Chris Gravett

A few days ago I made up my mind to go to the Bull & Gate last night (Thursday). Decision was prompted by a tweet from one of my online music tog buddies Danny Gartside . Road to Horizon were playing, a band from Danny's hometown Wakefield. Well the first 'woe' was Thursday morning when Road to Horizon's appearence was cancelled. As I've not been to the Bull recently and there were still three bands playing I decided to rock up there with my Nikon.

I got there just in time for the first band to come on stage. The Maxwells . A lad with a Scottish accent and a see through guitar came on stage and mumbled something that I didn't catch. He did a couple of tunes and at times did not seem at ease. After the second song he had a little chat with the crowd, along these lines...."Technically I am in a band, we are a band". But tonight it's just me, the keyboard player's in Greece, the drummer is camping with his girfriend" I didn't catch the excuse for the fourth member. More 'woe'. His openess and honesty, and balls for doing the set on his own, warmed him to the crowd who were really supportive. William (I think his name is) continued with his patter and it became clear that his 'balls' came from the fact that his Mum had turned up to watch the band. Will blew her a kiss and muttered something about getting a proper job, subject to being able to get up in mornings, and then wowed the crowd with three or four more tunes. The photo below portrays how he felt no doubt!

Next up were Broken Hands (something I could have ended up with last night, read on)

Broken Hands had a big following, many of them had followed the band up from Kent no doubt.

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After Broken Hands I decided to get a pint before the next band came on. If you know the Bull & Gate you'll appreciate that the little bar for the club area can get very crowded in breaks. So, what I do is pop into the public bar which is often near empty, as it was last night. I paid for a pint of Krony and popped into the gents. As I was on my way I heard someone order a pint of the same, other than him there were only two people in the bar. After pointing Percy I returned to find my untouched pint gone. The couple of locals and the landlady were amazed the beer had gone. The landlady was swiftly off outside were there was quite a large crowd on the pavement enjoying the warm evening. I hot footed after her, if fact pushed in front. I was less than amused. I spotted a guy chatting with three or four mates with TWO pints of Krony in his hands. I calmly enquired whether he may have picked up mine by 'mistake'. He said no but looked a little sheepish. I asked why he had two and had he bought them both? I bought one he said. I asked where the other came from. He said his mate had bought it for him and pointed to his mate who nodded. Twat. It was at this point I realised all four were somewhat bigger than me so I considered how much further I should pursue this. I've got a big weekend lined up and didn't fancy spending it in hospital. I returned to the bar where the local couple and the landlady were in a right 2 and 8. Was it him? she enquired. I said I thought so but difficult to prove of course. Anyway I wanted to get back and shoot the next band. She poured me a new pint. But I couldn't resist going back out. Mr Low Life's mates had scarpered and he was there now with just one pint minus a few gulps. I politely but sarcastically mentioned to him that in my book you can't get much lower than nicking a blokes pint when his back is turned, especially when you can afford one of your own. He mumbled that I'd got it wrong but then proceeded to offer me the glass. I declined and said, quietly,"I hope you choke on it" or words to that effect. More woe on a Thursday!!

Well enough of that. This is a blog to show my photos not to talk about my woes! Have a look at the last band - Leisure...

Leisure's drummer looks, and plays, like a young Ginger Baker..

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The gig last night at Club Fandango  at the Bull and Gate, Kentish Town, was a Hoochie Coochie night. And a great night it was too - apart from the Beer Thief