Wakeylele Rovers Return  10th October, 2025

Report Phil Barr video & photos Phil Barr

Another Saturday Night? Well, yes and no – yes in that it was on the song list, but no, in that this was a Friday morning in October when Wakeylele assembled in the Ridings all well prepared, thanks to Pop’s thorough rehearsals over the last two Tuesdays. 

   There was a very healthy turn-out with Magz and Geoff also attending and Sue making a welcome return. Geoff brought a more conventional looking uke than the one seen on Tuesday which, as far as I could tell was either heptagonal or octagonal with bulbous bits that reminded me more of a weather station than a musical instrument. Maybe he was making sure that storm Amy had passed; there was certainly a more tranquil feeling in the air, which is a good sign as we settle into a new era.

     After a brief sound check – (Oh what a beautiful morning, which it was if you ignored the grey cloud outside), Pop welcomed an expectant audience in his affable manner, explaining who we are and how we play to both entertain and help raise money for the YAA before counting us in for Side by Side. Being well – schooled by David, and with a wealth of talent and experience on show, it was no real surprise that for the large part of the morning, the songs flowed without much of a hitch, with the odd exception as happens with live performances. Mags did a great job in following Pop’s timing, which was essential whenever someone got a bit carried away with the tempo. Joe was also on hand to adjust the volume on Pop’s amp upwards to help proceedings and the rich tone ensuing paid dividends. 

  The usual crowd favourites gave the already interested audience a lift, eager enthusiasm being shown from a good number of seated fans in addition to couples and young families who paused to listen and applaud. Meanwhile, in today’s eye – candy department, Elsie must take the honours once again for her smart outfit – her recent birthday seems only to have added to her elegance, while the crotchets, quavers and the like on Malcolm’s shirt stood out for the men, with Roy Rogers also prominent on the back row. 

  There was the usual ill – disguised and unseemly dash by some members of the band to be first in the queue for refreshments at the break. As part of that queue in Grind, I overheard Geoff telling Glyn that in his   brief time as a cafe assistant in the days of yore, it took him a mere 20 seconds to make a coffee. I expect such things as skinny lattes with soya milk were figments of the imagination at the time.

    Suitably replenished, the band got back to the serious business of tackling the second set of songs, starting with Love Potion Number Nine followed by a confident performance of Love Really Hurts, before a string of well – honed numbers ensured the standards were maintained to the end. There was the odd timing issue, but much credit must go to Pop as he eases himself into his new role. As the song goes, It’s Getting Better Every Day.  Also, still thinking of analogies, in this time of change, it does no harm to remind ourselves that We’re life – long members of the ‘Union of Different Kinds’. For example, there can’t be many bands which have Sooty as an accessory. 

    All in all, a great effort by the band today and a big thank you to Pop for helping to spread a bit of cheer to the folk of Wakefield. 

    Next up is a gig at the White Rose Centre on Saturday, 24th October at 10:30 a.m. for 11 a.m.