The 100 Club in central London is one of the last surviving live music venues left in the West End and has seen many a great night and legendary performances over the decades.
It has long been home to many a night for mod culture and so it was on 15 June when promoter Brian Gosling put on Stop A Go-Go.
This was supposed to be a one-off fundraiser for the Samaritans and to showcase some of the current musical talent with a mod following. What transpired was a fabulous night, a packed venue and demands to do it all again in 2020.
So, to the night itself, proceedings got underway with an introduction and poignant book reading by author, musician, and compere for the night, Graham Lentz. The reading was from his book ‘The Influential Factor-A History Of Mod’ and really set the tone for the night ahead.
First up was Darron J Connett and the Caretaker Band. Playing songs from his hugely popular albums, ‘Advantages Of Living’ and ‘Loyalty Lies’, Darron’s style is perhaps best described as sophisticated Britpop and certainly the track ‘Rome Will Fall’ was one of the highlights of his set.
Next up was a short acoustic session from Bobby Tarlton (aka Dr. Bird). Another fine songwriter, supported by Graham Lentz on congas, Bobby treated us to three of his most popular songs as evidenced by the audience singing along to ‘Small Flat By The Sea’. He finished with a rousing rendition of ‘Pretty Flamingo’.
Following Mr. Tarlton was Turner. Led by Louise Turner who has worked with Primal Scream, DC Fontana and Electric Stars, this was a rare chance to sample her wonderful voice and original songs from her EP ‘This Is Turner’ and her forthcoming releases and they were warmly welcomed by those in attendance.
The acts seemed to come thick and fast as new solo artist Megan Walker got a chance to impress with her acoustic set and impress she did. One of the best attributes of our scene is that we will always give a new act a fair chance and a listen, and so it was with the 100 Club crowd who showed Ms Walker due respect and appreciation.
If there is one band on the scene right now who are just smashing every show they do, it has to be the Sha La Las. They were officially releasing their new album, ‘Soul Of The Nation’ on Detour Records. Led by the soulful voice of Darron Robinson, the set was full of energy, vitality and an almost relentless build to the grand finale. Graham Lentz was again on conga duties for the title track on the album and the now-familiar rendition of the Small Faces ‘Understanding’ which blew the roof off.
After a brief pause in proceedings for a raffle, it was time for the headliners, Electric Stars. The Manchester combo fronted by enigmatic Jason Edge was making a rare, but welcome appearance in London playing songs from their album ‘Sonic Candy Soul’ and singles all on Detour Records. Interspersed were a few choice covers culminating in a rousing, finale with virtually all the bands joining in with ‘Itchycoo Park’.A fitting end to a quite magnificent line up of live, original music. The ever-popular DJ Tony ‘Mappy’ Hazer played the evening out with mod club classics that served as the icing on a hugely successful night. Well done to all involved.
J. Peasmould Gruntfuttock
Resident of Ball Pond Road.
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