Fakin' The Blues (Unreleased CD)

I got to roadie for them for a day on the 18th November at the Antrim Forum Leisure Centre gig, I went into their production office during the day to talk to Peter Hillier their production manager about meeting Quo.

He said they were still sleeping in the hotel but I could meet them later after the soundcheck, so I was getting into the lift to go down to the cafe when I bumped into Dave Salt (tour manager).

He asked if I wanted to roadie for the day so I obviously said yes so he told me to wait about and he would come and get me and my friend who was taking photos.

We hung about upstairs and Little Egypt appeared, so I spent a bit of time playing pool with them and talking to Nick Rossi about how much I admired his Dad and the band, then Salty came and got us to help with the equipment.

I got to wheel amps from the truck and onto the stage, then carry Rossi & Parfitt's main teles onto the stage and Tonto re-strung them and gave me the old strings, then I got to sit behind Jeff's kit, albeit for a minute or so but it was great all the same.

Quo appeared at the side of the stage ready for soundcheck so I spoke briefly to Rossi and then myself and my friend went and stood at the back of the hall, some roadies were hanging black sheets to dampen the sound I think.

We got some photos and then after soundcheck I got stuff signed and a photo with Francis as the rest of the band disappeared, I told him that I'd seen both Quo shows in the same venue 9 years earlier, then I met the rest of the band individually later on, Rick even making fun of my accent.

Marietta was with him, even though he was married to Patty at that time, you know what Rick's like.

During the gig I threw my banner on the stage and Rick draped it over his shoulder and took it with him, but luckily one of the roadies gave me it back just before the gig in Belfast the following night.

That was probably my 3rd favourite tour after the 1+9+8+2 and End Of The Road tours, especially as they played Like A Zombie.