Roadhog
The Plough
Pall Mall,
Chorley
19.6.15
This is what playing in Chorley does to a band!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Roadhog-Classic-Rock-Band
Have
you ever thought you had fallen off the planet and been abducted by a bunch of
aliens? Well if not this is one time that you may think it had come true, as Roadhog took the stage at Chorley.
It
wasn’t long before the band had arrived at The Plough. The gear was brought in
and the band set up ready to play on a special laminated area which was not
raised but you just knew it was the stage.
The band had played there numerous times previously and so knew the
routine.
They
bring their own PA and lighting as well, set it up and sound check themselves
plus they do a two hour or more set – these guys are hardened to it all.
For
me knowing nobody apart from the band was the usual, but the atmosphere was a
warm and friendly one.
The Mighty Roadhog
The
band hit the stage around 9.30 and produced a good first set, always starting
off with some tracks that eased everyone into the night, such as Battleship Chains and Sweet Home Alabama. Graham’s banter and quick wit at changing the
lyrics to suit the moment ever present, although being stared at by some random
stranger who started to ruffle her hair and move awkwardly in front of you
clearly set the crowd talking and reduced Graham to a gibbering wreck who could
hardly sing for laughing, despite turning his back on her!
Don't laugh Graham!!
Do you have a carer love?
She
continued to taunt the band through-out their set but the band just made light
of it all so she soon gave up the ghost!
Kev’s
playing was superb through-out, although he didn’t go directly to anyone in the
audience this time, instead he ran around the Plough and back to his corner of
the stage while still playing his Fender, of course!
Did I leave the gas on?
Could this be Benny Hill?
Looking
over at Neil made me laugh as he was jammed up against the giant fan to cool
himself, and blotted out any chance the bands vocalist Graham, needed to keep
cool. Ed’s kit was huge, never seen a bass drum so big before as he pounded
them to within an inch of their life.
The face says it all - I haz a fan!
Ed - wonder what I can haz for my tea when I get home?
It
wasn’t only the stalker that set tongues wagging either, one guy who clearly
thought he was a good dancer was standing opposite me and gyrating his hips in
the most weird manner possible was also a memorable sight and soon after the
music stopped he actually went over and shook the bands hands as well as mine
for some strange reason, but apparently it is the norm in Chorley!
Dig those moves!
It was this big I kid you not!
A
favourite track among many the band played on the night was Foreigner’s Hot
Blooded to which Graham’s risquay lyrics brought open mouths and tears of
laughter especially the words “Are you old enough?” “Do you have hairs upon
your muff!” I don’t think I could sing that track without repeating those words
now - totally ingrained forever!
Graham in the moment
The
band finally pushed to 10.30 where the first half of their set ended to give
them a breather of around 10 to 15 minutes before plunging head first into the
second set which was a lot rockier than the first.
Roadhog in Action
Roadhog know how
to engage an audience – although not surprising after 11 years gigging! They
know how to manipulate an audience with classic rock tracks and witty banter
that is present at all their gigs, and not only does Graham engage with the
crowd but also Kev and Neil join in the merriment!
Graham Roadhog Lee
Kevo and Ed
Ed - Perfect timing!
Wish I had brought my Kiss Boots!
Roadhog played War
Pigs, which was the bands own rendition, plus the all-time favourites Paranoid,
Ace of Spades and The Green Manilishi to name but four and played them effortlessly
to a very receptive crowd – dancing was the order of the night – strange how
not many decided to head-bang (apart from Graham) but everyone enjoyed
themselves, and that is what Roadhog
gigs are all about.
I wonder what he is thinking about?
Their
set is a good two hours, in fact more including 5 tracks for an encore and each
track they played brought more people to the floor of The Plough. The band
finished on a high note with Born to be Wild, by which more people had joined
the eager crowd goers to engage into what had now become a very memorable gig indeed!
Roadhog
The
band finished at 12.15 am and had lots of people come up and congratulating them
on such a brilliant gig. Loads of smiling faces were the order of the night
which is always good to see at any gig but for Roadhog it is written in stone.
Graham
Kevo
Neil
Ed
Thanks to all the staff and punters at The Plough - looking forward to falling off the face of the earth again in the not too distant future!
Nice meeting Deb, Leigh, Jilly and Rog - see you again soon!
PS: See Kev I did take photo's of all of the band and not just Graham.... lmao
Set List 1
Riverboat
Song
Battleship
Chains
Sweet
Home Alabama
Gimme
Three Steps
Sharp
Dressed Man
Tush
I
Can’t Explain
Emerald
Hush
Tush
Hot
Blooded
Lil
Devil
Set List 2
We
will rock you
The
Green Manalishi
Mistreated
The
Zoo
War
Pigs
Paranoid
Forever
Gimme
Shelter
Don’t
believe a word
Lights
Out
Highway
to Hell
Encore:
Word
Up
Rock
n Roll
Long
way to the top
Ace
of Spades
Born
to be Wild
Members:
Graham
Roadhog Lee – Vocals
Kevin
McGinn – Guitar
Neil
Humphrey – Bass
Eddie
Lane - Drums
