Episode 2

Working with Big George and The Business really was a scaled down version of a major rock band on the road. It was all there, with moments that even Spinal Tap would not have experienced. The band went to eleven every night, whether on a big stage in Montreal or in a barn in the North of Scotland. Yes folks we gigged here, there and everywhere inbetween!

Let’s switch to memory shuffle function and see what comes up….

This one could have been 1992, as I remember Neil Young’s Harvest Moon had just come out. The German company who had released the CD version of The Alleged Album has gathered together a motley collection of the artists on the label (BGB were the only artists who were both still alive or gigging regularly)

to do a gig at the Manchester International 2.

It sounds good doesn’t it? Prepare for the reality..

We were advised to be there as early as possible for the soundcheck, so all converged at George Ross Watt HQ at stupid o’clock to await Shifty and the van. Gear loaded and bodies on seats front and back we headed South, with much banter and the usual soundtrack on the cassette machine.

Manchester itself was located without much of a problem, but the location of the International 2 itself proved to be more elusive. I remember passing Strangeways Prison on at least two occasions, once on the left and once on the right. The alleged map was again consulted, and a new route planned.

We seemed to be in the right area when we spotted an AA sign pointing us in the direction of “Psychedelic Rave-Manchester International 2”. George commented, “That’d better be an old fucking sign!” Having located the venue, we tried to get in. After some Glesga strength hammering on doors and windows, we managed to find someone. They called for the “promoter”, who was the UK arm of the Worldwide Records operation.

Chris was from Cheshire, and perhaps the slowest person (in terms of both movement and intellect) I have ever encountered. “The PA is not due until 4pm” he informed us, as we looked at the current time of 11am. “We thought you’d be late so got you to come down early, but don’t worry you can book into the hotel now.” He gave us directions for the hotel, but advised that we would have to assume the identities of a local firm of builders as the hotel “weren’t too keen on musicians”. The explanation given was that a running battle between The Orb and the Chippendales had once taken place in the hotel corridors. We doubted our ability to match this.

The hotel was indeed posh, a converted warehouse in Manchester City Centre, and we somehow managed to pass as an out take from Auf Wiedersehen Pet to get checked in. Deke and I shared a room, which seemed to be right in the very heart of the building. Wondering why there were still windows in such a location, we opened the curtains to reveal a fake New York skyline. No wonder a fight broke out. Relaxing was done for a short period….

After following the length of string, we again passed Strangeways and arrived back at the utter dive that was the International. Chris informed us, as if we couldn’t already see, that things were behind schedule. There was good news however, the beer had arrived and was in the dressing room. He actually meant the venue’s kitchen, but there was indeed beer. Beer of 3.5% ABV….

We did our best but it was not having anywhere near the desired effect, or indeed any effect. Imagine the joy that ensued when George located some that was 4.2%! The soundcheck was duly done at was then announced that the chaps would not be on stage until 10pm. Appearing above one half of obscure 70’s one tiny hit wonders Medicine Head and Pete Brown (lyricist for Cream) but below utterly unheard of 70’s prog band Body was indeed the icing on the cake! We retired again to the dressing room, having decided that an increased quantity of a decreased strength bevvy may be the way forward.

This kinda captures it…

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4120297&id=1981034659

The BGB performance itself was as per the usual high standard, though the gig was running later and later. So late if fact that the plug was pulled and the lights turned on during the “triumphant” headline performance by Body, who I was surprised to see on stage as I though most of there were fellow road crew types taking advantage of the low percentage rider!

We returned home with a sober song in our hearts.