BOOGIE BOP BOYS
The story starts in 2008 when the Boogie Bop Boys were asked to play at a Rock'n'Roll
show in 2009 - of course we said yes. The diary date was booked and contracts exchanged
- fame and fortune would surely follow.
Gigs came and went throughout 2008 and during that time a flier for the event appeared
and guess who the first band were - yes you're probably right! In 2009 we started
taking things a bit more seriously.
Well straight away we decided that the three piece band was much better with our
new find of Ade Boogie - so now we are a four piece! Ade can perform stunning drumming
with a snare & bass drum and a hi-hat with a tiny splash cymbal. No monster rock
kit for him - we wouldn't let him bring it!
We spent lots of time looking for unusual songs, but not too far in the left field.
Songs that Rock'n'Rollers would know and appreciate but weren't just the same old
one that everyone plays. Then the key issue became the vocal sound - harmonies. Well
Pete & Ian have been singing together for over 30 years and they can create wonderful
harmonies at the drop of a hat. Adding Bruce Boogie into the mix meant a few changes,
but the weekly rehearsals soon sorted it out.
What usually happens is that Bruce Boogie adds an extra part up high, or two Boogies
sing two part backing vocals for the main singer, whoever is the lead for that song.
What about Ade Boogie - well we're not the Eagles and he doesn't sing.
So that's the preparation, apart from the e-mail telling us that we are playing after
the headliners, Graham Fenton's MATCHBOX, a late slot but it would suit our slightly
more mellow style.
Set lists were worked out, changed, re-written and then rehearsed and everything
was going well. Luckily Pete's new apprentice Jamie noticed the van tax was out of
date - so it was a quick dash to Bristol to sort that - well done Pete. A final rehearsal,
then pack the van and ready for Saturday - Rock'n'Roll time!
The Westlands Leisure Complex is a great venue, loads of space, great stage and other
superb facilities. ESP Production were brilliant at organising the event - a big
thank you. The backstage area was well organised, the lights were sensational and
what a great sound came out of their PA - thanks to FOH and the stage monitors -
brilliant sound.
We arrived later than we wanted due to the M5 and its fan club of frequent fliers.
The Reservoir Cats were about to take to the stage and they really rocked the place.
The Big Bounce was on top form and she did a great job entertaining the dancers between
the bands. She also does a great job entertaining the bands.
Memphis 56, the local Yeovil band, were excellent and then during their set it happened
- - - - - - - the promoters nightmare and the bands bad dream. "Money's too tight
to mention" - the entire event was about to have its plug well and truly pulled and
everyone was going home. Ticket sales had been slower than expected, day visitors
were low and ESP, Westlands and everyone else needed paying.
I came in from the stalls and stands to hear the news that the event was over - that
was about 6:45 I think. Graham Fenton's MATCHBOX, a great R & R outfit, were not
playing unless there was money up front, ESP needed paying for organising, lighting
and sound. A quick solution was needed to try and save something of the show. There
was lots of chatter, some R & R visitors had travelled for miles to get here and
a whip round was started - in the end it made almost £500.
I believe that Paul and Marie who organise some sensational R & R Events themselves,
became the United Nations and managed to restore some sort of order at the event.
Greggi G became a diplomat and smoothed the waters and Memphis 56 played on even
though they knew there was no money - thanks lads. Westlands stayed open and ESP
Production kept the lights and PA on - BRILLIANT.
So what about music - no MATCHBOX - so what would happen now?
The bands who were already there and due to play before MATCHBOX agreed to play for
NOTHING!!! So after Memphis 56, Greggi G and his Crazy Gang stepped onto the stage.
A vision in blue - its the main man Mr Greggi G and what a leader for the Crazy Gang!!
What a blinding set from a blinding band - I hope they sold enough CDs for the petrol
to get home!
Who else stayed - why of course the fabulous Kingcats and did they rock the joint
- absolutely blazin' stuff - the night was really going well - the bands were hot
and so were the dancers. Angy and her Hens were not a band just a hen party and the
bride. Did I say just a hen party - more like just a wild party - did those chicks
know how to have a good time - WOWEE.
The Boogie Bop Boys headlined - all right we were really just the last band to play,
but I have to spin it a bit, just like the Big Bounce! We all had a ball playing
at the Extravaganza - we loved having Angy as our Teddy Bear and we loved the PA
- one of the best so far - thanks Guys & Gals.
Finally and big shout out to Keith and the Snappers - YEOPHOTOGROUP. These are a
few of the advance photos from Saturday - the best is yet to come but these are already
stunning. Thanks Keith.
Would we do it again - yes yes yes - but we and all the others would to get a little
bit of "MONEY - THAT'S WHAT I WANT!!!" - thanks Mr P.
