Of course it is possible the band could re-unite for occasional gigs, but most would think it has run its course working a gig circuit that is mostly in decline. In drawing up some valedictory remarks the first thing I must own up to is that I was one of the founders of the band in 2002 and played right through from its first gig in 2003 through to its last gig in 2010. I can only recall one gig (Gressenall in 2009) that I didn’t play in all that time. I had a real affinity in our approach to repertoire, vocals and entertainment with founder member Dave Lemon who passed away in Summer 2009. Our other founder Dan is a lifelong multi-talented friend who I have played with in many bands since we were teenagers; and I’m sure I will play with Dan again before we get called to the big gig in the sky. My thanks go to all the other dep’ musicians who worked with us over the years; particularly Charlie Steadman and Dave Ainsworth who both helped out on bass for several gigs in the mid-years of the band and Martin Richmond on drums and vocals who kept us going for many of the gigs in the immediate aftermath of Dave’s passing. Thinking about the final line up of the band I can say I have been privileged to work with Nigel over the last few years. Apart from being a damn fine musician to play with, he is a trouper and top bloke who never lets you down. Nige always went the extra bit to keep the band on the road fulfilling its commitments in a most professional way. Nigel is very well respected and connected in the world of East Anglian music. He sourced all 8 drummers we worked with after the trauma of Dave’s passing and sourced many of the gigs we enjoyed. Since Nigel joined in 2008 we played many different types of gigs together and I can’t recall a single gig that we didn’t play well at, whatever the circumstance - even those with no audience! And, of course, I have many fond memories of those special gigs where it all worked really well. I learned a lot from Nigel: It started with attention to musical detail, it continued with repertoire selection and I certainly learned a few things about stagecraft, sound system management and audience psychology. Nige remains a valued friend and, of course, I will be up for working with him again if circumstances allow. Young Greg joined the band in its last few months and immediately surprised us with the quality of his drumming. He is very easy to get on with and I felt there was a lot of untapped performance potential in Greg - I’m sure we would have extracted it if we were continuing! Greg lifted the band emotionally in its final few months when it became clear the band had run its course – it is a pity we didn’t find him earlier. I sense Greg will move on to greater things but I would more than pleased to work with him again.
So the Foot Tappers / Sky High finished 2010 in good form and are now enjoying a well deserved rest. It may be some time before I resume the blog, so I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the blogettes and blogateers who have followed the band over the years.
And to quote from Nigel’s excellent band web site http://www.foottappers.co.uk/
“The Foot Tappers are now on extended leave but whatever happens, the web site remains as our online tribute to Dave Lemon.
Thank you ladies and gentlemen and goodnight...”
