Friday 29th July 05 - Park and Ride, The Landaus and The Truth at KU Bar Stockton (1/3) By Michelle Dee

(1/3), (2/3), (3/3).

Photograph Gallery   The Truth Gallery,    The Landaus Gallery,    Park and Ride Gallery 1,    Gallery 2.    People Gallery 1,    Gallery 2.    Gallery 3.    Gallery 4.

At half past three on a balmy Friday afternoon I clambered into the back of a hire van to make the journey to Stockton. Once inside, I was greeted by Hull's flagship band The Landaus, who were playing on the same bill, and a few fans of both bands including the much-loved Haribo and original party monster Dean Shakespeare.

Danny Landau appears to have found the best seat, or rather he has brought his own and set it up inside the vehicle. A crate of lager is strategically placed by the back door within easy reach. The rest of us had to find space around the two bands considerable amount of kit and instruments.

On these trips one person has to sacrifice themselves for the greater good of the crowd, in this case it was Steve cheeky Leonard. He had to drive a van, for the first time, all the way to Stockton. With a map that was about as useful as a liquorice guitar string against the backdrop and furore of eleven semi drunk revellers he managed to get us there and back without losing anyone. Steve, we all take our hats of to you, you did an excellent job in a somewhat highly pressurized atmosphere. With only two stops on the way, one for yet more katunda and another at the golden arches for sustenance, we entered the outskirts of the Northern town around seven.

We then spent the next hour driving around Stockton searching for the venue. As I said the map was flaming useless but somehow, after a number of random enquiries and phone calls, we pitched up at the back of the KU Bar. The music venue is situated minutes from the centre of town next to a large culture and arts centre. Jimmy Jukebox, the proprietor, greeted us then whilst the bands sound-checked some went off to mix it with the locals.

Stockton town centre wasn't the most inviting of places I have ever visited; small-minded chavs hung around on the street corners calling out insults to innocent passers by. They looked absolutely ridiculous with trackies tucked into white socks, caps on back to front, passing cans of McEwans round between them.

When we returned to the KU Bar the place was fairly buzzing and as more and more people arrived any fears of a low turn out vanished. The Landaus took to the stage first and set out Hull's stall: highly original, quality songs played with passion and power. The four-piece open with a swirl of guitar sound, a cymbal crash from Stef for C'mon Pretty lady. Danny takes lead vocal on this one with Loz and Gaz lending synchronized support. Over the past few months I have seen this band a number of times and they do impress and improve with every hearing.

When Loz surreptitiously glances over his shoulder at the start of Make ya move each instrument creeps in building to the explosive chorus. Bass player Gaz steps from the shadows, bathes in the spotlight and drinks in the crowd.

Continued next page (2/3)

Check the thisisUll.com Gallery Photographs courtsey and Copyright © Michelle Dee 2005

Photograph Gallery   The Truth Gallery,    The Landaus Gallery,    Park and Ride Gallery 1,    Gallery 2.    People Gallery 1,    Gallery 2.    Gallery 3.    Gallery 4.

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