Posted: 10 December 2008 at 7:02pm | IP Logged

If only I hadn't been working that day, I could have posted....

By the way Timestar, what is your reason for not making the journey? Too far?

Posted: 10 December 2008 at 10:17pm | IP Logged

OK.  You win.  We were there.  Here goes...

We originally booked to go to the "Colchester" gig because having organised Cambridge we thought we might be too busy to enjoy it.  In fact Cambridge was great and so we were worried Colchester might be an anti-climax - but no, it was another fine performance played to quite a large "congregation" that appeared to be mostly locals keen to raise money for the missing toilet facilities.  Complete age range from toddlers to grannies.

The venue was a largeish church with the usual pews and various pillars.  The sound, however was very good - at least as good as you can expect from a PA with 'speakers on poles.  Some would say you have to stand at an ATF gig, and I would agree if there is a stage.  In this case the band (apart from Tim of course) were on the level so when the "congregation" were standing those at the back couldn't see anything.

The set list was much the same as the other gigs.  Maybe a few minor changes.

There was plenty of space for Rob to dash about doing his actions to Wild West Show.  His physical energy complements the musical energy of the band and really adds to the performance.  He just needs to remember that the prompt screen disappears when he puts his dark glasses on!

Audience participation included a group of three teenage girls on stage for Der Kommissar and the customary radio mic for Who's Gonna Love You.

Amusing to see Ian dashing up the road to visit the facilities at the local pub (don't know if he was drinking there as well - it was a quick one if he was).

Thanks to the band and all the crew for a fine tour.  Onward and upward.

What else do you want to know?

Posted: 11 December 2008 at 4:20pm | IP Logged

ahhh nice atempt Neil you are getting there

you will be taking over from noel soon

Posted: 11 December 2008 at 6:14pm | IP Logged

NeilC

i like your signature

Posted: 11 December 2008 at 9:24pm | IP Logged

Oh no his won't! I thought I owned the rights to bad jokes and puns on this forum!

Posted: 12 December 2008 at 12:23am | IP Logged

Thanks Kevin.  It's carefully designed to be totally obscure if you were not heavily into "Signs" and don't have a Pythonesque sense of humour - ie. if you're under about 49.  When the choir sang "Pilgrim" at Hemel last Saturday I think I was the only one who carried on into the second verse when everyone else dried up.  And just in case you think I haven't moved on in 30 years, well, I also managed to belt out my few lines of "Old+Fat+Ugly" when Rob proferred the radio mike, thus proving my commitment to the new-fangled new wave stuff too.  (Mind you, I do miss the Hammond.  Sigh...)

Neil