Tubesnake

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The Lambton Hounds, Pity Me, Durham (Oct 2015)

Saturday 17th October

Tenth Line-Up: Lenny (Vocals), Woody (Drums), Chris (Bass), Martin Craggs (Guitar)

Well it’s hard to believe I last shot Tubesnake 8 years ago (where has the time gone?). The veterans of the North East circuit lead by charismatic front man Lenny Mustarde are still going strong 23 years since they were formed. Bass player Chris and drummer Woody, who are a nice tight unit with evidence of years of familiarity of playing together, have recently been joined by Martin Craggs on guitar. Taking over from young Tom Atkinson, who was incredible, seemed a hard act to follow but no worries on tonight’s evidence as Martin blew us away.

Kicking off with The Doors then Born to be Wild, Jumping Jack Flash, etc., Lenny’s vocal tones compliment the old classics effortlessly, even the REM number The One I Love proved a favourite.

With the Yardbirds Heart Full of Soul there was a change of pace and some awesome solo riffs to the blues number Fool For Your Stockings, showing Martin’s diversity, a brilliant highlight. Then it was straight into Bowie’s Sorrow, (The Man Who Sold the World would soon follow).

This was a cosy little venue with limited space for the band and less area for Lenny to express his showmanship fully but still gave an entertaining 2 set performance.

People are Strange showed true musicianship perfectly executed by all 4 members. There was a wonderful rock twist to Floyd’s Another Brick in The Wall. Tubesnake are very tuned and professional and just breeze through the genres of musical styles which fully deserves bigger stages and audiences.

There’s No Sympathy For The Devil tonight from Pity Me (yes it’s an actual place), what a cracking finale, a super full length version of this Stone’s classic, Martin’s guitar proving the perfect substitute to the original keyboard chords. Wonderful stuff, let’s hope it’s not another 8 years until I see them again.

… Peter Fannen (Photographer), posted on PJFimages photography website, Oct 2015