Bent Like Bob, The Fatal Mistake, Loveburger.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. Thursday 11th November 2005.

Before I review the show tonight, can I ask you a loaded question? Do you remember your first gig at Esquires? Was it days, weeks, years or even decades ago? Why am I asking? Well, prior to the gig I have to confess I had downed a few sherbets (perhaps too many!) with some work colleagues in a deeply depressing Wetherspoons pub in Bedford High Street. Arghhh - dreadful place. Anyway, upon leaving said pub a work mate named Ray asked me if he could join me as I embarked on the rest of the evening. Now, Ray is fifty five years of age and has never been to a Level 2 gig before! To give you some idea of his musical taste I should point out he is currently looking forward to seeing 'Uncle' Rod Stewart in concert next month. Regardless of this, I told him who were playing that night and off we went.

Upon entering the venue it was pleasing to see a huge turnout, and Ray was suitably impressed. LOVEBURGER opened the proceedings with their Emo-flavoured Punk as Patrick and the boys sped through a terrific set that had the entire crowd jumping with excitement.

At the end of their allotted 25 minutes I turned around, half expecting to see my mate Ray swiftly disappearing down the stairs! However, he was still around, eagerly asking 'Whose next?', 'THE FATAL MISTAKE' I replied. Ray looked quizzical and asked 'What do they play?'. 'Green Day sort of stuff' I replied. A blank expression appeared across Ray's face. Anyway, the lads from the Midlands who were playing Esquires for the second time seemed to keep Ray enthralled as he supped his pint and tapped his foot.

Expecting him now to make his excuses and wander off home, the arrival of BENT LIKE BOB actually seemed to raise his curiosity. 'Are these any good?' he shouted, 'Oh yeah - you should definitely stay for these' I replied, and he did just that, nodding his head and watching all the moshers at the front as they jumped and dived around. In fact, Bent Like Bob gained at least one more convert this evening to add to their ever expanding fan club. 'They were very good Martin' he remarked. 'Of course', I knowingly replied. In fact Ray enjoyed his first gig at Esquires so much that we even caught the last ten minutes of The Gain's set in Danny's Bar downstairs to round off a top evening.

So there you have it. Your never too old to enjoy your first gig at Esquires! I just hope Ray has as much fun at Rod Stewart next month!!