06th May 1978

Memories of this gig are quite sketchy.

I do remember that it was a nice sunny day. Arrival was in the middle afternoon, and we had to carry the gear up to the first floor. The stage wasn't that big, so we had to balance the P. A. system on tables - with the light gantrys supporting them - or maybe the other way round. I do not remember much about the set - short of the absence of an audience - but I'm sure it was good (even though there was an 'atmosphere' between the lads).

After then gig had finished and the 'crowd' had dissipated, us road crew started to dismantle the gear. Shortly after, Charlie appeared, sat down on the stage and plucked away on his Les Paul. None of us thought much about this until PK appeared, with a pint in his hand, and starting hurling all sorts of abuse at Charlie. The road crew just stood there with mouths open! The verbal abuse then changed into physical contact. While this was happening we were all running around trying to stop the P. A. system and lighting gantry falling on them. The fracas ended (but I can't remember how). I seem to have a memory lapse as I can't remember what occurred next!!

I still don't know (yet) what the incident was all about - but I will endeavour (25 years later) to find out.

Within the last 10 minutes (12.01.05), I have found out the cause of the above incident - I rang Charlie up and he mentioned it (after prompting) during the conversation. I hope that he won't mind me entering it here.

After the set, the band retired to the dressing room. As always the band (including road crew) never received a 'wage' from GYGAFO - personally, this didn't bother me as I had a job and thoroughly enjoyed working with the band, but Charlie (and some others) did not have a job. Everything went into expenses - fuel, equipment, recording studios, beer etc. Charlie was stating the need for a new set of strings for his Gibson. This was not unreasonable as he used to renew all the strings quite regularly for obvious reasons (for those of you who play a guitar will know why). The "bank manager" (PK) said that there was no chance (holding two fresh pints) as there was no money spare. Comment led to argument which led to ...... and Charlie left the room - after 'planting one' on PK.

So there you are - I never knew this until now.

 

Make your own conclusions as to why GYGAFO split