Back to Reality NOT
Well the partying couldn't go on forever, Marsh went back to his part-time directorships Penguino went off to his retreat, Melody and Suki stayed on in Greece to take in the culture they said, more like the wine I thought. Me and Rocksey returned home with nothing planned or so I thought.
After a couple of days lazing around and strumming his guitar (were still on the same song by the way) Rocksey announced "were off" where I squawked back at him. Spain ! !! ! why Spain?. I've arranged a few solo gigs there just low-key 20 to 30 people max he said. But you only know 2 songs and neither of them are perfect and you don't even know all the lyrics to them, you can't go and humm your way through. I have to admit i was a touch concerned in Rockseys eyes he was a far better guitarist than he actually was and yes he could get away with mumbling the lyrics to his own songs but not to the classics he was proposing.
Two days later my bags were packed "wheres your bags" I asked Rocksey ?, "here" was the response WHERE I shouted back. Proudly Rocksey showed me his old school satchel "here". "you've got to be joking " I retorted "no" here is my BAG! !. Well don't come complaining to me in a few days when you stink and even I wont come within 10 yards of you.
The first few days were just fine hot sunshine, azul blue skies, and great people. Rocksey had surpassed himself with the early organisation and even the first show was good, the people seemed to enjoy it and Rocksey certainly did. "Its far more intense" he said just me and the people non of that stage show, fireworks and lights this is far better.
it wasn't long before we had it the south of Spain (an area I knew very well) we'd taken up residence in one of Rockseys Spanish friends villas Rocksey was playing in the local bars and I was just touring around. I'm off to Granada for a few days I told Rocksey, Ok see you when you get back. Now this was unusual Rocksey normally likes to know when and where, who and how when a trip is organised but this time not a question. I have to admit I wasn't so sure about going now. But off I went "see you in three days I called" "bye have a great time" was the reply. out of the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of Rocksey sprinting out towards the terrace. no time to investige now my driver had turned up and off I went.
Now what happened next is Rockseys version of events so belive what you might.A few phone calls later and Marsh and Penguino were both on their way to meet Rocksey. Rocksey had now realised that his guitar playing wasnt the best and required the silken skills of Penguino but why Marsh that I couldn't work out.
Man hugs were handed out as soon as Penguino and Marsh arrived and the beers were opened. "whats the plan" Penguino enquired. "latin speaking countries" there's a massive market out there and together we can take it. Also we start tonight here's the song list, Rocksey handed the list to Penguing. Penguino looked back at Rocksey and said "is this the right list" yep was the reply. No problem Penguino replied. Senor Penguino could play just about any song and if he couldn't he could produce a tune which was just as good. When tonight in the harbour was the response a small venue 30 to 40 max it will be great but before lets clear these beers. Now Marsh perked up at the sound of beer as the temperature was now in the high 30's. What do I do asked Marsh you've got your tambourine like I asked, "yep" dont i need to know what songs and where I play? not really its all by ear Rocksey replied. This had marsh slightly concerned but as another beer had made its way into his hand all worries soon disappeared.
The sweltering day slid into the early evening and Rocksey and Penguino were getting ready Rocksey still living out of his tiny bag and recycling as much as he could. Penguino had borrowed a guitar from the local store, with the proviso he signed the guitar and spent a few hours in the store the following day. Marsh was still laying beside the Pool, Come on marsh were off.
The shout startled Marsh awake and he sprung into action dashing towards the car, you're not changing he was asked. I've got some things in my bag "let's go". Rocksey was sat next to Marsh in the car and he could feel the heat coming off Marsh. You going to ne ok tonight he enquired. Unusual for Rocksey to be concerned but Marsh usually was the colour of milk and now he was slowley turning the colour of a tomato.
In through the back door they went. The three Amigos as they had billed themselves bundled themselves towards the stage. Rocksey stopped them and handed Marsh some castanets "what are these" Marsh asked "you'll need them was the reply and with that the curtains opened Penguino started immediately the crowd loved him straight away slick and professional then Rocksey, not bad by all accounts carrying off LOLA almost note perfect. By now the sun and beer had caught up with Marsh and for the first couple of songs he was great in time and even pushing the song were required, but while Rocksey was doing his inter song chats Marsh kept on having a sip or two from the drinks provided. Rocksye and Penguino sipped water. By the fifth song Marsh seemed to have disappeared Rocksey looked at penguino and Penguino shrugged. Then night drew to a close rapturous applause echoed around the venue as they left the stage. Rocksey announced as they left the stage "clothes shopping tomorrow" I can't keep wearing the same stuff. Music shop for me tomorrow Penguino replied, he never broke a promise. Marsh would be staying in bed as he was found slumped behind the door between the frame and the toilet. Hard to see as he was now the colour of the tiles and blended in quite well.
The usual words "never again" were uttered by Marsh. Penguino said "he's not to bad" on percussion is he I might have a gig or two for him when we get back. "just keep him away from the beer" Rocksey said, not even a couple.
The following morning Rocksey and Penguino sat back on the terrace beer in hand betting on what time Marsh would appear, Marsh who had been taken to A&E last night with sunstroke and alcohol poisoning, it appears the drink marsh kept sipping till he started slipping was 80% proof, and the doctor had informed him no alcohol for 5 days and no sun either. What am I supposed to do Marsh asked I'm in Spain and I can't go in the sun or have a Beer? Penguino and Rocksey full of sympathy shouted back at Marsh "were off to the beach to catch a few rays and a beer or two see ya later"......
