and emotional new single, No Rain for My Honeybee, has been released by Western Quay, a Tyneside-based father-and-son-inspired musical collective featuring Andy Mather, his son Michael, Mark Appleby, Finley Purvis, and vocalist Poppy Keith.
The song is a moving tribute to Andy’s great uncle, Private John McGlynn, who was killed in action in September 1918 during the First World War—just nine days after writing a heartfelt letter home.
In recognition of Armistice Day and the deep resonance of Remembrance, Western Quay will take part in a special event at the Lowlights Tavern, North Shields, on Tuesday 11th November at 8:00 pm.
The evening will feature a showing of the music video for No Rain for My Honeybee, along with a short film telling The Story of John’s Letter, narrated by Phillippa Wilson, with a poignant recording of John’s words spoken by Tim Healy. The band will also perform No Rain for My Honeybee live, in what promises to be a deeply emotional and reflective occasion marking the courage and sacrifice of a generation.
The story behind No Rain for My Honeybee is as remarkable as the song itself.
In September 2022, Nigel Devine from Wallsend set out on a personal journey to France to find the grave of his great uncle who died in the First World War. A family friend asked if he could also search for the grave of their relative, John McGlynn. Nigel found both graves and captured a photograph of John’s resting place — unaware of the powerful connection that would later emerge.
Back in the UK, while sorting through family belongings, Andy Mather uncovered a dusty suitcase containing a letter from John McGlynn to his mother and sisters in Wallsend, written just days before he was killed. When Andy saw Nigel’s photograph, he realised this was the very same soldier—his great uncle.
That discovery inspired Andy to write No Rain for My Honeybee, drawing from John’s words and the deep emotions of rediscovering a lost family story. With creative input from Mark Appleby, Michael Mather and a stunning vocal from Poppy Keith, the song took shape, enhanced by the haunting violin of Niles Krieger.
Produced by John Martindale at Blank Studios, Newcastle, and mixed with care over several months, the track has already moved early listeners to tears, resonating with timeless themes of sacrifice, love, and remembrance.
“We hope this song pays tribute to all those who gave their lives for freedom – something that feels all too poignant today,” said Andy.
“It’s an extraordinary coincidence that Nigel found the grave, and I found the letter,” he continued. “Bringing these pieces of history together in music feels like giving John’s words a voice again.”
Nigel added:
“When Andy contacted me to say the soldier in my photo was his great uncle, I was amazed. The song captures the emotion of that connection beautifully and helps keep the memory of these young men alive for new generations.”
No Rain for My Honeybee is available now under the artist name Western Quay, named after a car park in North Shields, where much of this musical journey began.
The band hopes that their performance on Armistice Day will offer audiences a moment of reflection, remembrance, and gratitude — a heartfelt reminder of the human stories behind the poppies we wear each November.
Ends
Photos: L to R Andy Mather, Nigel Devine, Poppy Keith, Michael Mather, Mark Appleby and Finley Purvis (Highlights PR)
The band live (Highlights PR)
T
PR and media keitH@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951