When we arrived at 7pm it was real quiet and we jammed a few new numbers at first to gauge some response; respect and wherever I lay my hat.  We were' playing off the cuff, so it was OK.  However, people started pouring in towards 8 o'clock for Anni's birthday.  We started at around 8.15 with the place real busy, including a rubgy crowd.  It was quite good straight from the bat and we had quite a few wanting to help us out on the vocals (which we dont mind).  However, the quality of those helping us was quite a bit better than we usually get.  Particularly Polly later on doing a blues number for Anni.

Anyway, we we're on form playing well and the beer was obviously having a good effect on the crowd so it all went well.  A few of the rugby guys got into the zone with one guy having his clothes ripped off of him and spending the rest of the night showing off his whammy bar (not pretty).  Another punter stripped while Stu was providing a solo version of Whip me and a whip appeared from behind the bar which was applied to his behind.

We played quite a few numbers, having started at 8.15 and going onto midnight.  We played Baggy Trousers for the first time live, which went down really well and an impromptu Chasing Cars allowing a quick break for a few of the guys.  By midnight we we're all quite nackered (close to 4 hours of playing), so packed up and headed for the kebab shop (sorted !). 

Anyway, as usual, another good night in St Pauls Tavern, with a good party atmosphere.

We had a gig at Abbeyhill Community Centre in Gloucester.  First time here for us and we really enjoyed it.  The place was quite busy, I'd guess at around 80-100 people, of which a good majority we'd brought with the band.  We managed to keep the crowd there and had quite a few up dancing.  The second set went down really well and was topped off with a solo rendition of whip me by Stu on acoustic (got to be heard, trust me).  We played Free's Alright now for the first time for us.  Paul and Stu's banter between songs was a rubbish as usual, but seemed to pick up a few laughs (much to my amazement).  I nearly managed to play through the night without breaking a string and then broke one on the last solo of the last song :(

This was our third time using our new PA, which is really making a difference.  The drums sounds great on it.  Plus we had a new digital 24 track recorder and captured the whole gig on hard drive.  However, it was our first attempt at using it, so the results may be limited.  We'll keep trying though.  We'll post something here if it comes out good.

Paul turned up with a sore toe and managed to limp around for most of the night (nice one steptoe). There were a few people from my work which was good to see, but I hope I didnt ruin their weekend (I usually just try keep that to monday to friday). 

Anyway, all in all a good night and a nice venue to play.

We played Petes 60th at the Rugby Club in Painswick.  We'd had a break of a month due to holidays and other commitments, so we we're all up for a gig.  We we're also trying out Paul's new PA and smoke machine (of which I managed to spill the liquid smoke out of before we started playing - dip stick). 
It was a good gig, we had dancers up from the first song, although we did manage to clear the floor when we played born to be wild, so that song is now relegated to our spares list !!!!  We also managed to drop in Mercy by Duffy for the first time and we'd also planned a few other new numbers, but ran out of time on the night.

Well I have to say I enjoyed the pig roast that was laid on, and the puddings/desserts were to die for.  I was surprised to see poor Pete having to put up and take down his own birthday decorations - especially at the age of 60 !  Although if I were Pete I would go by the number of candles on the cake - hence he is only 10. 

One thing that I've noticed is that our birthday gigs are increasing in age.  The last was a 50th, so I can only assume the next will be a 70th - I guess it'll be our drummer Keiron's birthday then (the old derro) !!!!

 

It was our second gig in St Pauls Tavern in Cheltenham.  The band played well and the crowd made it a great night.  I have to say I do enjoy playing here as its like a party all the way through.  We played a good 2 and half hours of music and even threw in some new ones.  As a request for reggae we played Bob Marley's dont worry about a thing, which we'd never played as a band before and it went well.  Overall it was another really good night and we're looking forward to the next one already.  We recorded the gig, so a few MP3s will follow later. 

Cloth attempted another guest shot on vocals.  This time it was "When you say nothing at all".  He was in time with the drummer (ha ha ha) and had a few key changes (none of them the key the band were playing in).  It would be fair to call him "Moanin n' Droanin Keaton" after last night.  However, any other suggestions would be welcome !!! 

We'll be on a short break now for a few weeks with holidays.  Stu's also got some exams as he has not left school yet.  We'll also be putting Keiron the drummer on an intensive maths course during the break on the hope of getting him counting up to number 4. So gigs over the next few months will be restricted.

We played a 50th birthday party in Slimbridge.  The band played really well, quite tight and responded well to requests and requirements from the crowd.  There was a real good party feeling from the second we got there, it was a difficult lot to get dancing (too much into their drinking !), but we got them there and held them once they were up.  Particular highlights were 500 pints and brown eyed girl, with dreaming of you, hound dog and I saw her standing there also sounding good.  Mike, the demi-centarian, is a real fan of ABBA (ha ha ha - its in print now so everyone will believe it) and Status Quo, but we didnt know any of their stuff.  However, we're already learning some of their numbers for his 100th birthday party in 2058.  I have to say our hosts made us feel very welcome and treated us excellently which we're grateful for and a first for us was the after gig impromptu  acoustic session with Stu on the acoustic and Paul Formby on the banjo.  We all then topped it off with a band kebab on the way home, sorted !  A big thanks goes out to Steve, our roady for the evening.  Quite interesting how he managed to slot in perfectly with the band, ie, slagging the drummer of within seconds of getting out of the car.  All in all another good night and our second gig of the weekend.  One last thought for me is I wonder if Mike now regrets my suggestion of switching over to black rat halfway through the night ????