SONS OF THE DESERT RE-UNION
LINE-UP 1/1/2007

What were we worried about? We hadn't played together for a year, we'd had one rehearsal (without guitar and trumpet) and Springhead was sold out. Oh and most of the band had been a bit worse for wear 'til the early hours of New Years Day, what could go wrong?

As it happened, not much!

In fact if anything it was one of the best performances we'd ever given. On the same night last year we felt a bit under pressure at what was supposed to be our last ever gig and perhaps the nerves were evident. This time we got it more than right! That's not to say there weren't a few nerves, when I tell you I took to the stage without my guitar, you get the feel of my own personal mental state. This was soon dispelled when we absolutely demolished 'The Letter' and 'Keep on Running' to get the night off to a flyer. Thanks in no little part to a beefed up brass section that had been augmented by special guest Rick Davis on third saxophone.


Rick, Rob, Kate and Tom at sound-check



Rick and Rob in 'action'


As well as we were playing, special mention must go to the audience who were having a great time which always makes it a bit easier for the band. To be fair we'd stuck with some guaranteed crowd pleasers and as well as we were playing the faster, louder songs it was the slower stuff that really got the big responses. Kippas 'I've Been Loving You Too Long' and Lou's 'I'd Rather Go Blind' were quite simply brilliant. We had a guest guitar player on 'My Girl', Andy (sorry I've forgotten his second name) who is one of the excellent Springhead bar team and almost joined the Sons a few years ago, showed he was more than up for the job. We also had the majority of the Springhead crowd on backing vocals as well, which is always great to hear.

'Some Kinda Wonderful' picked up the pace and we finished the set with a tribute to the late Godfather of Soul.

Steve and Lou suffer some more of Kippas humour, although it did go down well with the audience.


A quick interval and the band continued the assault with thundering version of 'Show Me' and 'Unchain My Heart' and again it was two slower numbers 'Dark End of the Street' and 'Something Inside So Strong' that impressed with spot on singing from not only Kippa and Lou but Andy Pipers' brilliant vocal contribution. Personally it was all flashing along really quickly and I'm having trouble remembering everything that happened. (That 4 a.m. finish on New Years Day didn't help!)



Andy Piper on Keyboards/Vocals, superb in both departments!



Dave on guitar, dreaming of India.



'Spud on Drums'


In no time at all we were banging into the Blue Brothers classic 'Everybody Needs Somebody to Love', which we'd saved for the final song last year, this time it was the final song of the second set. All the band should be very pleased with their contribution as it was as tight as a ducks arse all night (I said my memory was a bit clouded). Spud was his brilliant best on drums, Andy Piper showed what we had been missing since he left the Sons, top class. The brass section were massive and Dave was bang on. Kippa and Lou? What can I say? 'Some Kinda Wonderful!' Some bands would kill to get either of these two as lead singers, how spoilt are the Sons having both of them?

The audience hadn't finished with us yet and made sure we knew it. Obviously we played the 'Will They, Won't they' game in the dressing room……………..for about 3 seconds!

It was just left for rattling versions of 'Minnie the Moocher' and 'Sweet Soul Music' to seal a perfect night.

It only seemed right that all of the band should take a front of stage bow at the end as much to thank the audience for the big part they had played.

A classic, and hey only 350 odd days till the next one……maybe!

Thanks

To Terry and Pam at the Springhead for making it all possible. Lynn, Nita and Gary from the Gig Shop who got the band a brilliant sound all night.

The bar and door-staff, worked their socks off, as usual.

Everyone who bought tickets and made it a great night.

The Daily Mail for the feature the week previous, although not to the idiot who made 'Frank Cleveland and his Orchestra' at the Springhead the Pick of the Day!

Anyone?

We do have some photos and video clips from the night but would appreciate seeing and getting copies of any other material. There were a lot of photos taken and I know at least two people had a video camera. If you could get in touch we'd be happy to cover any costs for copying.

Next Year?

Well it's a long way off isn't it, but yes we have pencilled in the same night for 2008. We won't make a definite decision until September/October time due to other commitments, but yes if we can do it, we will and you will read about it here first!

I will be happy to take e-mail addresses via our contacts page and let you know of any updates. The website will continue to run.



Kippa and Louise not just one, but two great singers in one band!