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| Spring? Really?.. |
Spring has sprung, and with it The Shine sprung into action with their our first gig of the year at the ubiquitous Saucy Mary's in Kyleakin.
Following our first couple of rehearsals of the year, we were back on the road for the first time since our last gig of 2012 at Finnegan's Wake in Edinburgh in early December, and boy had we missed it.
We set off for the long journey north at our usual time and pace, with the usual stop in Fort William to stock up on sweeties, tea and cakes that are perhaps not the usual rock band rider, but certainly keep The Shine, and in particular it's bass player department well fuelled for the night of Rock ahead.
On arrival, we were greeted in the usual warm manner by Ally and then by, surprisingly, but Laura, the erstwhile manager of the aforementioned hostelry. It was great to see her there, although she is only back in a temporary capacity, but she always puts a smile on our faces, and indeed an air of expectancy for a good night.
Refuelled and recharged with selections from Saucy's excellent menu, the setup was fairly relaxed and uneventful and at the stroke of 10pm, we launched into our first track of the evening, surprising most of the punters (and assorted members of the band who hadn't fully consulted the set list) by belting into the opening power chords of "Ziggy Stardust". The crowd reaction was immense from the word go, the pub being full to overflowing with both residents of the hostel and local punters out for the night.
The set then just went from strength to strength, with the crowd really getting into it and dancing themselves silly. We pride ourselves on giving the folks who make the effort to come out an see us a great time, and on the evidence of this performance, I think it was mission accomplished. Particularly worthy of note was our "new" addition to the set list, "Lay your hands" by Reef, which had everyone in the bar on their feet and getting into it.
A short break in the incredibly bracing conditions outside and it was into set 2 headlong, designed to be the rockier of the 2 sets and living up to expectation. The set built to the natural ending that is "Heroes" and then, just for the hell of it, the requested encore, a reprise of the bass heavy Be my Girl, by Jet. Clearly, the tea and flapjacks in Fort William had done their job and john was on fire until the bitter end. A quick strip down and outload and then some time to relax in the company of Ally, Laura and Craig, a new addition to the staff since our last visit and a top lad, being as how he's a scouser and he didn't complain regarding out Beatles' covers in the set!
The next morning it was up bright and early, a quick shower and then down to Harry's for a full English, "served with a smile". We commented during breakfast that i was great that the forecast snow had stayed away...
Famous last words. In true Scottish style and to quote Crowded House, we had the full "Four Seasons in One Day" treatment from mother nature on the way back home, periods of bright sunshine interspersed with near whiteout blizzard conditions, the worst of which was experienced when unloading at Neil's place. And the silly boy had forgotten his keys... In true Top Gear style, we abandoned him to his fate and went home. Don't feel too sorry for him, he is still alive after all and still has all of his digits. Ranald Fiennes, eat your heart out!
So we're now underway for the year, the first stunning gig in the bag and we can only hope that the rest of the year lives up to this experience. If you missed us this time in Skye, your next opportunity to catch us up there is in late April, but for a gig more local to our home area, and possibly yours, depending on where you are reading this, feel free to join us at the Riverside Inn, Callander on Sat 30th March from 9pm for our first gig in this venue. Are you looking forward to it?
We are!
Until next time, All the Best
Iain
