Club 85, Hitchin (12 Nov 2005) Club 85

We (Tyler, George & I) took a leisurely drive from sunny Sussex to Hitchin on Saturday afternoon, allowing plenty of time for a wander around town, something to eat & a few drinks before the gig. Arriving at Club 85 shortly before the doors opened, we squeezed in a quick drink in the bar downstairs, admiring the small TV screens attached to the fonts at the bar - what a great idea! When the doors opened we went upstairs, warmly greeted by the door staff & offered free cookies on the way in! Wow! What a great venue! (and totally unexpected from the outside), probably the biggest stage the S*M*A*S*H boys have taken to since reforming - it was massive, and had plenty of room for 'Radio S*M*A*S*H' at the back. 'DJ Borrie' opened the show, playing some great stuff including Suede, The Manic Street Preachers & The Clash & then 'Radio Rob' took over with his soul mix. Sniper were the first band on & gave a loud, energetic performance. I particularly liked their cover of the Inspiral Carpets 'This Is How It Feels'. Took me right back to my student days in the early 1990s & DJ Tim Cookie kept me right there with some old indie classics from The Charlatans, Stone Roses, Happy Mondays etc.

S*M*A*S*H took to the stage about 10.15pm, treating the crowd to a long set, mixing old & new. The crowd loving it & jumping around at the front. It was good to see some veteran S*M*A*S*H fans & also some new faces there. Like all S*M*A*S*H gigs, it was over far too soon, but the boys were back for a blistering 3 song encore. My only gripe is that the sound was a bit too loud (OK, so I'm getting old!) & distorted & I couldn't hear Ed's vocals very well, but maybe it's because I was too close to the front as I was told that it sounded better further back.....

I took a few photos, but despite tons of jumps from Ed & Salv I still didn't manage to capture any of them - sorry I am just too slow! (but I am only a beginner!). Tried out some different modes on my camera though which was fun!

I didn't want the night to end, it was fantastic, but we had to say our goodbyes & head south. Thanks to T for staying awake & talking/singing to me all the way home! And thanks to Ed, Salv, Rob & Helen 'The Boss' for another great night.

Hitchin gig setlist - 12/11/05 (actual setlist)

Reflections of You Barabbas Altruism Icon All By Myself S.B.C. Another Love Beautiful Like Peace One In The Chamber LLYC Into You Drugs Again Shame -- Revisited no.3 Real Surreal Kill Somebody

Plus, attached scans - Setlist (from the stage - v slightly different to what they played) & a poster/ stage times.

ED at CLUB 85 - Hitchin (12 Nov 2005), photo by Clare (email).	FANS at CLUB 85 - Hitchin (12 Nov 2005), photo by Clare (email).	ED at CLUB 85 - Hitchin (12 Nov 2005), photo by Clare (email).
ED & ROB at CLUB 85 - Hitchin (12 Nov 2005), photo by Clare (email).	ROB at CLUB 85 - Hitchin (12 Nov 2005), photo by Clare (email).	ROB at CLUB 85 - Hitchin (12 Nov 2005), photo by Clare (email).
SALV at CLUB 85 - Hitchin (12 Nov 2005), photo by Clare (email).	SALV at CLUB 85 - Hitchin (12 Nov 2005), photo by Clare (email).	SALV and ROB at CLUB 85 - Hitchin (12 Nov 2005), photo by Clare (email).

N*E*W*S Club 85, Hitchin (12 Nov 2005) September 25, 2005 10:18 am

Club 85, Hitchin (12 Nov 2005) Club 85

Club 85, Hitchin Helen posted 9/25/05 1:30 PM S*M*A*S*H play Club 85, Hitchin, Herts on Saturday 12th November 2005. More details available soon. Club 85 74 Whinbush Road Hitchin, SG5 1PZ 01438 216596 http://club-85.co.uk