SPARTAN - CHRISTMAS PARTY 2008

All i want for Christmas is ...........
Another gig like last night,this must have been one of the best nights so far, the atmosphere was electric and the spirits were high.
We arrived at the Travellers Rest at our usual time and started to set up, Once we were all done we hurried into the plush changing rooms (marked 'MENS') to get into our alter egos.

Kev emerged as BATMAN, Gazza was Jon-Bon-Spartan,Mick crept out as 'the psycho drummer of burnopfield' and Phil was no more Mr Nice Guy - Alice Cooper.
After the initial laughs from us all standing in front of the biggest mirror we could find, we jumped on stage to start the Christmas Party in true SPARTAN-STYLE.It was a Fantastic night, we feel very honoured to have so many friends able to come out and play.
We would like to say a special 'Thank You' to Karen and John and all the staff at the Travellers Rest who always make us feel so welcome, we all agree that you make the venue a great place to play.On the subject of thanks, we would like to take the time to say a BigThank you to everyone who has attended our gigs and To the SPARTAN-ARMY who make us feels so proud with their support.

A Wheel-e Good Night

We nearly did n't even get there...
Our trip to Hexham to play the Old Tannery was nearly the first cancelled gig of the year, this was due to the trailer that carries all of our gear decided it wanted a night off.Just outside out Hexham the main bearing on the trailer sheared and sent one of the wheels off in a different direction, luckily no one was hurt.Thanks to Mick who happened to be passing, the gear was re-arranged into the two cars and we managed to get to the venue a little later than planned.
Meanwhile at the venue ( Garry and Phil ) were sitting in a nice warm pub wondering where everyone was,and then the rest of Spartan turned up and told us the tale of their horrible journey.We thanked our lucky stars that no-one was injured as it could have been very serious indeed if it had happened a few minutes earlier when Kev was on the motorway, travelling at speed.
As a true professional Kev just unloaded the gear from the car and we started to set up ready for the gig.Although the pub was a little quieter, we still had a fantastic night and did not try to think about the incident that had preceded.Thanks to everyone who came out to see us on such a cold night, we hope we raised the temperature as we had a Great night....eventually.


But the SHOW must go on....

The Market Tavern - November 29th

A Welcome Return
to such a Great venue, and we were glad to see so many of 'THE ARMY' in attendance, you all made a great nite very special indeed.W e love to play at The Market Tavern because you always manage to make us feel so welcome and we would like to Raise a Glass to you all.
We tried to bring you something new to our set of covers, and hope you all enjoyed the revised first and second sets( they seemed to go down well ??)
Well you managed to bring a warm glow to all of us, even though it was a very cold night indeed.

By 'Royal Appointment'

Alive in Blyth
I must apologise about the late posting of our latest blog but I've have been a bit busy as my mum suffered a bad fall while shopping and i have been helping out at home.But I have a few minutes to spare so this will be small but perfectly formed.
We had a great night at the Royal Tavern on Saturday, shame about the cold weather, cos it's hard to smoke ya tab outside in sub-zero conditions.As you can see from the above photo we have been working on a new t-shirt design (cheers Chris)and Kev wanted to see what the design would look like on us !.Well back to the gig after the initial set-up we tried our new first set and it seemed to work ( but we all found it a bit harder than our old first set).But we seemed to settle down alright and stormed through the second set like no-one's business.Kev would like to thank the young drunk bloke that kept him so entertained during 'Saturday's alright for fighting' Kev was watching him trying to pick up his mobile phone off the floor for so long that he did n't realise that we had started into the chorus of the song, but he was fun to watch( He He ) We would like to thank all that came to see us and we hope to be back at the royal tavern sometime next year.

Did you See - um @ Seaham

Waiting for the football to end before we could set up seemed to take ages and put us back a little bit, to get sorted for a 9pm kick off.But in true SPARTAN style we managed it.
Kev decided to go for a 'traditional' set as this was a new venue and it was a good idea put into practice.After our usual 15 minute break we were back on, the place was jumping to the sounds of Led Zepp, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers and after a few encores the night had come to an end.

We had a great night @ the Harbour View Hotel and hope to be asked back sometime Next Year....

SPARTAN rock The Ox, Whitley BAY

WHAT A FANTASTIC NIGHT
We cannot stress enough, how much of a night we had on Saturday, but we must thank everyone who came out to see us, and witness our new opening set.We had only tried our new songs a week before and were a bit apprehensive in case they did not work.
Our set started with Wayward Son by Kansas, and it was a great opener, we reinstated some Thin Lizzy back into the set Jaibreak,Still in Love with you and then ended the first set with Learning to Fly by The Foo Fighters.
Gazza( Bass ) A.K.A. ' The Hamster of Doom ' tried a new look for the second set as his trusty cap was replaced by a stetson until the last 2 song then he was spotted in a multi Coloured wig ( cheers Ian C ) just to prove a point, Although we all thought it was a bet that he had lost.
We had a Fantastic night, Great crowd, and the atmosphere was Electric and so intoxicating that we did not want to stop playing, but time wait for no man.W cannot wait to get
BACK @ THE FAT OX

Hazelrigg Club

So who forgot the Camera ??
Not going to mention any names but he knows who he is.Apart from that there are no pictures from the gig,I'll try to tell you what you missed ( if you were n't there ).As you may or may not know 'The Stick','The Wedge' and the 'Hamster' have a very bad sense of direction, and could be found heading to the Hazelrigg Club without a 'clue' where it was.Needless to say we managed to find it ( looking down streets in the dark) in the hope of seeing it, and we got there in the end.

After finding a huge puddle to park in we got the gear into the venue and managed to set up without anyone falling on anything ( this week ,anyway ),and we were ready 'To Rock'.Time just flew and before we could blink we were on the second encore,We had a Fantastic night and would like to thank everyone who came to see us and hope you liked the improvised set we tried ( put in some real gems from the old days in there )

We hope to be back there sometime next year.....

SPARTAN - CHRISTMAS PARTY

Spartan - The Jolly Miller October 11th

We were sorry to hear..
We were sorry to hear that the Jolly Miller had decided to stop putting on bands, but due to dwindling numbers attending they had been forced to make this decision.We always loved to play this place and even though it was only a second time there it will remail a great venue to us.

Thanks to Mick and Tracey for the email regarding the gig, and it was great to see you again we hope see you at the Christmas Party in Burnopfield on December 20th, and thanks to all the staff at the Jolly Miller and a big thanks to Lee for putting us on in the first place.

The Phoenix 4th October

Sorry about the late posting

Have been having a bit of trouble with the Internet, so the posting is a bit later than usual.We had a Great night at the Phoenix, it was good to be back there and although we had a few technical problems we managed to get through the sets without too many problems.I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who came to see us it was nice to be able to put some faces to names from the 'Ginger Gits Forum' and it was great to see Stef and Carl doing the SPARTAN thing.I'd also like to say a big Spartan Thank you to Margaret and Jo who even with too much beer managed a fantastic job with the video that you can find on this website.

Spartan Rock the BEBSIDE

Back to the Bebside


We were playing the Bebside due to the Gatecrashers having to cancel with an injury ( best wishes and a speedy recovery to the Gatecrashers) and could not refuse such an offer at one of our favorite venues.This was our first gig for about 2 weeks and we tried to change the set a little to make it more dynamic.

We were totally taken back by the reception that we recieved and would like to thank everyone who came to see us,we had a great night and hope to be back @ the Bebside very,

'Thanks for a Great Night '

The Old Tannery - Hexham 6/09/08

We Nearly Did n't Get There At All ?



Due to the Weather
It took us a while to get to Hexham due to the roads being under water but we were n't gonna give up that easy.We had a Fantastic night at the Tannery and would like to thank all those wonderful people who managed to make it to see us, we know how hard it must have been venture out last night.Because of the rain the lads felt it was only right that they pulled out all the stops and gave their performance 110%, we had one of the best nights ever and look for ward to coming back to this great venue.The only draw back to last night was the long diverted journey home as most of the roads were closed and he had to go home in a very in-direct route but all managed to get to where we were going.

Spartan in Delaval

Want a great way to spend a bank holiday.....

Although there had been no real publicity for the gig, the turn out was Fantastic, and it was a real thrill for us to be able to play for such a cracking bunch of people you made us feel so welcome.
We were totally taken by surprise and had no idea that it would prove to be one of our best yet.

Little did we know what was about to happen on this bank holiday but we were not expecting 6 encores,a great atmosphere, good crack, and FOOD, no one could ask for anything more could they ?.

Spartan go into' MELTDOWN '

We prayed for good weather.......and were not disappointed.We all had a great time at the Meltdown Festival and it make a big difference playing outdoor and in the sun.Kev was his usual self and after being there for all of 2 minutes had joined the queue of little kids to have his face painted ( shame we don't know any Kiss songs ).We would like to thank everyone who came to the Bebside and hope they raised loads of cash for such a good cause.

Martha's Vineyard - Hebburn 16th August

Well i did n't get lost
Managed to get to the venue without incident this week, and we would like to that Ian and all the staff for making us feel very welcome, as this was our first time at Martha's Vineyard.Had a great night a smashing venue to play and loads of space for us to set up in too,played a mixed set to try and give you all a taste of what we do and by all accounts it went down well.
Hope to be asked back there next year

Northumberland Hussar - August 9th

Another New Venue
For us and the hope that we go down well is always in the back of your mind, but you can't help wanting to impress everyone who has turned up to see you.We really like this venue as it was a bit of a challenge to set up and thanks to 'AL' from 'On the Level' for giving us some advice and help on the matter.Garry turned up straight from work still in work clothes ( not very Rock 'n' Roll ) but after the gear was set up he changed into his spartan gear, ready for the off.Had a bit of a later start to enable the venue to get in some more customers, and had to wake Garry up just before the first set (Sleepy Head).All in all we had a fantastic night and it was great to be able to meet and chat to you all between sets,and we hope to be asked back to play here soon, as it was a great night.

The Wheatsheaf,Benton August 1st

There was a strong chance we would have to cancel but.....

With just 2 days notice Kev's old music buddy and the reason Kev joined Spartan in the first place Graeme stepped up to the plate to drum for us.Mick our drummer had been struck down with a severe ear infection and had lost his hearing making it near impossible for him to be able to play.Graeme kindly stepped in and helped us out( catch Graeme with his band 'The Alleycats'),as previously mentioned he only had 2 days notice and played a blinder or else the gig would have been cancelled.
We would like to thank Graeme not just for his drumming skills on the night but he has always been a major influence in our band and has given his time and help on numerous occasions without a second thought.The gig was a great success and we would like to thank Mick( from the Wheatsheaf ) for all his help on the night,hope to be able to come back with the full SPARTAN Experience soon.

The Market Tavern 26th July

Garry was completely right after our third song in when he said 'It was good to be HOME' the sentiment that was shared by all in SPARTAN, this is one of our favorite places to play and it just gets better each time we do it. We played the Market Tavern as one of our first gigs and we have never looked back since,the atmosphere is always fantastic and the welcome is second to none. We spotted some familiar faces in the crowd there on Saturday and must apologise if we did n't get a chance to speak to you all but you did keep us on stage for a total of four encores ( you tinkers).

We had an absolute ROCKIN time at the Tavern need to say a BIG 'Thank You' to all the loyal Spartan Army ( Bedlington Brigade )for their support and on a personal note Garry would like to tip his cap to Tony ( The Legend )for all of his kind words and Kris from (www.black-road.co.uk)for his continued support of all things Spartan.

Travellers Rest, Burnopfield 19th July

Home turf,well for 3 of us anyway

The band would like to thank John and Karen at the Travellers Rest for making us feel so at home and for the hospitality they showed us on Saturday, we had a great night at a great venue.As three of us are local to the area it was a great night and we were able to see some familiar faces in the crowd spurring us on.
For those of you who could not make it you missed some new material in the second set( not gonna say too much ) and a slightly revised first set.Thanks to all of you who came out to see us, we need to support a venue like this as they are trying to get music back on the map and are doing it at their own expense.
so KEEP MUSIC LIVE'N'LOUD AT THE TRAV'S.

The Jolly Miller 5th April

WE DID N'T KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT BUT...
Playing a new venue is always an adventure, and last night was no exception.Garry and Phil managed to get lost on the way to the venue and thanks to some helpful people they managed to get there after all the gear was inside ( well planned Phil )
We were made most welcome at the Jolly Miller and would like to say a big thank you to Lee and all the staff and customers who made last night for us.


Tried a new song in the set last night which was 'Vertigo' by U2 which went down very well for a first outing,we had a great night and can't wait to see you all back there in October for
SPARTAN II.......THE RETURN TO THE JOLLY MILLER

Nikhs Bar 21/06/08

A welcome return to this venue for us


It's always great to go back to a venue you have played before, and Nikhs is one of the best to be asked to come back to,although the rain had a bad effect on numbers it did nothing to dampen the reception that we recieved.We set up our gear slightly diffrent this time and it improved the sound by 100% ( thanks to Dave - HiFi Stud )for the information, and thanks to Andy for all his work on the night.
We tried to keep the set to an 'all classic's' one for the gig as that's what got us on there in the first place,It seemed like we had only been playing for 10 mins but the first set was over and done in a crack. We would like to say a big 'Thank You' to Nikki and Rob for always making us feel so welcome and hat's off to Rob for getting through the night with an extremly bad back ( told him not to lift his wallet by himself ).As per usual we had a Fantastic night and can't wait to be able to get back there soon.

Keep on Rokkin

The Travellers Rest 24th May

Wot a welcome return to this venue
Can't remember the last time we have played there but we love this place,although we must have bigger gear as we thought it was bigger last time we played.The new management made us feel so welcome,It's a great feeling you get when both the staff and the band are up for a
ROCKING GOOD TIME
Kev lost his bet and had to change his shirt at half time ( claiming it was too restrictive) for his 'Guns',I must take the time to say it was one of the best performances he has ever done, his vocals were so good he even had us cheering for him.We at least tried to stick to the set this week, but as usual someone decided to put a surprise or two (Naughty Kev).
Gazza had his usual stroll about and ended up behind the bar but could n't managed to pull a pint while playing,needless to say we had a Great night and can't stress enough the reasons for supporting a venue that is trying to put music back on the map.We would like to raise a glass or 3 to this place, We Loved every minute.

Supporting Powerage May 17th

WE FOLLOWED THE HIGHWAY TO HELL
but we did n't get lost and managed to arrive at Crook Football Club in good time on Saturday for our support slot with POWERAGE.It was great to meet up with Mick as we have communicated on the web a few times but had never met up in person.We would like to thank all the lads in Powerage for the use of the gear, we Had a great time and if you ever need us again just say the word,thanks to all the staff at the venue and a Big heads up to Graham for asking us to play and to 'the captain' for the sound.
I'd never been able to catch Powerage before and must admit they were FANTASTICI really enjoyed what I saw, but had to be up early on Sunday so was n't able to catch your full set,maybe next time.
We had a great night,Rokked our little socks off and met some great people,cheers for all the feedback about the band.We really had a great night and have the utmost respect to everyone who came along,Don't forget we are playing at Crook on August 16Th when SPARTAN return for our first Headline night at the club.
Hope to see you all then.

Thanks to The Captain and Mrs Rock for the photo's

The Trimmers Arms 10th May

It was our First time in South Shields
But we hope it won't be our last, we had another great night at a venue we had never played before.The set up was a bit strange but after a few teething problems ( Mr Phil and the monitor cable???)we managed to get a decent sound.Another revised set last night with some old additions to it,to keep us on the ball(Aye Mr Kev) and keep the regulars happy.Our Bass player was struck with a migraine after the second song but managed to keep it together and play through the night( if you were wondering about him wearing shades)as it's not usual for him.Met some really nice people and was great to finally meet Smoulty (thanks for the advice and feedback with regard to the sound etc).All in all a great night at a great venue ,hope we are invited back there soon.
Short but sweet as Kev and I are getting ready for our 11 mile charity walk this morning and he's forgotten the snake bite kit( Keep telling him it's not half a lager and half a cider we need)See the details of our adventure on the main site later,when me blisters go down.

The Star Inn 04/05/08

Was it really that hot in there on Saturday?

Can't tell you how much fun we had at the Star, it's always a great place to be able to play and last night was no exception.We hate having to leave you after only 3 encores but Gazza had to get to bed ( yes he does need all the beauty sleep he can muster). Kev's performance last night was one of his best yet, he does the 'hardest' job out of all of us and he was really on his game.For everyone who attended you were witness to a couple of set changes to this gig with the inclusion of 'Can't get Enough' and 'Chance' and wee bit of Purple's 'Black Night' thrown in to the mix.Kev was giving us a pep talk before we went on and said 'I've changed the set slightly' but all of his hard work was to no avail as we changed it on the hoof anyway,you have to play what feels right ? and every gig is different. Needless to say no matter what songs are in or out we always give it are all and last night was one of the best we have ever had the pleasure to be able to play. In the words of Ozzy 'We Love You all'