Party Tonight - The Yard Animals

[Frank53]

This was kind of an odd song for me, but it might work as an Alter Ego submission...

The year was 1963. Two iconic bands made their debut - The Yardbirds and The Animals. But before they took the stage for the first time there were several days of auditions. Among the participants were four unknown musicians, who set out on long journeys to give it their best shot. Rob Banks and Doug Graves of the local Portsmouth scene, loaded up their car and headed north to Newcastle, to compete for positions with the Animals. Meanwhile, Pete Moss and Tim Burr headed off from their hometown of York, to land jobs with the Yardbirds in London.

Unfortunately, Pete and Tim only got as far as Leicester, when their vehicle broke down, and they were forced to stay overnight at the Bull & Parrot until repairs could be made. As luck would have it, there was a fierce rain storm that night, and Rob and Doug failed to negotiate a turn, and slid off the road, into a ditch, breaking an axle in (you guessed it) Leicester. By pure chance, the only place with an available room was the same Bull & Parrot that Pete and Tim checked into. The four met at dinner that night, and struck up a conversation. All were disappointed that they had missed their respective auditions, but they decided to make the most of it, and asked the proprietor if they could play a few tunes, to help defray the cost of their rooms.

The crowd loved their impromptu performance, and after playing several songs that they knew in common, they were approached by a man in a jacket and tie. He introduced himself as none other than George Martin. One thing led to another, and a few days later they had a manager, and were in a recording studio with Martin.

After recording a number of killer tracks, their manager Xavier Money, enticed them into playing a major show at the Royal Albert Hall. They were hesitant, as they were new at this, and it was a big step. But Money insisted it would be their big break, and would be a huge payday. The show was a smash! There were rave reviews. But when they went to see Xavier Money the next day, his flat was empty. It seems he had taken them for every penny, and disappeared, never to be found. Rob, Doug, Pete, and Tim were forced to sell their equipment for food and shelter. They never played again. Their once promising career was over before it began. This song is the only surviving record of their existence.

(Thanks to Farrell Jackson on harp...)

[Hilary]

Fantastic, I really enjoyed this!

[Ferryman_1957]

Wow, those boys could rock and write some killer riffs! This must have been one of those killer tracks, I love the rocking groove and punchy sound. And the harp is an excellent touch as well, adds even more edge to the killer sound. Has Farrell ever been to Leicester?

Loved the back story as well. A lesson to us all.

[AndyR]

Oh yes, this captures the vibe perfectly.

And cool harp playing from FJ

[Greeny]

Great British R&B sound and vibe. The bass is so dirty and good. Very catchy stuff and superbly performed. The harp is a very nice cherry on the cake.

A sad story of near-fame, but those boys can rock!

[Redler]

Captivating riffs and a real toe tapper song! Everything works fine here and Farrell's harp sounds amazing!

[TPB]

Really liked this and as a harp player it was a nice addition too
Well done to all
Tim

[kenny mac]

Damn that Xavier Money,he robbed us of a great band.
Fantastic sound, cool harp.
Great vibe.

Well done to all.

[thetworegs]

Works a treat loving that harp

[Flash Harry]

This has to be a bootleg, clearly live, and a young Farrell, long hair sticking to the sweat on his face blowing like a catholic..

Mean bass and utterly late 60's - such a good recording, amazing it has lasted so long in this condition.

We was robbed!!!