Hey; it's late. I've just got back in after the gig, and these brief notes are better than none. Debatable, I know.....
Get to The Varsity on time. As I arrive, Lauren et al leave pub. Gobsmacked at how short Lauren actually is. Made mental note on the coolness of Lauren's jacket. Sank a pint. Sank another. Watched bouncers babysit younger fans outside pub. Watched girls with glitter cans spraying their hair. Counted number of fans arriving who wore glasses. Decide to go upstairs to actual venue. Got hand stamped, handed over ticket. Bought another beer. Drank some beer. Saved some beer for later. Walked toward stage. Noticed number of people at front of stage with big hair. Waited for Seafood to come on. Watched Seafood female drummer drumming. Battle of the Planets back-stage passes. Stella Artois drink-drumming drummer. Female. I continued glaring. Decided support band were half decent. Decided bass player (a) needed a haircut, and (b) should stop shouting. House in the Lake. Apparently, there's a House in the Lake. Lead singer and Bass player had fight at end of set. Lead singer allegedly upset at length of bass player's hair. Two grown adult musicians, rolling around on Seafood are actually called "Seafood" (something to do with the fact that you either love seafood or you hate seafood. Concurrently, too much seafood can make you sick.) Roadies take over stage. Work quickly. I finish beer. Some time later, lights go out. Fans told to evacuate building. Serious man on stage with loudspeaker he say, "I'm not joking..." (he wasn't joking) "You must leave the building." Fans leave, grumbling. Get outside. Notice fire engines and police cars driving fast and noisily in all directions. Realise whole town is dark. Power cut in Wolverhampton. Notice Lauren on balcony. Edge towards Lauren. Lauren gets out loudspeaker and talks to the few of us already there. Lauren mentions the spirit of the war, and sings White Cliffs of Dover. Emmy-Kate and Marie appear. Kenickie feed fans by throwing bags of crisps down to us. All fans now arrive (not interested in the band; just the free food it would seem...). Impromptu unplugged rendition of Come Out 2Nite. Via Loudspeaker. Bursts of PUNKA and Montrose Gimps it Up for Charity soon follow. Radio One microphone appears. Fans shout hard and loud. Lauren, some time later, tells us all to go home and come back Tuesday. I run back to train station and go home. Will return Tuesday. Will try to compile another gig review next time (part two...).
SW.