What a fantastic show the Bands put on at the Hard Days Night Hotel for MerseyCats on Sunday... Brill!

The buzz is still buzzing and a thanks to all who made it possible, from the bands to the staff and management.

If I could separate it, which I can't, one of the best parts for me was the band room or as it's called today the Green Room but I prefer the Band room.

Not since the big shows of the sixties have so many bands played together on one bill and the comings and goings in the band room take me back to those days. With a German TV crew in the room it was also reminiscent of my days in the Star Club the heady mix of Scousers and Germans and the universal banter of MerseyBeat music gave the atmosphere a surreal state of limbo fifty years on.

Mickey taking, banter and plain good fun bonds the musicians together in the band room, no big stars in here a can of beer over the head soon sorts that! All the memories of this gig, that show, what do you think of my new guitar, what a gang of "pansy's" you guys look in your new stage outfits the new guy in the corner trying not to show his nerves, the old soak who needs a 'lifter' to fire him up the fans and well wishers who pop in; the paper pushers trying to look important... and the music. This is a blend of magic that gets the body going ready to Rock.... Ready to Roll

It starts quietly enough until the "rocket fuel" kicks in, but in moderation I may add as we have a show to do ,then the fun starts ,the TV crew are ready to film....

Derek ,sorry I must get used to his stage name ,Ricky Gleason sits in the chair for his interview and Ly the producer starts putting make up on his face.....much uproar!!!! The gang was on a roll, but the laugh was us as we all had to have make up on for our interviews!!!

Producers and interviewers Jorgen and Ly from Berlin were trying to make a serious TV documentary on the sixties MerseyBeat connection with Liverpool and Germany and tried their very best to keep it that way, but by the end of the night had thrown it to the wind, changed direction ,and enjoyed the fun

You will see from the make up photos, the before and after and I will leave it to you to decide who needs the most make up Answers on a postcard!!!

Lots of well wishers popped in, friends and relations, folk from Ireland, Germany, Holland, Sweden, America and Bootle!!!  Two great friends of MerseyCats, Scott and John from Pittsburgh Guitars in the USA called in on their "Homage to Liverpool, Beatles and MerseyBeat tour" to say hello and took home a signed play list from the night plus, their prized MerseyCats T shirts.

There is just as much fun to be had back stage as there is front of house which adds up to the life of a musician that I am so glad to be a part of.

Bassman