The Star Inn, Guildford
The Star Inn, Guildford - Friday 4th March 2022.
In 2021 we had some great support slots (Dr Feelgood, Showaddywaddy, Geno Washington) so it is really good to be able to continue 2022 in that same vein. Having released our debut double A-side 7” vinyl single of 2 original tracks (Mr Lucky / Rock ‘N’ Roll Good Times) in December 2021 it was great to be announced as the support act to the superb up and coming rock ‘n’ roll / soul band “The Hawkmen” at The Star in Guildford. A great, proper venue on the gigging circuit. This was something we always felt we could do, be a functioning covers band but also an originals band with kudos as well. They seem to be blending together effortlessly currently.
In the lead up to the gig Ted puts together a banger of a 45-minute set list and we start to look forward to what we think will be an amazing gig. Lucky plays tunes by “The Hawkmen” on his rockabilly radio show too. We’re well up for this. Advance ticket sales have been very good as well.
Finn and I arrive first, just as soundman Nick pulls up too. He recognises me from many years back. It’s going to be one of those nights I think as promoter Chris and I used to put on gigs many years back as well.
Finn and I start to unload as Richey arrives and we load all our gear in while Nick goes about setting up all the stage microphones. “The Hawkmen” are already here and have set up on stage. They’re just milling about, killing time. We say hello and head off to get a round of drinks in. Finn’s friends arrive just in time to make the round and they settle down in the bar. Richey and I head back to the gig room and are soon joined by Ted.
“The Hawkmen” soundcheck and sound amazing, their live set is going to be just as amazing as their recorded stuff we think.
Then it’s our turn to soundcheck and Rusty arrives just in time. We run through a couple of numbers (with Finn having to change over leads) and then we have to abandon the soundcheck because Chris needs to open the doors. There’s a lot of people waiting to get in. We’re pretty happy with the soundcheck though. We jump off stage to greet the people filing in, there’s a few who have come specially to see us. We like that. There’s even a couple of guys here who were at our Woking ‘village hall’ gig a couple of weeks back. This is great. We’re picking up fans all the time.
Stage time comes and we go for it. With Ted’s well written set list it isn’t long before people are dancing and singing along. Opener “Hello World” really grabs people’s attentions and we have them right where we want them. Lots of great banter on (and off) stage ensues throughout the rest of the set and, despite having to cut some songs for fear of over-running, we have had the greatest time. We’ve played really well. We’re very happy. We leave the stage to huge cheers and lots of applause.
Equipment duly stored away, brows well and truly mopped and thirsts definitely quenched we relax in the audience, ready to watch “The Hawkmen” do their stuff. They don’t disappoint. 3 Very talented musicians and the fabulous lead vocals combine to create an effortlessly cool mix of rockabilly and northern soul and they leave the crowd breathless with their energy. There’s no airs and graces with these guys. They clearly love what they do (as do DJ’s like Craig Charles) and they’re very good at it. This shows. Great stuff.
Post gig we buy vinyl and cd’s from “The Hawkmen” stall and we wish them well for the rest of their tour. Tonight has been superb all round.
- Lucky
