




Well, as the dust settles and we get chance to reflect on the night, I think we can safely say that a wonderful time was had by all!
We realised that we were in for something special when a queue of about a hundred people formed before the doors opened, the final head count at The Duchess was over 350, just short of the capacity of 400, which led to a terrific atmosphere all night. Backstage everyone was in a party mood, with all the bands mingling and generally having a larf.
Each band pulled out all the stops with their performances, the quality of music on the night was top notch, as proved by the audience reaction, as everyone came offstage after their spot they all commented on the warm welcome they had received from the crowd, each one of them came off to cheering and much applause.
Everyone was kept in order by Jamo, even though he had slipped off the stage at the sound check and broken his foot (take more water with it, lar!) and thanks to him the show ran on time throughout the night - Tim of The
Duchess bet us that there was no way we could keep changeover times at 10 minutes, let alone the 5 that were allocated. He was proved wrong, as we finished 2 minutes ahead of schedule!
Some excellent raffle prizes ensured that there was a good response to ticket selling, with the result that the night raised £4,220, to be split between York Against Cancer and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
Thanks must go to Kirsten Ovenden and her dad, Ian Gillies, for organising and publicising the whole thing, and cajoling such quality raffle prizes from people. Without them, the whole thing would not have even got off the ground.
We have been involved in quite a few big shows, and can safely say that The Cavern Comes To York was right at the top for quality of music, atmosphere, and general organisation!
Further information and pictures, as they come to us, can be found on the dedicated page here.
The media rockin’ at The Duchess
to Hamburg, and in between some absolutely fantastic (and some really crap) shows. Anyone else would have shot us by now.
When he first announced that he had cancer of the oesophagus we were naturally devastated, but we gradually realised that, as he went through pre-treatment, and then chemotherapy, that he was determined not to let this horrible disease beat him, and he was proven right.
One weekend this June, he played in the band on Friday, Saturday, and then on Sunday afternoon he went into hospital for his operation on the Monday, showing true grit; we admire him for that, and we wish him well.
He will be remembered for his scary driving, his endless search for something new to attach to his drum kit (the
“fan and mini-mixer stand bolted to Wharfedale monitor” ensemble is a particular favourite of ours), and his ability to find a take-away at any time of night. Anywhere.
The drum stool has been filled by the man who has been playing with us since June, Steve Jackson. Steve was amazed when asked to join the band “I was amazed when asked to join the band” he commented dryly “I am, of course, honoured to do so, Phil will be a hard act to follow. Anyway, I have to agree to it, because Kev and Pete are holding my Granny hostage, the gits!”
Over the last few months, everyone has welcomed Steve to the role, and we look forward to “business as usual”. Until he finds out where we are holding his Granny, that is.
Phil in his usual serious mood at The Cavern
Regular readers of this site, and those of you who have seen us over the last few months, will know that Phil “Inspector Gadget” Calvert has made an almost complete recovery from his battle with cancer, showing incredible determination and courage. Nevertheless, and for many and varied reasons, it eventually became clear that it would be best for all three of us if Flashback underwent a change of drummer, therefore, the Cavern Comes To York show was Phil’s last show with the band for the foreseeable future.
Phil joined Flashback on New Year’s Day 2005, although he had been one of the band’s many stand-in drummers over the previous year or so. He brought his signature driving “Atombeat” drumming style to the band, and gradually, through his attention to detail and relentless search for more work, helped to turn us into the Flashback you see today. So it’s all his fault then...
He has been with us through our first (and sixtieth) shows at The Cavern Club, three Beatles Festivals, a trip
A CHILLY START TO THE YEAR
Well, we can’t say that we have got the year off to a quiet start, seeming to spend most of the last few weeks driving to and from shows in thick snow, it seems the A19 to Teeside has been permanently down to one lane! Still, at least we avoided being snowed in in Middlesbrough - just! At least the worst of it seems to be over now, we’ve put away the snow shoes for this year, and are busy dusting off our shorts and flip flops (not a pretty sight!)
Anyway, with plenty of returns to our favourite haunts, a fair few new venues in the books to look forward to, some new PA equipment, an improved light show (hahahaha!) and a new van - well, almost new - we’re certainly not hanging about.
Oh, and - shock, horror! - we have some new songs in the repertoire, with more to come!
See? We spoil you, we really do...