Posted: 09 November 2007 at 10:28am | IP Logged

Well, it was an extremely long wait,but well worth it. Seeing the old songs,sometimes re born with new arrangements ,was nothing short of exhilerating.I agree with arecent post that ATF have not gone backwards to surf the wave of nostalgia but somehow re invented themselves to reflect a maturity that we all now have.There is no doubt the songs have stood the test of time but it would have been easy to try and repeat the formats we are used to and the fresh versions were very interesting.Rob Halligan,quite frankly,is an outstanding talent and the words "glove " and "fit" spring to mind in the context of this new look show.(where can I buy his material?)A special mention must go to Matt on drums.He is an excellent drummer and percussionist and must be looking foreward to a great future in music.Great attitude and stage presence for his age.Ian slots in seemlessly and is a most welcome addition.So where to now?If there was one dissapointing element it was the numbers that turned out.I am 100% certain that there are loads of ATF fans in Essex and East London that would pack,what is a great venue,The Riga.However one needs to know.I wouldn't have been there but for a bogus "after the fire" gig in Brentwood some years ago that turned out to be a bloke singing to a backing cd.It made me inquisitive enough to find the old friends site and the rest was history.If a really concerted effort was made to mobilise fans by all of us then it would definately make a difference.I was at the Dominion with 8 friends all those years ago yet only 3 of us attended last night.I would be happy to trawl through friends re united to muster a bigger posse for next time.Also how about categorising gigs into small unplugged acoustic sessions to a full show.The seaxe at the essex arms Brentwood is a great venue(only £50 quid to hire) and my band have always filled it .It lends itself to semi acoustic.Then there's the Windmill Hall in Upminster that has great acoustics and would lend itself to a full show.This is adopted by many bands today to cater for different styles,sets,and venues.There should also be an annual ATF convention at say Riga,Southend or Crewe Limelight where all friends could meet and over the convention day moneys could be raised for AIDtf(auction of albums and band memorabilia)an ATF-IDOL competition where fans could make a donation to play a song with the band.The climax(following some guest appearences)would be a show(to a packed audience at the end of a great day)If it was an annual event I'm sure friends from all over would make the trip,even if it meant a hotel after the show.I have seen what fan power can do(I was one of the main organisers of John Otways no. 9 hit,bunsen burner which we did 25 years after he charted with cor baby thats really free)I know that its not financial motivation that fires the band now but Petes ATF "concept" can be built on to the benefit of great causes such as world poverty.Thanks to Pete and John for the chat afterwards with me and my mates.This must be a foundation to build on.  

THANKS A MILLION

Keep Chairs To a Minimum

Mark

Posted: 13 November 2007 at 2:09pm | IP Logged

I don't have a my space site but it is an excellent idea so I will set one up.Don't know where you are from but Otway plays hundreds of gigs a year so check out his website.

I think ATF deserve another chart hit so I may suggest that they go for a download hit that,if we all download at the same time ,will make them chart again.

Mark

Posted: 15 November 2007 at 11:04am | IP Logged

I too was at the Riga and I'd just like to echo the thoughts of Dominion - great to see the band moving forward. Rob H was excellent too.

Please Please Please can the band put out some new material! I know, at least I suspect, that ATF is more of a hobby than a job nowadays, but new songs and the stuff that goes with it like Reviews would publicise the band more. If one hit hasbeens like Led Zep, The Spices and the Pistols can be noticed surely the Superior Product can be as well!!!!

Only two disappointments from Southend:

1] I was first through the door and checking out the Merch Stall when a nice guy in glasses says hello; so I reply in kind, only to realise too late that I've missed the opportunity to say something Really Intelligent to the great PB...

2] The set was too short!!!!!

Keep up the Great work, and Thanks.

Richard

Posted: 26 November 2007 at 11:25am | IP Logged

We should really start a new thread to put pressure on the band for say a new

mini album or something.

Good excuse then for a new tour.

Forged in faith should be the title track as,like cables mentioned,I only have it on download and greenbelt cd.

Mark

Posted: 14 January 2008 at 6:00pm | IP Logged

Hi Mark

A good review!  I must admit I was a bit apprehensive after 25 years, but yes it was great to hear so many old songs again. Good to meet John and Pete too.

Tim