The Psychøtic Reactiøn

Simple Simon’s, Canterbury, 25th March 2002:

The first proper band gig since the Neptune in 1999, but it was worth the wait. Alex has been a regular at Simple Simon’s open stages, but this time he was backed up by me on bass, with Mik from Stone Junction sitting in on drums.

Alex began the set alone with his Shergold twelve-string: the calm before the storm. He kicked off with open stage favourite “Cocoon” and the obligatory cover of “Fido, Your Leash Is Too Long”, which is always entertaining. After this (relatively) quiet start, the other band members were summoned and all hell broke loose (although not too loud because we didn’t want to annoy the neighbours or damage the building!). Our version of the Dick Dale instrumental “The New Victor” instantly demonstrated the rock-steady qualities of the rhythm section and allowed Alex the freedom to create all kinds of sound/noise with his guitar. Next came “Last Train”. This was the first time this song had been performed in public by The Reaction, although it has been covered by Stealth Munchkin. This was followed by another first, “In Your Head”, sometimes described as “post-rock drum’n'bass” for want of anything more suitable. Although it came out a lot faster than originally intended, the dynamics worked particularly well, with the Gav and Mik doing a scarily accurate impression of a pneumatic drill. The set was rounded off by a hard rockin’ version of old favourite “What’s Under The Stairs”. An excellent set all round, no mistakes or mishaps and the audience seemed quite impressed.

Our set was followed by Nick Drake influenced singer-songwriter Johnnie Ray (sadly not the same one who moved a million hearts in mono), and a Californian called Zach, who impressed us by beating the crap out of his acoustic guitar. The evening ended with the inimitable Vic giving some excellent renditions of old show tunes. Thanks are due to Phil for inviting us to play and doing the sound, which was excellent, and also to Michael for playing the drums and providing transport and rehearsal space, and to his girlfriend Claire for providing even more transport.

Set list:

• Cocoon (Williams)
• Fido, Your Leash Is Too Long (Magnetic Fields)
• The New Victor (Dick Dale)
• Last Train (Williams)
• In Your Head (Williams)
• What’s Under The Stairs? (Williams)

Simple Simon’s, Canterbury, 10th March 2002:

Another Sunday, another open stage. A slightly weird atmosphere tonight. Lots of strange, very pissed people, with whom some words were necessary. Anyhow, more or less everything went to plan.

Set list:

• Cocoon (Williams)
• Fido, Your Leash Is Too Long (Magnetic Fields)
• Buried Alive (Williams)

Simple Simon’s, Canterbury, 3rd March 2002:

One of the most enjoyable open stages so far, I think. The version of “The Medway Crab Fisherman” from this performance featured on the 2002 sampler CD. Apart from the solo Reaction, there were superb sets from Victor; Katie & French Barry (I think I’ve got the names right!); Whatsisname with the harmonica (you know who you are) whose mojo was in full working order.

Set list:

• Whisky Man (John Entwistle)
• Fido, Your Leash Is Too Long (Magnetic Fields)
• The Medway Crab Fisherman (Williams)
• What’s Under The Stairs? (Williams)