THE BLOCKHEADS, Pearl Handled Revolver.
Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. Wednesday 10th February 2016.
For a rare Wednesday night show, there is a tremendous turnout. Naturally for a band who scored their own number one hit single nearly forty years ago, the age group is old, but all have come to actively party and just wallow in a thing called nostalgia. THE BLOCKHEADS (all seven of them) enter the stage to what is virtually a hero’s welcome. Bassist Norman Watt-Roy introduces the opening proceedings as they begin with a “New nugget” called Hold Up. This one is we are told “Hot off the press.” Bedford are honoured, as this is the first time it’s been played live. Of course back in their hey day and for so many years before his sad passing, the late Ian Jury irrepressibly fronted this band. The custodian of that venerable honour now belongs to Derek ‘The Draw’ Hussey. (Who incidentally was Ian’s best friend). This flamboyant character sports long blonde hair and dryly wisecracks throughout the set. He has many amusing anecdotes and observations. These include comments such as “Phil Spector is a very unhappy geezer” or Derek believes that, “Bedford is a difficult place to nick things from” and that “Wetherspoons offers at twenty pounds good value for food and beer.”
The Blockheads in their ninety minute set have offered up a classic back catalogue of hits and memories, which include I Wanna Be Straight and their perennial favourite Sex And Drugs And Rock n Roll. Prior to the Inbetweenies, we are implored to “Cuddle but don’t start fighting!” The Blockheads were, I would say, always more musical and possessed much wittier lyrics than most of their punk contemporise. You only have to listen, admire and smile to both Clever Trevor and Billericay Dickie, to appreciate that. What A Waste is introduced in a noisy plethora of raspberries, expelled verbally by evry member of the band! As well as the legendary Chaz Jankel, plus Mickey Gallagher, all eyes are on the other original Blockhead, Mr. Norman Watt-Roy. He was last seen in this building back in 2008, when he was playing as a member of the Wilco Johnson trio. The Blockheads have been staying here in Bedford for the last couple of days, principally to do some recording work. Their accommodation has been the talk of the band and Mr. Watt-Roy is very vehement in anger, when he vocally states that, “The Mill in Mill street is a dosshouse.” The other fellas concede that it was too “Peaceful for Norman,” he would have preferred to “have been near a motorway!” They sign off with a couple of classics. Firstly, Reasons To Be Cheerful (part three) and then the aforementioned number one Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick. The crowd went mad. It was evident as they danced and jumped around, just why The Blockheads are still so popular. The Secret is easy, They can still play. An encore is performed, firstly the anthemic seven piece admit that on this, their first visit to Esquires, they’ve “Had a great time” and kindly ask us to “Leave quietly” before adding “You’ve got a great club here” and just as importantly, “Don’t break any windows on your way home!” An unusual request!
Supporting are PEARL HANDLED REVOLVER. What an inspired choice, as so many of the local Blockheads fans enjoy this organ enriched blues rock quartet. For those who have travelled this evening and are not too familiar with them, vocalist Lee introduces and hosts. With their new album. If The Devil Cast His Net; due for release in April, Excitement is growing within the camp. Tonight as support, they keep it low key and have some fun, time to impress some new folks. With our headline band having main pick of the stage positions, PHR are having to adjust, especially drummer Chris Thatcher who is seated in the unusual position of front far right as we view it. It does however give everyone at the back a chance to see him for a welcome change. Their set is spread evenly, with songs from their last album This Mountain Waits including Rabbit Hole and the divine Hello Mary, as well as tasters from the new one. Of which Absinthe is already pricking up ears. Into The Blue is also worthy of note and features a lengthy hypnotic swathe of instrumental delight from a band who never let anybody down!
Review by Martin Stapleton. www.bedfordalternativemusic.co.uk