The Fat Ox ,Whitley Bay, April 26th

Kev said 'I really enjoy playing at the Fat Ox, and last night was the icing on the cake It's one of Kev's favorite places to play as it's where it all started for him and will always be in his top ten of venues.After a rousing round of applause for the sound check we 'KNEW' what was to come,and we were n't disappointed.The venue is one of the best established in Whitley and has a good reputation for live acts, so we took to the stage and tried our luck with our new first set.Towards the end of the set we have a little bit of trouble with a feedback issue but managed to get it under control for the second set,We are always trying to change the set around for all you hardened 'SPARTANS' who take the time to come and see us and hope that the changes to the set are we received, by adding some older material that we have not played for a while.


Blasting into the second set with a bit of 'classic' Led Zep we were off and running into 'Rock and Roll' featuring the very talented Mick showing off a new drum solo (which took us by surprise to say the least).No sooner had we started the set and it was suddenly the last song of the night(where does the time go)but we ended the night with our Bon-Stray-Cat-Jovi song because you we so noisy and would n't let us off the stage.We had a great night and on a personal note would like to say a big 'Hello' to all Ginger-Gits that I managed to meet up with during the half time break (will speak to you online soon).Well counting down the days till November 8Th when we are Back at the OX

The Royal Tavern 19th April

For all of you that were there you were privy to a few new songs in the set.We opened up with Vertigo a classic U2 number which was is first airing to an audience,won't give too much away you'll have to come and hear for yourself.
We managed to set up in a quicker time that usual and had time to relax a bit longer than we usually do.But time does not stand still for anyone? and before we knew any better the first set was over and Kev was helping with the charity raffle in aid of Macmillan Cancer Trust that the venue had arranged(Phil was mighty depressed that he did n't win the jelly beans)
Blasting into the second set the place went mad,always have a great night at the Royal Tavern and would like to say a big 'Thanks' to all the staff and customers who made the night a Great One.

Golden Lion - 12th April

Let em loose on the Moors!!!


After an exciting,fun packed journey of playing spot the sheep,we arrived at the Golden Lion in the SPARTAN-MOBeel.Kev was a bit worried that we could get up them thar hills and live to tell the tale.And we did n't even stop for a comedy photo of us chasing sheep down the road while pulling up our pants.
After we set up and sound checked we had to cobble together a set lst as 'someone' had lost the ones we usually use ( mention No Names ).So the set was a little different than usual,Shock,Horror no under the bridge and that's one of me Fav's,never mind.We all though 'Mad Mick' was going to cut his drum solo shorter but as per usual he kept on drumming like the energizer bunny during the end of 'Rock and Roll'.
How come when you are driving somewhere it takes ages to get there,and when you are driving back it takes less time??
Does anyone know the answer to that?
Played a blinder of a set,including the customary game of how many feet can we get on the bass drum?,and the inclusion of the new 'ooohhhh' harmony vocals during the middle of 'Radar Love' and Kev playing his heart out on his tambourine,without tuning it up first.Must make sure we mike it up for the next gig and maybe add some delay,and a bit of overdrive to give him less of a Salvation Army sound and more Spartan Army sound.
Great gig, can't wait to get back there soon.

Cancer Research Charity Rock Nite 5th April

SPARTAN
Had a great nite,many thanks to all that came and braved the 'orrible weather and made a difference to someone.The night was opened by Arsenal of Freedom a newish name to me but one to remember,the played a fantastic set and their frontman was the drummer(different I'm sure you will agree).
Next to entertain was us played a condensed 1 hour set,featuring some of our favorite songs and had a real Great time in doing so.The Hamster (Gazza) was the first to run off into the crowd and scare people who thought they could hide from him.Was n't long before Kev did the same and the two of us were 'forced' to dance with the crowd before getting back on stage to safety.Wot a brill nite we had and the icing on the cake was seeing Mick and Phil dancing the night away to the tunes of Classic Quo provided by headliners On the Level, they really rokked the place to it's knees.Spartan would like to thank Al from On the Level for doing a sterling job with the sound as usual (owe you a beer I think )
Rough number at the moment say we raised over £300 for a worthy cause shame we could n't add a couple of zero's to that but maybe next time.