So, what is this shocking news that has rocked the establishment on a November Thursday evening? Well, it’s not the Apex itself, which was pretty much business as usual, but the astonishing news that our overnight stay in Bury was at the Premier Inn North just off the A14 and not at our usual and much coveted Premier Inn not far from the Abbey Gardens. Let’s just say that the individual charged with the responsibility of booking the hotel was more than a little remiss and didn’t get the rate for which she was striving, having delayed for far too long. I’ve suggested counselling and even a little therapy but so far there has been no take up! Watch this space.
We’ve seen the Oysterband more than a few times of course but it was still remarkable to see them again at the Apex, still vibrant and still passionate. It was a proper goodbye as well, with all the favourites from a long career (well, I say favourites, that’s only true if they are yours as well and I indeed knew and loved everyone). They confirmed it was going to be special when they opened with ‘When I’m Up I Can’t Get Down‘ and then reeled them all off from there! Should I mention that in our household that particular song was actually first heard as a cover by Great Big Sea. (Too much detail I hear you cry, ok I won’t mention it then).
The creative heart of Oysterband is still here after 45 years: John Jones (vocals, melodeon), Alan Prosser (guitars) and Ian Telfer (violin), all it seems to me still at the top of their game. Completing the current lineup is Al Scott, their long-time producer, on bass, Adrian Oxaal (cello and guitar) and newest member Sean Randle on drums. For the sake of clarity and full disclosure, the band wrote truly great songs, often with a political and sometime poignant slant, they were great musicians and were possessed of a superb vocalist in John Jones, who was still magnificent despite being in his mid 70s. A fitting end (if indeed it is) to live performance, the last time (for us at least) could well have been the best.