Return to Live Performing
Hi all, It’s been a while in more ways than one, given the enforced suspension of any kind of fun and normality by our caring government. Despite this we have all been trying to keep sane just like the rest of you, with varying levels of success and sanity. Rehearsal has been almost impossible with all the restrictions and so has been mainly done in isolation and through remote communication, with a couple of recent get togethers at Abbey Road, oops (Lane) Studios in Derby recently as rules allowed.
So then it was straight into it, complete with rusty brains and muscle memory loss. We were kindly asked to play at the very first BIG TOP performance at The Old Wine Vaults in Eastwood, run by our old friends from the famous Greyhound in Beeston. We were all looking forward to this new venture and could hardly wait. Unfortnately the night before the event I (Steve) had a bit of a slip on some steps and badly twisted my ankle (nothing to do with the Jacks, Brandy, and several Whiskeys consumed just prior) leaving me hobbling about like a crippled zombie. Despite this I was determined the show must go on so took my pills, lathered on the ibuprofen cream and strapped it up.
Anyway, back to the gig… Arrived at the venue to discover a large marquee in the garden with benches set out and a stage constructed fron the old floor of the Wine Vaults which had suffered damage during the closure. Wrapped around the Stone Henge-esque structure which I assume was the old swings, the stage was pretty impressive. Thanks to Sean, who did most of the preparation work, including electrics, table construction and mostly everything to make this possible.
Robert Balmer was in residence setting up the lights, sound system, cables and generally keeping us amused, especially when we touched on being slightly diva-ish and forgetting he was setting this all up from scratch.
Very soon the place was full, no need for pre-booking just turn up and take a seat, as near as normal as can be, many faces we knew and some new ones, what a great feeling, the senses where in overload, people commenting on the smell of the grass and the overall general atmosphere of normality and festival fever. It’s a bit like having a bacon butty when you’ve been fed porridge for 2 years. (not for veggies).
The sound was great, the gig was a blast, everyone had a great time and it felt good. Some of you might be wondering what happened to Richard in most of the photos, He was not on the naughty step, and no he does not have covid, as most of you know, bass guitarists are special, so he was given his own special stage, like the iconic statue of a man he is.
A big thankyou to all who organised this event and put in the time to make it the success that it was, and thanks to Steve Russ who was videoing the whole thing and has now posted some amazing footage and to Jan Haddock for the photos, which are now linked into our website.
Thank you to all who came down and made it the sucess that it was, you are all amazing.
Follow Us On Facebook
Check out our mp3s.
