Xscape to Castleford Oct 2024

by Phil Barr. Video James Fischer

The band arrived at X-Scape looking in fine fettle on a glorious October morning although what the poet Keats would have made of this massive concrete jungle is another matter – maybe he could have thought of a suitable rap to capture the frenetic scene which greeted us with huge numbers of shoppers arriving in cars to indulge in retail and leisure therapy. Still, better to be seen and heard in a throbbing shopping mall than not at all, especially with the aid of our recent hi – tech equipment and expert team of sound engineers with Joe, David and Rob lending expert ears to the sound checks with Sue providing the vocal samples. As for what Roy calls eye candy, there was plenty of that on show too with the welcome return to live performances of Pop, looking resplendent in a pink scarf and sitting (comfortably it is to be hoped) on the front row, along with cool waistcoats and / or hats from the likes of Mike S, John, Stuart, Dave Blackburn and Dave F, both Daves also having kindly volunteered to be roadies/pack horses for the day. Val, meanwhile sported her fetching music motifs tie while Thelma settled for a white flower in her hair just in case Honolulu Baby was added as an encore.

  With such a feast for the eyes, Joe’s grandson James had no trouble inviting the band to pose for a group photo before David took command of his now primed for battle musical troops and we were away. Another Saturday Night was one of the successes of the first set, helped greatly by David taking charge of the key change with his lusty strumming allied to He Man style body language to counter any white noise of which there was plenty. Daydream Believer also went well as did Hey Good Looking which needless to say could be addressed to every member of the band on their good days. The only temporary blip came unusually with the opening chords of I’m into Something Good but this was the exception with the much more demanding Doo Be Doo Doo Medley rightly receiving enthusiastic applause from one discerning group of spectators. 

  The interval arrived which gave Stan the chance to belatedly set up for the second half as he showed his commitment to the group having first filled in as a taxi service to his wife who is currently unable to drive as she recovers from a recent cataract op, Stan being wise enough to know his place in the domestic pecking order.

   Before the second half resumed Maria was seen to double check with Joe that the sound system was still switched on as multitudes of mainly relaxed looking families approached, some on their way to various indoor sporting pursuits. These including the huge climbing walls just behind us and as Pop’s multi – decibel cry announced the second half had arrived I reckon that at least three climbers were suddenly left dangling helpessly in mid -air. Fortunately, though these individuals were able to regain their footing as they enjoyed hearing two songs about love and one featuring the dream maker in the sky, with David again guiding us expertly through the undulating tones of No Hopers, Jokers and Rogues   a recent addition to our repertoire. And so, we continued in good voice with amongst more familiar songs, the Kinks appropriately titled Sunny Afternoon so that by the next number we were indeed feeling On Top of the World before concluding with a double flourish: The Union of … and the thumping rhythms of We’re Gonna Play. 

  Another gig in the bag, happy faces, satisfied customers, and according to an independent (ah-em) review just in, we were amazing! 

  A great effort today from David in another challenging environment, from the sound and video team already mentioned and thanks also to Mike Hindley once again, the YAA stall this time being adjacent to us with an enthusiastic young woman being in sole charge. 

 Next up for those who are available is a return to the same venue on Friday, 1st November.