chain, chain, chain... CHAIN OF FOOLS

Chain of Fools Press Clippings

The Arena Gig

Chain of Fools - 21/09/2005 - NEC Arena

It's not very often a defining moment in a band's history can be witnessed, but at the NEC Arena last night, Chain of Fools delivered a performance they will dine out on for years to come.

This Midlands based soul and blues band gave it up in a style worthy of this world famous venue. The set blasted open with 'Gimme Some Lovin' which was nailed deep into the metaphorical soundboard. Doug's bluesy, whisky weathered voice complemented the solidity of the band, after which they effortlessly moved into a rousing rendition of 'I Feel Good'. Not normally one of their most solid tracks, tonight however, it was faultless - which was a sign of things to come. 'Nowhere to Run' swiftly followed which was exactly what the stewards thought as the crowd inched yet further towards the stage. The musical familiarity of 'Shake' and 'Mister Pitiful' was expertly exploited through by a seamless link between the two classics. Moore's honest rhythm guitar balanced perfectly with Smith's deep bass runs.

This gig was going well and everyone knew it.

As if to give Sheasby a short rest, Morton stepped up and belted out 'I Just Want To Make Love To You'. If you weren't wearing a hat, your hair would have been blown dry by the power of her delivery.

'Sweet Home Chicago' arrived and it was time for the trombones and saxophone solo to shine from the keyboards. Deftly picking out single notes and bending the strains of a brass player's lungs into them Thewlis left the audience wondering where the real sax player was.

The bands title track came next and Bronti's voice shined through in all its natural glory. This was recording studio quality and clearly everyone was revelling in it.

As with all good things, it had to come to end and through the final track everyone was 'taken to the river' which was expertly closed by the tightest of drum solo finishes from Williams.

Rarely does a band get it this right on the night, one to remember indeed.

The Crown at Napton

Double line up thrills village pub crowd, circa 1990

Singe and Chain Of Fools brought the house down in another storming 
performance on Saturday. Last time the two bands played together Chain Of 
Fools supported Singe - and this time the roles were reversed when they 
played the Crown in Napton.

Performing classic hits such as Stuck In The Middle and I'm A Believer, Singe 
captivated the audience and astounded them with an energetic cover of Hotel 
Yorba. Full of energy and bursting with youth, the band consisting of two 
brothers, Jamie and David and two cousins Joe and Stuart, provided excellent 
entertainment.

Chain Of Fools played great tunes such as Gimme Some Lovin' and I Feel Good 
with a range of instruments from keyboard to trumpet. The concert was a great 
success with the thrilled crowds filling the Crown to the brim.

Report by Jamie Alsop