Live recording of fishonastick at Bury Met supporting the mighty folk rock legends FAIRPORT CONVENTION

We arrived, we sound checked, we waited. FAIRPORT CONVENTION arrived 2 hours later and sound checked and were awesome. They left the stage and went to their dressing room (WE HAD A DRESSING ROOM TOO) and then 45 minutes later every single seat in the venue was full and we were walking out onto the stage in front of them. I just kept telling myself that everything would be ok. Well what can I say. I’ve never been so proud of the band I was in, in my life. We nailed it. We played each song well, we played each song with passion and we, blew the audience away. From the pin drop moments and beautiful vocal harmonies of the opening song “stars above” to the final glorious stomping finale of “victory”, it was just perfect (or that’s how it felt to me anyway).

The morning after the night before still didn’t diminish the euphoria for me. The hangover now just further evidence of one of the most, if not the most, memorable nights of my life. Then an odd thing started to happen. I was updating our website with a little personal memory of the night for posterity when my inbox chimed and up popped this:-

"Just writing to say how much I enjoyed your support for Fairport at Radcliffe! My friend and I could have watched you all night, it's really refreshing to hear something different for a change! I've subscribed to your mailing list, and look forward to seeing you soon!"

Steve.

Then 5 minutes later;

"What a fantastic night last night at Radcliffe civic hall. WE came to see Fairport Convention; but you really made our night. Loved the rhythm of all your tracks, good sound, and the vocalist was fantastic. Like the down to earth approach you guys have instead of the posing stuff usually associated with most local bands. What you see is what you get with you guys, and no messing. You have a distinct style and we were very impressed. Love your style, and will be back for more. Bought your cd, and not disappointed. Did the vocalist write all the tracks? Any covers? Great entertainment...... WE want more...of Fish on a Stick!"

Karen H (2nd row back )

Then after about another 15 minutes;

"Was at the Fairport concert last night and just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your set. Bet the audience was rather older than your used to - I'm 49 and felt young (well pretty young) - but as far as I could gauge everybody around us enjoyed it too. Admittedly I don't get to many concerts these days, other than seeing Fairport whenever they are in the area, but thought you were the best support I've seen in a long time. Bought your live CD and have listened to it all through twice already !! By the way a work colleague thought you sounded a bit like Gomez. All the best for the future and I'll keep a look out for more of your gigs in the North Manchester area."

Geoff.

And then 10 minutes after that;

"Hi, I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your set when you supported Fairport at Radcliffe Civic Suite, did not even realise there was a support so it was a bonus, thoroughly enjoyable performance, thanks.  Just wondering if you toned it down a bit for us old fogeys, ooops! folkies????"

Madame Marie

You get the picture. By the end of the day we had received a load more emails like this. Now someone clapping at the end of a tune is one thing, the legendary Fairport Convention coming in after your gig to ask to buy a CD is another,  selling out all your CD’s etc on the night is yet another but the idea that so many people took the time to sit down, the day after the gig and make the effort to email and tell us how much they enjoyed it made (and still makes) my heart swell with pure pride.

So in short, if you want to have my undivided attention send me an email SHAMCHEWALI@GMAIL.COM OR SHAM@SHAMCHEWALI.COM

This recording gives me massive goose bumps even today. As I say “Good evening we’re fish on a stick” at the start of the track it just takes me right back to that feeling and that sensation of standing there in front of hundreds of silent spectators with the weight of their expectation (or not?) closing in.

Anyway, thanks for listening. This is us, live and raw. Enjoy xxx

Sham