LABOUR CLUB, NORTHAMPTON 8TH AUGUST 2008
This was a support slot for acoustic neo punk rocker Lee Billingham who had arranged to play at the venue. It was my first gig in Northampton town centre.
We turned up early in the evening for the sound check. Although we had told the venue it was two solo acoustic acts, they appeared to be expecting a band. Whilst I was sound checking I warmed up with Ruby Tuesday, only to be told “you can’t do covers here.” Weird – I spent twenty years trying to do all original music only to be presented with a lack of gigs, so I gave in and started playing covers only to be told I can’t do ‘em. I sometimes wonder what the fuck is going on.
The turnout for the gig was disappointing, but my eight song set went down very well with the predominantly young audience.
Lee played a wild and committed performance that went down a storm with all his mates who had turned up to see his first major performance.
Bletchley Band Stand 23rd August 2008
This was made up of three separate combinations of personnel. First I played with Phil Paterson, a similar set to the one played at the St Lawrence Barbeque with some extra numbers, including a first performance of Mungo Jerry’s In the Summertime, plus a request for My Old Man’s a Dustman. Went down as storm with the good folk of Bletchley. On some songs we were joined by Esther Squire on back up vocals. I then played some of the numbers I had been rehearsing with Cathy Beaton. Quite a few of her friends and family had turned up especially top see her and this increased her confidence. Finally I played some songs with Esther including a revival of our old folk club staple form the Eighties, Spanish Lady.
Sets
With Phil and Esther (some songs):
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You Aint Goin Nowhere |
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Dirty Old Town |
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Let Me Know |
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Brown Eyed Girl |
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Mr Dreamseller |
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Hickory Wind |
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Leaving this Town |
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All Over Now |
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Down by the River |
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I am A Pilgrim |
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Midnight Special |
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Urban Spaceman |
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In the Summertime |
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Jambalya |
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My Old Man’s a Dustman |
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Footprints |
With Cathy
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Nothing Ever Happens |
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Talking About a Revolution |
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More then Words |
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Songbird |
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When You Say Nothing |
With Esther
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So Good to Me |
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All I Have to do is Dream |
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Spanish Lady |
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Summertime |
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Those Were the Days |
The Popular Hillbillies: L-R Phil Paterson/Mike Squire/Esther Squire
Mike and Cat Beaton: Hairy Git and Lovely songstress in beautiful dress
Tags: Add new tag, Banjo, Bletchley, bletchley bandstand, Gig Reports, Gigs, kazoo, Mike Squire singer/songwriter, Northampton Labour Club, skiffle
