#the trimpell

Yesterday was a busy one! Caz L and Lauren woke up dazed and confused and feeling like death after staying up too late and drinking too much the night before. However, we had to get a grip as Caz T and new band buddy Rhianna (if all goes to plan, you might be hearing a LOT more about her in the future...although for now it's a case of wheels being set in motion...) were coming round for 12:30 so we could all get over to The Trimpell in Morecambe. We were booking to play at the annual Nice N Sleazy punk festival at The Trimpell. When we arrived, the weather seemed to greet our arrival with lovely sunshine even though the morning had been completely shitty. Luck was on our side for once! Even though we were only there briefly, I have to say it was the friendliest festival I have ever had the pleasure of setting foot in. Clusters of punks milled around and it seemed like everyone was ready with a smile and a "hello!"

We took to the stage in the sweaty, bright marquee at 2:20 to a respectable crowd...although people seemed to be milling about by the doorway rather than venturing the whole way in! Huge thanks to the people who made the effort to come and see us, including my boss Colette with her kids and boyfriend, our Twitter buddy Derek Morecambe and friend of The Reggie Mental Band, Gary Millings. Also, I had a lovely little chat with a guy called Steve who'd travelled from Manchester to the festival. He got a few photos with us before we went on, and then was down the front snapping and videoing away throughout our set. Looking forward to seeing what he managed to capture! Rhianna got some great photos, too!

Our set went okay. I don't think we performed to our very best standard. I seemed to be playing a little clumsier than usual, and the sound was a little odd onstage. However, it didn't seem to matter. We seemed to go down really well both inside and outside the marquee...when we were leaving another cluster of punks round the back approached us and said "was it you guys just doing all those vocal harmonies?" before commending us and taking some free CDs off us. They'd come up from down south (can't remember exactly where), but said they're gonna try and sort out a gig for us in their native town (yay!).

After a little chat with Lauren's old friend Anna and a brief visit to Caz L's mums for tea, toast and collection of her brother Nick, it was straight onto the motorway to Manchester for our evening gig at Night & Day Cafe. This booking seems to have been plagued with bad luck from the start. It was originally booked for a few weeks ago, and despite a listing in the Guardian Guide, we had to cancel it at short notice because the promoter had been unable to find any other bands for that date. So, we were re-booked for lastnight. We were unable to rustle many people up...despite my asking practically everyone I've ever known and offering to drive people there and back. It's very frustrating, but there's only so much you can do save knocking people out with chloroform and bundling them into the car. Oh well. We had, I think, four people there...Rhianna, Nick and my step-cousin Mark and his flatmate.

Nevertheless, I had loads of fun. It's such a cracking venue, the sound was great onstage and it has a proper stage that makes you feel like a rock star. Perhaps as a result of all this, I think we played a great set with loads of energy. Rhianna was snapping away again on her really cool camera. Didn't get chance to look at the photos this time but I have a good feeling about them. I just can't wait to see them!

It was a fantastic day. I wish I could do this every day rather than having to lead a normal life all the rest of the time.

Great news, too! Dave is getting his interface back and *fingers crossed* hopefully will be able to get the drums down for our new recordings this week. I'm so excited about getting the recording properly underway...can't wait to finally have Caz T on record (she's been in the band since December but has yet to record her fabulous bass work) and have one last gasp of glory from Dave before he leaves the band.

Watch this space! New tunes coming soon. :D

Our next gig is Saturday 4th June at The Blue Room in Blackpool. Hope to see you there! It's only a quid in.

Bye everyone!