buy tickets for this private rehearsal experience with the band as they get ready for their
London headline show, at the Garage, on October 28th.
We were told that we would get to see the band up close, who would then meet everyone and pose for photos, autographs and maybe a drink!
The Pledgers had come from all over the Country for this special night. Two had travelled
all the way from Sweden for this.....now that's dedication.
What a great evening this was going to be. There was plenty of anticipation and
expectation and it lived up to it all.
Meeting at the rendezvous we were all told that we could bring our own beer in.
So there was a quick exodus to the nearest Off Licence. Once back the band were waiting to
greet us outside the rehearsal studio.
They introduced themselves to everyone on an individual basis asking who we were and where
we were from, shaking our hands.
Brilliant! Already we were feeling really welcome. There was no awkwardness. No them and us
attitude, we were all friends together.
Inside the room, it was small, we were literally 12 inches away from the band as they got ready to play.
It was billed as an intimate rehearsal, they werent joking. It was cosy, shall we say.
The band kept chatting with us all and then started to play. This was mind blowing, being this close and having a laugh with a band that I've admired for so many years.
Between songs they would chat with us and tell us stories. Tom and Paul Myers are really funny people and were very good hosts.
They had a set list prepared, but that soon went out the window.
6 songs in it was time for a quick break. At this point I thought I would chance my luck and chat with Paul Cook.
I thought I would get a word ot two with him if I was lucky. Not at all. He was happy to have a chat and spend his time with us.
The band mingled, chatted and had a laugh with all the Pledgers.
No one was rushed and they managed to make everyone feel special.
Another 6 songs and a second break and more of the same. Chris McCormack broke a guitar string so Tom entertained us with a quick rendition of Friggin in the Riggin - Wonderful!
I was having a great time, I just didnt quite know how to behave so I thought ''sod it!'' I'm gonna dance (jump up & down/semi pogo) as the band played.
Back for 4 more songs then we were done.
Afterwards the band signed autographs for everyone that wanted them and posed for photos.
They spent a lot of time with all of us on a 1-2-1 basis, it was amazing.
To end the evening we all went to a local pub and the band joined us for a few beers.
This really doesnt get any better.
We ended up getting 6 songs from the new album as well as a few classics.
This is probably one of the best nights I have had as a fan, truly memorable. Even the other fans were really great people.
What a night.
The new album is going to be excellent, judging by what I heard that night. I cant wait.
Setlist:
Just Another Dream
Good Man Down
Payola
Rewind
1-2-3
Going, Going, Gone
Kick Down the Doors
Friggin in the Riggin
Take Me Now
Silly Thing
Let Go
Join The Professionals
Northern Slide
New Generation
Too Far To Fall
Little Boys in Blue
A massive Thanks goes to the Professionals and Gav for giving us all
such a special night and making us all feel welcome
