Casbah Club - The verdict
Wednesday, 21 April 2004

Please put your comments on this news thread if you have seen any of the 6 shows the band have performed so far.

Here is the one and only Billy Sloan's.

Despite being a huge fan of Big Country, The Jam and The Silencers, I had a
nagging fear at the back of my mind that The Casbah Club could turn out to
be something which seemed a good idea on paper ... but a bad idea when put
into practise.

How wrong could I be.  Mid-way through Ships everything clicked.  Great
song.  Fine vocals.  Real heart and passion.

It happened on King Of Emotion and Butterfly Collector too.  Frontman JJ
Gilmour isn't attempting to replace the late, great Stuart Adamson.  Quite
the reverse.  He's just giving an affectionate nod in the direction of a
guy who wrote and played some immense songs.  We miss him very much.

I'm certain Stuart was at The Garage in spirit.  He loved guys who shared a passion
for real music.  He'd be proud of what The Casbah Club are doing.  And
rightly so.

Comments: 13

From: Mark Phelan Date: Wednesday, 21 April 2004, at 5:54 pm
Olympia Dublin 17th April.

A new departure for songs that we have grown to love over the years. Being a huge fan of BC I was cautiously apprehensive about the gig. That cautiousness disappeared as soon as the first chord of the first song was blasted out. Like all good shows it was over before I knew it. JJ was excellent. I could see him living those songs. Bruce Watson played as if a noose had been released from around his neck. The band really enjoyed playing those songs and that excitment extended out to the crowd who pogo'd all the way thru. To here ships and chance was emotional to say the least. JJ did it his way. he did not try to be Stuart Adamson he was just JJ and that was appreciated by the crowd. And to cap a really great shown we got a few Jam songs thrown in for good measure. Where else would you get it!!!!!! I walked out of the gig grinning from ear to ear. I will embrace this new band as they deserve it and the music and talent warrents it. ROCK ON CASBAH CLUB!!

From: Pat Fitzpatrick Date: Thursday, 22 April 2004, at 11:36 am
Went to the gig in Dolans in Limerck on the 18th. I have seen BC twice befoe when they came to Limerick and was a bit anxious as to how CB would carry off teh event. All fears alleviated after few minutes. Great to hear the songs played again. JJ really put it out there, never tried to step into stuart's shoes but made it his own. What really made night special was to see teh band members really getting into it, they were having fun and enjoying the moment. my brother, being a Jam maniac, got to shake Bruce Foxtons hand and claims he will never wash it again. Hope to see the CB back in Limerick again.

From: Garry Bower Date: Thursday, 22 April 2004, at 12:55 pm
Saw them last night at Wolverhampton, having spent the last 20 years listening and seeing Big Country I went with some nagging feeling of disloyalty, but this was soon dispelled after the 1st cords of Eastworld rang out.

What a great fusion of songs and styles. JJ's deliverery was filled with spirit and certainly did all all the songs great service. The Jam songs were also great and Butterfly Collector is a truly great song. Bruce Foxton (Leg-end) was brilliant (and he felt ill).

This band rock and I hope to be able to see them again in the not to distant future - Long Live The Casbah Club.

From: Jon Izzard Date: Thursday, 22 April 2004, at 1:49 pm
Went to the gig at the Robin last night. Absolutely fantastic, had a great time. I thought the choice of songs excellent. I though Ships was great though mildly disappointed that the didn't finish with Fields of Fire, but that's a small thing.

Very impressed with JJ's interpretation of the songs, brilliant to see and hear Bruce F.

JJ said at one point that he felt as if a seagull had shat down his throat. Was this a feature that Bruce included when he invented it?

Good to see that Bruce hasn't changed his shirt tailor, hope his back gets better :O) and that we see the band again very soon.

Fantastic night, thanks chaps.

From: Bob Fiddaman Date: Thursday, 22 April 2004, at 5:38 pm
There isn't many concerts that can leave one feeling completely satisfied - well not since the days of Acca Dacca and Big Country. But wait......... we have the Casbah Club, a five peice set of muso's who probably have a combined age nearing the 300 mark.

With a sense of great anticipation, after reviews on this board, I got into the spirit of things with my buddy Arun and met a few familiar faces. Was surprised to see so much merchandise on sale and even more suprised to see the Big Country wooly hats - only wish I would have bought more funds so I could have purchased one.

For those of you that don't know, Bilston is a suburb of Wolverhampton and when we arrived, via the Metro tram, it seemed like a scene from the film 28 Days Later with empty streets and a few locals 'yim yammin' in the pubs.

The Robin 2 was a former temple for the Asian community but there was to be no praying tonight.

The support act were eye candy at best, their choice of songs not really hitting the spot. They have incredible talent and use harmonising vocals to great effect but they wasn't my cup of tea and I found their set quite 'sleepy', sorry girls.

The Casbah Club hit the stage some 15 minutes after the girls had left to the hypnotic backing tape of Eastworld - 'backing' being the operative word hear as it sounds as though it is being played backwards. The set was a trip down memory lane for BC and Jam fans alike. JJ announced that he had a sore throat and later told the audience the Bruce Foxton had also been ill to which the Winker responded 'He's had the shits'. The band was tight and the setlist most enjoyable - Brucie even gave me a couple of bars of AC/DC's 'It's A Long Way To The Top' after I shouted - 'BRUCIE, GIMME SOME MALCOLM YOUNG' - He and I are both of the same opinion that Malcolm Young is a great rhythm guitarist.

I disagree with Caroline's earlier post as I thought the venue was pretty packed - it was the stage floor that seemed rather sparse.

If you are in two minds as to whether you should go and see the CC then let me tell you that you will be pleasantly suprised by the passion shown by JJ - Where has this guy been hiding? He knows the songs word for word and plays and sings with a smile on his face - something we were so accustommed to with Stuart. He claimed to have a sore throat - it never showed. I have witnessed BC with Mike Peters and thought he complimented them well but JJ goes that one step further with his stage presence and energy.

Bruce Watson played solidly as ever and added a few one - liners along the way. Again, Bruce showed his great love for music and it was nice to see him play the lead breaks. The bloke never stands still so I don't know whether my photo's of him will turn out good - Slow down Brucie - before we know it you'll be wearing a schoolboy uniform and duck - walking across the stage!!!!

Mark was, well, Mark - playing as though he had been presented with a new drum kit. How on earth does he play faultless all the time?

Josh was rolling along nicely on the keyboards - the guy deserves a lot of credit for keeping things as tight as they were.

Bruce Foxton still looks 11 and his bass licks defy logic - last time I counted I had four fingers and a thumb on my right hand - the stuff he plays I would need at least 10 fingers on one hand!!!!

All in all a very entertaining night with some of the old favourites going down a treat. Chance was the highlight for me - close your eyes and you were back in the Barra's.

You did us proud lads - keep on rockin. I, for one, cannot wait for some new material and shall be knocking on Mr Grant's door for my order.

Thanks - all 5 of you for a great night.


Fiddy

From: Gary Knowlson Date: Sunday, 25 April 2004, at 4:49 pm
Hi,
Just a note that I went to the rescue rooms in Nottingham on friday.Took my partner, first time she'd witnesses an event starring BC members. I didnt know what to expect but was really interested how Bruce F would fit in. After seeing numerous BC t-shirts walking around it was a weird feeling how this could match up to any BC event. It did. It was amazing. After laughing at my partner for walking past "the gods" on her way to the toilet they made their way to their changing rooms then onto the stage. The songs followed thick and fast. BC & Jam songs. Bruce F fit in nicely andlooked like he was enjoying it immensely. The fans were back to our "jumping" selves at the front. I can't help but feel really emotional about it all with Stuart not being there...It didnt feel right, but it was right. The guys did an excellent job. really excellent. All they need now is to go away, get some stuff recorded and comeback because with the mix that was up on stage it can only be good. I only wish I could have taken my partner to see them while Stuart was with us. Weel Done guys...it was Brilliant. Get the album done and get back to Nottingham. I emailed Ian Grant of Track Records about goin backstage and getting my CD covers signed...but it was all too good and I turned into a shy 18 year old again!..couldn't do it. I am SOOOOOOOOOOO sad! my next year when I'm 44! ha ha

From: Ian Paul Date: Tuesday, 27 April 2004, at 5:57 pm
Just a quick note i or we thought we would have to share with you all,we heard about the Casbah Club doing a wee gig down in wolverhampton,and being a regular at Big Country's gig's at the town hall,we thought this may be a bit down sized a bit at robin but it turned out to be about right.
after firsly bumpin into the main man"Mark Brezecki" in the back car park before any one else was there me and my mate re-alised this was gonna be a good night,and what a night it turned out,what can i say about them all, JJ was so passionate about all the songs he belted out even though he wernt to sure of the words for "Thats Entertainment" but hey give the man a chance,and the "LEG- END" which we named bruce foxton,did he enjoy himself or what ? And not forgetting the other bruce"where does he buy his shirts,he gives it his all everytime i see him, starting way back on "The Seer " tour in 1986, anyway to sum it up "f***ing fantastic" and it was that good we followed them to nottingham on the friday and the atmosphere was 50 times better,and me and me mate got 1 of Brezecki drums sticks......."SIGNED" by the man himself,
THANKYOU ALL CASBAH CLUB COME BACK SOON,
P.S JJ GILMOOR'S picture he took with my camera at nottingham,were wicked cheers,thanks also to waking the witch,they looked great sound mellow and the album is very good .
THANKS AGAIN IAN & ANDY

From: Tom Whelan Date: Tuesday, 11 May 2004, at 3:09 pm
What can you say that already hasn't been said.....? The Olympia show was a cracker to say the least. Was slightly overwhelmed to be in the company of such an amazing lineup. Even now, writing this a few weeks later all the memories are flooding back. This project should not be put on the back burner, there's way too much talent there for everyone to go their seperate ways....if the lads are gonna sound like that after 4 (alledgely!!) rehersals together we are in for some treat down the road...even if I am getting a little old for all that jumping around.....

From: Caroline Rutter Date: Tuesday, 11 May 2004, at 7:59 pm
I`m not sure words can do justice to the feelings and enjoyment we all got out of the tour. I saw three gigs and wished I`d seen them all!! I managed to speak to all the guys after the London gig and I think they got a pretty good feeling about how we all felt. They enjoyed themselves and so did we. All I can say is please don`t leave it too long before you do something else, you`ve seen the threads on the message board , we are desperate, an album , single anything would do!!! Please don`t stop, we love what you are doing! Speaking for myself I intend to jump around for a good few years yet, just give me a reason.
Caz

From: Salvatore Giordano Date: Tuesday, 11 May 2004, at 11:47 pm
My thoughts on the Liverpool gig was that gig was superb but the venue had a low turn out.In some ways it was criminal that the talent on show had low numbers.The BC numbers were cranked out in a enthusiastic manner and the guys had a genuine good time.The Jam songs were also superb, especially "Down in the tube station" and "The butterfly collector". JJ did all the numbers justice with his powerful vocals,BW was at his usual best,loving every minute,BF was the same, in fact I don't think there was anything negative to report as regards the perfomance.
I only hope that they can continue and get more people to see and hear them.
All I can say is "KEEP ON ROCKING"
Sal.

From: Gordon Tosh Date: Wednesday, 12 May 2004, at 12:36 am
Gordon Tosh - Thursday, 15 April 2004, at 12:39 am

Just back from a great night at the Garage, Lots of mixed emotions and feelings. I was saddened by the size of the crowd as I felt they deserved a better turn out.

The band looked very happy to be playing together, Bruce W was looking the happiest I have seen him in a long time on stage. They produced the goods for an hour and a half. For only the second gig of the tour they were very tight and even managed to make Bily Sloan (legendry Scottish music writer and long champion of BC) shake his body when King of emotion kicked in. JJ did not try and copy Stuarts vocal style but sang it his way which was with his usual enthusiasum, I still can't work out why he is not widly known, the man is a star................Buy his CD a bargain at 10.00 a the gig.

There were lots of high points - Mark being Mark during Town called Malice(what a solo / drum break) and a couple emotional points - Ships where you drift off to thinking about absent friends.

It was strange hearing someone else singing the songs so familier with Stuart, but we need to remember this is not Big Country but the next phase.

The set list only varied from Wrexham by the inclusion of Thats Entertainment which was awesome. Bruce Foxton made me wish I had gone to see the Jam in my youth. There was not a bad song the whole night and for anyone still thinking about going to see them, get off your backsides and part with the cash or you will regret it.

Also watch out for a certain Mr Grant mingling with the crowd, if you see him shake him by the hand and thank him as I did this evening for all he has done and continues to do for us fans. I also asked him if this would be the start of something and he replied he hoped so. So do I.


If you have still to experience the Casbah Club you are in for a treat.


Garage Set List 14.4.04

Eastworld
Look Away
Town Called Malice
Me And You
King Of Emotion
Never Take Your Place
Down in The Tube Station At Midnight
I Can Feel It
Perfect World
Ships
Butterfly Collector
Fragile Thing
Seven Waves
In A Big Country
Going Underground
Thats Entertainment
Chance


Gordon T

From: Kevin Brook Date: Wednesday, 12 May 2004, at 1:32 am
Would of left a comment weeks ago but didnt realise you could on the news section. Anyway went to the gig on Dublin with 3 other mates. We all really enjoyed the concert which shot by so quickly. Especially enjoyed Fragile thing and Never take your place. I thought JJ helped create a new style and vision to all of the tracks.Buce Watson seemed to be really enjoying himself (looking like a teenager who had just been given his first Electric guitar). And the band as a whole showed how good bands should be. Enthusiastic Talented people who wanted to entertain. So much so that after i returned i persuaded my wife Kim to travel to Bristol. This gig was different but equally as good as Dublin. Thay sounded a bit more polished but still keeping the same enthusiasm. JJ sounded amused when i shouted out for Fragile thing just as he was going to anounce it. Quick with the humour he told the small crowd that i had read his mind! Most amusing another great night. So much so i grabbed 2 mates on Saturday and went to the final gig in London. JJ needed a hot toddy to help him sing and Bruce Watson got a stitch whilst playing! The gig was definatly a rocking good way to finish a first tour. I really look forward to more Casbah Club and i am spreading the word. Keep up the good work. Cant wait to see them again. Kevin Brook

From: Hendo Henderson Date: Wednesday, 12 May 2004, at 1:59 pm
Also didn't know that you could comment here but here goes:

Went to Glasgow gig. Arrived during second song as we thought start was being delayed until end of football. As I walked in (apprehensively) I heard the opening lines of Look Away being belted out by an amazing voice and I was immediately impressed. I've seen BC 15 times so I've heard Stuart sing some of these songs many times. I really wondered how they would sound with someone else singing and although Stuart obviously does it best JJ did a sterling job considering the short rehearsal period. I really enjoyed his versions of Look Away and Never Take Your Place.
Despite being a massive BC fan the highlight for me was actually the Jam stuff, maybe because I never seen the Jam and don't have anything to compare with but probably just because the whole band did such an amazing job. Town Called Malice was one of the best live performances I've ever heard. The intro alone was enough to make the whole place break into wide grins. And don't forget Mark's drum solo - on top form as usual as was Bruce (smiling the whole time) who must have had a hard job playing a different part in the BC songs after 20 odd years doing his own bit! This wasn't the best gig I've ever attended (this goes to many BC gigs) but I couldn't fault the band for a performance like that after only a few days together. I really hope they do some original material and I would definitely go to see them again. The only low point of the gig was Billy Sloan dancing to King of Emotion!

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