Blind Frog Ernie at The Cavern - Saturday 3rd July By Andy Steele

Blind Frog Ernie, in their current guise, were supposed to make their Cavern debut some months ago but had to cancel at the last minute due to illness. Tonight it was clear from the off that they were determined to banish the memory of that missed opportunity and give the place a proper rocking, East-coast style. Several line-up changes in recent months have seen Jon Dawson installed as new powerhouse sticksman and Neil Bailey take over lead vocal duties from guitarist and songwriter Dave Fox. The result is a tighter unit and new material that's heavier and edgier than anything they've produced before.

On the night it was the new stuff that stood out with live favourite Fly on the Wall, complete with incendiary 3 minute drum solo from Jon, providing a particular highlight. Elsewhere Mark's bass purred like a stroked animal and Dave expertly juggled electric guitar and electric fan as the temperature rose and the sweat dripped from the walls.

An enthusiastic if not exactly packed crowd had already seen Novastone perform, followed by Archive45 whose funk-tinged metal got things going nicely. BFE's arrival onstage then saw the audience swell thanks to the support of a bus-load of fans tripping across the pennines from East Yorkshire.

As the band launched into their set then positive reaction from the local contingent was enhanced by some impassioned backing from the large troupe of Hullites who were clearly appreciative of both the music on offer and the special refreshments that had been provided for them en-route, courtesy of the band. Some 40 minutes later a set including the ubiquitous Layin' it on the Line alongside rousing newies like Dead Inside had everyone in the room grinning like a Chesire cat - or should that be like a Hull frog?

Last time around they were too ill to play; this time they did play and were, to quote the Beastie Boys, simply the illest. www.blindfrogernie.co.uk

Photographs courtsey and Copyright © Arsenick thisisUll.com

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