Trowbridge 30.9.06

It was on a wet and windy evening in Trowbridge that British Sweet fans finally got the chance to see Peter Lincoln make an outing on lead vocals and bass.  What would they make of him?  Would the band gel?  How would he compare to Tony O’Hora?  What would the set be?  Would Andy be in a good mood or seriously grumpy?  How big would the crowd be?  Who would we meet from the message board? 

Answers:  Enjoyed his contribution; Yes, of course, they are professionals; different but great, and not fair to compare; not much more than the hits; happy and relaxed; about 300; all those who could be there. 

So.  What happened?  Well, I arrived with my partner Maria at about 7.25, just before the doors opened.  There was a small queue and we quickly collected our tickets and went in just after 7.30.  The hall is a large community hall, rather like a school hall, and the tables were laid out as if we were going to play bingo.  But it wasn’t going to be eyes down for a full house tonight, as we found out.  Having cushioned the system with some beer to calm the nerves, we settled down to listen to a selection of music played by an irritatingly cheerful DJ, who tried to engage everyone’s enthusiasm, but failed. 

The support act, the Bullycats, arrived on stage at 8.30 and played an excellent set of about nine numbers, all apparently their own composition.  Given the right breaks, this band will go far.  The lead singer was particularly impressive with a good vocal range and a powerful voice.  The drummer was also outstanding, clearly enjoying himself as he drove the band and the beat from the back.  But let’s not forget the three guitarists, who played well too. 

The local regulars in the crowd clearly needed some attention from cattle prods to get them out of their seats, probably being more used to stand up comedians and bingo callers being on the stage than rock bands, but the Sweet regulars were ready to help out. 

After a half hour break to tidy up the set, the DJ announced the band’s arrival and there was a surge to the front.  Even so, lots of regulars stuck in their seats and must have enjoyed a great view of the top of people’s heads and the lighting rig for the whole show. James Bond gave way to Hell Raiser, and we were off. 

The ten deep crowd gave way to a sparsely full rear part of the hall, but there were enough in to give the place atmosphere, and there was hearty applause, whistling and cheering as the explosions died away at the end of a well delivered first song. 

Andy declared “I’m a Wiltshire boy now and I f*****g love it”, to loud cheers.  Next up was Burn on the Flame, after which Andy referred to “someone new” (more cheers) and Pete said we’d made him feel most welcome. 

The rest of the set was: 

• The Six Teens
• Co-Co / Funny Funny / Poppa Jo
• Wig Wam Bam / Little Willy
• Teenage Rampage
• AC/DC
• Love is like Oxygen (with a short “Glass of Champagne” in the middle by Steve)
• Action
• Blockbuster
• Fox on the Run

The regulars added “Pugwash” to the chants of “Broocie” and “Woolpacker” – a clear sign that Pete was induced to the folklore that is Sweet. 

Then for the “wrap”, Bruce gave us a short drum solo, before “Ballroom Blitz” rounded off the evening. 

We were staying in the same place as Carl Stinson who, I understand, rolled in about 4 a.m*.  He’d certainly was very fragile when we saw him at breakfast on Sunday morning, and said that a certain band member was “well trollied” also. 

An enjoyable evening all round?  House!

* - Note: I dropped him off at about 1am outside the B+B but what happened to him after that…. who knows! (Stewron).