Back to Bury after our excursion to the Maltings, and to what proved to be a fantastic night of folk rock from the Oysterband. Following on from the delights of Merry Hell, I’m definitely on something of a roll with Mrs. No Name. Only the second time for the full band (remember the ill fated Rhythm Festival in 2011) and a couple of years after The Oysters 3, the gig proved that those who are, sadly, of our generation can still singularly delight with the right environment and a stellar back catalogue…
Having been around in Oysterband incarnation for over 40 years, this tour was to all intents and purposes an extension of the 40 year celebrations of previous years. So, that meant we got a stellar collection of material from throughout their career, to the extent that I didn’t hear a single composition that was new to me, and a great deal of it that ranked with the best material they’ve ever produced. Made all the sweeter since the Oysters 3 gig, whist excellent, was nonetheless right in the midst of my atrial fibrillation and what also turned out to be the year of my severe stroke. We spent the Monday evening overnight in the Bury St. Edmunds Premier Inn and then the next day out to lunch at the Old Siege House Brasserie and Bar with our old friends, which we then realised was our first meeting since the Palma trip way back in May! An excellent gig, overnighter and a lovely meal meet up. What could be better!!