Time to update you all on what has (or has not) been going on in the crazy, wacky lives of Dazed & Confused over the couple of weeks since we were last together. Now, I could make this very quick and say "not a lot", but that would be unfair on you - and not strictly true, so here, in a couple of paragraphs-ish, is a quick resume!
Saturday 8 October - finally time for us to rock up at The Old Millstone in Waters Green - it had been a long time coming (over 2 years, as you all know), so it was with not a little trepidation that we approached the gig! As 2 of us had to make a guest appearance at a family birthday party, in Stockport, on the same evening, we arranged with mein host/hostess (Ken & Donna) that we could set up in the afternoon, and then just pitch up and play later on. This was a great plan but, unfortunately, nobody had told the 6 or 7 people playing pool on the tables that were in exactly the same spot as we were intending to play something different! The upshot of this was that we had to lug the equipment into the stage area (which is excellent, by the way!), dump it in a corner, and then bugger off! When I say we, even that's not as straightforward as it might be....Chrissie had already sent her apologies (women's work to do around the house!), Dave was on holiday (yes, really!) and Andy was still in bed, so it was left to Hugh, Paul and Matt to load up the van at the brewery, along with some beer casks that had to be delivered to the Snow Goose after we had set up the gear.. Once this was done, Matt said "it's OK, I'll walk cos it's not far". So, Hugh and Paul arrive at the Millstone, unload the gear, and get back in the van - still no sign of Matt - suddenly, the phone rings "Where are you?" says Matt; "just getting in the van to go to the Snow Goose, where are you?" says us; "I'm just behind the van, I went to the Snow Goose first!" says the tweedy one. Those of you with long memories will recall that Matt actually forgot we were playing a radio session for Canalside a year or so ago, and arrived with minutes to spare, so I guess we shouldn't have been surprised, but even so..........
Anyway, the gig was brilliant - loads of new and old faces there; a great time seemed to be had by all, and Ken & Donna were delighted to have the pub full and rocking. Having checked out a couple of other gigs there before and afterwards, that's not always the case, so many thanks to everyone who came and made it such a good night!
Since the gig, the holiday virus has hit again! Dave is actually back (doesn't go again until early November!), but both Hugh and Chrissie have been soaking up the Spanish sun (and rain) over the last couple of weeks, so we've had no chance to practice, although we are hoping to make a bit of noise later this week, in advance of Saturday's thrash at The Ship - on which note.....
Yes, it's time for us to hit Lucy's gaff again this weekend! It is over 6 months since we were there, but it always seems to be like going home. and it never ceases to amaze me what a good night it always is. Everything just seems to slot into place - great atmosphere, great crowd (who are able to get nice and close!) and great beer so, as ever, we are really looking forward to it - and we will have a full complement of band, which is quite unusual these days! As ever, we hope to see loads of you there - what better way to welcome November - gulp!
Talking of pubs, there are quite a few possible hostelry gigs on the horizon - we've had enquiries from The Wharf (now run by Chris from The Hollins), the Jolly Sailor (our old mate Glyn) andthe aforementioned Snow Goose, so watch this space for more news as and when it surfaces.
Finally, I couldn't close this epistle without a word of consolation for Pete Banks (Paparazzi Pete, as he is better known) and any other United fans that happen to read this! I don't like to intrude on personal grief, and I know it must be a hard week after the humiliation that you suffered on Sunday, but all I can say is that we feel your pain - it has been a long time coming, and you have done it to us City fans many times in the past, so it is only fair! If it's any comfort, at least you'll have time to get used to it - cos it's going to happen on a few more occasions in the future!!
OK - so 3 weeks ago, we posted to say that summer was over, rain till next March etc. etc., and what happens - we only go and get a blinking heatwave don't we?!
