Last gig of the "Best of ..... live 2009" tour - double-show in Milton Keynes, what a treat at the end of the tour.
Line-up: Bill Wyman, Terry Taylor, Graham Broad, Albert Lee, Georgie Fame, Geraint Watkins, Beverley Skeete, Frank Mead, Nick Payn and special guest Gary US Bonds.
Photos not allowed so here's just my review and 2 snapshots.
The Stables shows were a complete sell-out as usual. I had 2nd row for both shows which was great and close to the stage. The afternoon show was a bit shorter than usual as they had to follow a strict time-table. Nevertheless it was great and everybody enjoyed it to the full. Due to lack of sleep I had problems to keep my eyes open and was running danger to fall asleep during "Johnny B Goode" but the horns woke me up. Albert had changed guitars and played a blue one as his regular guitar was already on its way to Ireland where Hogan's Heroes were to play some gigs the following week.
Between the shows there was a break, and we treated us with our favourite drink and a mouthful until it was time to get ready for the night show. Bill held a short speech and said he was a bit sad as this was the 33rd show and the end of the tour. Georgie Fame fooled around with the lyrics of "Just for a thrill" and sang instead "If not for Bill ....". When "Honky Tonk Women" was one, Nick came onstage wearing a Mick Jagger mask wiggling around, perfectly imitating Mick!
Later we said bye-bye and wished Happy Christmas. I had some words especially with Graham Broad, Georgie Fame, Nick, Geraint, waved Frank and wife bye-bye. Surprise, former crew boss Dave South showed up and was immediately surrounded by his mates. We gave him a big hug and hope to see him again on the next tour.
Everybody left with one laughing and one crying eye - but not for long as the next tour is already on the horizon.
For me the travels continued as I went straight over to Ireland to catch a string of Hogan's Heroes gigs.
