a review,but oh my head hurts!
Got to The Old Market Tavern at about 8.45, the band were already set up and ready to go.
Now, TOMT is a bit of a strange one - the band sets up in what is basically a room with one wall missing, and plays facing a sort of corridor down the left hand side of the bar. This means that the other two thirds of the pub can't see the band and vise versa.
However, it does have a really good range of real ales, which I proceeded to work my way through!
There have also been issues there with volume ie 'keep it down lads' due to a development of new apartments behind the pub. This is particularly awkward as the crowd in there like their rock!
However, it's the first time I've come across the band being told 'no' to a sound check! Apparently, the early evening punters don't like rock and would leave if the band started playing!
Anyway, I found all this out as I introduced myself to John (rhythm guitar) and Lloyd (bass) who I had met before, and the rest of the band, Steve (frontman), Steve (drummer) and Stev...sorry, Sam (lead guitar). Although the rest of the band are pretty much old farts like me, Sam is only 19 (turns out he's also Lloyds son.)
The boys were then allowed to soundcheck and pretty much went straight into the first set.
Very polished, very tight, great sound (although not loud enough IMO) right upto the end of the second song, when John's Marshall decided to stop. Yep, just stop. No sound. The rest of the band soldierd on through 'You Really Got Me' while John tried everything to get his amp working to no avail. Finally plugged it directly through the PA and got a passable banjo sound. This was enough to get them to the end of the first set, and I don't honestly think most of the punters even noticed (especially judging by the applause).
Mid sets, and the cause of the problem was found to be a blown fuse - duly replaced and panic over.
Set 2 flew past. I can't remember the order of songs, but there was AC/DC, Thin Lizzy, Boston, The Cult - you get it, all the classics, all played with energy and relish and then there were Rock bottom and Freebird. Boy, can Sam play guitar!
Thoroughly enjoyed the entire evening, and have seldom met a better bunch of musos. Not only can they play a bit, but they clearly enjoy doing it and having some banter with the crowd aswell.
If you've not seen them yet, you're missing out!
Venues, if you haven't booked them yet, get on the phone!
Steve, Steve, Sam, Lloyd and John - it was a proper pleasure to meet you all.
Phoenix - you Rock!
Alyerblownawaywiththelevelofexpertiseonthissitepal