2008
16/09/08 07:46
2008
Saturday, 18th. January, Coal Aston Community Centre
By now we’re all well board with playing with all our Christmas presents, it’s good to back into rockin’ mode and to ease us back into it is a nice local gig on the outskirts of Sheffield. Sharing the night with local contemporary folk musicians who go under the name of ‘Scuppered’ who do a nice job getting everybody in the mood. Onstage around 9.30 and we’re into the throngs of rock’n’roll and with, on this occasion, John Blacklock sitting in on keyboards.
Friday 25th. January. Wesleyan Centre, Maltby, Rotherham
Another job not too far from home and promoted by good friend Rob Shaw. This is an old chapel that’s been renovated and made into a really nice venue/function hall. Although Rob basically puts folk-orientated shows on, he enjoys a regular and loyal crowd for whatever he puts on with Dave always attracting a good crowd. Once again, prior to the show, Jason and I venture out for a pint and call in The Queens Hotel, a notorious place for bands in the 60’s and a good fight, if you were that way inclined! Back at the venue it’s time to hit the stage and give em’ what for in the shape a more R&B-orientated and rootsier show than usual, in keeping with the venue and all receives the desired effect and another cracking night..
Friday 1st. February, Butlins, Minehead
A bit further to travel (!) this time for our contribution to another rip-roaring 60’s Weekender. Thankfully, most of the equipment is being supplied, allowing us to travel in the comfort of the Berry-mobile. As always, these events attract a good crowd all ready to party and rock’n’roll and suitably in the mood, we join the audience in a communal rockfest and a great night to boot!
Saturday 2nd. February, Warners Hotel, Thorseby Hall, Ollerton
A lengthy journey back up country to this venue set in the north Notts countryside. As with all Warners’ venue, it’s a superb stately home converted into a delightful and relaxing hotel. Upon arriving I discover that the drum ‘riser’ is about 15 feet up in the air! Thankfully it’s not compulsory to set the kit up, up there so we all assemble on stage together. Early in the evening we’re treated to a hearty meal before we work it off with some energetic blinking! Showtime is around 10 pm with the houseband entertaining the audience prior to our rock’n’roll onslaught. Most of the AWarners’ audiences are pretty mature, but having said that, they’re not afraid to get down and boogie and once we’re into the set, they’re up and dancing along to our rockin’ tunes, resulting in another good night.
Friday 15th. February, Devconshire Arms, Baslow
Another quite local gig for us set right next door to Chatsworth House in the beautiful Derbyshire Peak District. This will be our third show at the hotel and once again draws another healthy crowd. It’s always good to see some familiar faces such as loyal followers Cliff, Judith and Sue in attendance. Local band provide support and some equipment, making the job a little easier and thanks also to hosts Paul and Chris for providing a welcome meal and a nice room to relax in.
Like previous gigs here, the audience are very enthusiastic as we go through the set of rockin’ fayre spiced up with Dave’s usual comedic banter. Afterward, whilst the support band close the night, we adjourn to the bar for a pick-me-up before we get into a fair laid-back after-show party as this will be our last show with Dave for a while as he’s off galavanting round the country with the Solid Silver Sixties brigade.
Friday 27 th June, Cranleigh British Legion
Having missed a few gigs due to a refreshing Mediterranean Cruise, I’m now back in the saddle and off down South to Surrey and a special 60’s night at this venue. Following the statutory cup of tea on arrival it’s heads down to set the gear up and complete the ordeal as the audience start filing in. The venue also kindly provided a meal for these weary travelers, which of course always appreciated. This far from home, it’s good to see a familiar face and old friends Dave and Margaret Mann are a most welcome sight. Providing the support is a comedian who also included singing in his act and featured an impressive and rarely heard “Sixteen Candles” in his set along with an equally eart-catching version of “Unchained Melody”. Going on at around 9.45 the crowd are pretty receptive and seem to enjoy the set from this bunch of friendly northerners. Although it took around 5 hours to get down there, due to various diversions, the late-night return journey is much quicker and three hours later, the lights of Sheffield are another welcome sight.
Thursday 10th. July, Hallowes Golf Club, Dronfield
Located just yards away from Dave’s house, this is a private birthday gig for one of the locals. Taking advantage of the close proximity, I nip up to Dave’s for a cup of tea and biscuit. I arrive back at the Golf Club with perfect timing just as the buffet starts and loaded up with sandwiches and things on sticks I make my way to the bar. The atmosphere is obviously good on such an occasion and our set goes down well, judging on the number of people shaking their tail-feathers on the dance-floor.
Friday 11th. July, Abbeydale Cinema, Sheffield
Enjoying the benefit of another local gig, it’s our third appearance at this venue. Opened in 1920 the syndicate known as ‘Friends Of Abbeydale Cinema’ have certainly took a lot on in their quest to restore this great of building back to it’s former glory. Commendably, they are making head-way, slowly but surely and it’s most heart-warming to see old buildings like this rescued from the hands of the property developers. On hand for support tonight is local singer/songwriter Andrew Morley who recently had the starring role in the ‘Buddy’ show. Accompanying him on guitar is my son Chris Firminger who has to swiftly dash to another gig with another band right after their set. Special guest tonight is Sheffield comedian Bobby Knutt who puts everybody in a good mood with some laughs and nostalgic anecdotes. Around 10.15 we make our way onstage and despite some wild acoustics, due to the cavernous size of the building, the crowd are up rocking and enjoying the fun and the music.
Friday 25th. January. Wesleyan Centre, Maltby, Rotherham
Our second appearance this year, reflects how this audience love some 60’s R&B and R&R. Set up and sound-check completed, it’s off to meet the wife and some friends in the pub down the road. On this occasion, we’ve got a new member playing with the band with Jamie Mallinder, who usually handles the sound, on second guitar and making an impressive debut in this capacity. Once again, the set is a little more rootsier with “Stormy Monday Blues” by the great T-Bone Walker included along with Little Richard’s rockin’ anthem “Keep A Knockin’”, a pretty intense number that generally wipes me out! Afterwards a cool pints helps to restore some energy before it’s time to pack up and go home, which for me, is mercifully, only 15 minutes drive.
Sunday 10th. August, Burntwood Sports Centre, Lichfield
Amidst some pretty erratic weather, a large open-air concert is always a risky business. Thankfully, promoter Brian Yeates, just about got it right and it’s a sunshiny afternoon as we arrive. The bill is a most attractive one with fellow 60’s buddies The Searchers, The Tremeloes, Marmalade, The Fortunes, Animals and Foundations. Backstage, there’s a party goin’ on as a cake is cut to celebrate the birthday of Fortunes’ newest recruit, Eddie Mooney. Our time-slot is 5.15 so we ‘sing in the sunshine’ as we get the crowd into a semi-frenzy with a mix of 60’s and more contemporary material. Before you can say “I’ll have a pint”, we’re off and gone as both Brian and Jason have later gigs elsewhere, plus I’ve got to get back as I think I may have left a boiled egg on the stove!
Saturday 30th. August, Hutton Village Show, Weston-Super-Mare
Thanks to organizers Pat and Graham for inviting us back for this combination of horticulture and rock’n’roll. The nice sunny weather seems to be holding out and adds to the general enjoyment of this event. Supporting us is Bristol band who kindly provide the back-line in conjunction with our PA system. As on our last appearance here, the hospitality is excellent with a well-stocked fridge. About 200 people attend and it’s not long before the energetic ones are up and rockin’ and twistin’ in the best traditions whilst others sit it out and enjoiy the music, resulting in what appears to be another success for the village. Afterwards, the band shoot off homewards whilst Dave and I travel the 10 minutes to The Sandringham Hotel on Weston-Super-Mare’s seafront. The next morning, a grim sight greets us as directly across the road, the recently burn-out pier now remains just a black, mangled mass.
Monday 8th. September, Vauxhall Holiday Park, Yarmouth
A fairly rare week-day gig down at this venue. As Johnnie and Jason couldn't do the date due to other commitments two previous members of The Cruisers made a welcome return to the line-up for the gig with Carl Baker (2nd. guitar & harmonica) and Chris Firminger (lead-guitar) standing in along with Brian (bass/steel) and John (drums). Despite the change in line-up, the band maintained a solid back-up for the show with Dave, mixing the familiar 60's numbers with some impressive contemporary material although the mixed family audience may not have been as receptive as the more familiar 60’s Weekend crowd. After the show Dave joined the lads backstage to celebrate the reunion with a nice cup of Ovaltine(?).
Saturday, 18th. January, Coal Aston Community Centre
By now we’re all well board with playing with all our Christmas presents, it’s good to back into rockin’ mode and to ease us back into it is a nice local gig on the outskirts of Sheffield. Sharing the night with local contemporary folk musicians who go under the name of ‘Scuppered’ who do a nice job getting everybody in the mood. Onstage around 9.30 and we’re into the throngs of rock’n’roll and with, on this occasion, John Blacklock sitting in on keyboards.
Friday 25th. January. Wesleyan Centre, Maltby, Rotherham
Another job not too far from home and promoted by good friend Rob Shaw. This is an old chapel that’s been renovated and made into a really nice venue/function hall. Although Rob basically puts folk-orientated shows on, he enjoys a regular and loyal crowd for whatever he puts on with Dave always attracting a good crowd. Once again, prior to the show, Jason and I venture out for a pint and call in The Queens Hotel, a notorious place for bands in the 60’s and a good fight, if you were that way inclined! Back at the venue it’s time to hit the stage and give em’ what for in the shape a more R&B-orientated and rootsier show than usual, in keeping with the venue and all receives the desired effect and another cracking night..
Friday 1st. February, Butlins, Minehead
A bit further to travel (!) this time for our contribution to another rip-roaring 60’s Weekender. Thankfully, most of the equipment is being supplied, allowing us to travel in the comfort of the Berry-mobile. As always, these events attract a good crowd all ready to party and rock’n’roll and suitably in the mood, we join the audience in a communal rockfest and a great night to boot!
Saturday 2nd. February, Warners Hotel, Thorseby Hall, Ollerton
A lengthy journey back up country to this venue set in the north Notts countryside. As with all Warners’ venue, it’s a superb stately home converted into a delightful and relaxing hotel. Upon arriving I discover that the drum ‘riser’ is about 15 feet up in the air! Thankfully it’s not compulsory to set the kit up, up there so we all assemble on stage together. Early in the evening we’re treated to a hearty meal before we work it off with some energetic blinking! Showtime is around 10 pm with the houseband entertaining the audience prior to our rock’n’roll onslaught. Most of the AWarners’ audiences are pretty mature, but having said that, they’re not afraid to get down and boogie and once we’re into the set, they’re up and dancing along to our rockin’ tunes, resulting in another good night.
Friday 15th. February, Devconshire Arms, Baslow
Another quite local gig for us set right next door to Chatsworth House in the beautiful Derbyshire Peak District. This will be our third show at the hotel and once again draws another healthy crowd. It’s always good to see some familiar faces such as loyal followers Cliff, Judith and Sue in attendance. Local band provide support and some equipment, making the job a little easier and thanks also to hosts Paul and Chris for providing a welcome meal and a nice room to relax in.
Like previous gigs here, the audience are very enthusiastic as we go through the set of rockin’ fayre spiced up with Dave’s usual comedic banter. Afterward, whilst the support band close the night, we adjourn to the bar for a pick-me-up before we get into a fair laid-back after-show party as this will be our last show with Dave for a while as he’s off galavanting round the country with the Solid Silver Sixties brigade.
Friday 27 th June, Cranleigh British Legion
Having missed a few gigs due to a refreshing Mediterranean Cruise, I’m now back in the saddle and off down South to Surrey and a special 60’s night at this venue. Following the statutory cup of tea on arrival it’s heads down to set the gear up and complete the ordeal as the audience start filing in. The venue also kindly provided a meal for these weary travelers, which of course always appreciated. This far from home, it’s good to see a familiar face and old friends Dave and Margaret Mann are a most welcome sight. Providing the support is a comedian who also included singing in his act and featured an impressive and rarely heard “Sixteen Candles” in his set along with an equally eart-catching version of “Unchained Melody”. Going on at around 9.45 the crowd are pretty receptive and seem to enjoy the set from this bunch of friendly northerners. Although it took around 5 hours to get down there, due to various diversions, the late-night return journey is much quicker and three hours later, the lights of Sheffield are another welcome sight.
Thursday 10th. July, Hallowes Golf Club, Dronfield
Located just yards away from Dave’s house, this is a private birthday gig for one of the locals. Taking advantage of the close proximity, I nip up to Dave’s for a cup of tea and biscuit. I arrive back at the Golf Club with perfect timing just as the buffet starts and loaded up with sandwiches and things on sticks I make my way to the bar. The atmosphere is obviously good on such an occasion and our set goes down well, judging on the number of people shaking their tail-feathers on the dance-floor.
Friday 11th. July, Abbeydale Cinema, Sheffield
Enjoying the benefit of another local gig, it’s our third appearance at this venue. Opened in 1920 the syndicate known as ‘Friends Of Abbeydale Cinema’ have certainly took a lot on in their quest to restore this great of building back to it’s former glory. Commendably, they are making head-way, slowly but surely and it’s most heart-warming to see old buildings like this rescued from the hands of the property developers. On hand for support tonight is local singer/songwriter Andrew Morley who recently had the starring role in the ‘Buddy’ show. Accompanying him on guitar is my son Chris Firminger who has to swiftly dash to another gig with another band right after their set. Special guest tonight is Sheffield comedian Bobby Knutt who puts everybody in a good mood with some laughs and nostalgic anecdotes. Around 10.15 we make our way onstage and despite some wild acoustics, due to the cavernous size of the building, the crowd are up rocking and enjoying the fun and the music.
Friday 25th. January. Wesleyan Centre, Maltby, Rotherham
Our second appearance this year, reflects how this audience love some 60’s R&B and R&R. Set up and sound-check completed, it’s off to meet the wife and some friends in the pub down the road. On this occasion, we’ve got a new member playing with the band with Jamie Mallinder, who usually handles the sound, on second guitar and making an impressive debut in this capacity. Once again, the set is a little more rootsier with “Stormy Monday Blues” by the great T-Bone Walker included along with Little Richard’s rockin’ anthem “Keep A Knockin’”, a pretty intense number that generally wipes me out! Afterwards a cool pints helps to restore some energy before it’s time to pack up and go home, which for me, is mercifully, only 15 minutes drive.
Sunday 10th. August, Burntwood Sports Centre, Lichfield
Amidst some pretty erratic weather, a large open-air concert is always a risky business. Thankfully, promoter Brian Yeates, just about got it right and it’s a sunshiny afternoon as we arrive. The bill is a most attractive one with fellow 60’s buddies The Searchers, The Tremeloes, Marmalade, The Fortunes, Animals and Foundations. Backstage, there’s a party goin’ on as a cake is cut to celebrate the birthday of Fortunes’ newest recruit, Eddie Mooney. Our time-slot is 5.15 so we ‘sing in the sunshine’ as we get the crowd into a semi-frenzy with a mix of 60’s and more contemporary material. Before you can say “I’ll have a pint”, we’re off and gone as both Brian and Jason have later gigs elsewhere, plus I’ve got to get back as I think I may have left a boiled egg on the stove!
Saturday 30th. August, Hutton Village Show, Weston-Super-Mare
Thanks to organizers Pat and Graham for inviting us back for this combination of horticulture and rock’n’roll. The nice sunny weather seems to be holding out and adds to the general enjoyment of this event. Supporting us is Bristol band who kindly provide the back-line in conjunction with our PA system. As on our last appearance here, the hospitality is excellent with a well-stocked fridge. About 200 people attend and it’s not long before the energetic ones are up and rockin’ and twistin’ in the best traditions whilst others sit it out and enjoiy the music, resulting in what appears to be another success for the village. Afterwards, the band shoot off homewards whilst Dave and I travel the 10 minutes to The Sandringham Hotel on Weston-Super-Mare’s seafront. The next morning, a grim sight greets us as directly across the road, the recently burn-out pier now remains just a black, mangled mass.
Monday 8th. September, Vauxhall Holiday Park, Yarmouth
A fairly rare week-day gig down at this venue. As Johnnie and Jason couldn't do the date due to other commitments two previous members of The Cruisers made a welcome return to the line-up for the gig with Carl Baker (2nd. guitar & harmonica) and Chris Firminger (lead-guitar) standing in along with Brian (bass/steel) and John (drums). Despite the change in line-up, the band maintained a solid back-up for the show with Dave, mixing the familiar 60's numbers with some impressive contemporary material although the mixed family audience may not have been as receptive as the more familiar 60’s Weekend crowd. After the show Dave joined the lads backstage to celebrate the reunion with a nice cup of Ovaltine(?).