Yuletide adventures in Wakefield.

            A Merry Wakefield Christmas and a Happy New Year!

    Guess where we've been lately, well..... 22nd saw us on a northward trajectory landing right outside The Snooty Fox in Wakefield.....which was handy as this was where the Steampunk Christmas Party was being held with our good friends BB Blackdog, Birthrite, Demolitia Tribal, Montague Jacques Fromage and Crimson Clocks.

    However even this great event was tinged with tragedy, the night before BB Blackdog had their van broken into and all the equipment therein stolen.....I hope this lowlife are caught and dealt with severely, please use this link and help out these great guys; http://www.facebook.com/events/528541237170674/

Crimson Clocks with Cloud.

    On a happier note things got off to a great start with Crimson Clocks giving us a fantastic opening set with songs from there debut CD Ingeniously Evil, the cover of Hanoi Rocks "Dead by Christmas" with our very own Cloud Gingeris McBuggerballs V on guitar was extremely memorable!! 

Steampunkfunkster Monty.

Yuletide fun with Birthrite.

    Our incomparable compere for the night was the amazing Steampunkfunkster Montague Jacques Fromage who had come all the way from the good old USA, he did an amazing job introducing the bands and making us all move in some oddly funky ways as only he can (yes we are looking at you Cloud!). Next to tread the festive boards was the Black Country rockers Birthrite, they just get better and better with new songs from a promised second album (soon please!). They played many old favourites from the "If it ain't bost" CD, Erazamus gave a very lively performance, Mark Thinsliced thundered an incredible bass alongside  Jonny's sonic assault and Dek blasted all before him......it was good!

Spook and Cloud......the Night Creatures.

    With an introduction to die for by Master of the Funk Monty, Gladstone rose from the Yuletide mists....Amy Teacake tolled the death bell while Spook lurked lamp in hand and suitably disguised, in a moment they launched into Night Creatures....

    Running through Bluey, The Ballad of William Winter, Twisted Lip (with Mr Evil playing a devilish triangle), Newgate, Dr Dexter's Dream, Jack Hall, Purple Reefer, Mountain King and The Curse of Tutankhamun was such fun, Gladstone ended on their customary covers beginning with TMTWNBBFN's Boilerplate Dan, Sex Pistols God save the Queen, at this point Paul Shovel hands was joined on bass by BB Blackdog's Mike Bower for The Madness of Tilly Matthews and the final song Metallica's For Whom the Bell Tolls.

BB Blackdog bring the house down.

    Finally rounding the night off was the amazing BB Blackdog, they gave us songs old and new and had everyone dancing, Demolitia danced divinely as always, Peter got gimped (a nice birthday treat for him!), on borrowed kit they played an amazing set and didn't let the days events spoil anything, for what these lads and lady had gone through to still get up there and play was just incredible, .....chaps we salute you......

    The brilliant photographs used here were taken by the very talented Gentlemen Mr Giles Warhurst and Mr Andy Stephenson, many thanks for your permission to use them.

    So now it is New Years Eve, no gig tonight and the crew of Gladstone will all be in different places to celebrate, from me Sherlock's Dog and on behalf of Gladstone we wish you a very Happy New year and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the fantastic year you have given us, see you all in 2013.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Gladstone go to London.

Vampire Victims and Steampunk Slayers; Gladstone at The Electrowerxz.

    Just like Dick Whittington's pussy Sherlock's Dog found himself on the streets of London, pounding his way through Islington to the Slimelight/Electrowerxz club, here he found a tank (I kid you not!!) and the most friendly club in the Metropolis. Events kicked off at 8pm and a good sized crowd filled the room, splendid Steampunks and voluptuous Vampires abounded, the evening began in cabaret style with the multi talented Nigel Osner giving us his superb Vampire act. Next was the lovely Lexi Wolfe (of Emmerdale fame no less!!) who performed her Vampire cabaret for the first time I believe and she did it beautifully.

    As it was getting on for 10ish it was time for Pocketwatch, our paths had crossed before at the Asylum in Lincoln and it was great to see them again, they are such a talented band, I'd love a CD (hint!). Their version of the Smashing Pumpkins song "Tonight, tonight" was just...well...smashing! however the night was drawing on and soon it was Gladstone's turn in the (s)limelight.

    After a great introduction from Darren Demondaz the lights went down and Amy Teacake sounded a mournful bell on her keyboard, Spook came on complete with lantern and Scarecrow mask and began......"Five and twenty ponies trotting through the dark....." the band launched into Night Creatures, Cloud in long black coat with a sheep skull around his neck looked demonic, Paul Shovel Hands thundered his bass and a zombified Dave Evil dripped venom from his drums.

    From Night Creatures came The Madness of Tilly Matthews and on through Bluey, The Ballad of William Winter and Twisted Lip. Through Newgate and Dr Dexter's Dream they went and Jack Hall went down well with everyone clapping in time, the new composition Purple Reefer sounded great and The Curse of Tutankhamun brought an end to the set. Gladstone ended the night with covers of TMTWNBBFN's Boilerplate Dan, God Save the Queen and a superb blast of Metallica's For Whom the Bell Tolls.

    It had been a fantastic night....but it was not over, the wonder of Slimelight was yet to be explored and it was with great enthusiasm, Spook and Mr Evil didn't leave until 5.30am!

    We must express our thanks to Living on Video, Kirlian Blue, Darren Demondaz, Claira  Idrilieth Hooper (great photos) and Julia Gosling (my lovely guide to the Slimelight) and Thadeus Tinker and Lady Elsie for the recommendation...we love you all!!

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STEAMPUNK AT THE SHED;

or A LIVELY TIME IN LEICESTER

    Hello Sherlock's Dog here reporting on a grand time I had at The Shed in Leicester, proceedings kicked off at 7.30, there was some great stalls inside from such creative souls as Lorna Grace Vibert, Jacklyn Hyde and Biff Raven-hill's Wartime Housewife. At 8ish the wonderful Crimson Clocks stormed the stage and gave us a great performance including songs from their Ingeniously Evil CD, red violins and Celtic war Goddesses at the ready!

Crimson Clocks

    Next to grab the limelight was Bury St Edmunds premier Steampunk band Metropolis, on only their second outing they gave a fantastic set including Desensitised and My Metropolis...watch where you're pointing that Ray gun Raymond!

Metropolis

    Soon it was time for the brilliant Birthrite, giving us all their old favourites like Goodbye Happiness and Square Dance, Erazamus leapt around like a chap possessed, real 20th Century Boys.

Birthrites Jonny Zygen

Mike Bower joins Gladstone.

    Finally after a short intermission Gladstone took to the stage with Spook wearing a rather disturbing Scarecrow mask and launched into Night Creatures, they played their songs of the macabre like The Ballad of William Winter and The Curse of Tutankhamun saving The Madness of Tilly Matthews till the end when they were joined on stage by Mr Mike Bower of BB Blackdog. 

They played with two basses for "Tilly Matthews" and on a cracking version of Metallicas For Whom the Bell Tolls, this wrapped up a great night, many thanks to the traders, the performers, Dave the sound guy, Giles Warhurst for the photos, Mike Bower the 6th member of Gladstone and finally the audience without whom............

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HallowSteam: Fright night in Birmingham.

HallowSteam, Fright night in Birmingham.

    So wearing my scariest collar and goggles I was off to The Roadhouse in Stirchley for a night of steam horror and punk terror, kicking off with Metropolis a new Steampunk band from Bury St Edmunds who blend prog and new wave into an incredible sound, next to tread the boards was Count Ilya Rostov with his hilarious tales of Vampire Beetroot!! Headlining this first half of the entertainments was the awesome Birthrite who delivered an incredible and energetic performance.

Birthrite.

Zombie Dave!

    After a short interval Birminghams own Crimson Clocks brought the crimson hour much closer, evil geniuses at work...you have been warned!! It was at this part in the evening that my lot appeared skulking around the stage like an undead plague, Gladstone thundered into The Madness of Tilly Matthews and continued in this vein delivering their usual tales of murder, curses and poor career choices to a very appreciative audience (thanks everyone!!),  they ended on a rollicking rendition of God save the Queen then hit the bar......some things never change!

    Once the dust had settled cockney power was unleashed in the form of The Cogkneys who's ribaldary know no bounds, "Pull your bloody trousers up" wise words indeed....Next PIRATES, Seas of Mirth brought nautical mayhem and plundered all before them in an awesome display piratical mischief, watch out for that bleedin' big crab!

Seas of Mirth...garrrrr

    Polishing off the night with style was our old mates BB Blackdog with wandering bassist Mike making sure everyone saw his performance as he went from room to room smashing out a thunderous bass line and Axle giving a superb drum solo, Dale cool as ever played all our favourites and ended a superb night. Many thanks must go Linzi for organising this great event, to the compare Mr Agamemnon When for his insightful commentary between acts, the traders who (as ever) brought the most amazing gadgets, gizzmos and gifts for our delight and the Steampunks, you amazing people!!

BB Blackdog 

Next...Steampunks at the Shed, look out Leicester!

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Some more photos from the Roadhouse, thanks to Linzi Cooke and Giles Warhurst (great pics guys);

Mr Voss in good voice.

Paul "Shovel Hands" becomes Sub Zero.

Amy Teacake, yes those horns are real!!

A Wicked time in Worcester.

A wicked time in Worcester.

    Out and about again on 20th October (my paws do ache!) this time Gladstone arrived at the rather beautiful city of Worcester and the incredible venue that is The Commandery, the Steampunk weekend was in full swing when we got there with loads of stalls selling all manner of interesting goodies, so we did the thing we do best....shopping!!

Crimson Clocks.

    The music event was a little way across the city in St. Swithun's Hall so we all ended up there where we were treated to beef chilli, rice and BEER!!  First on was Crimson Clocks who treated us to songs from their new CD "Ingeniously Evil" and many more, Linzi was a vision in red (nice boots!).

    Next on was our mates Gladstone, they played all the favourites "Madness of Tilly Matthews", "Night Creatures", "Twisted Lip", "The Curse of Tutankhamun" the only difference was due to the lack of time they were unable to play any covers...aaahhh maybe next time Worcester you'll get the full treatment!!

Gladstone.

    Then to top the night off we had the pleasure of seeing Birthrite who delivered a fantastic set of old and new songs, where does Erazamus get the energy from??

Birthrite.

    Our thanks goes to the organisers of this great event, the wonderful audience, to the sound guys who really did go the extra mile and of course to DJ Mutlee who pleasured our ears with truly wonderful sounds, I've also nicked his photos!! (cheers mate).

    In the next instalment, Hallowsteam........

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An Illuminating time in Matlock Baths.

  Matlock Baths Illuminata & Market.

  Well I was as happy as a dog with two tales as I wandered into Matlock Baths, I've never seen so many Tea shops and Fish'n'chips shops this far from the sea, the town is an amazing Victorian resort and the perfect setting for....The Steampunk Illuminata and Market. Actually the Illuminations have been going on since 1897 but this was the first Steampunk event to be held in the town.
    Kicking off on Friday night among the advance guard of Steampunks was Mr Dale Rowles and Herr Axle Boldt, they played a great set of cover songs including classics such as Hendrix's "Foxy Lady" and Canned Heat's "On the Road Again".

Axle (as I believe most of you know) is 6 feet 8 inches in height, he then played a drum kit built for a 4 year old, it was a sight not to be missed and he played it very well, we even got a drum solo!!

    At 10.30 it was time for Gladstone, on they came with their new mascot James and after dedicating the first song to Tina Sharpe and Mike Bower they were off into "The Madness of Tilly Matthews", the set included old favourites like "Night Creatures", "The Ballad of William Winter", "Twisted Lip" and "The Curse of Tutankhamun". "Jack Hall" went down very well with the audience participating in clapping along to the song as did the new composition by Ms Amy Teacake "Purple Reefer". But as is the way with these things time did sprout wings and fly, all too soon they were playing their customary covers of TMTWNBBFN "Boilerplate Dan" and of course "God Save the Queen", with the shouting of "MORE" they performed "For Whom the Bell Tolls" then it was time to go, suddenly the band disappeared into the night, Cloud landed about 10 miles away with Tina, the Sanders family took in Mr Dave Evil (which was brave!) and Ms Teacake, Paul Shovel Hands and Spook ended up with Cas & David Sharpe who produced an amazing Chilli and rice...mmmmm.

Gladstone meets Professor Elemental.

    Next day the crew of Gladstone could rest and enjoy the delights of the Steampunk market, wandering around stalls stacked with the most ingenious and highly crafted goods imaginable along with dancing from Demolitia Tribal and her Boudicca Revival, in the evening we were treated to the fantastic Professor Elemental who had everyone laughing with his tales of Tea, Monkey Butlers and Being British!! To top the night off we had a riproaring set by BB Blackdog, much head banging and paw stomping later we headed off back to Cas & David's this time with all five Glastones and Professor Elemental and so ended a remarkable weekend our thanks go to ALL of those who organised this event, we can't wait for the next one. I must thank Cas Sharpe, David Broadbent http://www.facebook.com/DavidBroadbentPhotography and Amy "Teacake" Bradford for the photographs, most kind.

This is Sherlock's Dog signing off......TTFN Gladstonians.

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Spook, Teacake, Shovel Hands and Mr Evil with James!

 Mansfield Steampunk Convivial.

    A report from Sherlock's Dog, your on the spot reporter......
    Place..The Intake Club.
    When..29th September.

    What a great place for a convivial I thought as I walked into the club, people patting me on the head and saying "what-ho old thing", very friendly indeed!! There were stalls selling all sorts of goodies from the highest quality leather goods to intricately carved walking staffs (I would say sticks but these were much longer!!) and everything betwixt...

Lady's & Gents...THE COGNEYS

    As for entertainment first on was that mischievous duo The Cogneys with a splendid and hilarious set filled with saucy humour, innuendo and fun (a magnificent pair of Zeppelins!!). Next to tread the boards were my old muckers Gladstone sporting there new mascot James, they played all of our favourites from "The Madness of Tilly Matthews" to "Twisted Lip" through to "The Curse of Tutankhamun" and more besides.The crowd were VERY enthusiastic indeed, by the time they played TMTWNBBFN's "Boilerplate Dan" and the Pistols "God Save the Queen" the crowd were bouncing around most merrily, in fact another song was called for....so Cloud, Paul and Mr Evil gave them a dose of  Metallica's "For Whom the Bell Tolls"...more bouncing about later it was time for Gladstone to depart the stage and on came the wonderous BB Blackdog.

    BB played a storming set with the lovely Demolitia Tribal, which included classics like "Politicians", "Naive Common Sense", "What You Need", the positively naughty "Gimp" and "Speed Dating" as well as new songs such as "The Chicken Song" which whipped the crowd up no end!!

ooohh I say, steady on.....

    All too soon it had to end, but not before Spook Stoker and Dale Rowles had been arrested by what can only be described as a SteamPeeler (or maybe a Policepunk??) but our beautiful female fans (with help from Cloud and Axle) came to our rescue...well nearly!! It was a great night with much fun and merriment, I hope to meet all of my friends, new and old, again very soon (I hope you don't mind me pinching your photos Giles).

A brave rescue attempt from Cloud!

Until next time Gladstonians, I bid you a good day.....

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