Previous 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.

 

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.

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