Posted: 25 November 2010 at 6:59pm | IP Logged

Let's not worry about the punctuation!  It was the first time we've seen Seagull - sounds as though he deserves a review!!

I too hope you had a good journey home, Seagull  

Posted: 27 November 2010 at 9:46am | IP Logged

maggiem wrote: Good effort, but I have seen better from Rob. Does he need Trill or Philosan? (Anyone who does not understand my question can seek help from the likes of Seagull, PB, JR etc!!! ) N.B. I don't understand what I'm talking about either, of course!!

Eh !

Posted: 27 November 2010 at 11:00am | IP Logged

OK, so punctuation aside..... The day of the Coventry gig -

Leo the lion was up at 6.30am ! Seagull was up a little later and was then ruffling his feathers to fly back home to Deutschland after a great night at the Kingston gig. It was lovely to have the famous Seagull stay in the Zippy household.

After Seagulls departure, Leo the lion, Rudy the ginger tom and Zippy sat and watched the ATF Winchester gig from September this year, setting the mood for that nights gig. Mr Richster64 arrived around 1pm with his carriage to whisk us on our way to the land of Rob the Hooligan. The 6ft 6in Lion sat in the front seat, while Zippy and neck cushion in warm ATF fleece cuddled up in the back ready for the quick McD's stop and then onward journey up north. While Zippy snoozed in the back seat, pretending that she was wide awake, Mr Richster64 dodged the Madicon vehicle drivers of the M1 to get us to the gig. We had a stop off at Hinckley to pick up an ATF virgin (can I say that !!) called Gem, she was about to get her first ever taste of the brilliance that is After the Fire.

It has to be said that it was easier to find Gem then the actual venue for the night. Sat Nav was slightly confused and John Cleese (the sat nav voice) was getting madder by the minute with, "turn around and go back when possible". We finally reached the venue, the doorman, a guy by the name of Mr Banksy kindly let us in, poor Zippy bringing up the rear with a limp (over done it at the Kingston gig) ! The venue was bigger then the Kingston one , allowing a bigger stage for the Hooligan to jump off his box ! The gear was already set up with JP (Jolly Person alias Mr Sexy Voice) checking the sound and making sure all was working.  The Sharpies and Pam SPAM (other half of Mr Nibs SPAM, forum SPAM controller!) were also helping out to get all ready for the big evening.

Merchandise table set up, photo display stand set up, Mr Richster and Gem ready on the cameras and Mrs Sharpie and Zippy standing on chairs at the back of the venue.... we were ready.

Mr Sexy Voice announced the entrance of the band and onto the stage came Hooligan, Turnip, Nibs, JR and the door man. Together they made a beautiful sound come out from the PA system with a set list I can't comment on until after the Yorkie gig on Dec 4th ! Even with standing on the chairs, Mrs Sharpie and Zippy were still dodging Leo the Lions head as he was head and shoulders above all at the venue. The gig was fantastic as always, great music, great energy and great atmosphere. Met a few more forum and fb fans, which was great.

Thanks to rod for bringing and signing his book for me. Also to all the fans who donated money for Global Care, (which is what the evening was all about) by buying tee-shirts. You were very generous, thank you.

After a short interval, John from Global Care gave us a talk on what the charity was all about and then ATF finished off the evening with a thumping second set.

Much too soon (it seemed) it was all over. I had a huge hug from Leo the lion as he said good bye on his way to greener pastures, and then hugs all round from band, crew and new and old friends.

Special thanks to all involved, Banksy, JR, Tim, Ian & Rob, also to the Blokes At The Back, JP, Paul, Nick(the new guy, hope I got his name right!) Mr Sharpie for helping out, Sam and David.

The show was excellent, but there was one downside for me, the lighting. We had no Martin to do the lighting that night, the guy from the venue did it, which was great for him to help out, but miles too much flashing and at points I couldn't look, through fear of getting one of my photo sensitive migraines. I couldn't watch the video either and will not be posting it on the ATF fb site as I don't want anyone who is sensitive to flashing lights to get ill.

Saying that, I have plenty of other stuff to post from the UK tour in 2010. So look out for those after the final gig at Yorkie on the 4th. It is a party gig as the promoter is having an ATF party for his 50th birthday. Your last chance for fans to get together and party in 2010. Hope to see you all there.

This is Zippy signing off for the ATF Coventry gig diary. xxxxx

PS:-special thanks &  to my ATF pal and chauffeur Mr Richster. If you would like to see the photos - www.radfoto.co.uk.