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This wasn't a Nash gig. He's playing solo at this club next Friday but tonight was a surprise gig and he didn't even tell me until we got there. You may recall dear readers that Nash played here last summer on July 24 and he did not have a good time. The PA went dead and some audience members were a little too enthusiastic and almost wiped out the projectors. Still, this is a rock and roll town, and one has to be prepared to PARTY! Tonight's event is just that, one hell of a rock and roll party. The show is billed as The Good, The Bad and the Ugly Duckling. It is a celebration of Punk bands in Ontario, with an historical line-up, never to be repeated. Included in tonight's show is Teenage Head, Mickey of The Forgotten Rebels, John from Buncha Fuckin Goofs, and Dave Bingham, lead singer of the legendary 60's band The Ugly Ducklings. Nash joins the gang on stage to play harp and sing along to the Ducks tunes 10:30 Train and She Ain't No Use To Me. Gordy, Steve and Jack from The Head are well-rehearsed with the material and the Ducklings songs sound even better that they did 30 years ago. Bingham is in fine form, belting out vocals and harp with a confidence that would shame most younger punks these days. I hang out upstairs with everyone, including my pals Lou and Debbie while Nash and all his musician pals remember what little of their past they can recall. The more the substances are consumed, the more the stories get exaggerated, but the truth is bigger than any tall tales. The Ducklings opened for The Rolling Stones and had a number one hit record, Teenage Head is and always will be Canada's best punk band and Nash is not only a fan but has his own reputation in the local punk legends. There were no fans around telling the boys how wonderful they were. There was no fawning over pretentious rock stars. There was nothing but respect and good music. The packed house of over 200 people got a dose of history and a great party. Thank goodness it was all recorded for posterity. Nash and I will be back at The Corktown next Friday. Digger |
