Rugby Homecoming July 3rd

Saturday night was a special night for Bob. He was born and lived in Rugby before emigrating with his mother to Australia in the late 60s. His late father was a regular at Hillmorton Ex-Serviceman's Club and so it was fitting that his UK family and friends should organise a show at this club.
The trip from Northampton to Rugby was uneventful although Chris' insect bite on his leg was giving him some discomfort. Luckily Sue was with us and dispensed motherly care and concern and antiseptic cream in equal measures.
Bob's extended family almost filled the room. Most of them had never seen him sing or play and each song was greeted with warm applause. We were due to play 2x45 minute sets plus a 30 minute middle set, but the meeting and greeting and photographing ate into the interval time. At one stage Bob was photographing the crowd mid-song. It was great, a real family reunion.

But what about the show? Nicki and the band performed to their usual high standard and Nicki treated us to a welcome return of her little red dress.

Once again the audience took over Nicki's rendition of the "Australian Trilogy" and sang the first chorus of "Waltzing matilda" unaccompanied. This is proving to be a popular show closer. Loud and prolongued calls for an encore were followed by Nicki singing "Simply the best" to a crowded dance floor.
Although the music had stopped, the show went on as Nicki and Bob posed for photos and chatted to the crowd while Chris organised the packing away and loading up of the gear.
We drove back to Northampton where we unloaded Cozy's drums. He's away on tour in Europe until Thursday as we have a few day's break before meeting up again on the Isle of Wight.