January 2009 Archives

Well, no doubt what the music highlight of 2008 was for me - appearing on Jasper Carrot's Xmas Cracker on Sunday December 21st at the NEC in Birmingham.

I have been involved in all of my pal Jasper's Xmas Crackers over the years (all of them at the NEC)

The first one was on December 19th 1993, when my old band ELO Part 2 appeared on the show, along with Cliff Richard, Showaddywaddy, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Roy Wood, Phil Cool, Chris Tarrant, Robert Powell - and Mr Blobby !

In 1997 I introduced The Troggs on to that huge NEC stage. Also included on the bill that year were Bjorn Again, Rick Wakeman, Bonnie Tyler, Bobby Davro, Fairport Convention, Chris De Burgh, Vanessa Mae and return appearances by Cliff Richard and Gerry Marsden.

In 2001 I was a compere once again, introducing The Hollies (including my old friend and former Move colleague Carl Wayne on lead vocals). Also on that star studded bill were Roger Daltrey, Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham ( husband David stayed backstage, babysitting), Ocean Colour Scene, Phil Cool, Roy Wood and, yet again, Gerry and the Pacemakers. I remember seeing David Beckham asking Gerry Marsden for his autograph, and Gerry agreeing to do so, in spite of Beckham "Playing for the wrong team"! - Gerry a real big Liverpool supporter of course.

Then, 5 years ago, it was a real privilege for my band "Bev Bevan's Move" to be backing band for my old friend Paul Carrack (who sang "The living years", "How long" and "Hi heel sneakers") and my old pal Robert Plant ( who sang "Need your love so bad", "Fever" and "Baby please don't go"). Also on the bill that time were Dave Dee, Tony Crane, Mike Pinder, Dave Berry, G4 and Robin Gibb.

This year, as usual, it was like being in the secret service, with the identities of the artistes due to appear on the show, a closely guarded secret. Two days before, when Jasper and I appeared on Ed Doolan's Radio WM Xmas Special at Birmingham Symphony Hall, in front of an audience of 1600 people, I let slip that I was going to be on stage at the "Cracker" I got a loud "Shush !" from Jasper, sitting next to me, and a kick on the shin.

The day of the "Xmas Cracker" began for me around noon when the bass player in my band, Phil Tree arrived at my house and we set off together to drive to the NEC. Only my car registration, pre-listed at security checkpoint 2, allowed us through to the backstage area, where we were issued all area access laminated passes. We were shown to our dressing room, where we hung up our stage clothes.