Next up was Regular Robin - a reference to his VSL appearances not his bowel movements. He, together with AlanL on harmony vocals, slowed the tempo down with the old Jim Reeves number "He'll Have to Go" then brought it back up again with the Monkees "I'm a Believer" followed by "Knock on Wood". Great stuff.
It was at this point that all hell broke loose when the stage was invaded by three "chavs"- who were anything but Middle of the Road - intent on causing irreparable damage to Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep (see picture). Hmm...I'm sure I recognised their facesHappily order was soon restored just in time for Colin Ibbertson's sensational versions of the little heard instrumentals Sandstorm and Because they're Young with Colin Woodland, on guitar synth, adding the "orchestra" and the rest of the accompaniment being provided AlanL, Mark and Brian on drums.
The same line-up then helped Emma and Joanne to really excel themselves this month with their little set of Jimmy Mack, Rockin' around the Xmas Tree and Dance to the Guitar Man which soon had the crowd shouting for more.
During the course of the evening I couldn't help but notice the popularity of backing singers this month. I had probably started it by asking AlanW to help me out on Brown Eyed Girl.
Leo went one better by having AlanW AND Alan Burnigill for Juliet.
BrianM - also had two - Emma & Joanne - but they were much better looking.
Robin had THREE - Kenny, Paula and AlanL.
It was now time for a couple of vocals from Gentleman Jim . Would he use backing singers? Would anybody dare get up with him?
As usual Big Jim did not disappoint - HE HAD SIX!! (He would have had more but we couldn't get them on the stage.) What a star!
Jim never fails to delight and his renderings of Sha La Lee and Bits and Pieces, interspersed with his usual banter, soon had the audience stamping and singing along.
Still more to come ...
