Frankie

FRANKIE MILLER TRIBUTE CONCERT - SEPTEMBER 7th 2002 - AN ARTIST'S DIARY

SEPTEMBER 5th - REHEARSAL & REHAB

"Who the fuck are those guys?" - Joe Walsh to Alec Downie re Billy & Barry.

12.30

Arrive at studio with Barry & Martin. Hang out with Robbo, Hugho, Teddo & Bruce-o. Mr Walsh due in at 14.00hrs, so -

12.55

Finish pint with Barry in nearest pub, head round to Solid Rock for more, meet Robert the owner and invite him to meet Joe Walsh who hasn't met any of us yet. Drink some more.

14.20

Back in studio to the strains of 'Life's Been Good' echoing from closed, guarded door.
"Hi, I'm Billy," say's me to big American.
"Hello," he responds.
"Didn't catch your name," continues I.
"That's right," the mountain verifies, eyeing our beers & cigarette. (Turns out he's Smokie - Joe's manager.)
"No smokin', drinkin' or entrin'," he growls.

14.25

Smokie goes for a pee, "Let's Go!"
Barry warns, "We canny go in...aw, fuck it!"
I stand behind Hugh, but Robbo waves and Walsho spots us, fuck it, we're in, it's great dream fulfilled.

14.45

Joe corner's Alec in toilet. "Didn't Smokie make it clear?" "Oh, aye, crystal-like." "So," Joe gestates, "Who the fuck are those guys?"

SEPTEMBER 7th THE GIG

*"RIDE MA BANGER!"/WELCOME TO GLASGOW

* Local punter's 'silence-buster' retort to support-act singer's reference to venue's down-market appearance.

15.00

Arrive for soundcheck on time, Doh!
I'm singing 'The Rock' with the House Band; Robbo, Paulo, Teddo, Hugho, aw, let's drop this!
Then I'm doin' 'Drunken Nights' with The Lisbon Lions, introduced by Tommy Burns...who happens to be with the Scotland squad bein' humped as I write. That'll save some time.
Finally, I'm with S.A.H.B. to close the show...right after Nazareth, I do believe.
Then, I'm on again to lead everyone plus pipe band & quire-boys into 'Caledonia.'
'feel like sinatra, I do.
"Piss-off you," someone advises. "Runnin' late!"

15.02

Take advice, along with Mary & Greer to TGI's for dinner. Return to same advice.

18.58

Run through 'Tea Party' (doors 19.00) than see Ronnie, Bev, Willie McQ etc. (doors now 19.40)

20.15

First band on, crowd filtering in (sold out too!) to respectable applause. It's only 4 band's in when first highlight arises (see * above.)
Ah, Glasgow, hard but fair.
Worried, not I! I'm from here, so are my band!

20.35

Siblings Jordan & Billy proudly display "All Area" passes. Fergus steals one.
"Where does this get you, Jordan?"
"Pretty much anywhere, why, where you goin?"
"Pretty much anywhere," Ferg runs away, anywhere.

20.40

Armed with 2 litre drink from dressing room, Ferg compliments Clare Grogan on "nice frock, hen," from the stage!
Jordan takes the pass back.

21.15

Joe Walsh plays, he is outstanding. (Rocky Mountain Way with 5 guitars!)

22.00

Do my first stint, 'The Rock' with house band.
Nobody introduces me so I do it myself, "My name is Tony Blackburn." ("Ride ma banger" thankfully not used.)
Pat Kane, Hamish Stewart etc. continue the show.

23.00

Things running very late. Meet up with Dan, Pete (& family), Jimmy, Eddie, John Miller & Peter McDougall who says Frankie's out front with Ronnie.

00.30

Naz go on, go out front, see Frankie, 'must admit the boys sound good. No matter, we're next. "Hey Judas," yells a Naz fan. "Wish ye were there?" I don't, cos I'm with S.A.H.B.

01.00

We're on. 'Faith Healer', 'Midnight Moses', Dean Ford comes on for 'Reflections' & 'Rain'. Then it's 'Tea Party', can't do no wrong. Just held out the mic on 'Delilah', Glasgow sung it, Zal & Chris danced it...we won because we won!
Big finish 'Caledonia' with pipe band & choir. Me & Ray Wilson share vocals, Ray starts 'Darlin', no-one can finish it. Alec takes a well-earned centre stage ovation. Frankie chuffed.
What a buzz, what a night, where's ma bed?

The Faith Healer

Midnight Moses

Delilah (nuff said!)

Photo 3 is Copyright of Martin Kielty 2002. (click on link for gig review and more great pix)