Stark Raven

South Auckland rock band 1986-1994

L-R Barry Doar (percussion) Ken Rice (Drums & Vocals)

Ross Whitlow (Guitar & Vocals) Brian Weatherly (Guitar & Vocals)

David Austin (Bass & Vocals)

I've always said it would take something extraordinary to get me back on stage again and well, it happened. In mid May 2006 I got a phone call out-of-the-blue from Brian Weatherly inviting me to join him for a one-off gig. It was part of a scheme called "The Weekend Warriors" put together by the MusicWorks chain of shops. You enter your name and the shop puts together bands, organising practice facilities, a mentor and a venue to play after allowing 6 weeks for the bands to get it together. The scheme is aimed at either semi-retired musicians or those who have never played live before.

The band were at a loose end for a bass player, up to this point they had been using their mentor, Steve as a stop gap and that's where I came in. I said yes without a second's hesitation after all, I last played live with Brian in 1991 and hadn't seen him since 1994. Besides that, I figured this was the closest you'll ever get to a Stark Raven reunion.

The setlist was as follows:

(with lead vocalist in brackets)

1. Memphis Tennessee (David)
2. Peggy Sue (Ross)
3. Bad Moon Rising (David)
4. Honey Don't (Ross)
5. Love Potion #9 (Brian)
6. We Gotta Get Out Of This Place (Ken)
7. Wild Thing (Brian)
8. What I'd Say (Ross)
9. Johnny B Goode (Brian & David)

So on Sunday June 18th 2006 Ironic took the stage at The Bluestone Room in Auckland in front of a pretty large and enthusiastic crowd. Things went great, the band all rose to the occasion and the crowd responded accordingly, some even got up and danced. I may be biased but I thought we were the best band on the night.

For me, the highlights were Brian's rip-roaring rendition of "Wild Thing" which rocked out better than any old Stark Raven version. Then of course our old favourite "Johnny B Goode" which would have brought back memories of long ago nights at Shadows Bar and The Papatoetoe Soccer Club for the old rent-a-crowd (who arrived just in time). All in all an unforgettable experience. A big thanks to Barry, Ken & Ross and a special thank you to Brian for thinking of me. You guys were brilliant !!!!!!!

What happens after this ? Well, wait and see. Brian and I will certainly be working together again in the future, although exactly what we'll be doing remains to be seen...........

(Update)

The band played several more gigs with varying lineups (with me now on guitar). To reflect the change we performed under the name "Too Ironic"...............

Too Ironic perform Mr X at Toto. December 3rd 2006

Brian left soon after due to work commitments overseas but did drop in to make a guest appearence...........

Too Ironic - Johnny B Goode at The Playhouse July 29th 2007

 

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