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)