| Farewell To The Pointless Basstards - Oxford, The Point Saturday 27th October 2001 |
The owners Bass/Six Continents have decided that live music no longer has a place in their plan. They look to open a student only sports bar, but things don't look too promising on this front. Even The Oxford Student paper has taken a hard line against this decision, nailing home the fact that even the re-branding and marketing schemes that look to turn all their premises' into theme bars, are at odds with the people they are aiming it at. The Oxford Mail, Radio One Evening Session and even the NME were quick to blast the decision, but deaf ears and bean counters prevail. After the disastrous results in closing down The Jericho, The Fuggle & Firkin and The Wheatsheaf as live music venues, these companies never seem to either learn their lessons, or have any idea on what the people really want.
Tonight wasn't so much a gig, but an event. All of the local bands got together to play 'A Your Song Special', where they would collaborate and play covers, and, as the ticket was billed, 'Farewell To The Pointless Basstards'.
Compare for the night was the one and only Snuffy from Marconi's Voodoo, who was on hilarious form. (You had to be there to understand).
Paper Sun opened with some pretty convincing covers of Madness and Blur.
Next up were Comrade Duck. This consisted of members of Meanwhile Back In Communist Russia and Mr. Duck. Dressed in grass skirts they proceeded to demolish 'Can't Get You Out Of My Head' by Kylie and 'Mmm bop' by Hanson. As the bass player from MBICR and temporary singer said, "we can't play this right, but bloody 14 year olds can!"
Six Ray Sun had a problem. Their singer/guitarist wasn't well and couldn't speak so he had his mouth taped and employed the help of the MBICR front woman plus one other for singing/speaking duties.
Gold Rush came on dressed as the cast of the old Neighbours and went through hilarious renditions of a couple Jason & Kylie songs.
ATL were reformed for the night and had a cast of thousands on stage for the Sham 69 classic "Kids Are United."
Dustball did a very professional Ramones piss take, followed by Craig David's 'Monday Tuesday etc' song, but played at least 20 times faster than the original.
The Rock Of Travolta were the rap band for the night ending with their version of the Run DMC/Aerosmith song 'Walk This Way.' The highlight being the end when their guitarist went into solo overload, and each member of the band walked of in turn throwing the wanker sign in his direction. Ending by leaning into the crowd so they could play his guitar and every conceivable loose item being thrown on stage at him, this was one of the highlights.
Vade Mechum were the heavy metal gods tonight. Brought back on at the end by Mac to play something they had played in sound-check, they had the honour of playing the last ever song in this establishment - 'Rock and Roll' by Led Zeppelin.
A good laugh, yes - but sad none the less. Keep up the good work Mac, and see you at your temporary home downstairs at The Zodiac!
skippy
