Also on hand were drummer Rhythmm Epkins (who seems like a cheery chap - he could be heard chuckling to Wakeling's witticisms throughout the set), saxophonist Fernando Jahtiva and a bassist whose name I didn't catch (Jesse Del Rio, maybe? Answers on a postcard, please ...). Not in evidence was their regular keyboard player, who has apparently had some sort of misunderstanding with the law - thus a spindly chap named Rich stepped in to make his Roland synth sound as much like an organ as possible. Considering the short notice, he did a commendable job.
People skanked enthusiastically to Tears of a Clown, Tenderness, Stand Down Margaret (in celebration of her 80th birthday two weeks previous, of course), Mirror in The Bathroom and other tunes from their heyday. A newer number, How Can You Stand There, was borrowed from Bang, one of Wakeling's more recent bands. A real mover, which goes to show there's still fire in the engine.
On the encore they fulfilled a request for Jackpot; the requestee actually got on stage to play bass (another audience member came on stage to skank to Whine and Grine).
There was something a bit hokey about Wakeling's song intros - but it all added to the warm balm of nostalgia.
Dave also sang a retooled version of Ranking Full Stop ("My name is Ranking David!"). With their two encores, they went through about 22 songs in all - a good long set by any standard.
Dave Wakeling - the man with a two-tone guitar strap; and not only does he have the tears of a clown, he has a teardrop-shaped guitar.
Fernando Jahtivo horns in.
Rich gets into it.
Mr. Epkins keeps the rhythm (or "Rhythmm" in his case).
The mystery bassist, looking natty in his straw porkpie and goatee.
Ska action!
Skanking to the beat!
Bring in the substitute!
Extra rhythm (and Rhythmm) action.
A heartfelt moment!
They ended the show with - of course! - End of the Party.
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