Don't know whether I am becoming picky but was there not so much choice on Saturday night? Sometimes reading Riffs gig guide is like a veritable Who's Who of gigs but Sat was a bit scarce. But I spied the MaidenEngland lads were gigging and, well, this is where reputation scores fairly highly because, like Nige, I don't recognise every single Maiden song within the first few chords - in fact, may I admit, some of the tracks I don't recognise at all. Not that the band do them badly, you understand, but just that I probably don't have that particular album. Anyway, the lads have been on at Stormin so much they are more recognisable than the Marshals; and they have gained a reputation in the North East for never giving less than ALL (I know just where'ya coming from lads!) so when I pointed out to Nige they were on at the Three Tuns in Felling his eyes lit up with a 'great, we'll go early and I'll have a go on the pinball'. So that was settled. Also the driving was settled - I told Nige he was! I took a hefty - very hefty JD and Coke for the ride and we got there in plenty of time but, as usual, the pinball was in use so we tucked into a couple of JD's courtesy of the ever-thoughtful landlord Paul who must have been working hard that night cos he never even had time for a chat with little ol' me - boo hoo. But I spied Trevor straight away and while Nige had a quick word with newly-wed Roxy from Skinflint I got myself re-aquainted with Trev, Laurie and peeps. The band were sorting out some sound problems but managed to get em ironed out by 9.30 when they stormed in with Ides of March. The lads were hot and hot - on top form hot and also temperature hot - sweat was the order of the day for the crowd as well as the band. Straight into Wrathchild and the lads were each giving all they got. Every single member was using every inch of stage to thrust guitars into the air; into each other; into Paul!! Some great Maiden tracks ensued until they finished the first set with The Wickerman. But it was the first track of the second set that set me alight -The Number of the Beast. What a crackin' track - Billy, Al, Graham on drums, Mark, and Paul on vocals – a truly awesome and sweaty sight to behold. I remember Nige saying a while back that, at anytime, you could take every band member off stage and leave just one - any one - and you would always have something exciting to watch as each member has a character and personality to hold an audience's attention. And now I see what he means, you can focus on any member and STILL feel you are being entertained. Not many bands you can say that about! The Trooper,Fear of the Dark with plenty of audience participation (my voice is hoarse this morning).
A
fantastic Runnin' Free
and then to finish Run to the Hills.
What a performance! I thanked little Paul
in
the only way I know how - to give him a great big 'you did brilliantly'
kiss. But then Trevor
got
jealous and wanted one of his own -well what is a girl to do - I don't
like to dissapoint! Me and Nige nipped into the bar to say thank you to
landlord Paul
for his untiring hospitality and I puckered up once again. I guess he must
use lip balm cos he had lovely soft lips (girls notice these things). And
I must mention that Paul has very graciously invited Nige and myself along
this coming Friday for the top Lizzy tribute
Black
Rose with transport laid on. Now that is way
above and beyond the call of duty. Cheers Paul - make sure you got plenty
of lip softener!!!