France's Freddie Mercury...

[Steve Maskery]

When we lived in the UK, we went to a folk club every week. "Folk" was interpreted very loosely indeed. I've never really been into music of any kind, one of the things I love about living here is the silence and calm, but Sheila really misses the music scene.
She found an open mic night only about 30 mins from here, so tonight we went along. We were both tired and nearly didn't go, but we were both glad we did, it was excellent and varied. About 20 people, slightly more French than English, but some of the French sang in English. A couple of people doing their own compositions. Generally a good standard.

Then it was my turn.

Now I do sing, but I can't play anything so I sing Acapulco. Different genres to the norm... My set included:
Man of the Earth (Vin Garbutt)
The IT Engineer's Lament (McCartney and Maskery)
Ill Wind (Flanders and Swan)

I strutted my stuff and it was well-enough received. People said they enjoyed it. Everybody was nice about it.

Then a lady called Annie came up to me. Closer to 80 than 70, still glamorous, bangles and bright colours, rather effusive and gushing, (think classy Tina Turner) , she came up to me and gave me a hug and said,"That was magnifique" (she was actually Italian), "You are our Freddie Mercury!"

And she didn't even appear to be drunk.

I wasn't quite sure how to take it as I am not his build nor his inclination. I don't even have the 'tache, but I took it as a compliment.

A couple of sets later she came on stage WITH HER BAND, including an octogenarian saxophonist, and was brilliant. I hope I can sing that well when I am her age (not as far away as it once was...).

Freddie Mercury, eh? I'll take that.

S

 

[Cabinetman]

Wow, well done Steve, and not just for being good at it, just getting up there and singing is more than I’d want to do.
But saying that when I was back in Lincolnshire we had a similar evening but for poetry and other interesting bits. I was pre-prepared and did a bit on the way and why the road system in the UK (and S Ireland) was numbered the way it is. But certainly no glamorous Femme Fatale congratulations afterwards!

 

[duke]

Wish I was there, my first 8 track recording was Queen, I can't remember the title, along with Led Zeppelin's, Black Dog Four.
That was in 1976 and ran the tapes till they wore out.

 

[AndyP]

Good on you Steve, very brave.
I still practice, Occasionally, The Green Eye of the Little Yellow God but have yet to find the opportunity to perform in public.

 

[Mike G]

Well done Steve. I can only imagine what a thrill you must have got from that.

I would clear the room if I sang in public. I'm far, far worse than Florence Foster Jenkins.

 

[Malc2098]

I did do The Lion and Albert once, in a pseudo Northern accent.

There's an old seaside place called Blackpule…...

 

[Lons]

Well done Steve, I still listen to Queen and Freddies individual album sometimes in my car.
The only time I've sung in public was when rather drunk, a very long time ago and I'm still embarrassed.

 

[Raymedullary]

Sounds like you may be ready to "break free"?

 

[Steve Maskery]

I did do The Lion and Albert once, in a pseudo Northern accent.

There's an old seaside place called Blackpule…...

That reminds me that I can do Noah and his Ark. Not done it for ages, I'll have to practise.
S

 

[Malc2098]

That reminds me that I can do Noah and his Ark. Not done it for ages, I'll have to practise.
S

This one?

 

[Steve Maskery]

This one?

No, that's a new one on me.
"I'll tell you an old-fashioned story, that my grandfather used to relate, about a joiner and building contactor, his name were Sam Ogglethwaithe..."
S

 

[Malc2098]

No, that's a new one on me.
"I'll tell you an old-fashioned story, that my grandfather used to relate, about a joiner and building contactor, his name were Sam Ogglethwaithe..."
S

Must be this one, then.

 

[Steve Maskery]

Yes, that's the one.
But it should be High Dudgeon, rather than A Dudgeon.
Otherwise, yes.
S

 

[Cabinetman]

Long time since I heard that thank you, puzzled by - long bacon- though, looked it up and it’s placing the thumb on the end of your nose and wiggling the fingers, Captain Haddock style. A very long time since I’ve done that!!

 

[RogerS]

I can only recite ‘Twas on the good ship Venus’. Well done Steve. What singing voice I may have had was ruined by my first gliding accident…..no, I wasn’t the pilot this time round. It was the CFI.