ABBEYDALE CINEMA
07/07/06 09:03
The first gig after a 5-week break and it’s a nice easy local one. It’s a return to this old Sheffield Cinema for another fund-raising evening in order to return this old building back to it’s former glory. As we drove up Abbeydale road, the building remains something of a Sheffield landmark with it’s white, ornate façade and distinctive dome. A lot of work needs to be done although it looks as though some work has started on the roof . On the inside, the place is also still in a bit of dilapidated state although, as opposed to last year’s event, a proper full stage has been built. On the show with us is local rock’n’blues legend Frank White, who was a Cruiser himself back in the mid-60’s. His drummer John Riley was also in the same Cruisers line-up with Frank, whilst on bass and piano are Chris Firminger and Dale Storr, both of whom have played in more recent Cruisers line-ups. Also on the bill is another local band made up of veteran Sheffield rockers, including guitarist/singer Dave Robinson, who was a member of The Daizies who also backed Dave in the mid-;late 60’s, so a pretty close-knit show all-round. Special guest for the evening is another famous Sheffielder, Peter Stringfellow who will be acting as compere. After setting up and sound-checking Chris, Jason and myself head for the nearest hostelry which in this case in The Broadfield to enjoy a couple (?) of pints and a bar-meal. We’re joined by Dale and the topic of conversation ranged from gigs to a nearby couple virtually eating each other!
Showtime and as we headed back to The Abbeydale Frank and his band were blowin’ up quite a storm. Backstage we leisurely changed into our stage costumes, arranged our hair-pieces and applied a touch of make-up. Whilst ol’ Stringy rabbited on and on we assembled onstage and as his powers of recall didn’t seem to be on full power I wondered if he’d know who we all were! Thankfully he did and following his introduction we commenced to rock. Like last year, the set went although the dance area had been severely restricted by the new stage, which apparently didn’t go down too well with all the hep cats who took to the floor to cut a rug. Afterwards we bundle all our apparatus in the van and headed off and back home for around 1.00am. Chris and myself resisted the temptation to go out clubbing and anyway I couldn’t find a strong enough piece of wood(?)