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Features
From
issue 148 - October 2009
Rockin'
For Sam
In Loving Memory of Sam Lyth - April 14th 1994 - May 17th
2009
Austin Rover Sports & Social Club, Birmingham - Saturday, 29th August
Review & Photos: Maggie Sampford
An
all day event to celebrate the life of 15 year old Sam Lyth, son of Rhythm
Aces front man, Pete, who died recently from cancer. The aim was to raise
much needed funds for the Donna LouiseTrust hospice where Sam was cared
for during his final days. Two heavily laden tables of donated raffle
prizes beckoned invitingly as a couple of clothing and memorabilia stalls
waited expectantly for possible customers.
A
warm welcome from organiser, Pete as people arrived and a team of DJs
kept the music flowing between the various band sets. Firing up the proceedings,
at 4.30pm prompt, a fairly new young band on the scene and making quite
an impression, the Fireballs began their set. A family oriented band with
Dad, Martin on double bass/lead vocals, 16 and 13 year old sons on guitar
plus family friend on drums.
They
looked smart and gave a lively and entertaining performance. 'Flying Saucer
Rock 'n' Roll', a great version of 'Ice Cold' and a dedication for Tina
Marie from Essex - 'Shakin' All Over' - 'cos she likes it! Another
dedication for all the EdwardianTeds, a favourite of mine, 'Brand New
Cadillac' and didn't they do it well!
The
aroma of fish 'n' chips enthusiastically devoured at our table created
rumbling tums for both Aileen and myself as we were tempted to do likewise
but resisted until the food bar opened at 7pm. More lively favourites
as the Fireballs continued with 'Sweet Love On My Mind', 'Rock Around
The Clock', 'When The Saint Go Marchin' In' and encoring with a stomping
version of 'Johnny B Goode'.
Back
to the DJ team and a few hiccups on the decks which were soon sorted whilst
helpers Guy & Carole set about recruiting contenders for the jive competition.
I think Silkie the clown could have won it easily on his own as he got
various ladies up for a dance, including me! A great jiver and a real
clown who also demonstrated his extensive jiving talents with the aid
of a chair!
The jive competition got underway and a couple of tracks soon decided
on Richard & Joyce Crabtree as winners with Joe Murphy & June Hannaford
(2nd) and Paul & Marie Down (3rd). The winners were presented with a trophy
which will be engraved with their names and presented to the winners of
the competition in future years. As
there were so many donated raffle prizes, draws took place at various
intervals throughout the day and evening, amongst them a DVD recorder,
player, freeview digibox, bottle of champagne, CDs, DVDs, gift cards,
wine glasses and cookery books.
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The
next band stop was taken by the Atlantics from Barnstaple, a band I've
wanted to see for some time, having enjoyed their CD. I have to say I
was well impressed and will definitely look out for them in the future.
They kicked off at 8.15pm with a lively 'Lordy Miss Claudy', 'Hot Dog
Buddy, Buddy', 'She Ain't So Pretty' and '7 Nights To Rock'. A five piece
band with a strong sax player which I love. A very tight, professional
outfit with keyboard, double bass, guitar and drums as well as the aforementioned
sax.
'Rocket
88', 'Queen O' The Hop' plus many self penned numbers and vocals shared
between the double bass player and guitarist. I think these are a brilliant
band and this was re-iterated by many other people. They told me this
was their first gig in the Midlands and I'm sure it will be the first
of many. They went down so well they did two encores, finishing their
set with 'Eat Your Heart Out Annie', 'Bye Bye Fairly Well' and 'Rip It
Up'.
Final
band, the
Rhythm Aces fired up at 10pm and straight away fans gathered at the front
of the stage. Lively, manic, electric - how could anyone not be stirred
by this? 'Sweet Love On My Mind', 'Dance The Bop', '78 RPM' and 'Tore
Up' was just magic! Howie was here, there, and everywhere with his double
bass, his curly quiff flopping about all over the place! Pete was on cloud
15 churning out the chords and lyrics as if his life depended on it while
Noz knocked seven shades out of his drum kit as he held it all together.
'Please Don't Touch', 'Brand New Cadillac', 'Take Me Back Baby' and 'Drivin'
Wheel', all the standards they do so well. It was a shame there weren't
more there to support such a worthy cause but I think over £2,000 was
raised overall.
