But before I give you my take on this mega-tastic performance I will try and give you a bit of background on this 'legendary' band. If you haven't witnessed the Bessie onslaught then this is a potted history of the band: Back in the Seventies there was a band called Hellenbach who went on to be popular in the NWOBHM, their debut album 'Now Hear This' is an accepted classic. The band became huge fans of rock n roll band The Stray Cats and their music became a mixture of styles. The band split but three of its members: Kev, Barry and Dave got together with singer Trevor Cajiao and rhythm guitarist Glenn and became rockabilly roister doisters Bessie and the Zinc Buckets.

Later on singer Trevor left the band and Kev became the main man - with Kev being a born showman this was a perfect position for him and with him being a superb bassist too then this front stage position for him is perfect.

Kev emailed me personally about a week before this gig - asking if I would like to attend. The email itself put a smile on my face and I remembered just what a good time I had when I saw the band this very month a year ago.

I told Nige he was driving (the words 'little finger' and 'wrapped around' come to mind - but what the hell!). I told him he was the snappy guy and he said thanks, but that he usually dressed in jeans and a shirt anyway. No, Nige, you are taking the pics - I will do the review. 'oh'.

It was a warm night and there was throngs of people outside the Three Tuns in Gateshead revelling in the alcohol and the barmy night. Course, the snappy 'pinball king' headed straight for the table to see how many balls he could lose in the shortest amount of time. Another record was set......

9.20 and on came the legendary Bessie and the Zinc Buckets - and the room filled up quicker than something filling up really really quickly. It couldn't have filled up any quicker if landlord Paul had shouted: 'Free drinks in this room'. In fact, thinking about it, I don't think the band could have drunk anymore had that been the case!!

Don't expect absolutely perfect musicianship here - this band are about fun, fun and then some more fun - oh, and some drinking, and fun - and then more drinking!! And did I mention fun?

Kev's jibes, comments and quick fire witicisms put a smile on my face from the word go and I swear it didn't leave till I was on my way home. He is a born smile-maker! His playing is effortless, whether he is sitting on his double bass, flinging it around (not easy with an instrument as large as his), or whatever pose he was in he was the master of his art.

In between downing some very potent Jaegermeister (a cross between JD and Benolyn apparently!) Kev entertained a very appreciative audience, got gradually more pissed, gradually more sweaty and then drank more to make up for the loss of sweat. Don't think I was too far behind him with my JDs (cheers Paul, you naughty boy!).

The songs? Well, you got me there. I remember the Johnny Cash Fulsom Prison Blues with Davy singing and doing a brilliant job on his Gretch 6120 guitar (identical to Glenns) and a superb version of Stray Cat Strut. Oh, Soft Cell's Tainted Love got the rockabilly treatment along with Paranoid which the band started off doing a damn good metal version of but then changed half way through to a more laid back feel. 

Nugent's Cat Scratch Fever was a dream and went to show just how unique this band is. Entertainment with a capital 'E'.

It was a brilliant sight to see the original singer, Trevor Cajio, stride forward to be invited up on stage to sing two songs. His vocals are faultless and his love of the music was evident for all to see. 

And if that was not enough we had Jose Gillan guest on guitar and Dave Drewer bass and singing for a few songs. And as Kev quipped. 'I don't believe it - everyone on stage has on a checked shirt!!'

This is the band that I would see if I was feeling down because I truly cannot imagine Kev not making me happy. He has such an infectious personality -  and so down to earth. It's as though he doesn't know what immense talent he has.
 

And what did he do to Nige - again? Yep. He stopped a track midway through and the guys posed for the camera!! Just how wacky can you get. This is not a band playing a gig this is like an insight into a very private party where everyone are friends...........what a brilliant atmosphere Bessie and the Zinc Buckets created.
 

And for a man who can instill so much humour and off the cuff quips he came over so passionate and serious about his commitment to his music. I was lucky enough to have a chat (not to mention the odd kiss or two!!) to Kev after the gig but before he became totally legless; he was adamant that without his deep love of rockabilly and metal he would not be in the band. 'It comes from the heart Val,' he told me. 'And if it didn't there would be no point in doing it. It really pisses me off bands who just go through the motions. Why do they bother? Why don't they just **** off and leave room for other bands who are passionate about their music.' 

I asked landlord Paul for his view of the band but, to be honest, I knew it already by his expressions during the performance of pure unbelievability: mouth and eyes wide open. Total surprise. Another booking is on the cards but the band play rarely because of Kev's overseas job commitments and the scarcity of gigs mean the band is not only in big demand, but their set is always razor sharp and they are always on tip top form. There is no other band that comes anywhere close..................
 

Legendary. Now do you see?