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This is the archive of the combined Barking Spider and Andy Broad Portsmouth Blues Site mailing lists.
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Last weekend's 'Blues On The Farm' was a blinder! A great line-up of Bullfrog Blues Club favourites, including DEBORAH BONHAM BAND, ERROL LINTON'S BLUES VIBE, AYNSLEY LISTER, THE HAMSTERS, and KRIS DOLLIMORE (who's appearing on the blues day of Southsea Folk & Roots Festival on South Parade Pier on Bank Holiday Monday, August 25th). The Barking Spider had a fine time there on the Sunday afternoon, especially during THE GARY FLETCHER BAND's awesome set, featuring some superb drumming from PICK WITHERS of DIRE STRAITS. Those who were there need NO persuading to get along to see them again on FRIDAY 27th JUNE, at THE CELLARS AT EASTNEY. And if you missed 'em, C'MON DOWN! This a a truly wonderful band. With this gig, The Bullfrog Blues Club officially starts its residence at The Cellars at Eastney, leaving South Parade Pier after an eight year unbroken residency. As a founder member of THE BLUES BAND, GARY FLETCHER has been at the top of the blues tree for over 25 years Gary’s song "(Could've Used a Little) Greenstuff’' has become one of the band’s anthems, and is just one of the fine compositions recorded by THE BLUES BAND Gary's solo album ‘Human Spirit’ received rave reviews and features all new recordings with a stellar line-up of musicians such as ROB TOWNSEND, (Family etc.) PAUL JONES and DAVE KELLY (all from THE BLUES BAND), BERNIE MARSDEN and MICKEY MOODY (both from WHITESNAKE etc etc.), STEVE SIMPSON (RONNIE LANE'S SLIM CHANCE, ROGER CHAPMAN'S SHORTLIST etc. etc.), MARK FELTHAM and DENNIS GREAVES ( both from NINE BELOW ZERO) . PICK WITHERS was a founder member of DIRE STRAITS, who formed in 1977, with MARK KNOPFLER, DAVID KNOPFLER and JOHN ILSLEY. They quickly made a demo tape, which cult deejay Charlie Gillett, of BBC Radio London liked so much he played "Sultans of Swing" on the radio in heavy rotation, and as a result two months later,DIRE STRAITS signed a recording contract with Phonogram Records. In 1978, DIRE STRAITS began touring Great Britain opening for TALKING HEADS (The Barking Spider saw 'em at Southampton University - what a gig!). After their debut single "Sultans of Swing" started to climb the U.K. charts, the group went on their own headlining tour, which led to a U.S. recording contract with Warner Bros. Records, and before the end of the year, DIRE STRAITS had released their self-titled debut worldwide. They received more and more attention in the U.S.A. and landed at the top of the charts in Australia and New Zealand. The following year, DIRE STRAITS performed in their first North American tour, playing 51 concerts - all sellouts. "Sultans of Swing" entered the top ten in Britain and the U.S.A., and 'Dire Straits' reached top five in both countries' album charts. BOB DYLAN saw the band play in Los Angeles, and was so impressed that he invited MARK KNOPFLER and PICK WITHERS to play on his next album, 'Slow Train Coming'. DIRE STRAITS' next album, "Communique", was released in 1979, and included the single "Lady Writer." Again, the album flew up the charts, as did 1980's "Making Movies", which included the singles "Skateaway," "Romeo and Juliet," and "Tunnel of Love." Their most famous album, 'Love Over Gold' was released in 1982, after which, PICK WITHERS left the band to take up new challenges.. As well as PICK WITHERS, THE GARY FLETCHER BAND includes STEVE LING on lead guitar, and Gary’s son JACK FLETCHER on bass. More details on www.garyfletchermusic.co.uk Tickets are the usual bargain Bullfrog Blues Club price of £8 advance, and there's quality real ales and ciders at The Cellars too! You can purchase your tickets in person at “The Cellars At Eastney”, 56 Cromwell Road, Southsea, Hampshire, PO4 9PN, at the bar from 2 pm - 11.30 pm Monday - Friday: and 12 noon – 11 pm on Saturdays and Sunday. I'f you'd rather pay by credit card online, either go onto The Cellars website, www.thecellars.co.uk. or ring 02392 826249 Alternatively, you can pay by cheque (payable to "The Cellars at Eastney"), with a banker's card of course. . Or (you feelin' lucky, punk? ) Turn up on the door on the night - The Cellars has a capacity of 120.