Farewell Focus Final Fling
A couple of months ago Michael Giller suggested to La Belle et la Beat that we all do a gig together for old timers' sake, Columbo, Le Mat, ArtGruppe and himself - seeing as we've all played or groupied in various guises at Focus Youth Theatre, it seemed like the perfect venue to host the party!!!
Michael Giller played briefly in Rare Pleasures with Jake Shillingford and Mal Campbell but Promised Land was his own creation, he later played in No Matter What.
Rob Moore from Columbo sang in many bands who played at Focus from '85 onwards, Hang 10, No Matter What, Stud 100.
ArtGruppe have their own local band history; Roy was in The Windmills (signed to Matinee Records and who played their first ever gig at Focus), Michelle was founder member of Wednesday's Child and later Marnie (signed to Jungle Records), Wendy was in Tortoise Shout and Jay appeared at Focus in Skin of Da Mother.
Our headline band are local legends Le Mat who were formed out of the ashes of Southend's The Leapers.
When I went in to book the theatre, I was told that it was no longer for hire as the Centre was being closed down to make way for the new Tesco and its car park, I was assured that a new Youth Centre was being built behind the Post Office in Short Street. The managers agreed to let us have it though, after a bit of persuading because it was for a special reunion type event.
So the day is getting nearer, the Farewell Focus Final Fling is next Saturday 9th October; because The Pine Bar no longer exists and there is no alcohol allowed on the premises we decided to make it a family friendly afternoon gig, in the Belle et la Beat traddition - 4pm-7pm then all off to the Railway Hotel to continue the party, hoorah!!!
Tickets are £5 because the theatre is so expensive to hire!!!
