Against the odds
24 Apr 2000

In a performance that demonstrated their growing resilience as a band, The Regulars strived grittily against circumstances to play their part in making last week's Jug of Ale gig an occasion to remember.

The big night with much-touted US tourists The Butterflies of Love and Nottingham-based Fortuna Pop! labelmates The Chemistry Experiment could have turned sour for the Regs after a series of hiccups during the run-up to the set.

In the event, the half-hour showcase of songs ran flawlessly to usher in the two 'visiting' bands. But it could have been so different...

First of all, persistent rain and snow over the past few weeks took its toll at the band's preferred rehearsal studios Arcadeia, and a leaky roof led to an impromptu room switch for two practices. (Arcadeia staff George and Mel were manly and magnificent throughout.)

Next a freakish conjunction of strings breaking and amps conking out - which would have perturbed musicians with a far more professional approach than The Regulars - threatened to rob Paul and Chopper of the necessary preparation; while a persistent cough and sore throat for Pete could have spelt vocal disaster come Wednesday's gig.

And a hurried schedule on the night meant there was no time to soundcheck individual band members - only to play through a song and hope.

But as the band took the stage at 8:30 the sound - as always seems to be the case at the Jug - was superb, and all five Regulars held together well to deliver a nicely paced set, opening with a sparkling October we take it back and climaxing with the new favourite This is the sound.

Opinions on the Regs' reception were conflicting, with band members feeling they were engulfed by a tidal wave of indifference while members of the audience themselves reported a very positive response indeed from fellow punters.

One who had turned up specifically for The Regulars, Miles Barter, commented: "All the Regulars tunes made me tap me feet. I'd have danced if I hadn't been (a) too embarrassed, (b) too old to do the band's image any good."

He added: "35 hours should be the anthem of the alienated working class - especially as most Brits are forced to work much more by their greedy capitalist bosses."

The Chemistry Experiment's likeable, idiosyncratic pop unquestionably went down well, and could well earn the group a return date. But the Butterflies, it must be said, fully lived up to the hype.

Described by Melody Maker as 'the best new band in America', they came across as engaging yet modest - and, more importantly, drew on the highly-rated How to Know LP to turn out a passionate, elegant, sublime set the likes of which Moseley has seldom even dreamed of.

And having stolen the hearts of a near-capacity audience, the Butterflies almost fluttered away with Chopper's guitar.

A panicked search for the Telecaster in question - a much cherished instrument, despite its tuning having been wonky ever since a wardrobe fell on it last year - ended with the guitar turning up at the bottom of the Butterflies/Chemistry tour van. In the dark all guitar cases are grey, and in the hurry to pack up the gear and get back to Nottingham Chopper's axe had accidentally been stowed with the wrong band.

The Regs' whizzkid guitarist was in some distress, but has already stated his intention to acquire a Rickenbacker as soon as possible.

Next up for The Regulars is a return to the Flapper on Saturday 13 May, with support from High Clouds and another to be arranged, and another new song to be debuted - as long as Pete finishes the lyrics in time.

Still under its working title of 'The Christmas song', the new tune contrives the unlikely feat of sounding like New Order, Galaxie 500 and then The Wedding Present within the space of a single instrumental passage.

Watch this site for more details.

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