[Heeplist] Hilly Fields Charity Gig

[Pete Wharton]

I guess video of this will show up somewhere, enough flaming people appeared
right in front of the bandstand with video cameras and phones!

 

It was a very pleasant afternoon in a park in Enfield, North London. For
once the sun had decided to stay out for the afternoon. I didn't know the
area well, but I managed to catch sight of a sign that said event parking
and followed a small road through some woods to a gated golf club car park.
I wasn't sure where to go from there, but I could just hear some music, so I
followed my ear and found the park. The 2FBS were still doing their
soundcheck and setup, so I grabbed a space on the grass about 30 metres in
front centre and soaked up a few rays. 2FBS kicked off the music about 3pm.
Two guitarists accompanied by a guest drummer and bass player. Pretty good
range of standard classic rock from 60's through 80's. About 3:30 I saw Mick
and family and Bernie with his family wandering across from the entrance,
Mick with an acoustic guitar over his shoulder. After they'd made themselves
known  to the organisers, they walked over to get a space to sit together
and walked right past me. Bernie saw me first and after greetings and asking
after my health confirmed that he was all clear. Mick of course was his
usual effervescent self and gave me his usual big hug. They then went off
and got some space, though of course everyone then wanted to talk to Mick &
Bernie, so I'm not sure how much time they spent with their families. It was
a pretty loose gathering, many people brought their kids who were running
around, riding their bikes or kicking a football. It was one of those rare
British Sunday afternoons where you can just lie back and relax in warm
sunshine. The band were on a smallish octagonal bandstand, covered over and
raised about 4 or 5 steps up from the ground level. The natural slope of the
park provided good vantage. One youngster just about able to walk was intent
on joining 2FBS on stage and much to his mum's consternation kept going back
and trying to do the steps, it was that relaxed atmosphere. About 4pm, 2FBS
took a short break, and when they came back, Mick and Bernie joined them
onstage. 

This was a cue it seemed for various people to then proceed to come and
stand right in front of the stage area, right in front of me and take their
private video. Hence why I didn't get much on just my phone as I lay down in
the sun!

They started off with Nail on The Head. Well it's a fairly simple rocker to
try and get the crowd going with I suppose  :)

After that came Stealin. At this point I decided sod the video recorders and
went and stood in front of them for a decent view!

Then Lady in Black, more "singing" from me :)

The Wizard and Easy Living finished the set. 

Despite some calls from a muppet or two in the audience, they didn't attempt
Gypsy or July Morning without keyboards!

That was it, no encore, despite a call for one.

2FBS finished off the afternoon's music around 5:30. The organisers then
rapidly announced the winning raffle tickets (not one of mine  :( ) for Heep
goodies, t-shirts, cd's, WTS tour programmes etc . Prizes which Mick and
Bernie then signed for anyone who wanted. I managed to sneak in the queue
(line for you Yankees!) and said my goodbyes to the boys and got yet another
hug off Mick!

That was it, off home for my tea (dinner for anyone not North English!) The
golf club had kindly locked the vehicle access gate which meant squeezing my
car through the pedestrian gap with about an inch to spare either side! Then
I took the wrong turn and ended up going the opposite direction I wanted :)
All good fun though and I still got home in time for my Sunday tea!

 

Cheers,

 

Pete