The Dreamers - Middleton Cheney Sports Club, Northamptonshire

12th February 2005

On Saturday, February 12th 2005, I travelled to the Northamptonshire village of Middleton Cheney to see 'The Dreamers' live in concert! It's always a real treat seeing a 60's band and this was no exception! Sadly, Freddie Garrity has had to retire from performing due to poor health, but The Dreamers are still touring and playing their hits and other songs from the 60's era. Alan Mosca, is now on lead vocals, but they all take it in turns to take centre stage - Either on vocals or playing an instrumental. As well as Alan, the band consists of Bryan Byng (vocals, keyboards and rhythm guitar), Peter Ford (lead guitar and vocals), Ray Martin (drums), and Graham Wall (bass guitar and vocals).

Supporting The Dreamers was Paul Dumas who entertained us with a variety of songs and comedy - Including a very funny ventriloquist act where we met a dog, Billy the baby and his Uncle and Auntie! MC for the evening was Jeff from Banbury based group, 'Chuckletruck'. Jeff's vocal abilities and great comic timing kept the fun factor for the evening. I must get to see 'Chuckletruck' soon.

After a short break for the raffle, it was then time for The Dreamers. From the very first song, The Kinks', 'You Really Got Me', they captivated the audience and took them back to the swinging 60's! It wasn't long before a medley of 'The Dreamer's' hits - Including, 'You Were Made For Me', 'If You Gotta Make A Fool Of Somebody', and 'I'm Telling You Now'. By now, the dance floor in front of the band was full of people jiving and singing along!

At one point, Ray Martin produced one of the craziest drum solos I have ever seen! After beating out a rhythm on the drums, he left the stage and started playing dustbins that had been placed in the middle of the dance floor! From the bins he made his way to the tables and started on glasses, trays and the tables themselves! And if that wasn't enough, the rest of the band soon emerged from the dressing room wearing hard hats! - And yes, you've guessed it, Ray continued his instrumental on their heads! To close, the others also picked up drums sticks and ended the song by hammering, with Ray, on the bins!

Other memorable numbers from the night include 'Can't Buy Me Love', 'Itchy Coo Park' and 'Sha La La La Lee', 'Ferry Cross The Mersey' and others in the 'Gerry And The Pacemakers' medley. Even though they only played for an hour, they packed it full of classics hits and banter with the audience to create an entertaining night for all! They are playing in the area again as part of the North Newington open air 60's show in the Summer! I think this will be another show not to be missed!

*Click here to view some more photos taken on the night* (Link opens in a new window)

www.thedreamers.co.uk - The Dreamers' Official Website (Link opens in a new window)

www.chuckletruck.com - Chuckletruck's Official Website (Link opens in a new window)