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Geoff Roberts on stage |
But this 60th birthday party was different. This was Geoff Robert's 60th. Way back in the early seventies Geoff had a band, and since retirement he has been able to dedicate more of his time to music - so to our surprise when we arrived at his house, we found a stage set up in the garden where his new band ripped through some great numbers. One of the partygoers was the lead guitarist from the original seventies band, and he stepped up for a guest spot. Music ranged from Standards, to Stones to Hendrix, and I noticed that some of the kids across the street were standing by open bedroom windows and a few hovering at the end of the drive. I think Geoff's band has been asked to play as 'American Anthems' and there will be a cd early next year. It's always great to hear live music, and Geoff's party made our minds up to go to more gigs in future.
Of course, expecting the standard party I didn't take a camera, so I only have this picture taken on my (very cheap) phone. But it was a great gig Geoff - happy birthday!

Probably the best £2 I've spent on a show in years. The audience stand around the top of what is basically a giant wooden barrel. Some of the bikes are 1920s Indians - one used by a 'Tornado Smith' in a wall of death show back in the 1930's. The noise and the smell is awesome as the riders arc and wheel, sometimes riding from the bottom right to the top, within inches of the spectators. That's exciting enough, but when they do it with the throttle locked open as they sit on the handlebars or stand on the bike with their hands raised, well, just amazing really. The finale has three riders tearing round, just missing each other, until they finally form line abreast. We both agreed that this old, old sideshow remains a genuine thrill - god alone knows what the 'elf & safety people would make of it! If you get a chance to see Ken Fox's Hell Riders - do.
The day ended with a bit of nostalgia for Miss W as she joined Richard on the pillion of her dad's old Matchless for the display tour of the show ring, just as she did in the past when he used to take it to the shows.
A great weekend. The solitude of the hills has its place, but we all need a little entertainment from time to time. Rock & roll & fast bikes? Yeah, why not!