Squeeze - Southend

This is the start of Squeeze 2010 UK tour and it started at a small club as a warm up in Southend on Sea. The club called Chinnerys' is right on the front. I guess it only holds about 400 which I suppose is ideal as a warm up. I travelled down there with my trusted assistant Jon and once we arrived we were standing at the stage door entrance and out came the band. They had just completed their sound check and were off for dinner. Jon and I headed (with band member, John Bentley) inside to have a look around. That is when I first saw the crash barrier in front of the stage. This was going to be exciting whilst shooting. The funny thing is I was only talking the other night to an old friend and photographer, Denis O'Regan about crash barriers. We were laughing about the time he and I went to Holland to shoot Thin Lizzy and we were presented with a metal barrier in front of us all and it was in our way when we were shooting. So, here I am about 100 years on, in Southend, with Squeeze and a crash barrier.. We wandered over to the Merchandise stand and had a look at the tour programme. I was very impressed, it looked fantastic. The designers have done a brilliant job. I have quite a few photos in it. Including the front cover, centre page spread and others. I must say, it is superb and a must for all Squeeze fans. So, and hour or so passed and it was time for the main act. On they came and they hit it. They are sooo good. The lucky few who got tickets for this gig knew every word and sung their hearts out all night to every song, hit after hit. I must say, photographically it wasn't the best lit show I have been to of late, but I suppose I did get a couple of shots that were OK. After the show, Jon and I had a chat and I think he propped himself up in a much better position than me generally, the clever boy. I think that the tour is pretty much sold out, but, where ever you are in the UK, have a look at http://www.squeezeofficial.com/ check out the dates and buy your self some tickets if they are available. This band are Rock Royalty and are without doubt, one of the greatest bands of all time.. If you don't know much about them, get their new album, "Spot The Difference".