Halloween Gig The Ridings 31. 10. 26
Report by Phil Barr and Photos Phil & Jabr Barr . Videos Jane Barr
Silly season was in full swing at the Ridings this morning with lots of devils, coloured wigs, spider costumes, capes, witches’ hats, black cats, pumpkins, skeletons, and fangs on show, as the band responded to a call for appropriate accessories, not to mention a cameo appearance by a Star Wars storm trooper and other sci-fi figures, who turned up for a photo shoot along with the Ridings manager. There was also a surprise appearance by our founder leader, David Broadbent. He wisely tucked himself away on the back row, where I also found myself today. Keep it to yourselves but little did he know that I tethered his foot to his music stand with my bicycle lock to prevent any temptation he might have to leap up and then furtively creep to the front to suggest a change of chord at the ending of Hi Ho Silver Lining.
Onto the actual performance and not surprisingly it was the tried and trusted numbers like Chatanooga, Singing the Blues, Another Saturday Night, San Francisco Blues and especially Love Potion Number 9, which took the honours with the latter resulting in thunderous applause from the balcony followed by a shower of fivers fluttering down like a cloud of confetti. (My glasses may have steamed up slightly at this point so I may be exaggerating slightly but even so it was a welcome sight.) Green Door was another success and as we then stopped for a short break a lady told me the song brought back nice memories for her which always help to make the effort worthwhile.
The only incident of note during the interval was from a chap walking past our coffee crew in Grind threatening to nick Margaret’s witch’s hat and then Stuart’s beloved Sooty.
In the second half, of the songs not already mentioned, Roy produced a convincing narration of Monster Mash, although this did result in the rest of us being drowned out while his solo contribution to the Showaddywaddy added to the success of this debut gig song. Another addition to the gig catalogue, the gentle Rhythm of The Falling Rain also worked quite well, although it may be better appreciated in a quieter place than the Ridings.
So, another gig concluded with a good number of pluses alongside a few areas to work on. Roy commented earlier about the need for the leader to have a mic and certainly from my (unusual) position on the back row I can concur with that as I found it already difficult to judge the general sound of the band from that position, compared to being further forward where you are able to get a feel for the whole sound. Similarly, the comments about the beginnings and endings by Thelma and Glyn are often related to hearing a clear lead instrument that is plugged into an amp.
Thanks to David, who gave his all in leading the group today. The band should also be congratulated for dressing up so vividly and thanks as always to the backroom staff of Richard and our third David who unselfishly turned out to boo and hiss in between cheering along with Jane who was asked to take a team photo as well as doing two of the videos. As a result of posing for the group photo together with the unexpected appearance of the Sci- fi figures, I wasn’t able to take individual photos of some brilliant costumes, so apologies for that.
Next up is the rather more laid-back evening of Melvyn’s songs, so remember to bring your duvets and a flask of Ovaltine with you on Tuesday.
