The content on this page is not meant to displease anyone it is just a few words written by myself and other
people who wish to contribut their opinion's.
Whilst i wish to thank Colin for providing our brilliant club venue for a fundraising for Pete I am sure along with everyone at the club send our love and best wishes to Kerry at the mo' not serving behind the bar but expected back soon. So Get well Kerry
I also want to remind all of you that are club members. Check out the Tribute Band site as there may be someone there that you would enjoy seeing. Don't forget if you are members you are free to come on down.
26.7.08.
Hot oh yes! And what chance to cool down, very little with Texas Tornados treading the boards tonight. Lots of new faces who follow this popular band filled the floor with their amazing footwork. clubs, the likes of Michael & Annie’s ‘AC’s’ made a welcome visit to the Viking Pete Stothard, [Lead singer/Rhythm guitar] along with Scott Newstead [Keyboard & Harmonies] & with Roger on Lead guitar. They make up a formidable trio. Pete takes great pride in keeping it different and country. from singing songs from the greats, like George strait & Brad Paisley’s “Mr Policeman” made Scott’s fingers wiz across the keys making great music from the off. You just know that Pete and his crew will give you Country. Great, but hey the floor was packed. Those that know me know that that is my first love. Along with Texas Tornados this evening we had a debut for Rosie Horne a petit lass dressed in white with red boots sung with a powerful strong voice that amazed us all. For someone of such tender years [18] she is surely one to watch closely. Opening with “Suds in the Bucket” and adding Carlene Carter’s “Every Little Thing” she bounced through the songs like a seasoned performer and a surprising “Crystal Chandelier” was a gem. For her entire set, dancers danced, and an audience that watched, was captivated. For Texas Tornados 2nd set she rebounded up for a duet with Pete “Speed of the Sound of loneliness” Pete and his chums ended and amazing night with folks not allowing them to come down of the stage two encores. Kept, a hot evening at boiling. Point. This month has brought so many acts that they have been coming at me thick and fast a brilliant, brilliant month.
19.7.08
Yet another double header, they appear to be coming thick and fast this month. I for one will not complain if they give us the likes of this evening. What a super surprise Harrison County a duo that will stun those that both dance and listen. Chris Harris & Jimmy Martin make up an impressive duo. From the first cords struck I knew we where in for a surprise. “The Breeze” & “Bad moon Rising” where superb and as for the steel playing of Jimmy Martin hard to describe how he made that instrument sing and sound so mournful. Along with a Carl Perkins “Matchbox” & “Take these Chains from My heart” that Ray Charles massive hit, just brilliant. This is a band to watch. Harrison County
Also on tonight that fun loving duo Vegas Rob & Andy makeup the new face of Vegas
They compliment each other brilliantly From Eagles numbers to Charlie Rich there are not many songs that they are unable to cover with panache. Andy’s guitar solo in the world was something else. Hank Williams “Setting the woods on Fire” was a refreshing addition to the usual run of “Nimby and Mr Mom” Not also to be missed was an amazing "Trial of Tears" a sure fired show stopper that had the floor full. Rob has the ability to not only make you dance but smile also. Which is not only brilliant, It's down right fun.
11.7.08
Diamond Jack & Stig. Yet again double bubble here at the Viking. Two Acts for the price of one. The ever popular Diamond Jack [father & son duo] opened for us. Giving the dancers, an array, of popular up to date, dances numbers. Throughout the two sets they provided the dance floor was never bare. John Fogerty’s “Hot Rod Heart” was an amazing rendition of a great artist’s song. Diamond Jack have an amazing ability to come up with tracks that dancer’s adore. There 50’s, 60’s revival section also brings out the voices of the sing-a-long audience who adore to listen. Stig a solo artist on the circuit since the 90’s who like’s to open, with a floor crunching “Billy b bad” provided two sets interlaced with Diamond Jack. Singing songs the likes of “Lay down Sally” and “Peaches & Cream” was a well thought out duo of sets. Vince Gill’s oldie “What the Cow Girls do” was just right for the newby’s to country line dance Scene. Our Andy kept up the spins playing right up to the moment numbers that had dancers going through some amazing moves. Not always country but so entertaining to watch.
7.7.08
The Pete Dula Charity Day.
The Viking was ready to go at Noon, Julie “Katz” Murray kicking off with a 30 minute spurt of tuition. Being squeezed in before the first of 8 live acts took the stage. The Turn out was good, which was great as this is a very worthy cause. Each act, donated there time, and talent’s, for free. Texas Tornados led by the cockney cowboy played through an hour of foot tapping favourites to set the standard for the rest to follow. “High Class Lady” started a highly charged set that finished with Pete on the floor dancing “Hot Tamales” with the dancers. No sooner had they come of stage. Muddy Boots were next to entertain. Chis Richard and Dave compliment each other and produce a very high quality hour of dancers and listener’s favourites. “Neon Moon” “How Long” and a great rendition of ZZ Tops, “Gimme all your lovin’” were the sets highlights. A short break gave Andy D a chance to wing it with dancers requests, trying to get an amazing mix of plays, followed up by Richard Palmer, new to us here at the Viking, but Andy thinks it’s a sure fired cert that he’ll be back, singing a great mix of country and popular dance hits, keeping every one happy, from the toe tapper to those that strut there stuff, with a voice that is powerful and soothing at the same time. “Haydens Country” Marked our halfway point of the day. Hayden has trod the boards for many years now giving always 110% when he performs, having the ability of keeping hardened line dancers happy whilst pleasing the ear of the discerning listener. 5pm. Our Julie was up and on her dainty feet teaching yet again followed quickly on with Andy D rolling out the requests for at least an hour. The first of the evening’s acts was the surprise package of the day. Kay ‘D’ another new-be for the Viking. However for a personage of the tender age of 17 she belted out both classic and modern country like a lady twice her age. Dealing out a delightful mixture of Patsy Cline & Brenda Lee, interspersed with Dixie chicks and the great Reba. Kay was the master of all that she sang this being reflected in the ovation from the Viking audience. [Watch this one for sure]. Fresh up from the 4th of July celebrations Bobby ‘D’ Sawyer, Bobby with his American twang is ever a favourite wherever he plays. Always, giving his all, for dancers and listeners. Bobby’s set included firm standards and some great new material from his recently released album. His friendly face and ever ready smile a definite winner .Alan Gregory was next up on our
al a carté menu. This guy has a cheeky outlook and gentle manner on life that reflects in his performance always first class with a huge smile. [One of the nicest solo artist on the country circuit] Alan is always up-to date with his set list. Today, being no exception. “Five Jean Jackets” & “My Veronica” as well as “Laid back in Low Key” where received extremely well. Ending, this amazing night the effervescent “The Westcoasters” who never fail to get a crowded room singing and dancing. Classics such as “Tempted” and “Smoky Places” mixed with a cocktail of the in your face humour of Steve and Mike will not only have you dancing but also grinning from ear to ear. Not to be outshone by the awesome guitar work of Pete finishing our day with the same apparent gusto that it started with some eleven hours earlier. It was a long day, every second being worthy of the cause that it was arranged for. The organisers would like to acknowledge Colin Norton and staff of the Viking for offering up this amazing venue for free alongside all of those performances from great artists who worked there banjo’s of for zilch Andy ‘D’ the in house DJ of the Viking along with Julie ‘Katz’ Murray linedance teacher. Without question thanks needs also to be applied to those whom attended making the day not only wonderful but giving it the ability to raise over a thousand pounds for a great guy.
Pete Dula, who is, currently in the states Getting treatment. We send him our heartfelt love and wishes
Andy Davies & Jacqui Peacock
Dances Taught:- “When I Cry” “Duck Soup” “Won-A-Bee”
[please note Andy gave me amazing notes to enable me to do this write up. Without him i would not have been able to give you any insight into the day's events.]
5.7.08
Cross Country at the Viking. What a treat., You can mark it down in the diary when you know that Little rock are booked, but when you know that they are accompanied by John P Taylor you know that you are in for a One Night Only rare treat, Each band member, working in unison, making sounds that, get the dancers up and on there feet. The floor was packed. I have to admit to being a little in awe of this group. For three full sets they peel of tunes that set the feet tapping. Your ears are ever ready to acknowledge the next great number from “Johnny ‘B’Good” to “Chantilly Lace” Its great to watch a packed floor move as one in time to great music. Steve Place made his guitar sound winsome during “Seminole Wind” and as for the groups take on any of the Eagles numbers, all I can say is that this is the Yard Stick that other bands should look to, to achieve. Cross Country is an indomitable force to be reckoned with. Whilst “Who’s been sleeping in my bed” was being aired, I noted that the fantastic beat achieved by having a live drummer made it all the more enjoyable, even though as a popular dance lots of bands play it, not many achieve such an amazing full on beat. Encore’s of coarse, it was inevitable. They made a Saturday Night at the Viking memorable.
Sunday 29th June we hosted Americana Day an Extra Helping of wonder at the Viking
Starting at 10.30am with Julie [katz] Murray teaching linedancing. As only Julie can considering she only finished 8 hours ago [stamina! Or what] Julie taught, Okalahoma Wind, Won-ah-bee, When I Cry, Cha Cha, 4 C and Duck Soup. Lunchtime soon arrived along with some very very nice classic and modern American Cars. 3 Mustangs, A number of absolutely beautiful, Caddies. Caddies are stunning a 1954 convertible, Classic ford pick-up and even a Peterbilt big rig pulled up on The Viking’s front lawn. All-in-all, we had an awesome display of automobiles from the states. The BBQ was fired up and so were Stubby and Stu. of Sidewinder who provided 2 sets of their usual top quality songs to keep both the dancers and listeners extremely happy on this delightful June Sunday afternoon. Amongst the play list was,” If you’re going through hell”,” Who’s been sleeping in my bed, “ My new life” and a whole lot more to fill their 2 hours of live music. Sidewinder gave another outstanding performance at The Viking. We look forward to repeating this FREE of charge event next year, for this was a perfect end to a great June on a wonderful summers day.
Andy D
I have to thank Andy for his content as i was unable to be there for this great day. Hurumph!
21st June
The THRILLBILLIES A band, that in the past I have not enjoyed, but hold your horses. They where, absolutely brilliant. I spent the whole evening enjoying each number more than the last. Richard Marks “Straight for my heart” In fact they sang through an amazing 3 sets packed full of numbers that just kept building up an atmosphere that I have not witnessed at the Viking for some time. The floor was elbow room only, everyone eager to get in on the act. And then Ed went and sang my all time favourite “Fields of Athenry” Everyone knows that Ed is the proud owner of amazing vocal cords but Dave was in on the act big time. They almost ground dancer’s feet through the floor with an amazing non stop crescendo of fast moving tracks. Then just when folks where coming up for air they broke into some golden oldies, “Runaway”, ”Young Girl” Conway Twitties “Make Believe”. The audience did not want the night to end in fact Dave and Eddy, had to give several encores yet still folks did not want a night like this to end. My footnote on this is more please.
14th June 2008 Hank Muldoon and the Hangovers made there debut appearance. A 5 piece band very different to the norm hear at the Viking. Opening with “Running Bear” gave us three sets of varied country music. For my taste the sound was to loud, 7th. June 08 the Nadine Somers Band Tonight we welcomed Nadine back on stage alongside Rob and Andy namely Vegas the trio makes up the wonderful Nadine Somers band. Nadine, is back on form, Trim and elegant, with her voice, as clear and brilliant as ever. Opening with a wonderful version of “Closer” Super to see The Viking dancer’s on the floor dancing oldies such as Jazzy Joe. Nadine invited a budding super star up onto the Viking stage going by the name of “Little Miss Sky” Nadine’s beautiful daughter accompanied her with “Suds in the Bucket” A sure fired super star in the making. It was great to see Nadine back on form singing with two guys who obviously enjoy her company. Dancer’s kept there feet moving along the floor all night with great songs. “Wild Angles” a Martina McBride hit not aired enough, and a very sultry “Black Velvet” where gems. Andy D our in-house DJ kept up his end by playing requests all through the night to the wee small hours.
31st May 2008
Muddy Boots. The first time I had the privilege of seeing these great guys back in 2006. I noted then that this was a group of musicians that came together for the shear joy of it. Well that has not changed one iota, Chris Mezza, Dave Montana and Richard Eldin. Still adore the music they play, but now they play some time’s obscure numbers that are a thrill to hear once again. Trace Adkins “I Left Something Turned on at Home” and as for the rendition of “Holy water” was a truly great version. Three sets packed to the gunnels of delights that made for a truly wonderful evening.
24th May double header time again.
Nashville Sounds & Tony Rouse where the acts booked this weekend. Nashville Sounds are a, four piece bands, who cover some numbers rarely aired. Such a “Blue Bayou” a Late Roy Orbison number and of course the trucking king of Country Dave Dudley’s “Six day’s on the Road” The backing given to the bands rendition of “Wave on Wave” was absolutely amazing.
Tony Rouse could I think bring a house down. An amazing singer, with a huge personality, and talent, to match. He brings bounce into the life of his sessions. Something that some solo artists are unable achieve. Also it has to be said that this is a person who will stretch across the divide between Line dancer and Country Fan’s. From “Whole lot of Leaving going on” of which I can assure you there was none. And his rendition of the Josh Turners “Would you go with me” as well as Lenny Rockers “High Class Lady” & “Nimby” of which where requests to please line dancers both sets where designed to fill the floor and keep those of us seated thrilled. I adored his “Sin City Jive” a dance I loved years ago and sadly have forgotten. When Andy attempted to call a halt to the evening he was not allowed to do so until he gave us two encores
Jacqui Peacock
17.5.08
Broadcaster with Pete in his signature trilby along with Graham gave us three sets full of greats both to listen to as well as keeping the dancers happy. Opening, with “Billy ‘b Bad” dancers filled the floor and continued to do so for the evening a Ray Steven’s “Misty” was sung by Pete. Graham gave “Fly like a Bird” an airing which brought out thinking caps for an old dance. [Brilliant]. Pete offered up several different combinations of dancers for people to choose from. Andy kept every one busy between sets playing various requests throughout the evening, which I had to cut short unfortunately. [Sorry lads].
Jacqui
10.5.08
An appearance by Henry Smith’s Country Dreams, here at the Viking this weekend was a pleasant surprise, as it was a first for me. Henry Smith has a superb vocal range from covering the late great Johnny Cash “Let the Train Whistle Blow” to Alan Jackson “Remember When” but of course with musicians the calibre of Henry Smith’s Country Dreams one can only be impressed. And to hear live most of the songs on there cd “It’s been a good year” showed us that they play as good live as in the studio. One of my favourite tunes of the evening was “Three Wooden Crosses” a Randy Travis number Henry Smith’s Country Dreams gave us a wonderful. Night, with Andy Davies filling in the short gaps whilst they took a breather.
Jacqui
3.5.08 When the Viking has a band like Little Rock in town, one has to ask, “Why do some folk stay at stop-at-om” to watch Britain has talent. [Look no further]. It was here at the Viking. The panel would have stood up in unison to ask for more, there would have been three yes's to say the very least. but we all know Country Music appears to be a cliché, not understood, so ignored by many. These three unassuming guys from Middlesbrough bring a different dimension to the name of the game. Entertainment!, yes but three sets go past a warp speed each set building on the last. “Seminole wind” the guitar playing, drumming, singing, had to be heard to be believed, not a beat missed each musician in complete tune , so tight it would be a huge mistake to say otherwise. It was superb to say the very least. Some of the tunes played this evening are from there great new CD “Moments” which is so worthy of a mention. Eddie Rabbit’s “Love a Lonely Night” was a brilliant change to the tempo, but then there was also a “Ghost in this Guitar”. Taken From, there “Moments” CD wonderful. As for this night it was unsurpassed I was almost left bereft of what to say a band such as this should have there name in lights with a huge recording contract hanging of there guitar straps. But as long as those who think they know it all . We shall have the pleasure of Little Rock here at the Viking. “Wow” I would say that our Andy D had a great night also because even he was in awe of the talent up there on the stage. Encores, oh yes. Of coarse there where. If folks, had had there way they would still be on stage.
Jacqui Peacock
26th April
Plain Loco paid us a visit at the Viking. I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of changes they have made to there three sets. “Shoelace Steve & Shimmering Tony” jumped up onto the stage in purple shiny shirts. Tony gave us a fantastic Dion’s “Run around Sue” which fitted a t bone shuffle beautifully, and as for his version of Michael Bublé “Everything” *five star*. The harmonies between Steve & Tony where drum tight and just added that surety that comes along with people who enjoy the crack, and what they are doing. Numbers throughout the three sets just kept coming. The dance floor was full. Steve’s “Whole lot of leaving going on” was brilliant Plain Loco seem to have chosen this time songs that are sort of, on the country side of jazzy, funky, and fit them so well that they appear to revel in the music. Superb. And as a foot note isn’t it great to watch someone play a guitar that makes it look so darn easy but sound so good.
jacqui Peacock
19.4.08
Another of Colin’s double header’s this time the featured acts where The Big Whiskey Band UK. Supported by, STIG. Both acts gave us two sets.
First of all. Big Whiskey, A three piece country band. Best described, as full on country. Not necessarily one for the Line dancers, but country through and through. They played standards such as “One more Last chance”. Coming dressed in black/red flame shirts ‘n’ boots to match. They gave us two solid sets of gold standards that pulled out the old dances such as water melon crawl.[what I would call a memory jerk] They have a good sound with a sort of hillbilly twang, Alan Jackson’s “Gone Country” was especially apt. also Big Whiskey sang several self penned numbers that are certainly worth a shot.
Stig shared his time with us also giving two sets. His deft fingers deserve a mention. Stig
Formerly lead guitarist for Texas Tornados is fast making an impact as a solo artist. His wonderful version of “Be my Baby” filled the floor. He had done is homework as far as the Viking was concerned. The floor was rarely visible throughout his two sets. Stig plays a very varied mix of country music even throwing in my favourite of all time “Fields of Athenry” Now that made me site up. Stig is a very approachable nice guy ever ready to speak to everyone. For all the in-between moments Andy D played out and out requests.” Busy floor.”
Jacqui Peacock
JUST A THOUGHT FROM ME. LOOK FOR THE GOOD
KEEP IT COUNTRY, IT'S THE BEST.
Also i have to add that as some of you maybe aware hands up i'm the idiot that got scammed. i have a new e-mail. I am not injured in some foriegn parts [ouch] but at my usual barrel enjoying the Viking. should you wish to contact me:
e-mail: jacqui@vikingcwc.com or jfgpeacock@yahoo.co.uk