This was the most people we had played to on the massive centre stage, with
the crowd only dropping a little from the doors being sealed due to overcrowding
for Nine Below’s set’

Though Roger was saddled with an undersized kit, the Band performed really
well. I had a choice of playing an hour of crowd pleasers or to showcase
the new CD. Even though we went for the tougher option I’m delighted with
the excellent crowd reaction, both in terms of cheers and the following
CD sales, that were of record proportions.

The set was:

– Too Tired To Pray

– Rainmaker

– Swamp Girl

– Dark Angel

– The Lying Game

– The Big Easy

– House of the Rising Sun

– Telling Lies

This was followed by a great cry for an encore which was inevitably, Preacher
Man.

It was weird watching our faces up on the big screens as we adapted well
to the giant stage (at one point it looked like my bald spot was acting
like a giant glitter ball in the ace light show).

The girls looked and sounded amazing and Danny, Bill and Roger rocked’¦

Here’s a couple of Youtube links if you want a flavour:

Cut and paste these into your browser:

Dark Angel

Rainmaker (Filmed from the Gallery):

http://www.youtube.com/user/SIMMO7TS then select more videos and choose Roadhouse

Thanks for the support from all our amazing friends

Gary

The set was:

Working Class Gospel Drinking Blues, Slip Away, No Place to Hide, So Over
You, Play With Fire, Roadhouse Blues, Preacher Man.

This was the best ever version of Kelly’s lead song, ‘˜So Over You’. Overall
the set went down a storm and CD sales were at a record level for our first
set in this, smaller sized venue. It was also great to see our new opening
number being received so well.

A special thanks for Chris Berthelemy for the production of all our back
catlogue CD’s for sale on the day.

After the set, I ran the now traditional Skegness festival jam. Fast emerging
as a ‘˜hot ticket’ event, as the jam hit the mid point the venue was near
full capacity.

Jam highlights included, lead vocals from Sharon Colgan (of Blues Cafe in
Harrogate Fame) and also the fabled Maggie. Also well played Gizmo, from
Norfolk

We also loved seeing Carlos again after our great night together in Nottingham.

As well as giving loads of young players a platform, it was great to see
Stray’s, Del Bromham put in a shift.

Playing two blistering songs, Del was on fire and with some great playing,
he took the jam by storm’¦..

A total of 36 Jammers got the chance to play and no one was dissapointed.

Another fantastic Saturday afternoon at JAKS and the 5th year of us running
the now legendary Jam.

Onto the main stage tomorrow’.

Gary

Vicky Martin and Diana, performing as the Delta Ladies (rather than in their
full band ‘“ Elephant Shelf), provided the guest slot music in the break.
A nice mix of roots blues with cajum style fiddle playing. Loved the ‘˜Swamp
noir’ version of House of the Rising Sun ‘“ so different from ours.

Buffalo Bill Smith, the promoter and great harp player, joined the Band
for a great version of ‘˜Roadhouse Blues’..

A good performance from our perspective and probably the best time we have
performed Mandie’s lead vocal song from Dark Angel, ‘˜Play with Fire’.. Well
sung Mands and well performed by the Band.

Onto the giant Skegness festival and we will be back at Merton Abbey Mills
to headline the Blues festival on Saturday the 27th August.

Gary

With 2 out of the last four shows cancelled due to snow and ice we were
worried about being a little rusty. However, the opening of the set was
my fave part pf the night as we nailed 4 consequtive songs from Dark Angel,
including the title track in a row.

Mandie was superb this night and Kelly was on top form. in the first set
they nailed there opening songs, ‘˜Rising Sun’ and ‘˜The Lying Game’. The
second set produced worthy versions of their great songs from Dark Angel,
‘˜So Over You’ (Kelly) and ‘˜Play With Fire’ (Mandie). In truth the band are
still in ‘˜early days mode’ with both these songs and they ‘˜wobbled’ a little.
It should not be long though however, before they reach their full potential.

Overall, Danny was on fire, Bill and Roger were tight, the whole thing rocked’¦..more
copies of Dark Angel flew out of the door (demonic possesion obviously)
and thanks to Pete Feenstra for another great night’¦.

Gary

First up were some of our special guests. For a start we re-wrote North
American history by pairing Geronimo (The Guitar Player) with Buffalo Bill
(Smith, the harp player. These great players were backed by our very own
rythmn section of Bill and Roger. These guys in truth are our largely unsung
heroes and were as solid as a rock all night. Though the first number was
a rather ill advised verions of Led Zep’s ‘˜Rock & Roll’, this was well redeemed
by the remainder of their set. Mandie’s mate Mel, then had a sing, but problems
with the key of the number conspired against her’¦

Next up was a real and historic treat. The amazing Rietta Austin (of INXS
and opening the O2 Arena fame) joined Roadhouse for a spine tingling version
of Stormy Monday. Truly brilliant, this achieved the first standing ovation
of the night.

We then took the stage as a full Band. With Sammy.C joining Mandie and Kelly
on the vocals, we blasted into a selection of new songs from Dark Angel.
‘˜Too Tired To Pray’, Rainmaker’, ‘˜Swamp Girl’ and a fabulous ‘˜ Dark Angel’,
followed. Sam solo’d on ‘˜The Lying Game’, ‘˜Mandie on’ Play With Fire’ and
Kelly brought the Roadhouse set to an end with a storming ‘˜Big Easy’, from
The Broken Land album. These songs received a truly amazing crowd re-action’¦well
played Danny.G (you rocked mate!)

A memorable night was concluded by Pete Sargeant and Jthe legenndary John
O’Leary jamming through some great songs. Robin Bibi joined them on sensational
lead guitar and our very own Mandie was back on stage, layering on some
cool backing vocals. Funky George Dare (of ex- Roadhouse and The Foundations
fame) got behind the drums for the last number and even played them right
handed (it must have been Xmas)’.

A massive thank you to all that came and the amazing support we received
in sub zero tempreatures.

A Happy Xmas to all

Gary & The Band

Gary

Still on this cold night, even though this was our North West London CD
launch, we did not pull as many people as last time.

Still, we had a decent enough crowd, thanks to the efforts of some of the
locals and ace Roadhouse supporter Darren Wisdom.

With Kelly on sick absence, the vocals were well handled by Sam and Mandie
(until Mandie got a bit worse for wear in Preacher Man and it did not matter
too much by then,as it was an encore).

Once more we played the first 4 tracks off of Dark Angel in sequence. I’m
personally really enjoying playing both ‘˜Rainmaker’ and ‘˜Dark Angel’ at
the moment, those songs are all about feel, precision and power.

Sam solo’d on the ‘˜Lying Game’ and Mandie did both ‘˜House of the Rising
Sun’

and a strong version of ‘˜Play With Fire’ from the new CD.

Two encores and then CD sales were once more very strong..

A good night

Gary

However, the Roadhouse die hard supporters were out in force. The crowd
were amazing and we blasted through the 1 hour and 40 minute set (it felt
like a quarter of an hour).

We played the first 4 tracks from Dark Angel in sequence, ‘˜Too Tired To
Pray’, ‘˜Rainmaker’, ‘˜Dark Angel’ and Swamp Girl. Samy.C.Richards joining
Kelly and Mandie on the night, to deliver some great 3 part harmonies. I
was personally delighted with both the crowd re-action and the level of
performance.

Old faves, ‘˜Tellin Lies’ (reincarnated on the new CD), ‘˜Voodoo Queen’ and
‘˜Preacher Man’, brought the night to an end (encore and all). Roger and
Bill were rock solid and Danny was superb (apart from the two comedy moments,
(a) when he started the wrong song, (b) When he tried to play with his lead
unplugged ‘“ but whatever, he’s Danny and he’s genius!!)

Support was from the loud but excellent Stone Electric. Thanks to Chris
for doing the merchandising and I’m pleased to annouce that we sold 26 copies
of Dark Angel on this very first evening’¦..

If only more of our friends had been there’¦ Thanks to all who came out
on a cold Sunday..We carry on because of you

Gary

The reaction was so warm, we even had people driving from over 80 miles
to catch this show ‘“ many thanks to you!!!!. I shagged up the beginning
of ‘˜Preacher Man’ (sorry, new medication ‘“ strange but true!), but then
the number picked up it’s usual epic feel and structure.

On the drive back to London, we were reflecting on thanks to Suzie, Kelly
and John for their help in putting a very enjoyable mini tour together..

We’ll be back in the area next year

Gary

As we started the set the audence re-action was muted. This was due to the
fact that, (a) creatures of the night are not big on applause, (b) They
usually have covers bands on downstairs, where there is little re-action
anyway.

Still, it was business as usual, with our 3 girl attack we came, we saw
and we made a lot of friends. One pocket of the crowd went mad for the girls
and watched avidly, while another did some close guitar technique observation.
By the end the handful of Roadhouse fans down the front lead them to a decent
re-action and even an encore. As a conesequence of the good reaction we
were not eaten or impaled, which in hindsight, I think was a good thing’¦.

The other great aspect was we got to meet Richard, the boss. A great guy,
he loved the Band and we are trying to find a date/arrangment where we can
play the large concert hall upstairs’¦

Keep on rocking..

Gary

A massive thanks to our very own Brum lady Suzie.D who worked so hard to
promote this gig.

The Roadhous is an awesome big stage venue and you really need over 100
people to make the most of it. However, I guess we are a bit of an unknown
quantity up this way, as there were very few of the Roahouse’s regulars
present this night.

Thanks to Suzi’s tireless promotion and the two groups of Roadhouse supporters
who drove down from up North we had 58 paying punters. This was not bad
for the first time at a new venue, in a new city.

To celebrate playing Suzie’s hometown we had our much heralded 3 girl line
up on duty.

It was a great show and the crowd were 100% behind us.

This was the best we’d ever played ‘˜Rainmaker”¦. other fave moments included
a killer ‘˜Roadhouse Blues’, being played by Roadhouse in the Roadhouse (sort
that out

‘˜Voodoo Queen’, ‘˜Tellin Lies’ and the encore of ‘˜Preacher Man’, really did
the job. The sound crew and door staff weere all well impressed, maybe we’ll
come back to this great venue’¦

Suzie herself sang two lead vocals culminating in a smokey ‘˜Stormy Monday’,
just as she sings it on the new CD. The crowd went crazy..

Well done Suzie, thanks for a great night

Gary

Gary

All there loved the show’¦..Our first two gigs here were packed’¦.. Is
it us or is live music on a bit more of a down???

Gary

We are used to pulling between 80-120 people here, so the recession driven
turnout of nearly 60 was quite dissapointing. But the people at thsi venue
love their music and the PA guys know there stuff. The crowd are massively
responsive and they got behind us from the off.

Support was from the excellent, Paul’s own, The Heaters, who oiled the wheels
in readyness for our set, very nicely.

With Kelly joining Mandie on the vocals, we started with a strong version
of ‘˜Blues Highway’. Kelly solo’d on ‘˜The ‘˜Lying Game’ and Mandie on ‘˜House
of the Rising Sun’. We played ‘˜Too Tired Too Pray’, ‘˜Working Class Gospel
Drinking Blues’ and great versions of both Rainmaker and Swamp Girl’, from
the forthcoming CD, Dark Angel.

A double encore and excllent CD sales later another good night was over
(far too quickly)’¦

I hope Paul does not wait another 3.5 years to have us back again’¦

Nice people, nice gig

Gary

The Red Lion is famous for the audience being right in your face and for
musicians gaining an instant and full on re-action to their performance.

The night gave Sam a chance to experience being part of the full on Roadhouse
entity for the first time. A good 20 hard core Roadhouse supporters/CD collectors
were in the crowd and she achieved excellent feedback with her performance.

The Band played stunning versions of , ‘˜Too Tired To Pray’, ‘˜Rainmaker’
and ‘˜Dark Angel’ itself from the new CD of that name. A local girl singer
called Megan joined in on a version of ‘˜Stormy Monday’ in the second set.
Then we were at ‘˜Tellin Lies’ and ‘˜Preacher Man’ and the night was over
(it passed by in a blink). ‘œYou’re too good for here’ said Trev (kindly),
I don’t personally think we are ever too good to play to people who care
and really want to hear us.

Long live Trevor..

Gary

Most of the journey up in Roger’s people carrier was spent with her in deep
discussion with Mandie, arranging harmonies etc.

Then fate once more struck a cruel blow. We received a phone call from Bill
who after spending 2k on a service and then 1.8k on the breakdown that stopped
us from playing at this years Rythmn Festival, had broken down (yet) again.

We were with Bill within 10 minutes and despite all efforts and a good range
of ‘˜Baldrick style cunning ideas’ Bill and his van (full of most of our
equiment) was beng towed back to London.

When we arrived at East Harding the people there were very understanding.
They helped us locate a local PA and then we committed to doing something
that we had never done before. Danny and I would play guitars and the girls
and I would sing. The show would go on (after all who needs bass and drums!!!!!!!!).

God it was hard work but it went really well. Sam on her first night was
unbelievable, showing great vocal technique and performing well on all the
songs.

Some of the songs that worked best in the format included, ‘˜Rainmaker’,
‘˜Slip Away’ and the revisted ‘˜Not Fade Away’, where the percussive elements
of the guitar held the song together.

We even got an encore..

Thanks to Roger for doing the sound.

We’ll all be back next year.

Thanks Sandie

Gary

Still, with both Kelly and Mandie on Vocals, we managed to connect with
the audience from the off. ‘˜Blues Highway’ was followed by ‘˜Too Tired To
Pray’ from the new CD, Dark Angel. Both girls brought the house down with
their individual solo performances and overall the long first set really
kicked.

The crowd thinned for the second set as it often does at late night venues
in the City. People start to think about the last train home. So though
it still rocked, the crowd was a little bit thinner on the Ground. Well
done the party of Americans from Alaska, who had all up and dancing to ‘˜Roadhouse
Blues’. Encore was of course ‘˜Preacher Man’ and we hope to be back.

Gay

We were the first gig of the new season, so there was uncertainty with regard
to crowd numbers. With 5 minutes to show time there was no one there other
than PA crew, bar staff and security. I was amazed that we went on to about
50 people, it had begun to fill so quickly. By the time we were on the 3rd
number the crowd was over 100 and there were more then 200 present by the
end of the 1st set..

The weird thing was that all numbers were only greeted by polite applause.
By the time we came off for the break I was sure we were ‘˜bombing’ badly.
I was then told that the audience was notriously quiet and that had been
one of the best re-actions ever.

We did not want to leave things there, so in the second set we upped our
game and smashed into our rockier material. There was even more people there
and now he place was heaving. The crowd went crazy and there was people
dancing and generally behaving moe like a typicel Roadhouse audience.

‘˜Voodoo Dance’, ‘˜Roadhouse Blues’, ‘˜Tellin Lies’ and ‘˜Preacher Man’. Second
encore went to Mandie with ‘˜Heavens Door’.

It was a sad goodbye (possibly temporarily) for the the lovely and talented
Rachel Clark. She had done around 30 gigs for us, but has now been recruited
for a girl band’s 6 month tour of India (Chapti’s over for her)

We’ll hopefully be back next year and so may she.

Thanks to Willy and Liesbeth, the fabulous Hester and the legendary Arnold..

Gary

We were basically on a loss making trip, as the main gig in Belgium had
been cancelled due to the promoter having serious health problems. Still
it was nice to return to this nice little music cafe.

12 people who saw us at this venue 2 years ago came back and gave us massive
support. Some great students bought up the remainder of the Roadhouse CD
collection, depsite not exactly being affluent. I loved the guys headbanging
in font of Cap’n Danny’s amp.

With Mandie.G and Rachel in great voice and rocking out big style, this
was a nice little gig to about 50 people. A good warm up fo the forthcoming
recording sessions for the new CD, Dark Angel.

Gary

With Suzie.D and Mandie.G on vocals, we rocked out in our usual full on
basis and the crowd was brilliant. This was a real Roadhouse show in every
sense of the word.

The versions of ‘˜Rainmaker’ and ‘˜Too Tired To Pray’ were the pick of the
night’¦..

Thanks to all

Gary

With our full trinity of female vocalists (Mandie, Kelly and Suzie.D) strutting
their stuff, we previewed a lot of material from the forthcoming CD, Dark
Angel (to be launched at the Boom Boom Club, Sutton FC on Sunday 7th Nov).

‘˜Blues Highway’ brought out a great initial reaction from the crowd and
then we followed up with ‘˜Too Tired To Pray’ and ‘˜Rainmaker’ from the new
CD. Another highlight was Kelly singing the great new song she wrote with
Danny and I, ‘˜So Over You’. This is by far the most commercial and contemporary
song we’ve ever written.

By the time that we trotted out crowd fave, Voodoo Dance, Roadhouse Blues
and Tellin Lies the crowd was totally with us and we had a blast’¦..

A vintage Abbey fest night’¦.. Long live Blues rock at Merton Abbey Mills

We’ll be back next year, headlining on the Saturday night of the August
bank hol..

Thanks for all the great support

Gary

Our dreams ended as Bills vans engine blew, in spectacular fashion en route
to the gig on the M5. Rumours at the festival that Band members were hurt,
were fortunately this was not true’¦

All that hurt was our pride and the fact that we had failed to appear in
front of so many people. Loads of great Roadhouse friends/fans texted mailed
and phoned their good wishes through following our failure to appear.

Jim was brilliant about it and we have been offered a slot at the festival
next year’¦.good man.

My heart goes out to Bill and his van and a near 2k repair bill. This is
all we need, as we are only a couple of weeks away from recording the new
CD.

Gary

A really friendly but intimate venue, with the crowd virtually standing
in our face. The Band were really on form following the mid week rehearsal.
The crowd really rose to the new, sing along style number ‘˜The Gospel Working
Class Drinking Blues’.

With 3 girls on duty (Kelly Marie Hobbs, Mandie.G and Rachel Clark) the
band really kicked into life in the second set, as we achieved a better
vocal sound balance in this relatively confined space.

It was a great gig. Tom had not seen the Band in two years and was amazed
by how much things have grown/improved. The crowd and the festival organisers
brilliant reaction, mean that we will be back hopfully on the main stage
next year.

Thanks to Tom and the great people of Saltash.

Gary

The week before the gig Chris had a visit from the Council ‘˜Noise Police’,
so as a consequence temporary soundproofing was in place. However, rumours
were rife across the music scene that gigs had been suspended at the CB.

As this gig stood in some ways as being contrary to our agreements with
our main promoter, Pete Feenstra and with the strategy of our record Company
I could not afford to promote it that heavily.

As a consequence of problems with the Council, the Band played at a record
breaking low volume. visiting journalist Darren Wisidom complained that
though he was standing only 6 feet from Danny, he was struggling to hear
him.

Still the low music levels allowed the vocals to soar and Kelly and Rachel
revelled in being able to hear themselves much more clearly than usual.
They sang brilliantly.

The first set was played to a relatively small crowd. The biggest reaction
was given to the title track of the new (forthcoming) CD, The epic, ‘˜Dark
Angel’. By the start of the second set a good sized crowd had mustered and
we rocked out a fair bit more. Reaction was great and we ran into some people
who had seen us at Glastonbury (small world!)’¦

It was great to see Chris who is getting good Bands in twice a week and
has the Jam Pact boys running a good jam session every Tuesday ‘“ check it
out’¦.

Gary

And what a great crowd, to have over 80 people turning up on a Thursday
night, all paying £7, is some acheivement in the current recession.

A big thanks to regular supporters, including Pete Laplanche and our jam
buddy Mick Rutherford for turning up.

Also present was the lovely Carol from our label Blues Matters who made
a great speech introducing the Band. Another notable attendee was that ace
photographer Tony Winfield.

Another massive thanks for Steve who filmed the gig.

Catch the following on Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmHE9htOhKE&feature=email = Too Tired To
Pray

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB0zfFwhRWM&feature=channel = Blues Highway

Rachel and Mandie were on vocal duties and performed admirably. ‘˜Blues Highway’
got as off to a good start and by the end of ‘˜Too Tired To Pray’ the crowd
seemed to be 100% behind us. ‘˜Dark Angel’ received a massive ovation which
bodes well for the new CD of the same name.

The second set really rocked and the ‘˜stomp along’ at the beggining of ‘˜Tellin
Lies’ made the stage shake.

A great place and a great gig. We should be back next year.Thank you Rob.

Gary

The day started badly, as the Englad football team where put to the sword
by a tactically superior German side (augmented by the biggest refereeing
blunder of all time), we were shut out of the festival. All approaches into
the festival were closed due to the massive crowds watching the game.

We were placed in a holding compound for the best part of 2 hours, as tempers
and nerves became more and more fraught on a hot and humid day. Finally
Artist Transport whiz Dave found us in his magic Land Rover. The girls and
I were then driven to the stage, while poor Danny, Bill and Roger (and his
bad back), were left with a 3 mile walk in boiling conditions.

They truned up hours later in some state of disrepair, after pausing frequently
to let Rogers back manage to take the strain.

Then began a long wait for our appointed slot’¦..

The Bourbon Street stage, has a capacity of 6-800 hundred with seating outside
on the grass for around another 1-2,000. There was relatively few people
there all day, as people stuck with some big hitters on the main stages,
like Slash and Stevie Wonder.

We went on to about 80 or so people, just as Stevie was finishing up on
the Pyramid Stage. We started quietly with ‘˜Blues Highway’ and by the time
we hit a rocking ‘˜Too Tired To Pray’ as a second number people statrted
to flood into the tent and onro the grass embankment.

The Band played really well and early stage monitrpoing and level problems
were quickly overcome by the competent stage manager and sound crew.

All 3 girls Kelly, Suzie and Mandie sang brilliantly. The crowd went mad
for their 3 solo performances of ‘˜The Lying game’, ‘˜House of the Rising
Sun’ (which had been part played by Muse on the Pyramid on Friday night)
and ‘˜The Big Easy’. I managed to get a big ovation for my solo in ‘˜House’,
so thanks to all the rest of the Band for making me sound so good. By the
mid point of the set, the crowd were chanting Kelly’s name (super star in
the making?)

The real heros of the night were Roger (playing with his really bad back)
and Danny who used the house backline and did a great job of producing a
killer sound.

A 3 tap finish of ‘˜Tellin Lies’, ‘˜Preacher Man’ and ‘˜No Place To Hide’ (The
well deserved and cheered for encore), produced a rocking set to a fantasic
reaction from the big crowd. A few punters came up and said it was he best
thing they had seen all weekend (I’ll settle for it just being bloody good!).

A million thanks to all Andy Fieldings great Roadhouse Promotions Crew,
including Nails and Joe.

We waited back stage through another transport embargo, this one due to
the large amount of drunk/high people on the site. At around 3 in the morning
Dave turned up in the magic Landrover.

On this occassion the Landrover turned into the tardis. We put Roger in
the front, all the equiment in the back and then fitted six Band members
in the normal space that would be occupied by two people. This ws a simlar
experience to being laoded onto a crowded Tokyo commuter train. I’d like
to apologise to Suzie for eating quite a large quantity of her hair. The
30 minute journey over bumpy ground will pass into legend.

On the drive home, dawn broke over mist shrouded fields. Rising out of the
mist, a few hundred yards to my right rose the majesty of Stonehenge. I
reflected that, that construction had been around longer then Roger and
it put the whole thing into context for me’¦..

Gary

Last time we stayed in a nice modern hotel, this time they provided a bed
and breakfast in an amazing stately home ‘“ luxury!!!.

We spent the afternoon sipping beers in the sun soaked garden. Then Jo and
Annette took Kelly and I to a local football tournament (with much associated
drinking)’¦

It was another hot night, so Jo had a real concern over crowd numbers. However,
though a bit down on last time there was still a good sized crowd.

A local Chicago style blues band playing their first ever show, opened the
night. They did a fine job.

So onto the Roadhouse set and we changed things around a bit from the first
two shows. ‘˜Slip Away’ got an airing and ‘˜Voodoo Queen ‘˜ returned to it’s
usual slot as the penultimate song in the set.

As ever the Gompelhof crowd were brilliant and they gave us a great response.
after 2 Encores, there was time for a lot of CD signing and drinking with
the local music lovers.

I recommend this gig to every major touring band as the hospitality and
Crowd are truly remarkable’¦

We’ll be back soon

Gary

The 013 has 3 halls, and features arttists playng recently like Chris Isaak
and Marc Almond and Pappa Roach’¦.

Unfortunately it was what i expected’¦..

We were so well looked after in our luxurious dressing room, the staff (mainly
volunteers could not have been nicer)’¦.

Three big problems:

– We’d never played that aprt of Holland before

– I dont think the venue did much promotion for the show

– It was boiling hot, still in the 80’²s at 10pm

I was proud of the Band as it put on a great performance under the circumstances.
Playing to an all time record low (in 19 years) of 8 people (plus 16 staff)..
it was hot and hard work’

To make things worse I starined my voice during the first number as the
engineer had turned the mntors virtually off and lost the top 3rd of my
vocal range for the rest of the night’¦

Still we rocked out and two rpomoters who came to see us were very impressed
and have booked us for their venue in September.

The people at the 013 were nice and praised us to our faces, shame they
have been sarcastic on their website about the small crowd’

Oh well onto Mol and a guaranteed good crwod and then to Glastonbury!!!!

You win some (most) other times you take it up the wrong hole (so to speak!)

Gary

Gary

This was the biggest crowd that we had pulled at the Podium so far. The
Band were on great form with Suzie.D sharing vocal duties wih Kelly Marie
Hobbs.

A great version of ‘˜Blues Highway’ prepared the ground for the kicking new
number ‘˜Too Tired to Pray’. This night also featured the best version of
‘˜Dark Angel’ that we have played so far, the crowd reaction was fantastic.

There was so many local and cool musicians and artists in the audience,
that we had to play well. The Band delivered and ‘˜Preacher Man’ was the
appropriate encore..

A massive thanks to Hester and hopefully we’ll be back next year.

Gary

We had a crowd of around 35 plus, this was better than last time, but still
not enough local support for my liking.

Still full of Roadhouse fans and old friends we still had a fantastic night.

The first set for once was superbly well played. According to Danny I was
bit loud in his mix, but checking with quite a few people out front the
balance was spot on. From the opener, ‘˜Blues Highway’, Kelly and Mandie’s
vocals combined superbly.

Everyone played well and the crowd response was terrific. The new songs
‘˜Too Tired To Pray’, ‘˜Dark Angel’ and ‘˜Swamp Girl’, all went down a treat.

In the break our good friend Jimmy Dublin played a short set alongside Bill
on the harp. As usual this was punctuated with alternative comedy and the
standard public altercation with Mandie routine, that just cracks everybody
up.

Into the second set and Bill joined us for a rousing ‘˜Roadhouse Blues’.
Soon we were at ‘˜Preacher Man’ and then another great gig was over.

Thanks to all those great people who came and supported us on the night.

Regards,

Gary

The opener ‘˜Blues Highway’ saw a different approach from Robin, as he augmented
the song wih some great blues slide and even added a touch of wah wah to
the progrression. We finished the set with the new song ‘˜Too Tired Too Pray’
and Robin managed to produce the main riff, after just having it hummed
to him 5 mins before the start of the show (Quality!). Kelly and Rachel’s
vocals were right on point as this song really kicked.

The jam had some nice moments. My fave’s were Pete Sargeant’s harp playing,
as he joined Robin for a set along with the great Tim Matthewman on bass.There
was some really nice interplay between them. Geronimo was also on good guitar
form.

Towards the end of the night Kelly got up to deliver a great reading of
‘˜Stormy Monday’. Then it was over to Grove soundman and Ozric Tentacles
fluteplayer extrodinaire, Jumping John. John finished the night with a great
acoustic guiter instrumental, very new world, but with a raw edge’¦.

Next month the jam will be run by my good friends Mark and Tony of Jam Pact.
Roadhouse will be on tour in Holland and Belgium. We’ll be back running
the jam on the 1st July.

Gary

Atfter enormous Hope Tavern Sunday lunches (thanks to the amazing Graham!)
we had some volunteers to roll us nto the stage.

Ther is always something special about playing the Hope. The crowd sits
virtually on top of you and you can see everyone;s faces as they react to
both your successes (and to any mistakes). A lot of this crowd knew the
songs better than we did, so the pressure was on to do them justice.

Over 75 paying punters turned up, which was a very big crowd for this small
venue. And what lovely people, as we sold a lot of CD’s and 5 copies of
our new limited edition DVD.

Things went well from the opening ‘˜Blues Highway ‘˜and ‘˜No Place To Hide’.
The 3 new songs ‘˜Swamp Girl’, ‘˜Too Tired Too Pray’ and ‘˜Dark Angel’ were
also big hits with the crowd.

Kelly and Rachel did well together, the only problem being a harmony on
‘˜The Answer’ which was otherwise well performed. Great drum and even Bass
solo from Roger and Bill repsctively, in ‘˜Voodoo Queen’ . ‘˜Preacher Man’
rocked and then it was over for another year at The Hope’¦. what a great
venue!!!.

Only sad note was that great Roadhouse supporter and a local Ray Baldwin
was not in attendance. He was looking very ill last year and it broke my
heart not to see him in his rightful place at the bar’¦..

There we go for the for the grace of’¦.

Gary

Midway through the first set David Cameron turned up (well it is his constituency)
and the whole evening became progressively more surreal. According to Martin
he said, ‘œThey are not bad at all, are they’, which I guess is a quote that
will now go down in Roadhouse history. I’m sure David is now regretting
asking the magic Genie that he can become well hung ‘“ ho, ho’¦ sorry!.

Anyway, onto more musical matters. The second set was very well played with
Kelly and Rachel working well in tandem. Kelly sang a nice ‘˜Stormy Monday’
and once more the new songs ‘˜Too Tired To Pray’ and ‘˜Dark Angel’ went down
a storm.

A big thanks to Martin for his hospitality and a good night

Gary

Great to see a few familiar faces, as some Roadhouse fans ran up a lot of
mileage to come and give their support (god bless em).

We had Mandie and Rachel out of our squad aof great female vocalists on
duty this night. The Band put on a great performance. To me this night was
notable for the new, epic song ‘˜Dark Angel’, really coming of age. We have
halved the chorus structure and it’s really improved the dynamic (and duration)
of the song. Also Rachel was really brave as she took on another 2 songs
that were brand new to her and she did well with both of them.

The crowd were really great and pleasure to play to. the night finished
with ‘˜Tellin Lies’ and ‘˜Preacher Man’.

Thanks to all for a great night

Gary

Recent problem with the bar and owners of the venue lead to this gig beng
poorly attended. I’d like to thank the 15 or so Roadhouse supporters who
turned up, but they were only augmented by 7 or so locals/regulars.

Still, ace Jounalist and musician (check out the Band, Elephant Shelf) Vicky
Martin was present ‘“ so expect a review of the gig in Blues Matters. This
is in advance of the in depth interview with me, which will be going into
the magazine just prior to the launch of our new CD Dark Angel, in October.

The Band were on top form and featured strong performances fom all 3 girl
singers, Mandie, Kelly and our new start turn, Rachel Clark. Roadhouse legend
Anne Campbell was in attendance and performed a guest slot, with a nice
version of ‘˜Brooklyn Blues”¦

Out of the new songs, ‘˜Too Tired to Pray’ really rocked out and ‘˜Dark Angel’
is developing superbly and the cut down version of this epic worked a treat
(despite an intonation problem with my guitar).

The people there created a great atmosphere and we were able to finish with
a belting version of ‘˜Preacher Man’.

Upwards and onwards,

Gary

The place was packed and from the off Danny and I’s solo’s were cheered
and Mandie and Rachel given ovations for their vocal prowess. This was one
of the best gigs of the year so far, the second set alone lasting in excess
of 90 minutes.

The time flew by, I played as well as I’d probably ever done and while on
stage felt fit and well and years younger. Within an hour of the journey
down the motorway it was back to feling 95 again (and I’m not talking about
Roger speeding).

Sharon Colgan herself got up and did a fine reading of ‘˜Stormy Monday’ (always
loved her voice)’¦. I think that this was the night that the new song ‘˜Too
Tired To Pray’ realy emerged as a winner.

Mandie’s family came and gave her massive support’¦ A great night, we’ll
be back’¦..I hope!

Gay

In the pub under the guest house (how convenient) Rachel ordered the ‘˜mini
‘˜mixed gril and we then watched in awe ,as she munched her way through 5
times her body weight in meat. I ordered the chicken and bacon salad which
ended up being a pile of steaming kebab meet on 4 lettuce leaves ‘“ unusual!.

To the gig’¦. met Alan the promoter ‘. the kind of unsung hero that
keeps live music going in this country. John the PA man (it’s not heavy
metal but I like it!) was also a real gent.

A nice room’¦.. gets really going when there is about 150 people in it.
Recent averages have been around 95. We probabaly did about 85-90, which
was good paying crowd, but I would liked to have done better.

The atmosphere in the first set was starnge. The crowd re-acted well enough,
but it felt like there was something missing. Our new epic, ‘˜Dark Angel’
was given its 3rd outing and went well enough ( all 4 hours of it ‘“ ).
I still think it needs some judicous editing, but it’s a classic in the
making.

In the break I felt like a celeb as I was asked to draw the raffle. This
hall of fame acknowledgement of my undoubted talent led to a vastly improved
second set’¦.

In all seriousness the Band really kicked on and totally over the top versions
of ‘˜Watchtower’ , Voodoo Dance, ‘˜Roadhouse Blues ‘˜ and a great drum solo
in ‘˜Voodoo Queen’, won the day’

Just a single encore at the end of a very long set, then some excellent
CD sales followed’¦

Apparently, a handful of die hard Blues Purests has gone home, depressed
by our ‘˜Rock leanings’, however for many it was some of the best music that
they had heard for some years (and I quote about 10 of the lovely people
we met there).

The Clan Gwilym were there to monitor their sibling Danny’s talent and he
of course blew them (and the whole crowd) away. Well played mate.

And then onto the meanstreets of Redcar and the invetible late night kebab
shop full of fat girls in mini lycra party dresses and corned beef legs..
pass the hot sauce’¦..

Gary

This gig was notable for it being Rachel Clark, our stunning new female
vocalists first tour with the Band. Also there was official Roadhouse Band
photographer and journalist Alan White (www.earlyblues), who travelled from
Lancaster to photograph the gig.

The music itself went really well. However, we struggled with the in house
PA in the first set. The main casualty was the new song ‘˜Tornado’, which
lost it’s vocal edge. But with Rachel and Mandie in fine voice (great version
of the ‘˜Lying Game’ by Rachel), the guitar trade off in ‘˜Rock Me’ was magical
and brought the first set to a fine climax.

The second set was a stormer. ‘˜Watchtower’ really kicked, as did the killer
new song’Too Tired Too Pray’. The two encores were ‘˜Preacher Man’ and ‘˜Sacrfice’

A great night at a great venue, we’ll be back

Gary

An interesting night for the band on a number of levels. Firstly we had
an appearance from Rachel Clark .Rachel is a great young talent who has
decided to join the Roadhouse squad and at this gig she joined Mandie and
Kelly on 4 numbers.

Secondly we featured 3 new songs for the first time. I chose to open with
the stomping ‘˜Too Tired To Pray’, but this turned out to be a poor decision.
Though the song was great in rehearsal the band were hesitant in delivery.
This hesitancy spilled into the second number, ‘˜Slip Away’ and it was song
three before we hit our stride’¦.

‘˜Dark Angel’ was the next of the new songs to get it’s test drive. I’ve
great hopes for this song and it did not dissapoint. The girls sounded amazing
on a chorus that manages to sound gothic, dark and commercial all at the
same time (somehow!).. The song recieved a great reaction. Danny and I had
not been on top form in the first set, but managed to hit our stride during
the trade off section in ‘˜Rock Me Baby’.

In the second set we managed to finally deal with the sound problems caused
by the low ceiling. Things really rocked, as we ploughed through songs like
‘˜Voodoo Dance’ and ‘˜Tellin Lies’ and another new rocker, ‘˜Tornado’.

A guest appearance from Anne Campbell on ‘˜Brooklyn Blues’ and then 2 encores,
‘˜Preacher Man’ and ‘˜Sacrifice’ ended the night.

A good first showing in this new venue, full of true music fans’¦ We’ll
be back

Gary

We set up in a fairly cramped space, but our spirits were soon lifted by
an excellent turn out, including loads of people who’d seen us on the big
stage at Skegness the previous weekend.

Overall it was a rocking gig and a decent little venue. The Band’s hot streak
in terms of both performance and crowd pulling power continued. It’s great
to have Manide back on a regular basis and both Kelly and Mandie were on
great vocal form. All rose to Roger’s mighty dum solo and there was even
a second encore as we extlled the virtue of Human ‘˜Sacrifice’ to the good
people of St Albans (I bet that livened up a few after show parties! ‘“ mind
you finding a virgin in St Albans can be an issue ‘“ apparently!)

We’ll be back in July

Gary

More and more people turned up including loads of faces/freinds from the
Woodman days and by the time the music started there was a great crowd.

Roadhouse played a nice opening set with Kelly ‘˜on point’. This was followed
by great, young singer, Rachel Clark auditioning for a role in the Roadhouse
ladies squad. She did a fine job and as a consequence will be working with
the Band this year.

Many great musicians then put in an a appearance. Highlights inlcuded 13
year old Chloe singing with the great Robin Bibi. She did a fine version
of ‘˜House of the Rising Sun’, on which Robin’s slide playing was outstanding.

We had great performances from Tim Matthewman, Burlesque, Geronimo and an
excellent finish from Jimmy Dublin playing with the superb Andrew Heart
on the bass.

A great crowd, a rocking night and here’s to the next jam on the 4th March’¦

Gary

This was arguably one of our best ever big stage performances. The guitar
solos on ‘˜Blues Highway’ drew ovations and the new song ‘˜Swamp Girl’ achieved
a great response from the superb crowd.

All 3 Roadhouse ladies then delivered excellent lead vocals. Suzie.D on
the Lying Game (she really owned that stage), Kelly Marie Hobbs (looking
and sounding amazing) on ‘˜The Big Easy’ and finally Mandie getting her usual
standing ovation for our blues flavoured version of ‘˜House Of The Rising
Sun’.

‘˜The Answer’ was followed by the Youtube made classic ‘˜Voodoo Dance’. After
the girls had carried out their normal samba with Satan the crowd went crazy’¦.

Preacher Man followed as the iconic and demanded encore”¦

What a crowd, thanks to all there for your marvelous support. On nights
like this you can almost believe in the future of live music’¦

On with the deam’¦

Gary

We had a great crowd and the opening Roadhouse set really rocked. ‘˜No Place
To Hide’ was followed by ‘˜Slip Away’ and an extended version of Roadhouse
Blues. The hour passed by in a blink and we finished up with great renditions
of both ‘˜Sacrifice’ and Voodoo Queen, with Roger getting an ovation for
his excellent drum solo.

You can check out ‘˜Sea of Souls’ and ‘˜Roadhouse Blues’ on Youtube, by pasting
the following links into your browser:

http://www.youtube.com/user/jumpthegunblues#p/a/u/0/gM27G2Pe9bk

Overall it was a great set ,with all 3 of our fabulous female vocalists
strutting their stuff. The set was probably notable for the return of Mandie
(just when you thought it was safe!).

I then ran arguably the best Jam session, that we’ve ever had at the festival.
Highlights for me were the set from top young guitarist Jason Barwick (of
the Amazing Brew), who played with our own Danny Gwilym, along with Mick
Rutherford on the bass. Sharon from the Blues bar Harrogate, then delivered
a fabulous vocal, followed by the amazing Maggie who achieved such rave
reviews last year. Gizmo was also on form on the guitar and overall we featured
over 40 musicians and 4 different Bands.

The crowd were the real stars; this was music by the poeple for the people.
The crowd supported, stamped and cheered for everyone, no matter their level,
confidence, or ability. All rose to the challenge and the whole afternoon
was a massive high’¦..

Here’s to 2011

Gary

The grim reality of the evening was that for two such ‘˜quality’ Bands it
was another poor turnout. Still we saw loads of good friends and the people
there made such a great noise, the atmosphere was terrific.

Pete Feenstra our host was on great form, well lubricated for the Xmas period
his banter between sets was top quality entertainment’¦.

The Roadhouse set was another winner with Kelly in solo mode again, stepping
up to the plate and delivering big time. My fave songs/performances of the
night were ‘˜Swamp Girl’, ‘˜Blues Highway’ and when Jules joined us for the
double encore of ‘˜Voodoo Queen’ and ‘˜Preacher Man’. The triple guitar harmony
was a killer, top notch!.

The bands morphed together as the show rolled into the early hours. Jules
and Lorna joining Roadhouse for a killer version of ‘˜I Couldn’t Get To Sleep’.
The song was played so well it sounded as if it had been lifted directly
off of the No Place To Hide CD!

All time Blues great John O’Leary joined us all on stage and sang and harped
us out on a closing, classic ‘˜Rock Me Baby”¦..

An all time great gig, which was partially filmed by top promoter Eric Harvey.
We are trying to get footage from Eric. I’ll keep you posted.

Happy Xmas and New Year to all our freinds and followers’¦ We’ll need your
support in the New Year in order to take the Band forward in these tough
times.

Thanks to all that came

Gary

It was a shame for the people who missed it as this was one of the best
ever Bulls Head extravanganzas’¦

The show kicked off with a great set from our special guests Jimmy Dublin
and Geronimo, who were backed by Bill and Roger.

The Roadhouse set was one of the best we’ve ever played at The Bulls Head.
A soaring ‘˜Blues Highway’ and rocking versions of ‘˜No Place To Hide’ and
‘˜Tellin Lies’, were highlights. With the continued absence of a very poorly
Mandie, we still managed to produce worthy versions of both the 2 new songs,
‘˜Swamp Girl’ kicked and ‘˜Rainmaker’ worked in a 2 vocal format (well done
Kelly again’¦. An epic ‘˜Watchtower’ and then ‘˜Voodoo Queen’ brought the
set to an end. What a great response from the people there.

The evening finished with host/promoter George McFall on the Skins in a
great set ,fronted by our other special guest, musician, writer, DJ and
all round talent, the excellent Mr Peter Sargeant.

It was a great night’¦. but the dwindling crowd numbers makes you wonder,
what do you have to do, to get people to come out for live music any more???

Thanks to all that were a part of this fantastic night.

Gary

Buffalo Bill Smith, the promoter who runs the Colourhouse Theatre and The
Merton Abbey Mills Festival, put in a welcome appearance. We were able to
offer an all time first of Buffallo Bill onstage with Geronimo. No blows
or arrows flying, just a great guitar and harp interchange’¦..

Late in the day Pete Bedford put in an appearance, along with Jon Griffin
and Nicollette. Musically it was solid night, with just enough support to
proivde optimism for the jam taking root at this new venue in 2010.

The next Jam is on Thursday 7th January’¦ see you there!

Gary

The Colourhouse is well laid out with candlelit tables and a really great
young sound crew. This produced a superb sound balance and there was a magical
atmosphere about the night.

The good news, it was a fantastic nights music and in the absence of Mandie.G,
Kelly rose to the challenge superbly. Most of the crowd could not believe
how well she sang, as our voices belnded really well, especially on a very
atmospheric ‘˜Blues Highway’. It was really Kelly’s night as she belted her
way through the ‘˜Lying Game’ and a great version of ‘˜Stormy Monday’ ‘“ brilliant!

Jimmy Dublin was our special guest and he played a nice little blues set
in our break. Buffalo Bill himself joined us on stage for the ‘˜Roadhouse
Blues’ and a fine harp player he is. I love the way he never overplays’.

The only dissapointment of the night was the mid sized crowd. We should
be pulling better numbers on our own patch, so to speak. Many key regular
supporters were missing. In the end it was their loss as this was one of
the best gigs of the year.

Gary

The 2 late night shows had caught up with us. Voices were affected and it
led to a lame soundcheck with us vocally murdering Slip Away (if I’d been
Jan I’d have wondered about who I’d booked)’

I then started to feel really ill and spent an hour lying in the tour bus
thinking i was going to die’¦. but I don’t think the devil will let me
off that easy’¦.

So the show went on’.As the gig coincided with the Dutch celebration
of Xmas, the crowd was a bit thin to start. It filled up nicely by the end
though.

As we launched into ‘˜Blues Highway’ the vocals were back in operation and
a good crowd re-action allowed us to really rock it up in the second set’

This turned into a great gig and we met some excellent people including
a British photogapher called Mick Davidson. Check him out and his great
shots of the gig at

davidsonmick.squarespace.com www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/yourgallery/artist_profile//10226.html

There was just time for a quick round of goodbyes and then a standard Roger
Hunt Formula One style drive, to make the midnight ferry’¦.

A great trip’

Gary

We were then taken to the Roadhouse pre gig dinner, where we sat down with
it seemed most of the town to a festival of muscles and frites, all under
under canvas..magic

Gig time’¦..and the Band really rocked, the crowd were brilliant. Our 3
girl format was working a treat, with Suzie on great form. The new song
, ‘˜Swamp Girl’ was a real stormer’

A double encore and mass autograph signing then took place, for those typically
fantastic Belgian people..We met so many great folk on the night.

Thanks to the incredible Jo and his wife Anette We’ll be back next year’

An all time great gig

Gary

Good news ‘“ a lovely hotel, based 5 meters across the street allowed us
to stagger home. The hospitality was great, good meal drinks, nice staff.
All the people who like live music loved the band ‘“ the trouble was their
was just not many of them there’¦

Bad news ‘“ we were booked on techno/house music night and there was mostly
a young crowd there for that. The different genre of music played either
side of our sets did not help the mood or the perception of what the night
was about’¦..

The low wooden ceiling gave the whole sound a nasty bass ‘˜rumble’ and the
lack of audeince response was dispiriting. However, instead of hiding the
Band powered out a great second set.

The late night dance music allowed the Band to have a bit of a ‘˜team build’.
And Suzie, Kelly and Mand’s truned the whole thing into a roaring night
out’.. pics on cyberspace via Hester..

It was very much have a good time and then let’s get onto the serious business,
in the form of a major gig scheduled for the next day in Belgium’¦.

We had 2 new girls trying out for a place in our squad, in a move to take
the pressure off of our 3 current ladies. Both girls Ashlyn and Michelle,
sang great.

Overall about 15 regular punters and 10 musicians made the sojourn to the
new jam. This made it a decent opening night.

Special thanks to:

– Tim Matthewman

– Geronimo

– Pete Bedford

– Frank Dymore

– Jimmy Dublin

and others for their great playing and massive support’¦..

Next jam is on Thursday 3rd December, come on down, let’s turn this into
a success story.

Gary

All this is weird, because though the jam was not pulling the big crowds
of old their was still a regular crowd of at least 70 people to see it though
a quiet night..

Still as it was the last night, everybody came down for the wake’¦ who
can’t resist staring at a corpse????

A massive crowd included players wo had never even played the jam before,
like John Iden of Yardbirds fame’¦

Still it was a great night of music, Mandie was as pissed as a rat and loads
of the old regulars played their hearts out’all very rock and roll!!

Thanks to too many people to mention here, but certain people should be
thanked for their regular contribution, including Frank Dymore, Geronimo,
Jimmy Dublin, Andrew Heart, Tim Matthewman and John O’Leary to name but
a few’¦.

When I think back about all those years at the Woodman the ghosts of Jules
Fothergill, Andy Cortes and Andy Thompson will be forever slugging it out
under the conservatory’¦memories!

NOW ALL GO TO THE GROVE TAVERN, 2 MORDEN ROAD ‘“ THE FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY
MONTH

The show must go on, no surrender!

Gary

Gary

Thanks to that good guitarist Gizmo, one of our jammers at the Skegness
festival, who took the time and trouble to broker us into this venue

Things were all looking great, until we realised that Bill had left the
cymbals behind in his garage!!!!. Roger’s drums looked somewhat like a Xmas
tree without the decorations’¦. and the cheerful chappie himself looked
more than a tad more dour than usual (ok, he looked SCAREY!!)’¦

Still the soundman came to the rescue with a limited set of cymbals from
the local music class’¦.. well done that man!!

Onto the show’¦. a massive festival 20 miles away featuring Dr Feelgood
and Wishbne Ash led o it being a quietish night.

Still for the near 50 peple in the room it was a kicking gig.

Kelly had a night off and Suzie did a great job singing with Mandie. She
also performed a lovely reading of ‘˜Stormy Monday’, as well as doing the
job on the new song, ‘˜Swamp Girl’.

Roger took the plaudits of the night however. He played an incredible drum
solo in ‘˜Voodood Queen’ that made a nonsense of the fact that he was playing
with ‘˜toy’ cymbals.

A lovely venue run by a man with a great name (Gary) ‘“ we’ll be back on
the 18/6/2010

Gary

We were greeted by a very decent sized crowd, with some people driving over
80 miles to see thier fave band (you are nuts, but we love you!)’

The stage is tiny at The Hope, which leads to the ultimate interactive audience
experience (i.e. getting knocked over as people try to reach the toilets).
Most of the crowd have all the CD’s and the interactive banter was fantastic.

Kelly and Mandie sang well and Danny and I’s trade off section on’Rock Me
Baby’ , really caught fire. Other than that it was ‘˜The Answer’ that provided
the afternoon’s goosebump moment.

It was great to see Bill and I’s old school friend Boz and also our staunch
supporters Nicky and Ray (get well Ray ‘“ we are thinking of you!).

A really good gig

Gary

Still it was a good performance, with pride of place to both the new songs,
‘˜Swamp Girl’ and ‘˜Rainmaker’. The crowd re-action to the girls gospel section
at the end of Rainmaker was fantastic.

Roger’s drum solo at the end of Voodoo Queen was particularly venemous,
leading to the band crying out for a drugs test!!

Back into the vans for the drive up towards Lincoln/Holton Le Moor. We had
rooms in Peterborough City Centre Travel Lodge and emerged into scenes of
an alternative universe/drunken carnage, as Peterborough’s late night revellers
poured out of the clubs and into the back of waiting ‘˜meat wagons’. Made
me feel old and just like a Daily Mail reader’¦

Gary

Hester came down from Schiedam and top Belgian rock writer Alfons Maes was
also in the crowd.

Surrounded by these great friends and believers, last night was just a distant
memory.

Crowd was a medium capacity, which everybody put down to the fantastically
hot afternoon for the time of year (temp was still in the 80’²s when we kicked
off at 16.30). But it was still a good crowd, both in numbers and in spirit.
They lifted the Band into delivering an excellent peformance.

Suzie and Kelly combined brilliantly on the afternoon. Their solo singing
and harmonies really hit the spot (A great reading of Stormy Monday by Suzie
in the 2nd set)’¦.

The second set really ‘˜kicked’ on and my great friend Bobje (who has had
it tough recently!) was moved by both ‘˜Slip Away’ and ‘˜The Answer’

After 2 great encores the gig generated some fantastic photos by Bobje and
a great

review by Alfons Maes which has already gone to print (we are waiting for
the full translation)’¦

A superb high speed drive by Roger onto the last ferry’

Rog and I were out on deck relecting on a good mini tour, yet another financial
loss. Still the Channel was calm and the stars were bright’¦ and played
3, won ,was a pretty good score for the weekend’¦.

Gary

The small crowd in such a big and prestigous venue sucked the life out of
the Band. We hit the ground running with Telling Lies as a kind of act of
defiance and it rocked.

Though the people present were right behind the band and made lots of noise,
band members were all miserable by the break and moaning about the sound
(I thought the sound was good ‘“ ace soundman in Walter!), the lack of connection,
that fact that they weren’t immortal ‘“ you name it!. I spent the whole break
on emotional damage control!’¦

Lovely venue, lined with coffins, seating from muscle/racing cars ‘“ i love
it; and when The Cult play there next month, i think it might be packed’¦

Nights like this make me doubt the point of it all. Good old Danny accompanied
me as I opted to walk back to the hotel (rather than ride the misery bus)’¦

The stars were pretty

Gary

Wrong evening, wrong planet’¦..wrong ‘“ killer version of Preacher Man though’¦.

Gary

No Mandie on this trip, as numerous chest infections had taken thier toll
(and no shortage of fans wanting to rub the vic in for her).

Kelly and Suzie worked wonders on the vocals and as the final blitz of Preacher
Man rippled across the canal it was time for us to retire to a variety of
sleeping arrangements.

Hester’s hospitality know no bounds, having already fed, watered and acted
as agent, manager and tour guide. she also put up Kelly and Suzie overnight.
Bill and Danny went to an all night Nazi, Rockabilly marching concert but
that is another starnge and twisted story.

Friday was a day off due the closure of a venue and the subsequant gig cancellation.
We did the tourist thing aourn the canals and windmills of Scheidam. The
weather was hot and as a group the vibe was terrific, such a shame we were
burning money and plunging further into debt’¦

Still thats rock and roll

Here’s to people who believe in music and offer up their homes and generosity
beyond belief, in the name of keeping ‘˜it’ live. Thanks to Hester and all
those great people we met in Schiedam

We came, we saw, we did a little sightseeing

Gary

Unfortunately, word on the street was that attendances were dwindling in
recent weeks. This proved to be the case, with only around 20 something
people tunring up’¦

The Band have done well in the last year, in the sense that there has only
been and handful of poorly attended gigs up to this point. Still band morale
was down and I was dissapointed with the moans and groans I received from
some band members. Still we put on a cracking show, sold a good few CD’s
(honestly) and the people present had a great time’¦

I guess that’s the important thing, isn’t it?????????

Gary

It was great to be allocated the peak slot on the big stage at Colne. Our
7th year in a row., on this stage..and I have so many good memories of the
different performances. The spirits of all the great players that have been
in Roadhouse, felt really close to me as we played a record 93 minute set’¦

Clad in my brand new US purchased, glittery ‘˜rock and roll’ T Shirt ( a
perusal of which on the post gig camcorder footage, showed me looking like
an oversized glitterball at a gay disco). I launched the Band into ‘˜Tellin
Lies’.

Suzie also had a glittery top on and with a few ‘˜stones’ in Danny’s shirt
too, we were throwing light into the audience at a kind of poor mans Pink
Floyd level (who needs lasers)’

Our new song ‘˜Swamp Girl’ was given an airing’¦. and no one believed that
was only the 2nd time it had ever been played. This song is now cemented
as a mainstay of the set’¦.listen out for it.

The room filled up a treat for us and the big crowd (as ever at Colne were
maginficent), a pleasure to playe to.

The girls put on a great show, compensating for my broken rib (leaving me
with turning circle and manouverability of an oil tanker) and Bill and Roger
were rock solid (from the neck upwards, of course)

The ‘˜Big Easy’ went really well (good lead vocal from Suzie) and a killer
solo from Danny.

The 90 minutes blurred by and with the spotlights traversing the crowd ‘˜Preacher
Man’ hit the sweet spot’¦..

Great ovation, CD sales, crowd and more memories’¦.

Colne 2009 ‘“ One of our best -If you were there, thank you very much

Gary

Gary

The majority of the crowd positioned themselves in the row of bars to the
right and left of the stage, leaving a bit of a gap centre square which
was a little hard to play to.

This annual festival where one band plays per weekend, is taking its time
to take off. Attendances last year were around the 200 mark, but by the
time we had finished this nights show there was between 350-400 people there.

The band were on great form in the evening sunshine. All 3 girls sang superbly
and Roger and Bill niled the beat. Due to the family element we played a
few more covers than usual, but all the Roadhouse classics were given an
airing including Blues Highway, Slip Away, Telling Lies, Preacher Man, The
Answer, Sacrifice, and Voodoo Dance’¦..

The sun set over a well lit stage to a great crowd response and a double
encore.

The people of Wervick were great hosts and a good crowd. CD sales were also
very good. At the end we were offered the chance to come back in 2010 to
play the major rock festival that the town is famous for. That festival
pulls in excess of 4,000 people.

A great thanks to Philippe and the organisers and we’ll hopefully be back
for the big one next year.

Gary

I was pleased with the fantastic turn out with people making the trip to
Sutton from as far away as Dorset, to be part of our celebrations. I could
name check so many of the approx 120 people in the room, but then this review
would go on for ever (just like us).

First up were Northsyde, now stripped down to a 3 peice from their Funkdory
days. Jules’s rich tone brought back a lot of memories, as did Lorna’s emotional,
funky and soulful delivery. A great set, which was topped off by their excellent
and clever version of ‘˜Whipping Post’. Losing the extra guitar and stripping
the music back a notch has given them a much rawer and emotional edge –
catch them!

A quick turn around and the crowd were with us as we launched into the traditional
‘˜stomp along’ intro to ‘˜Tellin Lies’. The crowd reaction was great throughout
our 1 hour plus set.

We cooled it down for Kelly to sing a great version of ‘˜The Lying Game’
and Mandie to ‘˜nail it’ on ‘˜House of the Rising Sun’.

‘˜The Preacher Man’ encore(featuring some excellent Southern frieid shredding
from Danny) was followed by Mr Feenstra himself coming on stage and saying
some very generous words about the Band (good man Pete).

Jules and Lorna then joined the 2004 version of Roadhouse (well most of
it) on stage, for an amazingly polished version of ‘˜I Couldnt Get To Sleep’
.

It was like stepping into the tardis!!!

Danny was back up at the end, duelling away with Jules, over Mandie and
Kelly blasting out ‘˜Rock Me Baby’

A truly great night, one i’ll personally never forget, thanks to all our
family and friends, members present and past’¦..

Gary

However, this turned into a storming night. With 32 advance bookings and
over 90 people in the smallish (but very nice) room, there was a great atmosphere.

We made a lot of new friends, but it was great seeing so many people singing
along to the songs and demanding requests from numbers spread across the
10 albums.

One loyal supporter came by motorbike from Norfolk and the overall level
of backing we received that night made me feel very humble.

The band were on great form. a slow and moody start on ‘˜Blues Highway’,
kicked into ‘˜No Place To Hide’ and then the title track of the new CD, ‘˜Sea
of Souls’. Danny played an awesome solo on ‘˜Slip Away’ and the girls were
feeding off the energy we were getting from the crowd, with both some great
vocals and on stage ‘˜getting down to it’ antics.

The 2nd set was like a rollercoaster as Roger and Bill drove us through
‘˜Voodoo Dance’, ‘˜Roadhouse Blues’, ‘˜Tellin Lies’ and a double encore of
‘˜Preacher Man’ and ‘˜Sacrifice’.

CD sales were brilliant (Thanks girls!)

A great gig and a night to remember ‘“ thanks Pete

Gary

We arrived early and could not believe it when we saw Buffalo Bill’s (iconic
harp player) Band only be seen by a handful of people.

On to our headline slot at 4pm. By now about 70-100 people lay on the grass,
in the afternoon sun in front of the stage area, including aroiund 30 or
so Roadhouse fans (special thanks to Kelly for the promotion)’¦mind you
around 1,000 or so people in close proximity would have heard the music.

Suzie was down in London, so it was a full strength Roadhouse, with all
3 girl singers that hit the stage.. We had a ball, played the full festival
set plus encore. Great stage prefromance and the crowd loved it ‘“ fun for
all, and the end of a run of a few dodgy gigs for us’..

‘˜ Telling Lies’, ‘˜House of the Rising Sun’, ‘˜Not Fade Away’,

‘˜Slip Away’, Voodoo Dance’, ‘˜

‘˜Sacrifice’ , ‘˜Roadhouse Blues’ and then the obvious Preacher Man ,with
Suzie and Kelly swapping killer vocal lines to great effect. Bill and Roger
were as solid as a rock and Danny had return to form.

All in all an enjoyable and appreciated afternoon in the sun’¦..

Gary

We had the traditional double finish of Terry Brennan (The Big Boss Man
Himself!) and the amzing Syd on the Banjo.

The Roadhouse se was good other than when we attempted ‘˜Lights on Water’.
This song has always had backing vocal problems since Mandie & Kelly became
our most regular singers. Harmonies have wandered ( a bit like going for
walk down to the corner shop and then ending up in Bejing). 2 weeks ago
Kelly did this song superbly on her own. This time the errant vocals combined
with Danny trying a complete alternative to the normal guitar lines/style,
left me and the song to die a death’¦.never again!!!!

The rest of the set was fantastic. I’m always amazed how limp our perfromances
are at the jam, like we can’t be botherered to get out of first gear. But
not on this night. ‘˜Brooklyn Blues’ kicked off with Mandie and Kelly’s voices
combining beautifully. The version of ‘˜Sacrifice’ was a killer, with Danny
superb on the slide and Kels and Mandie producing a wall of sound that gave
me chills. Frank Dymore joined in on percussion and the whole thing was
one of the best versions of this great number I’ve ever played.

Onto the Mircham Carnival this coming weekend.

Gary

At the highpoint, there was about 50-60 people in the room (where we usually
get around 120-150). I apologised to the excellent Robbo, who runs the place.
He was ok with things, especially as only around 10 people had turned up
for a good band the night before.

A really good local support band opened, but were plagued by a wicked buzz
coming off the stage. The same buzz was to be ever present throughout our
set.

We had a good sound guy as usual, but there were loads of PA problems. Monitors
were cutting in and out, feedback and levels changing, added to our frustration.
The stage configuration had changed leaving Danny Sardined into the corner
like a Japanese commuter.

There were about 15 Roadhouse supporters down the front. We really went
for it, and some of the solos and numbers were inspired. Robbo wants us
back but I still think we lost this one 2-1

Let’s try again next year if we are all still alive

Gary

Last time the crowd was a good size, very appreciative and friendly (which
is basically why we came back). This time a really hot day put paid to that.
the amount of barbacue fires visible in the steets around the venue made
me feel like ‘˜General Custer at the Little Big Horn”¦..

The crowd got to a reasonable size, but were not as appreciative as last
time. Mandie was very brave singing on a nasty chest and throat infection.
As a consequence the vocals were not at their best, even Kelly seemed to
be slightly off form.

We tried really hard and rocked with a vengance and managed to get an encore.

It was an ok night, but not what we had hoped for.

Met some great people, played some good stuff ‘“ oh well ‘maybe this
was a

1-1 draw

Gary

Tim Matthewman played 2 great sets on the bass, and as usual blew the crowd
away with his soloing.

Mandie was sidelined with a chest infection so Kelly played the gig on her
own. This enabled Roadhouse to play ‘˜Lights on the Water’ for the first
time in ages (we’d stopped playing the song due to problems with the backing
harmonies). As well as doing great on ‘˜Lights’ , Kel sang the ‘˜Lying Game’
and we experimented with a slow version of ‘˜Rock Me Baby’. This enabled
Danny and I to indulge in some slower than usual guitar trade offs’¦..fun

Gary

We tried hard in the first set but the re-action was apathetic. We were
supported by the managements half time pep talk, that we were brilliant
and everybody loved us, they were just a bit ‘˜shy’ and we just needed to
change the lighting by removing a couple of light bulbs.

The pub fillled up in the second half with mixture or drunken soldiers,
bikers (hooray to see them) and some strange, predatory looking women in
their late 50’²s, fresh out of a Wim Wenders movie (hold onto your Gerbils).
We and they rocked quite a bit more in the second set. An encore was played
and the girls had to be surgically extracted from the pub’¦

It got a lot better, but then it really needed to’¦

Not one for the book of memories’¦

Gary

Met some nice people

the excellent Eddie on guitar and vocals leading the way, joined by jam
regular Byron Banks, for duelling harps great stuff ‘¦..

It was good to see John O’Leary back at the jam and the classy bluesman
delivered a great set joined by Eddie on the guitar.

Roadhouse played well and the crowd went home very happy’.

This is the 8th year of the jam and its really great that it still alive
and providing a showcase for live music in South West London’¦

Nice to see Anne Campbell in the crowd (Roadhouse legends never die)

Gary

We had a lot of friends and fans there and it was great to see so many familiar
faces.

For a new festival, this one looks a winner. This gig went so well, I didn’t
start to feel exhausted until the 2nd encore’..a reord for this year.
Maybe there is hope for the old git yet. well done to Bill and Roger, solid
as a rock all night’¦..

Here’s to next year ‘“ be warned new songs have been written!!!!!

Gary

Many of our regulars are now running their own sessions. Best of luck to
all, wouldn’t it be a miracle if live music grew in popularity’

Still by the start their was a respectable number of people present. We
had no problem filling the running order with some ace musicians and some
quality music.

Mandie brought down some new guys she’d met at a jam in Acton and they were
great as we kicked off with duelling harps (a la Alabama 3). Then superb
guitarist Eddie sang a song and impressed all with his great technique.

Geronimo was back from Spain and belted out some classic rock and both ace
bass players, Tim Matthewman and Andrew Heart were on form. The night finished
with the traditional sexual interplay between Jimmy Dublin and Mandie on
‘˜Whole Lot of Love’ (Watch out for the trade descriptions act) and Syd on
his banjo, plonking us iconically into the night.

For the record Roadhouse performed ‘˜The Lying Game’ (welcoming back Kelly
from her hols in Columbia), ‘˜House of the Rising Sun’ , ‘˜Sacrifice’ and
‘˜The Answer’.

See you in 2 weeks

Gary

James Dublin (of course it’s his real name, Dublin was named after him)
climaxed the night with his great tone and a superb performance. Then Terry
Brennan rolled back the years (a la HG.Wells) for a performance classic
of 2 songs that ended with the words ‘˜man’ ‘“ well done mate, a table of
ladies luvved it all up

And Kelly was on holiday in Costa Coffee (its all she could afford) ‘“ sorry
Costa Rica ‘“ memories a funny thing at my age’¦

Hope more come down on the 30th May

Thanks to all

Gary

Many of Mandie’s family turned up for quite a touching family re-union,
while we were paid a big complement by a lot of people, who left the Burnley
Festival and drove to Harrogate to catch the show.

A packed room, a fantastic response and the 6th cracking gig in a row (def
an all time record). Highlights included Sharon herself singing ‘˜Stormy
Monday’, Suzie back on ‘˜The Big Easy’ and Mandie wrapping her tonsils round
‘˜Heavens Door’.

By the end I felt like I was running on empty and nearly died when the crowd
would not let us away with a single encore’¦..

It was a long, long way back to London, just in time for breakfast”(then
I nearly did die)

Gary

As a consequence we opened with a kicking ‘˜Tellin Lies’ and then brought
the level down with a epic version of ‘˜Blues Highway’. With Kelly on holiday
it was great to be working with Suzie again and she was on great form. Both
girls nailed their showcase numbers, Suzie on ‘˜The Lying Game’ and Mandie
on ‘˜House of The Rising Sun’. The repsonse was great’¦

As ever the second set was even better with killer versions of ‘˜Voodoo Dance’,
‘˜All Along The Watchtower’, ‘˜Slip Away’ & ‘˜Voodoo Queen’
After the encore the feedback was fantastic, the stage manager and bar staff
said they ‘œWanted us to keep playing and playing’ and we had a number of
approaches for gigs and tours.

5th cracking gig in a row and out best appearance at Burnley by a distance.

Must be a record

Gary

Keeping music live, spontaneous and local

Gary

The overall view from the Band was of some disconnection in the first set
(though I enjoyed it). We’d brought back the duelling guitars on ‘˜Rock Me
Baby’ and the crowd lapped it up’¦I enjoyed opening with ‘˜The Amswer’ for
a change

The 2nd set was top rate. From ‘˜Voodoo Dance’ to ‘˜The Roadhouse Blues’ and
‘˜Slip Away’ played as a tribute to heart attack victim and top drummer at
our Jam, Reg Isidore (of Robin Trower fame).

3rd great gig on the spin

Gary

It was a worry for him, having any Band for the first time. But the crowd
was a good size and according to the punters nearly double what he’d had
for Kent Du Chane on the previous gig. We’ll pull more for him next time’¦.

This was the 2nd great performance in a row. The band played really well.
Mandie was in a good mood and on top, top form’¦.

Which brings me on to Danny (directional dyslexia) Gwilym. We waited an
hour for the soundcheck as Danny was bringing Kelly and overshot the motorway
exit by four entire junctions’ A record, even for this Band.

The two sets shot bye in record time and the audience re-action was first
rate. a number of CD collectors were there looking to augment their Roadhouse
back catalogue and CD sales went over the £200 mark.

A double encore of ‘˜Preacher Man’ and ‘˜Sacrifice’ ended a classic gig..
We hope to return’¦

Gary

What did the absent people miss:

– A decent support Band

– An excellent Roadhouse performance

– A Fantastic music loving crowd, who were responsive and created a great
atmosphere.

From the opening ‘˜Blues Highway’ to the double encore including ‘˜Preacher
Man’ the Band were on top form both vocally and musically.

It was one of those times where I truly appreciated all the great people
currently in the Band (I usually hate the fuckers); their friendship, trust
and support that has enabelled us to achieve so much in our 19th year’

Highlights for me were some of Danny’s guitar solo’s (particualry on ‘˜The
Answer’ and ‘˜Voodoo Queen’), Rogers Drum solo and a killer vocal by Mandie
on ‘˜Rising Sun’. But everyone played great (including me ‘“ a good guitar
night for yours truly!) so it’s wrong to single out individual contributions’¦

Well done all and on to Oxford on Monday

Gary

The highlight for me was Kelly and Mandie singing for some regular and new
Jammers, and sounding great’¦.Geronimo continues his return with a damn
fine version of ‘˜Freebird’ with Andrew Heart playing some great bass.

See everyone in two weeks time

Gary

– We were really well looked after, hotel was fine and all meals were served
for all the musicians under the big top, main stage arena, at set times.
Bands had been sourced from all over Europe, so this was great for Networking
and seeing friends like label mates The Brew and The Mustangs. The food
and red wine, went down very well.

Once we turned up at our designated venue we found the organisation to be
more laid back/chaotic.

We were in Wallabies, an Australian bar North of Paris (such is cultural
diversity these days!). We were 3rd on the Bill both nights with some very
strange Bands in the opening/supporting slots.

First up were to The Manic R&B driven youngsters in the

The Experimantal Tropic Blues Band ‘“ after some crowd surfing, female crwod
memeber stalking antics the front man ‘˜climaxed’ by dropping his pants and
trousers and flagellating his willy with his guitar lead’¦ ‘˜electric’ and
of course ‘˜experimental’. The 2nd band wer also young and had attitude and
other than being repetitive were not bad; and then after a delay (as no
turn arounds had been tmetabled for ), we were on.

The Friday night perfromance was a really good one. Starting with a storming
clap along with ‘˜Tellin Lies’ and ‘˜Voodoo Dance’, Suzie, Kels and Mandie
laid down there 3 solo slots to great acclaim’¦

Our version of ‘˜Roadhouse Blues/Jim Morrison est Mort en Paris’ was very
well played

The only shame about the Friday was that a portion of crowd drfited away
as we went past midnight, in order to get their positions for the late night
events in the main arena.

By the end of Preacher Man I thought we’d done a great job and all around
us were very complementary.

Come Saturday PM, some more chaotic communication and a no sound, sound
check. The local organizers at Waalabies were inviting us to go on first
due to the ‘˜alternative nature’ of the 2 other Bands ‘“ which in my mind
was a thinly disguised ploy the female orgainser to get her Faves, Deltahead
who she’d imported from Sweden further up the Bill.

We didnt move and the aformentioned lady managed to spoil most of our evening
by encouraging Deltahead to overplay by 15 minutes and then to sell their
CD’s and not bother to pack their gear down for another 20 minutes.

I will not describe Deltahead on this website other than to say they played
15 minutes of intro music via a ‘˜His Masters voice’ style gramaphone, had
all their faces painted white like clowns, and played a punk alternative
style that only Suzie and Kelly ‘˜got’. They were of course from Sweden (the
Worlds highest rate of suicide also comes from Sweden)

Good old Fred the owner agreed to let us play past the 1am deadline (well
done Mandie, for her ‘˜influencing’ skills). By the time we got on (past
midnight) a screaming monitor (right in my face) and sound balance issues
had taken my patience to the limit.

Amazingly we were going down a storm, even better then on the Friday. People
were dancing on the bar and

geting right behind us. Half way through our 3rd song, ‘˜Sacrifice’ my pedal
board blew up and in the 5 mins it took good old Bill to solve the problem
about a 3rd of the big crowd had drfited away.

Around this time I did unusually for me, totally lose my rag and was snapping
at fellow band members, left right and centre. I think if someone had told
me I’d never have to play another gig agan at this time I would have celebrated..

Somehow we finsished the set and got a better response than on Friday, when
we had played so much better.

An interesting weekend’¦.

Gary

If overcoming my health issues to play was not enough of a challange, I
stuck a bread knife through my left index finger at lunch time, just to
give myself a reasonable level of challenge for the night’.

It was fantastic to see so many people out supporting us on a cold Monday
night during the ‘˜credit crunch’. So many people who are special to the
Band. Both old friends and new.

Jimmy Dublin, Geronimo and Byron Banks (Harp) kicked off the night with
3 blues grooved songs. Next up was Pete Sargeant (a great friend to, and
supporter of the Band) on bass and vocals joined by our host, promoter George
Mcfall on the drums.

The Roadhouse set opened with a very emotional version of ‘˜The Answer’ –
it hurt, but I was playing the guitar pretty well (just leaking a bit!).

Kelly and Mandie nailed versions of ‘˜The Lying Game’ and ‘˜Rising Sun’ (and
were on all round top form).

The failure of Kelly’s mic, lead to some Lesbian style mike sharing antics,
that certainly ‘˜warmed’ the crowd up..

Voodoo Dance rocked it up several notches, before an emotional ‘˜Slip Away’
(great solo Danny!) segged into a stomping ‘˜Telling Lies’.

Bill & Roger were rock solid in a great all round Band performance. Personal
intros with much onstage birthday banter, punctuated Voodoo Queen, before
Preacher Man gave the set a ‘˜stadium’ style finale’¦.

John O’Leary then played the night out with some great harp driven blues’¦.

So fantastic to see people like Darren Wisdom, who has written such great
national reviews of the Band and Roadhouse legend Anne Campbell, whose efforts
drove the Band forwards for years..

There is life yet’.

Off to the big festival in France now

Gary

A thin night musician wise and with only about 20 loyal supporters.. it
was hard for the Band to produce any energy in their opening set.

We played ‘˜When Mountains Fall’ for the first time for years. the girls
did great with the vocals but Danny and I’s solos did not cut the mustard.

Later in the night Danny and I redeemed ourselves with an epic ‘˜Watchtower’
(longest one yet i reckon’¦).

Some nice performances by the jammers but a poor night in my perception.

The second jam had a much bigger crowd and the Roadhouse set was re-energised.
‘˜We played ‘˜Mountains Fall’ again and this time the guitars were good and
the vocals all over the place (we’ll get it right sooner or later!)’

Nice sets from Jimmy (the tone) Dublin and a great young Band in the new
Band slot’¦.

A good night

Gary

There was a ‘˜healthy’ amount of tension through the dressing room before,
which for Kelly meant vocal warm up exercises and for the rest of us meant
drinking and or worrying. We stuck our head round the curtains with 10 minutes
to go and there was only about 3-400, in a well deserted room. Still we
had to tackle the show ‘˜Full on’, or it just would not work’¦.

We were announced and the Safety Curtain rolled up as Roger hammered into
the drum intro for ‘˜Voodoo Dance’ . My first thought was ‘˜Where did all
the people come from’¦.’

The girls ‘˜danced with the devil’ (very nicely) and the 1st number had gone
down great.

Second up was ‘˜The Answer’ and as the song opens with me singing and playing
a difficut set of guitar arpeggios on my own, a tester. Bearing in mind
my continuing decline in health and the battles still to come, this was
lyrically and emotionaly a big song for me personally.

It went great, the only dodgy moment being when I glanced stage left and
saw my my face up on the giant screen, in close up (sporting more chins
than the Hong Kong phone directory ‘“ ghastly!)’¦ Danny was getting into
his stride the girls sounded great and I even managed a half decent solo’¦

Three songs for the lucious ladies next, Suzie downsizing the Arena into
a smokey, intimate club, with her stylish reading of the ‘˜Lying Game’. Kelly
comfortably belting out ‘˜The Big Easy’ and Mandie reapeating yesterdays
epic Success with ‘˜House of the Rising Sun’. She got a standing ovation
from a room that was now very full (amazing as we were up against The Rats
in the other Big Room = members of the Boomtown Rats without Bob Geldorf,
who apparently had a poor crowd).

‘˜Sacrifice’ was given its big stage debut and ‘˜Telling Lies’ provoked an
outbreak of air guitar playing. Then came Voodoo Queen. First I totally
went blank on how to play the intro and then we regained some cred by getting
a good portion of the crowd to sing along in true ‘˜stadium style’ (thanks
peeps ‘“ very kind of you). Rogers strobe lit drum solo was the highlight
of the Band introductions and overall the Skegness crew did a great job
with both the sound and a top light show.

There was no doubt about the encore and Preacher Man took up up to a set
time of around an hour and 5 minutes.

What a great crowd response and for me a validation of some very hard times
and shed loads of pain, to get to this point’¦

Photo call from the great Alan White, CD’s and Autographs and then the long
road home.

But surprise, Roger had recorded the whole show (and filmed it). we listened
and were quiet impressed’¦.. wonder what the DVd will look like

Thanks to the great crew at Skeggy, to Alan Pearce, Pete Barton and the
amazing crowd.

Photos available from:

(Girls are looking good)

http://flickr.com/photos/cpdigital/sets/72157613015103485/

Group photo from on this page is very nice’¦

http://www.earlyblues.com/Skegness%20Rock%20&%20Blues%20Festival%202009%20Sunday%20Evening.htm

Gary

The girls came into play on ‘˜Help Me’ and then Mandie as usual grabbed the
limelight with her killer version of ‘˜Rising Sun’.

Danny was really enjoying himself, playing great and with Bill and Roger
totally in the groove, it was a very good performance.

‘˜Slip Away’ and ‘˜Sea of Souls’ benefitted from both great female vocals
and amazing solos from Danny and we resolved our first set with a cool version
of ‘˜Roadhouse Blues’ .

On to the jam, what a success. Unlike last years icomic ‘˜Dave Jam’ (where
13 of the performing musicians were named Dave), we only had 3 Dave’s on
the play list.

After an opening set of all jammers meeting for the first time, we had a
killer set featuring Tim & Kurt Smith and Jason Barwick (my fave young guitarist
) from The Brew, playing with our own Danny.G and with Mick Rutherford on
the vocals. A great set by any standards.

Loads of good visiting players came out of the audience, including people
like Gizmo on the guitar, Bob on the Harp and John and Dave on the drums.
But many Bands joined in, including The Mick Rutherford Band , The Sugar
Bee’s and Green.M.

The crowd loved it and JAKS was rammed (the biggest ever Jam crowd). None
of the players and singers let the crowd down (well done Maggie on the vocals
– great voice!)’¦

At the end we closed the afternoon with ‘˜Heavens Door’ and then a rousing
‘˜Preacher Man’.

An afternoon to remember. Here’s to Tomorrow on Centre Stage

Gary

It was nice to see Dave Dicks (great harp player) return to the jam. And
overall it was a good, bluesy evening.

Next stop Skegness.

Gary

A good crowd of around a hundred was value for a wet and cold evening in
mid January.

We kicked off with ‘˜Telling Lies’, ‘˜Sea of Souls’ and ‘˜Voodoo Dance’. Kelly
and Mandie weighed in with ‘˜Help Me’, ‘˜The Big Easy’ and ‘˜House of The Rising
Sun’ (again bringing the ‘˜house’ down so to speak).

Passionate versions of ‘˜The Answer’ and ‘˜Voodoo Queen’ brought on a triple
encore of ‘˜Preacher Man’, ‘˜Heavens Door’ & ‘˜Sacrifice’ (the set lasted 110
minutes).

Crowd reaction was great & CD sales wonderful. I must apologise to Danny
and Roger, as due to the fact that I was having a rare low pain night from
my muscle disease and consequently had as good a night as gets for me on
the guitar, I was a ‘˜tad loud’ on stage (sorry guys!).

Well played Bill who held the whole thing together

A great night and a venue I’d recommend to anybody.

Thanks to Trevor and Richard for having us

We’d love to come back’¦..

Gary

However, the good news was:

– A fabulous room,

– A big stage,

– A great PA,

– Good sound man and overall sound/lighting.

A number of our regular jammers had followed us across from South West London,
including Byron Blake on harp, John Griffin and Nicollete on guitars and
vocals and the great Jimmy Dublin (who the crowd loved!).

There were some awesome jammers there from central London too and overall
for an opeining night, it was very good. At one point there was about 75
people in the room getting right behind Roadhouse and then the jammers.

Special cerdit to Roger Hunt who jammed for 90% of the night and did a great
job.

I’m leaving the next 2 weeks in the hands of Mark and Tony of the brillaint
‘˜Jam Pact’ and then one Sunday from Jimmy Dublin. This one could catch fire
as a regular event.

We’ll be back on the 13th February

Gary

Roadhouse played ‘˜Lights On The Water’ for the first time for ages and other
than some dodgy ‘˜oooohhh sections’, Kelly and Mandie had worked out the
harmony problems. Mandie was shortly up with some young guitarists to sing
a very sweet blues. ~ when it was Kelly’s turn she did great with ‘˜Sweet
Home Chicago’ (after a false start with Proud Mary ‘“ they didnt know it!)

Jimmy Dublin was back again to play the nights stand out set with Jeff Nicholson,
including a great Bass solo from Tim Matthewman. A good night.

See you in 2 weeks

Gary

However, the crowd grew respectably into the 40’² plus and got right behind
the Band.

Jimmy Dublin was up as first our support act. With Andrew Heart on the bass
and our very own Rog on the drums Jimmy got the evening off to a great and
very well appreciated start. His tone was full and rich and choice of material
spot on.

We played straight through for about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Bearing in mind
we’d had a 2 week break we were remarkably on form. ‘˜Voodoo Dance ‘˜and ‘˜Sea
of Souls’ kicked us off. Mandie and Kelly brough the house down respectively
with ‘˜House of the Rising Sun’ and ‘˜The Lying Game’. Sacrifice was given
a rare outing and powerfully delivered, with Danny playing some tasty slide.

When we came off stage a good number of people said it was the best version
of ‘˜Slip Away’ ever. I don’t know about that, but the song itself rolled
nicely along in all its depressing, monolithic majesty.

What a great way to start the year. Thanks to all the eskimos who came out
for the gig and to Mr Feenstra himself.

Happy New Year

Gary

Roadhouse rounded off 2008 with a rocking 4 song set including The Bands
current fave Voodoo Dance.

Martin (our landlord) played Santa with his excellent mince pies, but wth
talk of the Brewery either cutting back on all live music including the
jam, from early next year onwards, there was a sad nip in the air.

After 10 Years could the next jam on the 8th Janaury be the last one, we
shall see’¦..

Happy Xmas and a Happy New Year to all live music lovers,

Gary

The last time we’d played here had been Sept 2007, for Paul’s birthday and
the place had been packed. So we were diaapointed to travel such a long
way for the relatively small turn out. We played to around 0-40 people in
the first set and 70-100 were in te Venue for the 2nd.

Still the Band played well and as usual the second set was so much better
than the first. The re-action was good, sales were OK and both the owner
& the local music lovers were full of praise’¦..

On the way home I reflected on all the great trips/tours/gigs both played
and achieved this year, aginst a background of declining market and medical
and personal adversity, well done to the whole Band.

We’ve agreed to return here as Paul is such a great guy’¦.

Lets hope it rocks the next time

Next up for us and last gig of 2008, is the Xmas jam

Gary

This is a great rock and roll/biker venue and built for Roadhouse gig. It’s
great to have a nice sized dressing room with Kitchen and TV etc and we
entertianed an old school friend of Bill and I’s who’d driven up from Lincoln
for the show.

Well tonight was a hands down win with a large turnout, good repsonse and
health CD sales. The band kicked, after being honed by 2 weeks on the Road.
Danny was really enjoying himself, revelling in the large stage, big PA
environment, carving out huge chunks of tasty rock guitar. We also saw the
beginning of fruition of Mandie’s new Partnership with Kelly,as both girls
rocked out nicely.

Number wise, ‘˜Heavens Doorr’ is having a new lease of life, with Kelly’s
backing vocal giving Mandie a solid platform to work her magic from. ‘˜Sacrifice’
is back in set with Danny making nonsense of his lack of experience on the
slide guitar. My faves of the night were, ‘˜ The Answer’ and ‘˜Voodoo Dance’,
which really rocked. Bill’s new bass rig has also given him a massive shot
in the arm and would you believe he is now playing solo sections????

It was one of the longest drives home in Roadhouse history (UK wise). The
long drive gave me time to reflect on how proud I was of everyone and so
honoured that these great people were prepared to play my music”¦I’ts
now about health battles and finding strength for the longer haul ‘“ worth
it ‘“ big time

Gary

On arrival we were a little dissapointed to find that The Highway had all
the rock ambience of a Beefeater’¦

However, by showtime the place was full of warm, friendly music lovers.
The crowd were with us from the opening ‘˜Blues Highway’ and then as we hit
the rocking ‘˜No Place To Hide’ we knew we were on a winner’¦..

By the time we had rocked out to Voodoo Dance and Preacher Man, we received
a double encore in which we gave ‘˜White Water’ a rare but enjoyable outing’¦

A great night, good crowd and we hope to be back

Gary

More pool followed (with Danny demonstrating his ex Merchant Nany prowess)
and a leisurely day, before driving up to a very ‘˜Christmassy ‘˜ Harrogate
and the both atmospheric and intimate Blues Bar.

After giving ourselves a good lubrication so we slipped onto the little
stage, we had the chance to meet members of the Northern Branch of Band
Members families, as well as a great group of Roadhouse fans who’d driven
from various places, such as Preston.

After a warm welcome from our host and hostess, Simon and Sharon. We delivered
a good first set, with ‘˜Blues Highway’, ‘˜House OfThe Rising Sun’ and ‘˜The
Answer’, being the standout tracks.

After a a nice chilli (thanks Sharon!), we kicked into the 2nd set with
‘˜Voodoo Dance’. Sharon, who we had intitally met when she sang at our Jam
session at Skegness 2008, joined us for a joplinesque, ‘˜Stormy Monday’.

The 4.5 hour sans aches, exhaustion and hangover, drive home beckoned. But
it was so great to watch groups of people singing along to all the words
to our songs. It’s moments like that and the Blues Bar’s mighty fine Wolf
Blass Chardonnay, that make it all worthwhile. Time for ‘˜Preacher Man”

We’ll be back to this one.

It was once more a long way home.

Cheers Simon,

Gary

A total of about 44 people (about 250 capacty) saw 2 good sets. The second
one (as usual) dwarfing the first in both energy and quality. Still Joe
loved the Band, we sold quite a few CD’s and saw some old freinds and supporters
who’d driven a long way to see us on the night.

Back to the hotel which to everyone’s surprise was run by a Roadhouse fan
(complete with CD collection) . For the majority of the Band it was a good
late pool tournament/social and a very big nightcap’.

We started with a well sung but ‘˜staleish’ version of ‘˜Brooklyn Blues’.
‘˜Sea of Souls’ saw us get back in the Groove and then we managed to deliver
a cracking version of ‘˜The Answer’ before a spirited version of Voodoo Dance
saw Bill christen his new bass rig with a Solo (shock ‘“ News of The World
expose!). Sylvie then brough the Birthday cake on stage for a resounding
happy beirthday to Danny!!!.

Drew then took the stage for his final bow with Roadhouse. Drew chose ‘˜Preacher
Man’ for his ‘˜Last meal’ and I just love the way he harmonises the bass
run, making that whole phrase monolithically fat (so to speak!). By the
time we’d finished this 5th number, we felt lke we’d played a whole gig
(unfit or what!).

Geronimo was on great form in the jam, Tim Matthewman delivering a super
bass solo.

Drew then played his own set and featured a tribute to the late Mitch Mitchell
with a ‘˜Hedrixian frenzy’ including fantastic speed phrases and scat singing
in harmony with his twisitng guitar lines. He finfshed he set off by giving
his guitar a good tounging and applying his mouth quite vigorously to the
hot, on stage, axe action (believe me mate dental floss is cheaper and safer!)
.

It was sad to see Drew go, for over 2 years and over 60 gigs he’d been a
Roadhouse mainstay on both guitar and while Bill was in hospital, on bass.
As he walked off into the snow of a Canadian winter, I reflected on the
amount of friends who’s left the band over the 18 years of our Tenure –
sad and proud!!!

Frank then announced the sad passing of Mark Havart, one of the famous jamming
Havart twins ‘“ mate we’ll miss you/ Our personal legion of dead friends
is recruiting at an increasing speed ‘“ mate, we’ll miss you!

Copies of Rock N Reeel were all over the Woodman as the new Roadhouse review
of Sea of Souls, with giant Ad and a track on their new artists to listen
to CD (Preacher Man ‘“ over 30,000 copies) hit the ‘˜high street’ at both
W.H.Smiths and Borders.

It left me at home, dreaming of my private jet and special Limo’s, with
interior swimming pools (and then I woke up with the usual hang over)

Gary

It was great to see so many friends both new and old, especially the folk
who’s last seen us at Skegness.

This was the last performance after a busy schedule, before we grabbed a
well deserved break.

It was good to go out on a high. Major, thanks to Kelly for arranging.

Rock on

Gary

Still everyone had a great time, with nearly all musicians getting 2-3 appearances
on stage .It was good to see Mandie and Kelly totally making up songs (complete
improvisation). While there was a mixture of the brilliant, avarage and
terrible , we all had fun improvising and trying new

things.

The next jam lead by Roadhouse is on the 13th November .Lets hope for a
better turn out of musicians’¦

Gary

Playing a mid afternoon slot under the ‘˜Big top’ at Butlins, Skegness can
be very daunting. There were about 200 people in front of the stage area,
with maybe another countless hord distributed across the cafes, bars and
amusement arcades that make up the big top. So with a constant flow of people
through the central walkway, I’ve no idea just how many people heard this
show’¦.

We eased the crowd in with ‘˜Blues Highway’ , ‘˜Not Fade Away’ and ‘˜Help Me’
(introducing our fab 3 girls). The response was really good and a number
of pople who had seen us at MCN’s last festival came to the front and gave
us some support.

We were soon rocking out and the guitar duel at the end of the first set,
seemed both good and appropriate.

The second set rocked out and went down well with the motorcycling fraternity.
‘˜Roadhouse Blues’ struck that ‘5th gear’ motorcycling chord and the band
intros flowed really well in ‘˜Voodoo Queen’. Roger’s drum solo was a cracker
and the girls just oozed vampiric, sultry sexuality on their individual
vocal segments. Danny, stole the show with a Joe Satriani style shred, followed
by the sailors hornpipe (he nearly earned a Butlins Redcoat with that one)

Performance 2 ‘“ JAKS Stage -23.00:

Onto closing the whole festival on the JAKS stage, late Sunday night into
Monday morning.

We were following the wnners of the Keraang Batlle of the Bands onto the
stage. Their set sounded like the screams of a million damned souls, descending
into a black vortex of eternal torture ( you get the idea ‘“ it was f****ing
loud!)

After the thermo nuclear assault, it was hard to get our sound balanced
properly. As we kicked into ‘˜Voodoo Dance’ Roger was deafened by white noise
coming out of his monitor and I don’t know how he got through the song.

As we got into the set the sound settled down. ‘˜Slip Away’ carried on the
soul in torment theme of the night (quite nicely I thought) and ‘˜Rising
Sun’ had a strong impact.

The organisers had asked us to integrate a short jam session. Famous Motorcycle
and Red Bull air racing comentator Barry joined us for good quality harp
and vocals on ‘˜Mustang Sally’ with aguest bass player who’s name escapes
me.

We finished with a blast of Preacher Man’ and then it was a long, long
way home (as the song goes) and the end of a health sapping 8 shows in 11
days.

A special thanks to the girls who sold a tremendous amount of CD’s on this
trip. Well done ladies’

Back for the Major Blues & Rock festival in January, bring it on

Gary

On this night expectations were high, as he had a private birthday party
in a hall at the back of the venue, for a guy who was a Roadhouse fan .
A lot of the party goers were expected to come front of house, for the show.
Our last appearance at the Cider Shed pulled a great crowd, so we were hoping
for a good turn out.

On the downside we only achieved a medium sized crowd, which lowered the
door taking. On the plus side the crowd were really up for it (especially
in the second set). In the first half the stage sound was a little loud,
once modified the Euro Tour form cam flooding back and from the opening
‘˜Voodoo Dance’ it was a kick arse performance, with a good encore.

We saw a number of old friends and supporters and sales of Sea of Souls
were decent.

Jonty said that having bands like us was the main reason he’d taken on the
venue, and with flattery like that, we can only agree to return next year.

As we drove up to Skegness tension was quite high between some band memebrs.
This was due to the unexpectedly low door money and the fact that it takes
around 4-5 weeks for gig money to come through from a major festival. The
band debt incurred from making and marketing Sea of Souls is pretty daunting
(as it mainly hangs on me ‘“ I can tell you it’s quite a weight). For some
band members the hard work for for little, or even negative financial return,
was starting to bite. For others the musical vision, live perfromance and
level of Global artistic achievement is enough ‘“ this is not an easy game’¦..

We turned on the heaters in our little Butlin’s chalets at about 3.30am
and hoped for some semblance of sleep.

Perhaps it would all look brighter in the morning????

Gary

Still the jam is so good for local live music, thats why we kill ourselves
keeping it going -musicians are always warmly welcomed, come on down to
London’s freindliest jam (probably!)’¦

Gary

Promoted by our old and valued friend Michel Hofkens, the venue had a great
set, superb stage and lighting. This great new place was run by a great
music enthusiast, Paul (what a terrific guy!)’¦.

After a quick set up we were ready to rock, but’..

The new purpose built house PA, would just not work’¦.

Paul made a phone call and brought in his ‘˜engineer.’ ‘“ an hour of feedback
noises later’¦.we and the crowd were still waiting, but we’d all had a
few beers together and it built anticipation for the gigi, rather than raise
the stress levels.

Outside the venue we spotted some great old muscle cars and a fantastic
old Harley mounted with full on, ‘˜Broken Land’ style cow horns’¦ On meeting
the biker himself we discovered he’d rode this beast to Russia and back.
Que the shy and retiring Kelly to volunteer herself for a ride on pillion
– and we watched her blast off into the distance (hoping she wasn’t en route
to Russia)’¦

Paul finally gave up on the PA and Bill and Roger saved the day with an
ace and perfect 20 minute set up of the Roadhouse PA’¦

Into the show and amazingly, about 70% of my voice was back, but we asked
the girls to ‘˜step up to the plate’ again and they did a great job. After
‘˜Blues Highway’ provided a slick entry to the set, the girls powered out
‘˜Help Me’, ‘˜The Lying Game’, ‘˜House of the Rising Sun’ and ‘˜The Big Easy’
to great acclaim. Another good guitar trade off (and gurn off) in ‘˜Rock
Me Baby’ was followed by a blitz of a second set.

Amazingly my good guitar form continued and I pulled off another good solo
as Mandie belted out ‘˜ Heavens Door’ en route to a ‘˜Tellin Lies’, ‘˜Voodoo
Queen’ finale’¦.

A double encore ensued, followed by a nice meal courtesy of our host Paul.

We are dying to come back to this venue ‘“ great place, great people’¦..

A few hours later we were sitting on the Ferry, tired but happy, reflecting
on a fantasic trip’.even though we’d sold a shed load of CD’s, overall
we had still lost money ‘“ but so what ‘“ are we in this to get rich, or to
enjoy rocking out live? ‘“ answers by text to Roadhouse competition)

Proud of the Band!!!!

Gary

A fridgefull of beer (thoughfully supplied by the venue) and a ordered in
Chinese later, we were ready to take the stage. However, not before talking
to the great Manager Peer and the couple of die hard Roadhouse supporters,
that had moved from Wimbledon to Eindhoeven and made this gig possible.

While talking to Peer, what was left of my voice deteriorated to a cartoon
squeek and I knew the girls would be working hard tonight. Richard the paranoid
sound guy patrolled the front of the stage, like a stalker on heat, as he
strove to turn the guitars down, and let the girls hear the monitors.

Attendance at the Rambler had been low recently, with a high of 115 and
a low of 18 in recent weeks. So we were ok with the 80 or so people in the
audience.

The girls may have struggled with the monitors, but we hit the ground running,
My goal was to sing as many rockers as I could, before my voice gave out
completely. This ws also an excuse for the venue to give me lots of free
brandy (which didn’t help my voice, but boy did it make me feel good).

To take the pressure off of my voice we reintroduced ‘˜Heavens Door’, giving
Mandie a 2nd Power Ballad/Roots Song and she gave it the full treatment.
Strangely my guitar playing went to a whole new level, from that song onward.

In fact it was probably the best I have ever played at any gig (ever). With
Danny matching me blow by blow and Bill and Roger keeping it tight, the
first set was a triumph of energy and great singing (by the girls anyway)
over a strangely variable mix.

The second set started well after 11pm, with the crowd now a bit thinned
out. Never mind, ‘˜Voodoo Dance’, ‘˜Telling Lies’, ‘˜Slip Away’ all hit the
spot. Roger’s drum solo in’Voodoo Queen’, began a run of hot solos for him
that would be seen to continue over the next few gigs.

There was time for me to talk my way through ‘˜Preacher Man’ until Danny
and both Mandie and Suzie did the main ‘˜talking’ on the end section.

With the venue happy with the news, that I planned to bring my voice with
me on our return, we limped off for anther late night.

Job done!

Gary

This was a late one, after 11.00 pm a stage area was cleared. A quick set
up. was the required as suddenly the the place filled up rapdily until it
was packed out. Converting nicely from an eatery to a funky live music joint.

We set off with ‘˜Blues Highway ‘˜and ‘˜Not Fade Away. A pretty good reaction
from the crowd. We had Tim and boys from the Brew down the front with a
lot of musos and the first (closest) half of the crowd were really with
us’.

After the first 40 or so people in the closest proximity to the stage the
wedge of folk behind that, including about another 50 outside, were less
re-active.

Midset we started rocking with ‘˜No Place To Hide’ to great response, but
then as we slowed it down the set lost impetus. The guitar battle at the
the end of Rock Me Baby won the crowd back. My guitar playing seemed to
have gone up a notch on this trip, so Danny and I had a notably good trade
off.

Those of you who have followed my health strugles with my neurological condition,
would question my sanity at doing these 4 consequtive shows (as did I) ,
but I was feeling remarkably full of energy and a problem came from an unexpected
source.

My voice was still on good form, but I noticed that by the end of the night
it had a ‘˜growlier’ aspect to it.Little did not know that most of my voice
would be gone by morning.

We blasted into the second set with ‘˜Roadhouse Blues’ and were just going
into overdrive on ‘˜Voodoo Dance’ when Bill had to come off stage with seized
tendons in his arm . Tim Smith rom the Brew bravely stepped up and added
some bass. Bill returned and we were able to get a good jam number going
with the boys from the Brew, before a classic ‘˜Voodoo Queen/Preacher Man’
encore, finish.

Thanks to Esther and Tim for the gig and to Hans for the great food (chicken
and fish to die for ).We also met some great musos, and musicians including
a great yourng guitar player called Arnold who has offered to help us get
more Euro gigs.

We also jammed on ‘˜Watchtower’ for the second night running with a great
local sax player who’s name was I think ‘˜Ando’.

4am it was finally off to bed, but not for some of the band who went out
to party (the indentities of the band members concerned will remain a secret!
– (read about their antics in the News Of The World)

2 Down, 2 to go

Gary

The Podium in Schiedam was a great medium sized venue, based on the banks
of a scenic canal. It reminded me a lot of the times I used to work, gig
and jam in Amsterdam (some of the best times of my life).

We met Ester, Tim’s friend and right hand in Holland, who had been instrumental
in putting the Rotterdam segment of the tour together. A massive thanks
to her .

After Roger had heroically steered the tour bus through a partially open
channel tunnel, we snatched some dodgy burgers, satay and chips before kicking
off. the show

A decent sized crowd (thanks to Tim’s promotion) saw a good performnce from
the Band. It was great having all 3 girls on the tour and on this night
they really looked the part. Halfway through the first set we now had our
traditional Ladies segment, with Suzie singing ‘˜The Lying Game’, Mandie
‘˜House of the Rising Sun’ and Kelly, ‘˜The Big Easy’. All were on good form
as was Danny, who relished the whole tour. The guitar duel in the middle
of ‘˜Rock Me’ really seemed to resonate with the audience, many of whom were
local musicians or artists, in this wonderfully bohemian venue.

‘˜Voodoo Dance’ and ‘˜Roadhouse Blues’ provided a storming start to the second
set. There was then a great moment when I went into the audience to play
the intro to ‘˜Telling Lies’ and realised that the my legs weren’t long enough
to get onto the closest stool (shouldnt have been surprised should I?)

The set came to a good climax with members with The Brew coming on stage
to jam with us. First Mandie sang ‘˜Whole Lotta Love’, which featured the
amazing Jason on the lead guitar. The night finished with a rocking version
of ‘˜Crossroads’ with Kurt on the drums, Tim on the bass, Danny and Jason
on guitars and amazingly enough I was really pleased with my lead vocal
(This was to come back to haunt me on the rest of the tour)

A great night, a memorable return to Europe and this great venue wants us
back!

Gary

We made a lot of new friends.

The band played great with Mandie and Kelly singing great in combination.

After the last echoes of the encore ‘˜Preacher Man’ faded into the night,
we sold a lot of the new CD. Sea of Souls is going great guns, both in terms
of sales and airplay around the world.

We’ll look forward to coming back to this excellent gig,

Thanks to the real music lovers

Gary

With a generous turn round times this year, we had a leisurely set up. By
the time we hit the stage at around 9.15 the auditorium was rammed full
of people.

If Merton Abbey was one of our greatest ever all round shows, this was probably
the best ever Roadhouse visual, big stage performance.

All 3 girls looked fantastic dressed in black and put great energy and movement
into the show. So many of the crowd came up afterwards and said it was the
best they’d ever seen the band look and sound.

On the down side we had some typical big stage sound problems. Monitoring
issues lead to one or two timing errors, Danny’s guitar rig cut in and out
a few times and the gods of guitar refused to sprinkle any fairy dust on
my solos.

Still the new songs ‘˜landed’ really well. The crowd were right with us and
seized the chance of keeping us on for a encore. Preacher Man ‘“ no surpise!!

We played for over an hour and 20 minutes, but as usual it just didn’t seem
long enough. The return of Voodoo Queen to the set gave a chance for me
to introduce the Band and the cowd gave all 3 girls and Danny much respect.
Honours went to Roger though, who generated a damn fine drum solo

Our great friends the Brew followed us on, with a rocking set. Meanwhile
we were stil signing copies of Sea of Souls and chatting to a lot of the
great people who had travelled such along way to come and support us.

To end the evening I ran a 45 minute jam session. I involved Adrian and
his harp player from the Mustangs.Kurt, the awesome drummer from the Brew
was a constant in the jam, as the line up morphed into Mandie.G being bellting
out a fine version of ‘˜A Whole Lotta Love’ while being backed by the guys
from the Brew. The evening finished with a 3 guitars blazing version of
‘˜Crossroads’, featuring Tim Smith on vocals. I enjoyed my final solo players
(and nice guys).

It was all recorded live by a Belgian Sound Crew ‘“ Live CD Coming Your Way??

Colne 2008 ‘“ Thank you for the memories”

Gary

The weather was nice, the gods of Blues/Rock smiling on us, providing a
window in the sludgy greyness that has been yet another apology for an English
summer. With the expert Brian and his crew managing the massive PA and with
a whole 2 hour slot to fill, the stage was set for one of the finest ever
Roadhouse gigs’¦.

Having all 3 girls on duty in our festival line up was another postivie
and they looked amazing in black. They put on an awesome vocal and visual
show.

We started to a good sized crowd and by the time we were into the second
set, it must have been one of the largest ever Merton Abbey Blues Festival
crowds. The crowd were also very, very responsive. With so many Roadhouse
suporters there, we were able to play a ‘˜full on’ show rather than resorting
to the occassional less than stellar cover version, in order to keep the
interest of the uninitiated.

Bearing in mind we’d just had a 3 week break, I could not believe how well
the whole band played. We were augmented by Frank Dymore on percussion,
who did a fine job and Andrew Heart guested on Bass in a roaring second
set ‘˜Wachtower’, providing a slick little solo.

The band kicked off with the title track of the new CD, ‘˜Sea of Souls’ and
rocked through all girls having a feature as we blasted through, ‘˜The Lying
Game’ -Suzie, ‘˜House of The Rising Sun’ ‘“ Mandie and ‘˜The Big Easy’ ‘“ Kelly..

As Danny and I traded extended guitar licks into the fading of the summer
light the first set finished to a tremendous reaction.

The second set just lifted and lifted, as Voodoo Dance, Tellin Lies and
Preacher Man (Encore) took it to a whole new level’¦

CD sales were our best ever by a long way for this festival.

It was one of the nigts were all the pain, effort (and debt) semed worthwhile’¦

Thank you so much for your support, it was like a football team laying at
home to well over a 1,000 loyal supporters. Please don’t leave it another
year before coming to see us..

You can see pictures of the show, courtesy of Phil on http://www.flickr.com/photos/philmcelhinney/sets/

Rock on

Gary

However, with Andrew Heart doing a fine job depping for Bill on the Bass,
it was a good warm up gig for the band’¦..

Voodoo Dance was very full on (Martin had to close all the pub windows and
doors quickly before the noise police tunred on the sirens). Kelly did a
good Lying Game and Mandie as ever was on top form with The House of The
Rising Sun.

The smaller amount of musicans attending meant no-body needed to rush and
people could musically stretch out.

Geronimo played a great solo in the first of his 3 songs and the Pete Bedford
Band produced a superb set ,which climaxed with a storming version of The
Who’s, Won’t Get Fooled Again.

There was Time for Danny, Andrew and I, joined by the lovely Betty on percussion,
to blast out a typically indulgent ‘˜Watchtower’. I was pleased to connect
well with the solo, particularly after being away from playing for 3 weeks.
This song probabaly received the best re-action of the night.

There was still time for Syd and his ‘˜magic banjo’ to lay down the msucial
version of the Epiogue (remember that?) ‘“ as he adeptly ‘˜plonked us’ into
the damp summer night’

Bring on Merton Abbey and Colne’¦.

Gary

Kelly then took on Suzie.D’s ‘˜Tthe Lying Game’ and for a first time and
being fairly unrehearsed, she did a great job’¦.

We finished up with Voodoo Dance and I got into some weird rant featuring
parts of Meatloafs ‘˜On a hot summer night (would you offer your throat to
the Wolf with the red roses’, meshed in with will you risk it for a biscuit.
I need help ‘“ honest!.

Fank Dymore was hysterically funny abusing all present (and especially me),
which was pretty rich from a guy wearing a giant tablecloth instead of a
shirt.

Danny played ell with the Pete Bedford Band (the tart!), who also featred
the great Tim Matthewman on the bass. The Isidore brothers (of Seal and
Robin Trower fame) and Andrew Heart were beset by technical (guitar lead
problems) and when Gus ovecame that, he popped his E string (painful!) –
for the first time it wasn’t their night.

Geronimo was on form, as was Joe.X on the guitar. As the crowd thinned out
(to match the most common hairstyle present) Syd played us into the summer
break on his amazing banjo’¦

The jam resumes on August the 21st

Gary

It was great to see Jimmy Dublin back onstage at the end of the night. Playing
great despite his season ticket for the hospital’¦.good man!

Gary

Thanks also to Pete Feenstra and George McFall for both keeping faith in
us and all that they do for live music in London’¦.

Our good friend and Roadhouse legend Drew Barron kicked off proceedings,
with Frank Dymore on the drums and Pete on the bass. Drew played a cool
opening set and was joined by that great guitar player Tim O’Sullivan for
the final 2 songs. My personal fave was the jazz flavoured rendition of
‘˜Summertime’, which featured some tasty guitar trade offs.

Onto the Roadhouse set, which featured all 3 of our great female vocalists.
We kicked off with ‘˜Sea of Souls’, then played Lights On The Water’. These
were shortly followed by ‘˜No Place to Hide’ and ‘˜Slip Away’ from the No
Place To Hide album.

We then featured all 3 girls in sequence, Suzie on the radio friendly ‘˜Lying
Game’ and Mandie bringing the house down with her smokey blues version of
‘˜House of The Rising Sun’. Kelly rounded off the hot, ‘3 girl action’ with
‘˜The Big Easy’ from Broken Land.

‘˜Telling Lies’ had the crowd stomping along behind us and the atmosphere
was so warm and supportive, it was like a being in a football team playing
at home.

The girls were putting on a great show, dressed all in black they looked
totally cool (in my humble opinion)’¦

Preacher Man lead to a great shout for and encore and with timer unning
out on us,

‘˜ White Water’ finished off the night.

I was really proud of everyone in the Band for the qulity of performance
(but don’t tell them, or they will think I’m getting soft!)

We sold over 30 CD’s on the night. A massive thanks to all that came, you
made up a vey good crowd. It ws especially nice to see Pete Sargeant there
(whose review of the new CD graces this site) and special thanks to Darren
Wisdom (another good writer) who was the only person to come to both North
London and South London launches (and spent hours travelling to so so).

Onwards with much more hope and determination,

Gary

What a venue, great stage PA, lighting, effects, lovely room. Good pub with
nice food ‘“ dressing room ‘“ the works ‘“ Well done Pete Feenstra!!

Now the downside ‘“ hardly anybody came. Pete and the band must have sent
a mailshot to over 500 people and countless ‘˜e’ reminders ‘“ but that was
the reality’

However, the small crowd (including Roadhouse legend Anne Campbell & partner)
were right behind the band. The actual performance was excellent with some
scorching renditions off the new songs and sme old lassica blended in’¦..

A big thanks to all that came ‘¦we wish there were more great music lovers
like you’We sold 10 CD’s between less then 20 people, which is some
result in the circumstances.

Lets keep our head up and see how Sunday night at The Boom Boom Club turns
out.

Gary

In the ‘˜Jam’ itself there was a good set from the Pete Bedford band and
it was nice to hear Jeff Nicholson (of East of Eden Fame and tonight’s Birthday
Boy) on such great from on the pedal steel’¦

Syd ‘˜banjoed’ us into the night’¦as we all thought of the forthcoming launch
gigs and the release of the new CD Sea of Souls ‘“ just 6 days to go’¦.

Gary

Dave was an engaging and musically knowledgable Landlord, it was good to
work with him.

The venue itself was long and thin in shape and a bit small for us. We were
wedeged down the far end ,with the majority of the audinece over half the
pub away. It was all a bit surreal and hard to gain connection. Things were
not helped by a perfect sound out front, but a stage sound that boomed around
the alcoves and was deafening Roger (hang on I though he was deaf already!!)

Anyway, it made the band work very hard and have some ‘˜feisty’ altercations
at the break. We pulled together, altered our stage positions and delivered
a much more cohesive and powerful second set. We even got a reaction from
the famously passive audience.

At the end we spoke to a load of lovely people, including Dave, who had
really enjoyed it and we sold a lot of CD’s.

With the CD a few days from release it was good for the Band to have to
work so hard.

It was still along drive home..

Gary

Suzie sang the Lying Game from our new (best ever!) CD, Sea of Souls and
later returned to sing her own composition ‘˜Don’t Let Go’, as a temporary
goodbye to all her friends and supporters’¦

Mandie gave a debut to ‘˜Tumbling Down’ which was well played and sung for
a first outing (again on the new CD). Also we gave a very first aring to
‘˜The Dark Of The Sun’, which the band played well, but would have benfeitted
from me remembering one chord change and getting all the words right on
the bridge (duuurgh, still, not bad)’¦..

Due to the dearth (not death!!) of musicians we had a few solo acts, with
Laurie starting us off ,before there was a few songs from that great singer
songwriter Micheal Ray Jr’

Drew Barron sported his old hollow bodied guitar and generated a mean and
tasty tone, as he blasted through some great rock blues. The end of the
night saw the return the Woodman stage of Jimmy Dublin, after a recent spate
of hospital torment. Welcome back Jim, keep fighting the good fight mate.

Joining Jimmy was an old friend of ours, Bob on the harp, one of the stars
of our legendary Skegness Festival jam sessions.

At least he could be bothered to turn out (and he came all the way from
Lincoln)..

Musicians let’s be having you -Or I’ll stay at home and do my knitting

Gary

However, in our break two great yourngsters (13 years old), on the drums
and guitar, called the Peppercorns, played a stonking little set. Original
music with a variety of flavours incluing blues/ modern rock and reggae,
warmed everybody up. I hope the lads keep going with it, they could do well’

Onto the second set’¦. the band really gelled from the opening ‘˜Watchtower’
into a great version of ‘˜Voodoo Dance’, followed by ‘˜The Answer’. A double
encore and comments around best band, perfromance and Roadhouse line up
sent us happily onto the long drive home’¦

Back on the 15th November

Gary

This was a first gig for Suzie and Kelly woking together in tandem and they
did a good job. Kelly taking lead on The ‘˜Big Easy’ and Suzie delivering
her new song ‘˜The Lying Game’ (as featured on the new CD Sea of Souls)

It was great to have a visit from Roadhouse legend Anne Campbell and her
new man John. She is still a great supporter of the Band and its always
good to see her at a gig.

The second set Rocked big style and all thoughts of an early finish dissapeared
with a double emcore and Danny shreeding into the night at the end of Preacher
Man’¦..

Cheers Trev’¦.

Gary

The only downside to the Musician is its tendency for variable crowd numbers,
which is dependant on what’s going on in the surrounding area. Unfortunatly
the crowd was smaller than we both band would have liked, but they were
passionate, both bands attracting a core of loyal supporters.

The Roadhouse set was very well played. Even though we were on first the
crowd were totally behind the band. The new numbers went down well especially,
‘˜Lights on the Water’, ‘˜The Answer’ and Mandie’s ‘˜House of The Rising Sun’.
Suzie powered out a rocking ‘˜Big Easy’ and Danny burned up the fretboard
on the encore, ‘˜Preacher Man’.

Next up The Brew, with Jason Barwick proving he is one of the finest your
guitar players in the country, great set guys’¦..Tim Smith has helped us
so much and had Mandie join him for a retro ‘˜Whole Lotta Love’, at the end
of the set.

For the last number I joined The Brew for a rock out on ‘˜Crossroads’ and
loved trading licks and solos with Jason, fronting Kurt and Tim’s thundering
rythmn section’¦

A great night

Gary

This time the audience (which contained people who had come to see us following
our appearance at The Burnley Blues festival) were totally with us from
shortly after the off.

A played a well received 2 sets, to a good sized crowd. Highlights included
Mandie’s ‘˜House of The Rising Sun’, ‘˜Tellin Lies’, ‘˜Slip Away’ and a rousing
‘˜Watchtower”¦

Nice one Les, We’ll be back

Gary

What friendly people, the whole place had a real indivual warm atmosphere.
With the high stage, good lighting and PA, I’d recommend this gig to other
touring bands’¦

Though we had the sound problems, there was a good crowd for the first set.
However, the audience reaction though positive, was not at the high level
we are used to. In the second set, the corwd thinned out due to the late
timing, but conversly the reaction improved as we turned up the heat and
rocked it up a bit.. Preacher Man ‘˜kicked’ as the usual encore.

Just as we were thinking we hadn’t gone down quite as well as usual, we
were besieged by loads of friendly people telling us how much they they
had appreciated original music and improvisation. This after a standard
diet of mainly covers and tribute bands performing in the area.

Out host Jimmy held court till 6am, most of the band crashing in sleeping
bags. While the 2 most decrepid and unheathy of us (including me!), blew
our gig money and more on a hotel bed for the night (what a happened to
the spirit of rock and roll?)

Gary

Also handicapped by being asked to play covers, w decided to go for a 50/50
split.

Opening with ‘˜Heavens Door’ and ‘˜Slip Away’, the crowd began to grow.

We kicked into ‘˜Telling Lies’ and our 3 girl festival line up started to
make its presence felt as people started racing to the front.

Mandie again pulled in a standing ovation, for her stunning Blues Rendition
of ‘˜House of the Rising Sun’. Additionally, Voodoo Dance was another great
preview of the new CD, which will be rleased in June (as featured on YouTube).

Danny was on top form as we said goodnight with a belting Preacher Man.
The much bigger crowd were now totally with us. CD sales were amazing, bearing
in mind that we were selling original music to anon music festival’¦

We drove away to the sound of a Blondie Tribute band cranking up their Drum
machine. We’d love to replace Roger, but cant find a machine with a capability
for extensive moaning’.

We didnt know how this would turn out, as we had no idea if there would
be any musicians present at this rocking weekend.

However, it went rather well. After an opening 3 Roadhouse songs to set
the tone (including a nice ‘˜Blues Highway’) we involved 2 bass players,
4 drummers, a guitarist and about 14 vocalists.

Highlights included the 4 ladies (and the drunken guy) who joined us on
backing vocals for ‘˜Mustang Sally’. Also the female bass player who’d only
had 3 lessons and was coached by Bill through a whole number, on this largre
stage in front of about 500 people’¦.brave and happy lady!

However, the whole thing was such hard work to organise, we were drained
(especially me!) and we had to get ourselves ready for the main stage at
8pm’¦.

The previous night we had checked out the covers bands that were almost
exclusively playing the festival, including X Factor 3rd placer Ben (and
his flowing locks). Great voice and band’. but, why did so many people
leave???

The crowd were in party mood with well over a thousand people were in fancy
dress. Star Wars characters mixed with the Cast of St Trinians, Smurfs,
Romans and enough fetish clad women (and the occassional tranny) to make
most mens pulse race (but not if your as old as me and are missing a pulse)’¦

This lead to some serious Roadhouse partying, climaxing with Kelly in an
inflatable Penis outift (but thats another story!)’¦..

There was a lot of interest in seeing Kelly in one o her first full gigs
and as a consequence it was the best crowd that BB’s club has seen for years’¦

As a double whammy Roadhouse legend Billi Shaw also turned up and duetted
with Mandie on ‘˜Rising Sun’ and ‘˜Rock Me Baby.’ Standing ovations all round’¦

It was great to see that fine old statesman of the blues Bob Bruning, be
delighted with the atmosphere and turn out of this nice blues club.

Kelly herself had a great night. On the first song she let the nerves get
to her and was ‘˜A little pitchy’. After that she rocked, delivering an excellent
lead vocal on ‘˜The Big Easy’

The new songs went down well and overall the whole night was a big success’¦..

Roadhouse played Blues Highway, Sea of Souls and The Answer. Bearing in
mind Danny and I hadnt touched our guitars for over a week, the playing
was pretty damn good.

The whole night had a Roadhouse theme, with Kelly doing her first solo jam
song (and learning the lesson of getting the band to play in the right key
for her ‘“ she still did a good job). Mandie followed on with Summertime
and Roadhouse legend Drew Barron did a great set with Bill & Roger, including
an ace version of ‘˜Gloria’. Drew also joined Bill, Funky Goerge and I for
a stoming ‘˜Watchtower’ towards the end of the evening.

Dr Noel Brown completed the Roadhouse theme by joining John Scott and friends.
New fave Joe.X on the guitar played an ace set and Syd played us out on
the Banjo.

Pride of place went to Pete Bedford, as it was the night of his 60th Birthday.
Despite a good set he had the piss appropriately ripped out of him all night’Keep
on rocking Pete

Well here’s to the Motorcycle News festival to 5,000 peole at the Weekend
and then the next jam on May 1st

Gary

Roadhouse were on first and did a surprisingly slick set ( A surprise to
me!) of new material. The Answer, Sea of Souls & Lights on The Water were
all well played . Kelly was working with Mandie for a change with Suzie
off sick. As the 2 girls hadn’t worked together before there were some rough
patches on Lights and The Answer. However, enough quality came through to
see that with work, they are going to be an excellent partnership.

Mandie’s good friend Mel Jackson (another nice young lady) joined us to
Sing on Voodoo Dance and demonstrated that her voice has come on leaps and
bounds (one for the future perhaps?)

Later Mel joined Roadhouse legend Drew Barron, Andrew Heart on Bass and
Robin Trower band drummer, Reg Isidore to hammer out another good number
before Drew rocked out on Mr Trowers own Too Rolling Stoned

This was one of the busiest ever jams and some people did not even get on
the play list ‘“ apologies, but please arrive early/earlier.

New fave Joe.X did a good set and old fave Jimmy Dublin closed the night
out by having a ‘˜Whole Lotta Love’ with Mandie (if you know what I mean?)

The Pete Bedford band were as good as usual and then the stage was besieged
by an army of photographers for the appearance of 80’²s superstar Rick Astley,
who proved to be a competent drummer for Arwel and his Band’¦

You never know who’s coming to The Woodman Jams??

Only one jam scheduled for April, due to the school Hols ‘“ then back to
every 2 weeks

See you on the 17th April

Gary

He had no need to be, as this was arguably our best crowd and overall Hope
Tavern gig ever’.

The standing joke was that crowd were so close to us poeple had to manouvre
round my mikestand to get to the toilet. This was ok until the afternoons
drinking stated to take effect, which resulted in mye getting battered in
the mouth by the microphone on at least 5 occassions (much to the crowds
increasing hilarity)’¦..

Thier was some great banter and I had one of those rare days where my guitar
playing just came together and I went up to that higher level (probably
the best I’ve played in memory)’¦.. the rest of band were snoring as I
droned on and on, but the cheers of the crowd perked me up no end (real
music lovers in my view)’¦.

From a gentle start with ‘˜Brooklyn Blues’, we lifted it with a storming
No Place To Hide’ and a great vrsion of ‘˜Dark River’ which features an improved
vocal arrangement. ‘˜Lights OnThe Water’ was suitably atmospheric and then
Mandie and Suzie brought the house down with their versions of ‘˜Rising Sun’
and ‘˜Big Easy’, respectively.

The second set really rocked with Voodoo Dance being the pick of the impact
numbers.

All was set up for Preacher Man, but unfortunately not, as Danny’s amp bit
the dust at the end of Voodoo Queen.

It was funny doing 2 encores without Danny (who’d played so well over the
weekend ‘“ as had Bill and Roger, our legendary rhythmn section), but it
allowed me to branch out on Whiskey Man, which we dusted down and pulled
out of the archives.

One of the great all time gigs. It was good to see Ray and Nicky again.
A big thanks to Graham for having us back and John the Baldingbloke McGuire
for filming the whole thing. Great CD sales and more YouTube posts to hopefully
follow

Gary

With Tim and loads of the Brew crowd partying with us in our dressing room
before show time, the main room filled up to a good level and it was game
on.

A initial warm response from the crowd kicked up into overdrive, following
Mandie’s now legendary version of ‘˜Rising Sun’. ‘˜The Answer’ was on the
money and the first set finished with a good trade off betwwen Danny and
I on ‘˜Rock Me Baby’

The second set belted into action with a double tap of the You Tube fave
‘˜Voodoo Dance’ and ‘˜Roadhouse Blues’, followed by a kicking ‘˜Telling Lies’.

We then guested that great guitar player, young Jason from the Brew. He
joined Suzie and Danny for an atmospheric Stormy Monday and his playing
soared. The crowd went nuts fo this talented young player, who was so obviously
enjoying this excursion into the Blues. He stuck with it for Help Me and
delivered another blinding solo (Go seeThe Brew, they are a great Band!)’¦

Watchtower & Voodoo Queen lead to a mass demand for an encore (and later
CD’s). Preacher Man sent us off into the night’ A really good gig at
a great venue ‘“ We’ll be back!!! (health and life permitting)

Gary

We have been given a green light now to run the jam every 2 weeks for the
next 3 months (with one 3 week break for the school Easter Holidays). We
need more people to come out and support the jam or it will die!

Still it was a great turnout after such a long break. It was also a chance
for Roadhouse to work on and showcase their new material.

The new vocal arrangement of Dark River worked a treat, and then band also
played Sea of Souls, The Answer & Voodoo Dance (the latter 3 allowing us
to include to fast developing vocal talent of Kelly Marie Hobbs.

Highlight of this jam was the 3 song session, where Robin Bibi and Jimmy
Dublin traded off some great licks and were backed by the ace bass playing
of Tim Mathewman.

Lets hope for a good turn out at the next jam on the 27th March

Cheers,

Gary

Mark Freeman did a good number and then drummed for cool guitarists Geronimo
and Lol Sandford, ably assisted by the legendary Pete Sargent. Pete did
a moving tribute to Jeff Healey who had died the previuos weekend, by playing
an excellent version of Confidence Man.

Roahouse played 2 sets and I featured all 3 of our great girl singers, Skegness
style.

We stated with Slip Away, moved into Brooklyn Blues and then to the new
numbers.

The Answer was played with real feeling, though we stuttered going into
the fast section at the end, while Lights On the Water hit he spot. Mandie’s
blues flavoured rendition of House of the Rsing Sun brought the house down
and Voodoo Dance is fast becoming a Roadhouse classic.

Suzie sung a killer Big Easy, Kelly sounded great and we belted out Telling
Lies (with my usual table dancing routine)

Check out this YouTube link thanks to Tim O’Sulivan (poor sound but the
visuals give you an idea of the night

And here is the video clip!

Pictures of the night go to:

http://s144.photobucket.com/albums/r189/tim_caesar/Roadhouse%20Bulls%20Head%20Barnes%20030308/

We finished by welcoming Drew onstage for a classic No Place To Hide and
then Tim for a guitars raised to the heavens epic Preacher Man. A very decent
crowd for a Monday night and somehow this bandwagon rolls onwards”¦

Thanks to George & Pete.F

Gary

This jam was well attended, despite the fact that we had not appeared at
the ‘˜Woody’ for a month.

Roadhouse kicked off with 3 new songs, ‘˜The Answer’, follwed by a first
outing for the blues rocker ‘˜Sea of Souls’. we finished the set with our
most succesful song judged from the Skegness fstival feedback, ‘˜Voodoo Dance’.
Kelly joined Mandie and Suzie for all 3 numbers and the 3 girls appraoch
worked a treat (just as it did on the big stage in Skeggy). The 3 songs
went donw really well and received great feedback from the crowd.

This was followed by an appearance from young prodigy Oliva De Souza and
her band (including the great Tim Matthewman on bass, who amazed everybody
with a falsetto backing vocal ‘“ if we ever need a new girl Tim ‘“ your on
mate!)

Genie then took the stage and did a good set, nice vocals. It was girls
night with Fiona McElroy, the Roadhouse legend ,then taking the stage .
She was in good voice (to be sure, to be sure!). During this set Danny produced
a mega solo that impressed me to death.

Roadhouse layed, Roadhouse blues as er Chris’s request and sets came from
Gronimo, Pete Bedford, John Griffin and Syd and his magic banjo.

We will try to get things re-started on the 13th March, with a view to running
2 jams a month ‘“ lets wish Martin luck.!

Thanks for all the great support

Gary

From the opening drum intro into ‘˜Tellin Lies’ the big crowd of ace music
lovers were well wth us’

Slip Away was up next and using all 3 girls together was noticeably giving
us a strong visual presence.

We then gambled and played the brand new song ‘˜Voodoo Dance’ for only its
second airing (we learned it only 3 days before and its already a firm band
favourite).

.

Use the following UTube address to view some camcorder footage of the whole
song (forgive the dodgy sound ‘“ it was clearer on the night, but thanks
to whoever filmed and posted):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWOwhbQ

Mandy sang a great version of ‘˜House of the Rising Sun’ (which since then
many people have said was their highlight of the whole festival).

For once I nailed my solo on that song and overall it was my best, or 2nd
best personal big stage performance

Suzie was up next with ‘˜The Big Easy’ and then we blasted off the stage
with Preacher Man, Danny doing a grand job in his first big stage appearnce
with the band..

Against the odds, the tradition of the day and the clock we were given an
encore. Voodoo Queen took us into a strong finale followed by a frenzied
session of mass CD buyng where we shifted neary £500 pounds worth in 20
minutes.

It was a long way home as the song says, but we were pummped up from playing
so well on that big stage to a crowd of great music lovers.

One of the best Roadhouse gigs ever

Gary

A big thanks to the 120 or so people who ignored the lure of John Otway
and The Hamsters, to catch us in a different mode.

It was dissapointing that we were not offered a full sound check, resulting
in Danny’s acoustic not working and the lack of any monitoring at the back
of the stage. This lead to Danny playing the electric and some timing issues
caused by Bill and Roger not being able to her note that I was playing.

Still with Roger on the congas and Danny adopting a warm blues/jazz tone,
things went quite nicely. All 3 girls were also performing and did a fine
job.

Highlights for me, included a trip back in the songbook to mprovise an acoustic
version of ‘˜When Mountains Fall’. Additionally, Voodoo Queen sat in a nice
groove wth excellent vocals and by the end the crowd were well involved.

Onto the big, big stage for the evening.

Gary

Kicking off with No Place To Hide, the hour flew by. The crowd swelled to
a new high and by the time Mandie sung our Blues version of House of the
Rising Sun (which somehow manages to transcend cliche) the crowd were totally
into it. We gave debuts to 2 new songs, The Answer and Voodoo Dance and
both worked really well.

We managed to record the whole set and its come out amazingly well, so watch
out for a collectors run of 1-200 hundred live CD’s, coming out soon (mail
or phone me to avoid dissapointment)’¦.

It was Danny.’s first big gig with us and he did a fine job following in
the tradition of great guitar players in Roadhouse, rreally stepping up
to the Mark. The success of the weekend was our 3rd new Voodoo Queenette
(is that a word?) Kelly Marie Hobbs who added great, additional vocal and
visual power to the band. Everyone enjoyed the ‘3 girl on stage action’,
so to speak.

After that I/we kicked into the 3rd year of the Skegness jam.

It was a great honour to compare this event, which is fast becoming the
highlight of the festival. The arena was packed, the great crowd got right
behing the musicians and the standard of musicanship was great.

Special commendations to the incredible talent of the young ‘˜Little Boy
Blue’ on meteoric guitar and vocals, Gizmo on the guitar and the amazing
Sharon from The Blue Cafe Bar in Harrogate, on the vocals.

The event rose to a crescendo as we mixed members of the Brew, including
Tim himself and the incredible Jason on lead guitar, with members of Roadhouse.
It all finished nicely with a resounding Watchtower.

4 hours had blurred by, here’s to next year, god and fate willing

Gary

Other good performances from 15 year old prodigy Oliva with the legendary
Tim Matthewman as her bass player. The Pete Bedford Band were also on good
form. Earlier Lol Sandford ha delivered a rare, but accomplished vocal performance.

Olivia finished the night with a solo perfromance. Just her and an electric
guitar, her own song, her voice. The audience were transfixed by this 15
yer old’¦.

Here’s to the 7th February

Next stop SKEGNESS !!

Gary

Onto the jam and with musicians stacking up all round the big pub, scheduling
was going to be a challenge. his was not helped by a total PA failure –
which cost us 12 minutes.

With a PA patch up we started with Jeannie on the vocals, repaeting last
weeks performance of ‘˜Another Peice of my Heart’. She did a fine job with
a gravelly vocal, backed by our very own Mandie.

The Tom Anfield Band then did a set that had a lovely feel. Then its off
to Australia for Tom for 6 months (most people who want to be big down under
just take Viagra ‘“ but Tom’s serious about it!).

Then we were onto the feature set for the evening, showcasing the talents
of Jimmy Dublin alongside Roadhouse guitar legend (and bass dep!) Drew Barron.
Drew’s tone was superb and it was great to see Jimmy back.

Next up a typically strong set from Pete Bedford and his crew. Blues legend
John O’Leary then shared the

stage with Charley, John Scott and Jon Griffin, plus Dave the drummer (the
drummer with no surname ‘“ cos i dont know it). For an eclectic mix of players,
this cocktail was pretty tasty.

Then I found space for a quick Xmas ‘˜Watchtower’ with Danny.G and Funky
Goerge on the Drums. And at last I found some guitar form (hurrah!)

Final sets came from the eternal showman Terry Brennan and Syd on the banjo.

A happy crowd with a few dissapointed musos who didnt get to play, trudged
off into the chilly night’¦

I reflected on over 5 years of this great jam. From the early days when
we were hosted at BOFS/The Earl of Spencer by Colin and Andrea, where strang
memories include the awesome vocals of Lorna Reilly and the cigar chomping
presence of Noel Brown. In those days you couldn’t keep Keith Grant and
Little Rusty off the stage.. Onto the Woodman, with our present host Martin
(and his magic mince pies). I recalled the early days down at the conservatory
end and hearing Andy Cortes play with a young Jules Fothergill for the first
times and them ‘˜blowing me away’. The giant sax majesty of Andy Thompson
and the organisational work and vocals of Anne Campbell completely holding
it together until the return of Mandie.G to the fold’¦..

Ghosts of Xmas’s past and a great Xams jam present

Thanks for all the support, I wouldnt have made it to the end of 2007, without
the incredible help and support I’ve been given,

Have a great Xmas, look after your health and your families

Gary

Andrew Heart sat in on the bass in place of Bill and did his best job for
us yet. A decent set from us based around some old Roadhouse classics including
‘˜Blues Highway’. Danny.G played ‘˜Sacrifice’ for the first time and did a
great job as he continues to develop playing slide guitar.

It was bye bye to Geronimo for a while, who did a great set before going
back home to Espana.

A quiet but pleasant night’¦

Gary

48 hours to go and half the Band had flu and I’d lost my voice completely.
A shed load of vocal zone lozenges later I could croak for England. So we
gave the girls and Drew (playing a superb dep role on the bass) a vocal
feature (it probably gave a nice change from a typical growl along with
Gary night, anyway!)

Special thanks to Frank Dymore who played percussion and provided the PA
and that legendary Roadie Big Ron, who transported the monitors’¦.

The girls were on great form singing, Brooklyn Blues, Stormy Monday, Help
Me, Big Easy, Heavens Door, Rising Sun and Drew weighing in with Howlin
for My Darlin & Watchtower.

This allowed me to focus on my guitar playing. Having a muscle and tendon
disease likes mine really adds fun and a sense of achievement to the rudiments
of guitar playing. With different muscles, nerves and tendons playing up
every night, you have to adapt your style. Tonight thanks to the girls and
Drew ,I was in the zone and was genuinely surpirsed by my own standard of
playing (if only I could do it evey night!).

I mumbled my way through Blues Highway, Slip Away, Voodoo Queen and Preacher
Man. The crowd were great and by the end the atmosphere was superb, as they
were totally ‘˜with us’ though the last 4-5 songs.

What nice people ‘“ a very good band perfromance and a great night all round’¦..

Gary

In the Roadhouse set we gave Kelly another workout with ‘˜Blues Highway’.
Although pitchy at first she did well by the end of the song and followed
up with a credible vocal on ‘˜White Water’.

We gave the new song ‘˜Lights on the Water’ a very good work out and then
concluded with Mandie’s version of ‘˜Heavens Door’.

On to the jam iteslf. Pick of the night was the Isidore Brothers, Gus &
Reg. First off they played an Osibisa song song with Osibisa’sown Mr Greg
Brown on bass and vocals (excellent). they were then joined on the bass
by Andrew Heart and played a great bit of hendrix and then a high quality
original. Gus’s guitat playing (strung uoside dwon al la Handrix) was outstanding
and you could see why world class acts, like Seal, had him in their bands.

Good sets from Geronimo, Pete Bedford and Terry Brennan followed. I enjoyed
an chance to play with John O’Leary again and Lol Sandford, stetching out
some classic blues.

The jam is on the next 2 weeks running, The Xmas jam (last for December
is on the 13th)

Gary

Line up wise other than having the Candian version of Mark King on the bass,
we had a full line up. Kelly was also there continuing her developmental
path (with the emphasis on ‘˜mental’ for wanting to join Roadhouse in the
fist place). Kel sang backing on No Place to Hide and Brooklyn, lead on
Big Easy and indulged in a bit of 3 girl (vocal) action on Slip Away (next
up a gospel choir!)

Many of the crowd said she only looked 16, but I took great delight in telling
them she was really 74 and has had £1.8 mil of reconstructive surgery’¦..

Set wise Help Me, Rock me and F**ck Me slipped effotlessly off of Suzie
and Mandie’s tongues as they were on great form. Suzie really nailed Stormy
Monday

What I really like about East Harling are the number of children and families
there, really getting into the live music. Thanks to my 9 year old little
buddy who helped me play my tremelo arm in Watchtower.

Many of the crowd had really dug the excellent (our good freinds) The Mellotones
(all the way from Holland), but apparently for some strange reason Roadhouse
still top the East Harding popularity stakes’¦..

Drew, Danny and Roger all played a blinder..even I got excited in Preacher
Man.

2 dates now in the diary to return next year. Let’s stay alive and or in
the game that long’¦..

Nice club, nice people

Gary

Onto the jam and good performances from Geronimo, The Pete Bedford Band
and Lol Sandford. It was good to see more new blood and a nice welcome back
to drummers Dave and Jerry

See you on the 29th

Gary

Joe Bonamassa), so we were up against is set up/sound wise.

As ever against adversity, the band played great. It was nearly a full house
and we won the crowd over big time.

Starting with Tellin Lies and kicking on with Big Easy, Brooklyn, No Place
To Hide, Slip Away, Watchtower and then the band intros on Voodoo Queen.
We had enough time and audience response for Preacher Man, but the Travers
Road team were gettting twitchy and we had to go off to very decent applause
and CD sales.

Danny showed how well he is settling in and Kelly joined us for ‘˜No Place’
and ‘˜Slip Away’ and the girl did good.

During the first 3 songs my muscle disease made every chord/note agony to
play, but as we hit ‘˜No Place To Hide’ I got enough adrenalin to get above
it . This was Bill’s last gig before his major shoulder operation on Tuesday.
Our thoughts go with him, hopfully he’ll be back in the ‘˜saddle’ by mid
January. in the meantime we’ll only do a few shows.

If we all stay alive I’m determined to record another CD in late spring
(Big if!). Our thoughts also go out to Alan Pearce, Head of our record label
Blues Matters and his fight with cancer.

This is a period for battling and keeping the faith.Stay with us my friends.

Gary

Suzie sang the ‘˜Big Easy’, Kelly joined Mandy in the backing on ‘˜No Place
to Hide’. Once again we did our version of ‘˜Rising Sun’. I liked the fact
that Mandie missed her power verse out (by accident) as it added to the
blues feel and subtlety that the version needs. Audinece reaction was great.

On to the jam and after a couple of good opening sets, including some nice
guitar playing/singing from Tony Quinta, I was plased to play a set with
the legendary John O’Leary (also the world record holder for losing mobile
phones) and Lol Sandford. Basically Lol held it together while I pissed
around with the riffs and structure. Nice feel on the songs.

Good sets from Geronimo and a killer version of Rocky Mountain Way from
the Pete Bedford Band followed . The night finished with Suzie & Mandie
singing a strong version of ‘˜Help Me’ with John Griffin and Lol on the guitars.

No jam for two weeks, so see everyone on the 15th November

Gary

This was Kelly’s first ‘˜official’ Roadhouse appearance and lead vocal. She
nailed ‘˜The Big Easy’ (I was very impressed). Mandie did a great job singing
our ‘˜blues feel’ version of ‘˜The House of the Rising Sun. This also featured
a good solo from Danny and gained superb feedback from the crowd ‘“ one for
the new Album?

Jammers included Geronimo, Pete Bedford Band, Terry Brennan, Lol Sandford.
But pride of place, on a great musical night went to Drew and his Canadian
3 peice (and I’m not talking about his crown jewels). They were great and
with a bit of luck his Candian freinds will be back again next year.

Following the joys of half term the jam will resume on the 1st November

Gary

Maybe we should go back to once a fortnight??

Roadhouse wise, Bill was off on jury service and has his major operation
pending in the immediate future. Andrew Heart did a fine job of deputising.
Kelly joined us again for Blues Highway and Slip Away was typically epic,
featuring a fine solo from Danny.

The girls then fronted a line up containing Lol Sandford and other quality
players. Mandie and Suzie were on great form on both ‘˜Sweet Home Chicago’
and ‘˜Help Me’

Highlight was Monsieur Drew Barron returning to blast us with Robin Trower’s
‘˜Too Rollin Stoned’. It must have been great to do that with the original
drummer from that band, Reg Isidore banging the skins. Drew followed up
with his legendary Pink Floyd medley, including demented and accurate Scottish
schoolteacher rant (mind you his English accent on the rest of it sounded
like shades of Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins) on ‘˜Another Brick In the Wall’.

Brilliant!

We had good sets from Geronimo and Pete Bedford and a traditional finish
from Syd on the banjo.

So quality music was played throughout and those there had a great time

More people please’¦..

Gary

We pulled a bigger crowd than last time and the show went down really well.
Danny seems to be growing nicely into the role and Dark Water got an excellent
first full gig outing.

All played well, we just hope that current disagreemnents between vanue
management the promoter do not get in the way of us coming back’¦.

A good night

Gary

Danny.G playing with the worthy Pete Bedford Band did a brilliant solo on
‘˜Heart of the City’, only to totally detroy the last and simplest line of
it. ‘œMy jazz note’ shouted Daz, hilarious’¦..

Danny.G performed his first version of ‘˜Dark River’ and did a sterling job.
We returned to a 3 vocal opening harmony to this new and unrecorded number
and it really improved the song. Kelly was back and the 3 girl ‘˜action’
on Brooklyn Blues was impressive.

Come on down and see what you are missing

See you next week

Gary

Drew himself was making a visit as a punter and the possible the hgihlight
of the night was his solo set ,which featured some pretty tasty playing.

Lets hope for more folk next week

Gary

Though it looked great, the low level lighting meant we struggled to see
what we were playing. This lead to my playing of some comedy chords during
the opening ‘˜Blues Highway’ before help from a guidedog aided me in me finding
the fretboard’¦

The first set went well but the audience reaction seemed just ‘˜allright’
and we wondered if we were cracking it.

By the end we were running out of encores and the audience were singing
and chanting (honestly!) for us to continue.

This lead to the fun of Danny and Suzie doing songs they’d never heard,
let alone played.

Even Whiskey Man was brought out of the coffers and dusted down.

Another very good one

Gary

Suzie was alone on vocal duties and revelled in the freedom that gave her.
She was in great voice and performed superb versions of Stormy Monday and
her trademark epic ‘˜The Big Easy’.

The second set saw the band go into overdrive and a storming Roadhouse Blues
and Watchtower gave the guitar buffs their dose of over the top antics.

The whole gig came to its Voodoo Queen /Preacher Man climax and went down
a storm.

See you next year Banham

Gary

It was also Danny.G’s first official Roadhouse gig after Drew’s had to take
a step back to our dep list. Again Danny is making a good start.

Out of all the great jammers, I must give credit to the Isidore brothers
(with Andrew Heart on bass), who played some quality original material.
There was a nice range of new faces present at this jam to.

See you in 2 weeks,

Gary

Some quick work with the soundcrew faclitated our stage time being upped
to an hour. As we launched into the intro to Telling Lies, the place started
to fillig up rapidly and the crowd went with us from the moment the first
guitar riff cut loose. As the lights went up at the end of the first number,
the arena was nearly full and the atmosphere was outstanding.

This was probably the most in control I’d ever felt of a major stage performance
and the Band were on top form.

No Place to Hide, Slip Away, The Big Easy, Heavens Door, Roadhouse Blues,
Voodoo Queen blurred by.

After the encore the re-action was superb and Mandie and Suzie were besieged
for CD sales.

Our good friends the Brew (aslo on Blues Matters) did a good job following
our set (check out the work we intend to do with those guys next year).
At the end of the night its a massive thanks to the 2 years of class guitar
perfromances from the Candian maestro, monsieur Barron ‘“ here’s to him depping
and playing with us in future.

One of the best all time Roadhouse gigs (check out the pictures on this
site)

Gary

Last year we broke the attendance record for a Friday with over 1,200 people.
This year started slowly with around 4-500, but by the end was around the
800 plus mark.

Well done to Bob Bruning and Pete for keeping this superb event alive..
By the time we encored with ‘˜Preacher Man’ the whole place was jumping and
CD sales breached all past Merton Abbey records.

Brian, his PA and the sound crew were superb.

This was by far the best show the band has ever played at Merotn Abbey.
The crowd and the atmosphere was great

For the record, Frank Dymore played percussion, Kelly joined us for Brooklyn
Blues and Slip Away. Danny.G joined us for a guest slot .Playing with me
on a strong version of ‘˜Watchtower’ and then a kick arse ‘˜Tellin Lies’.
Drew then invited him onstage for a bit of ‘˜Freebird’ 3 guitar style overkill
on Preacher Man.

A massive night and one for the scrapbook of all time great gigs

Gary

Young Kelly was trying out/auditioning for membership of the Roadhouse female
backing vocalist squad. She did quite well, (very good volume and power,
just needs to work on her tone and blending).

A full strength Roadhouse played the 2 new big songs, Lights On The Water
& Dark River. Also played were No Place To Hide (correctly, after last nights
jazz interpretaion), Brooklyn Blues & Slip Away.

The jam was full of quality with Geronimo, Pete Bedford Band, John O’Leary
and Mark Freeman all doing the business. However, it’s weird with the crowd
ebbing and flowing, as the new smoking law leads to 30% of the audience
being out in the garden all night.

Pride of place went to the Brothers. Reg Isidore was the legendary drummer
on Robin Trowers famous ‘˜Bridge of Sighs’ album (my copy is well worn) while
his brother Gus has played guitar for Seal, as well as many other major
acts. Their Hendrix interpretations were superb, top notch playing.

Gary

Overall the Band played very well after the 4 week break. It was one of
the most energetic and best ever visual performances that we’ve ever staged.
This spectacle was aided by Mandie and Suzie disovering the home made wine
stall, which in turn lead to on stage dancing, miming, simulated ‘˜guitar
jobs’ and small children (well a lovely and very young lady called Molly)
being paraded/danced with on stage. The crowd ‘˜luvved’ our girls ‘“ who put
on a great show and for the first 80% of the set were on top vocal form.

The whole band played a stormer and apart from my personal re-writing of
No Place to Hide (and believe me on that big stage I couldn’t find one –
what a cock up!) did a great job

So began our 4 gigs in 5 days to conservatively over 6,000 people (With
my forthcoming surgery it will interesting to see how I cope with this schedule)

I’ll keep you posted,

A very good gig

Gary

However, it was a great jam with a very high standard of musicianship. Lol
Sandfords’s Solo on I Shot the Sheriff) (John, Kyle and Billy’s set) was
pic of the night for me. A strong first appearance/Woodman debut from Robin
Trower Band drummer , Reg Isidore, was another highlight.

Roadhouse played Blues Highway, Brooklyn Blues & Telling Lies.

Geronimo does an interim gig at the Woodman on the 9th August.

We are back on Thursday the 23rd

See you then,

Gary

A lot of tickets were sold and the attendance ended up a tad dissapointing,
in the mid 70’²s. It was lovely to see Ray’s widow Jenny and his family really
enjoy the night. A big thanks to Martin at the Woodman for putting on the
show and guest musicians, John Scott, Tim Havard, Danny G and Pete Bedford
and friends. Ray’s old friend and rated international photographer Laurie
Asprey also did a nice couple of Acoustic tunes.

Roadhouse were at full strength and played 2 excellent sets (we were on
top form for some reason).

Personally I had the best night on the guitar, possibly the best I’ve ever
had (Ray must have been smiling down on me).

It was weird really as my music career has been a long journey. Now, as
my physiacl/medical problems mount, I finaly seem to be reaching the standards
I’ve always strived for (quite ironic really!).

The crowd loved the show

Ray we won’t forget you mate.

Gary

Things moved on with a wave of youth, Laurie did a 3 piece slot, followed
by Lyndsays first ever vocal and 3 piece performance. Later on it was the
turn of the over 30’²s (sic), with Danny.G and Jim Dublin leading the way,
rocking us through to an excellent conclusion.

Syd and his legendary banjo played us into the rainy summers night

A good one ‘“ next jams in 2 weeks time

Gary

Gary

Decent sets from Geronimo, Pete Bedford, Resemary and Terry Brennan. I enjoyed
joining up with Danny.G for an excellent Watchtower and Mandie duetted with
me on House of The Rising Sun (nice feel on our version and some excellent
playing as well

by all concerned.)

See ya next week (I hope!)

Gary

I’ve mixed feelings with regard to this gig. On the positive side it was
great to have over 45 paying friends and family present at the gig. Many
of our most loyal friends and supporters were there and your belief and
help means so much to both me and the Band.
Big thanks to promoter Pete Feenstra, who gave us our 5th headline at this
major venue. Pete and George’s support has been vital throughout the Bands
most successful years.

As I reflect on the many years of Roadhouse and all the great people I’ve
worked with (over 35 different Band members and 9 CD’s released), I must
take pride and delight from such a long and relatively successful journey.
When we formed to play one gig at a friends wedding, we didnt know what
we were starting’¦
As many of the mainstream monolithic monsters of rock have bitten the dust,
we on our own small scale have remained.

Thanks to special guests Tim O’Sullivan (dynamite on the encore ‘“ Preacher
Man, Robin Bibi adding class on Voodoo Queen and Pete Bedford and Lol Sandford
playing on Help Me. Our very own percussion player Frank Dymore joined us
for Voodoo, Sacrifice and the best perfromance of the night with Danny.G
joining us on Watchtower.
Crowd reaction overall was brilliant

On the bad side the 60 plus people in the room is just not a worthy return
for either Pete or for us.

After support band the very capable ‘œSharpees’ , with their Rory Gallagher
roots had blasted evryone with extreme volume and overun their time slot,
we did a quick turn around and took to the stage as quickly as possible.

It was annoying to lose a couple of songs from the set, then by the end
of the opener Blues Highway, the main power monitor blew. the consequence
was that my voice was blasted across the stage like an exploding, constipated
Dalek (no change there then, I hear some of you saying). It was difficult
to sing, and though the out front sound wasn’t bad at all(though it was
mainly Drew and the Drums that dominated the mix) I had to play with the
worst stage sound I’ve ever experienced.

Along with that, there was periodic on stage feedback, but bearing mind
all the problems the standard of vocals was really good.

In the end its a case of thanks to everybody who came, supported and enjoyed.the
night. I know Pete promoted it hard, but in the final analysis maybe 18
years is long enough??????

Gary

It was a great night with an excellent turn out. First up, house band The
Heaters (Paul’s own band ), played a solid set. Highlight for me was their
version of Garry Moore’s ‘˜ I still got the Blues for You’.

We played for around 1 hour and 35 minutes straight and other than my comedy
error in White Water and Suzi’s attack of Alzheimer’s in the Big Easy, it
went well.

Highlights included the best version yet of the new song Dark River, Telling
Lies, Slip Away and the double encore of Preacher Man & Sacrifice

A fine gig and we’ll back next year (all being well)

On a footnote it was great to see Roadhouse legend Anne Campbell at the
gig, as well as many other valued friends and long term fans’¦

6.5 hours later and £620 lighter, Roger, Suzie, Mandie and I we were towed
back into London at around 10pm, depressed and cleaned out’¦

Bill and Drew in the meantime obtained the services of a local drummer and
as a 3 peice successfully ended this major festival ‘“ rocking for an hour.
A period of rain and very low tempretures and taken the crowd down for its
earlier level of around 1,000, but there was enough people there to help
Drew and Bill on their very cold and damp way.

Well done guys’¦.

One for history books ‘“ for all the wrong reasons ‘“ shame!!!!

Gary

Danny.G then joined us for a a solid Big Easy. Next up was my Daughter Rhiannon
who sang the first half of Slip Away alone and the second half in great
harmony with Mandie and Suzie. I was as Proud as an old Dad could be ‘¦.the
girl did good.

Later in the jam Lawrence was back for blues guitar frenzied work out on
Watchtower. John, Kyle and Bill (Dad, Son and Uncle) did a great ‘˜I Shot
The Sheriff’ and The Pete Bedford Band got their kicks on ‘˜Route 66’² very
nicely. Awesome Tony was the pick of the nights drummers for me ‘“ Awesome
((did what he said on the tin)

No jam for 2 weeks

Gary

What a great crowd, the people were warm and witty and really into their
music, giving the band great encouragement and support.

The 2 long sets flashed by. The band played well and the new song ‘˜Lights
On the Water’ went down great. The encore had a quite a few of Pontypridd’s
very attractive ladies up and on the dance floor, as we rocked out on ‘˜Voodoo
Queen and Preacher Man’.

They want us back next year, shame its not sooner! ‘“ a good one

Gary

Due to everyone coming in quite late, the later slots became truncated.
Jimmy Dublin and Geronimo both did well, playing short but punchy sets.
Julianne Shaw was in good voice as were Suzie and Mandie, who did some incredible
harmonies on Sweet Home Chicago with an early line up.

My daughter Rhainnon should make the next jam and maybe she’ll lower herself
to sing with the oldies?

Gary

This however was arguably our best ever gig there.

The first set rocked with Suzie on great form in ‘˜The Big Easy’ and Mandie
really brought home her version of ‘˜Heavens Door’. The guitar battle/trade
off really gelled during ‘˜Rock Me’

There is great music loving crowd in this venue and they really lift the
band (It was great seeing Ray and Nicky and other old friends). The second
set kicked on and the crowd loved Drew’s impromptu version of Pink Floyd’s,
Another Brick In the Wall ‘“ Part Two.

Drew was on good form and his outro on Voodoo Queen lead to a double encore
of Preacher Man and Sacrifice (Subtitled sometimes its hard to find a virgin).

If we all stay alive, We’ll be back ‘“ a good one ‘“ it’s brought back the
faith ( well a bit anyway)

Gary

Syd and his banjo played us out into the cold wet night ( a tradition).

Here’s to next week

Gary

The band played well, the people loved it and as usual were full of complements
– ‘œBest band etc’ ‘” but can live music keep going in the UK with this lack
of support??

Gary

Danny.G was sitting in for Drew and did a good job. The young base player
and his Dad John, were back with a great singing drummer (like the singing
detective only hae plays the drums). Their version of superstition was tremendous
and the highlight of a night that was all a bit of a blur to me.

It was also great to see Julianne Shaw back and doing a nice set with Lol
Sandford

Ah well maybe next week I’ll be back in the game more fully

Well done all for putting on such a great show

First up was worthy support band Brazen, who did a decent covers set. At
this point the venue which has a late license and long standing rep as a
very late watering hole was a ghost town’¦

By the time we were on there was only about 30-40 in, so we delayed the
start of the second set and by the end of the night it was very busy

Overall, it was a great performance as the band nailed most songs and both
sets got a very good response. The Roadhouse ladies sang well and the encore
Preacher Man (as usual) rocked the joint. Unusually even I was top form!!!

Well be back to this one

Gary

Gary

Following the 2 plus hours mega set of the night before and only 4 hours
sleep I was feeling more than a little achey, tired and jaded. This wasn’t
helped by there only being about 120 people in the arena when we kicked
off early at 14.50.

However, by the time we hit the half way point a few hundred were in and
we were getting into the big numbers of attendees by the time we concluded
our set.

Overall, we put on a good show and got (according to the organisers) a very
good opening set crowd and re-action. This was also reflected in CD sales

However though I sang really well, I couldn’t find the hot guitar form that
I was in the previous night. The stage sound was very weird and added to
an early Sunday afternoon feeling of surrealism

Still it was a good show, at an excellent well organised festival with a
capable Stage Manager and crew.

We started with Slip Away, then played Help Me, The Big Easy, Voodoo Queen,
White Water, No Place To Hide and encored with Preacher Man (apparently
a first set encore was a rare accolade)

I’d like to do this again, ideally further up the Bill/later in the day

Gary

We thought we’d struggle to fill the 2 hours plus, as we haven’t done that
length of set for ages. Truth was it flew by and we didn’t play stacks of
stuff including 2 or the new 3 songs and Watchtower, even though we had
numerous requests for it.

In the first set, the PA blew up around the midway point. At one stage we
played on, with half the sound crew on stage working around us to rectify
the problems. However, the audience were great and totally into it and the
set rocked out nicely.

The second half rocked with a vengance. I remember the crowd manically ‘œHaw,
haw hawing’along with Drew on his Howling Wolf ditty and they wouldn’t let
us go without a big cry for ‘˜Preacher Man’. There was even a decent sing
along with it at the end.

Apparently one of the major acts had bombed on the main stage upstairs.
The majority of the crowd walking out and then coming down to catch us.
Oh well thats showbiz!

Gary

See everyone after the Easter break on the 26th April

Gary

It was bit worrying when the over excited crowd demolished the left hand
PA column and sent 2 of my guitars flying, but it was all in the spirit’¦

Two blistering sets was an ideal warm up for our appearance at next weeks
National Blues festival in Burnley. The encores went down a storm ‘“ see
you next year and at Mayfest 2008, Thanks Trev

Gary

It was worrying that with only 10 mins to show time there were only 12 people
in the audience. However, by the end of the 1st set we were up to well over
30 (on a foul night) and by the second set the night really rocked.

It was great to see our ace record plugger Golly Gallagher and together
we began to hatch our marketing strategy for the next Roadhouse CD, due
out in 2008 motality and health permitting).

The first set suffered from some vocal feedback and a loud backline, but
the band was rocking and both No Place To Hide and newbie ‘˜Lights On The
Water’ went down a storm. The second set saw the sound imporve and the Band
went into overdrive. This lead to a double encore of Preacher Man and a
requested reprise of No Place to Hide (great to see so many dancing and
singing along)’¦

Lovely to see the big party of people who came down for Jill’s bithday and
had seen us before at Sutton (its folk like you that keep live music going)

Gary

As usual good sets from Geronimo, Pete Bedford and Jimmy (I didn’t know
he was Irish) Dublin.

Here’s to next week

Gary

We missed Bill’s normal dovetailing with Roger on some sections, but overall
it wasn’t a bad opening set.

Another hero was Pete Bedford who rescued the night by supplying his pa,
as Bill had his eye on ours (groan)’¦ Good set and keyboard and hap playing
to Pete (you just need a jews harp a gargling solos for the versatility
set )

Overall the music was of good qualityand it was a decent turn out. It was
good to see John O’leary back and I was delighted to do a set with him.
Unfortunately my solo in the first song, stank (one of my worst this year
– I’m amazed that some people clapped it !!), still the second one was ok.

Here’s to next week, which will be followed by a busy weekend for the Band.

Support came from our special guests, that ace young band Blitz Screen.
These guys used to watch us at East Harling and did a guest slot the last
time we were there.

Seriously good original music with some superb and very fast guitar playing’¦
keep it going lads’¦

To the Roadhouse set ‘“ We managed to play the best ever version yet of our
killer new song Lights on The Water, and the other newbie, Planet of Fools
rocked along nicely. With Mandie singing U2’²s ‘˜I Still Haven’t Found’ (to
commeorate St Paddy’s night) and Drew’s sleazy version of Satisfaction,
the set had a fresh/new feel.

A good gig indeed and it was a long and late way home’¦.

never mind ‘“ it was worth it

Gary

Syd played us into the night on his Banjo ‘“ classic !

Thanks for the excellent support

See you next week

Gary

Jules and Lorna were a key part of Roadhouse history. Part of the famous
line up that many consider one of our finest, that produced the superb No
Place To Hide CD and some of our finest ever festival appearances. Since
leaving to form the popular and successful Funkydory they have continued
to guest/dep and will always be part of the Roadhouse family.

At this excellent wedding reception overlooking the Thames on a gorgeous,
globally warmed, March evening, even the speeches were good value.

Lorna looked great in her wedding dress and she fronted Funkydory as they
played a rousing set , complete with wedding dress (very Evanesence and
now de rigeur for all future gigs ‘“ I don’t think ‘“ looked cool though).
Jules played a blinder both as host and on the guitar.

This left an interstellar, all star jam to take place, which I was very
flattered to be asked to run. Highlights for me included:

– Robin Bibi playing with Andy Cortes

– The great driumming of both Hayden and Joaquim

– John O’Leary and Roadhouse’s own Drew Barron being on great form

– I sang Roadhouse Blues with Danny.G on the guitar , Bill on the bass,
Owen on drums and with Anne Campbell on the BV’s = Another Roadhouse re-union
for the history books.

Pete Sargeant ‘“ finishing the night of great live music

We met and saw so many special band freinds and family members, it was a
great night.

For me I was just delighted that Jules and Lona had deservedly had a very
special day

Gary

Here’s to next week

Gary

It was particularly great to have Jules Fothergill and Lorna Reilly in attendance
just a few days before their wedding. We celebrated with them joining Bill,
Roger and I for a blinding version of ‘œI Couldn’t Get to Sleep’, a song
which was synonimous with the last great line up of Roadhouse. That one
blew everyone away and left a lot of people tearful with nostalgia.

Earlier the current Roadhouse did a good set, with Suzie and Mandie and
Drew all on great form. Bill and Roger were as solid as ever, through The
Big Easy, Heavens Door, No place to Hide and the new song, Lights On The
Water.

Other highlights before I was totally drunk included the great comedy interplay
between Jim Dublin and Mandie.G on Whole Lotta Love (way down inside will
never be the same again)

Thanks for all the great cards, goodwill wishes and the fantastic support,
both I and the band get collectively at the Woodman. Thanks to you all”¦

At least I became an even older, old git on a high’¦.

Gary

With the sound bouncing round the room wihtout bodies to soak it up we were
asked to play at a ridiculously low volume level, which led to a loss of
feel and emotion. there was some great moments and our guests did a great
job.

At the end of the day its one of the nights that makes you ask yourself
that ‘œAfter 17 years and 8 succesful CD’s is it worth carrying on???’

Thanks for those of you who did come out to support live music on this winters
night in February

Gary

On another night Mandie was poorly and Suzie did a great job on her own.

Other than that, despite a healthy turn out of punters/music lovers, there
were generally less musicians present than usual.

This gave me a chance to give all comers more time and also to be abit undulgent
and play some Roadhouse back catalogue (i.e. The Dealer) and overall the
standard of music was higher than it’s been for ages.

Persistantly good performers included Jim Dublin and Geronimo and the ever
excellent Peter Bedford and his Band.

The big stage show usually goes bye in a blur ‘“ 50 minutes seeming like
5, this time I was determined to savour it.

We set up while all were at dinner and the empty arena seemed even larger
than usual. Amazingly it filled wthin the space of about 15 minutes (leaving
our Suzie with a mild bought of stage fright ‘“ it didn’t matter though cos
she was great)

The band kicked off with a stomping Telling Lies which segged into Slip
Away (sans dry ice and great light show). Drew was on good form and not
at all put of by his enormous rock star sunglasses.

The girls looked great dressed all in black and red (so was I, but no-one
was looking at me!), and Suzie nailed a great version of Big Easy.

The monitoring was great and it was the best big stage show I’ve ever sung.
I indulged myself with a bit of harmonicy, strange scale widdly guitar work
on Roadhouse Blues before we timed out on Voodoo Queen (great drum solo
from jolly uncle Roger). But they wouldn’t let us go without Preacher Man
– and big parts of the crowd gave us a standing ovation after Drew’s Freebird
like crescendo’¦

CD sales were excellent ‘“ one of the classic Roadhouse gigs.

Thanks to all the great people there.

Gary

This was probably the best set we’d played on the JAKS stage and we couldn’t
get away from the screams for Preacher Man at the end. So though we wanted
to save our final anthem for the Centre stage on Sunday, it got the first
of 2 airings.

Then followed the Skegness jam which I hosted for about 3 hours.

This was the festivals best jam yet, with over 60 regsitered jammers who
all got the chance to play. The overall standard was very HIGH. The audience
were right behind the jammers and relative beginners mixed in with main
stage heroes in what was in all, a great celbration of music’¦

Special thanks to the contributions of Blues Matters own Mick Rutherford
on bass and vocals and the amazing Jason from The Brew on the guitar (I
enjoyed our trade off towards the end of the jam, in a storming version
of Watchtower)

Rumour has it that the jam might move to a big stage next year ‘“ and I’ve
already been asked to host it ‘“ bring it on

Gary

It was nice to see Tom Anfield back and the rocking set from Mark Freeman/Lol
Sandford.

Towards the end I got up with Danny.G and the amazing Tim Matthewman on
the bass and we rocked out on Watchtower.

Onto Skegness

Gary

Roadhouse gave a debut to their long awaited 3 new numbers, Lights On the
Water (co-written with ace bass player Tim Matthewman), Planet of Fools
and the ‘˜heavy metal bluegrass’ of Dark River ‘“ not bad for a first outing
with ‘˜Lights’ showing all the signs of becoming a Roadhouse classic.We then
had to play Roadhouse Blues for Chris Berthelemy’s B’Day.

A good quality jam followed, with Laurie excelling on the acoustic and great
stuff from John O’Leary with Alan Vincent on the guitar. Danny.G was also
on good form.

A good night ‘“ see you next week as the jam becomes our warm up the big
appearances at Skegness.

Cheers,

Gary

See you next week

Gary

John O’Leary was on top form, I got to play with young Lawrence and the
Pete Bedford Band were great as usual with young Ryan excelling on the keybords.

Syd played us into the night, ably assited by Drew and Tim Matthewman –
roll on 2007 and see you next week,

Gary

Highlight for me was Drew playing an iconinc version of ‘œPunk Floyd’s’ another
Brick in The Wall’ ‘“ his mid song South London accent rivalled Dick Van
Dyke in Mary Poppins ‘“ but his Glaswegian was spot on an I shall forever
rememeber him dementedly screaming ‘œHow can you have your pudding when you
can’t eat your meat’ ‘“ superb!

A good landmark in all ‘“ this being the last gig of the year. Band members
delivering in summary a great album, many top festivals and performances.
Crowds varied from the biggest ever to the worst. Band members had to overcome
terrible health and personal issues, including bereavements, personal betrayals,
financial issues and a whole soap opera of bad luck and adversity.

Still at the end of 2006 we are still here! ‘“ What will 2007 bring?

Next jams on the 4th January

Gary

It was great to see so many freinds who are coming up to Skeggy to see us.
For many attendees it was their 4th or 5th Roadhouse gig ‘“ well done, we
need your support.

Our apologies for the poor sound in the first set, as the pa whined with
occassional feedback and the vocals struggled underneath the thunder of
the miked up drums and Drew’s death ray emitting Fender amp. The difficult
room and the changing dynamics of the increased crowd threw the pa a bit,
but this was rectified in the break.

The second set really kicked. We started with Stormy Monday and Brooklyn
Blues , with the backline scaled down and the girls (Mandie & Suzi) in great
voice. Telling Lies was a scorcher with Drew burning up the fret board and
Suzie excelling on the call and answer vocal section.

Overall a very good afternoons work and we look forward to seeing all our
friends at Skegness.

Gary

Lol Sandford and Julie Anne Shaw also did a good set previewing their gig
next Thursday (14/12/06), as Vibe.

See everyone at the Xmas Jam on the 21/12/06

Gary

Highlights included:

– Great vocals from Suzi.D and Mandie.G in a rocking Roadhouse set

– Fantastic playing from Jules, Tim O’Sullivan, Danny.G and Geronimo

– Lorna & Jules performing I Couldn’t get to sleep with Roadhouse ‘“ ‘˜awesome’

– Tim O’Sullivan joining us for a rocking double guitar blast on Preacher
Man, to finish the Roadhouse festivities

– A classy finish from that greta man of the blues John O’Leary

The people who came made shed loads of noise and it meant so much to me
to play with and listen to, so many close and special friends ‘“ Thanks to
all that were present

Happy Xmas

Gary

It was a really good jam with great music (apparently)

Thank you all ‘“ so much,

Gary

The gig was a sell out, had a passionate crowd. and Roadhouse played 4 (yes
4 sets), culminating in 4 encores and a mammoth drinking session.

One of the great nights for the history books and we’ve already been booked
for their much acclaimed festival in late May ‘“ result !

Gary

Tonights venue was the British Legion (shades of Pheonix Nights). However
the manager and staff were brilliant and real music lovers (thanks Adrian).

When we kicked off there were just over 20 people in the room and the gig
peaked in the mid 40’²s (would have been nigh on 200 at the Duke).

However, the audience were great. they got right behind the band and made
shed loads of noise. The band with Suzi singing alone, played a blinder
and the 2 encores were followed by brisk CD and DVD sales.

It was good to see Joyce and Bill and we hope to come back to a more settled
venue.

Gary

There was an excellent crowd, but fewer musicians than usual, giving me
a chance to get back up and punch out a version of Watchtower with the blinding
Danny.G on guitar (depping for Drew), and Pete Sargeant on the bass. Suzie.D
did a nice version of Stormy Monday and both Tom Anfield and Pete Bedford
Bands delivered great sets.

Geronimo and Terry Brennan delivered their usual iconic performances, before
Syd and his banjo played us into the night.

It’s great to be back ‘“ see you next week

Gary

It was the end of a weird week for me which started with me collapsing in
Aberdeen and being rushed to hospital in an ambulance. Health issues abound,
but after some intial panic and unplesantness I was glad to get out of the
hospital.

As a consequence I really enojoyed playing this gig. Drew suggested that
if I was gong to play that well, I should be taken to hospital every week.

It was great to have Mandie and Suzie singing togther again and they excelled
– alltogether a good night on the road

Gary

Negative side ‘“ Only 35 paying punters, surely this great night of music
deserved more ‘“ said all present!

With guests etc there was onlyabout 50 people in the room..

Positive Side ‘“ Both bands played a blinder and the sudience were brilliant
suporting the acts on anice wave through to the Bands coming together for
a ‘˜Preacher Man’ climax ‘“ so to speak!

And the venue was cool, friendly staff and a great room ‘“ deserving of more
support

Roadhouse again featuring Billi Shaw along with Suzie.D played a short opening
set, kicked off with CD title tracks Blues Highway and No Place To Hide
and concluded with an impromptu, but sleazy and epic version on House of
The Rising Sun (fabulous vocals from Billi Shaw)

The Brews set was a great bit of retro rocking, with a superb version of
Moby Dick, along with violin bow guitar solo (took me back to Earls Court
in the 70’²s) and fist pounding drum solos (sans sticks)

The Roadhouse closing set opened with White Water and built via other Broken
Land staples, The Big Easy (nice vocal Suzie.D) and All Along the Watchtower
to the climatic ‘˜double tap’ of Voodoo Queen & Preacher Man (shame so many
missed the musical boat on a great night)

Gary

I’d like to thank Pete Feenstra the promoter for the opportunity and all
our staunch supporters from the Woodman for being down there at the front
for us.

With Billi Shaw and Suzie.D on the vocal duties (meeting for the first time
on the night) and us perched precariously on the edge of the stage due to
the mountain of Walter Trout Band gear, we new it would be tough to deliver
to this big and partisan crowd.

In the end ‘˜no worries’, it was a great set and we went down a storm. The
Walter Trout Band loved us 2 years ago and this time both Joey (what a drummer)
and Waler himself were very complementary. We were delighted to get such
a strong audience re-action.

It was good to see the guys from Proper records our distributors (for Blues
Matters) along with our ace record plugger Golly Gallagher (check out his
website). Come on fellas we want our CD’s in even more shops.

On to Walters set, it was great to hear stuff from his first album and the
version of ‘˜Life in the Jungle’ was a killer. My 11 year old son Matthew
was down the front right under Walters fretboard and mid solo the great
man gave my son his guitar pic.

At the end it was all mutual admiration, high fives and some shots taken
of Walter and Joey shaking hands with me, which we will get on this site
asap

A great night ‘“ one for the scrapbook

Gary

Lawrence was on fire, the Pete Bedford band rocked and for once we had plenty
of bass players, including the excellent Foxy. Lewis had a whole lot of
ladies dancing on his version of Boys of Summer.

At least one more jam to come before the closure at the Woodman for re-furbishment

It was great to have Suzie.D back and she and Mandie sang really well together.

The hour and 10 minute set, as we topped/closed the festival, flashed buy.

There was a great pa and sound and I think the Band played really well.

Thanks to all you great Essex music lovers who came out and supported such
a good cause, as well as live music.

As so many of you said, see you at Skeggy.

Gary

The second set was a lonnnnnng one, and really came to life as we had some
fun. Drew was on his Howling Wolf thang, Mandie was Mustang Sally and I
found it a bit windy on All Along the Watchtower.

A good night in all’¦. nice to meet Sandy the new Music lady at Easy Harling

On the way home we stopped for our ritual late night row with the staff
at (any ) Wild Bean Cafe, but this time they actually agreed to serve us,
we were gutted,

Gary

Choice performances from Jimmy Dublin and Danny.G and it was great to have
The Atlantic Soul Machine band playing ‘“ a great set. Wecome back John O’Leary
and it was superb to see/hear Alan Vincent on the guitar again.

Terry Brennan and Syd gave us an iconic ending to the night ‘“ 2 more jams
before the Woodman closes for a refurb

Gary

Top event of the night was the appearance of Roadhouse legend Billi Shaw
of Blues Highway fame. Billi was in great voice and helped deliver a storming
Voddoo Queen and Preacher Man finale. Her and Mandie’s voices dovetailing
nicely ‘“ a good night

Gary

By this point the Woodman was packed out and one of the all time great jams
got into full swing.

Great sets from Lol Sandford and Julianne Shaw who was in great voice, Lawrence
& Lyndsay, Mark Freeman, Pet Bedford band with Danny. G.

at the end of the night Jimmy Dublin joined Kota, Roger and I, in an overkill
version of Watchtower, as requested by some of the folk who caught the big
show at Merton Abbey Mills.

Syd and his banjo played us off into the night ‘“ a classic

See ya next week

Gary

But we saw some great old friends and supporters.

Ian Cook presented me with an all time great gurning shot (large colour
print) of me in a state of typical extreme ugliness.

2 good sets (especailly the second one), with this venue showing enough
potential to suggest it will be in full swing and well worth playing before
the end of the year.

Gary

Here’s to next week,

Gary

Two sets to a cold but very nice crowd of people, a very nice sit down dinner
and loads of bottles of Oyster Bay.

CD sales were brisk ‘“ Thanks Mark and all for being such a great bunch of
music lovers

Gary

Thanks to all for the great support

Gary

The trouble with headlining was that as we hit the stage at 11pm the crowd
had been partying all day and had thinned out a llitle.

Still there was well over the thousand there, as we did a high energy set
which went down a storm and has already achieved some great reviews.

At the end of our set I featured a short jam involving members of other
Blues Matters Bands, The Brew and the Roach Twins were both heavily involved.
Some great vocals from Mandie & Fiona and then finally Drew Barron himsef
(that cool Canadian crooner) finshed a very succesful day ‘“ next years already
in the book ‘“ Gary

A blistering set of all our classics with best new songs form Brkoen Land
we wll and trult rocked the riverbank.

Mandie and Fiona were on great form, particularly the Big Easy (Fiona) and
Knocking on Heavens Door .

Cd sales were great ‘“ here’s to next year.

Gary

A blistering set of all our classics with best new songs form Brkoen Land
we wll and trult rocked the riverbank.

Mandie and Fiona were on great form, particularly the Big Easy (Fiona) and
Knocking on Heavens Door .

Cd sales were great ‘“ here’s to next year.

Gary

A blistering set of all our classics with best new songs form Brkoen Land
we wll and trult rocked the riverbank.

Mandie and Fiona were on great form, particularly the Big Easy (Fiona) and
Knocking on Heavens Door .

Cd sales were great ‘“ here’s to next year.

Gary

Gary

There was about 3,000 people in the 3 tents, but the audience on trade night
was transient, checking out the band for a while then back to one of the
hundreds of bars.

Mandie and Fiona were on vocals and depping on guitar it was great to have
Jules Fothergill back with us. The band put on a really good big stage show
and got one of the best reactions from a trade night crowd at this festival.

Jules did an excellent job and by the end of the night the talk was of having
us back for a Friday or Saturday next year for a crowd of 5,0000.

Bring it on (thanks to Harry Morton)

Gary

The crowd filled up a bit to about the 55 mark and it was a truly great
high energy set and for once my guitar playing was really on form.

A really good Roadhouse performance

A brilliant crowd who really got behind us.

A big thanks to Jonty and all his staff, we’ll be back next year (I hope)

Gary

At the end of the day it was a great jam ‘“ Suzie sung well on her own with
us for the first time and though I wasn’t on great form it was more through
‘˜ring rustiness’ as I manged to beat off the new level of pain.

There was loads of great musicians there and it was a really good night.

A big thanks to everyone for their support

Gary

So why so few people???, the holidays, the heatwave, the backlash from the
World Cup, the stiff door fee ‘“ who knows -Does the UKstill need quality
live music ‘“ I don’t know the answer ‘“ a night for reflection

Gary

She did a great job, nailing Stormy Monday, Help Me and The Big Easy’¦

With the doors and windows closed for sound insulation, tempreatures rocketed
into the 100’²s. Still at least we lost weight,

Gary

In the meantime the next 3 Thursdays will see live sessions from (in order):

– Geronimo

– The Pete Bedford Band

– The Robin Bibi Band

then the jam returns.

There were too many great sessions to mention, but a wonderful job from
all present with some truly great performances.

Well done to all and see you on the 17th August,

Gary

Sacrifice and Broken Land both kicked, but due to my early crap solo on
Devil’s, I needed the good trade off with Drew on Rock Me Baby to at least
partially redeem myself. Other than on Devils Highway, Mandi and Suzi sounded
great’¦

To many great performances on the night to mention, though Danny.G and Jim
Dublin probably stole the show and it was great to see John O’Leary back.

Apologies to all those who either didn’t get to perfreom or only got one
number. I’ll make it up to you ‘“ promise

Gary

At the end of the night Mandie and I got to sing backing on Sweet Home Alabama
with Pete Bedford, so Jim fixed it for me.

See ya in 2 weeks,

Gary

At the end of the night Mandie and I got to sing backing on Sweet Home Alabama
with Pete Bedford, so Jim fixed it for me.

See ya in 2 weeks,

Gary

Young Alex on the guitar is getting better and better, but Mandie and Suzie
our very own ‘˜Roadettes’, stole the show for me.

No jam for 2 weeks cos of the World Cup, see you then,

Gary

Fiona was on good voice and it was another night for young talent with over
7 guitar players under 25.

No let up in the great crowds, roll on next week

Gary

When we turned up weekend rain had turned the site into a bog and Bill and
the equipment van had to be towed a quarter of a mile to the main stage.
Once there a nice quick set up from the very competent pa team, left us
with time to visit the hospitality tent and get in the required ‘œRock and
Roll mode’ before hitting the stage.

The one hour set went by in a blur’ Suzie did a great job on The Big
Easy, Mandy lunged it out on Heavens Door and it was great to watch big
sections of the crowd sing along to new songs like White Water & Sacrifice.
The new singalong section on Voodoo Queen made up for me leaping to the
dance floor on Telling Lies and then finding myself stuck there (stage too
high ‘“ Mandie nearly got a hernia lifting me back on!).

Mandie and Suzie’s James Bond style gun toting dancing on Drew’s Mission
Imposible excursion, was brilliant (and very funny)

A great Preacher man topped off afine set and a great audience re-action.
So many old freinds, including Tracey Knight and loads of guys from both
Butlins and Charlie’s in the city.

It was also grat to see Anne Campbell our ex singer/Manager for the first
time in ages. Anne took some great shots of the band and we hope to get
them on the Website soon.

A good one ‘“ Gary

When we turned up weekend rain had turned the site into a bog and Bill and
the equipment van had to be towed a quarter of a mile to the main stage.
Once there a nice quick set up from the very competent pa team, left us
with time to visit the hospitality tent and get in the required ‘œRock and
Roll mode’ before hitting the stage.

The one hour set went by in a blur’ Suzie did a great job on The Big
Easy, Mandy lunged it out on Heavens Door and it was great to watch big
sections of the crowd sing along to new songs like White Water & Sacrifice.
The new singalong section on Voodoo Queen made up for me leaping to the
dance floor on Telling Lies and then finding myself stuck there (stage too
high ‘“ Mandie nearly got a hernia lifting me back on!).

Mandie and Suzie’s James Bond style gun toting dancing on Drew’s Mission
Imposible excursion, was brilliant (and very funny)

A great Preacher man topped off afine set and a great audience re-action.
So many old freinds, including Tracey Knight and loads of guys from both
Butlins and Charlie’s in the city.

It was also grat to see Anne Campbell our ex singer/Manager for the first
time in ages. Anne took some great shots of the band and we hope to get
them on the Website soon.

A good one ‘“ Gary

Gary

Roger (Ridley Scott) Hunt had arranged 3 cameras (big thanks to Richard
and Marianne for operating) and the DVD should be edited and ready/available
within 2 months, with a live CD of the night being more readily available
within the next few weeks.

As at the launch gig we had all 3 of our great lady singers present and
used them in rotation. Fiona, Mandi and Suzi were all on top form and the
Band played a blinder.

Favourite for me was the crowd singalong at the end of Voodoo Queen.

Thanks to Pete Feenstra and John O’Leary and Les on the PA, a historic night
– we’ll let you know ehn the DVD is ready

Gary

The highlight was Danny.G with his Dicky bow height semi acoustic playing
with Charlie (spin it gain Dan).

Highlight for me was the great set from young Lwrence nd Alex -superb guitar
playing at an ege where I couldn’t even work out how to get one out of a
box.

A great night, roll on next week and Saturdays live DVD recording at Jack
Beards in Tooting

Gary

2 great sets to a 60 strong responsive crowd, including the first outing
for a while for title track, Broken Land. a great re-action, 3 encores and
a planned return on the 2nd December.

Great to see groups travelling from Notingham and other good distances to
catch the show ‘“ many thanks

Also thanks to Les and Alan Fish for making it happen ‘“ roll on December

Gary

Good to see a nice set from Syd on the Banjo and both Mark and Foxy back
on the Bass as well as Awesome Tony on the drums

No jam next week due to hols, see you on the 18th

Gary

Negatives were that we set the volume trip off 4 times, as the background
noise of the large crowd made it hard to get a reasonable playing volume.
Consquently everytime we got into something with real emotion, the music
tripped off.

Also Drew did the whole thing on his acoustic and this produced some real
highs but other songs were very different to normal (maybe a good thing?)

Best thing was we got to play Mexican Nights with Drew’s great guitar and
Mandie’s classic Mexican Eartha Kitt impersonation. The song was just rocking
into the bridge when the volume tripped out (it was that kind of night –
a bad connection in my peddle board added to the fun).

Never mind nice to see Ryan and some good old and new friends

Gary

Here’s to next weeks session

Gary

Support was from some of our top jammers from the Woodman including Danny.G,
Lol Sandford, Roadhouse percussion player Frank Dymore, Geronimno, Tim Havard
and Pete Bedford. These guys gave us a great opening set. Special thankjs
to Blues Legend and our great friend John O’Leary who fronted the whole
support performance.

Pete Sargeant introduced the Band on behalf of Blues Matters and even the
public jibes re: Chelsea’s FA cup defeat could not take the gloss of the
night for me (Bill’s busy blowing bubbles).

Pete came on to join us for a bit of harp magic on Help Me.

We had our 3 lady’s in tandem and Swiss Fred on sax (great playing). The
long set blurred by and we nearly ran out of time for the encore. However,
we managed to slip in a truncated Preacher Man, which rounded the night
off nicely.

The band played great and it was Suzie.D’s first proper gig with us, she
was superb.

For the records the set was:

– White Water

– Blues Highway

– The Last Train Home

– The Big Easy (Fiona was

on form)

– No Place To Hide

– Sacrifice

– Help Me

– Heavens Door (Mandie

rocks)

– Slip Away

– Watchtower

– Tellin Lies

– Voodoo Queen

– Preacher Man

Thanks to Vaughan Oliver for both the great CD cover/artwork and a pint
of guinness, Pete Feenstra and George McFall for making the night possible
(where would the London scene be without those guys)?, all at Sutton FC
and magic Mikey the PA man.

Onto Jack Beards in Tooting for the next launch gig on the 20th May where
we intend to MAKE THE ROADHOUSE DVD ‘“ SEE YOU THERE!

Gary

Support was from some of our top jammers from the Woodman including Danny.G,
Lol Sandford, Roadhouse percussion player Frank Dymore, Geronimno, Tim Havard
and Pete Bedford. These guys gave us a great opening set.

Pete Sargeant introduced the Band on behalf of Blues Matters and even the
public jibes re: Chelsea’s FA cup defeat could not take the gloss of the
night for me (Bill’s busy blowing bubbles).

Pete came on to join us for a bit of harp magic on Help Me.

We had our 3 lady’s in tandem and Swiss Fred on sax (great playing). The
long set blurred by and we nearly ran out of time for the encore. However,
we managed to slip in a truncated Preacher Man, which rounded the night
off nicely.

The band played great and it was Suzie.D’s first proper gig with us, she
was superb.

For the records the set was:

– White Water

– Blues Highway

– The Last Train Home

– The Big Easy (Fiona was

on form)

– No Place To Hide

– Sacrifice

– Help Me

– Heavens Door (Mandie

rocks)

– Slip Away

– Watchtower

– Tellin Lies

– Voodoo Queen

– Preacher Man

Thanks to Vaughan Oliver for both the great CD cover/artwork and a pint
of guinness, Pete Feenstra and George McFall for making the night possible
(where would the London scene be without those guys)?, all at Sutton FC
and magic Mikey the PA man.

Onto Jack Beards in Tooting for the next launch gig on the 20th May where
we intend to MAKE THE ROADHOUSE DVD ‘“ SEE YOU THERE!

Gary

It was young player night with 2 young (under 18) duos and a great young
guitar player called Alex. Good sets from John O’Leary playing with Drew
and Jules Fothergill (who was in cool ace of bass mode ‘“ and acting like
Gary in the movie Team America). Followed by Geronimo and a good close from
Pete Bedford & Friends

– All onto Sutton on Sunday for the PARTY !!!

Gary

Next Syd was up for some ace Banjo plucking, then Anne was joined by the
best sax player I’ve seen for years, James (ex Stevie Wonder Band ).

James ended up doing another 4 sets as per public demand/request.

Pete Bedford had the all time record anount of people on the stage with
5 vocalists alone at one point. Mandie did a brill Too Hot To Handle and
John O’Leary’s set was great with Danny.G and Lol Sandford excelling on
the guitar.

A big crowd and one of the all time top nights at the Woodman.

See ya next week

Gary

After some recent dissapointing attendances particulary in London, it was
great and very affiirming to play to a fantastic crowd.

It was wedged out and with great music lovers, many of whom have been Roadhouse
fans for years (great to see Ray & Nicky among so many old friends).

A great performance, 2 encores and the the fact we cracked Fiona up while
she was mid song, all added up to a great gig to remember.

There was a universal agreement that this was the best version of Roadhouse
yet and we shifted nearly £250 worth of CD’s

We are looking forward to coming back next year,

Sales of Broken Land now stand at 33 (but whose counting) ‘“ Gary

After some recent disspointing attendances particulary in London, it was
great and very affiirming to play to a fantastic crowd.

It was wedged out and with great music lovers, many of whom have been Roadhouse
fans for years (great to see Ray & Nicky among so many old friends).

A great performance, 2 encores and the the fact we cracked Fiona up while
she was mid song, all added up to a great gig to remember.

There was a universal agreement tht this was the best version of Roadhouse
yet and we shifted nearly £250 worth of CD’s

We are looking forward to coming back next year,

Sales of Broken Land now stand at 33 (but whose counting) ‘“ Gary

Mandie and Fiona did great and the audience and management gave good support,
as they encountered the full new line up for the first time.

This gig will go down in history as the night we sold the first copy of
‘˜Broken Land’

With pre-orders at 5, the sales score stands at 6 copies sold so far.

Wembley arena awaits’

Gary

Later Mandie sung Heavens Door and Fiona Stormy Monday both with the excellent
Danny Gwillim on guitar.

Drew played some cool bass on the night and it was nice to see the return
of Syd and his acclaimed banjo.

A good crowd and a high standard of playing, well done to all.

Gary

A mixture of local characters and music lovers made up a patchy/not bad
crowd. Still had me thinking that with this degree of apathy in turnout
and my health issues, will this be Roadhouse’s last year?

The great Mr John O’Leary was there with his lights and considerable talent,
adding great harp to 3 numbers.

We only had one of our lovely lady singers but Mandie did a fine job.

The second set was particularly good, with some good banter and on stage
impro. This goes in the record book as the longest delay before an encore,
as we had all sat down and ordered drinks before staff and punters decided
we wern’t going anywhere without just one more’..well if we must

Gary

Gary

A slow drive through a rain sodden London. I was a passenger in Roger’s
‘˜Mr Angry’ 4 wheel drive beast along with flu infested Roger and Mandi.
So I can look forward to another layer of suffering on top of my current
muscle disease, as their germs vie for who’s going to nuke me first.

On arrival it was great to welcome Drew (his new limp is quite rythmic)
back from hospital and into the Band.

A nice set up with the excellent and very loud pa guys par excellence and
then off for a Chinese with Drew and Fiona. There I got further depressed
by dialogue about record and publishing deals and the whole mush of keeping
Roadhouse alive in the currently depressed UK music scene (if MY current
depression contnues much longer we might even get a new song out of it).

I then got a nice text from Anne Campbell wishing all her old colleagues
well, which was jolly decent of her. As we arrived back at Walkern my heart
sank to find the venue nearly deserted (all bar 18 punters).

We’ve never failed to pull a really good crowd here and my heart went out
to Mike and Richard, the promoters who work their socks off to keep this
nice club alive.

Mind you it was great to see Trev ‘˜The man in the Hat’ as we sorted out
arrangements for our appearance at the mega Stevenage, Mayfest Festival
on the 28th May.

As we got on stage a sudden influx of punters lifted the crowd into the
30’²s.

What a nice crowd and the Band played a blinder. The audience were dancing
most of the night and it ended with a blinding Preacher Man encore. All
the usual feedback stuff, greatest ever Roadhouse, one of the greatest ever
Walkern gigs (so where were the people ???)

13 year old David got up and joined Drew for a great performance/number
on my Strat in the second (I didn’t know what a Strat was when I was 13
– some people might say I still don’t)’¦

Nice advance orders of the new CD and well done to Mandi & Roger for not
passing out on stage as their respective fevers added to the heat generated
by the lighting.

So a special thanks to all the great people there. I will be assessing over
the next few months via attedances, just how much people are willing to
support the Band ‘”- We shall see what the future holds

Gary

Geronimo featured sax and harp and second guitar as he played his last set
before Easter as he’s back home to Spain.

Terry Brennan, resplendant in a new pair of boots, fashionably finished
off another great evening. Good to see the Tom Anfield Band back.

Here’s to next week

Gary

Second night running for Mr O’Sullivan and he gurned alongside me as we
slugged it out in a blaze of high gain (and camped up guitar playing glory).

A great Watchtower was augmented by a tremendous guitar duel in Rock Me
Baby, where ‘˜Ceaser’ had the nerve to out tap me. So I had to produce a
killer decending open D string line over some G string riffing grandeur
and for 30 seconds it was a case of ‘˜Et Tu Ceaser’, but the bugger came
back at me.

In the second set Fiona sung a great Stormy Monday and in the end the crowd
just wouldn’t let us away, as Tim shredded his way through Preacher Man
and blues cruised up a Fiona led Serve U Right 2 Suffer.

Thanks to all for the mass CD buying frenzy at the end of the night ‘“ we’ll
be back at Barry’s new venue in about 6 months time.

Good to see Barrry, David and laods of old friends, including the DVD film
crew ‘“ looking forward to studying the guitsar gurning in slow motion

Gary

Fiona was also on fine form and the Band played a great couple of sets.
Fred went into overdrive on Slip Away and Tim’s playing on Voodoo Queen
and Telling Lies was a revelation

Great to see the lads up from East Harding and people driving down from
Norwich to see us ‘“ thanks for your friendship and support.

We’ll be back with the new CD

Gary

The rest of the night had a really chilled feel, with a great Moondance
from Pete Bedford and Crew, and more jazz/blues orientation from Lelani
and Lol Sandford.

I got up and played with John O’Leary and some great solos stuff waere produced
in that set. Finally Masachi powered us out into the night with some blistering
guitar work.

Tell the world about the Woody now being open till midnight on a Thursday,
come on down’¦

Gary

Only 40 mins on the big stage to the packed house and it flew by’¦

White Water, Slip Away, Blues Highway, Help Me, Voodoo Queen and Telling
Lies. All well received by a nice crowd with great resulting CD sales.

We were followed by French Band ‘˜Big Des’ (good singer) and the accliamed
Paul Lamb and the Kingsnakes.

It was nice to share a dressing room with the legendary Mr Del Bromham of
stray fame, who was playing some excellent semi acousitc side stage blues
between acts (nice guy and an old hero of Bill and I’s).

Danny and Fred did great and we all wish Drew a speedy recovery

Gary

The crowd was a little thinner than usual but got to a decent level by the
end of the night. Telling Lies and Preacher man kicked butt. About 5 memebers
of the audience told me my playing ‘œWas on fire’ this night and I must confess
to having a rare hot bust of guitar form. However, my abiding memeory was
the great pleasure of playing with Tim and what a good job he did AGAIN’¦Gary

Robin Bibi played in the house band while Drew was away practising self
muitlation on the ski slopes of Switzerland. Robin played great, his haunting
slide work facilitated us playing a great version of the old Roadhouse classic
Devil’s Highway. Fiona and Mandi both sang great. Highlight of the jam for
me was Robin playing with John O’Leary in a great late night blues set’¦

Lawrence also had a good young line up, 1st song was great, but by playing
a reasonable (if patchy) version of Watchtower they robbed us of the chance
of us playing our current Tour De Force

Thanks to all for making it a birthday to remember’¦

Gary

White Water and Heavens Door rocked.

It was nice to see Robin Bibi in advance of his appearance in the house
band next week. He was joined by South African Chanteuse Lelani, who is
fast becoming a part of the Woodman key group of players.

Here’s to my birthday jam next week’..

It was superb to see Michel and many old friends including one of my fave
journalists and photographers Steven Verhoeven.

Thanks to Bobje (and to Christine) for arranging this trip. A bigger tour
and festivals will hopefully take place later this year.

After a couple of hours sleep we were up in order to get a cheap croissing
home. Feeling dreadful, we just about managed to keep a smile on our faces
as the bus finally started to breakdown on the outskirts of Wandsworth (well
thats rock and Roll )

Gary

This was a cracking little music venue and the 70 or so punters were treated
to a strong performance, partuclarly in the second set.

We’d love to thank all the great people we met there for the friendship
and help/support. Great hospitality and a nice plac. thanks Theo and Bobje,
we’ll be back. Check out the pics in the photo gallery

Gary

Roadhouse as house band gave some of the newer songs a good run through.

Highlights of the night for me were Lawrence playing his blues set with
Danny.G and Geronimo’s superb version of If I Was A Carpenter.

Bring it on next week

Gary

We played some new stuff and party faves and we were well fed and ‘˜watered’.
Fiona was on top form dancing with the crowd and Drew and I for some reason
reached a higher guitar plateau than we manged at Skeggy (and it was pretty
high there).

My abiding memory will be of Watchtower morphing into an impromptu version
of Bob Marley’s Exodus, surreal’¦.and fun

Gary

We blasted into No Place To Hide (appropriate, despite the enormous size
of the stage area (I tried to run over to trade licks with Drew but ran
out of wind and needed a St Bernard half way across the stage), then Sacrifice
and a Fiona feature on The Big Easy, both from the forthcoming CD, Broken
Land on Blues Matters records.

Slip Away, Voodoo Queen and Preacher Man followed.

Reaction was incredible, CD sales enormous.

We have received masses of E Mails saying how much more dynamic the new
line up is and just how much people thought the set kicked arse/rocked.
Drew and Fiona made a big impression, offering both talent and really strong
stage performances.

We’d like to thank all our friends and Roadhouse followers for the incredible
support they have given us through this time of transition and now they
can see that a positive future is well and truly here.

Thank you my friends, we will play on for you while there is any life in
my/our bodies’¦

Gary

We then had three hours of the jam, with some excellent players. Good to
see the excellent Henry up with Barry Middleton from the Running Horse,
playing some of the best boogie piano I’ve ever heard. Bob was great on
the harp and their was some sax and other playing to die for.

Thanks also to our great mate Alan Fish from Egypt pumping out some excellent
bass

Mr Barton says he wants to do it again next year, so all vote with your
feet and phone/mail Pete and or Butlins and demand the return of Roadhouse
and the jam.

A big thank you to all the brave and talented muscians and the appreciative
crowd for truly great 3 hour session

Gary

It was nice to see a new South African young lady singer, Lelani, who did
a great job. It was a great jam all round with the usual brilliant and loyal
crowd. Good to see young George Watkins back on the skins and playing well.

Gary

Great stuff and here’s to 2 weeks time’¦

Gary

After these guitar excesses Fiona needed a crash cart to revive her from
the resulting coma. She came back strongly to sing 3 powerful numbers in
the 2nd set.

TA Voodoo Queen, Preacher Man, Mustang Sally finish sent the crowd happyily
(and with total loss of hearing) into the night and left everyone aware
that we have another great dep guitar player in Tim.

It was very special to meet Blues legend and Californian DJ Mick Martin,
who did an awesome set with his host Mr Pete Sargeant. Thanks for all the
airplay in the States Mick, the new CD is on the way’¦.

Richard did a cool blues thing and Mandie and Danny(The G Force), augmented
the

Tom Anfield band in a superb version of Summertime.

A great crowd and a great night ‘“ Happy Xmas to all and a big thank you
for the superb support throughout 2005 ‘“ Gary

With 5 minutes to go before the kick off, Bill had to leave due to family
emergency leaving Roadhouse sans Bass player. Additionally, Fiona’s cold/flu
detriorated to the point that she had to leave’¦. aaaarghh

However, a really good crowd was entertained by the power opening from Drew
with Jules on impressive bass. Further performances from Geronimo and Danny.G
and Saiichi’s new Band, Creamy, plus BM’s own Mr Pete Sargeant, were great.

Roadhouse did an old line up/new line up thang, with Drew playing bass for
Jules and Lorna. The dynamic duo re-joined the line up and an epic Couldn’t
Get to Sleep and Stormy Monday were dusted down. Jules then played bass
for Drew as Mandie.G sung Heavens Door and then we did a bit of Xmas Voodoo
to send everyone into a cold but festive night.

Thanks for the great support and to all the musicians who came played, awesome
–

Gary

However, a really good crowd was entertained by the oopening from Drew with
Jules on impressive bass. Further perfroamnces from Geronimo and Danny.G
and Saiichi’s new Band, Creamy, plus BM’s own Mr Pete Sargeant, were great.

Raodhouse did an old line up/new line up thang, with Drew playing bass for
Jules and Lorna. The synamic duo re-joined the line up and an epic Couldn’t
Get to Sleep and Stormy Monday were dusted down. Jules then played bass
for Drew as Mandie.G sung Heavens Door and then we did a bit of Xmas Voodoo
to send everyone into a cold but festive night.

Thanks for the great support and to all the musicians who came played, awesome
–

Gary

Fiona sang a killer Big Easy which featured some great sax from Fred. It
was one of the best times that Drew and I have played off of each other.
Mandie did a great Knocking on Heavens Door and the night finished with
what many said was the best version of Voodoo Queen ever performed.

A truly great gig.

Great performances from Jim and Andrew, Anne, Pete Bedford, Lawrence and
Danny.G. Tim Matthewman excelled on his fretless bass and it was great to
both see and play with Saaichi again. All Along The Watchtower had some
very nice moments.

Here’s to next weeks Xmas jam.

Gary

This was a really fun gig, the audience were totally up for it and went
nuts for the music.

It was great to play some of the old songs again and Coldn’t Get To Sleep
rocked (as did many others)’¦.

Lorna did a one girl = two girl thang and Stormy Monday was a killer’¦.Nice
to support Jules on Oye Como Va again, in a kind if Santa meets Santana
kind of way.

Roll on next years return to this reallt friendly place full of nice people
and to Jules and Lorna’s next dep session.

Gary

At one point the place filled nicely and then the 11pm start and transport
difficulties began to whittle down the numbers’¦ However, a strong core
crowd hung around to support us through a very strong second set.

Gary

Raodhouse topped and tailed the night, ably assisted by Swiss Sax supremo
Fred Scwhartz

The second set really kicked and the night ended with Fiona and Mandie duetting
on Rock Me Baby, as we were joined on stage by both Sean and Innes, in a
mega Blues Matters jam.

The crowd of around 80, were great and 90% comprised of die hard Roadhouse
supporters. I was a more than little dissapointed that we did not get at
least 150 for such a great line up!!!!!.

Live music supporters if you give up on the genre it won’t be around for
you that much longer.

Thanks to those who came, they had a great night

Thanks to all the old freinds for driving in some instances long distances,
to show thier support and keep the band on the road

Some very good stuff was played by all’¦.

Then my moment of personal calamity, when I agreed to sing a Bryan Adams
song for the lads from In Your Face. 5 seconds in to realise that it was
so the wrong key for me.

The summer of 69 quickly became a vocal nuclear winter of 05 (by my normal
standards) and I was suitably crucified by Fona for my hilarious efforts
(sorry boys)..

Great sets from Riyad’s new band, Jplus im Dublin, Lawrie and Andre Heart.
Specail guest were Drew’s Friends and greta musicians (all the way from
Canada ), Cheryl and Kevin, they rocked. and Danny.G played some great guitar
with them

Here’s to next week

Fiona and Mandy appeared again later in the evening producing good versions
of Proud Mary and a blues rendition of U2’²s ‘˜I Still Haven’t Found What
I’m Looking For’ .

Swiss sax supremo Fred Schmid sat in with us all night and is now a regular
member of the Roadhouse playing squad.

Nice set from Lol Sandford and Julie Anne and Pete Bedford and Friends.
Decent harp player pitched up too called John and we’ll hope to see him
again.

Syd, Nigel and calrinet/sax playing friend serenaded us out into the cold
winters night.

A great jam as we build towards our big blues Matters gig at Sutton FC/Boom
Boom club on Sunday 4th December.

Hope to see everyone back at the Woodman next week

Cheers,

Gary

First the Roadhouse set, Fiona was back (nice and jet lagged from her trip
to the US) and I was sporting my white & gold telecaster for the first time
in years (doesn’t show your dandruff & that guitar has deep significance
– for those of you who know me)

Broken Land was full of great jazz fills from Drew (who went on to play
some nice bass for most of the night), Fiona did a decent Help Me and then
the Last Train home really kicked (my muscle disease was at it’s worst ever
last night and the song seemed very appropriate).

Great sets from Jim Dublin & a welcome return from Danny.G. Jacks duette
with Pete Bedford was outstanding, Geronimo and Lawrence both played some
great guitar.

Fiona came back and got everyone’s mojo’s working and then Syd cooled the
frenzy down with some reflective banjoing of the plunkiest order.

Jim and I played out on ‘˜Ride On’ as I managed to coax a decent solo out
of my cramping and aching hands (thanks to all there for the SO) ‘“ I reckon
it will warm up for next week’. Come on down ‘“ Gary

Great sets from Andy Cortes, Geronimo, Anne, Lol Sandford and his son Riyad,
Pete Bedford and friends. Lawrence is really coming on awith the Hendrix
Blues style guitar and everyone is loving Jack’s vocals at the moment.

Bring it on next week,

Gary

A great night, it was magic to perform with Mandie again and hearing that
original female vocal on Preacher Man brought shivers down my spine. Fred’s
soloing was superb and some of the interplay with Drew Barron, breathtaking.
It was great to hear some fine sax in the line up. The first since Andy
Thompson’s departure a couple of years ago.

The second set was very good and we played a version of Knocking on Heavens
Door, for the first time, without rehearsal. Mandie was on vocals and it
kicked. I got to be 18 all over again by being in spammy power chord mode..

The crowd was brilliant (particularly the group of lads from Glasgow), a
great night

In the end a pretty good gig and I made it through (just)

Lots of good music, nice crowd, and I managed a good solo on Jim’s ‘˜Ride
On’ (Thats 3 jams in a row we’ve done that now, so time to give it a rest).
Some nice bass on numerous sessions from Andrew Heart and apologies to Syd
for giving him just one number at the end of the night, but boy that banjo
sounded good’

3 weeks to the next jam, then back into the every week format.. thanks for
your great support.

Gary

In the first set the Band was on fire, turning in a great performance. Once
more Fiona did a great version of the Big Easy and coped well with singing
on her own . Drew was also on very good form.

Those of you who really know me will understand that I’ve had a lot of emotional
and physical pressure in my life recently and I was delighted to be able
to channel a lot of that emotion into my personal performance. It was weird
feeling tears in my eyes as I sang some of the lyirics.

We had two special guests, Drew bringing along a superb Swiss sax player
called Fred who played great stuff on both Backstreets and Help Me (we’ll
be playing with Fred again I hope) and John Oleary gurested on Whiskey Man
and sang one of his own reptoire, which the audience loved.

In the seond set I made a few structural errors, but the band was playing
with great emotion. Bill and Roger combining well in their party peice on
Voddoo Queen. A night that provided great hope for the future of Roadhouse.

Thanks to Pete Feenstra for his contnued belief and support’¦.

The big brass section band were back, with Lawrence on guitar and the great
vocal talent of young Jack from Atalntic Soul Machine..

A good set from the Tom Anfield Band who had a great new guitar player and
Masashi, Lol Sandford and Geronimo all played some great guitar. Here’s
to next week where appearances from Jules Fothergill and even my daughter
Rhiannon are anticipated.

A midnight finish on a Sunday

and it was (as the song says) a long way home’¦

Drew and Fiona, continue to get better and better within the context of
both the band and the material’¦..Anne as ever was the unsung hero filling
gaps and adding rich vocal textures

Keep music live

Gary

We’ll give the Runner one more shot next year’¦

Complemetary emails keep pooring in about the new line up and even more
followed this gig.

Into the jam and the appearance of a full hon section, along with Pete Terry’s
accomplished squeeze box playing gave wonderful life to sets by Jack (from
Atlantic Soul Machine and Pete Bedford).

Jim did brilliantly jamming with Bill, Roger and I on Watchtower and some
Irish epic that ended up being ‘˜tune of the night’. Geronimo backed by Funky
George Dare and the versatile bass playing of Mr Drew Barron played some
mean guitar.

The Roadhouse ladies, Anne and Fiona then did a dynamite duette on ‘˜Help
Me’ and the night concluded with Terry Brennan stalking the audience, with
a very scary version of Hotchie Cootchie Man (pure voodoo)

Bring it on for next week

Gary

I also suspect that Mr. Drew Barron might be a world class guitar player’¦

Please come back soon!

Yours sincerely,

Darren

Though we had a few problems with electric shocks coming off the mics (Im
still glowing in the dark ‘“ very handy for those middle of the night trips
to the loo) we produced 2 good sets. The new songs Sacrifice and Long Train
Home producing the biggest re-action. The boys from Egypt getting up and
helping us rock out the night on jamming versions of Whiskey and Preacher
man.

Getting people to the Rayners is always a problem for many bands, but I’d
like to thank the 50 or so people in the room for being such a great audience

This was historically Jules and Lorna’s last full gig as Roadhouse Band
Members.

Lorna was our only lady of the night (so to speak) and sang all the parts
with expected ease and assurance.

A decent performance, but I was by the end personally overwhelmed by the
sadness and emotion of the occassion. Roger and I grunted at each other
twice on the drive home as the focus was on introspection (Well at least
something good came out of it).

Solving some of the tight space issues by setting our front line up on the
floor, the first set went quite well.

The second set rally kicked and I was delighted to maintain my positive
form from the night before.

The whole band played great and the audience were right with us (wot a nice
bunch of people).

CD sales were very good and it was superb to see so many old freinds like
Ray and Nicky.

A special thanks to the many people who travelled over 50 miles to catch
a Roadhouse gig ‘“ Your the reason why we keep on rolling

Here’s to our return in April next year

Gary

The second set was a belter and everyone played well. The guitar trade offs
in both sets worked a treat and for once I was personally on good form (mind
you I would advise anyone with my type of muscle problems not do 4 sets
in one day ‘“ agony!)

The crowd hung around until about 1am, instead of thinning out as usual
and rocked it out with us..probably the best Charters gig yet

Two great sets were recorded and captured on DVD by Roger. Both Anne and
Lorna sang superbly, Roger was great on percussion and Bill held it together
with some straight and pumping bass lines. Jules treated us to a jazz fest
(he was in super cool, expressive mode) and some of the guitar interplay
was very nice indeed.

Thanks to Ryan and all the friendly staff at the Shed for making such a
good gig possible.

At the end of the night they wouldn’t let us leave and the place was rocking
to Preacher Man’..

Thanks to Alan Fish for getting us this gig and to Mark the organiser for
having us.

Nice One,

Gary

The night opened with a good support band (covers of course) and then Roadhouse
played a nice if somewhat loud couple of sets. It was great to see John
O’Leary again (1st time since his movie to the land of dodgiest midland
accents) and he played a very nice guest slot.

Performance wise though, the Band rocked

Lorna had a bad cold and bearing that in mind she did brilliantly.

It was nice to see some good old friends and shift a few more CD’s as sales
for No Place to Hide rapidly approach the 1,000 mark

Jules and I hit a purple patch in some weird guitar passage during the Roadhouse
Blues.

Quiet but good form

Gary

Then despite an overun by Paul Lamb and the King snakes we produced a great
performance, in front of a packed house. We achieved a great response and
were delighted with the stage and overall sound. Everuone in the Band played
a blinder..

a special thanks to our persoanl helper Ludo, who kept the band well lubricated
and fed both before and during such a slick perfromance.

Weird one was that Danny Gwillim had asked to play Slip Away with Roadhouse
and strangely just preceeding this event the song (sans Danny) was played
on Radio 2 by Paul Jones (around 21.00). Danny is therefore officially god
of the radio waves and can microwave your pot noodles on request. Incidently
Danny played the song very well..

Other highlights = the boys from The Subway Sleepers sitting in with Barry
and Anne in a nice set (great trumpet).

Two good turns from Jules on the Bass guitar before Andrew Heart arrived
to add his quality playing to the proceedings. Finally well done Lawrence
for developing a pretty good voice to go with the quality bluesy playing.

Next jam on the 29th September after our world tour of Sutton and Essex

We played a blinding set, Jules was actually duck walking, or something
like it, while his 335 was dismembering all in it’s path.

An epic Couldn’t Get to Sleep was followed by a great Voodoo Queen, before
the stage manager wouldn’t let us encore, despite there being 5.5 mins left
on our slot !!(crowd was going nuts for it)

thanks again to friends new and old and here’s to a more suitable slot next
year.

Gary

The skies threatened rain, but for once the gods were on our side. a pretty
decent crowd of around the 3-400 hundred mark, saw a nice opening set from
our good friends So Long Angel (nice vocals Fran).

So come 9pm we kicked into our headline set. The question was how much rust
would be present from the holdiay break??

We belted straight into Tellin Lies with the Crowd stomping along and Jules
boasting a sound as fat as Mr Creosote on his Gibson 335. There was a few
screams of protrst from the pa as the sound crew struggled with going from1-3
voacals without sound check, but we were rocking and things settled down
after a couple of songs’¦

Then 70% of the way through a steaming version of Sacrifice the power blew’¦
leaving us miming (a minority of the band stil managed to look attractive).
Power was restored, Lorna and Anne sang well and everyone did their party
peices nicely on Voodoo Queen. The crowd were well into it and then as we
went into the last solo the power blew again!!!!!

Oh well here’s to a powerful appearance next year (thanks to all for your
support and the great CD sales) ‘“ Gary

Too many nice perfromance to single anyone out, but it lead to Martin our
host, increasing the number of jams at the Woodman for 2005. So from October
we will be running nearly every week..

Great stuff’¦Gary

On an enormous state of the art stage set up outsides Antwerp’s City Hall
in the main squuare, surrounded by stunniung Flemish architecture the band
kicked proverbial (and non proverbial) arse.

Check out the photos in the gallery as this was an enormous gig to thousands
of people in the most picturesque of settings.

In full ‘˜Bon Joviesque stadium mode we kicked a high energy set though from
Tellin Lies to the closing Voodoo Queen. I managed stadium guitar hero poses
1-437 (damn I only got half way through the book before running out of time)

Much acclaim and positive feedback followed including TV interviews, CD
sales and autograph signing.

The whole band played well and a particular well done to Fiona and Lorna,
singing so well together.

One for the memory book

If we go with this again it will be with out semi acoustic set and I think
that would work a treat at this venue..

The Band played a blinder with 2 encores’¦..

Hope to back next March and we should now be at next years Mayfest (thanks
to Trev)

The band played great and sold a load of CDd’s. There was magic in the interplay
on Roadhouse blues (though Jules couldn’t hear me clearly through the in
pub stadium onslaught). Couldn’t Get To sleep nearly brought the house down
and built nicely to the double Preacher /Whiskey encore, man

Rock on and we’ll be back’¦

Highlights, Drew’s Spanish style solo in Charlie’s latin number (sung in
Spanish ‘“ I’m sure the accent was authentic!). Julie Anne with Lol Sandford,
Masashi playing like a powerhouse (and demonstarting poses 1-279 of the
guitar hero manual -my fave was number 37). I personally love rock and roll
theatre and on that note after a good set from Geronimo, Terry sang us into
the night. His emaciated frame emanating a kind of indiscribable menace,
as he prowled the stage looking for some kind of rock and blues revelation’¦

The 22 musicians featuring both current and future Roadhosue line ups and
most of Funkdory played a blinder.

The 10 paying people were fabulous.

Highlights (if any one cares) included a great set from Drew Barron along
with the tripytechal Haringay horns. Oliveir on the Sax sat in on a grest
versio of backstreets which featured Fiona McElroy. Also some great playing
from Tim O’ Sullivan. I also got my first earful of a great self penned
original by Jules and Lorna’¦.

Mixed emotions, great performance, but does London care enough about live
music any more???

Highlights included Drew having to leave the stage with arms cramps in the
first set leaving Fiona and I to do a top notch Rock Me Baby with some of
the best guitar I’ve personally played for a long time. Secondly, at the
end of the night Drew took Jules’s ‘˜Sing along note for note with the guitar’
section during the intros of Voodoo Queen and then doubled the speed and
complexity.

Bring your diary for next years bookings said the management at the end
of the night, nuff said’¦.

The crowd were great and Syd’s 2 number slot brought the house down (banjo
and slide, that looks like a wiining formula’¦

Well played all’¦Here’s to 2 weeks time and I’ll make it up to those who
didin’t get a full feature/slot

Thanks to Ryan for being a great host and we’ll do it again’¦

Brilliant fun’.

Room was a bit small for us, the consequence being that after the first
few no’s the usual level of death metal blues rock exuberance made it v.hard
for the vocals’¦

Crowd were nice with a few old friends and regulars (thank you).

Into legend went the unplanned segway into Smoke on the Water in the middle
of Telling Lies’¦

A good early run out for the new look, from Oct 1st Line Up featuring Drew
and Fiona.

Fiona put in a staggering amount of enrgy into her performance and when
we build famliarisation, it’s obvious this line up will be a winning formula.
Just a bit more work to do.

Crowd re-action superb with 2 great encores of Preacher and whiskey Man
, man’¦. if that makes sense

A surprisingly good night well played and performed by all

nice stuff from Father and Son team Lol Sandford and Riyad, and from Pete
Bedford singing with Martin and his blues team. Also a lady harp player
all the way from the USA, Karin, checking out our little scene’

Repeat perfromance in 2 weeks time, bring it on’¦..

Once mor a good crowd.

Crowd numbers had been a litle slow in recent weeks, but a newspaper review
and tie in to our appearance on BBC Radio 2 last night helped the place
to develop a really good crowd.

We played 2 very long sets, Jules and I explored areas of improvisation
in some songs that had not been investigated before (I even manged to stay
with him once or twice)’¦

Great re-action, good CD sales, everyone played and sang great. The double
encore of Preacher Man and Couldn’t Get to Sleep sent a jubilant crowd into
the night searching for their local hearing aid centre. If only all gigs
were ike this’.

Then the Drewmeister/groover from Vancouver did a great little set with
Bill and Rog and Danny Gwillimj on guitar, with some great sax playing from
Drew’s French mate Olivier (great player, love to see him at the jam and
the Barnes Music Club).

Then 1 hour 35 mins of Roadhouse. Guest spots from the lovely Fiona McElroy
who had a successful debut in front of the die hard Roadhouse fans, Mr Pete
Sargeant who added dark velvet tones and harp to Help Me (without Pete we
wouldn’t be on radio 2 anyway). Drew returned for a triple harmony in Voodoo
Queen and some typical guitar overkill on the encore Preacher Man’¦

I’d like to thank all out friends who were there that night for their loyal
support (lump in my throat time)

The whole band played great. It was one of those times when I personally
reflected over the 14 years and 8 Cd’s of Roadhouse. I am proud to have
played on stage with all in the Band Sunday night, life’s too short and
we all have our trials to overcome (as in recent times I’ve really discovered
– big style). I am proud to have played with everyone who performed in Roadhouse
this night and deeply grateful and flattered that such fantastically talented
musicians and singers are prepared to play the songs I write ‘“ thank you.
One for the memory books’

First set wasn’t bad with Sacrifice kicking butt and a reasonable guitar
interchange tween Jules and I in Rock Me (but not as good as the cracker
last week at the Loft Club).

Second set was blistering despite my senile moment in Watchtower when I
went blank on the vocals and had to spend 30 seconds moodily shagging the
mic stand before mumbling something inane and getting by. Killer versions
of I Couldn’t Get to Sleep and Stormy, followed by a particualrly aggresive
and deafening Preacher Man rounded off a very good and acclaimed (by crowd
and mgt) performance.

Also thanks to in house reviewer/writer Dave for joining us for anice bit
of harp on Help Me

Fiona McElroy did well in both Roadhouse sets and doing an impromptu blues
set with Martin, Paul and the boys.

Syd and Nigel sent the crowd happily off into the night with the sound of
Suzaphone and banjo solos ringing in their ears. Eclectic and quality’¦

And so it was tonight. With another new girl singer, Fiona, joining the
excellent Lorna on vocals, the audiovisual show was spot on! Gary treats
his harem very fairly, giving them all a share of the spotlight, he even
recalled Anne to sing on few numbers. Where else could you see a fine band
like this with not one, not two, but three great girl singers?

The material was a mixture of the familiar Roadhouse back catalogue plus
some recent winners from their new CD ‘“ ‘œSacrifice’ was particularly good
– and even some tired old standards like ‘œStormy Monday’ were given a great
workout by Lorna.

Jules told me he was eschewing effects pedals tonight, and I liked the pure
tone he achieved, along with the brilliant slide work for which he has become
renowned. And at times the interplay between Jules and Gary worked really
well, I just love that twin-guitar sound.

Jules told me he was eschewing effects pedals tonight, and I liked the pure
tone he achieved, along with the brilliant slide work for which he has become
renowned. And at times the interplay between Jules and Gary worked really
well, I just love that twin-guitar sound.

The veteran Roadhousers in the background, Bill ‘˜n’ Rog, have been in the
band for going on fourteen years, Gary informed us. And their great professionalism
is a joy to witness ‘“ in fact the whole band, old and new seem to get on
so well it really works like a dream.

The finale Voodoo Queen was really great with Lorna and Fiona belting out
the lyrics and Jules and Gary doing some great duelling. We demanded an
encore, and got it, Gary showing great respect for the pub management and
politely asking if it was really OK to do another song.

So, in summary, a really good, happy, professional show. As I said above,
an excellent evening.

Jules was experimenting with doing away with his pedals and just using his
amp sound. This contributed to a shakey start, but by the middle of the
first set was cooking. the last 3 songs of the first set including Sacrifice
and Rock Me Baby were blistering.

Tha crowd were totally behind us in the second set with Anne nicely co-ordinating
their input in Jules’s stonking version of Santana’s Oye Como Va

No Jules and Lorna, but Drew and Fiona were doing a good job’¦..

Set ran Slip Away, No Place to Hide, Backstreets, Help Me and Voodoo Queen
(Time ran out so quickly while we were having fun- ’43 mins’)’¦.A good
response from the audience but only medium CD Sales as Jo’s multi CD merchandising
operation was in full swing. A nice chat and exchange of CD’s with Jo at
the end, with the promise of further work between the bands in the future

Into the Jam, memories, Jules and Marc playing Jessica on speed (well sounded
ike it and was excellent entertainment), a nice sax player called John,
a great melange of sound from Geronimo playing with Danny ‘˜Van’ Gwillim
(2nd song was bitching), and stadium rock from Georgie Pie alias Masashi
(killer riff on second song) ‘“ strike the pose.

Syd went into history by forgetting his words on his second song, allowing
me to bore th audience into leaving on time with a mega Gary stage waffle

Special guest was Danny Gwillim who did a number with Drew and a rousing
‘˜Watchtower’ with me.

Only down side was that though the crowd was very passionate, with some
great loyal, roadhouse supporters; surely this great club deserves a better
turnout???

Geronimo did a guest set with Owen on the drums and the Legendary Danny.G
played a stonking Watchtower with me (despite me singing the first verse
twice ‘“ still there must be some way out of it ‘“ shite I’ve done it again).

Tim O’Sullivan did a guiness fuelled guest slot and excelled in both gurning
and blistering guitar duties.

A bit of a local party night and v.enjoyable

Helen did a lead vocal and then sang another song while drumming (a bit
like making love while reading the financial times (I couldn’t do it and
according to some people I can’t do either)’¦.

A great night, Jules did a brill job on the bass (where have all the bass
players gone) only Syd didn’t get up to deliver(ance) on his banjo into
the night and I will Make it up to him.

Rocking’¦

A very decent crowd included a lot of regular Roadhouse punters and they
were well behind a rocking, if quite different to usual set.

Both Broken Land and Sacrifice were given their first big stage airings
and went down a storm.

Jules did well bearing in mind he’d forgot a lot of his equipment (still
he had is guitar and his trousers, which for him is more than enough)

A stormer, with great CD sales, happy people and much hand shaiking afterwards
(well at least until I got to the Southern Comfort)

however redemption was swift with a great perfromance from both the aforemntioned
on Watchtower.

Jules playing on Sacifice ‘˜totalled me’ ,it was so good. Lorns was on form
and it was great to have the 3 part vocal ‘˜thang’ going again, with Anne
rounding the sound nicely.

At the end some guys said the guitar trade off in Rock Me Baby was like
the one at the end of the movie Crossroads (required watching dear reader)’¦

However, if that was the case I’d be like the SteveVai character, limping
away with a scowl on my face (hey I just likened myself to Steve Vai -call
in the Trading Standards Commision) ‘“ good gig

Reverse running order had Syd on the banjo playing early (how does Jules
solo to that structure ???) and Geronimo on early release from the reservation
re-enacting the Battle of the little Big Horn on his guitar.

Very interesting jazz vocalist Carla did a kind of ‘˜Bohemian Rhapsody’ approach
to Route 66, and the crowd were well up for it. Very, very enjoyable..

No Jules or Lorna again but Drew was kicking it and on Voodoo Queen we were
joined by Rhiannon, my 14 year old daughter on backing vocals and she stormed
it, receiving a great ovation (made me a proud, but old, man).

Andy Cortes and Danny.G were on fire and there were too many great perfromances
to mention ‘“ big crowd to

Very interesting jazz vocalist Carla did a kind of ‘˜Bohemian Rhapsody’ approach
to Route 66, and the crowd were well up for it. Very, very enjoyable..

No Jules or Lorna again but Drew was kicking it and on Voodoo Queen we were
joined by Rhiannon, my 14 year old daughter on backing vocals and she stormed
it, receiving a great ovation (made me a proud, but old, man).

Andy Cortes and Danny.G were on fire and there were too many great perfromances
to mention ‘“ big crowd to

Second set lead to encores as the pub filled up and the night lifted. Higlights
for me were the climatic All Along the Watchtower and Voodoo Queen in which
Drew pummled his fretboard into complete submission’¦..

Not a bad night

A good two sets were very well received by a lovely audience and post gig
CD sales were brisk to say the least

We’ll be back here very soon. a great night

Two good sets to an appreciative crowd who bought shed loads of CD’s..

Broken Land and The Big Easy were both given good airings and though the
on stage banter at times was unpro it was often very, very funny (especially
the bit about when Roger stops Bill needs to fill him up the back)’¦

A great little gig and we will be back. We met so many great people, a special
thanks to Bob Reid for a guest harp appearance and ace writer/photographer
Iain Young who was reviewing for Blues Matters.

For officionadoes/desperdoes the 2 encore numbers were Preacher Man and
I Couldn’t Get To Sleep

The audience have been sparse here recently, but not during our first set
where the usual high levels of famous Charters apathy were overcome with
a vengeance.

I was on good guitar form for a change and a notable highlight was the trade
off with Jules in Rock Me Baby, as well as a fun version of ‘˜Watchtower’

Sacrifice is becoming a live set fave with Anne and Lona lifting it into
a new great (Dr Who) dimension

Numbers dwindled for the second set.. but with the clocks coming forward
and the 1-2 am finish it was understandable.

Still the hard core remained and were rewarded by Jules’s great perfroamnce
of Oye Como Va.. A good one

Shame was I couldn’t get everyone on, how often do I have to tell people
to turn up early, so we can start at 20.30????

In the Roadhouse kick off set we featured a new song, ‘˜The Big Easy’ cowritten
by Lorna and I (great melody Lorns) and it went down a storm and was reasonably
well played for a first outing, well sung too’¦

A weird lack of bass players lead to great bass depping from both Jules
‘˜Pastorious’ Fothergill and Andy ‘˜Bassman’ Cortes.

Nice sets from the above mentioned Andy.C and

all concerned. It was great to see Pete Sargean there (weightwatchers man
of the month) and all round great music jorno and player,

Her’es to the next one

A bright opening from support, The John Brown band, who had a very nice
Dutch guitar player (who knew loads of Dutch people we knew) and then into
a straight 1 hour 35 minute Roadhouse set.

No Jules or Lorna but an appearance from Canadian guitarist extrodinaire,
Drew Barron, who played great.

It was the smallest ever crowd we’d had at this venue (about 42 at it’s
heady zenith), which is a pity because this is the worst paying of any of
Roadhouse’s regular gigs and CD sales and bar take percentage make up the
feeble band wages.

As a consequence, despite the 2 encores and much crowd support/enthusiasm,
we won’t be back again. Onto bigger and beter things (I hope) ‘“ Gary

Musically the night was very diverse with Tom (I’ve got a big one ) Anfield
giving the worlds seemeingly largest didgereedoo a stonking BJ, and both
flute and saxaphone came into play as well.

Marc a la Francias proved he’s total beast by breaking strings on both his
own and Jules’s guitars before continuing to play on 5 strings more effetively
than most people could ever hope to on 6 (hope it made him Apee) ‘“ We made
a bit more room amongst the soft furnishings on the woodman stage and here’s
to the next one in a fortnight’s time

The band played a great gig. I must single out Anne for some praise as she
sang great and come midnight it was her Birthday.

Jules was in an especially mischevious mode, with a whole montage of kiddy
themes in the middle of Telling Lies being just the tip of his wind up frivolity
(great playing).

We love this venue and Barry who runs it is a great guy who does a lot for
live music, so we will be back on the 4th June and maybe this time it’ll
be a sell out

Sir Richard Pumperloaf came back in to dep for Roger and did his usual superb
job though it included his usual too slow apprach to No Place to Hide. He
is an awesome drummer.

This was the worst crowd we’d ever had at the Grove and we’ve been playing
there since 92, so it was far cry from the glory of Skegness and La Belgique.

There was a handful of Roadhouse officinados (like a bandido only they work
in offices ‘“ i think) and they were rewarded with amixture of wobbly moments,
mulchy moments with 3 guitar overkill, but some absolute magical guitar
playing and great bits of music ‘“ but who cared????

Still I thought differently to the views expressed on Jules’s site, that
the tone was very nice and warm and got a lot of positive feedback on the
Roadhouse set.

Later on Jules and Lorna returned with French Marc and a ‘˜Funkydoresque’
line up and the tone gods were smiling on both Jules playing and Lorna’s
voice.

We fast ran out of time on a busy night that was marked by the beggining
of a nasty stomach bug for me (the vie from the tiolet in the Woodman is
not recommended).

Some nice playing again by young lawrence on the guitar, it was also nice
to here a rock three peice with a girl singer’¦.

She did the gig stool bound a la Uncle Val Doonican, but without the nice
sweater.

The audience were strange, the band were playing pretty well but the reponse
was muted. The crowd swelled (well they were drinking alot of beer), but
still they were unsure until the end of the first set, where a rocking No
Place To Hide pulled them ‘˜on side’.

By the end of the gig they wouldn’t let us stop playing, fog horns blasted
from the bar in approval (either that or someone was strangling a bison
in order to make the satay) we did a triple encore’¦.

The tour bus set off through snow storms and a lack of channel tunnel trains,
to get us all home in time for post gig viruses and middle aged collapse
(for the Band oldies).

But what fun and what memories. Thanks too Bobje Blues and all out tremendous
Belgian friends

Many nice jornos in attendance and many pics taken of a great night’¦..

Our host Loius was a great Biker guy who did the greatest Belgian beer based
stew, ever. Big thanks to Jo Verboven and friends for helping to make this
gig happen.

First set was top notch with Jules ‘˜on fire’ , making a welcome return from
John Carpenter Zombie state to The Full Monty (with his clothes on of course)’¦.

Second set not quite as well played, but by then the crowd were having a
great time and post gig CD sales were frantic.

This was the only night of the tour that wasn’t packed out, but still a
decent enough crowd.

His welcome recption at his home was a lovely bit of hospitality.

However, you are not meant to eat the rind on Belgian cheese (not common
knowledge in Roadhouse circles). Jules in fact thought we were on a tour
of the Rind (ho, ho, boom, boom) and set about devouring slabs of the stuff.

On arrival at the great venue in Menen (Thanks to both Phillipe’s, Seys
and Warlop), Jules and Lorna became very ill and Anne only had medium vomiting
and shits.

We started with Blues Highway to an appreciative full house, but by the
4th song Lorna left the stage (very ill), by the 5th it was bye bye Jules.
Anne also periodically dissapeared and it felt to me like i was starring
in a personal episode of the Twighlight Zone (only I wanted to dissapear
but for some reason I couldn’t ).

Bill and Roger were super, Anne was a trooper (how Abbaesque) and we managed
the power trio, guitar hero thing (if you were drunk enough) pretty well,
including stonking versions of the Dealer and Serve U Right to Suffer. Jules
retruned (bravely) for one song just to prove that he couldn’t stand up.

The venue were really undersatnding, we sold Cd’s and most/nearly were happy,
but mainly we were just worried about Jules and Lorna who continued to be
very ill into the early hours’¦.