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MERCURY AWARDS OUTSTANDING SUCCESS Anyone that has ever organised a show like this one will know that it’s never over till it’s over and success is never assured. The ‘devil is in the detail’ and a great deal of planning and hard work goes into organising these events. Well, having refelected on the evening, and listened to a great deal of feedback, the general concensus appears to be that despite one or two setbacks The Mercury Awards were a success and the evening was hugely enjoyable. Not everything went to plan and there were unavoidable absences. The Manhattans had a long standing commitment to appear in a charity show and on balance it was the right decision to give this priority and credit must go to them. Obviously they were missed, because they are a top act, however their friends and colleagues more than made up for their absence. Glen Dale simply could not be there due
to ill health however his son collected his award on his behalf and Alan Turner was in London. A new act, Duality, were asked to open the show and Lee Lambert and Rebecca Barham performed together and individually creating a high standard and expectation that was maintained throughout the whole evening. The show seemed to gather momentum.
Steph King & Dave Hayes with Best Female Winner Abby Leigh Rowan
The New Chevrons were exceptional and worthy winners and it was only fitting that their agent, Dukeries, should win the inaugural Best Agent category. Thanks must go to them for filling in at the end
the show as well as performing earlier in the evening. Gary Phillips and Mark Lawrence proved beyond doubt that they were worthy winners and Abby Leigh Rowan was simply fantastic. This girl has a great voice and what a pleasure it was to hear her more ‘operatic’ side. Jimmy Carol flew in from Benidorm, flying out to Ibiza at 3am, and put in a storming performance, as good as I’ve ever seen him. One Way, winners again, showed just why they continue to win votes and support with great playing and vocals and also thanks must go to them for the loan of their PA system. The New Chevrons returned to the stage to conclude the evening and by the time they were joined on stage for the final number, a Beatles medley, the whole club was singing along to Hey Jude having had a fabulous night. Thanks to Wadsley Bridge WMC for hosting the event, Dave Fawcett for the sound and lights and Keith Chapman of Cee Bee for the loan of the round table and table cloths. The club was still full at midnight and as the audience made their way home I was thanked by no end of people saying it was the best awards show for years. Thanks again to everyone involved. The Mercury
Some of the winners in front of the packed crowd
Gary Phillips Mercury/Stones Clubland Awards 2009 Winner
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SORRY GARY, IT’S NOT PERSONAL Sometimes, for no particular reason, something doesn’t quite work out as planned and at The Mercury Awards it happend twice, and to the same person. Firstly, award winner Gary Phillips was left out of the awards programme and secondly I forgot to announce his award on stage. There’s no excuse and we apologise. We adore Gary down here at The Mercury and consider him a good friend so to miss him out, twice, is quite simply inexcusable. To his enormous credit Gary took it in good heart and didn’t make any fuss whatsoever showing what a good bloke he his and a top pro. Thanks again Gary and you showed just why you are a winner with an outstanding performance.
NO SHOWS
What do your readers think about artistes who accept a booking and then fail to turn up on the night? This recently happened at my club, The Conisborough Ivanhoe On the Saturday the 5th of WMC, when the turn , The Soul December 2009 there will be a Collectors failed to show up Festive Night on Main Street despite being booked over six Hackenthorpe between 6pm weeks ago, no phone call , no and 9pm. sorry, no communication they Santa will leave from the Hogs just didnt turn up. Our agent did Head pub on Birley Spa Lane at 5.45 pm in a horse drawn carriage, get us a replacement act eventually but the crowd numbers were he will be escorted by a group of cheer leaders for the last part of the down as people walked into the leg along Main Street to the TACA club and seeing no equipment office where he will officially open on stage at eight o clock they walked out again. Acts that fail the event. There will be a free Santas Grotto, the prize winning to appear without a good reason Woodhouse Brass Band, a Gospel should be blacklisted by all clubs Choir, Stalls, Food, Fun fair Rides and the agents that represent for all and lots more. them should be told why. Finally Everyone is welcome, so come I have been told, but cannot along and have a fun filled eveconfirm, that the Duo in question ning. Main Street will be closed to did appear at another club on the all traffic between Cotleigh Cresnight in question, probably for a cent and Sheffield Road between bigger fee, I can tell them they 4pm and 9pm. will never be booked at my club again and I hope that other clubs Regards feel the same
FESTIVE TIME IN HACKENTHORPE Gary forgives Dave for his programme ommission (See below)
Marc Lawrence receives his Best Male Vocalist Award
Tanya picks up the Award for Best Agent on behalf of Dukeries
WHAT A NIGHT What can I say? Everything we have mentioned before, paid a fiver, nice venue, top acts full club! Yes, I know it was The Mercury awards last Thursday night at the Wadsley Bridge and some of the acts I voted for didn’t win but who cares, not me, the club was packed. One thing that disappoints me is that artistes or agents (not all as some were there) who didn’t win didn’t turn up to support their fellow colleagues. Admittedly not all the acts were my favourites but these are the acts that we all had the chance to vote for so hey ho next year get people to vote in one way or another . The evening started with a good boy/girlduo two young adults 15/16 year old who are the stars of future clubland or even more if they get the breaks by the name of Duality . We had The New Chevrons who for me got better the more they performed and well deserved winners My old friend, or at least he was until he said for some stupid reason that I was a Wednesdayite, Gary Philips came on stage, let you off this once Gary. I’m not being biased but Gary is the best all rounder on the clubs and if he would have started blubbing when he sang ‘This is my Moment’ at the end of his set I probably would have joined him. Top performance and at one time joined on stage by Marc Lawrence who won best solo male artiste and again a worthy winner. Next, One Way, not my choice for top band but did a superb performance and got a lot of votes and by the response they received had a lot of support in the audience Next the man himself Jimmy Car-
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Barry StapletonHackenthorpe & Birley TACA Publicity
John MacDonald (Club Trustee)
Kid and the club was again three ol. What can you say that already hasn’t been said, funny from start quarters full and turned in a brilto finish and he is a class variety liant set which this Friday night act that we need to see more of. audience appreciated. Next was Abby Leigh Rowan Saturday we first went to see Boyz best female vocalist who is a very Next Door at New Lodge Barnsley talented young lady 19 years old and these guys got this full house who owns the stage as though she buzzing with their wit and Irish jig has been there from birth. I feel we songs. We then moved on to the will probably lose her to something Ashfield, which was packed, to bigger and good luck to her see Tony Liddle who last time was Awards were also given to The poor but on this performance was Manhattans who were doing a charity show in Barnsley that night. back to top form Sunday we were back at the Best agents to Dukeries and Wadsley to see Simply Soul, a new outstanding achievement to Glen Dale who due to ill health couldn’t band but with wise heads, Steve Dodds ex Life /Envy. George Wilmake it. Best wishes Glen and liamson, ex Blues Note and Chris Alan Turner, best newcomer, who Tame. These guys performed some was in London. It was also nice to speak to Mr classic soul /Motown songs to a Howard Copley who informs me very high standard and the vocal he hates clubs. Now I cant believe harmonies were top drawer. An that for one moment as he is as issue was the bright red suits, they passionate about these acts as I am were as loud as the songs. A must and I look forward to a proper ses- act to see if you enjoy the soul and sion down at The Forest one night Motown era Can I just end by saying well done to Andrew Platts and Stephanie Derek King for doing a great job of hosting, to the treasurer and lady con sec for feeding us and being great Psalter Lane, Sheffield, S11 8US company on the night and to Stones brewery for the brilliant sponsorship on the night. BRING BACK THE ROAD SHOWS PLEASE On our travels we got back from holiday Friday 27th November Wednesday morning and Starting 8pm was off to Greasborough to see Dee Dowling Wednesday night, three quarters full and it was nice to see my friend Eddie Cooper in there. The band had a few technical problems but sorted them and as usual did a great The Wish House Childrens Charity. show Evening Includes Pub Friday we were off to the Quiz & Bingo Bellhouse to see Whizz
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