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The headliner was Greg Ridley’s Humble Pie, who turned in a blistering set of Ridley originals, vintage Pie songs and a few well-received covers. The founding member of the Pie opened with “Four Day Creep” and from that point had the crowd in the palm of his hand. He also dusted off such HP classics as “Stone Cold Fever” and “Natural Born Woman”, each with a new Ridley slant. Covers of “Gangster Of Love” and “Please Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” showcased Ridley’s natural ability as a front man, a hat he hasn’t worn since the 1960’s. One of the evening’s high points came with his original “Trouble”, which begins with a few deceivious ballad-type bars, then breaks into an intense rocker. Great stuff, only to be equalled the following night at The Small Faces Convention.
Opening the KneesUp festivities were Tony Miles & Friends, who featured a nice array of Pie and Small Faces fare. While welcoming several guest performers, the band played a diverse blend of Marriott tunes and related music - everything from “All Or Nothing” to “I Don’t Need No Doctor” to “Five Long Years”. On the latter, TM&F were joined by Ian Segal, an extraordinary young blues vocalist, who we’re sure you’ll hear more about soon. TM’s Friends are: Lindsey Walton-bass/vocals and Jim Lasson-drums/vocals. Also sitting in that night were vocalists Rosie Walton and Marcus Foster, HPnet’s own Keith Stallbories-guitar and Iain McGonigal-vocals, and Dave Gapp-guitar/vocals. With the entire event webcast live to a global audience, more than £150 was raised for Teddington Memorial Hospital on the evening.
As the organisers of the event, we’re regularly being asked about next year. Before the doors closed at The Builders Arms, the initial plans were being laid for the second annual KneesUp and Marriott Tribute(s) in 2004. Yes, take heart America, it looks there’s one in store for you too! Stay tuned...
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