Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Filthy Gig
We had a great night at the legendary Filthy's at The Red Lion in Twickenham last week where we played with Juke and Linear North. Filthy's is an old school pub gig of a sort that you don't find too often in London these days. Angular-shaped stage, pool tables, bar in the middle, easy-going vibe, free to get in. It reminded me of the old Station Tavern in Latimer Road or the King's Head at the bottom of Fulham Palace Road - as it used to be, but sadly is no more. While the London monsoon continued outside, we marched through a short set to a warm reception. I enjoyed Juke's set as well - they are a rocking, keyboard-driven trio with soaring lead vocals from bass player Alex Dew. Good to catch up afterwards with some of our MySpace friends who showed up (Hi, K!k!) together with Earnesto, Jason, Luke and all the gang from Sky TV.
Two nights later we were reunited with the John Otway band at The Greenwood in Northolt. This is part of the Pete Feenstra gig empire (see also the Boom Boom Club in Sutton, the Half Moon in Herne Hill and elsewhere) and like others of his that we've played, it is run with energy, commitment and careful attention to detail. It is a beautifully-preserved art deco hall with a high, old-fashioned stage, and it was pretty full for what was actually Otway's first gig there. We got another good reception from an audience that had come to listen to some music (this isn't always the case, I've noticed). Otway had a sore back, but he soon turned this misfortune into a neat running gag, and despite some unevenness in the sound quality turned in a typically entertaining performance. Thanks to Pam & Alan for, once again, putting our album on the Otway merchandise stand. I trust we didn't take too many sales away from the great man!
Next up is the fabulously named Club Fabulous at Leonards, EC1 on Friday July 13. Lucky for some! This is one of these gigs with a rather forbidding mission statement/contract warning you (the act) that no one will be there unless they have come specifically to see you play. So we need to orchestrate a massive turnout from all our loyal fans! I'll be in touch... ¶ 7:45 pm
Two nights later we were reunited with the John Otway band at The Greenwood in Northolt. This is part of the Pete Feenstra gig empire (see also the Boom Boom Club in Sutton, the Half Moon in Herne Hill and elsewhere) and like others of his that we've played, it is run with energy, commitment and careful attention to detail. It is a beautifully-preserved art deco hall with a high, old-fashioned stage, and it was pretty full for what was actually Otway's first gig there. We got another good reception from an audience that had come to listen to some music (this isn't always the case, I've noticed). Otway had a sore back, but he soon turned this misfortune into a neat running gag, and despite some unevenness in the sound quality turned in a typically entertaining performance. Thanks to Pam & Alan for, once again, putting our album on the Otway merchandise stand. I trust we didn't take too many sales away from the great man!
Next up is the fabulously named Club Fabulous at Leonards, EC1 on Friday July 13. Lucky for some! This is one of these gigs with a rather forbidding mission statement/contract warning you (the act) that no one will be there unless they have come specifically to see you play. So we need to orchestrate a massive turnout from all our loyal fans! I'll be in touch... ¶ 7:45 pm
