25/03/09 11:49
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(?).
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(?).