|
Me and the boy (The Loaders)
were invited by front man Gavin King to go along and support the
PD’s on a warm up gig for a small European tour and it felt like an
opportunity too good to miss. A great way to introduce my metal
loving son to the decent music of my youth.
Being that the PD’s heyday
was very much in the latter end of the 1970’s as you might imagine
the audience that showed up were pretty much in their late 40’s
early 50’s, which left this particular reviewer, for once, not
feeling like the ‘Sonatigen kid’. In fact the first band of the
evening (Intern), that included Gavin’s teenage son, looked
decidedly uncomfortable surrounded by this rabble of rock
octogenarians (even though they played extremely well, and
apparently did well in a battle of the bands at Moles in Bath…keep
it up lads).
Anyway to the gig. Guitarist
Paul Guiver claimed to me afterwards that the band probably only
rehearse about once every ten years. Oh right, like I believe that.
The band were tight and up together (despite Paul doing my favourite
trick of stamping on his tuner pedal instead of his distortion pedal
just before a solo, killing all the sound from his guitar. and the
occasional blank face as somebody completely forgot how a song
started….I felt right at home.)
The band pumped out short
catchy songs that defied your feet to stay still and that are still
felt as fresh, vibrant and as exciting as they did 30 years ago.
Gavin is an obvious
performer, and filled the gaps between songs using banter with
audience, although I would be interested to hear him chat with an
audience made up of people that he didn’t know (and as their next
three gigs are in Germany I am sure that’s going to happen soon). He
took the audience back in time to a place and an experience that
most had probably forgotten existed. The stories behind songs that
had first been performed at Bristol Poly (that’s UWE’s ART
Department down by Ashton Court for those of you too young to
remember the 70’s), Songs written in Bed Sits, and knowing (carnal)
tales of the nurses at the BRI (steady there Gavin, I work for UBHT
and I’m damn sure you don’t fancy me).
Paul’s guitar was full and
choppy and carried the songs along like a runaway roller coaster
train (I know, I know……reviewer in full flow…..it’s just that you
can’t beat a Fender Stratocaster through a Fender amp….so bright and
crunchy it can cut through glass).
The Rhythm section was tight
and full to the point that I bet drummer Mark-Sebo-Seabright ached
like hell in the morning. Bass man Huw Davies held the stage
stoically as if his bass sound were holding the whole thing
together, which I suppose to an extent he and Sebo were.
The difference between ‘The
Private Dicks’ and most of the Arctic Monkey wannabies that are out
there was quite marked. And as the band is in no way flash or
pompous it really is down to strong songs played well and a front
man that is comfortable with himself and his audience.
Suddenly, sat in the Crown
Cellar Bar, (where it all apparently started for the PD’s) I was 17
years old again, and remembering why I got into performing in a band
in the first place. Oh yeah!, and the metal loving offspring though
it was excellent as well….now that IS a compliment. |
