If snowing in April isn't bad enough, the snow just had to pick Sunday 6th April to descend upon us! If ever there was a day to stay at home, cuddled up on the sofa with a cup of hot chocolate this should have been it, but no amount of wind, rain, sleet or snow was going to keep us away from Herne Bay - Ben and his band were playing live and there was no way we were going to miss it!
It was a return visit to the Kings Hall following a fantastic gig last August and you could sense the excitement in the air as we took our seats. Any thoughts of the bitterly cold winter weather outside disappeared when the lights dimmed and guitarist David Gwilliam came out onto the stage to introduce the opening act of the night.
Hannah Fernie is a singer/songwriter from Kent who treated us to a number of her own compositions, including "Always" and "Afternoon Tea". With her beautifully soft voice she reminded me very much of American singer Jewel and I found myself slightly disappointed as her set came to an end. Hannah has a selection of her songs online on MySpace. Please do take some time to check her out - she's definitely worth it.
Hannah's set finishing signaled the onset of the main reason we were there, and with it came that feeling of anticipation and the butterflies in the stomach which always appear at the precise moment the band steps out on stage. As Forest Gump says about a box of chocolates - you honestly never know what you're going to get with Ben and that's what makes his gigs so exciting!
Their set began with the always popular "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", followed by "Handbags & Gladrags" and then Ben's own "Nothing But The Truth". This is such a beautiful song, the lyrics really telling the story behind it. Back to the covers next with a Rod Stewart song - "The First Cut Is The Deepest". Now I know I'm just a tiny bit biased but, as with "Handbags & Gladrags", Ben's version is so much better! That sexy raspiness in his voice draws you in and leaves your entire body tingling and craving for more.
A chance for the band to shine next as each had an opportunity to show us exactly why they were up on that stage with Ben. With David Gwilliam taking the lead on vocals they played the incredibly funky "Messin' With The Kid", with each band member taking 'centre stage' in turn - Simon Bates on saxophone, Martin Elliott on base guitar, Rick Kent on drums, Steve Higgs on lead guitar and then finally Ben on the keyboard. They had all brought with them their own individual talent for performing which, when combined, produced an absolutely amazing sound and the audience loved it.
A very special moment followed as we were treated to three of Ben's new songs - "Words", "Stay With Me Tonight" and "Freedom". Those of us lucky enough to go to the Music Room gigs last November had already had a taste of "Words" and "Freedom" but for most at the Kings Hall that night it was a first and it was so lovely to see their positive reactions to them. As for "Stay With Me Tonight", that was the first time it had ever been performed in front of an audience and I was instantly grabbed by it. It's one of those that automatically puts a smile on your face and a spring in your step - I absolutely LOVE it! It's very very difficult for me to choose a favourite Ben Mills song, but I think this just might be it.... well for the time being anyway!!
Most of the band left the stage at this point, just leaving Ben and Simon behind for the last three songs of the first half. "Smile" first, followed by "Picture Of You" with Ben on an apparently mute acoustic guitar! Sat on a stool in the middle of the stage, he picked up the guitar and strummed a few chords but nothing came through the speakers. "Oh, it doesn't work. It doesn't work!" said Ben. "That's what the volume knob's for!" replied David. Ben fiddled around with the guitar and tried again.... "It still doesn't work!" Cue David who returned to the stage, promptly 'fixed' said guitar and then gave Ben a gentle tap on the head before exiting to laughter and applause from the audience!
The last song before the break was one that Ben had written for his gorgeous dog, Bailey. Ben explained that when he moved to London he had to leave Bailey behind to be looked after by somebody else and that's what this song is about. Now I'm an absolute softy when it comes to anything to do with animals, and listening to the lyrics I had a very vivid image of a rather sad looking Bailey watching his soul mate drive off into the distance, not really understanding why or when they would be reunited. Thinking about it now I have a huge lump in my throat! Can somebody pass the tissues please......?!
The second half opened with the "Superstition/Pull Up To The Bumper" medley and it wasn't long before the rhythm got the better of us and people were up on their feet dancing. In what seemed like no time at all, the space between the stage and the front row of seats was with filled with happy, dancing Ben fans - perfect!
As well as Ben's own new songs, we were also treated to a couple of covers that we'd not heard before, the first of which was Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again" and it went down really well, as did the next song which never fails to get the crowds going, "Maggie May". It seemed that everybody from the youngest to the oldest fans knew the words to this and we were all singing along. "With A Little Help From My Friends", "Last To Fall" and "Beside You" were next, followed by the second new cover of the set, The Beatles' "Come Together". I hope, along with "Here I Go Again", this ends up as a regular on the set lists of future gigs.
Sadly we were nearing the end of the gig and down to the last few songs of the night. Another regular on the set list, "Play That Funky Music" was next and then "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing", part way through which Ben came out from behind his keyboard to sing directly to the crowd rapidly gathering at the edge of the stage. At the end of the song Ben left the band behind to carry on playing but it wasn't long before he was back for an encore - The Faces "Stay With Me".
So that was another gig over. It went far too quickly, they always do, but we had a fabulous night and one that was about more than just the music. It was in aid of a local charity that Ben is lending his support to - Demelza House, a children's residential hospice in Sittingbourne, Kent, and ticket money for this event has been donated to them.
We would like to say a huge thank you to Tony Farrow at the Kings Hall for booking Ben and his band for a return visit and also for once again giving us tickets to give away in a competition.
To Ben, David, Steve, Martin, Simon and Rick.... a MASSIVE thank you to you all for giving us such an awesome night's entertainment.
Finally an extra special thank you to Ben for stopping back for so long after to chat. We really do appreciate all the time you give to us.
Report & Photographs by Saara - Webmaster & Co-Admin
Please Note: We have some great video footage of this gig on our Video Footage page, courtesy of the lovely Jules.