Well this is something different. It’s a cave, known as “The Devil’s Arse” by the rope-makers that worked at its entrance for centuries. And now it’s an occasional gig venue. Some bloke on TripAdvisor says: “Went up to the peaks for weekend and saw the caves thought it looked like a cool place to visit …big mistake the biggest waste of money ever basically it’s nearly a tenner each to listen to some Boring tour guy going on and on and on about some caves.” Who’d have thought? Anyway, what was Mr Cave like with added biscuity goodness?
(Photos above: Ash Heath)
The mighty Half Man Half Biscuit #HMHB and @Meatyard at @DevilsArse Castleton #devilsarse #peakcavern #castleton pic.twitter.com/1Ml0uzgoOM
— GilesMetcalfeDigital (@GilesMDigital) August 17, 2019
The harbinger of nothing
Unfortunately I won’t be there, but I’m most intrigued by what a cave looks like when transformed into a gig venue.
If anyone has a camera with them, I’d love to see a photo, so please take one up the Arse.
15 August 2019
lord leominster
I wonder about the sonorous qualities of the Arse. Must be the sound man’s nightmare.
16 August 2019
Alan
Born to lose.
16 August 2019
DavE G
Awesome ?. Brilliant. Still in Castleton with a loads of Dukla Prague away fans….. ??
17 August 2019
Chris The Siteowner
It was good! There are a few photos knocking around but nothing that remotely does justice to the size of the venue, which dwarfs the stage. I’m sure some detailed reviews will follow below, but the band were on great form, and the set list was intriguing, with more than one cover and what may be a first ever live airing of David Wainwright. As ever, the whole day was as much a part of the experience as the gig itself, and a big hi to everyone who I met in the pub before and afterwards. What a cracking experience.
17 August 2019
twistedkitemike
An interesting venue and not what you would ordinarily expect. The joy of the Biscuit is to expect the unexpected.
The “Cave” was a charming venue in many ways. Feeling droplets of water hitting your head from the ceiling and gently drizzling down your scalp is charming to the extent that it is rock-filtered rain water and not human perspiration.
However, the acoustics were not far short of amazing and the boys produced a somewhat eclectic set list. Did I ever think that I would hear a live performance of David Wainwright’s Feet? I don’t think that I did. Opening with “Broadstairs” does at least, get the audience going.
There was perhaps a little bit less chat than usual, due to the somewhat unusual nature of the auditorium, but there was much discourse about the local water courses. Just say “Noe”. Also, his NiBs informed us that a full skeleton been discovered in the cave recently, with a medallion around the neck of the bones. The inscription read something along the lines of “Derbyshire Hide & Seek Champion 1922 or 1923”.
Anyway, a more complete account of proceedings will inevitably follow from the usual source. To whet your proverbial whistle, here is the hymnal: –
Broadstairs
Restless Legs
Batwalk
Lilac HQ
Umberstone Covert
Look Dad
Joyce
Colombia
Paintball
Left Lyrics
God Gave Us Life
Terminus
JDOG
Squabblefest
DPAK
Worried Man Blues
Trad Arr Tune
David Wainwright’s Feet
Born To Lose (Johnny Tunders cover)
Gwatkin
Trumpton
NSD
Light Tunnel
Time Flies By
…………………………….
Encores
…………………………….
Fred T
AOR
Sounds of the Suburbs (The Members cover)
Every Time a Bell Rings
Another adventure in the countryside and another tick in the box. Roll on Cambridge.
Mike……………
17 August 2019
The harbinger of nothing
Wow! Wish I’d been there.
The only thing I can say about the fact that I wasn’t is… ArseBiscuits.
17 August 2019
hendrix-tatoo
Cracking gig the best this year for me.
God bless HMHB and the great souls who follow them.
ETABR to win the LFC….
17 August 2019
The harbinger of nothing
Thanks, TKM! Crikey, that is intriguing. I make it three covers…
The odds on Ecclesiastical Perks for Cambridge have just shortened! I’m hoping that Brian May makes it onto the setlist in Bristol next year, as I’ll actually be at that one.
I had wondered whether the band might have been keeping an eye on this site and perhaps given Vagaries an outing as a reward for its valiant Cup run, or even had the four semi-finalists in a row for the encore…
17 August 2019
IDIOT SAUL
Yes, it’s years since I’d heard Johnny Thunders doing Born to Lose with the Heartbreakers, so it was a welcome surprise and it certainly rocked as did the subterranean Sound of the Surburbs. David Wainwright was another welcome surprise and a timely reminder that correctly fitting footwear is paramount when venturing into Peak District cave systems.
17 August 2019
GORDON BURNS
Ahh, the slow walk down the path and through the houses afterwards – like leaving a big Wembley gig.
Can’t help wondering what the locals make of the noise. I could hear the sound check from the car park.
17 August 2019
Cream cheese and chives
We are a homogenous group. My abiding images of the night will be the departure down the ginnel next to the raging torrent; the dripping cave roof and Sound of the Suburbs. Strange that a song I have not heard for 10 years can be sung word perfectly and yet events from last week are already erased from my memory.
A novel venue and spectacular in its own way but the sound was all over the place. There were times where words were inaudible and yet the sound for the encore was spot on.
I wonder if the prompt start and finish were to accommodate the neighbours or whether,given the M56/60 tailback references , they were just after a quick get away.
Is there a more impressive drive to a venue than the descent to Castleton?
17 August 2019
GORDON BURNS
Knowing that there was an early curfew and we’d already had a cover version, I just assumed that Neil’s (always kills me) outro on AOR would be the end of the evening. But no, if I’d planned my bus on 3 encores, I’d have missed it. A superb version of something from my childhood (Sound of the suburbs), followed by (what the crowd had been shouting for all evening) ETABR. What a superb ending to a superb gig. The only disappointment was not knowing the first cover (Born to lose) – I’m just not quite old enough. ?
17 August 2019
TC
Yes a cracking gig. Rubbish view of the band but the sound was brilliant and puts venues like Manchester Academy to shame. Hello to @Man walking Dog and his wife. Epic journey back with 2 buses and a train but nice to sleep in a warm bed rather than a damp tent
17 August 2019
dic aberdaron
oh my! the rain after the gig was the stuff i’ve been seeing news reports about!! biblical…
anyways, the most incredible setting for a biccies gig yet.
hanx
17 August 2019
Bloke out walking the dog
@TC
Yes indeed, fantastic gig and what a setting. Glad to hear you managed to get back ok.
17 August 2019
cream cheese and chives
We couldn’t really see Neil from where we were. Was he wearing some sort of cricket shirt?
17 August 2019
hendrix-tattoo
What a beautiful place the Peak District is.
Without a shadow of a doubt the Devil’s Arse is the most loveliest setting for any previous gigs they have played.
Nice to see everyone I have met before again.
The sound from the band was excellent.
It was good to see Nigel back to his Cocksure best and playing his guitar again.
Sound of the Suburbs which they played in the encore was simply brilliant. I seen the Members a couple of weeks ago in Blackpool and our boys version was ten times better than theirs.
Please, Please play here again.
Roll on Cambridge….
17 August 2019
BAD LOSER
Had a horrible journey down: 2 hours 40 minutes from Liverpool had me ruling out a return trip should the band return to Castleton in future. Fortunately, a flying run home that saw us back home by 11.30 changed my mind.
Arrived at a quarter to four and after a coffee ‘Wandering the Peaks was quickly ruled out given the heavy rain. Dinner was sought in Ye Old Nag’s Head’ and as tempting as the assemble your own Bangers and Mash options were, hunger dictated that the ‘Jumbo’ fish and chips were ordered. We’ve all heard fisherman’s tales of the one that got away, well this time he reeled it in and it ended up on my plate. It must’ve been 50% bigger than any fish that has been served to me before.
Having read a report that said how the ground sloped away from the stage, we entered the cave at 7 and took up position near the front of the upper level just as Nigel was chatting to a few of the regulars.
A splendid setting, probably the most unusual since seeing British Sea Power on a Mersey Ferry some 10-12 years ago. A good set with the surprise mid-set cover and the inclusion of David Wainwright’s Feet.
Standing at the far right of the stage, we got dripped on quite regularly but was far more agreeable than my first time at Manchester International in 1986 when the sweat dripped off the roof throughout.
I’m not sure if this will become a regular venue given its proximity to Sheffield and Holmfirth but I would definitely go again. I would just hope for better weather and a better route there.
17 August 2019
Peter gandy
Great gig and great venue. Anyone going to see the Weddoes there tonight?
17 August 2019
EXXO
A report which isn’t much about the gig itself I’m afraid – I’ll leave that to Roger. But I do have a fair bit to say about the village and the venue….
Where be my camper van? No chance of such luxury for this one, as Mrs. Exford had to pull out. Which put me back at the front of the bus – on top deck of the 271 bus from Sheffield to Castleton. This vantage point is highly recommended, even as the bus ploughs through a weather front like Friday’s. What our mate Mick mentioned the Met had said is worth repeating: it was only forecast to rain twice between noon and midnight on gig day – but that was once for seven hours and once for three! Funny if wasn’t so true. This particular episode of Great Bus Journeys of Britain might even cause you to burst into song. It’s hard not to give impromptu renditions ofTerminus or Little in the Way of Sunshine, or even to scream Heleeeeen!!, depending who else is up there with you and how close they are sitting.
Mam Tor gradually dominates the horizon ahead for much of the journey, but as you alight in Castleton it’s all about the foreboding, tower of Peveril Castle, towering menacingly over a village which truly is the jewel in the nether regions of the Peaks. No need to hike an hour up Mam Tor – within five minutes of the bus stop you can be in one dramatic chasm that leads Devil’s Arse, in the footsteps of miners of several centuries ago, or even better ascending another completely separate, even eerier and more foreboding valley behind the castle – Cave Dale – where you trudge up the Limestone Way in the hoof-steps of medieval mule trains. Both are dominated by the Peveril’s sinister overhanging watch towers, still seeming to demanding their steep toll from the peasants toiling below.
All of this is there to be explored within just a few yards of the other essential sightseeing, i.e. the six or seven pubs of Castleton, in most of which I hoped to have a swift half. And I’ve got to find somewhere to camp while it’s still light, ie before the gig. But before I find out which particular hostelry the Biscuiteers are going to gather in pre-gig, I’ll just pop in this first pub for a quick half. Oh shit nooooooo -this is the one the Biscuiteers are in already ensconced in -that’s my afternoon gone then. And they don’t even have that a beer I particularly like (but many thanks to those who bought me one anyway).
In the pub, after a few pints my set-list predictions turn out to be safer bets than my football ones:
(i) Vatican Broadside would not be played (my theory being ‘cos it would have seemed too much like a response to media fuss that week over Slipknot being “number one”)
(ii) the cover would not be The Ruts (having incorrectly predicted before Holmfirth that it would be).
(iii) a ticket would be available outside the venue for a tenner, despite it being sold out.
(iv) not much needs to be said about my prediction that Bolton could offer the best value of the day, punting-wise, at Prenton Park the following day.
Before I knew it, over two hours had passed in the one pub, but at least I’d missed two hours of the continuing downpour. With a final full pint still on the table (thanks to Phyllis Triggs), I quickly skirted the environs and sussed out a well-drained camping spot for later on, then scooted round the other pubs, not to drink really, but just to check ‘em out. I noticed that after the gig, the Bull would be in the throes of its Friday quiz. The late influx of knowledgeable Biscuiteers into the fray would surely make things interesting for teams willing to take advantage of it. I bumped into Nigel Blackwell having a quick look around after a quick soundcheck, the band having been held up badly in traffic all afternoon. Even before they had left the Wirral, the M53 had been totally closed due to a death at the Clatterbridge junction, clogging everything up everywhere else. While I felt really sorry for the band, I did also think this might have a positive side – meaning they would have to return to this venue before too long, in order to see more of Peveril Castle and the experience the delights of Ted and Dolly’s tea shop, the nearest refreshment point to the gig, but closed on this occasion by the time the sound-check had finished.
Back to the Cheese to down that pint that had been sitting there about forty minutes by now!! Thanks Lou!! And so to the gig. I had been absolutely determined to catch JD Meatyard for the first time in several years – I have a terrible record with getting to see support acts, in large measure due to the terrible beer served in gig venues, which I generally won’t drink. But because of the need to queue for chips on the way up through the rain – very fine chips indeed by the way – I was just not determined enough, and arrived just as John Donaldson’s final chords were reverberating. The other reason for me often missing HMHB support acts is that Geoff Davies’ idea of what sort of musical styles can be matched with HMHB has always been patchily eccentric at best, but JDM and HMHB has always been an excellent combination.
Security policy at the entrance was half-hearted:
– Can I look though your bag?
– Of course.
I take off the large backpack full of badly-packed camping gear.
– Any bottles or cans in there?
– Errm no, oh yeah, one empty can –
I drank it on the bus (hence the singing). I remove one empty beer can.
– OK in you go.
He does not actually attempt to look at anything in my bag.
– Where shall I leave the bag?
– Oh, anywhere you like. You don’t look like a terrorist.
Which makes me think this would be a superb setting for a hostage situation (if anyone out there wants a cheery scenario for their next drama script, you can have that one).
Anyway, I go in and the first thing I see is Chris Rand chatting to Neil Crossley about football and in particular James Norwood (in fact I have no idea what they were talking about, but I’ll bet you a tenner it was James Norwood at some point).
Fizzy beer was £5 a pint in the venue, which didn’t particularly shock those who usually buy beer at gigs. But extra value was added by the irony, in these conditions, of the person in front of me buying Nestlé bottled water from Buxton.
It’s a unique venue of course, which has to be experienced, and certainly a spectacular venue to play. The performers undoubtedly get a better view than the punters, many of whom cannot see the whole stage. And there’s not much hope of a decent mosh, unless you had a determined group of at least ten activists who were determined to make it happen and did not mind grooving on gravel. At this gig, we briefly had four or five such brave souls only – and surprisingly there was more girating by this manificent several to Worried Man Blues than any other song on the night. “It’s like dancing in cat litter” someone said, heading the hit on the nail. But at least the punters get better sound quality than they might expect from such a space. Not perfect, but better than you’d expect. I was also disappointed to see that the kind of atmospheric, ethereal lighting I’d seen in the videos of Jarvis Cocker at this venue was not duplicated on this occasion – perhaps due to the extremely wet conditions. Stage dressing was basically a green tarpaulin to keep the drips off the band –I hope that at most gigs the venue (or promoters) would do better in this regard (‘cos obviously HMHB themselves won’t bother).
On the gig, I’ll keep it to a few notes I jotted on the return bus, because Roger Green will doubtless fill in the missing detail, and ‘cos it’s pointless to say anything if I don’t press ‘submit’ on this one before Karen posts Roger’s substantial offering. As has been pointed out, we were massively blessed by rarities in this set, and yes by one song that has never been performed live before as far as I know. We should remember that the band include this amount of variety – something like 45% difference from the set-list last time- not because they have to, but to give extra value for the regular punters, who thus got to see a really unique slice of ‘HMHB history’ at this gig.
Early in the gig, the King of Hi-Vis had prepared some river–related banter in response to that which happened at the last gig in Holmfirth (which in turn had been prompted by a national treasure – Andy Kershaw – spotting a mink by the River Holne, and thinking it was an otter). For those who couldn’t hear, the plan was eventually to get Nigel to say “No” in response to the question “Do you know the name of the river that runs through the Hope Valley?” and for him to be told “That’s right,” as the answer should be “Noe.” It took a while, by which time everyone else was getting cold between songs. Nigel asked if this was the Noe running through the vertiginous ravine below the stage. “Noe” was D’s reply reply, “That’s the Peak Hole Water” (which meets the Odin Snitch and then becomes the Noe before Hope). But of course when Nigel turned the tables and asked us what it was a tributary of, I got it embarrassinly wrong, like a knobhead on Pointless, as is my custom. The Noe in fact flows into the Derwent, and then the Trent. I was confused because of all the recent news about the nearby Goyt valley, the other side of the hill. That’s when I knew I would not be making a late night bid for glory at the Bull’s Friday night quiz afterwards.
A couple of tunes later, the Rotherham Postie gave his usual cry of “What did god give us, Neil?” – traditionally heard whenever the band play in these sort of parts – Nigel replying that he probably gave us the river Noe, before then reconsidering, suggesting that the River Noe had been there longer than [most people’s conception of a] god.
When God Gave us Life was actually played, later on in the set, there were some contemporary celebrities again included at the beginning (at the moment I recall only Len Goodman and Freddie Flintoff). We were told that God also gave us the M56 tailbacks which had affected the band’s journey and M60 tailbacks which had affected other people’s. He didn’t mention the morning’s M53 suicide.
About the Paintball couple, we were told they have a George Foreman grill, a bread maker and something else … all in the cupboard underneath the sink. They say “it is what it is”, and “gin o’clock”, and“you alright, hon’?” Although because there was no “and”, the latter came across as a rather nifty piece of acting, rather than a report of something else they say.
The cover of Born to Losewas mighty fine, but the cover of Sound of the Suburbs was utterly exquisite. As another poster has said, it really was much better than The Members themselves have performed it recently, with all the vocal and guitar quality of an album version.When it comes to punk covers, Karl’s guitar work is unbeatable.
It should be recorded that towards the end of the gig, apropos of nothing, the Red Star Brewery of Formby was highly recommended and toasted by Mr. B, even though he only had water to toast it with. And sure enough, when he returned for the encores, Nigel did enquire if anyone knew whether Ted and Dolly’s tea shop might have been open later if the weather had been better. Did this mean if the weather is better next time they visit? We hope so, because despite some of the venue’s shortcomings, especially the more passive audience, this was really, really special.
So don’t tell Mr. B that judging by the look of Ted and Dolly, they are never likely to be open in the evening, whatever the weather (you can actually see Ted and Dolly standing outside their premises, which at that time – 2015 – had no sign, on the Google Street View image of The Stones, which is again the name of the street which hosts their place and the excellent chippy).
Luckily, the pubs are all open after the gig, though it was just a pity from my standpoint that our gang had retired to the Cheshire Cheese, which I felt I knew well enough already, given their lack of stouts, porters and interesting dark ales. Nevertheless, truly excellent company, and superb timing that it meant we missed the final downpour of the day entirely, and so the tent was pitched in the dry, and a very comfortable night ensued.
I wished I could have stayed for the Weddoes gig the next night – many were doing both, but perhaps not those who post one here? So I look forward to Phyllis Triggs’ comparative analysis of the two atmospheres, etc.
18 August 2019
matt
Rather enjoyed that.
Fab venue and a great location. A bit awkward getting there, approximately 4 and a half hours from Liverpool with a diversion to hand over child 3 to the grandparents on top of Saddleworth Moor, but worth the elongated drive.
Enjoyed a good scran in the Peak Hotel where I picked up my spare from Kitty (thank you!). Beer was excellent too.
A couple in the Cheshire Cheese as well which were very palatable as well. A quick converse with Nige and felt relieved I’d ditched my camping plans in favour of a more substantial dwelling!
Was very atmospheric wandering up to the venue. You could hear the sound from the support coming at you a way off.
Thought the set was great. My first time-attending chiropodist wife was delighted to hear David Wainwright. Told her they’d done it especially for her.
Thought the sound was patchy at the start but they sorted it out quite quickly. Oddly it probably sounded at its clearest when I nipped out to use the facilities. I imagine the irregular shape of the walls and roof (ceiling?) mean that it does strange things to the sound in different places.
Thought the cave looked great and as mentioned it didn’t harm the sound but I thought it did impact on the overall atmosphere. The split level and length of the place meant that people went for scattered vantage points and it led to a muted crowd cos everyone wasn’t grouped together. The space allowed for some more extravagant dancing though!
Sound of the Suburbs, as mentioned, was brilliant, one of many highlights of a great night.
18 August 2019
Peter gandy
Exxo, there was a bigger crowd on Friday than Saturday: I suppose the Weddoes had played Holmfirth the night before. They were both excellent gigs. The atmosphere was better on Friday but the moshpit for Kennedy was the best. David Hedge opened by saying that he had played in some shitholes but that this took the biscuit – pun probably not intended.
18 August 2019
Peter gandy
Phone corrected Gedge to hedge which itself was a nice pun.
18 August 2019
CARRIE ANNE
Roger’s review, taken from Gez’s website.
Peak Cavern, Castleton, Hope Valley, Fri 16th Aug 2019
ROGER GREEN
Stuart Maconie starts us off. He was presenting on 6 Music on the Sunday morning of the Glastonbury Festival, and quoted the lines from CORGI Registered Friends, where it is referred to as Glasto, and they put up the gun towers to keep the hippies away.
Those who witnessed Nigel’s on-stage impression of a wood pigeon were able to compare and contrast when the same bird was featured on Radio 4’s Tweet Of The Day. Nigel’s version was far more accurate. There’s a second career there. The new Percy Edwards?
During a visit to Whitby, Karen and I noticed a poster. As part of the town’s Goth Festival, we saw that Clan Of Xymox are headlining one of the evenings. See Faithlift. Maybe that provides a chance to replenish your stock after a successful Car Boot sale. Further down the coast in Bridlington we visited Yips Chinese restaurant. Note that there was only one “p” in the name. The overlap grip on the chopsticks was never going to end well.
We decided to fill a blank weekend with a trip to Stockport. Karl has a number of side projects. One of which is playing with HMHB. For some years he has been a member of The Jalapenos. We splashed our way through the puddles to see them at The Arden Arms. If you’re thinking of seeing them, don’t go along expecting to hear the likes of Trumpton Riots or Every Time A Bell Rings. The Jalapenos are more for the Dr Feelgood and Buddy Holly fans among you. There was some great guitar work in there of course. We’ll be catching Karl’s other band The Band-Its as well.
I didn’t hear Katharine Hamnett’s appearance on Today on Radio Four, but I read a few excerpts on the BBC website. She said that proposals by MPs to impose a 1p Fashion Tax are “stupid”. The site said that instead she is in favour of EU legislation making it mandatory for goods outside Europe to meet the same standards required by the region. “Wouldn’t it be better to force brands to pay their workers properly, and not discharge toxic chemicals into the environment, rather than making them pay for the privilege to do that?” she was quoted as saying. I flicked through the report. It doesn’t look like she said anything about her appearance in the works of HMHB. Someone else from one of the band’s popular live numbers popped up briefly in Simon Armitage’s memoirs, Gig. At one point he is interviewing David Gedge from The Wedding Present. Well actually, it is more of an “either/or” list. “Tea or coffee”, “Magpie or Blue Peter”. That kind of thing. One of the questions is “Mick McManus or Kendo Nagasaki?” I thought Gedge might have been quite sussed there, being of a similar vintage to myself, so was slightly disappointed in his answer. “Who are they?” Somebody needs to buy him McIntyre Treadmore And Davitt for Christmas. (I should have put an asterisk here, to note that The Wedding Present were playing this same venue the following evening. My mistake, not hanging around to quiz Gedge on this point.)
Forgive me if I briefly talk shop. Our bank needed to import a program onto our system, and sent along a guy to do the work. As you do, we got talking. I spotted his accent and said (as always in Yorkshire) “You’re not from round here, are you?” He said he was from Birkenhead. Predictably I followed up with “Do you know Half Man Half Biscuit?” Equally as predictably, he replied “Never heard of them.” I should have known better than to ask. I asked him about Skelly Records. He said it was closed. I’m sure that my contacts have told me differently, in fact I’ve seen photos recently which suggest that it is still open for business. I didn’t bother asking him about The Webb, although we did manage to connect on Chris Boardman. Yes, he’s from The Wirral. So, not a wasted morning. I suppose we can’t all be finger-on-the-pulse indie kids.
I see The Checkatrade Trophy is no more. Will the song title be given an upgrade, I wonder? “Swerving The Leasing Dot Com” doesn’t quite scan. Nigel may need to drop the “Dot”. That’s up to him.
Logistics is not my strong point. I ended up getting the train from Wakefield Westgate to Chesterfield. Ordinarily I would have breakfasted at Greggs at Westgate station, but was delayed in a queue at a barber’s shop in Wakefield. Karen met me at Chesterfield station and drove us to Castleton. I held out until our arrival there. We took lunch at the excellently titled Castleton Fish And Chips shop. That hit the spot nicely. (Me: fish, chips, breadcake. Karen: chips and peas.)
On the journey, Karen pointed out the site where the Saltergate football ground had stood. I don’t know any Chesterfield fans, but it must have not quite gone to plan. Getting a new ground, and then getting relegated to the National League. Good luck to them getting out of there. In an upward direction.
The drive also took us past Chesterfield Petanque Club. Maybe they have nicked all the football team’s best players? Barlow Church Flower Festival (“refreshments available”) looked like the place to be, but we whizzed past. And we couldn’t be arsed stopping to see Little John’s grave at Hathersage. Karen safely negotiated her bugbear, Owler Bar roundabout. After noting the presence of the cement works in Hope, we arrived in Castleton.
We did the usual venue reconnaissance. The rain was pretty much non-stop all day, causing incidental dampness to my notepad. Nothing of any great consequence though. We bought a copy of The Buxton Advertiser (no mention of HMHB in the Gig Guide) and then checked in at our home for the night, The Peak Hotel.
The original plan was to do some walking (maybe address Mam Tor) but the rain and a familiar condition (Can’t Be Arsed fatigue) put paid to that. Instead we guzzled coffee and lemon drizzle cake, and snoozed the afternoon away.
We were back out into the rain to join the early evening queue. Weaving our way along the lanes, we could hear the soundcheck version of Worried Man Blues drifting through the air. Surely the venue must get complaints about noise? But that probably explains the early finish (everything was done by 10 o’clock). And of course, everyone would have followed Ted Moult’s advice on double glazing decades ago. We heard Nigel ask for the sound to be “a bit more rocky” (he made a similar request during the gig itself). And they played A Lilac Harry Quinn.
Andrew, Matt and Brian also chose to get wet while queuing up. The gate was opened at 7 o’clock and we were faced with a dilemma. The standing area was split. There was an upper and lower level. Our regular choice is to go for the Inside Left position as we face the stage. That would have meant being on the lower level. Instead we opted for the upper. It was a bit weird being on eye level with the band. Anything to be different.
Nigel came out front to talk to a couple of his mates. I managed to grab a quick word. He said the band had had a nightmare journey. It started with a road closure due to someone throwing themself off a bridge. And the A56 was slow all the way. That’s Friday afternoons on the roads for you. Graham, from the same part of the world, reported similar problems. And Tony had experienced the same on his drive from Moseley.
Jealous Guy by Roxy Music was played on the PA. I was then involved in a conversation about examples of cover versions which are better than the original. Serious Drinking’s Young Hearts Run Free always comes to mind. Tonight JD Meatyard were a duo. John, as usual, with the guitar and vocals. Gary was hitting the drums. They had plenty of old favourites in their set. Cross With Broken Arm Jesus. The Batchain Pullers. Northern Song (as John reminded us, this was a John Peel Festive Fifty chartbound sound). It is always a pleasure to hear Ubu @ Erics. And they finished with Blow It Out Your Arse. As John pointed out, there was no merch stall tonight, so for now it was strictly mail order.
I noticed John and Elizabeth, and Nigel/Exford on the lower level. I wasn’t able to speak with Howie and Daz, so was left guessing their pre-gig pub crawl. Postman Tony, standing out in his postman cagoule said Hello. HMHB walked on stage at 8 o’clock prompt. “First time we’ve had donkey jackets and candles on the rider,” announced Nigel. Later he said “If you get bored, don’t go wandering off.” And he added, to the band, “That canary still hasn’t come back.” It is worth noting that while Nigel did not have his guitar for every single song, he played it for about three quarters of the set. The axe warrior is back.
Some other time I’ll get an explanation of the hand movement that seemed to define “Bollocko”. There was a discussion about the local river. Nigel said that he had not had chance to read any local information because they had arrived late. Nigel was asked if he knew the river running through Castleton. He guessed the Goyt. The response was that Nigel did know. It was the Noe (play on words). He said in Welsh it would be pronounced Noy. Nigel asked what it was a tributary of. He was told it ran into the Goyt. I got a tap on the shoulder from my rivers correspondent who told me that that is not the case. (The river in the cave is Peakshole Water which joins the River Noe in Hope. The Noe flows into the Derbyshire Derwent which in turn enters into the River Trent, and then to the Humber Estuary.) As Nigel commented, “There is a tea-towel in there somewhere.”
There were outbreaks of on-stage sport during the set. Nigel did some under-arm bowling at the end of Harsh Times In Umberstone Covert. The “slower ball” in Ode To Joyce also now leads to a more pronounced pause in the song. And I have a mental photo of Nigel’s wicket-keeping during Joy Division Oven Gloves. A perfect study of the art. Later on in the set, Nigel drove a shot down the fairway in The Unfortunate Gwatkin.
Carl moved from the drums to the side of the stage for Paintball’s Coming Home, and did some filming of the crowd and venue. There were some amendments to the lyrics of this song. “They say It Is What It Is and Gin O’Clock / You OK, hun?” And another verse ran “They’ve got an ice cream maker and a George Foreman grill / They’re gathering dust in the back of the cupboard under the sink.”
A quick note on attire. Nigel and Karl were both wearing long-sleeved shirts during the main set. Carl had a t-shirt with a picture of a Blue Tit in flight, and the words “Super Tit”. Neil was wearing an Appleton Cricket Club shirt. We believe their wicket-keeper was in attendance tonight. Possibly taking some tips from Nigel’s demonstration.
God Gave Us Life was brought right up to date. To the day. He also gave us M56 tailbacks. He also gave us M60 tailbacks. He also gave us Len Goodman. He also gave us Freddie Flintoff. He also gave us Paddy McGuiness. He also gave us Walter De La Mare. He also gave us Lionel Blair, being the sole survivor from the original recording.
Nigel went poking around in the carrier bag which he brought on stage with him. Detritus from a packed lunch? There was definitely a banana in there, and Andrew spotted a flask. Very rock and roll. There was a chant from the hordes of “Neil Crossley is a rock and roll genius.” Nigel turned to him and said “It’s skiffle really, isn’t it?” After Running Order Squabble Fest, Nigel muttered “you’re going on after Neanderthal Man.”
In Renfield’s Afoot, visitors were advised to wear “waterproof clothing, maybe a Berghaus or some other thermal layering system.” At the end of All I Want For Christmas Is A Dukla Prague Away Kit, Nigel shouted The final “Errrr” from the side of the stage down the cave, for maximum echo.
In We Built This Village, it thrilled Nigel to see cavers out moshing, and vice versa. He told us the tale about a skeleton being found down the cave. It had a medallion round its neck, saying “Derbyshire Hide And Seek Champion 1922”.
I can’t remember hearing David Wainwright’s Feet in a live environment before. A good healthy singalong which did not come close to preparing for what followed. This is all good stuff, every golden minute of it. But every now and then, it all rises above that greatness. Such was the case with the cover of Johnny Thunders’ Born To Lose. Performed adequately by the band.
Nigel asked for his guitar sound to be “fuzzier” for National Shite Day. “You know, like if I had a pedal.” As Nigel was tuning up for Time Flies By, Neil commented that it was a nice guitar sound. Nigel responded “Is it in the right key though?”
When the band came back for the encore, Nigel said he appreciated how everyone had come out to see the band on such a lousy evening. “Lousy to some,” he added. “I quite like this weather.” Nigel was taken by the tea shop further down the road from the venue. He said it was closed when he was there earlier in the evening and hoped that someone in the crowd would have chance to try it on the Saturday. Perhaps it would be someone who was camping overnight. Alternatively, they might stand accused of loitering within tent.
There was a shout for “Chatteris”. As ever, Nigel’s response was “Yeah, that’s one of ours.” We followed Nigel’s advice to check out Red Star Brewery (online, that is). Established 2015. They do brewery tours. What’s not to like?
Sound Of The Suburbs was an interesting choice of cover version. Compare and contrast Castleton with The Suburbs. And we noted that it was still “Sky replica kit” getting a mention in Every Time A Bell Rings. It hasn’t moved on to Ineos yet.
The full set was made up like this:
She’s In Broadstairs
Restless Legs
Renfield’s Afoot
A Lilac Harry Quinn
Harsh Times In Umberstone Covert
Look Dad No Tunes
Ode To Joyce
What Made Colombia Famous
Paintball’s Coming Home
Left Lyrics In Practice Room
God Gave Us Life
Terminus
Joy Division Oven Gloves
Running Order Squabble Fest
All I Want For Christmas Is A Dukla Prague Away Kit
Worried Man Blues
We Built This Village On A Trad Arr Tune
David Wainwright’s Feet
Born To Lose
The Unfortunate Gwatkin
The Trumpton Riots
National Shite Day
The Light At The End Of The Tunnel Is The Light Of An Oncoming Train
Time Flies By When You’re A Driver Of A Train
And in the encore we had
Fuckin’ ‘Ell It’s Fred Titmus
Everything’s AOR
Sound Of The Suburbs
Every Time A Bell Rings
Thanks to Karl for the set list. There were a few additions and deletions. “Bad Wools” had been scheduled between Joy Division Oven Gloves and Running Order Squabble Fest. Worried Man Blues and Dukla Prague swapped places. Time Flies By was not in the original list. Nor was Fred Titmus.
I find it increasingly difficult to differentiate between one show and another. I remain evangelical about this band, constantly trying to get people come along, and being constantly frustrated by their determination to stay in their comfort zone. Trust me. There is no better night out to be had. But tonight felt like one of the best. I became aware that there were people at the back who did not have a great view. That’s not the first time I’ve heard that said at a HMHB show. But for me, perhaps it was the unusual nature of the venue. Was it a weird closer-to-nature feeling? Was it Born To Lose – a fine, fine song for the band to cover? This was right up there.
Time for a few more Hellos at the end of the evening. Ian and Mariana were there. As were Katherine and Karl, ahead of their trip to New York. Best t-shirt of the evening award goes to the lady I was talking to at the end of the evening. Sorry, didn’t catch your name, but the Cresta number was impressive. How do you get hold of stuff like that? We left the venue with Graham, who was then driving back to The Wirral in order to get straight into a shift in his taxi. Hopefully he and the rest of us will have dried off in time for Cambridge on the first Friday in September.
18 August 2019
dr desperate
Exemplary reviews as ever, Roger, Exxo and all the others. We’re just back from the Peterloo 200 commemorations in Manc (Kershaw was there, Exxo) so there’s little I can add by now.
A few extra fashion notes:
The golf grip employed by Nigel during the Jodie Mudd section of ‘Gwatkin’ was the single overlap, also known as the Vardon. His wicket-keeping posture during JDOGs was the classic low-hands crouch.
I have to accept that my ingeniously-constructed joke about the River Noe woud have worked better if I’d had the opportunity to rehearse it beforehand with my straight man. On the other hand, the same could be said of his Hide & Seek gag, which ironically had to be rescued from slow death by my ladyfriend Elizabeth (“So what did the medallion say, then?”)
Greetings to Ferencváros Fan, well aware how lucky he was to hit such an amazing setlist on his first Biscuits gig. It won’t be his last.
Like Idiot Saul, I last saw Johnny Thunders play ‘Born To Lose’ many years ago (May ’77, supported by Warsaw, Joy Division fans), though I did see their tribute band Pirate Love supporting The Ramonas at the Brudenell in 2017. Haven’t seen The Members yet.
On to Cambridge (my HMHB Half-Century)!
18 August 2019
PooplEby
Jack Leach occasionally looks like NB bowling his left arm occasionals. Given the cricket shirt on show on Friday set me wondering. You don’t see them together, do you?
18 August 2019
dr desperate
Fashion note supplemental: Exxo expressly forbade any mention of the Armani tee shirt (jargness unknown) he was wearing. So I won’t.
19 August 2019
Phyllis Triggs
Damn, I wasn’t going to mention Exxo’s Armani tee shirt either John but you’ve beat me to it!
19 August 2019
BAD LOSER
Reading Roger’s review and his mention of Karl’s (main) other band, The Jalapenos, I recently checked them out on You-Tube.
My wife had been speaking to Neil after bumping into him at work. She works for the same company as him but no longer in the same building as she did when I first met her. That led to an unexpected response when I asked her in our early days “if she had ever heard of my favourite band?” I realised then our future prospects were good.
Anyhow, Neil told her how The Jalapenos were worth seeing. We can see how with HMHB that Karl is a very talented guitarist but watching him play on ‘Johnny B Goode’ shows the very high levels that he is capable of. They look like a lot of fun to watch too.
19 August 2019
hendrix-tattoo
And Karl upstairs in his bedroom sitting in the dark
Annoying the neighbours with his punk rock electric guitar
This is the sound, This is the sound of the suburbs
This is the sound of the suburbs
Thanks DustyCustard….
https://youtu.be/3NHfx5U8A_M
19 August 2019
Chris The Siteowner
So pleased someone got that on video. It really was one of the band’s best covers.
19 August 2019
EXXo
Blimey! It’s like a different gig from back there. Who knew there was a light show? I’ll need to edit my report. At the front, I swear the green tarpaulin never changed colour!
Tsk, and I thought I could count on my gang of Biscuit mates not to mention the khaki jarg Armani. The whole reason you were not supposed to mention the subtleness and aceness of my wonderful garb, was that the ace subtleness of the 6mm high jarg Armani logo embroidered somewhere in the backstreets of Cairo put everyone else’s shouty Biscuit reference t-shirts utterly to shame, with your huge Cresta, Sturmey Archer and Honved logos, and and I wouldn’t want to draw attention to that in any way. I only mentioned it, because nobody else had spotted it, in order to ensure you didn’t mention it. Grrr.
Trading standards officers can be assured that the item was brought into the country, for personal consumption only, after purchase in Aswan bazaar from a vendor who assured me so heartily of its authenticity that I could be utterly sure it was jarg.
19 August 2019
cream cheese and chives
I remember playing it over and over in my own suburban bedroom . If memory serves-and that is questionable-I had it on clear vinyl and the picture sleeve was some sort of TV screen palaver.
19 August 2019
parsfan
Is the Alexandria-Stranraer ferry running again?
19 August 2019
Eric t’viking
“jarg”…? hmm…
Thinks: will hide ignorance by looking this up.
Several clicks later: “to chew on something tough”…what?
More clicks: Aha! The Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics.
Moral: you can always rely on t’internet.
(See discussion here – CtSO)
19 August 2019
Pirx The Purist
@CC&C
You mean this one: http://www.45cat.com/record/vs242 ?
(Declaration of interest: I’m a moderator there and its sister-site http://www.45worlds.com )
19 August 2019
dr desperate
Glad to see nobody noticed the ace subtleness of the LITWOS reference in my rain-affected underpants.
19 August 2019
The harbinger of nothing
Fine thanks, Nigel
20 August 2019
The harbinger of nothing
I don’t remember Cresta, so perhaps someone can enlighten me. Why is the man frothy?
(More here – CtSO)
20 August 2019
cream cheese and chives
@Pirx That’s the one! We are in the process of moving house and the site has led me to look up all the vinyl that I got down from the loft yesterday. Yesterday I was resolved to take it to Oxfam. Today? Even though I have no means to play them and haven’t had for 18 years, the thought of throwing out warped discs from the 1980s and 1990s is making me feel very uneasy.
20 August 2019
hendrix-tattoo
‘They’ve got a ice cream maker and a George Foreman grill’
‘They’ve got a ice cream maker and a George Foreman grill’
‘They’ve got a breadmaker and a George Foreman grill’
‘Gathering dust in the cupboard underneath the sink’
Cheers again DustyCustard
https://youtu.be/aYQHdaKDoLE
20 August 2019
Neil
Get yourself a record player, set it up in a room, pop on a record and settle down with a fine single cask and away you go…
20 August 2019
IDIOT SAUL
It would be a new lease of life. Plus you can get frames to display the album covers as artwork. I love my 3 frames. You can think of cryptic themes for combining different covers.
https://artvinyl.com/
20 August 2019
hendrix-tattoo
‘Neil Crossley his a Rock’N’Roll genius’
‘Neil Crossley his a Rock’N’Roll genius’
‘Neil Crossley his a Rock’N’Roll genius’
21 August 2019
GORDON BURNS
There’s an interesting review in this blog: https://blackpuddinggaiters.wordpress.com/2019/08/19/half-man-half-biscuit-castleton/
22 August 2019
nerys hughes
Thanks for the link Gordon 🙂
22 August 2019
Phyllis Triggs
Like the band – and I’d guess most of those driving to The Devil’s Arse last Friday – I’d had an awful journey through torrential rain, miles of tailbacks on the motorways, more traffic jams through small Derbyshire towns, but all this was forgotten on the approach into Castleton. Journeys to most gigs are pretty mundane – a drive or a train ride in through an urban hinterland of identikit newbuilds (upvc double glazing, allocated parking), derelict industrial sites, shiny new ‘developments’ boasting Luxury City Living (what, you mean we’re supposed to aspire to this?) but then, as you reach your destination, that buzz of excitement takes hold, anticipation of what’s to come. Well, take that buzz and turn it up to 11, hell, lean it up against the ampstand, and you’ll have some idea of what it was like on Friday afternoon. WOW! Was not prepared for Winnat’s Pass! I suppose the road sign Light Traffic Only gave us a clue but that was hardly sufficient warning for plunging into a different world! A dizzying descent through limestone crags and towering pinnacles led me into Castleton, seat of The Devil’s Arse – this was going to be no ordinary gig!
I’m staying at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn (a lot of Ye Olde pubs in Castleton – genuine ones tho, proper old coaching inns with beams you gotta crouch for). After checking in I catch out of the corner of my eye a glimpse of familiar maroon and gold.. Aha! Ctso and a group of The Lyrics Project faithful are already here – a mild mannered and benevolent sovereign seated amongst his fellow Biscuit disciples. After convivial chat and a few beers the more organised Biscuiteers depart for pre booked pizza or a place at the head of the queue for tonight’s entertainment. The rest of us, the more spontaneous, flying-by-the-seat-of-our-pants, living-for-the-moment or just plain can’t-be-arsed-making-plans types, stay behind for another beer; hence, like Exxo, Postman Tony and I missed the entirety of JD Meatyard’s set due to the glacial movement of the queue at the chippy. I hate to say it cos I love JDM but the quality of the chips made this worthwhile!
Arrived at The Devil’s Arse just in time to hear HMHB kicking off with She’s In Broadstairs – quick, get in! No time to suss out the layout or get a drink, we automatically started to make our way through the crowd towards the front. However, on reaching a sticking point due to crowd density I realised different tactics were called for. This was not going to be like other gigs, it wasn’t going to be about the band, or the crowd, or the moshing or getting up near the front and dancing, what was special about this gig was the unique venue; tonight’s gig needed to be experienced in a different way. As Tony resumed his attempt to advance through the crowd I turned around and, singing along to Restless Legs (how apt!), retreated to the bar to take stock. (BTW did I hear NB sing Derwent Lake(s) instead of Ogwen?)
Sipping my shit beer, looking round the cave (fuckin’ hell, we’re in a cave!) I saw that the crowd was held in a wedge shaped area over three levels – none of which at current capacity offered good visibility. Decided my best bet was to join those who were already standing up on the ledge along the side of the third tier. Being higher up, this offered at least a possibility of glimpsing the band, but more importantly, gave a brilliant view of the cave itself. The only downside to being stood somewhat precariously on the ledge was the limitations it placed on dancing (it also made me feel a bit like one of those Coyote dancers who gyrate on bar tops – albeit a most unlikely one, clad in waterproofs rather than Daisy Dukes!)
This vantage point served me well for most of the evening until, during National Shite Day I think, a fairly apologetic security guy approached saying his manager had just told him that we shouldn’t be standing up there. Thus ended the brief reign of the Karrimor Coyotes… Jumping down onto the second level I found I had no view of the band but at least there was plenty of room for dancing or rather digging holes in the gravel – as someone has already pointed out – just like a cat scratching in litter.
About the gig – not much to add to what others have already said other than during JDOG I watched NB stride purposefully to the side of the stage and peer down into the gully – for all the world as if he was assessing the risk involved in climbing up onto the railing and attempting a Springsteen-like leap onto the stage. If so, caution got the better of him and he just sprung off the lower wall instead. Obviously enjoyed it tho as, thanks to Dusty Custard’s Youtube clip, he can be seen making the same move during the blistering cover of Sound Of The Suburbs.
David Wainwright’s feet was a real surprise and an absolute joy to hear, as was Gwatkin, especially as I’d given the Cresta tshirt an outing. (Had it printed in a shop in Edinburgh, Roger, during the Urge For Offal tour. Print shop was on the same street as the Liquid Room – don’t know if its still there.) And I was wearing Bridgedales but didn’t feel the need to mention it, Exxo:)
Back in the pub, sound of ETABR still ringing in my ears I am astounded when the woman sitting next to me – entirely unprompted, starts going on and on about hedgecutting! She’s not even one of us! She’s never heard of the band, is only here for a weekend break with her husband! But the state of the hedges where she lives is absolutely appalling, all over the pavement, can’t get past ‘em, whereas they are so much better kept in other parts of the country… She should’ve been at the gig, she could’ve led the chant during the encore!
Great to catch up with fellow Biscuiteers and to meet some new ones. Ferencvaros Fan, as your first HMHB gig this has certainly set the benchmark high but rest assured, future gigs will not disappoint.
I knew this gig was going to be different but was not prepared for it being such a unique experience. What will I take away with me, what will be the enduring memory of this night? I think it is the memory of the cave itself. From where I was standing the cave filled my field of vision, framing the crowd and the band, its ceiling stretching beyond the lightshow into darkness, the cliffs at its entrance reaching up towards the sky – a mighty presence indeed! In the lulls between songs, as guitars, bass and drums fell away, in rushed the sound of water cascading down cave walls. The cave’s presence permeated the whole gig which, although entirely brilliant, for me will be remembered as a bit of a sideshow…Wow! Not sure how I’ve reached this point but let’s go for it – HMHB trumped by The Devil’s Arse!
23 August 2019
featureless tv producer steve
@PHYLLIS TRIGGS – Um, wow. I mean, that was just…wow. Thank you.
24 August 2019
hendrix-tattoo
Wow Lou….
24 August 2019
Gipton Teenager
Thanks for that Lou. I feel like you’ve taken me by the hand and led me through the streets of Castleton and right up the Devil’s Arse.
24 August 2019
EXXO
Superb, Lou. The capacity of gigs, like many experiences, to be utterly different from different standpoints never ceases to fascinate. Your last paragraph is brilliant for conveying that, and combined with the YouTube of Sound of the Suburbs, makes me half wish I’d gone back towards the bar, once I realised there wouldn’t be a mosh, and once I’d made a tributary fool of myself again. On the plus side, going back towards the bar would have ended costing me at least a fiver.
The woman in the pub – talking about hedges – I never realised she and he partner weren’t at the gig til the very end of the evening when he asked about the significance of Dukla Prague away kits. Before that I’d leaned that he was Wirralian and had a long cross-purposes conversation with him about some Biscuity, Wirrally things including Umberstone Covert. About the DPAK, I explained to him the whole pecking order of Biscuit reference garb from the King of Hi-vis via Honved shirts and Cresta t-shirts right to Bridgedales (used as socks) and Postman Tony’s collection of red elastic bands that he flicks at Nigel during the now well-established “river quiz” part of the show. As he was a ‘neutral’, it was interesting that he agreed that it would be pointless to get competitive about such things, but that the subtlest references always come in through Stranraer.
@Gordon Burns. Thanks for that blog review and for the subsequent wander through the blogger’s hiking experiences. The tent that she mentions spotting the next morning on the swampy little patch of grass near the cave entrance wasn’t mine by the way, though I certainly thought about it. I had originally planned to camp about 250 feet vertically above the stage, as that’s where I found the first flat piece of grass out of sight of any possible passers-by. But after the pub I couldn’t be arsed yomping back up there and found somewhere much more obvious. Hiding in plain sight you might call it.
31 August 2019
dr desperate
Yes, exempLoury.
(Since we’re on the subject of ‘The Sound Of The Suburbs’, I now recall that in the middle eight Nigel sang “Drums too loud, the bass is quite good”, pointing at Neil.)
31 August 2019
Cream cheese and chives
The cement works near Hope feature in a very nice photograph in today’s Times on page19.
31 August 2019
dr desperate
And on the next page is a very nice photograph of the “most bashed” low bridge in Britain, which has been struck by high-sided vehicles (not just buses) 120 times in recent years. It’s in Ely.
31 August 2019
Cream cheese and chives
And the birthdays announcements include Roger Dean turning 75.
31 August 2019
Half Man Half Biscuit – Castleton – Black Pudding Gaiters
[…] a look at the Half Man Half Biscuit Lyric Project for a lot more info, reviews and photos for this concert (and […]
3 September 2019
dr desperate
Blimey, just discovered that the Secret Valley, along which we made our way into the Devil’s Arse, was the location for the scene in ‘The Princess Bride’ in which Princess Buttercup pushes The Dread Pirate Roberts (spoiler alert: Westley) down a steep green slope.
As you wiiiiishhh…
14 September 2020
EXXO
The Secret Valley isn’t the way to the Devil’s Arse. It’s the far more beautiful and desolate valley south and east of the castle which leads into Bargate/Pindale Road. Totally different vibe.
14 September 2020
EXXO
My impression, judging from the lack of Biscuiteers in that particular valley either on the evening of the gig or the next morning, was that it lived up to its name.
14 September 2020
dr desperate
According to Google Maps, the mile-long Secret Valley starts on Bargate north of the castle, carrying on southwards past the entrance to the Arse to reach Cave Dale.
The southern end, where the ‘Princess Bride’ scene was filmed (and I believe you camped), certainly keeps its secrets, at least as far as attracting Brideheads is concerned.
14 September 2020
EXXO
I’d wish you good luck following that particular cartographic aberration next time you’re in Castleton, but then again abseil for no-one.
14 September 2020
dr desperate
All the better for my proposed Brideheads Revisiting tour of the location.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9MS2y2YU_o
15 September 2020
EXXO
I took your word for it on the Google maps error there, cos for example their app used to bring hapless drunken students tumbling through my back gate as if it were part of a public footpath. But as I happened to be using G Maps just now I thought I’d have a look, and it doesn’t show that at all. Like any map it does show the nearest point in the Secret Valley to the entrance to the cavern (in the other gorge), may be only about only 150m horizontally, but this is through a vertiginous limestone ridge (which without contour lines, you need to go onto the satellite to see), and it would take a twenty-minute walk to get from one point to the other without ropes.
16 September 2020
dr desperate
Inconceivable!
16 September 2020
Alice Van Der Meer
You use that word a lot. I do not think it means what you think it means.
(I’ll get me coat, OK?)
16 September 2020
dr desperate
‘HMHB in a cave up the hill’ mentioned in this sequel to ‘Caspar’s Ballroom’ (styled ‘Caspers’ on the Calvin Party album) on JD Meatyard’s upcoming new album [about 1:25 on this demo].
https://jdmeatyard1.bandcamp.com/track/caspars-ballroom-ii?fbclid=IwAR0qcqYn6sb9VHtmK8Yvnbb_er6Iz3NvAb3EurFXqdOsfrH0AULLO3zh9cM
26 July 2021
Danny McElhinney
This was my first time seeing HMHB. I travelled from Dublin via Liverpool that morning and stayed locally. Absolutely lashed. I walked miles to a hill top guest house in wildest Derbyshire in waterproofs. The venue was a sight to behold and as another post said: the drips on the head and down the neck from the ceilings of cave just made you smile. Hugely enjoyable gig.I had plans to see them again in 2020 but COVID scuppered that. Maybe in 2022
7 August 2021