HW:Bath gig last night

[Nick Lee]

Finding myself unexpectedly at a loose end last night, I through caution to
the wind and set off for the gig in Bath which Richard had posted on the
Mission Control guest book this week (billed as 'Whirlwind', I think the
woman at the pub I spoke to on the phone said).  I probably should've
checked the weather/traffic news before leaving as snow had made parts of
Bath and the surrounding area almost unpassable.
I eventually arrived and was almost surprised to find the gig still going
ahead.  The line-up was Richard, Jerry and Ron with A.N. Other on guitar (he
looked familiar, but I forgot to ask Jerry who he was) and Bridget doing
some vocals over the first (jammed) couple of pieces followed by a recital
of Black Elk Speaks while Richard nipped off and returned with a drink.
The set, a;bit over an hour long, was a loose one and included: jammed piece
with Bridget/Born To Go/new piece maybe called Mushroom Head, which was in
the vein of Reptoid Vision/The Right Stuff/Hippie/Spirit of the Age.
Ron played some fine bass, especially during Born To Go (which also featured
an additional guest on harmonica for an extended middle section) but did
seem to be suffering from throat trouble.  Spirit of the Age was much
rockier than on the recent tour (after a troubled start!) and was the
highlight of the show.
Rather a long journey for a small gig but certainly better than Saturday
night telly and always nice to see the band jamming around in this way.

Nick