Oh what a night!!! Well, 2 actually!
Sample Minds well and truly 'rocked the house' with two thunderous sets at Butlin's Skegness and Minehead.
The ever popular '80's Weekend Madness' saw people dressed as Smurf's, Rubiks Cubes, Green things with electrical antenna's, Assorted Super Heroes and many, many more, though the 3 people who most stood out most from the crowd with their continental 'day-wear' were the German members of the band!
Friday night at Skegness saw the curtains part in the Red Bull Arena to reveal a sea of people in what was a capacity crowd. From the opening bars of 'New Gold Dream' to the closing rapture of 'Alive and Kicking', Sample Minds rattled through an awesome greatest hits set:
- NEW GOLD DREAM
- SPEED YOUR LOVE TO ME
- SOMEONE SOMEWHERE IN SUMMERTIME
- DON'T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME
- LOVE SONG
- GLITTERING PRIZE
- GHOSTDANCING / GLORIA
- BELFAST CHILD
- WATERFRONT
- SANCTIFY YOURSELF
- ALIVE AND KICKING
A landmark event was Steve and Simon's discovery of eyeliner. Said Steve, "I've not quite got the hang of application. I wanted to look like Jim Kerr circa 1982, though I ended up looking like my Mum!"
Bad Manners followed the band with a ska tour-de-force. After the show the band were hanging out backstage with Buster and Co. Security informed Buster that it had all 'kicked off' after their gig. 14 people in hospital, 2 riot vans full - all with wounds and more on the way! Buster looked thoughtful before commenting, "Not bad, though we've done better!"
Next destination - Sunny Minehead.
A very long drive was greeted by a warm welcome at reception. The band's chalet was in retrospect unsuitably located next to Bad Manners - though very comfortable.
The band were asked to shorten the set to 45 minutes so 'Promised You a Miracle' and several other songs had to be dropped.
The Centre Stage at Minehead is of biblical proportions and at 10pm Sample Minds made their debut at this impressive location.
Another rapturous reception and a bouncing set:
- NEW GOLD DREAM
- LOVE SONG
- DON'T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME
- GHOSTDANCING / GLORIA
- BELFAST CHILD
- WATERFRONT
- SANCTIFY YOURSELF
- ALIVE AND KICKING
Prior to the gig, the band conducted an experiment (You Tube Movie coming soon!). 'How much can you drink and still be able to play a show?!!!' The band were not able to reach the threshold of incapacity before (or after) the show so the experiment continues.......
Also on the bill were Bootleg Blondie who were fabulous - the band apologise for the German's 'photo opportunities'!!!
And again, the mega Bad Manners.
During their performance Buster came wandering bemused backstage. "Lads, get me a pint of Guinness, I'll pay you later!" He then sprinted back to make the chorus.
Jacky obliged and Steve delivered the said pint.
"Buster looked really scared as I brought him his drink," said a panda eyed Steve slightly worst for the weather. So it's official, Sample Minds new stage look can even scare Buster Bloodvessel from Bad Manners!
The band would like to thank all the crazy 80's people who gave them such a great reception, Bad Manners, No Limits, Bootleg Blondie and the crew and staff of both resorts who look after them so well.
Anyone who has any photos they'd like to share (of the band, not your other diabolical activities!) please Contact Us
Next stop Germany for a full Sample Minds and MiND2MODE show.
Some more dates to be announced soon.