rivers2cross

Paul Huggett aka Billy Liberator also opened the evening’s proceedings with a terrific acoustic support slot. He performed tracks from his brilliant debut album Companions as well as a songs from the forthcoming follow up. Dave Sharp, the original guitarist in The Alarm, had supposed to be playing the support slot, but didn’t make it, so Paul more than filled his shoes. The main set from the band, in two parts, was outstanding. I’d only seen footage of them on social media to this point, and I was blown away. Paul has put together a superb band of quality musicians who blend together brilliantly and have a wonderful on stage chemistry. The set was made up mainly of original compositions with a few covers thrown in. I think it’s safe to say that everyone there really enjoyed the evening and hard to believe that this was their first gig for two years since lockdown. The venue itself, well that really surprised me. I was expecting a back room spit and sawdust type room, but this place was superb. A really decent function room with all mod cons in terms of staging, lighting and sound. The sound from the band was top notch. It’s a really good venue for bands to play, and I wouldn’t think twice about going back there to see The Orbiteers or any band that I like. It was also good to see a few friends from The Alarm, which is also how I’ve got to know Paul. Another great thing of how music brings people together and forms friendships. I’d also like to thank Paul for his encouragement and support for my own Fields of Dawn music. It was a chat we had watching The Alarm in London recently that really got me motivated again to start finishing my own album. He also kindly provided backing vocals for me on the Friends release last year with Steve Webster. Very flattering to have too A1 vocalists backing my average tones!