Click on a Cat if you want to talk Tat

"Carnaby" - Farewell to Jimmy Smith.....to the great white C3 in the sky....... still roadies are little angels from heaven. Specially our Mark.
"Gaz" - Wanted...... mid 80's gas guzzling hatchback to abuse, preferably with titanium gear box and twin pulse jet engines..
"Mark" - Tar Babies in fashion war but come out triumphant.. They may not have the most politically correct name, they may wear the worse tie and shirts combo this side of Woodstock but the Tar Babies are fast becoming one of the brightest pub and club acts on the circuit. Stuck firmly in the 1960’s – well OK, one or two numbers from their set list might just creep into 1970 – they are a covers band with attitude and originality. An original covers band? An oxymoron if ever there was one? But no, not really, because even if Lennon/McCartney, Ray Davies and the like provide the set lists, the Tars do the tunes 'their way'. And a bloody good way it is too. Not so much ‘Matthew tonight I’m going to be a 60’s tribute band’ and more of ‘no actually, we’re gonna play these great old toons in our style, and make them fresh and timeless, and interesting and relevant and....well, just fucking great, whilst still respecting the vibe of the originals. Lead singer/guitarist Julian make no attempt to re create the artists vocally, steadfastly belting out the numbers in his own raspy, bluesy drawl while the band play with a looseness and feel that sits somewhere between rooftop Beatles (avec Billy Preston), early Faces and memphis r&b. Oh, and with a healthy dose of Hendrix showmanship, general psychedelics and, at times, British acid jazz thrown into the mix. Brilliantly gifted musicians individually (although the line up is loose, they are generally all A1 session players) nobody really shows off and the joy is in the interplay of wah wahed guitar, electric piano and bass/drum interplay. Dressed the part in Carnaby street finest (albeit the kipper ties might be a step too far) they keep the average punters happy with their liberal use of 60 TV toon favs, the Monkees singalongs and odd Chuck Berry faithful. And all good stuff it is too. In any event, they need to keep the pub crowd happy to secure the dozen or so bookings they get every month to secure their living. But, good as this is, you feel the Tars really come alive when Julian steps on his wah wah pedal and screams out the Voodoo Chile and Purple Haze riffs before the band take a jazzy jam into hippy-dippy ville. I have yet to hear their album of originals (something I hope to correct at the next gig) and, beware, they can do the cloning thing only too well (as various 'cover' albums, no doubt commissioned by less scrupulous industry exploiters, testify). But what I really want to hear is an album of Beatle covers, the Tar Baby Way. Their live versions of 'Get Back', 'Come Together', 'I Feel Fine', 'Money' and all the rest really take indie pop/rock to places younger bands and songwriters can only dream of. And yes, Lewis Taylor alumni Ash Soan, Lee and Gary Sanctuary regularly feature in the bands fluid line up. Well worth getting your flares out for!!! I suspect Lewis would love it.
"Chris Williams" - Hi Guys, Just wanted to say a big big "cheers" for doing the gig at my 40th birthday party in January. What a night , from what I can remember everyone had a great time , you guys were excellent as usual.Me and Del had too much to drink and I fell over when I hit fresh air! fantastic! Thanks once again and see you in Lingfield on the 18th.
"Carnaby Barnaby" - I don't know how he does it .....but Joolz is Jenga Champion !!
"Joolz" - I feel terribly guilty, somebody passed me a bit of paper during one of this weekend's gigs, with a request for a happy birthday song for a birthday girl and I forgot to sing it!!. I can't remember her name or even which gig it was, but I feel aweful....my appologies. People that know me, know that my memory is that of a goldfish.
"Mark Broad" - Just to say there should be a small gang of us at the Foresters tomorrow, in honour of “Anita’s recent birthday”. She just passed XXty-XX! Look forward to seeing you. All the best
"Carnaby Barnaby" - It's Lenny's Birthday on Friday.
"Carnaby Barnaby" - NEWS FLASH It would seem that Tommy is........ "Leaving the band" champion of the band.
"Carnaby Barnaby" - Apparently Ash has been sporting a beard during his present tour , as he was unavailable for an interview, we've had to draw our own conclusions as to his appearance, the classic film Pappillion perhaps...
"Caroline Collins" - Hi di hi, Can't agree, Have just been glancing through chit chat on site and can't believe that anybody could make such awful comments about you wonderful boys. Presumably they knew they were coming to see a 60's band so what exactly is his/her problem? What a saddo.
Anyway chins and everything else up, can't wait to see you all again in West Sussex area. Belated Happy New Year and hope you all had a good Christmas
Love Caro
"Stacey" - Christ, Suedeesueivegottoomuchtimeonmyhands! Did someone not get laid on Friday night?? Its ok, angry people go to heaven too.
"Joolz" - It appears that Tommy had a Thai chicken curry and treacle pudding at his last Foresters Arms gig and left without paying ! Bitter sweet eh Tommy ?
"Nicki Ross-Martin" - I can't thank you boys enough for your brilliant performance on Saturday night, I don't think that i could not have chosen a better band if had searched the entire country! You were totally tip-top in every way, and judging by the emails and texts I have been receiving since Saturday everyone else thought so to
"Long Serving Fan" - My word you don't visit this 'Fantastic' site for a while and all hell 'breaks loose'! On behalf of a few friends I'd just like to thank the Tarbabies for a great night and to the lovely people at the undisclosed venue in Kent. Although obviously somebody didn't enjoy themselves shame, you were quite clearly in the minority cos the place was just beautiful man!!! Perhaps Suededededeeee??!!! you should have visited the problem page!
"Carnaby Barnaby" - It's cool to air your opinion suedeesuedee, but really quite disturbing when you choose to be so offensive whilst hiding behind a faceless e-mail address. Still you made it on to our crap website so I hope it was worth it. There have been about 30,000 visitors to this crappy site and I'm sure not all of them were impressed but as you were the only one to adopt that tone it just goes to show how uniquely twisted you are. Love and peas !!!???!!**!! ? what's that all about !
"suedeesuedee" - Dear Chat I can't believe how self indulgent you lot are! I saw the band recently at an undisclosed venue in Kent and was outstanded by their mediocrity. Predictible, dull, uninspiring - well, lets just say the hype was good but he product.....No doubt this message will not make the 'Chat' page but hey! Just a shame you don't promote the band as 'ye ole sad bastards attempting to capture a bygone age (not very well)'. Love and peas Slush puppy. P.S. Crap Web site <suedeesuedee@btinternet.com>
"Carnaby Barnaby" - Joolz didn't want me to tell you this but ......... he is "Throwing cheese footballs in the air and catching them in his mouth" champion of the band, and if that wasn't enough he only went on to achieve the very same accolade with regular salted peanuts, watch this space as I've heard he's soon to attempt the entire range of KP nuts. Is there no end to his talent ? Or has he just got the biggest gob !?
"Joolz" - Does that include the go-kart and mini racing champs ?
'Stella' - To the 'pool' champs. connect 4 champs, jenga champs and anyone else!! have a fabulous Christmas and an extremely messy New Year, a big thank you to the 'Babes' for a year of fantastic groovy sounds and to Carnaby Barnaby for facilitating this most fantastic site where we can all chat, take the piss and generally publicly humiliate each other, here's to another year!! .
"Carnaby Barnaby" - Gaz's not connect 4 champion anymore...... Caz is
"Caz" - What about connect 4!!!!!! xxx
"Carnaby Barnaby" - Tommy's not pool champion anymore...... Gaz is
"Steve" - Dear Boyz.....Expert playing as usual at the Harrow at Caterham Friday night, shame there were not as many people as usual - I guess it was Christmas party after work night for most.
I would have been up the front cheering you on, but I had a hot date up the back of the pub, and she and I thought you were brilliant. You are the perfect remedy for those first date awkward silences not that we had any with your music to accompany us. We did clap very loudly for you at the back and the landlord of the pub is obviously your biggest fan - Well done boyz
'Stella' - Joolz if only you had had a wager on the other games Tommy played! You'd be a rich boy! Think the female variety ought to challenge Tommy to Jenga!! Knock you off your perch! x x
"Carnaby Barnaby" - The boys have missed your flamness, boyness and antnest xxx
"Ash" - Ahhhhhhh the Tommy , Joolz banter ...................... I've missed that XX Looking forward to the weekend gigs.
"Joolz" - But didn't you also get thrashed by girls and didn't joolz win a fiver 'cos he knew you'd be beat
"Tommy" - Joolz didn't want me to tell you this but Tommy is now both Jenga and Pool
Champion of the Band.
"Carnaby Barnaby" - No no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no well alright yes
'Long Serving Fan' - Is it true that there are a few of the Tarbabies NOT mentioning ANY names that have been totally thrashed at 'Pool' by GIRLS!!!!!!!! Good God what is the world coming too!!!
"Carnaby Barnaby" - An extra special thanks to "Pete" from Sanky's who decided it was alright to drunkenly crash his car into three of the bands fleet, writing off at least one of them, and then legging it. He was just seconds away from taking out the band too. The only thing he obviously thinks about, is himself and his liscence and he certainly has no morals or feels any guilt. There should be an I.Q. test given to people before they 're allowed a drink. Still Pete, so long as you're all right mate...that's what counts eh?
"Joolz" - I'd like to thank that awfully kind fella at French's in Hastings, who obviously in gratitude for us playing several songs for his mate Steve's leaving party, then decided to show me how to open up the side of my van by merely barging the door of it's hinges. . . . .twice. . . . it's people like you who are giving other sad bastards a bad name.
"Carnaby Barnaby" - No he's not.......it's been cancelled !!!!!
"Carnaby Barnaby" - Lee's off on tour with Bonny Tyler soon !!!!!!!
'Stella' - It would appear that there are two very good points to this conversation CB! However, four if you are really on the pulse!
"Carnaby Barnaby" - This conversation is very titillating but is there a point or is it staring me in the face ?
"Innocent -By -Stander"! - 'Pillar of society'....there's no question! However I'm sure I remember the question being whilst 'Mr ****' stood listening intently...."So what do farmers grow"? Completely innocent I thought...so much so that I saw no need to report these issues to the local authorities!! So I remain completely impartial to these nipple headlight wrecking antics!!...... Anyone need any Calamine lotion!!??
"Caro" - Brilliant night on Friday at the Hart in Ardingly. Keep on rocking.xx
"Sarah" - ...By only a handful of psychopathic fans?
"Mr ****" - In response to "Starsky's" accusations - It was self defense, Guv! Said "Sharky" was attacking my protrusions along with an accomplice who shall remain nameless as they are/were a pillar of society. My actions were simply required to "switch off" the assailant thus rendering them speechless...
"Carnaby Barnaby" - Of course it could have been Tommy's mum 28,765 times checking up on him.
"Carnaby Barnaby" - In the last 12 months alone there have been 28,765 visits to the Tar Babies website ! WOW !!!!
"Carnaby Barnaby" - I have taken the liberty of protecting the identity of said "Headlamp clamper", innocent until proven guilty I believe, and my dad's a high court judge don't you know! and in Mr ****'s defense perhaps at the dimly lit gig in question, he mistook them for light switches.
'Stacey' - Dear Carnaby Barnaby Please tell Mr **** that if he tries to cripple my nipples one more time I'm getting my dad on him. He's a policeman you know! xx
"Joolz" - Tommy won Jenga fair and square, honest guv
"Carnaby Barnaby" - Gaz is pool and chess champion of the band, and I, Carnaby runs this site, whatever Joolz tells you is a pack of lies
"Joolz" - Do you have no shame Tommy?
"Tommy" - Joolz didn't want me to tell you but I am now Band Jenga Champion
'Loyal Fan' - Not only a major issue for the most busiest member of the band but for us loyal fans, those 'mid song requesters'... they spoil a perfect view of shear brilliance!
- Myself and a team of cutting edge scientist have just discovered the secret of life
"Joolz" - I find it bizarre that some people will hone in on the busiest member of the band (mid solo or whilst singing) and strike up a conversation with them regarding the next song they'd like to hear! I can only imagine that this has something to do with the karaoke generation we are now burdened with. Can they not see that we are actually busy performing a song that perhaps someone else has already asked for. Do they think of us as a juke box like machine that can play a song effortlessly in our subconscious, whilst randomly talking drunk with someone who is inevitably asking a sixties band if they can play any Abba or Busted. Or...... possibly it's the disco generation we are now subject to, who are so accustomed to approaching the DJ with questions like "If you can play Come on Eileen one more time for my bird before she passes out I might be in with a chance". Don't get me wrong............. buuut.........and we love getting requests in the gaps between songs, this may be unusual to some Live music is live!
"Ray Peast" - How do you spell Rohypnol ?
"Stacey" - Imagine Gaz's delight when he walked into the kitchen and found Joolz passed out, leaving poor, unsuspecting Holly all venerable and face down in the lino!
"Carnaby Barnaby" - Not only can Joolz not handle his booze but neither can his dog it seems!
"Carnaby Barnaby" - Lee is the "Wrong place right time" champion of the band! Ifield or Isfield , he's outstanding in 'is field
"Carnaby Barnaby" - Imagine my surprise when I discovered that one of the boys in the band uses nipple rings as earrings! see if you can spot which one....... but no tweeking
'Stella' - How 'sporting' of you Len!!!
"Ray Peast" - No life jacket more like
"Ray Peast" - Didn't he go down on her?...... the Titanic I mean!
"Tommy" - Well here's a pic of me in action, so there!!!
"Tommy" - Youngest, fittest, best at Table Tennis, Shoverboard and pulling Chinese birds in Helsinki town centre.
"Carnaby Barnaby" - He didn't want me to tell you but......Joolz is mini-racing and Jenga champion of the band.
"Joolz" - A big thanks to Jez for helping the boys out at the last minute !! What a hero.....
"Carnaby Barnaby" - Eight G'n'T's and your spelling is all at sea..... I took the liberty of subtly and discreetly correcting it for you..... Don't forget to buy the odd round for the rest of your band or you'll be "walking the plank", "set adrift" , "tied to the main sail" or possibly enjoying the "cat o'nine tails".
"Tommy" - Heh heh heh, shame I have to go away for you to win anything. Anyway, I'm over it as I sit here sipping my eighth G'n'T in the enormous open-air jacuzzi caressed by dusky Philipino (Filipino or Philippino) hand maidens. I look forward to effortlessly reclaiming my assorted titles on my return, Table Tennis Champion of the Band.
"Len" - How to get ahead
"Joolz" - Jenga's not easy in a force 10 with 80 ft waves, and remember The Titanic's band never got paid, despite hanging around right to the end. and probably , in the world of oceanic entertainment , that's just the tip of the iceberg. And of course pool will be out the window question.
"Carnaby Barnaby" - Tommy's off to play on a cruise around the Baltic later this month !!
"Joolz" - Not for long !!!!
"Carnaby Barnaby" - Tommy is pool and jenga champion of the band.
"Joolz" - Not only does Lee fall asleep whilst playing the bass but he is the only person I know who can fall asleep mid sentence....bless
"Ash" - Dear Carnaby, Looking forward to getting back into the Groovy world of the Tar Babies. As you know I have been out in India shooting Tigers and drinking Bombay Saff and tonic........... and now feel fully rested to get my groove on again. I have done a couple of things to my site too. Feel free to have a look. www.ashsoan.com
"Chuckle Bro 1" - Could I suggest the readers of this site to watch the Tababies play at the Unicorn in Marden as we did a few weeks ago, mainly because of a really up for it crowd, fantastic food and a fair amount of cleavage which seemed to get the bands esp working quite well. On the evening we had yet another drummer who was a little reminiscent of Stan Boardman ( in looks and not one liners ) but all the better for that even if his frilly shirt was a little understated. Then make the effort and find the Hook and Hatchet at Hucking which is a delightful pub with plenty of room and good sound but really needs just a few more punters to complement this superb venue. If you're lucky you'll meet the most efficient barman I've ever met - well he is german ! We were blessed with Gaz on keyboards on the night at the Hook and you know just how good he is when the other keyboard players in the audience sit transfixed during his solos.
Once again we were blessed with a fine performance from the Tarbabies and I strongly suggest you visit the aforementioned venue when next they play. It may change your life if not your dress sense.
"Carnaby Barnaby" - Dear Myfanwy I have to point out at this juncture, that 'twas not Steve Emney that you've pledge your love to ( as the Blackhorse website's link was way out of date ), but Ash Soan. Steve Emney was an old drummer we used to have way back when. ..... We have tried desperately to get the old site shut down....but alas.....it seems that in this day and age of super technology this can't be done....we can create a monster but can't erase it ....Anyway, Ash Soan is your man, but of course if you only go to the old site you won't be reading this..doh!
"Becky" - <themusic_rule@hotmail.com> saw you on monday at the Black Horse festival, was really blown away, you guys were excellent!! loved the purple jacket n your cool hair too. keep it up!!
"Myfanwy Hill" - <femhill@hotmail.com> wow! u guys r great, saw u last night at the black horse (im in love with steve emney) ur fantastic!!!!!!! u have a great stage presence and get the crowd going, i hope to come n see more of u live etc. keep on rockin! all the best a girl in yellow who dances with no rhythem!
"Cliff Brooker" - Always enjoy your brilliant shows, but someone has to say it: drop the Monkees numbers!
"Chuckle Bro 1 and 2 Andy Lisa and Tracy" - Just a few lines to thank the Tarbabies for doing such a fine job at the Villagers at Vigo the other night . The Villagers really is the best place to see them perform mainly because there aren't any students getting in the way and you can see and hear the band without having to crane your neck round a tudor beam to see them.
The Gig's 1st half didn't go too well when Lee's bass amp decided to cry enough and packed up then left for the circus with all its belongings in a handkerchief. After an early break a solution was found to re-route the bass through the pa and with a little bit of " play your cards right " i.e . higher and lower the volume of the bass Lee ! we were back on track , well apart from the fact he couldn't hear what he was playing we were back on track.
Mr Subtle ( as we call him ) was our guest drummer for the evening and sounding alot better than the night we saw him in Tunbridge Wells when his snare went the same way as Lee's amp and was destroyed live on stage. Like a new soap powder he was new and improved but ouch ! my ears are still ringing from that PA ! noise coming from a snare that had already broken one drum stick and sent the tip of another flying into one of our drinks. This band is truly interactive.
For a change Joolz's outfit actually matched which is more we can say about Tommy's tie/shirt combination. If you look closely at Tommy's face you can pretty much judge when he's going to play a tune that will taunt and haunt you because you know you've heard it , it's familiar, but for the life of you you can't name it or place where you heard it, then just when you think you've got it he'll play another or Joolz will start to play " songs you only just recognised but don't know where from " TOP TRUMPS with Tommy.
The rest of the second half went pretty much like this with Joolz and Tommy trying to out do each other and poor Lee not being able to hear a thing poor little mite with Mr Subtle smashing sorry caressing the skins throughout.
For us it all sounded brilliant so well done to the 4 of you for providing such brilliant entertainment under adverse circumstances - it's appreciated.
To show our gratitude we're going to the Unicorn in Marden to be wined ,dined and hopefully 69'd by the best live band in the county/world.
Much Love Chuckle Bro 1 and 2 Andy Lisa and Tracy
PS if you put in Joolz into the spell checker it comes out Jolly !
'Nick' - We happened to come across you, or at least a friend did who knows a good band when he sees one, in Ardingly yesterday whilst taking part in the London to Brighton bike ride. He is a jazz guitarist and was very impressed
"Poddy" - Went to blackhorse to see teenbeats but got blown away by you guys. Great stuff xxx
"Stevie Wonder" - Deard fhubfv,
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"Carnaby Barnaby" - Request granted......... extra photos of Ash have been hidden far and wide somewhere in this place we call The Tar Babies website, enjoy your journey and happy hunting.
"Myf" - we need more pics of ash!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
the rest of u guys r lovely but lets face it hes just a sex god!!
"Carnaby Barnaby" - Philip, sorry we don't have the technology on this site to download music, so cd's are only available at gigs, and because we don't always have all of them with us, you might want to email me which one you want a day or two before.
"Philip" - i was wonderin if u could send me some of your music to download because i thought u were execllent when i saw you at the black horse festival last night!!!!
"Myf" - Hi! I saw u at the black horse and thought u were great, when and where are u playing in the near future that's open to the public? Love Myf
"Gazza" - My revised and improved formula
"The Boys" - What's a day job?
"Steve Hill and the Coven" - Good to see you guys in Surrey last night at the Harrow in Caterham. I might have my hearing back by Monday, but at least we all went deaf listening to the best pub band we have ever found. What I want to know is what you all do for your day jobs as I am sure you could give them up to concentrate on your music. The atmosphere was fantastic, though the pub was full to capacity, another extended play night with some great improvisation and the TV theme suite was nostalgic to say the least. Highlight for me and I think you guys was your Focus - Hocus Pocus and Sylvia where ace Ash got the drumming more than perfect, and Tommy yodeling away mimicked the Focus 1972 Old Grey Whistle Test DVD appearance exactly. Did you know that Jan Akkermann is playing in Sutton next weekend at the Boom Boom club if all goes to plan? Great gig guys and please do some more in Surrey. See you soon
"Zeus" - Oooh, you are just so nancy, you naughty boys! I am watching your every move with slitty eyes!
"Stacey" - Brilliant night on Friday at the White Hart. You were all fantastic and tongues were definitely wagging that night!!
"Stacey" - Just a quick note to say that Friday night at the John Harvey Tavern was brilliant. Stella and I were RABITTING together all night long! (Stella's 'special' friend') xxx
"Stella" - What a venue..."The John Harvey's Tavern" lovely spot, lovely people....fantastic vibes, (even if Lee was having to sit on Ash's lap all night!) definite recommendation to all you loyal fans out there. I'd just like to say a quick 'hello' to my 'Special Friend' Stacey.. and thank you for a night to remember!! x
" Dr Joolz " - Hi there Stefan, I'm glad you've addressed this problem, it's a tricky one, we'd love to think that we always deliver, but you are right even The Tar Babies can falter from time to time. The formula for a good gig would feature all these variables,
1. The Audience - a band is only ever as good as it's audience, this is the most important ingrediant.
2. The Sound - Ash has a theory that the worse the acoustics are, the worse the clientele. Those machines that council's favour to limit the output of a band are really annoying. Village Hall's and The White Knight in Crawley have shocking acoustics.
3. Friendly area - we like to feel that we won't get stabbed during the set.
4. Easy loading/access - we’re all lazy at heart, we're going to miss The Coachouse for that.
5. Time of day - any gig that you have to set your alarm clock for it is positively insane.
6. Day of the week - Fridays are sometimes great 'cos we haven't seen each other all week and have missed each others company. Sundays are good 'cos that usually is the last of several gigs and we don't have to
worry about losing our voices.
7.Landlord/lady - They can make or break a pub and they can be really nice to us or horrible! Sometimes we have to play whilst the footie is on the big screen behind the band, and at full volume too! Some places think that all they need to do is pay a band some money and it'll fill their pub up with thirsty people without the slightest regard for how it all works! see 2,3,4, and 7 above
8. How far away and how much traffic - we don't travel too well.
9. A grumpy barmaid can ruin things for others - you know who you are! and a meal just before a gig is a no no, it makes all the songs much slower and Tommy reacts in his own special way to a hot curry.

the formula

"Stefan Ronan" - From the information I receive from my friends I understand that you play better at some venue's than others. I've only seen you play at The Coachhouse, where you always performed great. However now that The Coachhouse is closed I would like to know where are the venues that you feel that you play best at?
"joolz" - The Tar Babies (without me, sob sob blub blub) are playing this week at The Jazz Cafe in London with "Lewes Taylor" until thursday, and I have to say, how proud I am 'cos he's absolutely great and so are they! If you haven't heard him.....check it out! I Saw them on monday, Gaz Ash and Lee, and they were brill, my lovely boys.
" Mark Broad " - ‘Tar very much, Baby!’There was a burst of flower-power at The Foresters Arms, East Hoathly, on Friday night, as fab combo The Tar Babies rocked the place silly. Not often will you see a bunch of guys make it look so easy to be this damn good and at the same time have quite so much fun. Of course, they’re real musicians, playing pop in a country pub, so we know that underneath those cheerful, cheeky exteriors these are probably sad and quite desperate men, searching for some purpose in life now that ‘the sixites’ are considered ‘last century’. But hey, this is all to our advantage. In fact, thank goodness that elegantly-dishevelled-and-slightly-fuzzy lead singer and guitarist Julian ‘Joolz’ Dunkley has been able to find a break in his busy schedule of Herculean efforts for the global tobacco industry, to throw together this band of strangers and arrange an absolutely cracking set of classic hits that goes off like a box of fireworks on a fairground ride in the Tate Modern! What a hoot. Truly a cultural tour-de-force. Ladies and Gentlemen, show sympathy for The Tar Babies – better still, do yourselves a favour and attend every gig you can!
"Some Where In China" - Lots of stuffed dumplings, sweet 'n' sour sauce, salty beancurd, prawn balls etc. over here!!Love, Tommy xxx
"Chuckle Brother No1" - Dear Tarbabies
Thank you for your visit to the Walnut Tree in East Hoalthy last night and such a pleasure to see you make a lovely noise in a pub that was for the first time only 2 miles from my house ! Yes ok I did leave before the second half to show my gratitude but I had my reasons which I won't go into now but basically I'm a wuss. It seemed word had got round that our hometown was being blessed by a rare visit by the best live rock and roll band in the county because I swear there were members of The Spice Daves and Ghengis Kan't in the bar which is a complement in itself . At one point a member of the aforementioned bands turned around and said "they are quite good aren't they ?" to which I replied F**k Off mate ! - they are brilliant! Quite good indeed ! Even Beebee the Alsatian tried to blag her way in playing the cute dog card which almost worked but she couldn't stay not because she can't hold a pint glass or open a bag of nuts without the aid of opposable thumbs, no it was because she was underage.
As usual we were kept entertained by the sheer class of the Tarbabies in a pub whose stage seemed cosy to say the least so much so I'd describe it as being more of a nook but this shouldn't detract from the fact that this is a great venue for bands so when they return and I pray they do I suggest you do just get to the bar early and weld yourself to the barstool because if you don't you'll be craning your head round the door to view the musical entertainment.
Still my Girlfriend was happy because that groover and part time male model Ash was drumming with the acumen we've come to expect ( infact that was the real reason we had to leave ) and Lee once again enamoured himself to the crowd with his wigglywoggly style of bass solo. Joolz however created a bit of a gaff by totally mispronouncing the name of the Village he was playing in ( you might get away with that in Tunbridge Wells but not round here Sonny Jim ) and as for that bloody keyboard player R Clayderman ? I'm not going to even mention him because he's far too nice and talented.
Anyway sorry we left early so please come back and we'll stay for the entire show.
Thanks again Chuckle Bro No 1
PS is it just me or do you see a certain amount of irony in members of a retro rock and roll band all using mobile phones ?
"The Fox" - Sorry guys, no gigs in Belgium - time went a lot faster than i thought it would!, but looking forward to enjoy your music again in good old England.
"Hot Off The Press" - Lee is pool champion of the band!!!
"The Boys" - Happy travels Tommy, Toad in the hole anyone?
"Tommy" - And I'll miss The Band and the Ladies and Gentlemen of the audience as well.
Thanks for not telling the customs, I've had enough full body searches from the Tarbabies altready! Prawn balls anyone?
"The Boys" - Tommy's off to China again in a week to travel with Monkey and Grasshopper. We're gonna miss him !!! (a bit) and we're certainly not gonna suggest to customs at Heathrow that he needs an all over body search .......Arsoh
"Carnaby Barnaby" - I have to tell you all how recently........... Lee, god bless, got stuck behind a curtain for 40 minutes while a local group of free masons made speach after speach after yet more speach in strange gobbledygook. How we laughed, neigh wept as he sat in the dark, silent and motionless wondering when it was all gonna end. Maybe you had to have been there.........
"Carnaby Barnaby" - There is in existance a picture of Gazza in yellow marigolds, pink shorts and a pink T-shirt , we're trying to get a copy of it, if only to document the decline of human values and taste, perhaps for a future study on the behaviour patterns of keyboard players in the wild.
"Agent Tiddler" - Think, Ash's babe needs a brazilian! What we all want is a pic of Gazza, showing those legs!
Someone's who's been to more gigs than possibly the band themselves!
"Carnaby Barnaby" - Apologies to anyone who went to The White Knight in Three Bridges last Saturday, the landlord screwed up. It's often not until the band arrive at these gigs that they find that there's another act on the bill board outside, and it's on these rare occasions that they'll find the nearest pub to talk turkey and drink grouse in . Well done Tim for getting up and playing with the band in Hastings on Sunday, makes up for forgetting Norma's Birthday! Who incidently wore the same shirt as Lenny.
"Steve Hill and the Coven" - Hi Guys, Caught your last ever gig at the Coach House just last night and it was the best yet, the keyboarding came across really well and all the other instruments in complete harmony too. What a sound you make and a little extended to usual as it was your last ever. We all travel down from Epsom and Surrey to see you so it’s always a bit of a rush for us all. Can you find a gig in Sutton or Ewell?
"Timbo" - Well another top gig last night 5th March at the Coach House. Sad to see the venue falling to the hands of developers and we will miss you guys not playing here any more. I still say head in to the Surrey area. You'll make a mint at the pubs up there!!!!! Take care all
"Chuckle Brother No1" - Good Evening Jesters, I know it's been while since we've come to see you sing-and-a-play but to put this straight the Chuckle Bros 1 and 2 will be at Vigo this Thursday to clap and cheer at the right moments and hurl abuse at the others. Could we put a request in early and ask if you'd be prepared to perform "Let them" in or any 10cc number ? Or even anything from the Who? I'm not even sure if you've ever performed an entire song by the aforementioned popular beat combo but something tells me you had one in your song listings once ? Whatever you can muster we'll be grateful.
See you on Thursday Gentleman.
PS to get fully into the retro theme I've bought myself a Vespa !!!
"Joolz" - It has to be said that I am the breakdown champion of the band at the moment! But despite loosing a front wheel on the way to The John Harvey in Lewes I still made it there in time for said gig. I promised the boys that I would mention it, so here it is in black and white......... so pleeeeease Tommy can you stop hitting me now. And next time you want to challenge me to the "Who can get out of London the fastest" just say the word.
"The Fox" - Thanks guys, I had a great time the 14th in Forest Row, despite there being no encores..!
"Melotron Man" - This Friday at The Coach House will feature Lee's amazing Melotron!!!! this may well be a one off showing for those lucky enough to be there.The last time one of these babies was used was when Barny Rubble accompanied Fred Flintstone at a jam night down at the Dino Diner. Barny played nasal flute that night and brought the house down.
"Here art one loyal fan"- It’s true though, where is everybody?.. this page should be full of Tar Babble so come on people, put aside whatever is stopping you write and get those fingers typing.. No excuses.. even if you’re at work.. (if your boss doesn’t walk in on you whilst your typing you’ll be fine!) Lets show some solidarity here.. lets talk!
"Phee" - Hey Joolz cool gig on sunday. It was fun.
"Meg" - Hi guys, especially Julian and Mr Graham Norton, sorry for the late email, I should have emailed sooner to say what a great night you put on at the Queens in Hawkhurst on new years eve. Ive just got your gig list off your web site and hope to see you play some groovy tunes again in French's on the 18th in Hastings. I shall bring some pals along to dance the afternoon away with me!Anyway guys I hope the New year has started well for you all. See you in Hastings. Love Meg xxxx
"The Fox" - This whole upside down business does seem to confuse people. I think it's a bit scary myself but there, I've plucked up the courage to write (not that I have anything to say really but hey). Hope the other loyal fans will do the same..!
"A Lost Soul" - What's wrong with these people.. why do they cancel such talent?!.. Obviously idiots!And yes.. where is everybody?? Poor old Barnaby, it must be a very lonely place for him sitting there in web-world, with no-one to chat to, so come on.. make it a New Year's resolution and talk to the dude! (Happy 2004 to the boys by the way!)
"Carnaby Barnaby" - I know what you mean
"Joolz" - Sometimes it just feels that I'm talking to myself
"Carnaby Barnaby" - Apologies for the recent spate of cancellations, venues and their bookers seem to get a little confused this time of year.....too much turkey and not enough stuffing perhaps. So folks, check the giglist before you set out.... And another thing......so much for upsidedownsville!
"Prawn Balls " - To Tommy .........eat as much as you like xx
"Keith Shackleton" - A great evening on Friday chaps, sorry, I mean dudes. Joy would like to thank the band for giving her her first big break in show business. She's already given up the day job and is waiting for the offers to come pouring in.
"Joolz" - Animated Gate !!!
"Carnaby Barnaby" - Congratulations Chuckle Bother No 2 and Jenny , what a great name for the baby , decided to smoke a cigar for "Zayphod"
"Chuckle Brother No1" - Hello Groovers,
Just wanted to say a huge thank you for a tip top gig at the Royal Wells Hotel last night and nice to see how the interior decorating is going as the said venue, never seen wallpaper quite like that before even in an Indian Restaurant in Lewes. Still who cares it's a brilliant venue with excellent sound and very attractive bar staff. It seems Joolz had gone shopping for early Christmas presents because was that a Gibson ES335 that we hadn't seen before? It certainly seem to enhance Joolzes already animated gate and lend a certain twang sound to the Tarbabies already polished performance. But even before the music started we counted yet another drummer ! How many is this now 6 ? What do you do with them after their tour of duty, take them outside and shoot them ? He looked good with his rakish looks and his naturally blonde hair but could he drum ? Erm.... yes very well actually with an open but precise style with very powerful licks, we in the "nook" were very impressed I must say. We came to the belief that Tommy had become a little jealous of the drummer boy's talent because his tambourine had a hole you could have punched a fist through which he probably did. Still Tommy you can play two instruments so there !
As for the music we were spoiled by alot of songs we've never heard the Tarbabies perform which were dragged out from the book of "songs we haven't played for a long time " which added a refreshing feel to the set with some old favourites thrown in for good measure. Yes we all enjoyed ourselves and were all impressed as you will be when you actually take my advice and see this incredible band of groovers.Only to add - Lee please don't wear the tie again because it was louder than the PA !Always a pleasure never a chore.
PS Chuckle Bother No 2 couldn't be there that night because Jenny his partner was giving birth to Mini Chuckle Brother No3 Little Baby Zayphod - I kid you not.
"Stella" - So what's going on here then!!! up side downies, I'm a readie downie too! So come forth you strange people...show yourselves and start giving us some RABBIT!!!! This should become a crucial part of a dark winters eve!
"A Lost Soul" - Mmm.. well I always thought I would be in favour of an “Upside Downie” world, but now I’m not too sure.. maybe Carnaby B had it right all along.. the thought of all those messages from fellow followers, being lost at the bottom of a page.. disregarded & unseen through time is really quite upsetting, so C.B apologies for questioning you.. we are in your hands! From a “Wannabe Right Way Upie”
"Carnaby Barnaby" - It seems I am the only dude around here that reads down the page and every body else lives in a crazy mixed up upside down world where they want the newest messages to appear at the top......strikes me as weird but then hey............So am I right in thinking that after a while this message is gonna sink down this page, further and further, lower and lower into the basements of time till it ain't really gonna matter any more what it says anyway.... only to be mocked and poked fun at on a later date by all you "Upside Downies"out there......... of course, untill you so called "Right Way Upies" send a new one in, this message could quite literally be taken either way.