South West Shows

Well, as always, it’s a big thanks to each of you who came out to give support and make us feel so welcome during our shows, especially to Alan and his wife who having seen us previously were again with us at both Weston and Exmouth.  Another special group of fans were also given a pair of drum sticks at Weston by Tim (drums) for their support.

The latest addition to the ever growing ‘And Finally…’ circle is Janet, a shy yet bubbly character who occasionally comes out of her shell and likes a bit of a chat, always willing to help out and muck-in at any situation. One of the lads.
Yet during her brief time of being with us it is amazing how she has pushed the boundaries of misbehaviour, receiving two verbal warnings from the Horns and Pete (vocals), and receiving a yellow card in her role as Guardian of the Sun Glasses, a punishment for the loss of three pairs, one broken and two missing lenses since her short time with us.
Even so, in a tearful ceremony at Exmouth Pavilion Jan was promoted from ‘Guest’ to ‘Crew’ of And Finally…Phil Collins, and Mike (Guitar) presented her with a 3a’s badge.  

More emotion came at Exmouth & Falmouth which saw the welcome return of our original Bass Player Tom.  It was lovely to have him back in the ranks, and looking better than we have ever seen him since starting the band.  He is well on the road to recovery and providing his university life permits, he will be doing some more shows with us next year on our Both Sides Tour, sharing the Bass role with our other exceptional Bassist Paul.
Another reunion saw Steve (Keyboards) back in the band replacing Chris who had other commitments for just ‘one more night’, well two actually.

During our shows Pete (vocal) occasionally does a quick census on the number of Welsh people who are in the audience, much to his surprise and ‘against all odd’s’ on three nights in a row there were none!  But one couple later come up to us in the bar after the Weston show and duly confessed to being Welsh.  This is now becoming a major issue for both Pete and Mike (guitar) and maybe monitored in future shows.

Taking a break from all the hard work our other Mike (sound) continues his back-stage filming of moments many within the band may live to regret… only time will tell; these ‘moments’ are due for release on our You Tube site very shortly for those who are interested to view and have a chuckle.

It astonishes us that even during ‘quiet’ spells such as Breakfast how some band members cause a ruckus.  Tired and a little worse for ware (the hotel kept the bar open late into the early morning for us as residents).  We are eleven, sitting at a single long ‘medieval style’ table situated in a darkened area of the dining room, enjoying orange juice, toast and full English.  When suddenly Julie (Vocals) flings her knife and folk in different directions, jumps up from the table tipping her plate in the air making a loud clattering sound as it lands, waving her arms wildly whilst shaking her head uncontrollably.  Was this an artistic tantrum…?  No, just a small moth had flown near her.  Reaction from the band… just carried on eating.  Sadly, not captured on film.

In such a tight family group it is surprising the disparity in styles that nevertheless keeps us all so happy together.  We have the Horn Section, an easy going trio content to be camping each night in a small tent together.  Even after a wet night in Weston when they all got soaked and Neil’s (Sax) airbed went flat giving him an uncomfortable night, their spirits remained high and full of beans the following day!!!  Our manager Caroline lets slip that her room on the top floor of a hotel came with a charming covered balcony just off the main bedroom and complete with two easy chairs overlooking the sea.
Everyone seemed satisfied to accept that although Caroline booked the accommodation it was pure luck and good fortune that her penthouse suite was the only room with a view.

As a suitable end to our shows we decided to have a ‘band meal’ together.  Indian cuisine is always the most popular choice so Caroline arranged for a local restaurant to stay open a bit longer than normal to allow the band time to get there after the theatre.
The food was good; everyone enjoyed the evening and was well behaved, no immature food fights.  All that is except for our driver Mo, who somehow and quite innocently managed to get several of the bands drinks poured over herself in a scene reminiscent of a ritualistic orgy.
So in spite of being almost tea-total she had to make her way back to the hotel smelling like a brewery on busy day… yet remaining absolutely sober.  Nice one, that’s rock n roll.

A show can only be as good as the venue allows and we had three terrific gigs, so thanks to all the stage crews and hands that helped us set up the shows.  It would be wrong to single out a particular theatre but a special mention must go out to those whose response to out needs and awkward questions were always “Yes, no problem that will be fine”, and who gave us one of the best light shows.  Thanks Weston!!!

See you next time
And Finally…Phil Collins

The Playhouse Theatre, Weston Super Mare - 3 August 2011

|| Home Page ||

|| News Page ||

|| Gigs Page ||