Gig Reviews 2010
Sat 10th July Full Circle Catshill Social club, Bromsgrove
Sat 17th July Full circle Cotteridge Social Club
Sun 18th July Daz The Cross Keys, Alcester, 5pm
Sat 24th July 2B40 The New Dogpool Hotel, Stirchley
Sat 19th June Daz Brandhall Labour Club
Mon 21st June 2B40 Jaguar Club, Bookers Showcase
Fri 25th June 2B40 Greenlands Social Club
Sat 26th June Full Circle Stechford social Club
Sun 27th June Full Circle Tysley WMC
Fri 2nd July Full Circle Rock steady Eddies, Walsall
Sat 12th June - Full Circle - Chelmsley Wood Conservative Club
Fri 11th June - 2B40 - Rock Steady Eddies
I wish I had a pub like this in the area where I live? Live music every Friday night, The best pint of Boddingtons I have ever drank, Free entry and nice friendly locals. They have two rooms, one with a stage and one without which is more of a bar with a couple of pool tables and a DJ booth, also a big TV screen which was showing the France game in the world cup.
We played in ther bar as they reckon they don't get the crowds in to fill the big room, which is such a shame, I'd be in there all the time. We played two spots plus encores and had the place skanking all night with our UB40 songs blasting out at them. Would like to say thanks to Pete for looking after us, Taffy & Beryl our new number one fans?, Roger (Ex Drummer from Labour Of Love), Emma and Eddie for having the best pub in Walsall and everyone who came to support us.
Sat 29th May - Daz - Private party, Kenilworth
Played a solo gig for Shiela's birthday in her house? It was a very big house and I had to set up on a balcony in the dining room. It was a bit strange singing while everyone was eating, but I think it went quite well and I had the 18 guests singing along and tapping their feet for most of the night. Shiela had also booked a characaturist who was sketching funny cartoons of all the guests and there was also a wine waiter who was plying the guests with very strong wine throughout the dinner. By my last spot of three everyone seemed top be quite slozzled and it was funny being sober to witness this. I only took the booking about two weeks previous and reckon she would have been better off with a coctail singer as there wasn't anywhere for the guests to dance apart from on the table, which I reckon they all did after I left?
Fri 21st May - 2B40 - The Bear Tavern
What a great night this turned out to be. First we would like to say a great big thankyou to everyone who turned up to support us. Nev did a great job of doing the door and we'll have to rethink having him in future as he drank most of the proffits lol.
2B40 kicked off with Present Arms and played over an hour of UB40 classic hits which had the room up on their feet and dancing and singing along. Then after a short break the lads came back for another hour and a quarter of more hits and encores.
Don't know if we'll play at the Bear again though as access to the room is really awkward for us oldies and there are loads of stairs and Daz really felt it on his knees? Old Bastard ha ha.
Friday 14th May 2010 - 2B40 - The Highbury Inn, Dads Lane, Stirchley, Birmingham
First of all I'd like to point out what a fantastic pub The Highbury Inn is. The Landlord has gone all out to make this place the pride of Stirchley, what with the best Chip Shop in Brum right opposite "Tony's" what more could you ask for?
2B40 took to the stage at 9.15pm to an almost packed house and started wooing the audience from the off with "Present Arms", "Here I Am Baby" and "My Way Of Thinking". Everyone in the room was on their feet, singing along and dancing. 2B40 are a fantastic tribute to UB40 which is starting to show as familiar faces from previous gigs elsewhere are turning up to nearly all the gigs. Some travelled from the other side of Birmingham tonight and the boys would like to say a great big thank you to Tony, Karen & Claire and Chris & Sharon and crew for making the journey. After the first set which lasted well over an hour the lads took a well earned break and then came right back at the audience with some classic hits including "Homely Girl", "Rat In Mi Kitchen", "Bring Me Your Cup" and "Kingston Town".
The roof almost came off when 2B40 said goodnight and Encores came next including the brilliant extended Dub version of "One In Ten".
Daz would especially like to say thanks to all his old mates who came along, he hadn't seen most of them for about 28 years and is hoping that it wont be that long next time.
Fri 23rd April - Tobacco Road - Weoley Castle W.M.C.
Well, what can I say about tonight? It was an absolute pleasure and so good to be back on stage with the lads for this reunion gig. Tobacco Road had various line up changes in it's time and four of the original members got back together tonight for what turned out to be a great big laugh. Loads of old faces turned up to witness this gig and it was great to see Figgy, Julian and the brood, Chris and Sharon, The Big Lads and their families, Colin Dennison and his mate, Anne, Jack and Eleonar, Gaz, Bill and Sylvia and so many more.
Tobacco Road started off with a set of 60's classic songs which had the room rocking. Then for the second set they performed an accoustic set of original material and a few old Tobacco road favourites. They finished off the night with loads of stuff they used to do which got the crowd on their feet and singing loud.
So many people asked when we are gonna do it again? I don't know the answer to this as yet but will keep you posted to when someone is brave enough to let Tobacco road loose at their venue?
I'd like to say thanks to Nev, Johnny & Will for doing this reunion with me (Daz) and I know they enjoyed the experience just as much as I did.
Fri 9th April - 2B40- Chambers, Barnstaple, North Devon
Had a cracking gig down at Chambers, all the people who came along really let their hair down and were dancing and singing all night long. We ended up doing an extra hour of requests at the end of the normal times.
The down side was that we never got our full fee for the gig as the gaffer said he hadn't enough money to pay us but would put a cheque in the post???
We were booked to play there again but I don't think we will as the cheque never arrived and trying to contact Adam Wallace to get our money is impossible.
Warning for any bands booked to play at Chambers in Barnstaple, North Devon! Make sure Adam Wallace pays you up front before you play for him.
Greenlands Social Club - 03/04/2010 - Full Circle
I actually found out the other night that 2B40 are in fact Full circle as well. Not just happy at being an amazing tribute to UB40 they actually opened the night up with some fantastic songs from the 60's & 70's. For their second set they played 25 minutes of UB40 songs to advertise 2B40 and got the crowd in a frenzy. What could they do? everybody wanted 2B40 so the lads gave them what they wanted and played their final set full of classic reggae songs and lots more UB40.
Sean the Entertainments Secretary was so impressed with what they did that he has booked 2B40 to perform in the concert room on Friday June 25th. This will be a ticket do and tickets will be available from the Greenlands at £4 per head.
Review by Ken UBLoonie
Redstone Caravan Park, Stourport - 27/03/2010 - Daz
Redstone is becoming like a second home to me, done 4 gigs within a year for them now, they are a great bunch down there though and always make me feel welcome. The beers nice as well lol. Started off with some Bowie and Elton, a bit of Hollies and Kinks. Second spot included some Depeche Mode, Dead or Alive and a bit of Phil Collins. Last spot turned once again into a Reggae fest. Everybody loves Reggae in the midlands so you might as well give 'em what they want lol.
We all had a cracking night and Sam won a line on the Bingo, another Daz (not me) won £50 on the Joe 90 and Ian, Roy and Carl got my missus drunk AGAIN!!!!!
Looking Forward to 31st July when Will & myself are taking 2B40 to Redstone for the first time, Can't Wait, They won't know what's hit 'em
The Fox Tavern, Rowley Regis - 20/03/2010
2B40
It was funny tonight as we only found out we were playing the gig this morning? But being the Old Pro's that we are we took the bull by the horns and got along to The Fox Tavern to blast out some UB40 tunes for them.
First impressions of the Fox Tavern is what a great boozer, the atmosphere was bang on as soon as we walked in the place. Helen and Bret (Lord & Lady of the Manna) were really nice to us and never stopped smiling all night ha ha.
It was funny too that I don't think anybody in the pub expected two lads from Brum would be up to much but blimey we gave it 'em large, the sound we got in The Fox was probably one of the best we have ever had, must have been something to do with the shape of the room???
If you fancy a great night out in July then get down the Fox on 29th when we'll be doing it all over again
Tyseley WMC - 20/03/2010
Daz - Solo Gig
It was members night down at Tyleley and what a show they got, The Brilliant Duo Side by Side performed some cracking soul and Motown stuff and got everyone on the dancefloor, they are Brother and Sister, Maureen & Vincent. To me I thought Maureen was very much like Whitney Huoston both in sound and looks she was a very nice girl too and had the audience mesmerised with songs such as "I Will Always Love You" and "I'm Every Woman" WOW! Vincent on the other hand was like a man possessed? He never took to the stage but worked the room getting everyone up dancing to his sweet soul tones, what a fantastic singer going for all the greats like "Sweet Soul Music" and "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher" Between them they were superb and I look forward to working with them again.
As for myself, well I had to follow them, on my own too, gulp. I completely changed my set around to suit as everyone enjoyed what Side by Side had done I decided to go for a Reggae set, which went down a treat and i managed to keep everyone dancing and singing, even got a young lady up singing a duet with me on "I Got You Babe"
Fab night all round and just like to send Big Love to Chris and Sharon, I hope you enjoyed your dedication?????
The Cross Keys, Alcester - 19/03/2010
Daz - Solo Gig
Tonight was a special night in Alcester as it was Mandy's Birthday party (Mandy is the Landlady). Normally it is Rock, Rock & Roll, Indie and most everything else down at the Cross Keys apart from Reggae? Mandy wanted to introduce the Cross Keys to the wonderful sound of reggae and went all out including a Disco in the one half of the pub and Daz in the other half. Daz performed reggae classics from the likes of John Holt, Ken Booth, Gregory Isaacs, Bob Marley and of course UB40. It was a fantastic night and everyone in the pub was skanking all night long, Mandy was seen walking round bare foot at the end of the evening and most appreared to be very merry ha ha. Daz is looking foen=rward to returning to The Cross Keys soon, watch this space
Bournville Social Club - 13/03/2010
2B40
Would like to say a huge thankyou to everyone who came along to Bournville club tonight. We had a great gig and it was nice to see the room packed out and everyone dancing and for giving us an extra encore MORE, MORE, MORE. Jimmy Mack raised quite a bit of cash for the Cash For Heroes so give yopurselves a pat on the back if you donated to that cause, our young lads are dying and getting ingured in these stupid wars and we take them for granted and should be proud of their bravery. It's just like the lyrics to Present Arms? have a listen, it all makes sense and it just shows what UB40 were trying to tell us back in the early 80's is just as important now. I think UB40 should release Present Arms as a single NOW to raise money for our boys? All in all it was a fantastic gig and it was nice to meet some of you who phone us and text us, like Danny and Dianne, Big Love to you both and we'll see you at the Highbury on May 14th
Old Oscott WMC - 06/03/2010
2B40
It was a cold night and we felt it while getting the gear into the club. A flight of metal stairs on the outside of the club, brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Once in and set up it was ok until we discover that a Country/Irish duo are on the same bill? OMG it was like sardines on that stage lol, we got away with it. Dunno how they billed it as it was just like a regular Pheonix Nights do and not a UB40 Tribute night? They even played bingo? I thought them days were over now doing this Tribute, how wrong I can be.
They kicked off with their silly hats and funny songs, they were quite good? They were called Ryan & Taylor, they had a few dancers but when we took the stage the dance floor was filled to capacity for the rest of the night. Had some nice compliments afterwards and interest from another venue, Great Barr District WMC I think that's what he called it?
Looking forward to next Saturday at Bournville Social & Working Mens Club, I have heard that it is almost sold out. See you there.
The New Dogpool Hotel - 27/02/2010
2B40
Well what can we say, THANKYOU, THANKYOU, THANKYOU for making this a fantastic gig, Thanks to Johnny green for supporting us, Thanks to All the Lads & Lasses from The Camp, Thanks to Steve & Carol for making the trip from Kings Norton (Bloody miles away?) lol, Thanks to the bloke from solihull who brought his missus down for her birthday, Thanks to Roy, Ian & Sam from Redstone Caravan Park for supporting us, Thanks to Anne & all her friends, Nev and all the promoting he and Julie did for us, The Blonde girl who danced all night in front of Will and put him off his stroke, the lads who asked for autographs (We'm Famous lol) and last but not least the 4 jokers in the corner who actually phoned me up from the gig and told us to get on stage ha ha, seriously the 2 girls danced all night and joined in with some singing, you were brilliant.
What a gig for us, nice and loud playing to a packed house we really enjoyed the hour and forty five minutes as much as the audience seemed to, got some good video footage which should be on Youtube and the website shortly. Hope to see you all again next time at The dogpool on 24th July and Christmas Eve. Thanks everyone.
Yardley Wood Social Club - 14/02/2010
Full Circle
This was the last Sunday gig down at Yardley Wood as like many other clubs, they just aint getting the people in and cant afford to pay the bands? Anyway we left them wanting more after two stonking sets of classic songs. Dance floor was packed and the MC reckons we will be back there as Full Circle in the future? We are back at Yardley Wood in November but with 2B40 so look out for that one it is gonna be great.
The Station, Telford - 03/02/2010
2B40
Never done a gig on a cold wet wednesday afternoon before? It was Kad's 40th birthday bash, Kad is the landlord and his daughter Mica and wife Nikki booked us to play for him and his regulars. What a great crowd and a brilliant atmosphere, we got the place Skanking from the first song, Present Arms right through to the last encore, One In Ten. Johnny green came along and did the sound for us and he was brilliant too. Kad thought we were better than one of the top UB40 tribute bands but I can't mention any names?????? Should be back down the station later in the year for a night time gig, Can't wait.
Bournville Social Club 30/01/2010
Daz solo gig
Got this gig in just a couple of weeks before by ringing up the club and speaking to the Entertainments Secretary Jimmy Mac. He had a free night he wanted to fill so without even hearing me before decided to take a chance. Well what a night we had, I filled the dance floor for most of the evening and had them all singing along to nearly every song I sang. I had some lovely comments after I had finished and they can't wait for my return. The best comment was from one of the staff. Quote " I have worked in this club for seven years and you are the best singer I have seen down here". Well thank you very much that means so much and I cant wait to play down at Bournville again.
Brandhall Labour Club 02/01/2010
Daz solo gig
Fantastic gig, the people at this club are all lovely and always make me feel welcome. My close friends Ian, Roy and Trevor came down tonight as well and cheered me on. It always makes me laugh as there isn't really any room to dance at Brandhall but they still manage to find a spce to strut their stuff.
