East and West…and a hint of Chas and Dave(ashby)
Drum roll……………
“And the ‘2009, Sir Oliver Reed commemorative title, sponsored by the excessive drinking guide, for most drunk town on a bank holiday goes to….”
Murmurs in the crowd.
Heightened, palpable excitement looms. A solitary figure shouts ”chapel st leonards!!”. but they are quickly hushed by the baying masses.
“WEYMOUTH!!!!”
The contingent from Dorset goes ballistic. Then, for what seems like 30 seconds, but is probably only 10, the sounds of lagers popping into the night fills the ears much like gunshot at an Iraqi wedding or any old Mexican celebration in an American movie. Hug, tears and then a huge fistfight unfolds…..
If there was such an award, then I’m sure Weymouth would win it hands down.
And we were there.
What a Town.
We thank you.
It started with a cockney knees up in our favourite South London area of New cross. When the call came that we were supporting Chas and Dave (minus dave) I got so excited I could eat nothing but pie and mash and jellied eels for 2 weeks beforehand…Having to re-affirm my Cock-er-ney heritage, much as one imagines a Catholic would have to visit church every day for two weeks before meeting the Pope. I felt the need to re-affirm my London faith.
We were born again.
Add to the mix that Millwall were playing in the play-offs the following day then I can safely say that the new Cross Inn was London’s Vatican for the night. Amen.
Then the morning came…suits were donned, Hawaiian tropic factor 2 slapped on faces and engines roared…
We headed West.
The picturesque Town of Weymouth was truly a Jolly boys outing if ever there was one. Like quo when they played 10 venues in a night. We were about to play 2. The quayside and then the Lazy Lizard.
We booked into our plush Hotel on the sea-front with sea views of the spectacular bay. On suite facilities. A mini bar and shower. A TV that couldn’t be thrown from the windows, as they were painted shut. At first sight it was all rather sleepy. The beach was full of holiday-makers and ice cream vendors. Mini golf and pedalows.
After sinking a few customary beverages, the boy’s headed to the festival. A mile or so away, lead by our fearless get-away driver. Dr (honary) David Ashby of the Penge Ward. The man has nerves and skill of a 12 stone. six foot plus, fox. Sir, we salute you!
On arrival to the Quayside, you couldn’t help but escape the level of high spiritedness of the locals. Matched by the amount they had evidently drunk in the hours proceeding our arrival. There we met our man of the Day, Mr Al, who immediately saw the fact that we were the soberest people within a 15 mile radius of the venue. Drips to arms we had an emergency transfusion of alcohol, that may not us have brought us to the level. But we were nearing. And fast….
Things we took from the gig.
Dr Dave Biscuit was a cool as ever.
Dr Rosier’s bass stance captivated the entire female front row. I even saw 2 Ace cider bottles being used as imaginary bass guitars.
Dr Reed. Plays his guitar behind his head. Plays his guitar behind his head. plays his guitar behind his head. And beats 20 stone Russians at arm wrestling. Then plays Duelling Banjo’s note perfect.
Dr Fahey needs to wear knee pads.
Dr Bradshaw has the voice of an angel. And is the best keyboardist in the country. Fact.
50 year old women in Weymouth do forward rolls on concrete into empty beer glasses….
We were then Whisked off to the nearest fish and chip shop for some fine English fodder. And by good it tasted good.
Then to our second performance of the night.
Things we took from the gig.
Dr biscuit was drunk
Dr Rosier was drunk
Dr Reed was drunk
Dr Fahey was drunk
Dr Bradshaw was drunk.
A special mention must go to our very good friend Dr Clive who ferried us down and provided security for the evening. A single man security team. And also Dr David Ashby.
The next morning we did an impromptu performance for the holiday folk, guitars were passed, McGyveresque instruments concocted and everyone joined in for the sharing of love and good times. We thank you.
Since then we also had a cracking show east sides, at 93ft east. Massive thanks for the turn-out considering there was a tube strike on. Big massive love to all who came and made it such a great night.
..this weekend we play again at the Marlborough, which is starting to be a nice hive for a local scene that’s happening here in darkest South London. We’re very glad and proud to be a part of. We’re Headlining the saturday.
More info
www.myspace.com/themarlborough
www.facebook.com/themarlborough
Hope to see you there.
New’s of more gigs and shenannigans to follow.
Big Love
The doctors.
