Mark
with Jim at the DMW Aberdeen gig - 14-10-03
Photo : Copyright Mark Steinson
I
remember hearing RUNAWAY BOYS for the first time; I thought WOW. I found
out the group was called THE STRAY CATS. Then they appeared on TV. I went
out and bought the first 3 singles. These were played over and over. At
that time I was 13 and couldn't afford the LP. Later that year there was
a new LP GONNA BALL, I had money, but my dad had fancied this Scottish
music, so being a nice son I bought that instead (WHAT A PRAT!).
Then a few years later, in class this guy said "did anyone see THE
STRAY CATS on Top of the Pops last night?". I nearly fell of my chair!
Next day at school I went down the town and came home with a copy of (SHE'S)
SEXY + 17. Next month I left the school. A few of us went to the pictures
to see the new Bond movie, we went to the record store and there was RANT
'N' RAVE. It was bought right away, I was now working, so had money!
That was it for a while, I managed to buy the first two LP's. Then while
at work it came over the radio that they were splitting up. Back in town
this day there was a copy of the KNIFE FEELS LIKE JUSTICE (Setzer solo
album) WOW! Then, in the shower one Friday night I heard "PHANTOM,
ROCKER and SLICK". After that I started collecting whatever I spotted
in magazines etc.
Then
came the news that Jim, Brian and Lee were getting back together, great!
They were to tour Britain; and Glasgow was listed. So me and a mate went
to Glasgow to see THE STRAY CATS! Got a B&B 5 mins away, got there
early, 6 people in the queue, we all chatted 'til the doors opened, got
2 t-shirts, 1 sweatshirt, and raced into the hall. There in front of me
was Jim's drum kit, it blew me away, and I couldn't believe I was at a
STRAY CATS gig!
The show started off, I was in heaven, then I felt something tugging at
my bum, I looked down, there was a girl getting trampled on. I got the
attention of the 2 bouncers; I pushed against the barrier with all my
might. I got the girl half way up. There was a lot of pushing; I was flattened
against the barrier. 2nd attempt we got her out! 3 songs later I passed
out myself! I saw the rest of the show from the back, I reckon I'd used
too much effort to help push this girl out.
I hung around for ages to see if I could meet them. The bouncer that helped
me spotted me and called me over, they were packing up the band's gear.
He gave me Jim's drum sticks (spare ones) and I got 2 of Brian's guitar
picks. I have up 'til now seen the CATS 7 times. Wish it was more! I have
also seen BSO once and 68CBS once.
Then
last year (2003) I heard Jim was in the group DEAD MEN WALKING, they did
a short tour and then later did a big tour which would see them play Aberdeen.
I got there and stood under Jim's drum. I had a STRAY CATS t-shirt on.
I kept shouting at Jim and he seemed to be ignoring me, this went on 'til
the end (they played 2 halves). I thought that Jim was immense, he was
the star of the show!
After getting no eye contact, I was getting hurt as I thought my chances
of meeting a member of THE STRAY CATS was not going to happen. Anyhow
the gig ended with 2 extra songs. Jim then came round his drum kit and
passed, YES, PASSED one of his sticks down to me! I was gob-smacked!!!
He tossed the other stick into the crowd.
I then hung about to see if Jim would come out. I stood at the top of
the stairs, they would be coming up the way. I saw Jim's shoes I said
YES to myself. So after 23 years I finally met a STRAY CAT. I thanked
Jim for the stick, he signed the CD I bought and posed for 2 photos! I
hung about for as long as possible, just to be in the company of one SLIM
JIM PHANTOM! WOW! Mark