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Last night I was invited by some ‘old hippie' friends to go and see Del Bronham’s Stray at the Half Moon in Dulwich.  I vaguely remembered the name Stray from the 1970’s, but couldn’t recall any of the music or band members (bells only rang when somebody talked about Steve Gadd one of the ex originals). I also wondered whether Fossil, Big Dog, Mike, GG and Nick would remember them.

Knowing my friend’s taste in music, I was a little sceptical, expecting to see some boring old farts, wearing 70’s gear and churning out crap hard rock/metal (I’m afraid Guns ‘n’ Roses and the ilk spoilt hard/heavy/metal/'whatever you want to call it' rock for me and prefer a psychedelic theme).

However, I was very pleasantly surprised.  After warming up with an acoustic set, Del was joined by his band to form a power house rock trio (in the old style like, Cream and The J H Experience). We were dazzled by some of the most awesome guitar playing I’ve ever heard, which was accompanied by a very tight rhythm section.  This was how heavy rock should be played and several times my jaw dropped in amazement.

How could a guitarist of this calibre go by unnoticed, I thought. Like his Del's website says (and I quote), why did he slip through the net? 



Stray are touring the UK right now (see link below for venues and dates).  If you get the chance, then go and see them.  You won’t be disappointed.

www.stray-the-band.co.uk/news.htm

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On another note, the Half Moon is a fantastic venue.  A real pub with all the original fittings still in place and a private little snug bar to boot.  I liked the friendly mixed age crowd and it was interesting to spot 4 teenaged lads with long hair sitting very quietly in awe to the left of the stage.  Guessed that they were a young band on a fact finding mission and I just couldn’t resist taking a photo of them.  Do they remind you of anyone? 

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Sounds like you had a great night Sue.

Great band, saw them supporting TAPFS last year at the Cambridge Rock Festival!

Here's the 2008 line up
www.rockinbeerfest.co.uk/#/crf08lineup/4527438120

...and the 2007 flyer/poster showing Stray in the line up.
www.rockinbeerfest.co.uk/#/flyersandposters/4512304769

Great little festival, nice to meet up with Nick & Averil there last year.

Another good band supporting the Aussies were Welsh rockers 'Man'. Had not seen these since 1976, a great set. The guy playing the SG and singing in this clip is the son of former member Mickey Jones, using his Dad's guitar, that was on the front cover of their epic 1975 live album 'Maximum Darkness'.
www.rockinbeerfest.co.uk/#/manliveatcrf07/4526576992

My memory is so bad I don't even remember seeing them at the Cambridge Rock Festival last year. Silly old duffer.

Well I'm glad somebody remembers them Andy 

I remember Man as well and have Maximum Darkness on vinyl.  Those were the days  ;D

Heard a lot about the Cambridge Festival.  In fact we were talking about it on Saturday.  Thanks for the link.

Did anyone spot the likeness in those boys ... JPJ, Bonzo, Rubber Plant and Jimmy Page 

Did Stray play After The Storm ? My favourite track. Wonderful guitar work. Ive not seen the band for years.
          Strange to have mention of Man on the same thread ? Mrs bigdog and I were listening to Whinows, Rhinos and Lunatics  only last Sunday afternoon ?? ;D