Planes, Trains and Earwax – by Ana-Leigh Coil

Hello there! I guess I should introduce myself because there's a little back story to this one. I'm Ana-Leigh. I'm 31 years old and come from a small town just outside of Buffalo, New York, USA. Until this summer, I'd never been out of the country before (not counting Canada which is really my backyard almost) and certainly never flown to another continent! I'd always wanted to travel abroad, but the opportunity never produced itself really, nor a reason or event that seemed worth all the sacrifice and money it would require. I'm not a very well-off person financially. Then I discovered Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel. Sitting in a coffee house with friends last summer, I mused about maybe finally taking the travel plunge and going to take in a show. At first, it was just musing.

Slowly but surely, I found myself becoming more and more of a fan and realized just what seeing a concert might really mean to me. Steve Harley's large body of musical works had inspired me artistically and carried me through some rough times, not to mention sent me dancing around my living room. "If it's in my power", I thought, "I'm going to just go do it", and with some hard work and careful planning I did, and without failing a single financial responsibility! I was now going to see 3 gigs in a row. What a plan. I was hitting Leamington Spa Assembly, Wavendon The Stables, and Harrogate Theater.

The evening of July 17th, I took off out of Buffalo Airport to Chicago O'Hare to begin a trip that would involve flying almost 3,900 miles to Heathrow from Chicago, taking coaches across the country in a journey that would total about 422 miles, numerous taxis and even a nice commuter train. I felt so lucky to be seeing so much of a very beautiful country, but it was a nerve-wracking endeavor trying to make all my connections. I pressed on though! Before I knew it I was in my first hotel nervously getting dressed and trying to relax before the show.

I made it to Leamington Spa Assembly, the first on the tour, with plenty of time to spare, I gave the beautiful place the once over, peering in the front window at the posters for the upcoming concerts. I realized this was really happening. After all the waiting, planning and scheming, it was finally time. There in the window was the poster announcing Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel in concert. In about an hour I'd be seeing my favorite band ever.

I'd brought along my trusty bowler hat, which oddly enough I'd owned before I'd become a Cockney Rebel fan. (Oh, the things it had to endure on my time on the road!) I brought it because it seemed a fitting way for my new friends from the Message Board to spot me. Dear Joanna spotted me first and we chatted excitedly. Next fellow board member The Phantom popped up and we had a drink and more chatting. Soon it was time to go in! The Assembly was a standing gig and we made our way to the front and met with some other fans. Not knowing it was a stand up venue, I'd worn heels, wanting to dress up to the occasion, and regretted my decision immediately. I wouldn't make that mistake again! But I was too excited to care, and in the end I was too distracted to even notice some sore feet!

We fans talked a little while before the show, excited. It was my first live Steve Harley fan interaction and it was marvelous. I've been involved in a lot of different fan groups, and these fans, over the next several days, would prove to be the best ones I'd ever met. Kind, passionate, funny. Everything you'd want in a pack of people! The ultra wonderful rebelfreak1 would be my guide and escort to the Harrogate gig and was a shining example of how awesome complete strangers can be. It's good to not be a stranger anymore though!

Before we knew it the show was starting! The band began to come up on to the stage. They were lit all in purple and red lights. It's an exciting sight, and I start picking out faces in the moodily lit darkness. Lincoln, Barry, James, Robbie, Adam and then there's Steve heading for the mic. They look other-worldy and beautiful. The rowdy crowd cheers, and when it's quiet again, a familiar but completely surprising noise fills the air. It’s RITZ. I'm sure I wasn't the only one who got chills at this point. With those opening notes, all the stress and worry of the last couple days, hell of the last year, just melted away. Magic was being worked here in front of us.

The warm substantial strum of the 12-string acoustic guitar over the mysterious cool waves of sound behind it always seemed to be so transporting on the album, and it was doubly effective in real life. This is perfect because you really do need to be brought up for the show. It's a completely accessible show, but you do get taken away somewhere else during it. This would be the only time the show really was the same at all three gigs I went to, but in the best way possible. Gotta set the scene, eh? Perfect! Looking up at Steve, he's standing there giving off this steady, strong, charismatic aura. He's dressed with impeccable classy cool. Then he starts to sing. I'm not sure it's really in my power to describe how special his voice and delivery is, but I don't have to. You know. I know you do. If you somehow don't, and are somehow reading this, rectify the situation. His voice is better than ever.

The next song up was Judy Teen, another familiar friend to everyone. A less serious one though! I don't think I ever loved the song more than seeing it live at these shows. I love how he just punches into it and brings everyone along. I had to take off my shoes to boogie. I wasn't alone in wanting to move at The Assembly, or at the Harrogate Theater several days later. We all were bopping along happily. I loved hearing all of us burst out "She made us happy!" and I had to chuckle when he sang "In from New York" because of my trip. I love how all the band members keep making eye contact with each other. I know it helps them do the work we love, but they also shoot each other these great looks and excited smiles. No rock robots here. This show is ALIVE!

The good feelings and impulse to keep singing along is continued with yet another surprise song, (I BELIEVE) LOVE'S A PRIMA DONNA. The Assembly and Harrogate Theater were way more interactive audiences than those at The Stables, (who would get theirs later in the show!) and they welcomed the chance to let loose. PRIMA DONNA is a very good dance song and by this point in the set I was just ecstatic. The band was nailing it and I was in heaven.

Mr. Soft followed, unsurprisingly also very well received. Robbie and Barry both get to step forward and kick some ass, musically speaking. From what I have seen (on the web) and heard it's one of the songs that changes the most depending on which version of the band you're seeing. This version is so damn together and jumping.

COAST OF AMALFI quietly brought back the serious tone set by RITZ, but in a far deeper and more moving way. The first night at Leamington Spa I was just awestruck by its absolute stunning beauty, and by the last time, in Harrogate, I was simply brought to tears by its bittersweet spell. Just being able to be there, hearing the song woven together live. I'd close my eyes and try to hold on to its richness before it was over.

I audibly gasped when I heard the first couple notes of HIDEAWAY come out. It's such a lovely and unique song, always ridiculously fresh sounding in a way not many songs can be. It's stuck out of time. It could come out as a new song next month and it would seem timely. Uh, oh! My chills are back just even writing about hearing it live! There’s those fierce vocals attacking over the much more classical instrumentals and I can't get enough of that. I couldn't believe what songs were being pulled out for us. And the surprises would keep coming.

The song to follow was also yet another one of Steve's hard to place, timeless, any age songs. ALL MEN ARE HUNGRY. Not to sound like a young fool, but when I first started getting into Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel I was sure the song had come out much, much later than it did. I don't know if I've heard too many other songs that sound like it. But that's Steve's work for you. A fantastic song from a truly underrated album.

By the time MURIEL THE ACTOR appears I have a very large stupid looking smile on my face. I hate smiling. I don't like my smile very much, and now I forget that completely and just grin like a fool. In three days I smile more than I have in ages. MURIEL was just so exciting to hear live and just as awesome as the original album version. I got a little silly watching. Steve can still bring it even on silly fun little numbers like this one. So versatile. He even made sure all the proper little "do do dos" and scatting at the end weren't left out. I don't think anyone saw MURIEL coming. I'm so grateful I got to see and hear it given an airing.

I believe it was about this time when Steve starts showing off his fantastic capability for banter, charming everyone and getting big laughs, even from the fairly subdued Stables crowd. His stories and jokes are almost as worth going to hear as the songs. Almost!

The second to last number in the set was split up sort of, at least at the Leamington Spa Assembly. It was Mr. Raffles, one of the songs that I'd see get one of the bigger reactions at each show, in different ways and for different reasons. When they say each gig is different they aren't joking. You can play the same exact songs in the same order and yet it doesn't come out the same at all, owing to both the band's efforts and the audience's instant, living breathing feedback. Amazing.

At Leamington Spa Mr. Raffles broke off and Steve burst out with The Beatles' "You Won't See Me." Blazing! I, embarrassingly enough didn't recognize the song at first, but was suitably impressed. It was an absolutely brilliant cover job and you could tell Steve really loved it and was having a ball. ("Single please?" Asks the greedy little squirrel...) A great end to the first half, of my first show.

Before the band left the stage Steve flicked his guitar pick in my group's direction. I must have missed the action, still slightly deep in the other state that I had been in. The next thing I knew, people were scrambling for something in the darkness. I think Mike was the one to recover it because he presented it to me. PLOTZ! I eagerly thanked him, a little shocked and I squirreled it away in my purse. Later, it would be something of a good luck charm on a rather nerve-wracking journey home to Buffalo. What a treasure.

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After the intermission, the first song they played what is almost always my favorite Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel Song: CAVALIERS. I say almost always, because depending on mood these things change of course, but you can count on me saying it's my favorite a high percentage of the time. I'm a bit overcome as it starts. Not that that's a far trip at this point in the concert. I love this song so much. Ever since I discovered the song, it's always been a soothing force for me. It's so gorgeous, heartbreaking and unique. I think I just checked out at this point. Swept away by the song. Then, later, much like during COAST, at the Harrogate show, I just tried so hard to soak it in and savor the experience. Steve's body language is as expressive as his voice, and just as moving in its own way. I also dearly loved when he pulls out the harmonica and goes to town.

Another, even rarer, I'm told, treat appears in the set list, TOO MUCH TENDERNESS. If I recall I think he said he's never done it on stage. I don't know why it was never played; it's such a good one. Around this point, if I'm not wrong, he talks about how it feels pulling out these "old" songs. I'm so familiar with them; it doesn't feel old at all to me. I just sing along blissfully.

THIS OLD MAN comes in next. I'd only heard this song once before at this point, not having been able to get my hands on Stranger Comes to Town. It's raw proof that Steve keeps putting out timeless songs for the ages, songs that transcend the moment. From the slowly, primal beats of a drum, to the first notes of Barry's violin you realize this is a different sort of song. It was a challenge to for me to listen to it though, for all its exquisite beauty, I must admit. In all honesty, my absolutely wonderful father, loved deeply by all who knew him, committed suicide back in January of this year. He wasn't perfect, but he was very close to the kind of man I think the song speaks about. "Always pushes harder to be kind," that was MY old man. I'm not usually vulnerable to songs like this, even on topics that have to do with the situation, but that's the magic here. I found myself awkwardly trying to wipe my falling tears as the song went on. I haven't shared my grief over this with too many people, so you can get the idea of what an impact this performance had on me.

THE LIGHTHOUSE followed. What can I say about this song that covers it? Oh, Barry. I always say you have such a great voice. Barry's violin is his voice on stage and as distinctive a sound as Steve's voice. To see him play that solo live is breath taking. An absolutely unmissable couple of performances. .

Riding the Waves. At Leamington Spa and then again at The Stables, my journey was brought to the attention of the audience. Steve was talking about people had made a long trip to come see the show, and after a little joking, I was pointed out. Steve asked where I was and my new friends eagerly pointed me out. He asked "Did you really come all that way just for this?" Cue me nodding and probably blushing like a fool. I was so in shock I'm not sure what else was said, but he went on to dedicate the song to me. How about that, huh? Oh great goodness. How amazing! Riding the Waves is of course one of the most perfect audience participation songs I've seen him perform and this night was no different. He's right that is sounds lovely when everyone gets going.

At The Stables and Leamington Spa, both audience went for the "We got the feeling" while the Harrogate crowd went for the "Ooooing" scat bit, which I'm sure amused Steve. I was chuckling and trying to stay on course with "We got the feeling," in my awful little warble. At some point, during the song, and I wasn't sure what was happing at the time, at Leamington Spa, Steve gets near the end of the stage and puts his hand out in my direction. I think I was struck with sudden shock and disbelief and all my new friends encouraged me forward. I sheepishly took his hand and he produced the best smile I've ever seen saying, "Welcome to England, Ana." A quick solid squeeze of my hand and I was back in the crowd, eyes wide and heart beating a million miles an hour. Did that just happen?

The "last" song of the set was big beloved SEBASTIAN. Steve was telling a story around about how some lady was yowling for it, far earlier in the show, and how if he did put it first or second he'd be playing to three or four filled chairs by the end. Nonsense, surely, but it was still funny. I don't think I have to explain SEBASTIAN to you all. Epic. Elegant. Singular. Rock and roll at it's most artistic. It's Art with a big ol' capital "A" and Rock with a big ol' capital "R" because by the end if you don't have the urge to sway, head bang or something equally full of abandon, check your pulse. I don't think that was the case at any of the three shows I was at. The band is explosive, and as with all the songs I'm loving watching them work their art. Adam at his drums wailing away especially catches my eye. Now that's how you end a show. Well, no, that's not how the show ended. Naturally after the band took their first bow, and left the stage, the crowd would enthusiastically "ask" them back with much hollering, thundering clapping and at The Stables lots of really heavy foot stamping.

For the encore we were treated to a very exciting performance of the Dylan tune "Absolutely Sweet Marie," then SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE FAIR. During SATURDAY Steve pointed out the dance floor at the Stables gig, people quickly started filling it, and I eagerly joined them. We boogied our little butts off. I was afraid I would hit someone I was dancing with such enthusiasm, so I looked to my sides to avoid that. When I looked, I noted my dance partners were sporting the same silly smile I had at all the gigs. SATURDAY ended, the band set off musical fireworks with MAKE ME SMILE, which thundered in very differently, but no less enthusiastically the other two nights. At Leamington Spa the song was intro-ed by a very funny piece of banter about "writing a commercial song." At The Stables, the dancing continued and expanded to everyone excitedly living out the cliché of dancing in the aisles. All the aisles were full of happy people dancing. At my last gig rebelfreak1 and I moved down to stand in front of the stage and everyone was freaking out. I myself was pogoing near a speaker, and could only really see my fellow fans, which was cool in itself. So intense and awesome. It was a furious and exciting way to really bring the show to a close.

I was also incredibly lucky enough to have had a brief meeting with Steve after the Stables show. Unbelievable. Dreamlike. That bit's for me to keep for myself, but I'll say he was fantastic and everything anyone could have asked him to be. I also got to meet Barry, Robbie and James. All of them are just absolute gems. I don't think I've stopped buzzing yet. Don't know when I will. All of you, the band, the stupendous Rachel, all the fans, and especially Mr. Harley who made time for this goofy gal. You've brightened a small town girl's life in such a big way, I just need to say thank you again for the trip of a lifetime. I'm coming back. I am. IT WAS THAT GOOD.

Oh and what about the earwax? Well you just had to be there I guess, didn't you?