And so a rather smaller VRM tribe than usual descended on this lovely north London pub to see The Clang Group and pay our usual respects to The Emperor Himself.
Smudge, Jocelyn Fiske (replendent in Eddie Rifff t-shirt), Princess Alison, a bloke who looks like Toby Jones who I've seen many times but don't know his name (sorry!) and yours truly made up a small part of what is now a large and knowledgable crowd; word is spreading and fans of all component parts of the Clangs are appearing.
And we were rewarded with a much longer performance with new songs in the following set:
Concertina Splash Breaking Out On Your Bike Had A Nice Night Out of Time Rhoda Amsterdam Places + Things Heaven Calls...... Shipbuilding Whole World Love Is The Drug (achieved after two drunken false starts, cheers Suggs!) Paradise (in honour of Clive's "37th birthday"!!!!!)
All played tighter and with more control than previously, one is left wondering whether a 'properly clear' recording may be in the offing? Certainly would be welcomed.
Andy, in cool summer linen, is adding to more songs now and, despite battling the usual soundman problems, is blowing some extremely expressive solos.
If you've yet to Clang, you really must make the effort, it makes for a wild weekend!
Long may this band reign.
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