Big Note, Hope and Anchor, Islington
Big Note, Hope and Anchor, Islington, 2nd April 2003:
My first full-length official gig in the capital and a most prestigious engagement! Saw Les Dennis on the way there (no, really). Big Note is held in cellar-room, about as big as the Smack! I was second from the bottom of the bill. First on was a solo female singer/songwriter and… dammit, I’ve forgotten her name! Damn this premature senility! Anyhow, she said it was her first gig, she seemed almost as nervous as I was but was good.
I got on stage about 9:20 feeling liked I’d swallowed a wedge of Ex-lax. I played the black Hondo acoustic that had had a hole burnt in it by Peter Stringfellow’s second-cousin (really!). I had to re-start Cocoon and was baffled by the crowd LISTENING. People seemed most receptive, so I relaxed a bit, sweated loads, and even managed a quip or two. Afterwards I got accosted by two people from Whitstable (it’s a small world), and Mr. Dann Chinn of Misfit City. Next band was a three piece called Otto: very tight — imagine a funkier version of Squeeze — and rather good, too. I had to run away about 10:20, before the trains turned pumpkins, but it was very good night. They should even have me back! Thanks to all those who came: you’ve been a great audience, drive safely, god bless you…
Set list:
- Cocoon (Williams)
- Force Of Nature (Williams)
- The Medway Crab Fisherman (Williams)
- Love Is Not The Answer (Williams)
- Barking Up The Wrong Tree (Williams)
- The Look Of Love (ABC)
- What’s Under The Stairs? (Williams)