It was Friday January 2nd. Back at work. I’d already had 3 days back after Christmas but it’s the first work day of the new year that jars with me a bit. January, and nothing to look forward to. Coupled in with an overnight sprinkling of snow and ice and there wasn’t a spring in my step as I left the house. I hate snow. I don’t get people who love it. Ok it was only a dusting and not ankle deep like the old days but it’s still shit. Apart from being my favourite colour and looking good on Christ,as cards, it brings nothing to the party.

It was a rare quiet day at work though. There was hardly anyone about. Our department is usually a team, of 8 but it was only myself and Manager David in on the afternoon. Even the DPD drivers who enjoy playing me up on a regular basis all gave me a wide birth this day. I had live music to look forward to on the night though and Radio 2 was belting out some corkers.

On the evening I was off to see White Star Line at Katz. Formerly known as Eastlands Grove but I didn’t mange to see them under that moniker. Now as White Star Line, they released their debut single “Leaving For The Summer” on all platforms in November and I finally got to see them when they played at The Locker at Bescot Stadium after the recent match against Shrewsbury. They were good that day so was up for seeing a whole night of them.

There could have been a snag. Anyone who knows me, knows that I don’t watch television and have recently spent two years without a working one until the legend that is Don Mills gave me a curved one. So the night before I’d watched The Traitors for the first time, the opening episode of series 4. It was on again this evening and I was soooo tempted to watch it live as I wanted to know what the murder process involves, but this television has BBC I-Player built in so I opted to catch up the next day, as staying to watch it live would have meant missing the start of the gig. The Faithfuls and Traitors could wait a bit longer for me to engage with them.

It was still snowy/icy as I left. Advancing towards St Matthews Church, I had the best idea ever. I know. I’ll cut across the grass. No chance of slipping on grass. Much safer. Unfortunately I was so focused on the grass, as I walked where cars are usually parked, I encountered a snag. I would call it a pot hole, but that would be doing it a disservice. It was more like a creator that the surface of the moon would be proud of. Didn’t see it, and almost went flying as I stepped into it. Stick to slippery pavement next time.

The gig had started as I arrived. The pub was busy, White Star Line had attracted a good crowd. I know lead singer Tolly and his dad Andy as they are fellow Walsall fans and also at work at the Manor Hospital.

The first person I saw on the way in was a lass from school, who I hadn’t seen since that era. Bear with me as I don’t understand my own family tree, let alone others but I reckon she is Tolly’s auntie. Nice to see you again Kathryn.

Also in the crowd were Tomo and Sue. Both fellow Walsall fans and also big supporters of our pubs and local bands. Always a pleasure to see them.

We had some classics like “Up The Junction” by Squeeze, “Supersonic” by Oasis and a great Beatles song that I don’t know the name of. “Close your eyes and I’ll kiss you, tomorrow I’ll miss you.” I hate having gaps in my music knowledge.

Drummer Jack was giving it portions and joining in with backing vocals. The usual guitarists was ill, and they are looking for a new bassist so Tolly’s brother Monty is helping out on that front. Apparently he’s not been playing long so was standing in on the songs he knew, fair play to him. Did a great job.

Tolly was sporting a Stone Roses t-shirt and I wondered how long it would take to get one of their hits and “Waterfall” closed the first set.

During the break I had a chat with Tomo. Walsall FC, pubs and the band were all discussed. He knows the subjects to wrangle dialogue out of me.

We didn’t have to wait long for more Stone Roses action as “Made Of Stone” kicked off set two. Adouble header of The Beatles with “I Feel Fine” and “Here Comes The Sun.”

The crowd were buoyant and bouncing. I almost didn’t have room to air drum or guitar. They were lifted even higher with an epic rendition of “Eton Rifles” which I predicted as winner of my Song Of The Night award. This was immediately usurped by Buzzcocks “Ever Fallen In Love (With Some You Shouldn’t Have?)” Seriously what a tune, and they played it brilliantly. So have I ever fallen in love with someone I shouldn’t have? I hear you ask. Funnily enough yes. Mostly Walsall FC loan players with January recall clauses.

A friend of the band was summonsed to do tambourine duties with Tolly announcing “it won’t be as epic as usual as hes driving tonight. Be like sober Bez” and as Monty was stood down for the second time of the evening he got shouts of “sacked in the morning.”

We had a rendition of “Leaving For The Summer”, the bands debut single released in November and available on all platforms. They’d love it if you could give it a stream on Spotify. The band t-shirts were also plugged, with the comment that money from them would go towards more studio time. Sadly I didn’t buy one as I’ve still not yet decided on the size of my Summer body but I will get one lads, I promise. Plenty in the audience were sporting them though.

An encore was demanded and consisted of Sally Cinnamon. Sally Cinnamon is the original Spice Girl for me. We also had “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” and the night was rounded off with another rendition of “Leaving For The Summer.” Class night and I thoroughly enjoyed it. My resolution for 2026 is to see more live music, so this got me off to a flyer.

Pleasantries were exchanged with drummer Jack in the toilets, I’ve never spoke to him before and he’s a top lad, as well as Monty, Tolly and Andy.

I walked home, (avoiding the crreator this time)and I caught up with The Traitors the next day. All I can say is White Star Line, you have another faithful.