" Thank you, driver, for getting me here -Too much, the Magic Bus " I'm sure Terry sang that every time he alighted from the fab vehicle ( see below) supplied by Paul at Amcarco and driven ( as last year ) by Jim.
It provided a nice counterpoint to last years stretch limo, more practical for a tour but pimped up nicely with some superb airbrushed graphics, it looked the business.
But enough of the transport and on to the goods that Terry delivered all over England on what was probably the most successful and consistent set of gigs that he's delivered in ages.
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This despite the tragic death of Bruce Malament (click here for memorial page ) in April of this year.
As it happened Terry had arranged for long time friend and musical collaborator Lee Miles to come over for this tour. Although not intended as a replacement, Lee ( an accomplished piano player ) did a great job of plugging the gap.
Also accompanied by wife Annette and daughters Holly and Chelsea Terry had no option but to excel, which he did. Each and every gig received a good , usually glowing report, from fans and local press.
The tour beginningn in Milton Keynes criss-crossed it's away around England , south , east ,north, south .... and so on.
Milton Keynes, Brighton, Dingwalls London , Kingsbridge, Devon, Bilston, Leeds, Bury, Nottingham, Norwich, Bristol back to Dingwalls London, Southend, Southsea and finishing with the Secret Garden Festival Huntingdon
and the Rhythm Festival Bedford.
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Accompanying band members at the various gigs changed a bit more than usual. Three drummers this time ( no not all at once ! ). Details of who on the band page .
Could have been a problem as rehearsal time was minimal as usual.
The guys are all seasoned pros though and gigs went without a musical hitch.
That said the tour was so tightly run that Terry even decided to set the band homework ( see right). They all got good marks , no detentions !
As ever the band gigs really rocked and I look forward to the time when the band does the whole tour with Terry. The addition this year of Melvin on pedal steel added an authentic country sound to the River and SOM songs.
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Another welcome addition to this year's gigs was some proper tour merchandise. Thanks to the determination of Paul Bennett at Amcarco and a little help from his artistically gifted bro-in-law there were t-shirts, signed CDs, even keyrings and fridge magnets.
All in all a very satisfying tour, no health problems no major issues and therefore an almost guaranteed return trip next year.
Highlights? Well whichever gig you went to I suppose . The Dingwalls' sets rocked as usual and it was nice to see Franke Miller again at the second gig.
I guess if you'd only been able to get to one of the gigs , seeing Terry trade licks and vocals with Mick Taylor at the Rhythm Festival would have been a top contender. Mick joined Terry for 3 songs. Thanks to Simon Godley for some pics of the event.
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To Find out more about the gigs, follow the links below for some neat photos, band details and fan reviews . |
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Last but not least thanks to all the following who helped make the tour happen:
Tour credits:
A Big welcome to Melvin Duffy - a new regular, could be?
Extra Special thanks to:
Peter Jay, of JayWalkers fame for showing up to Norwich gig - big emotional reunion
Mick Taylor for joining us at the final show - Rhythm Fest.
Frankie Miller for popping into Dingwalls.
Dzal for standing in performing with T. as a duo in 4 or 5 shows, after Lee Miles was forced to return home.
Could Terry and Dzal's duo be a new act for the next tour?
Helen Bennett for hospitality and endurance.
Thanks to :
Gibson UK for guitars, love to Juliette Avery and Julian Grace,
Yamaha and Roland for the lovely Piano's.
Tony Kavanagh, promoter of the tour [at Norwich the gig when had Lee flown home T. did it 2hrs. solo acoustic & adrenalin fuelled]
The Last Wine Bar, sponsors and for dinner and the party in Norwich
Bernard Hill for introducing T. on stage in Norwich
Paul Bennett, top class transport and merchandising
Jim , Terry's driver and hero of the hour-on-the-hour
Simon Sessler for Dingwalls, Southend and the festival shows
Annette for crucial tour support
Chelsea for organising the stall & letting Paul, Jim and Annette help out.
Gerry Lyseight for PR
The Joint Rehearsal Studio
Mark Anstey at Unique Gravity Agency
Stuart Lyon , promoter Dingwalls
Johnnie Allan
Chris Johnson for staying calm[-ish] throughout and never panicking.
Secret Garden Fred and Jim Driver for the 'Festival Fun' can we do the 'big stage' next time please!
Extra travel points go to;
Toni & Sue for turning up all over the country, literally!
Peter Innes for making the long journey from Newcastle [twice]
Tour merchandise record
Jake & Lauri Riviera for squeezing in to the Cellars at Southsea and buying almost the entire stall!
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