The Wheatsheaf – Oxford, England – Sunday June 19, 2016 review
Well, what can I say! Firstly I would like to thank all the musicians who performed and also thank everyone who came out to enjoy the eclectic mix of music played.
It was an early start on Sunday afternoon. We, Purple May, began at about 1.45pm. We played some of our original songs and a few covers, like “That’s Entertainment” (The Jam) and “Because The Night” (Bruce Springsteen/Patti Smith). We then cleared a space for Osprey, who we have down as one of the busiest musicians and promoters in Oxford. He played a varied set, I always love his take on the Johnny Cash song “Folsom Prison Blues”.
I know its an early start, but Henry Cluney had to get the plane back to Ireland so he played at 3.00pm. I forgot to ask him if this is the earliest show he has played on a Sunday. By now the bar is full and there are people in the alleyway leaning in the windows singing along with Henry to all our favourite Stiff Little Fingers songs like “Barbed Wire Love”, “Fly The Flag” and an unseasonal version of “White Christmas”. You know I think it must spin some people’s heads seeing such an musical influence as Henry Cluney playing downstairs at the end of a bar in Oxford. Wow, thanks Henry and Anne and we look forward to seeing you again soon. I did a quick impromptu interview with Henry before he started and you can find that on our website.
Well how can you follow such a talent as Henry Cluney? I reckon The Corsairs did an amazing job at doing just that. If you haven’t seen them then you should! The Corsairs are a 3-piece rockabilly band playing all types of cover versions in their own style. They do the best take on “I Fought The Law” by The Clash amongst a plethora of other classics even a cheeky SLF song “Doesn’t Make It Alright” (OK yeah, it’s written by The Specials, but Corsairs play it the SLF way). By now the alleyway and pub is full of folk singing along with the tunes. Mark ended the set with “Ant Music” leading into a cheeky middle that turned into that Bucks Fizz classic “Making Your Mind Up” ha ha! The cheese-omitor fell over.
Hooray, Mad Larry is in the house to wind down what had been a spectacular afternoon/evening. Top blues rock from Larry and his cohorts. I am always gonna love the guitar player Danny’s style, as like me he is a fan of Steve Jones (Sex Pistols) and uses the same amp and guitar as him, leaking through a wee bit of Pistol style guitar riffs. All round great band. Kev’s harmonica was perfect as was everything else. Another “got to see band”!
Well it is sad that all has to end, but end it does and eventually The Wheatsheaf winds down and we all trot off to bed. Looking forward to the next one, and what makes it all the better is if you turn up!
By: Dave Tommo – GiddyUp Oxford