I was eagerly anticipating my first Buff Medways gig. The Buff Medways are the current musical vehicle for the prolific "Wild" Billy Childish. Here is what Wikipedia has to say about him:
"He has published more than 40 collections of poetry, written 3 novels, recorded more than 100 full-length independent LPs and produced more than 2,500 paintings. He is a consistent advocate for amateurism and free emotional expression and was a co-founder of the Stuckists art group. "
Early evening entertainment was served up by Manchester DJ and record label owner Andy Votel who mixed up a heady brew of Middle Eastern influenced , "rare as hen's teeth" psyche rock. It is just a well the entertainment was quality as the Buffs arrived a couple of hours late after their "tour ambulance" broke down, which meant the cancellation of Billy's poetry reading.
The Buffs did not disappoint When they finally came on at 11.45 (just as well I had a free pass from the missus that night). The band were resplendent in full "Flashman" inspired Hussar's uniforms with Billy supporting a very splendid "Victorian dad" waxed moustache. The group blasted through selected nuggets from Childish's 25 year back catalogue which includes excursions with The Pop Rivets, The Milkshakes, Thee Headcoats, Theee Mighty Ceasars and of course the Buffs. The set was peppered with well some chosen covers that the Buffs made their own, including Son House's - John the Revelator, The Who - A Quick One and a blistering primal garage-punk cover of Hendrix's - Fire, but as Childish would probably say "Punk rock ist nicht tot".
Oh, and yes his guitar and moustache are both better than Jack White's.
