I had a surprise 60th birthday bash on Saturday, in my wonderful/infamous local ‘The Seacourt Bridge’. They did a great job, in - to say the least - complicated circumstances.
As ever, the stars aligned so that it was due to start literally seconds after the potential (then actual) penalty shoot-out. Dear family and friends - even my brother’s dog Narla - turning up during the nail-biting pub atmosphere, which all ended in joy.
I’d of course reconciled myself to whatever result, but in truth had England lost it would have been like Father Christmas arriving with his sleigh bells ringing then taking a massive dump down the chimney.
We had that fantastic band - The Iron Boot Scrapers - to play their stunning mix of Oompah band/banjo covers, done in a sort of Edwardian but very musical way. I’ve seen tonnes of stuff - my life-long love The Stranglers (before Hugh left) about 30 times! But they're right up there. They made a massive impression on Saturday - I chatted with many after - one common theme was how incredible to have a great cover of 'Creep' (usually a song I hate) and then 'Titanium' - my favourite of the many on the night - though ‘Mr Blue Sky’ came close, as does 'Hit Me Baby One More Time’.
What's so often said is that it's NOT parody, nor pastiche, but is both musical and funny - without one eclipsing the other. Takes genius to pull that off.
It was a delight to meet Ian Harris, their lead singer/banjo player, though I apologise to Ian for my perhaps terse chat, about our shared interests (anti-progressive, intensely patriotic, pro-Brexit and free speech) as Switzerland scored just as we were deep in discussion! Although Ian was admirably calm, it somehow came together and our beloved England won! Huge thanks to the team - it was a brilliant tournament performance - especially Pickford, Palmer, Toney, Rice, Bukayo Saka and Trent Alexander-Arnold - also much praise for Gareth Southgate, who I’ve often been ignorantly critical of (like so many, I think).
Ian Harris is a fascinating and extraordinarily talented chap - and I’m not one to spray praise around. I can’t think of a better band for any bash - their range of covers is extraordinary: who else could make me enjoy ‘Creep’ then ‘Hit Me Baby One More Time’?
Thanks above all to my wonderful wife Angela for her amazing organisation and to all who came.
Here’s a clip of the Scrapers (from them busking):
Ian also writes superb songs himself - this is my favourite I think:
And here’s a link to the great men:
Happy Birthday to you Paul I must admit I avoid pubs like the plague whenever there is a big soccer or rugby match on absolutely zero interest I did however cheer Lewis Hamilton's win at Silverstone on Sunday.
Belatedly, for which forgive me, many happy returns.