SUMMER BALL '99

On Friday 18th June 1999, I went to the Cheltenham & Gloucester College of Higher Education Summer Ball which was again held at Cheltenham Race Course. This year the headline performance was CAST with support from HOT CHOCOLATE (without ERROL BROWN).

On entry I was greeted by the sound of a live Steal Band which was playing in the entrance of the Hall of Fame. After hearing a couple of numbers I went to find my place for the two main bands.

HOT CHOCOLATE came on stage about 9pm and proceeded to perform a few of their hits like EMMA, NO DOUBT ABOUT IT, HEAVEN IS IN THE BACK SEAT OF MY CADILLAC and BROTHER LOUIE to name but a few. Whilst I was under no illusions about this band, I did not think that the new lead singer lived up to the role of ERROL BROWN as he was too active and not relaxed enough.

Next up were CAST who were simply brilliant, performing songs like GET UP, FINETIME, WALKAWAY and FLYING to name a few. As I said before I thought CAST were brilliant.

The members of CAST were:-

• JOHN POWER - Vocals / Guitar
• LIAM TYSON - Guitar
• PETER WILKINSON - Bass Guitar
• KEITH O'NEILL - Drums

During the interval between the two main bands I went to another part of the Race Course where I saw the CHIP SHOP BOYS for the third time.