The Bridge by T-Bass

T-Bass : The Bridge

The Neutrinos album launch party at The Bridge Hotel in Newcastle has always been one of my favourite gigs and so it’s puzzling why we haven't released this set before now. Indeed, it’s been nearly twenty five years since I last listened to this album and I have to admit, hand on heart, that I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Truth be told, it's been so long since I actually thought of some of these pieces that it was a complete joy (and a bit of a surprise) to hear them all over again.

The evening itself got off to an eventful start when I managed to jam the band’s minibus in the entrance to the Dene Street Car Park. The bus was just too tall and I then had to reverse into a stream of fast-moving traffic, which was about as much fun as it sounds. I know I scraped the paint work pretty badly. Thankfully, nobody noticed. Trying to find a parking space wasn’t much fun either. Worse, not one single cash machine was working that night so I wasn’t able to withdraw the cash to pay the support crew.

The Bridge Hotel had, for a time, become the band’s second home. I can’t remember how many gigs we performed in that upstairs room over the years. On the night itself, the venue was packed with people queuing to get in and the front row was full of friends who had travelled a long way to see us.

C.H.A.O.S. kicked off the proceedings followed up by our saxophonist, Steve Summers, who delivered a rather lovely little thumb piano piece, which was a complete contrast to the maelstrom that was to follow.

The band were determined to put on a good show and, listening to the playful banter throughout the set, I think we succeeded. To my ears, this is obviously the sound of a band thoroughly enjoying themselves. The audience clearly wanted more, much more, and we’d have delivered if we’d been able but, alas, we were out of time. I clearly recall the Manageress hovering at the back of the room glancing, every now and again, at her wristwatch, plainly wondering how long we had left. I also remember the Bar Manager from the ground floor running upstairs to ask our sound engineer, Chev, if he could possibly turn the bass down a tad because we were, apparently, shaking the glasses off their supports.

As I said, his was one of my favourite ever gigs and I’m delighted that it has finally seen the light of day.

Special thanks to Dave Gurr for the recording.

Thinking Metal Music was established in 1995 by composer David James Hughes, which means that 2025 is the thirtieth anniversary of the label's founding.

Expect plenty of new releases in this very special year.

thinkingmetal.co.uk