Wednesday 6th July 05 - Farewell to the Raywells? (5/5) By Joe Hakim Photo Gallery By Michelle Dee

(1/5), (2/5), (3/5), (4/5), (5/5).

Photograph Gallery   The Vels Gallery,    Gallery 1,    The Landaus Gallery ,    The Raywells Gallery 1,    Gallery 2,    Gallery 3,    Gallery 4,

That's all folks, Pedgie says, knowing full well the crowd won't let them leave without doing an encore. A guy out of the audience grabs a mike and shouts, Dance on the Fire! so they play it. As the song starts, Pedgie asks, Does anyone wanna come and sing with us? and before you know it the stage is crammed with friends and fans. Down on the road to nowhere/Don't know where I'm goin' Pedgie sings, and I know exactly where he's coming from.

The band do one more song which prompts a mass outbreak of air-guitar from everyone and then that's it, it's over.

After the gig I talk to Phil Waltham, owner of Rockerfella, and mike-grabbing culprit. They were fuckin' fantastic weren't they? I've known them for years, before they were a band even. I know it might sound daft, but it's like the Lennon and McCartney of Hull getting' back together. I mean it's more than just a band, it's like family innit?" he says. "You're gonna slate me for saying that, aren't you? Stop being paranoid, I say. He also fills me in on the origin of the band's name; They all used to go camping at Raywell when they were younger.

I'm also lucky enough to have a quick chat with Pedgie after the gig. The bouncers seem determined to eject my arse from the premises, but I blag it and manage to get backstage. Pedgie tells me that he hasn't slept for two days, so I promise to make it quick.

So first a little history: It was about 1995 when we formed. Me and Baz had been mates since we were about eleven, but I got kicked out of school for being a bit of a bad lad. I had to go to Trinity House. One day, I was on the 56A bus home and we bumped into each other. We starting hanging around with each other, and one day while we were chillin' we discovered that I could sing and that was it really. We met Widj and Dave through mutual friends. It just came together naturally. We didn't place any ads or anything.

So, are you gutted that you didn't get picked up by a record company a couple of years ago? You should have been... Well, when we first started, the only way you get a gig in a pub in Hull was if you were in a covers band. We said, 'Fuck that,' but it was a struggle. There was no support at that time, to speak of. Why are you calling it a day on the band then? We were lucky enough to do a tour of California. We sold a few records, but we had bad management.

The entire thing burned us out so when we got home we needed a rest. It's not really the end; it's more of a case of putting The Raywells on ice while we do our own thing.

Do you think you've been an influence on the current crop of bands emerging from Hull? Not really an influence...I think we've inspired people to pick up instruments, get out there and form bands. I mean, we're normal lads - just four shit-kickers from Hull. Have you got any advice for new bands that are starting out? Just make the best of what you've got. Find happiness.

And with that our time is up. We shake hands and I leave Pedgie in peace so he can go and roll himself a spliff, and I leave The Piper and start the long walk home in the pissing rain. Ah, rock 'n roll Wednesday, if it's not a cliché already, then it should be.

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

Photograph Gallery   The Vels Gallery,    Gallery 1,    The Landaus Gallery ,    The Raywells Gallery 1,    Gallery 2,    Gallery 3,    Gallery 4,

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