The Princess Alice, 1st August 2008
Well, last Friday Thee Strawberry Mynde were back in Boro for the first time in 10 years. Last time we played in Smogsville it was at The Temple (anyone remember that venue?) on 18th August 1998. It was also my first gig in my hometown since my powerpop band Afterglow played at the Middlesbrough Music Live festival back in 2002. So I was really looking forward to this gig.
Unlike The Clarendon gig the soundman was already at the venue when we arrived which is always a good start. Soundcheck over with it was time to relax for a bit. Also playing with us on the night were 4 Mile Drive who are a young rock band from the Boro. Their bass player was telling me that it was only their 3rd gig. Well, you wouldn't have known as they put on a good show of original songs. I've been to see loads of covers bands over the years at The Alice so it was nice that the pub is now giving original bands the chance to play at the venue. 4 Mile Drive seemed to have a decent following and no doubt you'll be hearing more from them.
Next up it was tyme for Thee Strawberry Mynde's Boro return. As I said before I'd been to see loads of bands at The Alice before but never realised just how small the stage is. We are just a 3 piece band but I found it to be a tight squeeze just like our striped tops! I Think I stepped on Ian's cymbal stand a few times but thankfully didn't stand on my lead and unplug myself like at last gig. We opened up our set like we always do with a cover of The Electric Prunes 'Little Olive'.
Soundwise I don't think we were too bad but we couldn't hear much on stage due to a fooked monitor. I think Ian had a few problems with the kit. But all in all I think we didn't go down too bad and people seemed to enjoy the gig which is the main thing, someone even said they prefered our garage sound than Jarvis Humby's! We also got shouted back for an encore. At The Clarendon gig we had ran out of songs and so had to play songs we had already done for our encore. This time though we were ready, well maybe not quite ready but we did have a new song called 'I Count In Fives'. The tune is a Tall Paul original and was the 1st time we had played it live, in fact we'd only played the song about 4 times in total! Still, even though it might of been a little rough round the edges it was better than doing a tune we had already played. With a bit more practice I'm sure that 'I Count In Fives' will become a main feature in our set.
So, all in all a decent gig and it looks like we won't have to wait another 10 years till we play Boro again.
Would like to thank Angie for putting on the gig, Charlie for carting my gear around, some great photos and been the best girlfriend in the world , Paul from Darlo and your friend (sorry, I'm rubbish with names), Graham (was it worth the 10 year wait?), Dean, Tetley (who had come all the way from Lincoln!), Gwangie, Hoppy, Digger, Ste, Diz, Ollie & Katrina and everyone else who turned up for the gig. Next gig will be in a park, that's Ward Jackson Park in Hartlepool on 30th August. See you there?
And just for all you train spotters here is last nights set list (which is just about the same as The Clarry) -
1. Little Olive
2. She Sets The Scene
3. My Flash On You
4. Word Girl
5. The Difference
6. The Witch
7. Can't Don't Want To
8. You'll Find Out
9. Don't Break My Laws
10. Oh My
11. Hidden
Encore:
12. I Count In Fives
Cheers & beers,
Bazza
TSM
Upcoming Shows
Aug 30 2008 11:00A
Red Dreams: Party In The Park Hartlepool, Northeast
Sep 20 2008 8:00P
Tap & Spile Darlington, Northeast
Oct 1 2008 8:00P
Dr. Browns Middlesbrough, Northeast
Nov 8 2008 8:00P
"Psychotic Reaction" The Clarendon, Hartlepool Hartlepool, Northeast
