25th February 1978

Another 'memorable' event was at Westbury, Wiltshire.

It was at a Town Hall or something similar. We arrived there with ample time to spare. I do remember that the 'driveway to the loading bay' was so steep, that everyone had to get out of the Mercedes so that I could back it up, with the help of their pushing. Unloaded the gear (up two or three flights of stairs), and then had a rest. All the kit was placed on stage, lighting rigs erected. Someone shouted to leave the sound check until later. This sounded a good idea as we were all very knackered.

Off we all trundled to find a pub - which was not too far away. After a few bevvies - we thought that we had better get back and do a sound check. Half-way up the road, nature made an urgent request. A friendly public boglet was near. In we all went. I wasn't there (initially), but somehow PK had managed to infuriate someone outside the bogglets - and this ended up with PK presenting a knuckle sandwich to that individual (through the window). Most of us were unaware that this had happened.

Back to the venue. We started to do the sound check, when a few young individuals came storming into the hall hurling abuse. We all stood back in amazement - until PK jumped off the stage and started laying in to one kid (such braveness). This must have been a prompt for twenty or so other prats to come swarming into the hall. All hell was erupting.

There was PK under a pile of people - lashing out at everyone - whilst looking for his false choppers! Pete now waded in brandishing his Scholl wooden footwear. Charlie, Me and Neck were watching in the wings - mesmerized - not to sure where Eddie was at this moment. Charlie then rushed out wielding a section of 2" scaffold piping from the lighting rig. He was wearing his stage kit which was a white karate outfit. Shouting things like 'Fu** off you ba****ds', as he approached the pile of people. I think that the intruders were panic stricken as they started heading for the exit. This was aided by Eddie physically picking them up and physically throwing them down the stairs. Eventually the place emptied. The management arrived - expressing deep apologies etc. They decide to cancel the gig - fearing further retribution. I do not remember whether we got paid or not.

Eventually the gear was packed up. As it was quite late (and low on funds), we decided to find a quiet country lane to park in, and have a sleep. Most of us were sleeping on top and in-between the gear in the back. I don't know what time it was, but we were awoken by the sound of the rear doors being opened. Apparently, the police has stopped by, knocked on the front windows to ask what we were doing there. Not believing the answer they got, they insisted on looking in the back of the Merc. They were quite taken aback when half a dozen heads appeared. Realising that there was no problem here, the wished us goodnight and left.

Back to sleep for whatever time was left. We were woken at about 07:00hrs by Charlie informing us that he was hungry. Hell, we all were. So, shortly after that interruption, I steered the van out of the country lane. I cannot remember where we encountered somewhere to eat, but it was most likely a motorway service area.