Another new experience beckons for me tonight as I have never been in Sefton Parks Palm House, let alone witnessed an evening of live music there. As I approach and hear the evenings boisterous compere kick off proceedings from outside, I can’t help but enter with high expectations, no less that this show is one that I have been anticipating for weeks.
Upon entry me and my bit o’ crumpet are greeted by 2 leotarded and masked ladies enticingly twirling umbrellas in our direction. No sooner have I given my name on the door we are each handed a copy of the 100th Viper release, now that is a welcome.
Heading around to the stage area I can see that the sit down, chill out, Mellowtone vibe is in full; effect yet again. The beautiful indoors and wonderful greenery surrounding the stage cements this as the grandest entrance to a show that I have ever had.
Martyn Campbell plays us in with a collection of solid acoustic ditties. It is a short, sweet set but it hits the spot and we start as we mean to go on
Ex-Tramp Attacker Matt Barton joined by his pals The Carers ramp up the notion, playing a small collection of songs that are laced with dry, scouse wit. “I pity the fool” is a vocal hook that stands out amongst the set during their opening number.
Robbie Stephenson follows and his rich, sonorous voice stands out amongst the nights finest.
Pete Wilkinson A.K.A Aviator enter the stage to a rousing reaction. Either because he is an ex-member of Cast or because a small drum-kit was introduced. The trio treat us to a number of psychadelia-tinged tunes that are well received.
A small break for a raffle that involved several decks of Beatles cards. The 3 winners were treated to a well wrapped bundle of CD’s from the Viper back-catalogue, while I sat and seethed with envy.
One of the nights main treats, our host with the most, our master of ceremonies Dave Owen, who really did add a fun gleam to the evening then treated us with a song of his own. It was one of the most ridiculous order and a welcome palate cleanser for what was to follow.
The big dogs, Viper’s founders Mike Badger (Ex-The La’s) & Paul Hemmings (Ex-The La’s & Lightning Seeds) then treated the crowd to a number of songs and some warming words on Viper and the reason for this lovely celebration. What followed this gave me a boner...so what. Tommy Scott from Space joined Mike & Paul on stage to play through ‘Female of The Species’ and ‘Neighbourhood’ much to mine and the crowds delight.
The nights finale brought us a fine set from the wildly talented Edgar Jones who was joined by Dave Owen. They played through several tracks culminating in a maraca fest as makeshift shakers were handed out amongst the end this memorable night on a memorable note.
When someone markets something as a spectacular then it really does need to be spectacular. This did not disappoint. The scenery, surprises, the cast, the combined and overbearing musical history all pulsating throughout the night made this an unforgettable gig. Another success for the Mellowtone crew, a great memory for me and a special and apt celebration for a great label.
Krystian Hudson
Upon entry me and my bit o’ crumpet are greeted by 2 leotarded and masked ladies enticingly twirling umbrellas in our direction. No sooner have I given my name on the door we are each handed a copy of the 100th Viper release, now that is a welcome.
Heading around to the stage area I can see that the sit down, chill out, Mellowtone vibe is in full; effect yet again. The beautiful indoors and wonderful greenery surrounding the stage cements this as the grandest entrance to a show that I have ever had.
Martyn Campbell plays us in with a collection of solid acoustic ditties. It is a short, sweet set but it hits the spot and we start as we mean to go on
Ex-Tramp Attacker Matt Barton joined by his pals The Carers ramp up the notion, playing a small collection of songs that are laced with dry, scouse wit. “I pity the fool” is a vocal hook that stands out amongst the set during their opening number.
Robbie Stephenson follows and his rich, sonorous voice stands out amongst the nights finest.
Pete Wilkinson A.K.A Aviator enter the stage to a rousing reaction. Either because he is an ex-member of Cast or because a small drum-kit was introduced. The trio treat us to a number of psychadelia-tinged tunes that are well received.
A small break for a raffle that involved several decks of Beatles cards. The 3 winners were treated to a well wrapped bundle of CD’s from the Viper back-catalogue, while I sat and seethed with envy.
One of the nights main treats, our host with the most, our master of ceremonies Dave Owen, who really did add a fun gleam to the evening then treated us with a song of his own. It was one of the most ridiculous order and a welcome palate cleanser for what was to follow.
The big dogs, Viper’s founders Mike Badger (Ex-The La’s) & Paul Hemmings (Ex-The La’s & Lightning Seeds) then treated the crowd to a number of songs and some warming words on Viper and the reason for this lovely celebration. What followed this gave me a boner...so what. Tommy Scott from Space joined Mike & Paul on stage to play through ‘Female of The Species’ and ‘Neighbourhood’ much to mine and the crowds delight.
The nights finale brought us a fine set from the wildly talented Edgar Jones who was joined by Dave Owen. They played through several tracks culminating in a maraca fest as makeshift shakers were handed out amongst the end this memorable night on a memorable note.
When someone markets something as a spectacular then it really does need to be spectacular. This did not disappoint. The scenery, surprises, the cast, the combined and overbearing musical history all pulsating throughout the night made this an unforgettable gig. Another success for the Mellowtone crew, a great memory for me and a special and apt celebration for a great label.
Krystian Hudson