What happens at an 18th Birthday Party??

Just a quick update, as it's too cold to go outside (funny how spoilt we get with all this mild weather!); we're gigging again tonight (more of that in a bit), and it's an opportunity to bring you up to date with our gig at The Windmill, last Friday.

The chalk board in the pub (above) threw us a bit when we arrived - we thought there was a support band on, until it was pointed out that Chilli & Hotpot was the sustenance on offer to the punters, and not a popular beat combo!

It was only 6 weeks or so since we had played at the same venue, so we were a little worried about "over-exposure" but, fortunately, there was little to fear. True enough, the crowd was a little thinner than usual to start with - probably as a result of the economic crisis or post-Christmas torpor, or whatever - but things soon picked up! As well as some welcome and familiar faces, there were many new "fans" to be converted, so we went for the tried and trusted "party" set! We use the first set as a "warm up" and opportunity to "test drive" some new stuff, but we've stumbled across what seems to be a perfect flow for the second set, which starts with "cheese" trundles through some heavier stuff into more modern material (via the odd glam rock and punk tune) ending triumphantly with full audience participation on "Delilah"! And, to prove that we appeal to many generations, here's some of our younger fans

a couple of our older fans

and, finally, a couple of previous band members, Frank Witt (looking suspiciously like an estate agent!) and Paul Hambley (looking suspiciously like a ventriloquist's dummy!)

The evening went from strength to strength, and the fact that we weren't allowed to finish until 12:15am said it all. We had a great time, and we hope everyone else did - thanks as ever for your support!

As mentioned, we're gigging again tonight - 18th Birthday Party at the Brewery (so not far to travel!); don't think we've ever played for such a young gathering before, so it will be interesting to see how it goes. Just to be on the safe side, we've been practising "Nellie The Elephant" - don't worry, it's the Toy Dolls version, so we haven't completely sold out!

After tonight, there's a bit of a break until early Feb, as the holiday season has started again - not Dave this time, it's Chrissie and Paul that are off for some sunshine!

Before I close, a plea/request: you will see in the gig list that there is a provisional booking for a wedding on 2 May - unfortunately, none of us can remember where this is supposed to be, or who it is for! Maybe, it will become clear in the fullness of time but, if anyone reading this has enquired about a booking on this day, can you e-mail us via the link on the right hand side of the blog??

Quote of the day: Remember, a chicken is just an egg's way of creating another egg! (Samuel Butler)

2012, 6000 AND ALL THAT!

Well, here it is - 2012 has arrived - how did that happen?? A Very Happy & Healthy New Year to all our readers - we hope it brings you everything you want!

And what better way to start the year, and forget about return to work, economic crises, Eurozone meltdown etc., than to get some good music in your ears, and good beer down your throat?? You have the opportunity to do both on Friday 6 January, because we are back at The Windmill in Whiteley Green (a mere 6 weeks after our last visit!) to help celebrate what has become an annual event - The Local Ale Sale, where many delicious beers from the local breweries are laid on and great music is provided over the whole weekend to help it go down! We have the privilege of kicking the whiole thing off and, if it's anything like the last 2 years, it will be a great night - so be there early to get a seat, and then be prepared to get off it and dance!

Our last gig of 2011, as previously trailed, was at the Old Ship on the Friday before New Year's Eve (see above) - and suffice it to say that it was well into NYE itself, before we finished! In fact, I think we broke the record for set lengths that night - the first one lasted over an hour, and the second set ran from 10:25pm until 12:40am - that's right 2 hours and 15 minutes - even Bruce Springsteen would be proud of that! As ever, Paparazzi Pete was there to take photos, and you can see a selection on the Dazed and Confused Massive Facebook page (under the Photos tab) - including the welcome return of the, now legendary, Ali Unwin "Shoulder Surf" (her carrier did a great job of keeping her head away from the ceiling rafters!)

We have another gig booked for the following week, and at least one in February, so it looks as though 2012 will be another busy year, AND our fame is still spreading! After reporting previously on our 40 fans in Romania, I'm delighted to report that we have now been read by one person in each of Canada, India, Latvia and Morocco - as well as someone in Saudi Arabia!! I suspect the latter is a mega-rich oil sheik who is looking for a band to play at his daughter's wedding - so watch this space for the next instalment of Dazed & Confused On Tour!!

Oh, and by the way, the ticker passed 6000 hits just before New Year, so many thanks to everyone for sticking with this drivel!!