WOODEND CLUB. TAMWORTH 10/8/07

WOODEND CLUB. TAMWORTH
10/8/07

After a long journey, with difficulty finding the place, we finally arrived at Woodend Club around 7.45pm.It appeared to be a working mans club, the man on the door was very helpfull and friendly, and pointed us in the right direction to pick up our tickets.We sorted out our tickets, got the drinks and found a suitable place to sit giving us a good view of the stage. The seating was at tables in rows, with dance floor space at the front.
At about 8.45 a young girl ( Ruth ) appeared on the stage to start off the evening. She had a nice voice, but it was a bit Karaoke.
There was then a break where raffle tickets were on sale, the evening proceeds were going to charity, and throughout there was mainly 60's music playing to sing along to.We chatted to people around us, many were locals, and some had come like us to see 'Dave'. After the rafflle draw ( we didn't win ) Ruth came back on and did quite a few numbers, she got a few people up dancing, but for those of us who had come to see Dave we were now getting a little impatient! She finally came down to her last couple of numbers, got a pretty good reception, she was doing it for the charity, before leaving the stage.
Finally after what seemed an age, the lights went down, the Cruisers made their way onto the stage, quite a small stage, so very cosy! starting the intro, Brian finally asked us to welcome on stage Dave Berry, which we did loudly.
Straight out onto the stage tonight, and right into 'ready willing and able' to loud cheers from the audience. he then went on to do most of his classics, Little Things, Strange Effect, Mama, Memphis Tennessee. there was Beatles and Stones number, and as people started to get up and dance, there were many Rock and Roll numbers which went down really well. Not sure of the correct running order, too busy enjoying the show, but it was a packed show and Dave gave 100% as always. They know how to Rock and Roll in Tamworth. One lady was really moving!
We were up and dancing too, had dragged hubby along tonight! its been ages since i have been able to get up and Dance at a Dave show, it is usually all sitting, so made the best of it. Can't remember how long Dave was on stage for, was so lost in the music and atmosphere. Great! All too soon the thank you's and goodbyes were being said, had a slow dance to Crying game!! He did two maybe three encore's, think we would have all stayed all night if he had kept going! Finally he was gone and the lights came up. with our ears still buzzing had to make our way back to the table. I had said to the people sitting on our table who hadn't seen Dave before that they wouldn't be dissappointed, and they weren't. All were very impressed with what they had seen.
I managed to get hold of one of the avertising posters, which Dave kindly signed for me. Had a quick chat with Sue before heading off down the motorway to sit for the next 3/4 of an hour! Good job i had a Dave cd to play.
Thanks once again Dave for a fantastic show, looking forward to the next one now at the end of the month.

Thanks To Anng

Review of The Swan 3/5/07

Review of The Swan 3/5/07

THURSDAY 3rd MAY 2007
The Swan, Leek, Staffordshire.

What a journey! a bit stressful being stuck on the M6 for ages.
We finally arrived at Leek, found a car park straight away, a free one a that! We walked out of the car park and asked someone where we could find the Swan. It turned out to be just along from where we were.
Venturing inside we found it to be friendly and inviting, but at first we couldn't see anywhere to go for the entertainment. We decided to go powder our noses! Then as we came out and were heading for the bar, we noticed a door at the back of the pub was now open revealing another room with chairs set out, and a stage at the front! We handed out tickets over, and were told we could sit anywhere, so we sat at the back!( only joking!) straight to the front. It was very cosy, front row was right in front of the stage.We were a bit worried about the large speakers being close by, but hoped as it was a small venue they would not be so loud! There was only us and three others on the front row, every one else seemed to be staying further back for some reason. We did wonder was there something we should know about!
People were coming in behind us slowly, but it gradually started to fill up. The sound man came in and stuck the running order down on the stage, that gave us something to look at for a while! The stage was quite small, and there was a light fitting right above where Dave would stand, this would be interesting!
8.30 passed, we had bought our raffle tickets, for a bottle of wine we were told! Suppose it was for a good cause.
Finally the lights went down, we could see the Cruisers waiting to come on. They were announced and took the stage. Dave arrived from the other side, from a door leading from outside. No curtain to
appear from behind, but still making a Grand entrance!
As always Dave gave us a varied show, many other artists you go to see will do a similar show each time, and you have a good idea what they will do, but with Dave each show is different and varied.
Together with the usual classics 'Crying Game' 'Little things' 'Route 66' 'Memphis Tennessee' and more, there was his lovely rendition of the Dusty classic 'Going Back' and we were also treated to both Beatles and Rolling Stones songs, plenty of rock and roll and his Fav Rhythm and Blues.
The Cruisers were introduced as always, John's son Chris was on Guitar tonight, Dave playfully asked if we could tell which one was John's son, as if you couldn't tell! Johnny Machetta took the usual stick about his age! Ah!!
There was the usual banter with the audience which always goes down well, happy to be anywhere at his age! and bed early with mug of Horlicks! Dave always seems to enjoy this part.
Coming to the end of the show, Dave left the stage several times coming back to do one more, much to our enjoyment. At one point he was joining in with the Cruisers playing two steel trays he had picked up!( always the joker!) At this stage the jacket came off (slowly!) revealing the shirt! It was the Hands this time! One more! Yes we all shouted! There was a worrying moment as the microphone went up and over, pretty close to that light fitting!
Finally it was the end, again thanking us for coming, the applause getting louder all the time, he finally left the stage picking up the 'Mannequin' and jacket and leaving through the outside door for the final time.
Once again, Dave, thank you for a wonderful entertaining show, that left us on a high for the next few hours.
Bring on the next show!!

Anng

Butlins Skegness

Dave and the Cruisers were due on stage at 8.00pm at Reds, the largest of the four venues putting on acts during the 60`s weekend break. Doors opened at 7.00 and by 5.30 people had begun to queue outside even though it was cold, wet and windy. My wife and I were part of a group of fourteen people enjoying the weekend together, so the seven lads worked in shifts, taking turns to queue, to make sure we were near the front when the doors opened. It worked well and we were able to get seats with a great view of the stage.

At about 7.50 people began to gather at the front of the stage, so I joined them and took up a position just right of center.

8.00 pm and the curtain rises to the sound of the band playing the intro to, I’M READY [willing and able, to rock and roll all night]. Dave comes in with the vocals, while still backstage, and walks on stage, singing, to great applause.

Next came HEARTBEAT, with an introduction from Dave about how he was influenced by Buddy Holly at the start of his career

Then came LITTLE THINGS, after which Dave introduced the band, John on keyboards, Brian on Bass and backing vocals, John on Drums, Jason on Guitar and backing vocals, and Johnny, also on Guitar and backing vocals….. “I’ts the first time I’ve played in a band with three Johnny`s” declares Dave!!! He also explained that Johnny Machette’ at just nineteen, was the baby of the Band, Aaaaaaaw!!! goes the crowd. [He didn’t look so sweet and innocent to me as he gave the pretty young blonde stood next to me a sexy wink]!!!!!

STRANGE EFFECT followed before the tempo was increased with, KEEP A KNOCKIN` and JUMPIN` JACK FLASH, I`m not 100% sure but I can`t remember hearing IF YOU WAIT FOR LOVE “live” before but there it was, followed by, BABY IT`S YOU. And then a little talk by Dave saying how much he liked doing Rhythmn and Blues numbers, I had an outbreak of goosebumps as the band broke into HOOCHIE COOCHIE MAN, then came the very sing-a-longable TULSA TIME and then MYSTERY TRAIN.

I can`t remember at which point Dave performed an amazing act of balance, where, while standing on one leg only, he bent down and picked an imaginary hair from the floor, raised it slowly to above head height, released it and caught it again behind his back………… the crowd loved it!!!! Anyway, back to the music.

MAMMA, BAD MOON RISING, ALL MY LOVING, and then LET`S WORK TOGETHER were done before the finale of THE CRYING GAME. Then the band took a bow… The time was up, but the fans were shouting and stamping for more!…Dave and the Cruisers obliged with an encore of SHA LA LEE….again the fans cried out for more, and yes the boys delivered with a second encore…THE PRICE OF LOVE.. It had to end there, Butlins run a very tight schedule and had to get ready for the other two groups performing later, or I`m sure it would have gone on even longer!!!

Highlights for me were: Hoochie Coochie Man, Tulsa Time, and Let`s Work Together… OH! and, the very sexily [and scantily] dressed mannequin sat on stage during the whole performance, see picture No. 3

Can`t wait till March to do it all again, Thanks very much boys.

Regards……………………………….............................................................. John C

The Barn, Witton, Birmingham

Venue- The Barn, Witton, Birmingham.
Date- 21/10/06
Reporter- Ann Gregory
The day started off well with a call from the Manager of the 'Barn' asking if we wouldn't mind sharing our table ( thankfully not our meal) with 3 other couples. The show was a sell out and he needed to fit more people in. Sighing with relief that it wasn't anything more serious (like we hadn't got a seat) i gave him the okey.
With hubby in charge of the AA road map and me at the wheel we set off early, hoping we would arrive at the Venue with plenty of time to spare.
After the usual ' i thought you knew the way?' and 'i told you we should have brought the A-Z.' followed by' The multi map would have been better' ' this AA road map is rubbish'! we reluctantly had to stop a couple of times to ask for directions ( the girls and i would never have got lost!) finally driving straight past saying 'oh there it was'!
Arriving on the car park with five minutes to spare (aimed for 7pm) fortunately finding a spot to park.
People were already queuing when we got to the door, waiting for the doors to open( not allowed in untill 7pm.
On entering the Venue my first impression was it was very much like a working man's club, which in fact was what it turned out to be. The stage was in the middle with tables all around. I was rather disappointed with our seats (used to front row!) As everyone started to come in most of them were regulars to the club. I wasn't feeling too happy at this stage, but decided i was here to enjoy myself and see Dave, so wouldn't let the place put me off. Hubby was quite happy not to be sitting on top of the stage!
As we sat down, very friendly waitresses were soon handing out menu's and taking our orders for food, which was speedily placed in front of us. I have to say the food was really nice. We ate our meal and chatted with the others at our table, all interested in Dave, with tales of when they had seen him in the early days. lovely people who chatted with us as if we were regulars there too.
There was a big screen playing music video's while we were eating. My only criticism at this point being that we were in the 'No smoking' area, yet were seated in front of the smoking area, we ate our meal with smoke swirling about our heads, which wasn't nice. The words' I'm here to see Dave, don't let it get to you! ringing in my ears.
It was quite amusing to see several of the regulars coming in with their bags full of sandwiches. Ah bless!
They seem to have quite a few good acts on at the club, tonight being no exception! Ticket prices were low and food prices very reasonable. The seating however was on a first come first served basis. Hence the queue's to get in!
At last at 9.45 the show was getting started, We had noticed on the stage there was a glass of water and a glass head! No tin of paint this time!
Firstly came the warm up singer. Then at last! the lights dimmed and a voice said ' please welcome on stage Dave Berry and the Cruisers' The band entered the stage, started playing the introduction, while my eyes scaned the stage to see which side of the curtain Dave would appear from, then there it was the white glove appearing round the curtain, and as the music played Dave slowly made his way onto the stage, an arm a leg and finally Dave was out on the stage and rocking straight into Route 66.
There was quite a lot of background noise from people chatting at the back of the room, and people travelling to and from the bar. Dave , being the true professional he is was not put off by any of this, carrying on with Tulsa time, encouraging the audience to clap their hands and join in which most did, especially our table!
With his usual excellent rendition of Dusty Springfields ' Going Back' next, there was more of a hush in the place, although some people were unable to remain quiet for a few minutes, a shame because he does this song so well.
Undaunted he rocked through more songs with plenty of audience participation clapping and singing along. I wanted to stand up and rock along, but as no one else did, i reluctantly remained in my seat. Eventually getting up to rock when i could resist no longer.
Towards the end Dave introduced the band members individually to much appreciative applause. Thanking the audience he left the stage, returning to loud applause , he then carried on with the hugely popular Crying Game, then finishing all too soon with The Price of Love. rocking right to the end.
All too soon the show was over, back on for one last very well deserved loud burst of applause, and as he left the stage picked up the glass head ( i really must find out about this head !!)
Well done Dave, yet another professional performance.

The incident with John's beer was one of the highlights of the evening, but thats another story!!

Venue:Oakengates Telford

Reporting: Ann Gregory
Date: 23rd September 2006.
Ok Girls! Dry run done a couple of days before to find out exact location of Venue. Dave Berry 'Singles' cd in player, best togs on Off the three ladies go to 'The Place' ready to rock!Must say the Venue was excellent, good parking,loads of facilities for those with wheelchairs.Early as usual, so it's three glasses of wine while we impatiently wait for Dave to arrive.After purchasing our 'Recorded live presumed missing' cd (nice cd) we enter the Oakengate's show hall, its lights sparkling like the night sky, excitedly taking our seats on the front row!
We scan the stage as rays of multi-coloured lights illuminate the guitars and drums, awaiting the band members to bring them all to life once more.
Passing time chatting we become a little confused by the tin of paint and pint glass on the stage, perhaps even a little worried!
Ten to eight, smoke,(dry ice) starts to rise from the stage, making excited fans and their families fall silent in high anticipation. There is a loud bang and an agonising groan! Then a brilliant white glove, followed by the immaculately dressed Dave Berry (he still gets the heart racing) appears from behind the curtain. With his tailored dark grey suit and usual black sexy shirt, accessorised by fine white gold bracelets, we are clearly aware that these things only enhance the kind and thoughtful gentleman we know beneath.
Just into the show he says he is happy to be with us all, then adds that at his age he is happy to be anywhere, 'Ah Bless'!
With a selection of songs, each rendered in his usual professional manner, from Baby its you, Route66, Moma, Crying Game and getting us all rocking with the 'Price of Love.' There was a hushed silence fron the audience as he sang his beautiful rendition of Dusty Springfield's 'I think i'm going back' leaving most of us with a lump in our throats.
By the end we were all up dancing, clapping and shouting for more, and getting more! I think Dave was enjoying it as much as we were.
Sadly there was no more time left for him to sing (where did it all go?) and he thanked everyone for coming, 'Our Pleasure'. Finaly leaving the stage he stopped to pick up the can of paint and said 'Oh well back to the day job!' We can only imagine him still singing with paint brush in hand. A true artist.
Wow what a show, the best yet. Every song flowed into the next. Thank you Dave, can't wait until the next show.