The Smack, Whitstable, 24th April 2002:
New Strings! Let There Be Rock!
My first visit for some time, and it seemed busier than last time. Other open stagers included a funk-ish duo, Mandy (of course), and a somewhat dazed and confused Malcolm Moss. I kept it fairly brief and crowd reaction was enthusiastic, though I say so myself. Free pint for original material and free percussive support from Dave Willoughby.
Set list:
- Whisky Man (Entwisle)
- Fido, Your Leash Is Too Long (Magnetic Fields)
- Dance Of The Midwich Cuckoos (extended improvised version!) (Williams)
- What’s Under The Stairs? (Williams)
Choice quotes:
Punter: “Your guitar sounds like a dead banjo, but that’s good.”
Willoughby: “Alright, Bert?”
Simple Simon’s, Canterbury, 21st April 2002:
As it was the fourth consecutive week I’d decided to attend, I resolved a radical, possibly suicidal, departure was required; so I took the eight-string bass. I asked to go on early, and so was second. (more…)
Simple Simon’s, Canterbury, 14th April 2002:
It’s too quiet… it makes me uneasy. Fairly uneventful, this week. That’s not to say bad, merely quiet. I seem to have forgotten it all already. Er, sorry.
Set list:
- Whisky Man (John Entwistle)
- Dance of the Midwich Cuckoos (Williams)
- What’s Under The Stairs? (Williams)
Simple Simon’s, Canterbury, 7th April 2002:
Another open stage, and another unmitigated success! (Well, nearly.) I tried to force myself to play two songs I never play very well and played them, er, reasonably well. My usual convoluted reasoning led me to cover a bangin’ Ibiza techno-classic. Next time I might try “Everything Starts With An E” or “We Call It Acieeeed” if I’m feeling really suicidal. Strangely, the superb luthier behind my acoustic guitar, Alistair Atkin, was in the audience. He seemed unperturbed by the condition of my guitar, which was apparently his first sunburst model. As usual quality of the acts was high and as usual I’m hopeless with names. Let’s just say it’s worth you turning up! Yes, YOU!
Set list:
- A Million Platitudes (Williams)
- Fine Time (New Order)
- ES-40 (Williams)