.:   NEWS ARCHIVES  2004 - 2008   Weller, CRUSH UK, KatZ Update December 2008 From yours truly, 'Marv' @ mwcweller@googlemail.com I don't use my yahoo address any longer!   Hello for the final time in 2008, well unless there is anything I have forgotten or chchchchanges…to the agenda :) Despite the seasonal coughs and colds we've enjoyed another terrific month of live music and we are ready to roll through December and into 2009. Once again we are most grateful to those of you who have booked us for private parties (carols/Christmas songs optional :)) and for suggesting venues, getting us contact numbers and even nagging the guvnors to give us a whirl, your support really is vital, so thank you. We hope you won't forget to come along to a show or three this month and indeed January when despite the KatZ taking their annual break, CRUSH UK and Weller will be keeping the rock rolling.   Your reviews There is nothing like personal recommendation. We hear, first and second hand, some really positive comments about the songs we play, our performances, the fun you (and we) have and so on, which we really love to know. If you would like to take it a step further and make your thoughts public on the CRUSH UK message board or on Lemonrock.com review section (or anywhere else come to that) that would be fantastic. People who read reviews are often moved to come and check us out! We know because they tell us. Nothing too sycophantic you understand :)   Northern Ireland and Jersey/Guernsey 2009 No joy so far despite initial enthusiasm (on our part) and some warm leads, so if you have any local knowledge regarding venues in any of these places please do let us know and we'll chase 'em up.   OK, here's the menu for the next few weeks: BobKatZ Friday 5th December DRAKES Fore Street, Topsham, Devon EX3 0HF - 01392 879898 9.15pm – 11.30pm Over 18s BobKatZ Saturday 6th December VINTAGE 24 Fore Street, Wellington, Somerset TA21 8AQ - 01823 662369 9.30pm – 11.30pm Over 18s BobKatZ Sunday 7th December FIRST & LAST 10 Church Street, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1PT - 01395 263275 5pm - 7pm BING HOBSON & DALWISH CHORAL SOCIETY – Performing Vivaldi's Gloria + Christmas carols Wednesday 10th December ST GREGORY'S CHURCH Church Street, Dawlish, Devon EX7 7.30pm Admission: £6 on the door All ages MARTIN WELLER Friday 12th December DOLPHIN HOTEL Fore Street, Beer, Devon EX12 3EQ - 01297 20068 9pm - 11pm CRUSH UK Saturday 13th December RAILWAY CLUB, Beacon Lane, Exeter, Devon EX4 7JF - 01392 204101 9pm - 11pm Non-members very welcome Admission £3 Kids with parent/guardian welcome CRUSH UK Sunday 14th December PHOENIX 31 Exmouth Road, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1PT - 01395 269113 7.30pm - 9.30pm Over 18s BobKatZ Friday 19th December KINGS ARMS Regent Street, Teignmouth, Devon TQ14 8SU - 01626 775268 9.15pm – 11.30pm BobKatZ Saturday 20th December CRAWFORD HOTEL 107 Alphington Road, Exeter, Devon EX2 8JD - 01392 668008 9.15pm – 11.30pm MARTIN WELLER – Hosting a seasonally themed open mic night including performances by: Josie Lloyd, Jeff Lewis, Francine Tullis, Nicola Howard and more. Monday 22nd December FAMOUS OLD BARREL Princess Street, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1JA - 01395 276650 8pm – 11pm Over 18s BobKatZ Friday 26th December NEW QUAY INN Newquay Street, Teignmouth, Devon TQ14 8DA - 01626 774145 9.15pm – 11.30pm Over 18s BobKatZ Saturday 27th December LANSDOWNE 8 Park Road, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9LQ - 01626 863201 9.45pm – Midnight Over 18s BobKatZ Sunday 28th December PHOENIX 31 Exmouth Road, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1PT - 01395 269113 7.30pm – 9.30pm Over 18s CRUSH UK Wednesday 31st December MARINE TAVERN 2 Marine Parade, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9DJ - 01626 865245 10pm – 12.30am Kids with parent/guardian welcome Happy New Year!!! January 2009 CRUSH UK Friday 9th January LANSDOWNE 8 Park Road, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9LQ - 01626 863201 9.45pm – Midnight Over 18s CRUSH UK Saturday 10th January CROWN INN 59 West Bay Road, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4AX - 01308 422037 9.30pm – 11.30pm MARTIN WELLER Friday 16th January WHITE LION 26 High St, Bradninch, Exeter, Devon EX5 4QL - 01392 881263 9.30pm – 11.30pm Over 18s MARTIN WELLER Friday 23rd January KING ARTHUR 31-33 Benedict Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9NB - 01458 831442 9pm – 11pm Over 18s   Admission to all shows is free unless stated – please phone the venue for confirmation and age restrictions where not stated before travelling.   Don't forget you can listen to some of our songs, buy our CDs, or individual tracks at very attractive prices, check our pictures and watch videos at www.crushuk.com   Download of the month The download from Quiddity this month is 'Absolutely nothing' a kind of Stonesy meets New York Dolls ditty. We likes it my precioussss :) And to go with here's our version of Zep's 'Thank you' cos we is so versatile – it's absolutely free with Absolutely Nothing! Plus!!! - Dave Dudley's most excellent version of Tommy Steele's 'Little white bull'. Enjoy.   House parties If you want us at your party or affair we would be happy to oblige – song requests always welcome. We can do: solo, duo, trio, four or five piece, electric, or acoustic. Whatever YOU want. Live home entertainment is an excellent way of having fun with your friends and family at a reasonable price, (particularly for those of you on our mailing list!) and you get to join in if you fancy it! You could have your own backing band for the night too – imagine ;) Any questions just let me know – mwcweller@googlemail.com   Have a peaceful December and a fabulous New Year.   OK that's it. Come and join Weller on Myspace or Facebook. It's all good fun! We hope to see you out and about. M x Here's where it's all kept up to date.... www.crushuk.com www.myspace.com/martinweller www.lemonrock.com/martinweller www.lemonrock.com/bobkatz www.lots2do.co.uk     Weller, CRUSH UK, KatZ Update November 2008 Hello and please accept our sincere thanks for your terrific support through October and the beginning of this month – sorry this update is a bit late! We've had a lot of fun and the vibrations were all good :) The BobKatZ set is on fire right now and CRUSH UK have added new songs to their 'incredible' repertoire, so no boredom here. Our latest and greatest 'Never miss a beat' by the wonderful Kaiser Chiefs is a right old barnstormer. A whole raft of original CRUSH UK/Weller songs are about to be given a life and a new record will be emerging late in 2009, our tenth anniversary!! More on that to come…. We have already booked dozens of shows next year and the trip to Jersey (Channel Islands) is looking likely – thanks Reoffenders ;) Northern Ireland is still in abeyance, but we will persevere. The best news of all is that we are scheduled (say it how you like) to return to Oregon, August 2010 for the festival season and to hit our regular joints too. What a life! We are also most grateful to those of you who have been suggesting venues, getting us contact numbers and even nagging the guvnors to give us a whirl. Your support really gives us a boost, so please keep it coming.   We know minds will be elsewhere soon, so while we have your attention (hopefully) here's the menu for November and December 2008   WELLER – Open mic night Monday 10th November (today) FAMOUS OLD BARREL Princess Street, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1JA - 01395 276650 8.30pm – 11pm Over 18s WELLER Thursday 13th November MARINE TAVERN 2 Marine Parade, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9DJ - 01626 865245 9pm – 11pm Kids with parent/guardian welcome BobKatZ Friday 14th November EX4 162-163 Fore Street, Exeter, Devon EX4 3AT - 01392 477787 9.15pm - 11.15pm Over 18s BobKatZ Saturday 15th November WEARY TRAVELLER Station Road, Cullompton, Devon EX15 1BQ - 01884 32317 9.30pm - 11.30pm CRUSH UK Friday 21st November FAMOUS OLD BARREL Princess Street, Exmouth, Devon EX8 - 01395 276650 9pm - 11pm Over 18s CRUSH UK Saturday 22nd November LANSDOWNE 8 Park Road, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9LQ - 01626 863201 9.45pm – Midnight Over 18s CRUSH UK Sunday 23rd November FIRST & LAST 10 Church St, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1PE - 01395 263275 5pm – 7pm BobKatZ Friday 28th November SADDLERS ARMS Exmouth Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5LS - 01395 272798 9.15pm – 11.30pm Kids with parent/guardian welcome BobKatZ Saturday 29th November BLACK HORSE Longbrook Street, Exeter, Devon EX4 6AB - 01392 257974 9.30pm – 11.30pm Over 18s BobKatZ Friday 5th December DRAKES Fore Street, Topsham, Devon EX3 0HF - 01392 879898 9.15pm – 11.30pm Over 18s BobKatZ Saturday 6th December VINTAGE 24 Fore Street, Wellington, Somerset TA21 8AQ - 01823 662369 9.30pm – 11.30pm Over 18s BobKatZ Sunday 7th December FIRST & LAST 10 Church Street, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1PT - 01395 263275 5pm – 7pm Friday 12th December - TBC   CRUSH UK Saturday 13th December RAILWAY CLUB, Beacon Lane, Exeter, Devon EX4 7JF - 01392 204101 9pm – 11pm Non-members very welcome Admission £3 Kids with parent/guardian welcome CRUSH UK Sunday 14th December PHOENIX 31 Exmouth Road, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1PT - 01395 269113 7.30pm – 9.30pm Friday 19th December - TBC BobKatZ Saturday 20th December CRAWFORD HOTEL 107 Alphington Road, Exeter, Devon EX2 8JD - 01392 668008 9.15pm – 11.30pm BobKatZ Friday 26th December NEW QUAY INN Newquay Street, Teignmouth, Devon TQ14 8DA - 01626 774145 9.15pm – 11.30pm Over 18s BobKatZ Saturday 27th December LANSDOWNE 8 Park Road, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9LQ - 01626 863201 9.45pm – Midnight Over 18s BobKatZ Sunday 28th December PHOENIX 31 Exmouth Road, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1PT - 01395 269113 7.30pm – 9.30pm Over 18s CRUSH UK Wednesday 31st December MARINE TAVERN 2 Marine Parade, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9DJ - 01626 865245 10pm – 12.30am Kids with parent/guardian welcome Admission to all shows is free unless stated – please phone the venue for confirmation and age restrictions where not stated before travelling.   Don't forget you can listen to our tracks, check out pictures and watch videos at www.crushuk.com   Download of the month The download from Quiddity this month is 'Absolutely nothing' a kind of Stonesy meets New York Dolls ditty. We likes it :) And to go with here's our version of Zep's 'Thank you' cos we is so versatile – it's absolutely free with Absolutely Nothing!   House parties We ain't joking. If you want us at your party or affair we would be happy to oblige. Live home entertainment is an excellent way of having fun with your friends and family at a reasonable price and you get to join in if you want to! Any questions, just let me know.   OK that's it. Come and join Weller on Myspace or Facebook. It's all good fun! We hope to see you out and about. M x Here's where it's all kept up to date.... www.crushuk.com www.myspace.com/martinweller www.lemonrock.com/martinweller www.lemonrock.com/bobkatz www.lots2do.co.uk     Weller, CRUSH UK, BobKatZ Update October 2008 Hello again I hope September was good for you. We've had a fun month with family and friends, plus the BobKatZ adding five 'new' songs to the set with another two waiting in the wings. We change the set list around regularly to stave off the boredom, but it is always energising to introduce more material to the show. Although we might be in danger of becoming 'The Reoffenders' mixed with 'Diamond Dogz' we do love to mix punk and glam, so be warned! Needless to say CRUSH UK and Weller are always messing with songs and genres, but our regular fans have come to expect surprises and it would be a shame to disappoint eh? Although last month was less busy than August on the gig front Nick and I have been on the blower trying to sort out next year's roster. Before we get ahead of ourselves, we have a few gaps in the schedule for the rest of this year as follows: Saturday 11th October - KatZ or Weller Saturday 1st November - CRUSH UK or Weller Saturday 8th November – KatZ or Weller Friday 21st November - CRUSH UK or Weller Friday 12th December - CRUSH UK or Weller Friday 19th December – KatZ or Weller If you would like to book us or suggest a venue that is looking for bands, then we would be pleased to hear from you. I am also currently investigating cruise ship work, a tour of Northern Ireland, some London shows to mark CRUSH UK's forthcoming 10th anniversary and considering when to return to the USA and other parts of Europe.   But while the dreams are forming, here is the 'harsh' reality :-)   Menu for October 2008 WELLER - Friday 3rd October @ KING ARTHUR, 31-33 Benedict Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9NB - 01458 831442 - 9pm – Over 18s BobKatZ - Saturday 4th October @ SHIP HOTEL, High St, Crediton, Devon EX17 3LQ - 01363 777873 - 9pm – Over 18s WELLER - Thursday 9th October @ BAR 7, Royal Seven Stars Hotel, The Plains, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5DD - 01803 862125 - 8.30pm – Over 18s BobKatZ - Friday 10th October @ WHITE LION, 26 High St, Bradninch, Exeter, Devon EX5 4QL - 01392 881263 - 9.30pm – Over 18s BobKatZ - Sunday 12th October @ FIRST & LAST, 10 Church Street, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1PT - 01395 263275 - 5pm – Over 18s WELLER - Thursday 16th October @ ANCHOR INN, Cockwood, Devon EX6 8RA - 01626 890203 - 9.15pm – Kids with parent or guardian welcome BobKatZ - Friday 17th October @ SADDLERS ARMS, Exmouth Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5LS - 01395 272798 - 9.15pm - Kids with parent or guardian welcome BobKatZ - Saturday 18th October @ LONGBROOK, Cowick Street, St Thomas, Exeter, Devon EX4 1DG - 01392 257036 - 9pm – Over 18s BobKatZ - Friday 24th October @ RAILWAYMAN, 270 Pinhoe Road, Polsloe Bridge, Exeter, Devon EX4 7JQ 01392 274473 - 9pm – Over 18s BobKatZ - Saturday 25th October @ GLOBE INN, 39 Clifton Road, Exeter, Devon EX1 2BL - 01392 256491 - 9pm – Over 18s CRUSH UK - Friday 31st October @ SADDLERS ARMS, Exmouth Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5LS - 01395 272798 - 9.15pm - Kids with parent or guardian welcome Admission to all shows is free unless stated Thank you for your continued support.   Other news   2009 dates - Although we have started booking for next year, we are always keen to hear from you if you have an event that you would like us to perform at, or would like to suggest festivals, venues, etc.   ++ A special mention and all our love to Phil & Lesley in Pacific City.   Come and join Weller on Myspace or Facebook. It's all good fun! OK that's it. We hope to see you out and about. M x Here's where it's all kept up to date.... www.crushuk.com www.myspace.com/martinweller www.lemonrock.com/martinweller www.lemonrock.com/bobkatz www.lots2do.co.uk       CRUSH UK, BobKatZ, Weller Update September 2008 Hello Here's hoping you are well and happy. August was busy, varied and exhausting - mostly in a good way ;) The BobKatZ worked their little socks off and CRUSH UK ended the month in style "You guys rock. You're awesome". :)   Some highlights: Dudley's special performance with the BobKatZ in honour of Leslie (our webmeister's) visit to these shores, Weller's performance in the beautiful surroundings of Mamhead House, Bing singing with the BobKatZ for her mum's entertainment and delight, Two great shows at the First & Last, Exmouth, watching and feeling the Red Arrows et al from the Cleggie's back garden, catching up with old mates before they head off back to Africa, seeing our respective progeny, a command performance on Dawlish Bandstand - "a long standing ambition" and finally getting Crush HQ back to ourselves for a while at least. :) September started less well with show cancellations being the main issue. Piss ups and breweries come to mind regarding the business of music. Let us not dwell on the negative, but see these challenges as new opportunities right? However, a ray of sunshine is that 'Quiddity' has received a review our gig bible 'Scrumpy & Western', so do pick up a copy, or check it out on line www.scrumpyandwestern.co.uk   On with the shows….. August was our busiest month of 2008, conversely September is not, but quality over quantity eh? and we need your support as much as ever, so we hope you can get along to a show or two…..   Here's the menu for September 2008 BobKatZ Friday 5th September NEW QUAY INN Teignmouth, Devon TQ14 8DA - 01626 774145 9.15pm Over 18s BobKatZ Saturday 6th September RAILWAY CLUB Beacon Lane, Exeter, Devon EX4 7JF - 01392 204101 9pm Kids with parent/guardian welcome Admission £5 non members £2 members Cheap drinks and a great atmosphere! BobKatZ Friday 12th September DRAKES Fore Street, Topsham, Devon EX3 0HF - 01392 879898 9.15pm Over 18s BobKatZ Saturday 13th September HEART OF OAK 34 Main Rd, Pinhoe, Exeter, Devon EX4 8HS - 01392 467329 9pm Over 18s BobKatZ Sunday 14th September PHOENIX Exeter Road, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1PT - 01395 269113 7pm Over 18s CRUSH UK Saturday 20th September GLOBE The Strand, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5EY - 01395 263166 9pm Over 18s BobKatZ Friday 26th September PEN AND QUILL Westbourne Terrace, Shuttern, Taunton, Somerset TA1 4ET - 01823 256982 9.15pm Over 18s Admission to all shows is free unless stated Thank you for your continued support.   Other news · Available 2008 dates Before we get ahead of ourselves, there are number of dates remaining in this Gregorian calendar. Any ideas of venues, or private bookings, etc will be gratefully received and considered. We're free currently on: CRUSH UK - Friday 19th September CRUSH UK or Weller - Saturday 11th October CRUSH UK - Thursday 30th October CRUSH UK or Weller - Saturday 1st November CRUSH UK or Weller - Friday 12th December CRUSH UK or Weller - Saturday 13th December Weller - Friday 19th December CRUSH UK - Wednesday 31st December - NYE   · 2009 dates Now thinking ahead we've started booking for next year, so if you have an event that you would like us to perform at then please get in touch. · CRUSH UK alumni Bing and Sara have joined CRUSH UK and Weller regularly on stage recently to great acclaim. With this added dimension we are keen to explore a range of new ideas for songs to perform from here on in. Expect surprises :) · CRUSH UK downloads Available for one more month….. 'Mystery' is our second single lifted from 'Quiddity'. For a meagre financial outlay you get a cracking original from CRUSH UK and a cover of CRUSH UK's version of Brain Protheroe's 'Pinball' and Dave Dudley's 'Je ne sais pas' into the bargain. The songs are hosted at http://www.crushuk.com/store/   · 'Quiddity' and other classics 'Quiddity' and other classic CRUSH UK albums are available to buy from http://www.crushuk.com/store.html http://www.crushuk.com/store/ CDs or individual tracks are easy to purchase, so go on treat yourself. :) You can listen to excerpts before you buy too! 'Quiddity' is available for hire in Devon (England) libraries. Find and reserve it here - http://www.devon.gov.uk/community/libraries.htm Plus - Dudley is giving away CDs comprising his 'own' mashed up versions of originals, Weller songs and other tunes by, well all and sundry really. Just contact Dave at yhaalhouse@hotmail.com for your copy[s].   · Having a 'bit of a do'? We are always delighted to receive requests to play weddings, birthdays and house parties. We are up for playing in your front/sitting/drawing rooms, garden, gazebo, grotto, marquee, wherever. We love a challenge; so do get in touch if you want a class act at your bash. We play smoking or non-smoking venues for folks who are doing it for themselves at home. Don't worry about volume cos we can keep it right down, or play acoustically [or not]. – Our new band 'UK lele' anyone?   · Congratulations To 'Stillyano' one of our contemporaries who were victorious at the battle of the bands in Exeter on August bank holiday Sunday http://www.myspace.com/stillyano and… · Good luck To the 'Quails' who launch their debut album this month at the Half Moon in Putney. - www.myspace.com/thequailsband   Wanna know what songs we play and more about CRUSH UK, Weller & the KatZ? Check our set list and other information @ http://www.crushuk.com/about.html Come and join Weller on Myspace or Facebook. It's all good fun!   OK that's it. We hope to see you out and about.   M x Here's where it's all kept up to date.... www.crushuk.com www.myspace.com/martinweller www.lemonrock.com/martinweller www.lemonrock.com/bobkatz www.lots2do.co.uk         CRUSH UK back down to earth Update August 2008 And we're back - What do you mean you didn't miss us? CRUSH UK flew out to Oregon on July 21st 08 and had a blast on our fourth trip to West coast USA. If you are keen to know the details, then check our message board http://www.eboards4all.com/066344/index.html - more will be added as the memories return :) As predicted we had a great time at the shows (well mostly); hooking up with old friends and making new ones. The seven years since our last visit melted away and we do solemnly swear that (cancer, mentalism, redundancy, death, pestilence or disease not withstanding) we will not leave it that long again! In the meantime….. This month is one of our busiest of the year in the South West, so we hope you can get along to a show or two….. Here's the menu for August 2008 BobKatZ Friday 8th August TWISTED OAK Little Johns, Cross Hill, Ide, Exeter, Devon EX2 9RG - 01392 273666 9pm - 11pm Free Over 18 BobKatZ Saturday 9th August SADDLERS ARMS Exmouth Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5LS - 01395 272798 9.15pm – 11.30pm Kids with parent/guardian welcome BobKatZ Sunday 10th August FIRST & LAST 10 Church Street, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1PT - 01395 263275 5pm – 7pm Kids with parent/guardian welcome MARTIN WELLER + Bing, Sara & Radar Wednesday 13th August PAIGNTON REGATTA Paignton Seafront, Devon TQ4 6ED - 01803 525573 2pm – 3pm All ages show BobKatZ Friday 15th August FERRYBOAT Fore Street, Shaldon, Devon TQ14 0DL - 01626 872340 9pm – 11pm Kids over 14 with parent/guardian welcome BobKatZ Saturday 16th August VINTAGE High Street, Wellington, Somerset TA21 8AQ - 01823 662369 9.30pm – 11.45pm Over 18 BobKatZ Sunday 17th August MARINE TAVERN 2 Marine Parade, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9DJ - 01626 865245 9pm – 11pm Kids with parents/guardian welcome BobKatZ Friday 22nd August ZEPHYR BAR 162-163 Fore Street, Exeter, Devon EX4 3AT - 01392 477787 9.15pm – 11.30pm Over 18 BobKatZ Saturday 23rd August LANSDOWNE 8 Park Road, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9LQ - 01626 863201 9.45pm - Midnight Over 18 BobKatZ Sunday 24th August DOUBLE LOCKS Canal Banks, Exeter, Devon EX2 6LT - 01392 256947 3pm – 5pm All ages show CRUSH UK Thursday 28th August LONGBROOK Cowick Street, Exeter, Devon EX4 1DG - 01392 257036 9pm – 11pm Over 18 CRUSH UK Friday 29th August SADDLERS ARMS Exmouth Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5LS - 01395 272798 9.15pm – 11.30pm Kids with parent/guardian welcome CRUSH UK Sunday 31st August DAWLISH BANDSTAND The Lawn, Lawn Terrace, Dawlish, Devon EX7 01626 863388 1pm – 2pm All ages show CRUSH UK Sunday 31st August FIRST & LAST 10 Church St, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1PE 01395 263275 5pm – 7pm Kids with parent/guardian welcome Admission to all shows is free unless stated Thank you for your continued support.   Other news · 2009 dates We've started booking for next year, so if you have an event that you would like us to perform at then please get in touch. · Dawlish Carnival It was an honour to be asked to perform for thousands of folks at this year's Dawlish Carnival. Sadly the KatZ couldn't do it this time around, but maybe next year? · Bay FM Due to lack of sponsorship Bay FM 107.9 including Weller will not be back on the airwaves and Internet this year. All being well we'll return in May 2009. · CRUSH UK alumni Bing has joined CRUSH UK and Weller on stage recently to great acclaim. Added to the vocal talents of Sara we have a whole new range of opportunities to explore. Abba anyone? If we weren't camp enough already :) · Devon Air Ambulance Trust The KatZ got up well early to play for 100s of bikers that took part in the Devon Air ambulance fundraiser on Sunday 13th July at Exeter racecourse. The event raised £3,500 and we've been asked to do it again in 2009. · CRUSH UK downloads 'Mystery' is our second single lifted from 'Quiddity'. For a meagre financial outlay you get a cracking original from CRUSH UK and a cover of CRUSH UK's version of Brain Protheroe's 'Pinball' and Dave Dudley's 'Je ne sais pas' into the bargain. The songs are hosted at www.crushuk.com with links through to our store.   · 'Quiddity' and other classics Our latest recording, 'Quiddity' and other classic CRUSH UK albums are available to buy from http://www.crushuk.com/store.html http://www.crushuk.com/store/ CDs or individual tracks are easy to purchase, so go on treat yourself. :) You can listen to excerpts before you buy too! 'Quiddity' is available for hire in Devon (England) libraries. Find and reserve it here - http://www.devon.gov.uk/community/libraries.htm Plus - Dudley is giving away CDs comprising his 'own' mashed up versions of originals, Weller songs and other tunes by, well all and sundry really. Just contact Dave at yhaalhouse@hotmail.com  for your copy[s].   · Having a Party? We are always delighted to receive requests to play weddings, birthdays and house parties. We are up for playing in your front/sitting/drawing rooms, garden, gazebo, grotto, marquee, wherever. We love a challenge; so do get in touch if you want a class act at your bash. We play smoking or non-smoking venues for folks who are doing it for themselves at home. Don't worry about volume cos we can keep it right down, or play acoustically [or not]. – Our new band 'Uklele' anyone?     Wanna know what songs we play and more about CRUSH UK, Weller & the KatZ? Check our set list and other information @ http://www.crushuk.com/about.html Come and join Weller on Myspace or Facebook. It's all good fun!   OK that's it. We hope to see you out and about. M x Here's where it's all kept up to date.... www.crushuk.com www.myspace.com/martinweller www.lemonrock.com/martinweller www.lemonrock.com/bobkatz www.lots2do.co.uk       CRUSH UK, Weller & The BobKatZ Update July 2008 Hello and thank you for tuning into another update from CRUSH UK, Weller & 'KatZ CRUSH UK will be flying out to Oregon later this month and we are really excited about our fourth trip to the West coast. No doubt we will go on about it ad nauseam when we return, so let's just say we are looking forward to the shows; hooking up with old friends and making new ones. In the meantime, there is plenty of activity in the South West, so we hope you can get along to a show or two….. Here's the menu for July 2008 KatZ Thursday 3rd July LONGBROOK Cowick Street, St Thomas, Exeter, Devon EX4 1DG - 01392 257036 9pm - 11pm Free Over 18 KatZ Friday 4th July SADDLERS ARMS Exmouth Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5LS - 01395 272798 9.15pm - 11.30pm Free Kids with parent/guardian welcome Martin Weller feat. Bing Saturday 5th July ASHCOMBE VILLAGE CLUB FESTIVAL Ashcombe Road, Ashcombe, Devon EX7 0QD Times: 5pm - 11pm. Weller on stage at 9pm Admission: Donations to local charities All ages KatZ Sunday 6th July VINTAGE Wellington, Somerset TA21 8AQ - 01823 662369 9pm - 11pm Free Kids with parent /guardian KatZ Friday 11th July PROSPECT INN Quayside, Exeter, Devon EX2 4AN - 01392 273152 9.30pm – 11.45pm Free Over 18 KatZ Saturday 12th July GLOBE Newtown, Exeter, Devon EX1 2BL - 01392 256491 9pm – 11pm Free Over 18 KatZ Sunday 13th July EXETER RACECOURSE Kennford, Devon EX6 7XS - 01392 832599 11.30am - 12.30pm Donations to Devon Air Ambulance Charity All ages CRUSH UK Friday 18th July SADDLERS ARMS Exmouth Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5LS 01395 272798 - 9.15pm CRUSH UK Saturday 19th July LANSDOWNE 8 Park Road, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9LQ - 01626 863201 9.45pm - Midnight Free Over 18 Thank you for your continued support.   Other news   Oregon dates 2008 CRUSH UK - Thursday 24th July @ OREGON BREWFEST, McCall Water Front Park, Portland, Oregon - 2pm - http://www.oregonbrewfest.com CRUSH UK - Saturday 26th July @ SPORTSMAN'S BAR, 34975 Brooten Road, Pacific City, OR 97135, Pacific City, Oregon OR 97135 - 503-965-9991 - 8.30pm CRUSH UK - Sunday 27th July @ HORSEBRASS, 4534 SE Belmont, Portland, Oregon 97215 - (503) 232-2202 - 8.30pm CRUSH UK - Monday 28th July @ MUSIC MILLENNIUM, 3158 E. Burnside, Portland, Oregon OR 97214 - (503) 231-8926 - 6pm    Bay FM After another successful stint, Bay FM 107.9 including Weller will be back on the airwaves and internet in October 2008. The drive to attain a full time licence through local support and feedback is gathering pace so 107.9 FM and www.bayfm.co.uk could well be on air 24/7 before too long. It was a joy to host the gig guide this May and my guests were excellent. I will be inviting more local musicians to play live in the studio, promoting live music and generally talking about how to make a career in the business of music.   The lovely Bing has joined CRUSH UK on stage recently. A long time coming, it is a pleasure to enjoy the vocal talents that until now have only been on show at the Christmas carol events. Bing's current specialities are 'These boots are made for walkin' and 'Rawhide' with backing vocals on some other corkers. We look forward to more input over time.   · The 'KatZ Our shows are going great and we love playing new additions to our set. It feels fresh and exciting and we are grateful to everyone who shows up to support us.   · Clarefest, Sunday 22nd June 2008 – The best yet?? What a day! There were concerns about the weather, but the day was dry and warm and the performers outstanding. There was standing room only, [so maybe a new venue is needed in future?], but the atmosphere was amazing - a real family event. Over £2000 was raised for cancer charities: Macmillan, Hospiscare and 'Force'. Last on stage was CRUSH UK who were joined by Bing, Sara, Radar and Nick Thorman. Once again we were staggered by the response during and after the show. Clarefest really is a highlight of our schedule. This was the 9th annual event that celebrates the life of Lympstone's Clare Millington and those of us lucky enough to have survived cancer. First rate performances came from: The Slapheads, Mako, Eat the rich, Dawn Chapman, Free Spirit, The Exmouth Shantymen, Goldrush, Joyce Gang, Kate Hathaway, Paul Downes, ending up with CRUSH UK as the sun was going down. Perfect! All we needed was the sun to shine, the rest was taken care of by the real stars of Lympstone Village: Vivienne, Dave, Paul, Debbie, Terry and everyone who lent a hand. Roll on Clarefest 2009 :)   · Where's the new talent? We publish details of all sorts of shows at http://www.eboards4all.com/066344/ These include: folk clubs and open mic nights. We recommend the 'Acoustic Café' hosted at the Black Horse, Sidmouth www.theacousticcafe.co.uk   · Downloads 'Mystery' is our second single lifted from 'Quiddity'. For a meagre financial outlay you get a cracking original from CRUSH UK and a cover of CRUSH UK's version of Brain Protheroe's 'Pinball' and Dave Dudley's 'Je ne sais pas' into the bargain. The songs are hosted at www.crushuk.com with links through to our store.   · 'Quiddity' Thanks to everyone who has bought our latest opus. Quiddity and other classic CRUSH UK albums are available to buy from http://www.crushuk.com/store.html http://www.crushuk.com/store/ CDs or individual tracks are easy to purchase, so go on treat yourself. :) You can listen to excerpts before you buy too! 'Quiddity' is available for hire in Devon (England) libraries. Find and reserve it here - http://www.devon.gov.uk/community/libraries.htm Plus - Dudley is giving away CDs comprising his 'own' mashed up versions of originals, Weller songs and other tunes by, well all and sundry really. Just contact Dave at yhaalhouse@hotmail.com  for your copy[s].   · Having a Party? We are always delighted to receive requests to play weddings and birthday parties. We are also up for playing in your front/sitting/drawing rooms, garden, gazebo, grotto, marquee, wherever. We love a challenge; so do get in touch if you want a class act at your bash. We play smoking or non-smoking venues for folks who are doing it for themselves at home. Don't worry about volume cos we can keep it right down, or play acoustically [or not]. · Wanna know what songs we play and more about CRUSH UK, Weller & the KatZ? Check our set list and other information @ http://www.crushuk.com/about.html Come and join Weller on Myspace or Facebook. It's all good fun!   OK that's it. We hope to see you out and about.   M x Here's where it's all kept up to date.... www.crushuk.com www.myspace.com/martinweller www.lemonrock.com/martinweller www.lemonrock.com/bobkatz www.lots2do.co.uk www.bayfm.co.uk     CRUSH UK, Weller & The BobKatZ Update June 2008 Good day ladies and gentlemen I hope you are in fine form. Here is the latest from the world of CRUSH UK, Weller & The BobKatZ   It has been a roller coaster month. Some brilliant solo and band gigs, but unfortunately the dear old Redwing has disappeared along with Dave, Jackie and Derek. We were sad to hear the news and then wham! two more regular venues went down the tube - ouch!! But just like Tigger we bounced back and I am happy to report two weeks later the agenda is looking healthy again thanks in no small part to the success of the new look BobKatZ.   Come and join the party..... Here's the menu for the rest of May & June 2008.   CRUSH UK - Friday 30th May @ BOLTON HOTEL, New Road, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8LT - 01803 850219 - 10pm CRUSH UK - Saturday 31st May @ SADDLERS ARMS, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5LS - 01395 272798 - 9.15pm CRUSH UK - Sunday 1st June @ FIRST & LAST, 10 Church St, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1PE - 01395 263275 - 5pm BobKatZ - Friday 6th June @ DRAKES, Fore Street, Topsham, Devon EX3 0HF - 01392 879898 - 9.15pm BobKatZ - Saturday 7th June @ PEN AND QUILL, Westbourne Terrace, Taunton, Somerset TA1 4ET - 01823 256982 - 9.15pm WELLER - Sunday 8th June @ EXETER PHOENIX, Bradninch Place, Gandy Street, Exeter, Devon EX4 3LS - 01392 667080 - 12noon WELLER - Thursday 12th June @ ANCHOR, Cockwood, Devon EX6 8RA - 01626 890203 - 9.15pm CRUSH UK - Friday 13th June @ GREEN DRAGON, Combe St Nicholas, Somerset TA20 3NG - 01460 63311 - 9.15pm BobKatZ - Saturday 14th June @ SHIP HOTEL, High St, Crediton, Devon EX17 3LQ - 01363 777873 - 9pm CRUSH UK - Saturday 21st June @ LONGBROOK, Cowick Street, Exeter, Devon EX4 1DG - 01392 257036 - 9pm CRUSH UK - Sunday 22nd June @ CLAREFEST, Church Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT - 1pm - 7pm @ £6_Fundraiser for cancer charities. BobKatZ - Friday 27th June @ NEW QUAY INN, Teignmouth, Devon TQ14 8DA - 01626 774145 - 9.15pm BobKatZ - Sunday 29th June @ PHOENIX, Exeter Road, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1PT - 01395 225482 - 5pm Admission to all shows is free unless stated. Young folks are welcome at a lot of venues accompanied by a responsible adult or guardian – please phone for confirmation.   We are short of a gig on Friday 20th June, so any suggestions will be most welcome.   New shows We are delighted to be back at the First & Last, Exmouth and very pleased to have all scheduled shows at the Redwing taken over by Jo and Gary at the Saddlers Arms, Lympstone. Weller's got some exciting solo shows coming up too. It's all go, thankfully :)   The news Weller's stint on the wireless is going well and he has 3 more shows this week, so tune in if you can on 107.9 FM or www.bayfm.co.uk. This week's guests include: The Reoffenders, Katie, Jules, Exmouth Shanteymen, The Dawlish Canary, Chris Woods and many more. For more details see http://www.lemonrock.com/newsarchive.php?id=2317 Contact his nibs via e-mail – martin.weller@bayfm.co.uk or text the studio 07947 211 311 with your messages of love and support, plus requests, gig info, local news, etc. Mrs Weller's performance of Mendelssohn's 'Elijah' along with the Dawlish Choral Society was a triumph. Top quality! Rehearsals begin in September for the next piece, which will be ready for Christmas. The BobKatZ' shows as a three piece have been extremely well received. With new Jam, Damned, Undertones, Elvis Costello, Nine Below Zero and T. Rex tunes in the set it feels so fresh and exciting. Thanks to everyone who has kept the faith. Clarefest, Sunday 22nd June 2008. We are delighted to be invited for the eighth year in a row to perform at the festival dedicated to the memory of Clare Millington. The full line up has yet to be confirmed, but CRUSH UK will be joined by Radar, Nick Thorman and who knows who else? plus 'The Shanteymen' and the hugely popular Paul Downes. It will be a riot. The event starts around 1pm with music, fun and fundraising til 7.30pm. The admission donation of £6 (pay on entry) will be distributed between Macmillan, Hospiscare and the 'Force' cancer charity. Happening this year on Sunday June 22nd at: West Wing, Varnes, Church Road (opposite the closed Redwing), Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT   Where's the new talent? We publish details of all sorts of shows at http://www.eboards4all.com/066344/ These include: folk clubs and open mic nights. We recommend the 'Acoustic Café' hosted at the Black Horse, Sidmouth. Weller can vouch for the quality of Ian's shows and the talent offered. The next show is this Sunday 1st June, so check out the website for how to get involved or where to go and how to get there. Tell 'em Weller sent you - www.theacousticcafe.co.uk   Downloads 'Outrageous' is our first single lifted from 'Quiddity'. For a meagre financial outlay you get a cracking original from CRUSH UK and a cover of 'Gary Gilmore's eyes' into the bargain. The songs are hosted at www.crushuk.com with links through to our store. - There will be two 'new' songs up for grabs in July.   'Quiddity' Thanks to everyone who has bought our latest opus. Quiddity and other classic CRUSH UK albums are available to buy from http://www.crushuk.com/store.html http://www.crushuk.com/store/ CDs or individual tracks are easy to purchase, so go on treat yourself. :) You can listen to excerpts before you buy too! 'Quiddity' is available for hire in Devon (England) libraries. Find and reserve it here - http://www.devon.gov.uk/community/libraries.htm Plus - Dudley is giving away CDs comprising his 'own' mashed up versions of originals, Weller songs and other tunes by, well all and sundry really. Just contact Dave at yhaalhouse@hotmail.com for your copy[s].   US dates 2008 CRUSH UK fly into Portland, Oregon on Monday 21st July 2008. The live schedule is developing and we are keen to hear from Portland bands, or artistes that would like us to support them at their shows. The story so far: CRUSH UK - Thursday 24th July @ OREGON BREWFEST, McCall Water Front Park, Portland, Oregon - 2pm - http://www.oregonbrewfest.com CRUSH UK - Saturday 26th July @ SPORTSMAN'S BAR, 34975 Brooten Road, Pacific City, OR 97135, Pacific City, Oregon OR 97135 - 503-965-9991 - 8.30pm CRUSH UK - Sunday 27th July @ HORSEBRASS, 4534 SE Belmont, Portland, Oregon 97215 - (503) 232-2202 - 8.30pm We aim to fill the other days with an in store show at Music Millennium, Portland and hope to hook up with old friends Slackjaw for a gig or two.   Having a Party? We are delighted to receive requests to play weddings and birthday parties. We are also up for playing in your front/sitting/drawing rooms, garden, gazebo, grotto, marquee, wherever. We love a challenge; so do get in touch if you want a class act at your bash. We play smoking or non-smoking venues and seeing as you can't puff in the bar anymore, folks are doing it for themselves at home and we are more than happy to oblige. Don't worry about volume cos we can keep it right down, or play acoustically [or not]. Wanna know what songs we play and more about CRUSH UK? Check our set list and other information @ http://www.crushuk.com/about.html   Questions & Answers Leslie is adding your questions and our answers, so do drop by and check it out and ask away. http://www.crushuk.com/about.html   The message board could always use more action! Go to www.crushuk.com and click on message board to add your views, news and reviews.   OK that's it. We hope to see you out and about. M x Here's where it's all kept up to date.... www.crushuk.com www.myspace.com/martinweller www.lemonrock.com/martinweller www.lemonrock.com/bobkatz www.lots2do.co.uk www.bayfm.co.uk     CRUSH UK, Weller & BobKatZ Update May 2008 Hello again and a warm welcome to the world of CRUSH UK, Weller & The BobKatZ April was mad, May is looking hectic. Bring it on! So, what's happening? In brief   Any relation? Weller's solo shows @ FAT JAX, Exmouth and KING ARTHUR, Glastonbury were moderately successful. News of his songwriter prowess and voucher award obviously hadn't spread that far and wide, but 'ole big 'ead' loved it anyway. The boy seems to be more confident on his own and the precious few folks in the audiences appreciated his efforts, so that's nice.   Mrs Weller's gig The talented and long suffering Mrs Weller aka 'Tenor Lady', or Bing to most of you will be performing along with the rest of Dawlish Choral Society, Mendelssohn's 'Elijah' this Saturday 3rd May 2008 at 7.30pm at Dawlish Parish Church of St Gregory the Great, West Cliff Road, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9EB - 01626 862021 Tickets on the door are £6.   'KatZ lose a life, but bounce back Singer and guitar holder, Jim Saunders made his final and a most memorable appearance with the BobKatZ on the 5th April @ the WEARY TRAVELLER, Cullompton [Cullie!]. Dudley came along to record the show and we are still waiting for him to produce a CD, but the show rocked and we were all delighted that so many 'faces' turned out to wish Jim well. It was a fab night and hopefully we'll have something tangible/listenable to remember the last two years by! We wish Jim and Angie all the best and hope to see them occasionally. Look out for the odd guest appearance from Jim at future CRUSH UK gigs.   The BobKatZ' first two shows as a three piece were a triumph and our thanks go to all of you who kept the faith. Next up we're at the Ferryboat, Shaldon and Nick is looking forward to the extra space :)   CRUSH UK & Skinny Molly Our thanks go to Skinny Molly for the use of their gear and for a memorable night. We had a real blast and the Mollies were fantastic playing songs by ultimate Southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd and Steve Earle. Thanks to Allan Barnes [our one and only fan on the night] who came down from Bristol. Had this show gone well in terms of our ticket sales, then dates with the Yardbirds, Zombies et al may have materialised, but hey ho! Best not give up the day job I guess, hang on a minute….. ;)   DJ Weller Weller's shows on Bay FM 107.9 start on Tuesday 20th May 2008. The Tuesday [20th & 27th] & Wednesday [21st & 28th] shows 6-8pm will find Weller interviewing local musicians some of who will be appearing at the Exmouth Festival, promoting local gigs, bigging up live music generally and playing a healthy mix of new and classic tracks including music by, you guessed it, local bands. So far Weller's studio guests include: The Reoffenders, Josie Lloyd, Jules, Shanteyman Jeff Lewis, Steve Watts and Exmouth Festival organiser Chris Wood. More acts to be confirmed, so keep an eye on Weller's Myspace, the CRUSH UK message board, or www.bayfm.co.uk for the all latest. And no, he wont be playing CRUSH UK - unless repeatedly requested ;) Weller's special 'wrap up' show featuring the best bits from Bay FM's 2 week stint and the Festival will be on Saturday 31st May from 2 - 4pm Contact his nibs via e-mail – martin.weller@bayfm.co.uk  or text the studio 07947 211 311 with your messages of love and support J Plus requests, gig info, local news, etc.   Clarefest, Sunday 22nd June 2008 It is an honour to be invited to play for the eighth year in a row to perform at the festival dedicated to the memory of Clare Millington. Clarefest attracts villagers as well as musicians and supporters from all over the country. Bring a picnic, ground sheet, sun tan lotion, hat, woolly, raincoat and loadsa dosh. All we need is clement weather and it will be perfect again :) The full line up has yet to be confirmed, but CRUSH UK will be joined by 'The Shanteymen' and the hugely popular Paul Downes. The event starts around 1pm with music, fun and fundraising til 7.30pm. The admission donation of £6 (pay on entry) will be distributed between Macmillan, Hospiscare and the 'Force' cancer charity. Happening this year on Sunday June 22nd at: West Wing, Varnes, Church Road (opposite the Redwing), Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT   Live shows May 2008 BobKatZ Friday 2nd May FERRYBOAT Shaldon, Devon TQ14 0DL - 01626 872340 9pm Over 16s with parent CRUSH UK Saturday 3rd May BMAD Paignton Seafront, Paignton, Devon TQ3 12 noon All ages show BobKatZ Sunday 4th May DOUBLE LOCKS Exeter, Devon EX2 6LT - 01392 256947 3pm All ages show CRUSH UK Friday 9th May HAIRY DOG Minehead, Somerset TA24 5AZ - 01643 704660 9.15pm Over 18s BobKatZ Friday 16th May EXETER RAILWAY CLUB Beacon Lane, Exeter EX4 7JF - 01392 204101 9pm Kids with parents welcome Guests £5, Members £2 BobKatZ Saturday 17th May LANSDOWNE Dawlish EX7 9LQ - 01626 863201 9.45pm Over 18s WELLER Sunday 18th May FIRESTONE Castle Green, Taunton, Somerset TA1 4AE - 01823 283479 8.30pm Kids with parents welcome WELLER Thursday 22nd May MARINE TAVERN 2 Marine Parade, Dawlish EX7 9DJ - 01626 865245 9pm Kids with parents welcome BobKatZ Friday 23rd May REDWING, Lympstone EX8 5JT - 01395 222156 9pm Over 15s with parents BobKatZ Saturday 24th May CRAWFORD HOTEL Exeter EX2 8JD - 01392 668008 9.30pm Over 16s with parents BobKatZ Sunday 25th May MARINE TAVERN, 2 Marine Parade, Dawlish EX7 9DJ - 01626 865245 9pm Kids with parents welcome CRUSH UK Friday 30th May BOLTON HOTEL, New Road, Brixham, Devon TQ5 8LT 01803 850219 10pm Over 18s CRUSH UK Saturday 31st May SADDLERS ARMS Lympstone EX8 5LS - 01395 272798 9.15pm Kids with parents welcome   Admission to all shows is free unless stated. Young folks are welcome at a lot of venues accompanied by a responsible guardian – please phone for confirmation. Until the revolution there are no more smoky bars in England remember!     The best of the rest ……   Fav rave Dean Friedman The influential and talented Mr Friedman will be gracing our shores this year, so do yourself a big favour and check out at least one of his shows. Details are at – www.deanfriedman.com     Where's the new talent? We publish details of all sorts of shows at http://www.eboards4all.com/066344/ These include: folk clubs and open mic nights. There is a special mention this month to Ian's 'Acoustic Café' hosted at the Black Horse, Sidmouth. Weller can vouch for the quality of Ian's shows and the talent offered. The next show is this Sunday 4th May, so check out the Myspace for how to get involved or where to go and how to get there. Tell 'em Weller sent you - www.theacousticcafe.co.uk   Download of the month 'Outrageous' our first single lifted from 'Quiddity'. For a meagre financial outlay you get a cracking original from CRUSH UK and a cover of 'Gary Gilmore's eyes' into the bargain. The songs are hosted at www.crushuk.com with links through to our store.   'Quiddity' Thanks to everyone who has bought our latest opus. Quiddity and other classic CRUSH UK albums are available to buy from http://www.crushuk.com/store.html http://www.crushuk.com/store/ CDs or individual tracks are easy to purchase, so go on treat yourself. :) You can listen to excerpts before you buy too! 'Quiddity' is available for hire in Devon (England) libraries. Find and reserve it here - http://www.devon.gov.uk/community/libraries.htm Plus - Dudley is giving away CDs comprising his 'own' mashed up versions of originals, Weller songs and other tunes by, well all and sundry really. Just contact Dave at yhaalhouse@hotmail.com for your copy[s].   US dates 2008 CRUSH UK fly into Portland, Oregon on Monday 21st July 2008. The live schedule is developing and we are keen to hear from Portland bands, or artistes that would like us to support them at their shows. The story so far: Thursday 24th July - Portland Brewers Festival http://www.oregonbrewfest.com Saturday 26th July - Sportsman Bar, Pacific City Sunday 27th July - Horsebrass, Portland We aim to fill the other days with an in store show at Music Millennium, Portland and hope to hook up with old friends Slackjaw for a gig or two.   Having a Party? We are delighted to receive requests to play weddings and birthday parties. We are also up for playing in your front/sitting/drawing rooms, garden, gazebo, grotto, marquee, wherever. We love a challenge; so do get in touch if you want a class act at your bash. We play smoking or non-smoking venues and seeing as you can't puff in the bar anymore, folks are doing it for themselves at home and we are more than happy to oblige. Don't worry about volume cos we can keep it right down, or play acoustically [or not]. Wanna know what songs we play and more about CRUSH UK? Check our set list and other information @ http://www.crushuk.com/about.html   Questions & Answers Leslie is adding your questions and our answers, so do drop by and check it out and ask away. http://www.crushuk.com/about.html The message board could use some action too! Go to www.crushuk.com and click on message board to add your views, news and reviews.   OK that's it. We hope to see you out and about. M x   Congratulations to Heather who just played a cricket final at Lords! Happy birthday to Bryony xx   Here's where it's all kept up to date.... www.crushuk.com www.myspace.com/martinweller www.lemonrock.com/martinweller www.lemonrock.com/bobkatz www.lots2do.co.uk     CRUSH UK, Weller & BobKatZ Update April 2008 Welcome to another update from CRUSH UK, Weller & The BobKatZ March has been an eventful month and mostly good, April is looking promising too :) What's up? Weller solo 'Acclaimed songwriter' Weller is back on the road as a solo act. Woo hoo I hear you scream :) The boy kicks off this Friday 4th April @ FAT JAX, Exmouth and again at the magical KING ARTHUR in Glastonbury on Friday 11th April. It's been a while since the last solo outing, so 'ole big 'ead' is well up for it.   'KatZ down to 3 In between Weller's two shows, Jim Saunders aka 'Billy Katfish' will make his final appearance with the BobKatZ on Saturday 5th April @ the aptly named WEARY TRAVELLER in Cullompton. Jim has been a 'Kat' for the last 2 years and worked with Nick for last 7 years [you get less for murder] slogging around the Devon pub circuit, so he deserves a break and will be following his new passion of being suspended hundreds of feet in the air by some rickety contraption at the mercy of the air currents!! We wish him all the best and look out for the odd guest appearance from Jim at future CRUSH UK gigs.   CRUSH UK support Skinny Molly CRUSH UK will open the show for Skinny Molly whose line-up includes an ex-guitarist with ultimate Southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd. The show is on Sunday 20th April 2008. CRUSH UK will play a 45-minute set kicking off at 8pm with SM on at 9pm. Tickets are £11 in advance and £13 on the door, but we can do you a real deal on the price cos we would be very pleased to have some folks there for us. Just get in touch for more details - damian@crushuk.com If this goes well then dates with the Yardbirds, Zombies et al may well materialise!   CRUSH UK feature The old boy band featured in the Mid Devon Advertiser recently. A question and answer session really and a dodgy photo, but hey its all publicity right? Check it out at: http://www.crushuk.com/images/crushukmda.pdf - You need Adobe reader [free] to access it.   Weller – Voucher winning songwriter As one who tries not to miss an opportunity Weller sent off three of his songs [recorded by Crush & CRUSH UK] to the Scrumpy & Western [Gig guide for the South West] songwriters competition some months ago. The reply came: "Many thanks for your entry to the songwriters competition. This has been a hard one as the talent and standard of entry was so very good and professional, plus the time it has taken from the start of the competition. We now have a winner and this will be published in the May edition of the S 'n' W [Scrumpy & Western]. You were second choice and Horizontal Music Studios have donated a £50 voucher as second prize." Weller was unsure by the tone if he should be pleased/proud/under whelmed or feel nothing about this notification of his "life's achievement". However, we think this means that he is indeed an award/voucher winning songwriter at the very least. Songs submitted: - 'Here I go again [Dorothy]', 'Stronger' & 'Outrageous'.   DJ Weller What now? Another career swerve, Weller has landed the job [voluntary] as presenter on Bay FM 107.9 for two weeks in May. The Tuesday & Wednesday shows [6-8pm] starting May 20th will find Weller interviewing local musicians who will be appearing at the Exmouth Festival, promoting local gigs, bigging up live music generally and playing a healthy mix of new and classic tracks including music by, you guessed it, local bands. No, he wont be playing CRUSH UK unless requested ;) He will be running competitions and inviting [polite] requests from his audience of tens ;) More detail on how to contact his nibs will appear in the next exciting episode of this bulletin.   CRUSH UK confirmed for Clarefest 2008 It is an unbelievable honour to be invited to play at the festival dedicated to the memory of Clare Millington. The first Clarefest was an impromptu happening when some of Clare Millington's friends decided to celebrate her life with a get-together at the home of Terry and Debbie in Church Road, opposite the Redwing. Clare died aged 56, on July 29th, 1999 from cancer. Clarefest attracts villagers as well as musicians and supporters from all over the country. Bring a picnic, ground sheet, sun tan lotion, hat, woolly, raincoat and loadsa dosh. All we need is clement weather and it will be perfect again :) The full line up has yet to be confirmed, but you can guarantee there will be a feast of local and internationally renowned talent on show including the hugely popular Paul Downes. The event starts around 1pm with music, fun and fundraising til 7.30pm. The admission donation of £6 (pay on entry) will be distributed between Macmillan, Hospiscare and the 'Force' cancer charity. Happening this year on Sunday June 22nd at: West Wing, Varnes, Church Road (opposite the Redwing), Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT   Live shows this April 2008 Martin Weller Friday 4th April FAT JAX 18 Victoria Street, Exmouth EX8 1DL - 01395 225440 9.15pm – 11.30pm Over 16s with Guardian Free BobKatZ Saturday 5th April WEARY TRAVELLER Station Road, Cullompton, Devon EX15 1BQ - 01884 32317 9.30pm - 11.45pm Over 18s Free Martin Weller Friday 11th April KING ARTHUR 31-33 Benedict Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9NB - 01458 831442 - 9pm - 11pm Over 18s Free BobKatZ Friday 18th April COAVER CLUB County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, Devon - 01392 382519 9pm – 11pm Over 18s Please phone for prices BobKatZ Saturday 19th April LONGBROOK Cowick Street, Exeter, Devon EX4 1DG - 01392 257036 9pm – 11pm Over 18s Free CRUSH UK with Skinny Molly Sunday 20th April HONITON MOTEL Turks Head Corner, Exeter Road, Honiton, Devon EX14 1BL - 01404 43440 Doors 7.30pm Over 15s with parent Tickets £11 advance £13 at the door – special deal direct from CRUSH UK contact damian@crushuk.com for details. CRUSH UK Thursday 24th April PHOENIX HOTEL 15 Fore Street, Chard, Somerset TA20 1PH - 01460 66444 9pm – 11pm Over 18s Free CRUSH UK Friday 25th April BOLTON HOTEL New Road, Brixham, Devon TQ5 8LT - 01803 850219 9.45pm – Midnight Over 18s Free CRUSH UK Saturday 26th April LANSDOWNE 8 Park Road, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9LQ - 01626 863201 9.45pm - Midnight Over 18s Free   Admission to all shows is free unless stated. Young folks are welcome at a lot of venues accompanied by a responsible guardian – please phone for confirmation. Until the revolution there are no more smoky bars in England remember!   The best of the rest ……   Download of the month Presenting 'Outrageous' our first single lifted from 'Quiddity'. For a meagre financial outlay you get a cracking original from CRUSH UK and a cover of 'Gary Gilmore's eyes' into the bargain. The songs will be hosted at www.crushuk.com with links through to our store.   'Quiddity' Thanks to everyone who has bought our latest opus. Quiddity and other classic CRUSH UK albums are available to buy from http://www.crushuk.com/store.html http://www.crushuk.com/store/ The CD or individual tracks are easy to purchase, so go on treat yourself. :) You can listen to excerpts before you buy too! 'Quiddity' is available for hire in Devon (England) libraries. Find and reserve it here - http://www.devon.gov.uk/community/libraries.htm Plus - Dudley is giving away CDs comprising his 'own' mashed up versions of originals, Weller songs and other tunes by, well all and sundry really. Just contact Dave at yhaalhouse@hotmail.com for your copy[s].   US dates 2008 CRUSH UK fly into Portland, Oregon on Monday 21st July 2008. The live schedule is developing and we are keen to hear from Portland bands, or artistes that would like us to support them at their shows. The story so far: Friday 25th July - Portland Beer Festival http://www.oregonbrewfest.com Saturday 26th July - Sportsman Bar, Pacific City Sunday 27th July - Horsebrass, Portland We aim to fill the other days with an in store show at Millennium Music, Portland and hope to hook up with old friends Slackjaw for a gig or two.   Having a Party? We are delighted that CRUSH UK continue to receive requests to play weddings, parties and 'front/sitting/drawing rooms'. We are always up for a challenge; so do get in touch if you want a class act at your bash. We play smoking or non-smoking venues and seeing as you can't puff in the bar anymore, folks are doing it for themselves at home and we are more than happy to oblige. Don't worry about volume cos we can keep it right down, or play acoustically [or not]. Wanna know what songs we play and more about CRUSH UK? Check our set list and other information @ http://www.crushuk.com/about.html   Questions & Answers Leslie is adding your questions and our answers, so do drop by and check it out and ask away. http://www.crushuk.com/about.html The message board could use some action too! Go to http://www.eboards4all.com/066344/  to add your views, news and reviews.   OK that's it. We hope to see you out and about. M x   This bulletin is dedicated to the memory of Bilbo, King of the round table 1983 - 2008 Our long term confidant, party animal and honorary member of Frampton & Weller & Crush has passed. Bilbo aka Billy was at every after show party, meal or gathering at the round table for the last 14 years. He had a special place in our hearts and at our side. It wont be the same without the old boy and we miss him. Bilbo has taken his place on the hill at Two Farthings so he can see the view forever and will always be near. Sweet dreams old feller.   Here's where it's all kept up to date.... www.crushuk.com www.myspace.com/martinweller www.lemonrock.com/martinweller www.lemonrock.com/bobkatz www.lots2do.co.uk     CRUSH UK, Weller & BobKatZ Update March 2008 Hello Folks I trust you are well and happy. I am delighted to report an upturn in attendance and exuberance at our shows through February. We've enjoyed some very positive feedback in spite of the confusion over whether Paul Weller is playing with the BobKatZ or not :)   So what's up? Plug, plug, plug….. Our new album [although not as new as it was] 'Quiddity'; CDs and downloads are rolling [slowly] from http://www.crushuk.com/store.html http://www.crushuk.com/store/ The CD or individual tracks are easy to purchase, so go on treat yourself and make us feel wanted :) You can listen to excerpts before you buy too! 'Quiddity' is available for hire in Devon (England) libraries. Find and reserve it here - http://www.devon.gov.uk/community/libraries.htm Our back catalogue is also available for your delight from the CRUSH UK site. And Dudley is giving away CDs comprising his 'own' mashed up versions of originals, Weller songs and other tunes by, well all and sundry really.   News US dates 2008 CRUSH UK fly into Portland, Oregon on Monday 21st July 2008 The live schedule is developing and we are keen to hear from Portland bands, or artistes that would like us to support them at their shows. The story so far: Friday 25th July - Portland Beer Festival http://www.oregonbrewfest.com Saturday 26th July - Sportsman Bar, Pacific City Sunday 27th July - Horsebrass, Portland We aim to fill the other days with an in store show at Millennium Music, Portland and hope to hook up with old friends Slackjaw for a gig or two.   CRUSH UK to support Lynyrd Skynyrd CRUSH UK will open the show for Skinny Molly whose line-up includes an ex-guitarist with the ultimate Southern rockers. The show is on Sunday 20th April 2008. CRUSH UK will play a 45 minute set kicking off at 8pm with SM on at 9pm. Tickets are £11 in advance and £13 on the door, but we can do you a real deal on the price cos we would be very pleased to have some folks there for us. Just get in touch with Weller for more details - damian@crushuk.com If this goes well then dates with the Yardbirds, Zombies et al may well materialise!   Party time We are delighted that CRUSH UK have had new requests to play weddings, parties and 'front/sitting/drawing rooms'. We are always up for a challenge, so do get in touch if you want a class act at your bash. We play smoking or non smoking venues and seeing as you can't puff in the bar anymore, folks are doing it for themselves at home and we are more than happy to oblige. Don't worry about volume cos we can keep it right down, or play acoustically [or not]. Wanna know what songs we play and more about CRUSH UK? Check our set list and other information @ http://www.crushuk.com/about.html   The KatZ to lose a life Jim is leaving the BobKatZ at the beginning of April, so make his last six gigs memorable by coming along and giving him and us your support. The plan is to continue as a three piece unless Weller gets a better offer for his vocal and guitar talents of course ;)   Here are the next few gigs…. March 2008 BobKatZ Friday 7th March REDWING, Church Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT 01395 222156 9pm Kids with parents BobKatZ Saturday 8th March ROYAL STANDARD, Fore Street, Shaldon, Devon TQ14 0DZ 01626 872442 9.15pm Over 18s CRUSH UK Friday 14th March ZEPHYR BAR, 162-163 Fore Street, Exeter, Devon EX4 3AT 01392 477787 9.15pm Over 18s BobKatZ Friday 21st March PEN & QUILL, Westbourne Terrace, Taunton, Somerset TA1 4ET 01823 256982 9.15pm Over 18s BobKatZ Saturday 22nd March GLOBE, Newtown, Exeter, Devon EX1 2BL 01392 256491 9pm Over 16s with Guardian BobKatZ Sunday 23rd March DOUBLE LOCKS, Exeter, Devon EX2 6LT 01392 256947 3pm All ages show CRUSH UK Friday 28th March REDWING, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT 01395 222156 9pm Kids with parents CRUSH UK Saturday 29th March PRIVATE PARTY Young folks are welcome at a lot of venues accompanied by a responsible guardian – please phone for confirmation. No more smoky bars in England remember!   Other news Q&A Leslie has been adding your questions and our answers, so do drop by and check it out and ask away. http://www.crushuk.com/about.html   The message board could use some action too! Go to www.crushuk.com and click on message board to add your views, news and reviews.   Free download of the month 'Pinball' by Brian Protheroe recorded by Schhh, you know who? This is our tribute to a great song, overlooked, or missed by many from 1975. Brian went on to a successful acting career, but this is a classic from a very talented bloke.   Orchid Electronics – Keeping music alive and kicking Musicians, if you need a DI Box, dual transformer, quality leads and all that malarkey then check out www.orchid-electronics.co.uk or call John @ Orchid Electronics 01392 438844 Special deals for those on his mailing list hint, hint. Tell him Weller recommended him.   Venue needs musicians The Watermans Pub, Buckfastleigh, Devon is offering their venue free of charge for jam sessions and maybe open mic nights. So, if you fancy a chat with Nick the governor about what is on offer I know he's keen. nick@watermansarms.net Here's the venue - www.watermansarms.net   The Welsh connection It was with great joy that I discovered me old mate and mucker Rolf is alive and kicking in Welsh Wales. Rolf set up our Euro tours back in the day and we've both survived the 'big C' since our last meeting. Good luck with the big gig next year mate and Wales here we come 2009.   OK that's it. We hope to see you out and about. M x   Here's where it's all kept up to date.... www.crushuk.com www.myspace.com/martinweller www.lemonrock.com/martinweller www.lemonrock.com/bobkatz www.lots2do.co.uk       CRUSH UK, Weller & BobKatZ Update February 2008 Hello again I hope you are having a fine start to 2008. January was rather strange for us. With the BobKatZ on holiday and Weller (solo) dormant CRUSH UK ploughed on, but the gigs were quiet, not volume wise necessarily you understand, but on the support front. Hey ho, lets hope things pick up.   Meanwhile, copies of our new album Quiddity; CDs and downloads are rolling from http://www.crushuk.com/store.html   http://www.crushuk.com/store/ its all kosher and easy to purchase so go on treat yourself. You can listen to excerpts before you buy too! Oh yeah and it is available for hire in Devon (England) libraries.   Latest news Confirmed - CRUSH UK will fly into Portland, Oregon on Monday 21st July 2008 to play the big beer festival and other dates. http://www.oregonbrewfest.com/ The flights are booked for our first tour since 2001. Catching up with Don, Terry, The Emperor, Lesley, Phil, folks at the Sportsman and a host of friends is going to be a buzz. Not to mention getting new T-shirts from the 24hr Church of Elvis! Let us know if you are going in Portland and we'll hook up for a beer or three – Slackjaw/Decemberists are you listening?   CRUSH UK to support Lynyrd Skynyrd Well almost :) CRUSH UK will open the show for Skinny Molly whose line-up includes an ex-guitarist with the ultimate Southern rockers. The show is on Sunday 21st April 2008. CRUSH UK will play a 45 minute set kicking off at 8pm with SM on at 9pm. Tickets are £11 in advance and £13 on the door, but we can do you a real deal on the price cos we would be very pleased to have some folks there for us. Just get in touch with Weller for more details – damian@crushuk.com   Texas loses out on Weller Unfortunately, Dolly Parton et al will have to carry the mantle cos Weller won't be going to Texas this year. Tens of thousands of acts applied for the SxSW festival and the boy just didn't make the grade. He's not bitter you understand ;) Maybe 2009?   Party time Collectively CRUSH UK, The BobKatZ and Weller have dozens of gigs booked this year, but we do have a few dates left in case you want us at your party/front room whatever. We play smoking or non smoking venues and seeing as you can't puff in the bar anymore, folks are doing it for themselves at home and we are more than happy to oblige. Don't worry about volume cos we can keep it right down, or play acoustically. So do get in touch and we'll see if we can spread a little happiness :) Check out our set list and other information @ http://www.crushuk.com/about.html We've already got three weddings booked for 2009_its a bit of speciality for CRUSH UK don'tchya know?   All confirmed gigs are listed on www.crushuk.com/gigs.html Here are the next few to save your fingers…. February BobKatZ - Friday 8th February @ FERRYBOAT, Fore Street, Shaldon, Devon TQ14 0DL 01626 872340 - 9pm – Over 15s with guardian BobKatZ - Saturday 9th February @ LANSDOWNE, 8 Park Road, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9LQ 01626 863201 - 9.45pm – Over 18s BobKatZ - Saturday 16th February @ EXETER RAILWAY CLUB, Beacon Avenue, Exeter, Devon EX4 7JF 01392 204101 - 9pm £5non members & £2 members. - Kids with guardian welcome. CRUSH UK – Thursday 21st February @ MARINE TAVERN, 2 Marine Parade, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9DJ 01626 865245 - 9pm. - Kids welcome with guardian. CRUSH UK - Friday 22nd February @ REDWING, Church Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT 01395 222156 - 9pm – Over 15s with guardian CRUSH UK - Saturday 23rd February @ LONGBROOK, Cowick Street, Exeter, Devon EX4 1DG 01392 257036 - 9pm – Over 18s BobKatZ - Friday 29th February @ DRAKE'S, Fore Street, Topsham, Devon EX3 0HF 01392 879898 - 9.15pm – Over 15s with guardian Young folks are welcome at a lot of venues accompanied by a responsible guardian – please phone for confirmation. No more smokey bars in England remember!   Other news Leslie has been busy updating the website with among other things a question and answer section. So do drop by and check it out and why not ask us a question? http://www.crushuk.com/about.html The message board could use some action too! Go to www.crushuk.com and click on message board to add your views and news.   Don't forget, these are the last few chances to see Jim (vocals/guitar) with the BobKatZ before he leaves us in March, so come along and say hello/goodbye.   Free download of the month (up soon) 'Kix on 66' (live 1999) by CRUSH UK (featuring Nige Bradford_harmonica) from 'Crushlife' originally on 'Changing by degrees'. 'Kix on 66' was influenced by Bill Bryson's account of retracing the legendary highway/route '66 made famous by Chuck Berry among others and our first experience of America and particularly driving around in Don Younger's white Thunderbird. Unashamedly country rock, we hope you get your kix listening to it :)   OK that's it. We hope to see you out and about. M x     CRUSH UK & BobKatZ Update January 2008 Hello groovers Well here we are again. Another new year and time to promote and hopefully sell loads of copies of our new album Quiddity. The CDs and downloads are ready to roll from http://www.crushuk.com/store.html and http://www.crushuk.com/store/ we just need some takers!   Quiddity the new album from CRUSH UK It is with great pleasure and pride that we bring you our latest recording, Quiddity. Working titles included 'Kings of the hill' and 'Kimo therapy', but Quiddity it is. The CD and downloads are available from www.crushuk.com or drop me a line direct if you want to pay by cheque. You can of course buy the CD at our shows too. The songs were written in some cases before our last album 'The New Big Thing' in 2003, they just took a while to develop. Besides we had a few barriers to overcome in the meantime. No band fights, artistic differences or record company bickering. Nothing like that, but real stuff like cancer treatment (3 years on and still alive), redundancy, personal relationship breakdowns, death of parents; ex band members and dear friends. It made us all the more determined to get these songs 'out there'. I hope for some of you at least we have managed to get across the passion, hatred, love, anger, desire, misery and pure delight that inspired these songs. And of course we hope they give you pleasure. Track list 1. Similar to a strange Town 2. Today & Tomorrow 3. Outrageous 4. Absolutely nothing 5. Keeping me in my place 6. Lassiter 7. Stronger 8. Together 9. Desire 10. Keeping the balance 11. She loves me, not 12. Mystery 13. What's that about?   Quiddity by CRUSH UK Who did what? Martin Weller - Vocals, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, ukulele Dave Dudley - Harmonium, bouzouki, electric guitars, slide guitar, harmonica, drums on 'Absolutely nothing' & 'Together', piano, bass guitar Richard Bell - Drums and percussion Sara Corser - Vocals on 'Together' Radar - Drums and percussion on 'Mystery' All songs written, engineered, mixed and produced by Martin Weller (c) 2007 All rights reserved. More CRUSH UK recordings are available from www.crushuk.com/store.html Cover photo – Sam's scorpion   Right, what else? Well collectively, meaning CRUSH UK and The BobKatZ, we have around 85 gigs booked so far this year (200 would be ideal), which is all well and good, but we need YOU to come and support us and of course have a great time into the bargain. All confirmed gigs are listed on www.crushuk.com/gigs.html   Here are the next few to save your fingers….   January CRUSH UK (Feat. Radar and Chris too) - Friday 18th January @ THE YACHT, 18-19 Victoria Parade, Torquay, Devon TQ1 3BB 01803 201212 - 9.15pm – Over 18s CRUSH UK - Saturday 19th January @ PHOENIX, Exeter Road, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1PT 01395 223191 - 9.15pm – Over 15s with guardian CRUSH UK - Thursday 31st January @ FERRET & RADIATOR, 21-23 Park Road, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9LJ 01626 863001 - 8.45pm – over 18s February CRUSH UK - Friday 1st February @ BOLTON HOTEL, New Road, Brixham, Devon TQ5 8LT 01803 850219 - 9.45pm – Over 18s CRUSH UK - Saturday 2nd February @ ROYAL STANDARD, Fore Street, Shaldon, Devon TQ14 0DZ - 9.30pm – Over 18s BobKatZ - Friday 8th February @ FERRYBOAT, Fore Street, Shaldon, Devon TQ14 0DL 01626 872340 - 9pm – Over 15s with guardian BobKatZ - Saturday 9th February @ LANSDOWNE, 8 Park Road, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9LQ 01626 863201 - 9.45pm – Over 18s BobKatZ - Saturday 16th February @ EXETER RAILWAY CLUB, Beacon Avenue, Exeter, Devon EX4 7JF 01392 204101 - 9pm £5non members & £2 members. Kids with guardian CRUSH UK - Friday 22nd February @ REDWING, Church Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT 01395 222156 - 9pm – Over 15s with guardian CRUSH UK - Saturday 23rd February @ LONGBROOK, Cowick Street, Exeter, Devon EX4 1DG 01392 257036 - 9pm – Over 18s BobKatZ - Friday 29th February @ DRAKE'S, Fore Street, Topsham, Devon EX3 0HF 01392 879898 - 9.15pm – Over 15s with guardian Young folks are welcome at a lot of venues accompanied by a responsible guardian. No more smokey bars remember!   Other news CRUSH UK will fly into Portland, Oregon on Monday 21st July 2008 to play the big beer festival and other dates. This will be our first tour since 2001 and going back to the Horsebrass will be fantastic. Also catching up with Don, Terry, The Emperor, Lesley, Phil and a host of friends is going to be a buzz. Not to mention getting new T-shirts from the Church of Elvis! Let us know if you are going in Portland and we'll hook up for a beer or three – Slackjaw are you listening?   Weller's got no solo gigs so far, but the boy is busy recording other artists in his studio as well as giving guitar, ukulele and singing lessons. The solo career will resume later this year, but for now its full steam ahead with CRUSH UK & The BobKatZ.   The BobKatZ will be losing Jim (Guitar/Vocals) in April cos he's off to para glide among other things. Jim, Nick and Stewart have worked together for the last seven years and of course it was a tough decision to leave, but we all wish Jim and Angie much happiness in their new ventures. The rest of us KatZ have decided to carry on as a trio, so hopefully we can sustain the quality and entertainment.   January is a busy old month for birthdays. Its all that spring fever dontchya know? Anyway here's a few I would like to mention: CRUSH UK webwizard Leslie, her old man Ron, my bruv Greg, my sis in law Kim, Leo T and BobKat' Nick T. And if it is your birthday then have a great one.   Free download of the month – 'Time to change' by CRUSH UK from Pay Attention 2000 This is the original version (re-recorded on The New Big Thing) of Time to change. A mix of Zeppelinesque riffs and punk simplicity. A new year, no matter when it occurs brings hope for the romantics and optimists among us and Weller's song captures that vibe. Enjoy! OK that's it. Have a fab 2008 and we hope to see you out and about. M x     WELLER, CRUSH UK & BobKatZ Update December 2007 Greetings pop pickers for the last time in 2007 – probably ;) Loads of good stuff going on here with MARTIN WELLER, CRUSH UK & The BobKatZ. First off I must mention The BobKatZ forthcoming show this Thursday 6th December @ The Longbrook, St. Thomas, Exeter. We're jumping in for the cancelled Fab Beatles. The Longbrook has become one of the region's top venues since it got serious about live music and they do love a bit of Clash, so its right up our alley :) Right what else?   CRUSH UK have been let down by an (ex) regular venue that has decided to replace us with a Pink Floyd tribute band on Friday 14th December, so if you have any ideas for a replacement gig at a venue or indeed your house please do get in touch. Devon, or Somerset would be ideal, otherwise we'll just have to have a party :)   You can make CRUSH UK number one in the chart for the second year running!   For just twenty English pence (yes 20p) you can download our eponymous single, 'Crush'. Some of you got it to the top of the Lemonrock download chart last Christmas and the song has stayed at number 3 all this year. So if you want to make a big difference to us for a few bob, then we would be absolutely delighted. Check it out here and find a mine of great music by other bands too http://www.lemonrock.com/mp3s.php   'Quiddity' the new album by CRUSH UK is now available on CD. Check out our store http://www.crushuk.com/store.html for details of how to buy online or see Weller at the CRUSH UK or Weller shows. Single track downloads will be available in a few days if that's what you prefer and you will of course be able to listen to segments before you buy. This is our first record for four years and we hope you love it.   CRUSH UK and BobKatZ videos are now @ http://www.crushuk.com/video.html These three vidz are just the start of our collection. There are plenty more in the pipeline ;)   Weller on the wireless – listen again Weller's recent radio interviews and live sessions are on the front page http://www.crushuk.com/index.htm in case you missed him doing it live.   Here's the latest on the gig front. MARTIN WELLER, CRUSH UK & BobKatZ performances December 2007 and January 2008. - Catch us if you can.  Oh, by the way. I have been asked "Who or what are the BobKatZ?" by a dear friend who has been out of the loop for a while. Well The 'KatZ are a four piece pop, punk, R&B covers outfit with Weller playing guitar, a bit of harp and sharing lead vocals with Nick and Jim plus Stewart on drums. Introduced by Ray Martin at the Lansdowne the 3 ex members of the OtherZ and Weller hooked up in early 2006 and having been playing their little socks off ever since..   BobKatZ Thursday 6th December LONGBROOK St. Thomas Centre, Cowick Street, Exeter, Devon EX4 1AL - 01392 257036 9pm - 11pm Free Pop, punk, R&B BobKatZ Friday 7th December FERRYBOAT INN 34 Fore Street, Shaldon, Devon TQ14 0DL - 01626 872340 9pm – 11pm Free Pop, punk, R&B BobKatZ Saturday 8th December LANSDOWNE 8 Park Road, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9LQ - 01626 863201 9.45pm – Midnight Free Pop, punk, R&B CRUSH UK Thursday 13th December PHOENIX HOTEL 15 Fore Street, Chard, Somerset TA20 1PH - 01460 66444 9pm – 11pm Free Power pop/rock CRUSH UK Saturday 15th December PHOENIX 31 Exeter Road, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1PT - 01395 223191 9.15pm – 11.30pm Free Power pop/rock Martin Weller with Bing Hobson, Russell Frampton, Jeff Lewis, Dave Moir, Nick Bays + Friends Sunday 16th December REDWING Church Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT - 01395 222156 8.30pm – 10pm Donations Christmas carols and festive songs. Fundraiser for the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) Martin Weller Thursday 20th December MARINE TAVERN 2 Marine Parade, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9DJ - 01626 865245 9pm - 11pm Free Pop/rock, nu folk Kids with parents welcome BobKatZ Friday 21st December REDWING Church Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT - 01395 222156 9pm – 11pm Free Pop, punk R&B Over 16s + guardian welcome BobKatZ Saturday 22nd December NEW QUAY INN Newquay Street, Teignmouth, Devon TQ14 8DA - 01626 774145 9.15pm – 11.30am Free Pop, punk R&B BobKatZ Saturday 29th December PHOENIX 33 Exeter Road, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1PT - 01395 223191 9.15pm – 11.30pm Free Pop, punk R&B CRUSH UK Monday 31st December REDWING Church Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT - 01395 222156 10pm – 12.30am Free Power pop/rock + Country and Western inc. Doris Day, Frankie Laine et al! Fancy Dress - Cowboys and Indians optional   2008 Martin Weller + Other singer songwriters Saturday 5th January RYAN'S BAR Torquay, Devon TQ2 5NF - 01803 292520 8.30pm – 11pm Free CRUSH UK Friday 18th January THE YACHT 18-19 Victoria Parade, Torquay, Devon TQ1 3BB - 01803 201212 9.15pm – 11.45pm Free Power pop/rock CRUSH UK Saturday 19th January PHOENIX Exmouth, Devon EX8 1PT - 01395 223191 - 9.15pm Free Power pop/ rock CRUSH UK Thursday 31st January FERRET & RADIATOR 21-23 Park Road, Dawlish EX7 9LJ - 01626 863001 8.45pm – 11pm Free Power pop/ rock Show times as above. Admission to all shows is free unless stated.   And finally, our free download of the month Hmm, now what should it be? Weller doesn't do festive songs so howsabout a bit of blues for you? 'Royal Blues' came about after a Frampton Weller band tour of Holland. Both Martin and Clive had virtually lost their voices thru smoking some heavy duty solid and facing a 4 hour gig that night Weller thought, 'we need some instrumentals for times like these'. So he wrote 'Royal blues' which some might say a cod blues derivative of just about every blues riff ever written. But hey, if it was good enough for Led Zeppelin it's good enough for Crush right? :) Anyway, here's the live version recorded at the First & Last, Exmouth 1999 featuring the current CRUSH UK line up – www.crushuk.com We like it anyway. Enjoy. So that's it. All in all it has been a great year for Weller, CRUSH UK and the BobKatZ. Health permitting 2008 promises more adventures and Weller hasn't given up on his ambition of having a mainstream hit. How can the world ignore the likes of 'Dorothy' for much longer? ;)   Thank you for your continued support and for helping to keep music (and me) live. Happy Christmas, Hanukkah, Holidays (or whatever you do or don't celebrate at this time of year) from all of us here at HQ. Be careful what you name your soft toys! Marv xx       WELLER, CRUSH UK & BobKatZ Update November 2007 And here we are again already :) Did we tell you lately how much appreciate you? If not, then believe me we do.  Since the smoking ban we have seen a dip in attendance at a few venues, but mostly you have kept the faith and that means a lot, so thank you all. In brief (for a change) 'Quiddity' - the new CRUSH UK album is finished as far as I am concerned. Dudley wants to do his usual mash up of my songs, but that's up to him.  The tracks will be available for download soon and the artwork for the 'old fashioned' CD format is almost there.  I will add the album to our collection available through Paypal via www.crushuk.com  And for our American followers, Leslie will be handling distribution.  The live shows this month (so far) have been fantastic. Lord knows what would have happened if England had won the rugby world cup cos the post cup final gig in Wellington was explosive. - You were right as usual Davie :)  I've got my first solo show at my fav gig, the Redwing on the 31st - a Halloween special featuring: Monster Masher - Nigel Bradford, Rock Chick Sara Corser and inimitable London Boy, Dave Moir. It could well be a horror show :) The Oregon dates have been firmed up and we'll be heading over for the Portland beer festival, which kicks off on Wednesday 23rd July 2008. As you can imagine we are well excited.  My application to take part in SxSW festival in Austin, Texas has been accepted so now I just have to wait for the thumbs up.  Free download of the month is an unreleased version of 'Anthem' written by Weller and recorded shortly before Clive's departure from the Frampton Weller band in 1998. The track features the late Peter Groves on bass guitar.  Any Gary Numan fans should check his Myspace for next years Replicas tour dates.  If you've got Led Zep or Sex Pistols tickets then good on yer! The gigs have been rolling in for CRUSH UK and the BobKatZ for 2008. www.crushuk.com is up to date with all the shows and www.lemonrock.com is also a great source of our activity and of other cool bands inc. The Reoffenders et al. There are dates available here and there so if you want us for your gig/party please get in touch.  Here's the show schedule for the next couple of months:  Name of band: MARTIN WELLER feat. Sara Corser & Nigel Bradford -Halloween Special Date: Wednesday 31st October Venue: REDWING Address: Church Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT - 01395 222156 Times: 9pm - 11pm Cost: Free Type of music: Who knows? Additional information - Fancy dress optional, but recommended J November 2007 Name of band: BobKatZ Date: Friday 2nd November Venue: DRAKES INN Address: Fore Street, Topsham, Devon EX3 0HF - 01392 875172 Times: 9.30pm – 11.30pm Cost: Free Type of music: pop, punk, R&B Name of band: BobKatZ Date: Saturday 3rd November Venue: DOUBLE LOCKS Address: Canal Banks, Exeter, Devon EX2 6LT - 01392 256947 Times: 9pm – 11pm Cost: Free Type of music: pop, punk, R&B Name of band: BobKatZ Date: Friday 9th November Venue: PEN & QUILL Address:  Westbourne Terrace, Shuttern, Taunton, Somerset TA1 4ET - 01823 256982 Times: 9.15pm – 11.30pm Cost: Free Type of music: Pop, punk, R&B Name of band: BobKatZ Date: Saturday 10th November Venue: GLOBE INN Address: Clifton Road, Newtown, Exeter, Devon EX1 2BL - 01392 256491 Times: 9pm – 11pm Cost: Free Type of music: Pop, punk R&B Name of band: MARTIN WELLER Date: Sunday 11th November Venue: ANNABEL'S CABARET & DISCOTHEQUE Address: 86 & 88 Vauxhall Street, The Barbican, Plymouth, Devon PL4 0EY - 01752 260555 Times: 9pm – 2am Cost: Free Type of music: Pop/rock + new folk Other information: Over 21 only + smart/casual dress code Name of band: CRUSH UK Date: Friday 16th November Venue: REDWING Address: Church Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT - 01395 222156 Times: 9pm – 11pm Cost: Free Type of music: Power pop/rock Name of band: CRUSH UK Date: Saturday 17th November Venue: LANSDOWNE Address: 8 Park Road, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9LQ - 01626 863201 Times: 9.45pm - Midnight Cost: Free Type of music: Power pop/rock Name of band: BobKatZ Date: Friday 23rd November Venue: TWYFORD INN Address: Bampton Street, Tiverton, Devon EX16 6AL - 01884 252019 Times: 9.30pm – 11.30pm Type of music: Pop, punk R&B Name of band: Dawlish Choral Society featuring "Tenor Lady", Bing Hobson aka Mrs Weller Date: Saturday 24th November 2007 Venue: ST GREGORY'S PARISH CHURCH Address: 7 Church Street. Dawlish EX7 9QT Times: 2.30pm Cost: £6 at the door Type of music: A programme of Baroque Choral Music inc: Bach, Monteverdi, Anerio & Victoria Name of band: BobKatZ Date: Saturday 24th November Venue: OLD COACHING HOUSE Address: 25 Fore Street, Chudleigh TQ13 0HX - 01626 853270 Times: 10.30pm – 12.30am Cost: Free Type of music: Pop, punk R&B Name of band: BobKatZ Date: Friday 30th November Venue: PHOENIX HOTEL Address: 15 Fore Street, Chard, Somerset TA20 1PH - 01460 66444 Times: 9.15pm – 11.30pm Cost: Phone for prices Type of music: Pop, punk R&B December 2007 Name of band: BobKatZ Date: Saturday 1st December Venue: SHIP HOTEL Address: High St, Crediton, Devon EX17 3LQ  01363 777873 Times: 9pm – 11pm Cost: Free Type of music: Pop, punk, R&B Name of band: BobKatZ Date: Friday 7th December Venue: FERRYBOAT INN Address: 34 Fore Street, Shaldon, Devon TQ14 0DL - 01626 872340 Times: 9pm – 11pm Cost: Free Type of music: Pop, punk, R&B Name of band: BobKatZ Date: Saturday 8th December Venue: LANSDOWNE Address:  8 Park Road, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9LQ - 01626 863201 Times: 9.45pm – Midnight Cost: Free Type of music: Pop, punk, R&B Name of band: CRUSH UK Date: Thursday 13th December Venue: PHOENIX HOTEL Address: 15 Fore Street, Chard, Somerset TA20 1PH - 01460 66444 Times: 9pm – 11pm Cost: Free Type of music: Power pop/rock Name of band: CRUSH UK Date: Friday 14th December Venue:  MANSION HOUSE - Our final show at this venue. Address: 32 High Street, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 3BJ - 01278 458433 Times: 9.30pm – 11.30pm Cost: Free Type of music: Power pop/rock Name of band: CRUSH UK Date: Saturday 15th December Venue: PHOENIX Address:  31 Exeter Road, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1PT - 01395 223191 Times: 9.15pm – 11.30pm Cost: Free Type of music: Power pop/rock Name of band: MARTIN WELLER Date: Thursday 20th December Venue: MARINE TAVERN Address: 2 Marine Parade, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9DJ - 01626 865245 Times: 9pm – 11pm Cost: Free Type of music: Pop/rock/new folk Additional information: Kids welcome + parent/guardian Name of band: BobKatZ Date: Friday 21st December Venue: REDWING Address: Church Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT - 01395 222156 Times: 9pm – 11pm Cost: Free Type of music: Pop, punk R&B Name of band: BobKatZ Date: Saturday 22nd December Venue: NEW QUAY INN Address: Newquay Street, Teignmouth, Devon TQ14 8DA - 01626 774145 Times: 9.15pm – 11.30am Cost: Free Type of music: Pop, punk R&B Name of band: BobKatZ Date: Saturday 29th December Venue: PHOENIX Address: 33 Exeter Road, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1PT - 01395 223191 Times: 9.15pm – 11.30pm Cost: Free Type of music: Pop, punk R&B Name of band: CRUSH UK Date: Monday 31st December Venue: REDWING Address: Church Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT - 01395 222156 Times: 10pm – 12.30am Cost: Free Type of music: Power pop/rock + Country and Western half hour or so! Additional information: Fancy Dress Cowboys and Indians :) Show times as above. Admission to all shows is free unless stated. Come and say hi on our CRUSH UK message board, Myspace, or Lemonrock. See ya. Marv x     WELLER, CRUSH UK & BobKatZ Update 1st October 2007 Hi, how are you doing? Personally, I have had a top time since we last 'spoke'. Recording is going well and we've had some great gigs, in particular, my solo show at The North Bridge Inn at the end of August was first rate. A small but quality audience joined me as we shared a night of music, fun and laughs. My next gig at the King Arthur in Glastonbury was also an inspiration, so thanks to everyone who supported me and watch out for more Weller this month. Unlike the full schedule for October, there was only one CRUSH UK gig last month at the Sports and Social Club in Bridgwater, but it was a great night and judging by the response, "We'll be back". Rick drove there and home again in the same night cos he's mad, but Dave came back to chez nous and we spent the next three days recording some weird and more conventional instruments for 'Quiddity', our new album. It was all good fun and my thanks goes to Radar who played drums on 'Mystery' and Sara Corser who beautified 'Together' with her vocals. So that left the BobKatZ to fill the gaps while Crush were away. Despite a quiet (in terms of audience) night at the Double Locks, the rest of the shows rocked. 'Lead singer' and other guitar holder Jim dropped out of a couple of shows last weekend, so we soldiered on as a 3 piece. The Mansion House pulled the rug out from under us because we were one man down, but the Phoenix, Exmouth hosted the new look BobKatZ and it was a storming night with some great feedback from the faithful as well as some new followers. This is how it will be from now on people, the 'KatZ will be three for a lot of the time, but judging by last night, you should not need to adjust your set :)     2008 I have been sorting out some of next year's gig schedule, which is looking good so far for CRUSH UK. So if you have an event that you would like: Martin Weller, CRUSH UK, or The BobKatZ (Exeter area only) to perform at, then please let me know so I can factor it in now. Check www.crushuk.com for all the latest gigs and news through the month. And do leave your messages up on the board, cos it can get lonely up there :) Gigs, gigs, gigs Your support is vital and very much appreciated, so please come out and cheer us on – our egos need it :) Admission to all shows is free unless stated. Forthcoming live shows featuring MARTIN WELLER, CRUSH UK and The BobKatZ October 2007 CRUSH UK Friday 5th October, REDWING, Church Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT, 01395 222156 - 9pm WELLER Saturday 6th October, PHOENIX, Bradninch Place, Gandy Street, Exeter, Devon EX4 3LS 01392 667080 - 3pm - 3.30pm Donations to Oxfam welcome CRUSH UK Saturday 6th October, PHOENIX, Exeter Road, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1PT, 01395 223191 - 9.15pm CRUSH UK featuring The BobKatZ Stewart White on drums and vocals Thursday 11th October, FERRET & RADIATOR, 21-23 Park Road, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9LJ, 01626 863001 - 8.45pm BobKatZ Friday 12th October, GREEN DRAGON, Combe St Nicholas, Somerset TA20 3NG 01460 63311 - 9.15pm BobKatZ Saturday 13th October, EXETER RAILWAY CLUB, Beacon Avenue, Exeter, Devon EX4 7JF (2 mins from Polsloe Bridge Railway Station), 01392 204101 - 9pm, £5 non-members & £2 members at the door BobKatZ Thursday 18th October, LONGBROOK, Cowick Street, Exeter, Devon EX4 1DG, 01392 257036 - 9pm BobKatZ Saturday 20th October, VINTAGE, Wellington, Somerset TA21 8AQ, 01823 662369 - 9.30pm WELLER Thursday 25th October, MARINE TAVERN, 2 Marine Parade, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9DJ, 01626 865245 - 9pm, All ages show CRUSH UK Friday 26th October, HAIRY DOG, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5AZ, 01643 704660 - 9.15pm CRUSH UK Saturday 27th October, SADDLERS ARMS, Exeter Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5LS, 01395 272798 - 9.15pm WELLER feat. Sara Corser & Nigel Bradford - Halloween Special Wednesday 31st October REDWING, Church Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT, 01395 222156 - 9pm, Fancy dress optional, but recommended :) And November 2007 for good measure, cos we need you! BobKatZ Friday 2nd November, DRAKES INN, Fore Street, Topsham, Devon EX3 0HF, 01392 875172 - 9.30pm BobKatZ Saturday 3rd November, DOUBLE LOCKS, Canal Banks, Exeter, Devon EX2 6LT, 01392 256947 - 9pm BobKatZ Friday 9th November, PEN AND QUILL, Taunton, Somerset TA1 4ET, 01823 256982 - 9.15pm BobKatZ Saturday 10th November, GLOBE INN, New Town, Exeter, Devon EX1 2BL, 01392 256491 - 9pm WELLER Sunday 11th November, ANNABEL'S CABARET & DISCOTHEQUE, 86 & 88 Vauxhall Street, The Barbican, Plymouth, Devon PL4 0EY, 01752 260555 - 9pm CRUSH UK Friday 16th November, REDWING, Church road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT, 01395 222156 - 9pm CRUSH UK Saturday 17th November, LANSDOWNE, Park Road, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9LQ, 01626 863201 - 9.45pm BobKatZ Friday 23rd November, TWYFORD INN, Tiverton, Devon EX16 6AL, 01884 252019 - 9.30pm BobKatZ Saturday 24th November, OLD COACHING HOUSE, Chudleigh, Devon TQ13 0HX, 01626 853270 - 10.30pm BobKatZ Friday 30th November, PHOENIX HOTEL, Chard, Somerset TA20 1PH, 01460 66444 - 9.15pm And one more date for your diary CRUSH UK seeing in the New Year Monday 31st December, REDWING, Church Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT, 01395 222156 - 10pm Show times as shown above, but please check the gig is on before travelling.. Contact As well as the world famous www.crushuk.com website managed by web wizard Leslie in New Hampshire, there are other places to find us and different aspects of what we do, so come and show some love at: www.myspace.com/martinweller www.lemonrock.com/martinweller www.lemonrock.com/crushuk www.lemonrock.com/bobkatz Or just Google us for fun and see where you end up :) Other stuff… October's free download I hope you enjoyed Leslie's choice of song for September. I have selected 'A Little piece of Heaven' by seminal rock band 'The Fear'. Written by Brian Viner and me in 1990. The music we played was a great release of the heavy metal spirit that has always smoldered under the surface. The Fear lasted 2 years, but we got to play alongside Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones and AC/DC's Chris Slade, so it was all worth it just for that experience. We composed some good tunes that didn't make it to record apart from the demos we made here and there, so this is a bit of a gem. Check it out at www.crushuk.com it will be available to download free of charge as soon as Les can load it :) Outlets for your talent If, like me you are always on the look out for places that host musicians that don't just knock out the same old covers for mindless punters, then here's a couple of places for you to try either as a musician or indeed a discerning listener and lover of new music and 'fresh talent' (I don't include myself in that category :) Kaye's open mic night - www.lemonrock.com/kaye John and Martin's Bovey Blue Grass Jam - www.lemonrock.com/boveyacoustic Melanie's new talent nights - www.viva-viva.co.uk Annabel's new talent nights - www.annabelscabaret.co.uk Ian's Acoustic Café open mic night - www.theacousticcafe.co.uk And keep your eyes and ears open for young singer songwriter Lara Conley.   Missing Last call for Val Whittaker, keyboard player with Staring into Space circa 1986 and Jason Rolf, bass player with Synopsis in 1978. Where are they now? Are they alive; had a sex change, etc.?   Fancy a late break? - Recommended accommodation We have some great friends around the place with lovely places to stay if your are in the vicinity. There is the beautiful Two Farthings in Devon – www.twofarthings.co.uk And two fab places in France: 1. La Petite Maison, Rue des Halles, Passavant sur Layon, Maine et Loire, France. E-mail kymlee@waitrose.com for rates and more details. 2. L'ancien Presbytere, Bournac, 82150 Montaigu de Quercy, France. Check out www.montaigu-bed-breakfast-france.co.uk or e-mail Anne Louise@massey@montaigu-bed-breakfast-france.co.uk Tell 'em Weller sent you :)   Finally, it's goodbye to David Lloyd and Steve Morgan who checked into the great hotel in the sky. Gone but not forgotten. OK, so that's it for now. See ya. Marv x             Another update from Messrs Weller, Dudley, Bell et al. Update 30th August 2007   I hope you have survived the last few weeks unscathed and in South West England at least we are finally enjoying summer albeit with an Autumnal chill around dusk. But enough with the weather update.     Peter 'Brett Dearheart Savage Lambsy' Groves   As regular readers will know our dear old mate and bass player (pre Dudley), Pete Groves was seriously ill with cancer. Pete died even quicker than the quacks were expecting due to an 'infection'. We are obviously sad about his untimely death, but prefer to remember the contribution Pete made to our music and indeed his own quirky output.   We met Pete in 1995 and he and Rick were soon drafted in to join Clive and me in the FramptonWeller band. Pete went on to play bass and sing backing vocals on 'FramptonWeller' and the Crush mini album as well as making a guest appearance on CRUSH UK's 1999 opus 'Changing by degrees'.   Pete's style, professionalism and ease of manner was a winning combination and we were left with a big gap to fill when he left the band to spend more time with his family in 1998.   Some 'studio enabled' friends of Pete have been given the pleasant task of editing a million of his old cassettes containing his classic original material, so I hope to announce a CD compilation soon.     Unfortunately our efforts to raise money for Cancer Research UK ain't gonna help Pete, but there is some good news for some current and future cancer sufferers….   Relay For Life: Dawlish 28th & 29th July 2007 final total raised = £37,000   Now all the money is in the incredible total raised by the fantastic folks of Dawlish, their friends and rellies is a huge £37,000 (Thirty Seven Thousand Pounds).   Words are not enough, but my sincere thanks to everyone who supported the event one way or the other.   It was an honour to play a small part and walking round the track with other cancer survivors was very special.   Those that deserve a special mention: Seed & Chris who walked the whole 24 hours, Murdoch, Anna Todd, Lesley Presley, Carole Searle, The Weekend Rock Stars, Chardonnay, Teign Delta, Red Eye entertainment who manned the PA for all the acts, balloon queen/photographer Pippa 'Toni' Todd and the magic Bing, Indian Head massage maestro and psycho manager.   Marilyn Bailey, The Ugly Duckling and Marine Tavern for the fab grub.   In the end 25 relay teams of up to 12 people and 46 survivors took part and this year's event total surpassed the last two by some margin and guess what? We want to beat it again next year!   If you would like to get involved in next year's event in Dawlish we've already started planning.   Cancer survivors, walkers, sponsors and acts that want to support the 2008 event to be held on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July can register their interest now by contacting Jim or Jilly Franklyn on 01626 865101.   You can get involved wherever you are - please visit - www.cancerhelp.org.uk   Thank you   Martin     And the rest of the news…   North Bridge Inn this Friday 31st August 2007   Weller continues his foray into the world of singer/songwriters at Exeter's coolest venue, The North Bridget Inn, this Friday. His last outing there was successful in so much as his original music fits the profile of the venue perfectly, but it was a sorry turn out on the supporter front (despite solemn promises), apart from his die hard followers.   So if you can get there from around 8.30pm to make a bit of noise and give the lad some encouragement it would be much appreciated J     Mini Glastonbury   The gig of last month was held in a field adjacent to a farm just down the road from chez nous. It really had a Glasto feel to it including the relentless rain and mud. The party held jointly by Bing, Martin, Jeff and Julie was excellent with a gr8 atmosphere and live music supplied by Weller, Dudley, Bell and Corser all for the love of it – thanks guys and gal.   We cobbled together a shelter for all the gear and everything held together and we partied on late into the night.   Fantastic!     55 and still alive   Weller performed solo on a hot Sunday afternoon in Bovey Tracey in a (huge) scout hall half full of people so called '55 and still alive'. The remit was to play music from the 50s and 60s and get them old bones up and dancing. The boy played his wotsits off doing his best Elvis the pelvis moves J and his efforts were appreciated by some, but the best bit was the promo picture in the local paper J     Paignton Regatta sur la mer   A big 'thank you' again to Radar for inviting me to play at another festival this year. This was well organized with a great stage and respectable sound. The vibe felt really good as I performed a bunch of my own songs as well as uncle Ray's 'Lazing on a sunny afternoon' which has kind of become my theme tune this 'summer'.   Radar and I are hopefully going to hook up on future projects cos on top of everything else he's a cracking drummer ;)     The Bolton, Brixham   Recommended by 'The Reoffenders' a good deal of perseverance finally secured us a date at Brixham's top live music venue. It was an incredibly hot night and 'the late' Richard Bell was frazzled after another mad dash cross country to get to the gig in time.   Even so we delivered a classic CRUSH UK performance to an audience that responded from the off. Those that cared to comment were delighted by our mix of the classic and somewhat unusual songs from all over the shop, which was nice. We have been invited back next year and may well have discovered another gem of a venue!         South By Southwest Festival, Texas 2008   The boy Weller has bitten the bullet and applied to appear solo at the South By Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas (down the road from George Dubya's ranch) March 12-16, 2008.   Rejection is a possibility, but looking on the positive side, it will be a great chance to get those Weller compositions under the noses of the music industry types on the look out for quality material.   If it all comes off, then a support network including places to crash and folks to hang out with when he's there will be on the agenda, so if you know anyone in Austin, Texas, apart from the Pres, do let us know.     Oregon 2008   We're just waiting to confirm the festival dates in Portland, Oregon next year, but it's looking likely that CRUSH UK will embark on their 4 th US tour around the 24th July 2008. We've already penciled in shows at the Horsebrass, Millennium Music in-store and the Sportsman, Pacific City. We can't wait.     Battle of the Bands – Sunday August 26th   Despite blinding performances by K2 (Guns n Roses stylie), The BobKatZ (Clash, Jam, Bowie) and Stillyano (originals and unusual covers), the best 80s pop band in the house on the night ;) 'Kiss This' (Queen, Blur) took the money and the title of Queen and Kings of Exeter's music scene.   One could say that the dice was loaded from the start because KT had a gig in the afternoon which meant they "had to go on last", but hey we're not bitter J   Egos were left at the door as each band shared the PA and bass equipment (thanks to Nick) and played their respective socks off through their 40-minute slots.   The audience were fantastic, cheering every act with enthusiasm and making the evening a huge success for the venue and all involved.   A special mention to all the BobKatZ followers and T-shirt wearers and we hope Stewart survived the wrath of his wife :)   The BobKatZ won't waste time licking their wounds and its back to business as usual in Chudleigh next Saturday 1st September.   The night was a gr8 success and we were delighted to be involved.   Thanks to the sound and stage engineers and to Ali and Julie for a cracking event.   Hazel's 'Eighth Day' was fantastic, well done to Norm and the rest of KT – boo hiss J     Smoking or non-smoking?   Like it or not we are manacled with the fact that folks can't smoke in venues no more.   So far there has been no evidence of a surge in non smokers attending gigs, in fact all we have seen is people forced to stand outside to have a fag and leave the venue empty and their drink unattended whilst they do so!   Undeterred Weller, CRUSH UK and The BobKatZ are very happy to play non-smoking or smoking events, so please bear that in mind if you are having a party.       Hands across the ocean   A long distance hello to Jan & Steve working on a game reserve in South Africa and Audrey, Jim and Jack who have not long moved to Australia.   It's gr8 to keep in touch with folks we've known through the band(s) as they journey through life on earth J     Reviews   Those of you who have discovered the joys of www.lemonrock.com will have no doubt seen write ups about yours truly, CRUSH UK, the BobKatZ and a host of other talent.   I have added them to www.crushuk.com message board too.   It's all good and well written stuff – well when Bry is in charge it is anyway J   Feel free to add your own opinions and if you have any good photos of us or you come to that, then we're always pleased to see 'em.     'Quiddity'   The collection of new Weller's songs is shaping up and I loaded 'Similar to a strange Town' from the album as a free download at the beginning of August on the CRUSH UK website front page. If you haven't heard it yet get in quick cos it's going going….   Another track (to be chosen by Leslie) will be free to download this September.     Check out www.crushuk.com for all the latest during the month.     Gigs, gigs, gigs   Your support is vital to our livelihood, sanity and longevity, so please come out and cheer us on.   Admission to all shows is free unless stated – recommended *.   MARTIN WELLER * Fridy 31st August NORTH BRIDGE INN 11, St. David's Hill, Iron Bridge, Exeter, Devon EX4 3RG - 01392 252535 8.30 – 11pm Guests: TBC     BobKatZ featuring Martin Weller Saturday 1st September COACHING HOUSE 25 Fore Street Chudleigh, Devon TQ13 0HX - 01626 853270        10.30pm – 12.30pm     BobKatZ featuring Martin Weller Friday 7th September NEW QUAY INN Newquay Street, Teignmouth, Devon TQ14 8DA - 01626 774145 9.15 – 11.30pm             CRUSH UK Saturday 8th September BRIDGWATER SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB Bridgwater, North Somerset - 01823 338319 9.45pm – 12am     MARTIN WELLER* Friday 14th September KING ARTHUR 31-33 Benedict Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9NB – 01458 831442 9pm – 11pm     BobKatZ featuring Martin Weller Saturday 15 th September DOUBLE LOCKS Canal Banks, Exeter EX2 6LT - 01392 256947 9pm – 11pm     BobKatZ featuring Martin Weller* Friday 21 st September REDWING Church Lane, Lympstone EX8 5JT - 01395 222156 9 – 11pm     BobKatZ featuring Martin Weller* Saturday 22nd September BLACK HORSE Longbrook Street, Exeter EX4 6AB - 01392 257974 9.15pm – 11.30pm     BobKatZ featuring Martin Weller Friday 28th September MANSION HOUSE Bridgwater TA6 3BJ - 01278 458433 9.30pm – 11.30pm     BobKatZ featuring Martin Weller* Saturday 29th September PHOENIX Exeter Road, Exmouth EX8 1PT - 01395 223191 9.15pm – 11.30pm     Show times as shown above.       Other stuff…   We're still looking for Val Whittaker, keyboard player with Staring into Space circa 1986 and Jason Rolf, bass player with Synopsis in 1978. Where are they now?     Fancy a break? - Recommended accommodation   We have some great friends around the place with lovely places to stay if your are in the vicinity.   There is the beautiful Two Farthings in Devon – www.twofarthings.co.uk   And two fab places in France:   La Petite Maison, Rue des Halles, Passavant sur Layon, Maine et Loire, France. E-mail kymlee@waitrose.com for rates and more details. L'ancien Presbytere, Bournac, 82150 Montaigu de Quercy, France. Check out www.montaigu-bed-breakfast-france.co.uk or e-mail Anne Louise @massey@montaigu-bed-breakfast-france.co.uk   Tell 'em Weller sent you :)   OK, so that's it from me/us for now.   Do drop us a line, or post a write up cos we are always interested in your thoughts, comments, polite suggestions and offers of wealth, record deals and so on.   It's always great to get mail of one sort or another.   Later   Marv x   Weller, CRUSH UK, BobKatZ Update 25th July 2007 Good day The kids have broken up from school and I'm just waiting for the first "I'm bored" to be uttered. So whilst the teenager is out of the way, I thought I'd sneak out a quick missive. OK it's here. The thing I've been banging on about for months just because I 'survived' cancer.  Cancer Research UK Relay For Life: Dawlish 28th & 29th July 2007  A fantastic line up of musicians and entertainment including: Yours truly, Murdoch, Anna Todd, Lesley Presley, Carole Searle, The Weekend Rock Stars, Chardonnay and Teign Delta are all billed to help raise funds and awareness of Cancer Research UK in Dawlish, Devon.  There will be a whole bunch of other activities going on including Indian Head Massage by my lovely wife and Gloria, balloon animals, hats and odd shapes created by Pippa Todd and a whole range of things to do while watching, walking, supporting or just hanging about.    What is Relay For Life? Relay For Life is a unique fundraising event that gives communities the chance to remember those touched by cancer and promote awareness of Cancer treatment and prevention. It is also an opportunity to increase the amount of money available to doctors and scientists enabling them to carry on their vital work in helping to save and improve quality of life for people with cancer.  The event comprises twenty three teams of up to twelve people who will walk in relay for 24 hours in the grounds of Dawlish Leisure Centre starting 28 Jul 2007 @ 11:00 AM. Folks who don't want to join a team can still help to raise money for Cancer Research UK by becoming a "guest walker".  Sign in at the Registration tent on the day and bring your donations with you.  Contact Jim and Jilly Franklin - 01626 865101 or caroeaves60@yahoo.co.uk for more information.  Itinerary  Activities on the day There will be a team Tug-o-war for a trophy, Face painting, Nail art, Indian Head massage, Midnight Pyjama Parade, overnight Team Quiz, Games and Competitions.  Survivorship We would welcome everyone who would like to take part in our Survivors Lap of Honour, which begins the Relay. Family members and carers are welcome to support you. A special buffet has been arranged for afterwards. If you would like to join us, please contact Janet Taylor on 01626 862891  Candle Of Hope Ceremony Will start at 10.00pm on Saturday 28th July. It will begin with music by a Scottish Piper. There will also be a reading, songs and music. Join us for this moving ceremony and see the candles lighting up around the track. To dedicate a candle in celebration of or in memory of someone's life affected by cancer, contact Jim & Jilly for a form.  Entertainment We have booked displays by - The Dawlish Twirlers, Dawlish Puma Tae Kwon Do Club, Teign View Gymnastics Club, Heather and Gorse Ladies Clog Dancers. Music and songs featuring Martin Weller, Carol Searle, Chardonnay, Anna Todd, Lesley Presley (Elvis Tribute Artiste). Bands include Murdoch, Weekend Rock Stars and the Teign Delta Five Jazz Band.  Fundraising In addition to team fundraising prior to Relay, on the day fundraising will include Team stalls, Handicraft make and sell, "Guest walkers", Bucket collection during the 24hrs, Auction of team goods (up to 3 items per team) to take place through Saturday 28th July. Cancer Research UK merchandise including glow-in-the-dark wristbands and glo-sticks.  Currently we have · 23 teams – 25 is the target · 35 survivors – 50 is the target  A special mention to me mates Seed and Chris who are going to attempt to walk the whole 24 hours as long as they have their friend 'Stella' to keep 'em company  and to Julia, Ben and Margaret (Team Spirit) for their enthusiasm and encouragement for me during the loooong build up to this event.  I hope to see some of you lemonrockers/crushers/myspacers/katlovers there.  This is a UK, if not world-wide event, so for more information about getting involved where you are please visit - www.cancerhelp.org.uk  If it wasn't for chemo and loadsa blood CRUSH UK would have needed a new front man soon and the BobKatZ wouldn't exist!    And the rest of the news…  Those of you who have discovered the joys of www.lemonrock.com will have no doubt seen write ups about yours truly, CRUSH UK, the BobKatZ and a host of other talent.  I have added them to www.crushuk.com message board too.  It's all good and well written stuff – well when Bry is in charge it is anyway.  'Quiddity' the new collection of Weller's songs is shaping up and I will add a track for free download at the beginning of August on the CRUSH UK website front page.  Black & White The two CRUSH UK shows featuring BobKat Stewart White on drums were awesome. Stew did a great job, but fans of Rick will be pleased to know that there is no chance of him losing his stool position at the moment.  On yer bike The BobKatZ were delighted to support Devon Air Ambulance Trust's (DAAT) recent event at Exeter Arena. Sunday July 8th saw hundreds of bikers riding in a base-to-base parade ending up in Exeter.  The KatZ performed under blue skies to a healthy throng who seemed to dig our performance - which was handy!  The afternoon was a great success with 120 more bikers taking part this year than last and according to DAAT sources, all involved helped to raise a very worthwhile £3,500 for the charitable Trust.  A special mention to the bloke who lent us the lorry to play on, the Exeter bikers and the folks from BMAD.  We hope to be involved again next year at an even bigger biker event and we promise to start earlier too!  Check out more high flying activity at www.daat.org   Battle of the Bands – Sunday August 26th The BobKatZ at The Longbrook, Exeter The 'KatZ take on the great and the good including Kiss This in a battle of the bands to see who really is Exeter's top punk/rock/pop pub band.  I predict a riot  7pm - 11pm  There's only one winner!  Check out www.crushuk.com for all the latest during the month.  OK - Dates for your diary Admission to all shows is free unless stated.  BobKatZ featuring Martin Weller - Friday 27th July MANSION HOUSE Bridgwater Somerset TA6 3BJ 01278 458433 9 – 11pm  MARTIN WELLER - Saturday 28th July Relay For Life - Dawlish Dawlish Leisure Centre Sandy Lane Dawlish Devon 4 - 4.45pm Event in support of Cancer Research UK Free admission/donations BobKatZ featuring Martin Weller - Saturday 28th July SHIP HOTEL High St Crediton Devon EX17 3LQ 01363 777873 9 – 11pm  CRUSH UK - Friday 3rd August MANSION HOUSE Bridgwater North Somerset TA6 3BJ 01278 458433 9 – 11pm  WELLER – Sunday 5th August BOVEY TRACEY MUSIC FESTIVAL '55 and still alive' event Scout Hut Bovey Tracy Devon 2 – 4pm Tickets £1 from Bovey Post Office  WELLER - Friday 10th August SADDLERS ARMS Lympstone Devon EX8 5LS 01395 272798 9.15 – 11.30pm  BobKatZ featuring Martin Weller - Saturday 11th August LANSDOWNE Dawlish EX7 9LQ 01626 863201 9.45 - Midnight  WELLER - Wednesday 15th August PAIGNTON REGATTA Seafront Paignton Devon 6.30 – 7pm  CRUSH UK - Friday 17th August Bolton Inn Brixham Devon TQ5 9DE 9.30 – 11.30pm  BobKatZ featuring Martin Weller – Friday 24th August TWYFORD INN Tiverton EX16 6AL 01884 252019 9.30 – 11.30pm  BobKatZ featuring Martin Weller – Saturday 25th August GLOBE INN Exeter EX1 2BL 01392 256491 9 - 11pm  BobKatZ featuring Martin Weller – Sunday 26th August LONGBROOK Exeter EX4 1DG 01392 257036 7 - 11pm  Battle of the bands feat. BobKatZ, Kiss This, K2 and more. The winner takes it all  WELLER plus support - Friday 31st August NORTH BRIDGE INN Exeter EX4 3RG 01392 252535 9 – 11pm   Other stuff…  Lost We're still looking for Val Whittaker, keyboard player with Staring into Space circa 1986 and Jason Rolf, bass player with Synopsis in 1978. Where are they now?   Fancy a break? - Accommodation We have some great friends around the place with lovely places to stay if your are in the vicinity.  There is the beautiful Two Farthings in Devon – www.twofarthings.co.uk And two fab places in France:  La Petite Maison, Rue des Halles, Passavant sur Layon, Maine et Loire, France. E-mail kymlee@waitrose.com for rates and more details.  L'ancien Presbytere, Bournac, 82150 Montaigu de Quercy, France. Check out www.montaigu-bed-breakfast-france.co.uk or e-mail Anne Louise @massey@montaigu-bed-breakfast-france.co.uk  Tell 'em Weller sent you   OK, so that's it from me/us for now.  Enjoy the new 'soccer' season.  Do drop us a line, or post a write up cos we are always interested in your thoughts, comments, polite suggestions and offers of wealth, record deals and so on.  It's always great to get mail of one sort or another.  Later  Marv x  New address - mwcweller@googlemail.com   Goodbye flaming June hello summer! Update 1st July 2007 Hello again   Well what a surprise, neither I or we got invited to Glastonbury again! - unless you count my gig at the King Arthur, but that’s not until September :)  But Jamie T and our good mate Ben Bones (drums/songwriting) did play the mud bath, so that’s almost as good!  June was an excellent month with so many great memories.   Weller's slot on Bay FM with top jock Radar aka Keith Graham aka Graham Frampton was a blast and is still on our website for you to listen to.   CRUSH UK including new boy Kerry Lord on bass/vocals, Nick (BobKat) Thorman on bass/guitar/vocals and the lovely Sara Corser vocals/sex appeal played to a great audience at Clarefest 2007 where the rain kept away and over £2000 was raised for cancer care and hospices thanks to the generosity of the folks of Lympstone and beyond. Thanks to everyone who braved the dodgy weather to support this year's event. The line up this year was the best I have seen and the highlight of the afternoon was 'Selectiv' playing drum and bass/indie rock. Many thanks to Paul Downes, his brother, Dave Atherton and all the guys who lent equipment, set the stage and managed the whole shooting match. A truly wonderful event supported by the salt of the earth.   The BobKatZ and Weller have received very positive feedback from the write ups on www.lemonrock.com posted by Bry and Kitkat Chunkie respectively. It’s great to know we are appreciated.   ‘Quiddity’ the new collection of Weller’s songs is now going through a beta test phase and with any luck will be available for download very soon. For the more traditional among you a special edition CD will be available in time. No plans to recycle vinyl ‘though :)   I am also quite excited about the prospect of Stewart White, drummer with the BobKatZ joining CRUSH UK on the odd occasion to cover Rick who is now heavily involved in his Milton Keynes project ‘Son of Bob’.   Stewart joins us at the Redwing on Friday July 13 and the Lansdowne Saturday 14th July. Won't you give me a smile?   Check out www.crushuk.com for all the latest during the month.   OK - Dates for your diary   Admission to all shows is free unless stated.   July 2007   CRUSH UK - Friday 6th July HAIRY DOG Minehead Somerset TA24 5AZ 01643 704660 9.15 – 11.30pm   CRUSH UK - Saturday 7th July PHOENIX Exeter Road Exmouth Devon EX8 1PT 01395 223191 9.15 – 11.30pm   BobKatZ featuring Martin Weller - Sunday 8th July Saracen's RFC Exhibition Field EXETER ARENA Summer Lane Exeter Devon EX4 8NT 01392 468653 2 – 4pm Devon Air Ambulance Fundraiser Free admission free/donations   BobKatZ featuring Martin Weller - Thursday 12th July LONGBROOK Exeter Devon EX4 1DG 9 – 11pm   CRUSH UK - Friday 13th July REDWING Lympstone Devon EX8 5JT 01395 222156 9 – 11pm   CRUSH UK - Saturday 14th July LANSDOWNE Dawlish Devon EX7 9LQ 01626 863201 9.45pm – 12am   BobKatZ featuring Martin Weller - Friday 20th July FERRYBOAT Shaldon Devon TQ14 0DL 01626 872340 9 – 11pm   BobKatZ featuring Martin Weller - Saturday 21st July CRAWFORD HOTEL Exeter Devon EX2 8JD 01392 668008 9 - 11pm   BobKatZ featuring Martin Weller - Friday 27th July MANSION HOUSE Bridgwater Somerset TA6 3BJ 01278 458433 9 – 11pm   MARTIN WELLER - Saturday 28th July Relay For Life - Dawlish Dawlish Leisure Centre Sandy Lane Dawlish Devon 4 - 4.45pm Event in support of Cancer Research UK Free admission/donations   BobKatZ featuring Martin Weller - Saturday 28th July SHIP HOTEL High St Crediton Devon EX17 3LQ 01363 777873 9 – 11pm   Edited Highlights   B2B 2007, Base to Base Motorcycle Ride, Sunday 8th July The BobKatZ have been invited to provide the entertainment for the Devon Air Ambulance Fundraiser event on: Sunday 8th July, Exeter Arena, Summer Lane, Exeter EX4 8NT 01392 466666 - 2pm Admission free/donations   This is a big bike fest so all the BMAD and other biker folk will be showing off their mean machines all for charity.   Calling musicians who have survived cancer - Update  Thank you all for your encouragement and offers of support.   I am delighted to say that the entertainment bill is full for this year’s Cancer Research UK Relay For Life event (Dawlish).   Massive thanks to Marilyn Bailey, owner of Number 1 Café in Dawlish who will kindly provide food for those taking part in the survivors lap.   The 'Weekend Rockstars' all the way from Oakhampton will be among the live bands performing on Saturday and thanks to a host of friends that have offered support there will be all sorts of creative and fun things to do while people are slogging around the track.   A special mention to me mate Seed who is going to attempt to walk the whole 24 hours as long as he has his friend Stella to keep him company.   We are still keen to hear from anyone who has survived cancer or who are undergoing treatment currently to take part in this event which is vital to raise funds that will help treat and cure cancer and save lives.   The 24 hour Relay For Life Dawlish 2007 based at Dawlish Leisure Centre starts at noon on Saturday 28th July and goes through to noon on Sunday 29th July 2007.   To register your interest please contact Janet Taylor, Survivor Co-ordinator for Dawlish on 01626 862891 or drop me a line at mrtnweller@yahoo.co.uk This is a UK, if not world-wide event, so for more information about getting involved where you are please visit - www.cancerhelp.org.uk   USA 2008   As mentioned last time, CRUSH UK have been invited back to Portland, Oregon in July 2008 to play during the beer festival. Exact dates have yet to be confirmed, but I will start work on booking gigs and promotion in the next few weeks.  We are well excited at the prospect of returning to our home from home and maybe getting some dates with our local heroes Slackjaw.   If you have any suggestions for venues or would like to help with the logistics of the tour, then we would love to hear from you.   Weller is also going to apply to take part in the South By Southwest Festival next year in March. If the boy gets lucky he will be looking for a place or places to get his head down – so any offers please drop him a line.   Album sales  The rush has continued on our CDs I am delighted to say and there are only a few left of the CRUSH UK classics – Frampton Weller CDs still around too as well as Dudley classics 'Yhaal House', 'WOW' and 'Sargeant Pepper'.  So it is getting close to your last chance to buy our CDs cos I ain’t gonna press any more.   We will be offering paid downloads on www.crushuk.com in due course, but in the meantime you can hear and download some of our music at Myspace (Martin Weller) and Lemonrock CRUSH UK, Martin Weller and Frampton Weller.   Download of the month   Something from 1987 for you this month.   'Alone she' was written by Weller in around 1985 and developed by his band 'Staring into space' while they were playing and living in Cyprus.   This 'definitive' version features: Martin Weller - vocals and guitars, Alan Hyde - bass and vocals, Gary Bacon - guitars and Ed on keyboards.   We used a drum machine cos it was the 80's after all   Big thanks to Val Whittaker and where are you now mate?     Accommodation   We have some great friends around the place with lovely places to stay if your are in the vicinity.  There is the beautiful Two Farthings in Devon – www.twofarthings.co.uk   And two fab places in France:  La Petite Maison, Rue des Halles, Passavant sur Layon, Maine et Loire, France. E-mail kymlee@waitrose.com for rates and more details. L'ancien Presbytere, Bournac, 82150 Montaigu de Quercy, France. Check out www.montaigu-bed-breakfast-france.co.uk or e-mail Anne Louise @massey@montaigu-bed-breakfast-france.co.uk   Tell 'em Weller sent you :)   OK, so that’s it from me/us for now.   Enjoy Wimbledon and strawberries and Pimm’s No 1 and don’t forget to get along to any or all of our shows.   Do drop us a line, or post a write up cos we are always interested in your thoughts, comments, polite suggestions and offers of wealth, record deals and so on.   It’s always great to get mail of one sort or another.   Later  Marv x   Weller, CRUSH UK & The BobKatZ Update June 2007  Hi de hi music lovers Time for an update already. It has been a busy and fun month for me and the BobKatZ, but now it’s time for the crush crew to take over. As much as I and indeed some of you enjoy what the KatZ do over crush, for me there is no substitute for playing my own songs as well as a mix of classic songs by other great artists and we (CRUSH UK) are hoping to feed new songs into our set this coming weekend. Dates for your diary CRUSH UK - Thursday 31st May, Phoenix Hotel, Chard TA20 1PH, 01460 66444 CRUSH UK - Friday 1st June, REDWING, Lympstone EX8 5JT, 01395 222156 WELLER playing live on Saturday 2nd June, Bay FM 107, 3 - 3.20pm, www.bayfm.co.uk, Weller being interviewed by Frampton – who can resist a slice of irony? CRUSH UK - Saturday 2nd June, PHOENIX, Exmouth EX8 1PT, 01395 223191 - 9.15pm CRUSH UK - Sunday 3rd June, Clarefest, Church Road, Lympstone EX8 5JT - 1.30pm – 7.30pm, Admission £6 BobKatZ - Sunday 3rd June, Clarefest, Church Road, Lympstone EX8 5JT - 1.30pm – 7.30pm, Admission £6 CRUSH UK - Tuesday 5th June, No Limits, Newton Abbot TQ12 2SH - 7.30pm WELLER - Friday 8th June, Saddlers Arms, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5LS,  01395 272798 - 9.15pm BobKatZ - Saturday 9th June, Old Coaching House, Chudleigh TQ13 0HX, 01626 853270 - 10pm BobKatZ - Friday 15th June, New Quay Inn, Teignmouth TQ14 8DA, 01626 774145 - 9.15pm WELLER - Saturday 16th June, Con Club, 24-26 Park Rd. Dawlish EX7 9LH, 01626 862355 – 9.30pm WELLER + Anna Todd + Various bands - Thursday 21st June, River Dream Centre, Northernhay Street, Exeter EX4 3ER, 01392 425070 – 7pm Admission price TBC BobKatZ - Saturday 23rd June, Ship Hotel, High St, Crediton EX17 3LQ, 01363 777873 BobKatZ - Friday 29th June, Redwing Inn, Lympstone EX8 5JT, 01395 222156 WELLER - Saturday 30th June, Royal Oak, 81 Fore Street, Heavitree EX1 2RN, 01392 254121   Now here is the news It is always disappointing to have to say no to playing gigs for charity as I have had to do this year because of logistics, but I am delighted that CRUSH UK and me as a soloist can at least do our bit for a few good causes. Clarefest 2007   Happening this year on: Sunday June 3rd West Wing Varnes Church Road (opposite the Redwing) Lympstone Devon EX8 5JT     CRUSH UK, including a debut for our deputy bass player Kerry Lord, will be joined by at least two of the BobKatZ at this year’s event. There will also be great music from: Paul Downes, Phil Beer, Junkyard Angels and a host of other musicians. The day starts around 1.30pm with music, fun and fundraising going on until 7.30pm – ish. The admission donation of £6 (pay on entry) will be distributed between Macmillan, Hospiscare and the ‘Force’ cancer charity.  Clarefest has become an established village event raising thousands of pounds for charity.   The first Clarefest was an impromptu happening when some of Clare Millington’s friends decided to celebrate her life with a get-together at the home of Terry and Debbie Chetwood in Church Road, opposite the Redwing. Clare died aged 56, on July 29th, 1999 from cancer.  She was a great lover of Lympstone and had many friends. Clare was married to Tony, had three children – Chris, Nick and Polly – and lived at Shear’s Place in the Strand next to the Londis store. For a number of years Clare and Tony ran their home as a tea shop, which became a popular meeting place for the village. Clarefest, as it has become known, has over the last seven years has been attracting villagers as well as musicians and supporters from all over the country. Now all we need is the sun to shine and it will be perfect J   B2B 2007, Base to Base Motorcycle Ride, Sunday 8th July The BobKatZ will being doing their bit for charity on: Sunday 8th July Exeter Arena, Summer Lane, Exeter EX4 8NT   01392 468653 - 2pm Admission TBC In aid of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, meet at Atlantic Village 10.30 for 11am start. 80 mile ride to Arena Park, Exeter. £10 donation per bike. For application form and more information call 01392-466666   Calling musicians who have survived cancer - Update Things are progressing nicely to support this year’s Cancer Research UK Relay For Life event (Dawlish) starting noon Saturday 28th July through to noon on Sunday 29th July 2007. I have helped secure a sponsor for the survivors’ banquet, Marilyn Bailey, owner of Café No 1 in Dawlish will kindly provide the food for those taking part in the first lap of the relay. I have also booked musicians and other good folk to help out with the entertainment during the event. We are still keen to hear from anyone who has survived cancer or who are undergoing treatment currently to take part in this event which is vital to raise funds that will help treat and cure cancer and save lives. The first circuit (Survivors lap) of the relay course is for those of us who are fighting cancer or have been fortunate enough to survive it. The lap signifies the success of Cancer Research UK and the people that fund raise and support the charity for the benefit of cancer sufferers - We get VIP treatment too! The 24 hour Relay For Life Dawlish 2007 based at Dawlish Leisure Centre starts at noon on Saturday 28th July and goes through to noon on Sunday 29th July 2007. To register your interest please contact Janet Taylor, Survivor Co-ordinator for Dawlish on 01626 862891 or drop me a line at mrtnweller@yahoo.co.uk This is a UK, if not world-wide event, so for more information about getting involved where you are please visit - www.cancerhelp.org.uk Chemo and blood rock! :)   USA 2008 CRUSH UK have been invited back to Portland, Oregon in July 2008 to play during the beer festival. Exact dates have yet to be confirmed, but we are well excited at the prospect of returning to our home from home and maybe getting some dates with our local heroes Slackjaw. Weller is applying to take part in the South By Southwest Festival next year in March. If the boy gets lucky he will be looking for a place or places to get his head down – so any offers please drop him a line.   Album sales I am delighted to say that we have had a bit of a rush on CDs and there are only a few left of the CRUSH UK classics – Loads of Frampton Weller CDs still around though J So it is getting close to your last chance to buy our CDs cos I ain’t gonna press any more. I will be offering paid downloads on www.crushuk.com in due course, but in the meantime you can hear and download some of our music at Myspace (Martin Weller) and Lemonrock CRUSH UK, Martin Weller and Frampton Weller.   Download of the month As yet undecided, but check www.crushuk.com soon and there will be another track for you to download absolutely free of charge!   Accommodation We have some great friends around the place with lovely places to stay if your are in the vicinity. There is the beautiful Two Farthings in Devon – www.twofarthings.co.uk And two fab places in France: La Petite Maison, Rue des Halles, Passavant sur Layon, Maine et Loire, France. e-mail kymlee@waitrose.com for rates and more details. L'ancien Presbytere, Bournac, 82150 Montaigu de Quercy, France. Check out www.montaigu-bed-breakfast-france.co.uk or e-mail Anne Louise @ massey@montaigu-bed-breakfast-france.co.uk  Tell 'em Weller sent you. Linda Snell’s new gaff doesn’t sound bad either J   OK, so that’s it from me. Enjoy flaming June and do drop us a line with your thoughts, comments, polite suggestions and offers of wealth, record deals and so on. It’s always great to get mail of one sort or another. TTFN Marv x     News Update 1st May 2007 Hello   I hope you are well and have had an enjoyable and successful month since my last communiqué.  Here’s the latest on the gig front for Weller, CRUSH UK and the BobKatZ Admission is free to all shows unless stated. May 2007 BobKatZ - Friday 4th May – 9.15pm, Green Dragon, Combe St Nicholas TA20 3NG,  01460 63311 WELLER – Saturday 5th May - 2.30 – 2.50pm & 4 – 4.20pm, BMAD Festival, Paignton, Donations to BMAD charity welcome BobKatZ – Saturday 5th May - 9pm, Globe Inn, Exeter EX1 2BL,  01392 256491 BobKatZ - Sunday 6th May – 9pm, Longbrooke, Exeter EX4 1DG , 01392 257036    BobKatZ - Friday 11th May – 9pm, Ferryboat Inn, Shaldon TQ14 0DL, 01626 872340 BobKatZ - Saturday 12th May - 9.45pm, Lansdowne, Dawlish EX7 9LQ,  01626 863201    BobKatZ - Friday 18th May – 9pm, Twyford Inn, Tiverton EX16 6AL, 01884 252019 BobKatZ – Saturday 19th May - 9.15pm, Royal Oak, Exminster EX6 8DX,  01392 832332    BobKatZ – Thursday 24th May – 9pm, Bowling Green, Exeter EX4 6ST, 01392 678962 BobKatZ - Friday 25th May – 9pm, Redwing Inn, Lympstone EX8 5JT,  01395 222156 WELLER – Sunday 27th May - 9.15pm, Drakes Inn, Fore Street, Topsham, EX3 0HF, 01392 875172 CRUSH UK – Thursday 31st May - 9.15pm, Phoenix Hotel, Chard TA20 1PH, 01460 66444      June 2007 CRUSH UK - Friday 1st June – 9pm, REDWING, Lympstone EX8 5JT, 01395 222156  CRUSH UK - Saturday 2nd June - 9.15pm, PHOENIX, Exmouth EX8 1PT, 01395 223191    CRUSH UK + Local bands - Sunday 3rd June - 12 – 7pm, Clarefest 2007, Church Road, Lympstone EX8 5JT,  £5 admission to cancer charities Sound advice - Bring a picnic, ground sheet or blanket and a parasol                      WELLER - Friday 8th June - 9.15pm, Saddlers Arms, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5LS, 01395 272798    BobKatZ - Saturday 9th June - 10pm, Old Coaching House, Chudleigh TQ13 0HX, 01626 853270   All our gigs are listed at http://www.crushuk.com/gigs.html  www.lemonrock.com www.myspace.com/martinweller - as well as numerous other places.   Other news Cancer Survivors wanted to support Relay For Life - Dawlish 2007 As some of you may know I had an operation to remove a dodgy bollock and chemotherapy to destroy a large tumour from my abdomen in 2004/2005. Oh yeah and six pints/units of blood (that’s very nearly a whole human’s worth) for good measure. I was given the 'all clear' mid 2005 and so far so good. When an opportunity came up to help raise awareness and funds for Cancer Research UK I felt moved to do my bit. So I am assisting the campaign to attract cancer survivors along to my local event in Dawlish. This is by no means the only event to take place nationally or indeed globally. Please read on and if you feel like I do, then I would urge you to get involved in some way big or small. There are many opportunities to walk, run, entertain or support this event and others for cancer sufferers present and future.   Cancer survivors, including folks undergoing treatment currently are invited to take part in this year's 24 hour Relay For Life Dawlish which starts at noon on Saturday 28th July and goes through to noon on Sunday 29th July 2007. The event which will be based at Dawlish Leisure Centre is launched each year by the Survivors Lap. The first circuit of the relay course is for those of us who are fighting cancer or have been fortunate enough to survive it. We will get VIP treatment too! The lap signifies the success of Cancer Research UK and the people that fund raise and support the charity for the benefit of cancer sufferers. This year at least 50 survivors are wanted to take part in the inaugural circuit and/or to put a team of survivors forward to take part in the whole event for the first time. If you are a cancer survivor please contact Janet Taylor, Survivor Co-ordinator for Dawlish on 01626 862891 This is a UK, if not world-wide event, so for more information about getting involved where you are please visit - www.cancerhelp.org.uk Yours truly Weller will be taking part in the survivors lap, performing a 40 minute set on the Saturday afternoon for the walkers and taking part in the relay proper if energy allows on the Sunday.   All that sandwiched between two BobKatZ gigs! – Chemo and blood rocks! J Please feel free to pass this information on to all and sundry. Martin PS Any local musicians wanting to give their support by playing a short set for nothing just let me know.   This month’s free download Comment taken from ‘Changing by degrees’ 1999 Written by Martin Weller Performed by Martin Weller, Richard Bell and David Cameron Dudley. This month’s free download ‘Comment’ is dedicated to Peter ‘Dearheart Savage’ Groves who we love very much. ‘Comment’ came about at the time of the demise of the Frampton & Weller partnership and band in 1998. Another autobiographical song about how I was feeling (yawn). I was in a good place spiritually but could once again see the warmongering dickwits in the US Government building up to another war in the Middle East hence the “dark clouds”. It was also the time when Pete decided he had to leave the band to care for his darling girl Karen: “By a cruel twist of fate, it’s the end of a new beginning. Such a high price to pay. Just as it seemed we were winning” was about the fact that we had just recovered from the departure of Frampton and we were moving on and becoming more successful than ever with a real quality three piece band. So that was then and this is now. I look back on this song fondly and I like the mix of uplift and doom which typifies me I think. As always I hope you enjoy.    Spare parts We still have a few free weekend dates left this year (2007) in case you want to book us for your event – smoking or non smoking! Friday 22nd June – Weller or BobKatZ Saturday 30th June – Weller or BobKatZ Friday 6th July – Weller or BobKatZ Friday 12th October – Weller or BobKatZ Friday 26th October – Weller or CRUSH UK Friday 2nd November – Weller or BobKatZ Friday 7th December – Weller or BobKatZ Friday 28th December – Weller or BobKatZ Monday 31st December – Weller, CRUSH UK or BobKatZ Weller and CRUSH UK are always up for gigs any other day of the week. Please give me a call or drop me an e-mail for up to date availability and prices. Mobile 07932 121266 E-mail mrtnweller@yahoo.co.uk For our new and existing readers You can buy Weller’s excellent songs on albums performed by Crush, CRUSH UK and Frampton Weller at www.crushuk.com Bye for now. Be well and happy. Marv x     News Update 11th April 2007 Hello you lovely people I hope all is well in your world. Here in ours, another crazy month goes by, clocks have changed, ‘global warming’ is bringing much welcomed sunshine and Weller, CRUSH UK and the BobKatZ are still at it making music and trying to entertain the masses - LOL! J It’s been a mixed bag on the gig front lately with the highlight being the BobKatZ gig at Double Locks on Easter Sunday. The sun came out brilliantly to support our rendition of the Kink’s ‘Lazing on a sunny afternoon’.  CRUSH UK have been in the studio recording tracks for the new album ‘Quiddity’. It’s been longer than an elephant’s gestation to get this thing rolling, but we are finally on the way. We hope to launch the album to coincide with our show at the North by Northwest Festival next year (TBC) and subsequent US tour.  Is there no end to Weller’s talent? Last Saturday saw the boy judging an Easter Bonnet Competition and also trying to please an array of tastes at the Newton Abbot Royal British Legion. A tall order, but the boy done good and escaped with his life and the money. Oh and he didn’t get the job in the reformed Jam, or the Music in Hospitals gig. Hey ho!  CRUSH UK and Weller have enjoyed some extraordinary support lately and it has kept us going, particularly Weller the sensitive soul, through some difficult times, so thank you all for hanging in there with us and long may you rock.   Party time It was a fitting evening of rock and roll recently to commemorate the life of our dear friend Margo. CRUSH UK and the Firebirds gave it their best shot to please all ages to mark Allan’s birthday too. We kicked off with David Gray’s ‘Babylon’, Mike’s favourite song, cos Mike was one of the gang too and we thought it was a great way to open the show. A few tears, a few laughs and a lot of dancing made sure it was a top night. Dunno about the joint version of ‘Rockin all over the world’ though! Well done Allan.   Talking of life and death… Cancer Survivors wanted to support Dawlish Relay For Life 2007 The organisers of the third Dawlish Relay For Life in support of the annual national Cancer Research UK event are inviting cancer survivors to take part in this year's 24 hour event which starts at noon on Saturday 28th July and goes through to noon on Sunday 29th July 2007. The event which will be based at Dawlish Leisure Centre is launched each year by the Survivors Lap. The first circuit of the relay course is for those of us who have been fortunate enough to survive cancer. The lap signifies the success of Cancer Research UK and the people that fund raise and support the charity for the benefit of others. This year we want 50 survivors to take part in the inaugural circuit and also to put a team of survivors forward to take part in the whole event for the first time. If you are a cancer survivor we want to hear from you. Please contact Janet Taylor, Survivor Coordinator Dawlish on 01626 862891 for more information. For more information about getting involved with the event where you are please visit - www.cancerhelp.org.uk Weller will be taking part in the survivor lap, performing on the Saturday afternoon for the walkers and taking part in the relay proper if energy allows on the Sunday. All that sandwiched between two BobKatZ gigs! – That chemo is good stuff J   This month’s free download is dedicated to Margo Roberts. ‘I Wanna Be' was written by Weller and recorded by CRUSH UK in the last century, but stands out today as much as then. A song about not knowing what you have until it’s gone perhaps? Enjoy!   Hope fully you have all finished your hibernation and will come and support us at one, some or all of the following shows, in particular*: Admission is free to all. April 2007 CRUSH UK - Friday 13th April @ MANSION HOUSE, Bridgwater TA6 3BJ, 01278 458433 – 9pm CRUSH UK - Saturday 14th April @ Lansdowne, Dawlish EX7 9LQ, 01626 863201 – 9.45pm *WELLER – Sunday 15th April @ Jolly Farmer, Newton Abbot, TQ12 2RB, 01626 354010 - 8.30pm *WELLER – Friday 20th April @ Radway, Sidmouth EX10 8PY, 01395 578305        - 9.30pm BobKatZ - Saturday 21st April @ Ship Hotel, High St, Crediton EX17 3LQ, 01363 777873 - 9pm BobKatZ - Friday 27th April @ New Quay Inn, Teignmouth TQ14 8DA, 01626 774145 - 9.15pm BobKatZ - Saturday 28th April @ Phoenix, Exmouth EX8 1PT, 01395 223191 - 9.15pm May 2007 BobKatZ - Friday 4th May @ Green Dragon, Combe St Nicholas TA20 3NG, 01460 63311 – 9.15pm WELLER – Saturday 5th May @ BMAD Festival, Paignton Seafront, 2.30 – 2.50pm & 4 – 4.20pm BobKatZ – Saturday 5th May @ Globe Inn, Exeter EX1 2BL, 01392 256491 – 9pm BobKatZ - Friday 11th May @ Ferryboat Inn, Shaldon TQ14 0DL, 01626 872340 – 9.15pm BobKatZ - Saturday 12th May @ Lansdowne, Dawlish EX7 9LQ, 01626 863201 - 9.45pm BobKatZ - Friday 18th May @ Twyford Inn, Tiverton EX16 6AL, 01884 252019 - 9pm BobKatZ – Saturday 19th May @ Royal Oak, Exminster EX6 8DX, 01392 832332  - 9.15pm BobKatZ - Friday 25th May @ Redwing Inn, Lympstone EX8 5JT, 01395 222156 - 9pm CRUSH UK – Thursday 31st May @ Phoenix Hotel, Chard TA20 1PH, 01460 66444 - 9.15pm June 2007 CRUSH UK - Friday 1st June @ REDWING, Lympstone EX8 5JT, 01395 222156 – 9pm CRUSH UK - Saturday 2nd June @ PHOENIX, Exmouth EX8 1PT, 01395 223191 - 9.15pm  All our gigs are listed at http://www.crushuk.com/gigs.html or www.lemonrock.com as well as numerous other places. We have a few free weekend dates left this year (2007) in case you want to book us for your event. Friday 22nd June – Weller or BobKatZ Saturday 30th June – Weller or BobKatZ Friday 6th July – Weller or BobKatZ Friday 12th October – Weller or BobKatZ Friday 26th October – CRUSH UK Friday 2nd November – Weller or BobKatZ Friday 7th December – Weller or BobKatZ Friday 28th December – Weller or BobKatZ Monday 31st December – Weller, CRUSH UK or BobKatZ Weller and CRUSH UK are always up for gigs any other day of the week. Please give me a call or drop me an e-mail for up to date availability and prices. Mobile 07932 121266 E-mail mrtnweller@yahoo.co.uk   Bye for now. Be well and happy. Marv x     News Update 5th April 2007 Hello  After a successful, if stressful time with CRUSH UK last weekend, this Easter sees Weller back on the solo trail at the Royal British Legion in Newton Abbot Saturday night and adding star quality to the BobKatZ on Sunday afternoon at the Double Locks, Exeter.  April is going to be busy so keep an eye out for Weller solo, with CRUSH UK or them pesky KatZ.  Stayed tuned for more rock n roll.  Marv   News Update 27th March 2007 CRUSH UK request the pleasure of your company @ The Dolphin, 36 Fore Street, St Marychurch TQ1 4LY this Friday 30th March - 9 -11.30pm Free admission.  And also.....  In search of rock and roll we travelled afar! Last Wednesday saw Weller heading to Cardiff to audition to play music and entertain in hospitals and hospices – didn’t get it; “I played my bloody socks off and danced around like a monkey all for the love of it :-)” Getting involved in the Relay For Life As well as performing at this year’s Cancer Research UK event in Dawlish at the end of July, Weller is going to help with the promotion. Being a ‘survivor’ the boy wants to lead from the front and encourage more survivors to spearhead and even take part in the 24 hour relay all for charity mate. - Bollox to cancer! - Let him know if you want to take part - survivor or not. CRUSH UK feat. Sara Corser did the Biz at Appleby’s, Torquay on Friday 23rd March. It would have been a desperately quiet night without the crew who came from all over to be with us and the travelling skittles team who got right into the show. Thanks for saving our souls. The after show party was a humdinger too celebrating the beginning of young Sara’s birthday in style. And then on Saturday night a one time deal in Great Torrington – deepest darkest Devon ‘courtesy’ of a recommendation by the Reoffenders. Distance wise no biggy, but them there dark twisty roads were an adventure with no moon to guide us. We arrived at the venue which was full of football (soccer) supporters who were already hanging by 9pm having witnessed another sparkling England performance. They left as we loaded in, but the folks that came in to see and dance to the band were fab. We let ‘em have both barrels and the night turned out to be a lot of fun. Thanks again to the faithful who came with, or turned up unexpectedly from South Devon to lend their support. We really appreciate you all.  A special mention to Winkleigh and Twinkleigh – they tickled us. We’ll be back in the room (well my garage actually) this week to start on ‘Quiddity’. Then it’s CRUSH UK @ The Dolphin, St Marychurch this Friday 30th March The rave on Saturday to celebrate Allan’s birthday and Margo’s life will be a hoot with us and old friends the Firebirds. We’ll be rocking all over the world and may even find Babylon. Big love goes out to Pete Groves. How about one more for the road buddy? Oh and thanks for the heads up on Grandaddy – lovin it! A big antipodean ‘G’day and happy times’ to the new residents of Mackerel Street. How much more rock and roll can it get?  M x PS - £3.25 for a pint of Stella!! Are you sure? Get this government out now, legalise cannabis and prostitution and make me Prime Minister before it's too late ;-)     Well it’s back to the future this weekend and next with CRUSH UK 20th March 2007 We have 4 shows and hope to get our new record ‘Quiddity’ out of the blocks; recording drums and as much else as possible. It’s been a great few weeks since the last CRUSH UK show, but I am really looking forward to playing my own songs (as well every other bugger’s).  I thought you might like to read the write up I got after last Friday’s gig. I was pleasantly surprised…..    Practice pays off ;-) King of Prussia, Bovey Tracey on Fri 16th Mar 07 Ignore the blog entry - Weller performed well, despite the "Come on then, impress us" arms-folded Bovey Acoustic mafia filling all the nearest seats. Martin's got a good voice, sounding very like his cousin Paul (sic) on the Jam covers, and includes a welcomed variety in his set list, visiting some long-forgotten gems from the 70's and 80's as well as more common covers ranging from Kinks to the present day. His guitar accompaniment is impressive, although tonally a little warmth would have improved the sound for this listener. (He sounded far more rounded playing my guitar at the Bell the night before!) Martin's professionalism shone through as he coped well with the heckling and "advice" on the correct use of a boom mike stand.  None of the musically-inclined members of the audience left before he finished and he went down well with the uncommitted audience - those round the corner as well as the ones he could see. We'll be leaning on Andy to have him back, and maybe even try to squeeze the BobKatZ into the same space . . . Martin - it's a thumbs-up from the fat bloke, Brian, Kally & John. Cheers! boveyblues, Sat 17th Mar 07   So, CRUSH UK fans I hope you can make it to Torquay this Friday, or Great Torrington on Saturday – we need a big crew for this one in particular. Failing that check out our gig list, cos it would be great to see you. Rock on Marvin   WELLER - KING OF PRUSSIA  13th March 2007 Hi Folks   After the buzz of Glastonbury last week, you can catch my next solo show Friday 16th March 2007 at the King of Prussia, 83 Fore St Bovey Tracey TQ13 9AB 9-11pm. Admission free.   Also, Thursday 15th March I will be mostly working with a new bass player for CRUSH SW at the Bell Inn Acoustic Jam in Bovey Tracey.   Don't panic Mr Mainwairing, he is only looking to deputise with me when the hairy happening and skinny boy stick holder can't make it next year when I increase the CRUSH UK/SW workload - all things being equal that is.   And I will be donning my Katz suit again this Saturday 17th March at the Ship Hotel, Crediton 9-11pm. Admission free.   Crush is still at number 2 in the Lemonrock.com charts and for 30p a shot you can get it back to number 1, so feel free to buy it :) Also...   NumberOneMusic.com Weekly Stats 'CRUSH UK' http://www.numberonemusic.com/crushuk/ Total plays: 7314 Profile views: 7591. ------------  Crush (CRUSH) Votes: 3986; Current Rating (by votes): 3.99; Highest Position In The Charts (7 days): 700;   Meaning of life (CHOICE CUTS) Votes: 3917; Current Rating (by votes): 4.02; Highest Position In The Charts (7 days): 681;   Here I go (Dorothy) (CRUSH) Votes: 3298; Current Rating (by votes): 4.02; Highest Position In The Charts (7 days): 665;   Vote, download, listen or just love :)  It's all go and I'm lovin' it :)  Cheerio for now     News Update 28th February 2007 And here we are at the beginning of March already.  February was quite something. A potential publishing deal in the offing, an application to become the new singer/guitarist in the reforming Jam, a year with the BobKatZ and two of the best CRUSH UK gigs since the last ones ;)  CRUSH UK got to play a new song ‘Today and Tomorrow’ live as well as posting the demo for free download on www.crushuk.com   All is boding well for the new album ‘Quiddity’.  'Crush’ – our first ever ‘hit’ is still at number two after nearly 3 months at the top on www.lemonrock.com  Crush was number one over Christmas so we’re well happy about that and thanks to all of you who have paid and continue to buy it.  We are also creeping up download charts elsewhere in the ether, so I am a happy bunny. And thank God no one can say “when will we see you on top of the pops” anymore.  New free download Through March you can download a classic Frampton Weller track that we didn’t include on our CD.   'Dreamtime’ was written by Clive and developed with a little help from his friend Martin.   Plus we still have a few Frampton Weller albums left for sale too, so for a fiver you can own a piece of history J  Congratulations March sees some dear friends heading off to Australia to live and another tying the knot with the love of her life.   So my sincere best wishes go to Audrey, Ozzy Jim and Jack  And to Deb and Plamen on their pending nuptials.   I wish you an incredible future and I am already thinking about a tour in Oz and Bulgaria J  Weller I will be playing solo at the King Arthur in Glastonbury on March 9th hope you can make it along and give me your valuable support. Who knows I might get a slot at this year’s mud bath from it?   I also hope you are looking forward to the CRUSH UK gigs at some exciting new venues and of course come and see me in the BobKatZ too.  All the best  Martin   News Update 1st February 2007 Hello I sincerely hope 2007 has started well for you.  CRUSH UK have enjoyed a good month playing some great new venues and finally getting around to recording more demos for the new album ‘Quiddity’.  No idea of a release date yet.  ‘Crush’ – our first ever ‘hit’ is still holding on to the number two slot on Lemonrock after being number one over Christmas so we’re well happy about that and thanks to all of you who have paid to download it.  The free MP3s that have been on www.crushuk.com for the last few weeks are about to disappear, but you can still listen to our tracks on the site or on Lemonrock as well as myspace – the list goes on.  We have a few albums left for sale too, so for a fiver you can own a piece of history :) Through February I am offering up a new track ‘Today and Tomorrow’. It’s in demo stage right now, but I like it sufficiently to risk uploading it!  Well I won’t go on too long here. I hope you can make it to my solo shows, CRUSH UK gigs and of course come and see the BobKatZ if you can.  All the best  Martin   Hello and welcome to 2007 5th January 2007 First off I would like to thank you for our Christmas number 1 single, ‘Crush’ – our first ever ‘hit’. ‘Crush’ topped the Lemonrock MP3 chart for four weeks before and through Christmas week before being toppled to number 2. It may or may not seem a big deal, but to me it was one of the best Christmas presents ever. In addition our free downloads proved popular too at www.crushuk.com. So for those of you who may have missed the opportunity the tracks will be available for another month – free of charge, so go on get downloading. 2007 promises to be incredible and I am looking forward to it with renewed vigour and promise to make the most of every opportunity. Your support is vital as ever and I hope your year is as much fun and as successful as I hope mine will be. The year of the KatZ I have been working with the BobKatZ since February 2006 and we enjoyed a terrific year with improving performances and building an incredibly loyal fan base. We have over 50 shows booked for 2007 so I am going to enjoy myself while it lasts. Keep up with our feline activity at www.lemonrock.com/bobkatz Frampton & Weller For those of you who have been with me for a while you may remember my partnership with Clive Frampton which lasted from 1992 through to 1998. Clive and I wrote and performed some beautiful songs as well as being able to rock it up when required. We recorded a fabulous album, ‘Frampton Weller’ in 1997 which helped open so many doors including a distribution deal in the USA and enabling us to tour in the US three times. Ten years later there are still a few copies of this classic album available as well as recordings of some of the songs that didn’t make it on to the record. The album is on sale for £5 via www.crushuk.com and to mark the anniversary when you order a copy I will send you another CD including previously unreleased ‘Frampton Weller’ material free of charge. Weller solo My solo appearances have been getting better and more enjoyable (for me anyway) and I intend to increase the frequency from now on. If you would like me to play at a venue near you, or at your event, I specialise in ‘front room’ concerts, then please do let me know. Intimate, acoustic and cost effective – way to go. Weller Dudley Bell (aka CRUSH UK) We had so many compliments last year about our ability to diversify (Christmas carols/songs and Soul/Motown) and so much encouragement (did I mention the Christmas number 1?) that after a couple of years of being forced to tread water due to my illness we feel buoyed and more than ready to record new tracks as well as step up the live shows again. I think between us we have played just about every type of venue and show and it has been and I hope will be an honour to perform at private shows around the world – birthdays, weddings, or just an excuse to have a good old knees up. If you’ve got an event coming up, big or small and would like to hire us, then just let me know – mrtnweller@yahoo.co.uk – or call 07932 121266 Brett Dearheart Savage aka Peter Groves Pete was the bass player in the Frampton Weller Band as well as Crush and played on ‘Frampton Weller’ as well as our hit single and (post FW) eponymous album Crush. I learned recently that he’s not too well, but still alive and kicking. So I know those of you that know Pete will want to wish him all the very best and I hope personally that we can find the time to get back together to perform some FW and Crush classics before too long. Guitar coaching I started coaching guitar last year and get a real buzz out of seeing people learning to play, mostly from scratch. I tutor privately at the moment, but intend to work in schools, colleges and community groups to help get as many people into music as I can, particularly live music. If you live in South Devon and are interested in learning to play guitar yourself, or have a son or daughter who is keen to learn, or indeed have any ideas about me working in your local school or community then I would love to hear from you – mrtnweller@yahoo.co.uk or call 07932 121266 Confirmed shows for 2007 so far: I really hope you can make it along to one of the shows if not more this year. Whichever live experience you choose you will always get our very best. Forthcoming live shows featuring MARTIN WELLER, CRUSH UK & BobKatZ - www.crushuk.com/gigs.html And last but not least…..  Recommended reading - ‘The Whitlock Walkabout’   A must for historians, wanderers of the planet and those who just like to dream … Check out ‘The Whitlock Walkabout’ by Janice Whitlock “This is the true account of my grandfather's travels across Australia in 1926 in the first motor car to penetrate the outback and taken word for word from his journal, detailing meetings with aboriginals who had never seen a white face before, let alone a motor car. This true story is backed with my own adventures 70 years later, working on a sheep station and travelling to the places on my grandfather’s trip to see how the country and attitudes had changed over 7 decades.” The Whitlock Walkabout written and published by Janice Whitlock is available to download or to buy a copy at www.lulu.com now! Well that’s all for now. I will keep you posted on developments, but not too often I promise J All best wishes Martin Sleep well Margo. We’ll miss you xx     Latest News 18th December 2006 Well here we are the other side of a big weekend.   Friday and Saturday with the BobKatZ rocked. Dave only attempted three numbers this time which is a slight improvement, but listen folks I can't stop him coming up. He's the boss and pays my wages ;)    Saturday's show at the Double Locks was a bit special (despite the presence of incredibly drunk and mouthy Dudley).  Not my fav venue, but the small but vociferous crowd were great. It was a really intimate atmosphere and a nice way for us to say thanks for your valuable support. See some of you next Saturday, but mostly we'll see you again in 2007.  And then the crowning glory was last night again at the Redwing. I had been commissioned to pull together a band of top local musos to perform Christmas carols and festive songs in aid of the RNLI.   Well we did it and had a lot of fun into the bargain.  The fundraising didn't break any records, but a crowd of smiling people was reward enough and the Lifeboat Institute is £165 better off. Dave Moir managed to 'croon' two numbers but was ably backed by a very tuneful audience.   My thanks goes to Russell Frampton, Arthur Cook, Dave Dudley, Richard Bell, Steve Morgan, John Billington plus John and Steve's 14 year old daughters (brilliant 'Do they know it's Christmas') and the biggest shout of all to my dear wife, Bing who did a fantastic job on getting me thru the experience and dueting with me on 'Fairytale of New York' twice.  A special mention too for loyalty and staying power to Bryony and Jimmy who came to all three gigs and two after show parties. Thanks you guys and happy birthday Jim.   So, I hope to see some of you at the North Bridge Inn tomorrow (Tuesday 19th) in Exeter for my own show and Chudleigh with the KatZ on Saturday and then the big one on New Year's Eve with CRUSH UK playing Motown at the Redwing.  Happy holidays   M   CRUSH UK News 14th December 2006 Hi folks I’ve got a bit of a monster fortnight ahead in my various roles. Kicking off this Friday 15th at the Redwing with fellow pussies, the BobKatZ, then onto the Double Locks with the feline posse Saturday 16th. Sunday was going to be even more manic but the Tom Cobley gig has been pulled which gives me a little more breathing space to facilitate the Christmas carol/Song evening at the Redwing Sunday 17th from 8.30pm. Paul Downes usually takes the helm but this year it’s yours truly and I am delighted to be working with Russell Frampton, Arthur Cook, Bing Hobson, Steve Morgan, Dave Dudley and to top it all Dave Moir the Redwing incumbent. It’s all for charity mate – the RNLI will be the beneficiaries of whatever the generous folks of Lympstone and the surround choose to donate. Tuesday 19th December sees me on my lonesome at the North Bridge Inn, Exeter where I will play my own compositions along with other great classics from uncles Weller and Davies et al. The KatZ are back in action on the 23rd in Chudleigh and to round off a pretty amazing year for me CRUSH UK will provide the evening’s entertainment at the Redwing on New Year’s Eve playing their usual kaleidoscope plus a smattering of Motown tunes for the masses. So I hope you can make it along to one, some or all of the shows. Wishing you sleigh fulls of festive fun. Martin Oh yeah and we're still number one in the Lemonrock chart!! Could it be there for Christmas? - With your help yes!!   CRUSH UK BACK IN THE SOUTH WEST THIS WEEKEND 4th December 2006 On the back of their first number one single ‘Crush’ on the Lemonrock download charts, Martin, Rick and Dave will be celebrating when they appear at the Mansion House, Bridgwater this Friday and at the Famous Old Barrel, Exmouth on Saturday. The ‘hit’ coincides with the release of three new tracks exclusively published on the CRUSH UK website – see the home page www.crushuk.com for more details on how to get yours for free during December 2006. The boys will be busy over the coming weeks performing carols for the benefit of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) on Sunday 17th December and then producing some Motown classics on New Years Eve. All that plus Weller’s solo shows and the growing KatZ fever. We’re lovin’ it, hope you’re lovin’ it too   SOLO GIG FOR WELLER THIS FRIDAY 1ST DECEMBER 2006 27th November 2006 Hi folks   Thanks to Heather Morphy-Richards from the Reoffenders I have another solo show this Friday coming 1st December 2006.   Well not strictly solo cos my favourite female vocalist Sara will be joining me on stage to add to the quality of the spectacle.   So if you are free then please make a big effort to come on down to the Old Wellhouse 5 Torquay Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 3DU Tel: 01803 552350   The show starts at 9.30 and admission is free.   The good news is that trains run from Paignton back towards Exeter until around 12.30am.   Please check the timetable for details before travelling, but hurrah for British Rail on this rare occasion.   I hope you can make it along.   If not maybe see you at the Lansdoom, Dawlish on Sat Dec 2nd wiv da BobKatz.   Kick off 9.45pm admission free and you can booze and cruise until way past 2am.   M   CRUSH UK News 24th November 2006 I hope this message finds you in good health wherever you are on the planet. I would like to thank those of you who have actively shown your support by coming to the shows this year and others for their interest in writing to me or posting messages on the CRUSH UK message board. By way of thanks I am offering four tracks for you to download from www.crushuk.com before Yule tide. The classic ‘Here I go again’ known to some of you as ‘Dorothy’ is there for all to add to their collection plus three ‘new’ tracks as in I haven’t published them before.  ‘She loves me, not’, ‘Desire’ and ‘Out of control’ live. I hope to get back to recording ways before too long, but these three new tracks are work in progress and not available anywhere else as yet. I hope you enjoy the gifts for you or yours. You can purchase most of my albums from the days of Frampton & Weller through to my latest recording with CRUSH UK all at www.crushuk.com.   All you need to do is visit the CRUSH UK website http://www.crushuk.com/store.html click the album/s you want and pay via Paypal (sign up is free). Simple as that and all remaining recordings on CD will only cost you five English pounds or currency equivalent. Leslie, our webwizard and I will be looking at presenting individual tracks to listen to and buy individually in the future, but you can already buy a selection of my tracks, song by song at www.lemonrock.com/martinweller - Happy shopping!   Weller’s solo career - update A pub in the middle of a housing estate near Paignton Devon isn’t necessarily the place where you would have thought to find the missing link to what you have been looking for. The ‘Tom Cobley’ hosted the ‘Martin Weller Desert Island discs show’, on a sunny Sunday afternoon 19th November 2006. As my long suffering wife will vouch I have struggled to come to terms with being a solo performer. The vulnerability, humiliation and isolation were factors I found hard to deal with, but after this performance something left me like an exorcism. What the difference was I am not sure, but I felt GREAT after the show and still do with no small thanks to Sara who joined me for some top renditions in the second half. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance and I tread that line daily, but it is the confidence born of being happy with my performance, choice of songs and reaction from a small (in numbers) but appreciative audience that have lifted the veil of misery I felt after my previous shows. An epiphany in readiness for my next shows which I can now say I am looking forward to with renewed vigour. The next George Michael I may not be, but the new Martin Weller might just have been born.     And as for CRUSH UK Some of you know from first hand experience that we excel at providing entertainment for your celebrations, so drop me a line for availability and competitive prices no matter where you live. It’s about time we got back to the USA what? Live dates confirmed for 2006 & 2007 and updated at  www.crushuk.com/gigs.html Forthcoming live shows (so far) featuring MARTIN WELLER, CRUSH UK & The BobKatZ November 2006 The BobKatZ – Saturday 25th November @ Black Horse, Exeter EX4 6AB, Tel: 01392 257974   December 2006 The BobKatZ – Saturday 2nd December @ Lansdowne, Dawlish EX7 9LQ, Tel: 01626 863201, 9.45pm CRUSH UK - Friday 8th December @ Mansion House, 32 High Street, Bridgwater TA6 3BJ, 9-11pm, Tel: 01278 458433 CRUSH UK - Saturday 9th December @ Famous Old Barrel EX8 1JA 01395 268226  The BobKatZ - Friday 15th December @ Redwing, Lympstone EX8 5JT, Tel: 01395 222156 The BobKatZ - Saturday 16th December @ Double Locks, Exeter EX2 6LT, Tel: 01392 256947    MARTIN WELLER - Sunday 17th December @ Tom Cobley, Paignton TQ3 3SS, Tel: 01803 403405, 2.30 - 4.30pm MARTIN WELLER & GUESTS - Sunday 17th December @ Redwing, Carol Concert for Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) - 8.30pm  MARTIN WELLER - Tuesday 19th December @ North Bridge Inn, Exeter EX4 3RG,  01392 252535 The BobKatZ - Saturday 23rd December @ Old Coaching House, Chudleigh TQ13 0HX, Tel: 01626 853270, 9.30pm  CRUSH UK - Sunday 31st December New Years Eve @ Redwing, Church Road, Lympstone EX8 5JT – 10pm - 12.30am, Tel: 01395 222156   January 2007 CRUSH UK - Friday 12th January @ Mansion House, 32 High Street, Bridgwater TA6 3BJ, 9-11pm, Tel:  01278 458433 CRUSH UK - Saturday 13th January @ Lansdowne, Dawlish EX7 9LQ, Tel: 01626 863201, 9.45pm CRUSH UK - Thursday 25th January @ Phoenix Hotel, Chard TA20 1PH, Tel: 01460 66444,  9.15pm CRUSH UK - Friday 26th January @ Appleby's, Torquay TQ2 5TY, Tel: 01803 299332    February 2007 The BobKatZ - Friday 2nd February @ Pen And Quill, Taunton, TA1 4ET, Tel: 01823 256982 The BobKatZ - Saturday 3rd February @ Old Coaching House, Chudleigh TQ13 0HX, Tel: 01626 853270, 9.30pm The BobKatZ - Friday 9th February @ Mansion House, Bridgwater TA6 3BJ, Tel: 01278 458433 The BobKatZ – Saturday 10th February @ The Globe Inn, Exeter EX1 2BL, Tel: 01392 256491 The BobKatZ - Friday 16th February @ Ferryboat Inn, Shaldon TQ14 0DL, Tel: 01626 872340 The BobKatZ - Saturday 17th February @ Lansdowne, Dawlish EX7 9LQ, Tel: 01626 863201, 9.45pm CRUSH UK - Friday 23rd February @ Redwing, Church Road, Lympstone EX8 5JT, Tel: 01395 222156 CRUSH UK - Saturday 24th February @ Phoenix, Exmouth EX8 1PT, Tel: 01395 223191, 9.15pm   March 2007 The BobKatZ - Friday 2nd March @ Redwing, Church Road, Lympstone EX8 5JT, Tel: 01395 222156 The BobKatZ - Saturday 3rd March @ Old Coaching House, Chudleigh TQ13 0HX, Tel: 01626 853270, 9.30pm MARTIN WELLER - Friday 9th March @ King Arthur, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9NB, Tel: 01458 831442 CRUSH UK - Friday 23rd March @ Appleby's, Torquay TQ2 5TY, Tel: 01803 299332  CRUSH UK - Saturday 24th March @ Globe Hotel, Great Torrington, Devon  EX38 8HQ, Tel: 01805 622220, 10pm   April 2007 The BobKatZ - Easter Sunday 8th April @ Double Locks, Exeter EXT 6LT, Tel: 01392 256947, 3pm CRUSH UK - Friday 13th April @ Mansion House, 32 High Street, Bridgwater TA6 3BJ, 9-11pm, Tel:  01278 458433 CRUSH UK - Saturday 14th April @ Lansdowne, Dawlish EX7 9LQ, Tel: 01626 863201, 9.45pm The BobKatZ - Friday 27th April @ New Quay Inn, Teignmouth TQ14 8DA, Tel: 01626 774145, 9.15pm The BobKatZ - Saturday 28th April @ Phoenix, Exmouth EX8 1PT, Tel: 01395 223191, 9.15pm   May 2007 The BobKatZ – Friday 4th May @ Green Dragon, Combe St Nicholas TA20 3NG, Tel: 01460 63311 The BobKatZ – Saturday 5th May @ The Globe Inn, Exeter EX1 2BL, Tel: 01392 256491 The BobKatZ - Friday 11th May @ Ferryboat Inn, Shaldon TQ14 0DL, Tel: 01626 872340 The BobKatZ - Saturday 12th May @ Lansdowne, Dawlish EX7 9LQ, Tel: 01626 863201, 9.45pm The BobKatZ - Friday 18th May @ Twyford Inn, Tiverton EX16 6AL, Tel: 01884 252019 The BobKatZ – Saturday 19th May @ Royal Oak, Exminster EX6 8DX, Tel: 01392 832332, 9.15pm  The BobKatZ - Friday 25th May @ Redwing Inn, Lympstone EX8 5JT, Tel: 01395 222156   June 2007 CRUSH UK - Friday 1st June @ Redwing, Church Road, Lympstone EX8 5JT, Tel: 01395 222156 CRUSH UK - Saturday 2nd June @ Phoenix, Exmouth EX8 1PT, Tel: 01395 223191, 9.15pm The BobKatZ - Saturday 9th June @ Old Coaching House, Chudleigh TQ13 0HX, Tel: 01626 853270, 9.30pm The BobKatZ - Friday 15th June @ New Quay Inn, Teignmouth TQ14 8DA, Tel: 01626 774145, 9.15pm MARTIN WELLER - Saturday 16th June @ Con Club, 24-26 Park Road, Dawlish EX7 9LH, Tel: 01626 862355 The BobKatZ - Friday 29th June @ Redwing, Church Road, Lympstone EX8 5JT, Tel: 01395 222156 The BobKatZ - Saturday 30th June @ Wedding   July 2007 The BobKatZ - Saturday 7th July @ Phoenix, Exmouth EX8 1PT, Tel: 01395 223191, 9.15pm CRUSH UK - Friday 13th July @ Redwing, Church Road, Lympstone EX8 5JT, Tel: 01395 222156 CRUSH UK - Saturday 14th July @ Lansdowne, Dawlish EX7 9LQ, Tel: 01626 863201, 9.45pm The BobKatZ - Friday 20th July @ Ferryboat Inn, Shaldon TQ14 0DL, Tel: 01626 872340 The BobKatZ - Saturday 21st July @ Crawford Hotel, Exeter EX2 8JD, Tel: 01392 668008 The BobKatZ - Friday 27th July @ Mansion House, Bridgwater TA6 3BJ, Tel: 01278 458433   August 2007 The BobKatZ - Saturday 4th August @ Southgate Hotel, Exeter (wedding) The BobKatZ - Saturday 11th August @ Lansdowne, Dawlish EX7 9LQ, Tel: 01626 863201, 9.45pm CRUSH UK - Friday 17th August @ Mansion House, 32 High Street, Bridgwater TA6 3BJ, 9-11pm, Tel:  01278 458433 CRUSH UK - Saturday 18th August @ Private party The BobKatZ - Friday 24th August @ Twyford Inn, Tiverton EX16 6AL, Tel: 01884 252019 The BobKatZ – Saturday 25th August @ The Globe Inn, Exeter EX1 2BL, Tel: 01392 256491   September 2007 The BobKatZ - Saturday 1st September @ Old Coaching House, Chudleigh TQ13 0HX, Tel: 01626 853270, 9.30pm The BobKatZ - Friday 7th September @ New Quay Inn, Teignmouth TQ14 8DA, Tel: 01626 774145, 9.15pm The BobKatZ - Saturday 15th September @ Double Locks, Exeter EX2 6LT, Tel: 01392 256947 The BobKatZ - Friday 21st September @ Redwing Inn, Lympstone EX8 5JT, Tel: 01395 222156 The BobKatZ – Friday 28th September @ Mansion House, Bridgwater TA6 3BJ, Tel: 01278 458433  The BobKatZ - Saturday 29th September @ Phoenix, Exmouth EX8 5JT, Tel: 01395 223191, 9.15pm   October 2007 CRUSH UK - Friday 5th October @ Redwing, Church Road, Lympstone EX8 5JT, Tel: 01395 222156 CRUSH UK - Saturday 6th October @ Phoenix, Exmouth EX8 1PT, Tel: 01395 223191, 9.15pm The BobKatZ – Saturday 13th October @ Royal Oak, Exminster EX6 8DX, Tel: 01392 832332, 9.15pm   November 2007 The BobKatZ – Friday 2nd November @ Mansion House, Bridgwater TA6 3BJ, Tel: 01278 458433  The BobKatZ – Saturday 3rd November @ Double Locks, Exeter EX2 6LT, Tel: 01392 256947 The BobKatZ – Saturday 10th November @ The Globe Inn, Exeter EX1 2BL, Tel: 01392 256491 CRUSH UK - Friday 16th November @ Redwing, Church Road, Lympstone EX8 5JT, Tel: 01395 222156 CRUSH UK - Saturday 17th November @ Lansdowne, Dawlish EX7 9LQ, Tel: 01626 863201, 9.45pm The BobKatZ – Friday 23rd November @ Twyford Inn, Tiverton EX16 6AL, Tel: 01884 252019 The BobKatZ - Saturday 24th November @ Old Coaching House, Chudleigh TQ13 0HX, Tel: 01626 853270, 9.30pm   December 2007 The BobKatZ - Saturday 8th December @ Lansdowne, Dawlish EX7 9LQ, Tel: 01626 863201, 9.45pm CRUSH UK - Friday 14th December @ Mansion House, 32 High Street, Bridgwater TA6 3BJ, 9-11pm, Tel: 01278 458433 CRUSH UK - Saturday 15th December @ Phoenix, Exmouth EX8 1PT, Tel: 01395 223191, 9.15pm The BobKatZ - Friday 21st December @ Redwing Inn, Lympstone EX8 5JT, Tel: 01395 222156 The BobKatZ - Saturday 22nd December @ New Quay Inn, Teignmouth TQ14 8DA, Tel: 01626 774145, 9.15pm The BobKatZ - Saturday 29th December @ Phoenix, Exmouth EX8 5JT, Tel: 01395 223191, 9.15pm Peace, love and joy  Martin   CRUSH UK News 15th November 2006 Another fine weekend behind us and looking ahead....   Sal's 30th birthday party went brilliantly last Friday.   CRUSH UK were invited to perform at Lympstone Village Hall which has a great stage and big old room to fill.   'The Selectiv' opened proceedings with 60 minutes of dance/trance/pop delivered superbly by the three-piece.   Even though they used a 'drum machine' the music and vocal delivery were strong enough to pull the crowd in to the 'zone' and keep them there.   We took to the stage at 10.30 and played for an hour and a half mixing our classics with other great songs by our contemporaries.   The folks were dancing - particularly Sarah who had been freed from motherly duties for the first time in ages :)   We had a blast and Dave and Sally were happy bunnies until the wee hours of Saturday morning when we said goodbye.   Rick and Dave stuck around for the BobKatZ gig in Crediton.   The KatZ did what the KatZ do and were well received by an audience that actually hung around for the whole gig which is a first for this venue of normally transient clientele.   Once the disco kicked in the pub basement at around 11pm we packed it in tout suite and headed back to the ponderosa for a good old sing song including a 'rehearsal' of the carols and christmas tunes we are likely to perform on Sunday December 17th along with our guests Frampton, Cook & Moir.   Looking forward to this weekend we have another Kat fight on Friday at the New Quay Inn, Teignmouth and then Martin Weller gets to play solo on Sunday 19th Nov at the Tom Cobley in Paignton.   It's my second outing at the Tom Cobley and I have a couple of new tunes to test out, so I'm pretty excited about hangin my ego out for all to see (and bruise) again :)   I have also secured a show at the North Bridge Inn, Exeter on Tuesday 19th December, so it's all go :)   Your support at my solo shows would be a real bonus, cos I need all the partisans I can get to help to build me up buttercup.   For a full list of gigs have a look at our website in the gig section.   My sincere thanks to Robin and Sara for putting up with a particularly obnoxious Dudley and the usual Kookie Rick.   And to Sara who braved a chest infection to add her vocal talent to, what was it, eight songs on Friday? - Well done kid.   Also thanks to Bing without whom.....   Hope to see you on the road soon.   Weller    CRUSH UK News 8th November 2006 "It's a funny old game Saint".   I got a call last night whilst playing pool in the local from an old Lympstonian, Grant, who has been a CRUSH UK fan since the days of yore and before.   Grant is now based in Sheffield and is mad keen to get the crush crew a gig up North.   So after three conversations with different folks we may have landed a support slot but we'll have to see if 'Docker' gets back in touch. He promised :)   Whatever, it was great to hear from 'laddo' and we may well benefit from his offer - cheers mate.   Last weekend's gigs rocked with the KatZ and I would like to thank Jim for keeping his volume under control so that I could still hear myself think post gig.   If it carries on like that we may well still be together this time next year!   It is amazing to see more and more people turning up regularly to our shows.   It was a major objective to make this band (The BobKatZ) more popular than it had been previously (The OtherZ). Long may your support last. :)   CRUSH UK are delighted to be back in Lympstone on Friday 10th November to perform at the Village Hall for Dave's xth birthday.   Sorry we can't invite everyone, but some of our most ardent fans are on the guest list.   Then Saturday 11th November sees the BobKatZ back at the Ship Hotel in Crediton.   This is a strange venue. It's on the 'circuit' for the drinkers in Town so we get a transient bunch coming thru celebrating hen parties and the like so it's like trying to hit a moving target.   It was one of my first shows with the KatZ and I hope we can fit in a few more there next year and maybe get a pay rise into the bargain!!   Whatever you do - enjoy   Weller        CRUSH UK News 31st October 2006 Thankfully spiritual order was restored at the Redwing on Friday 27th after the previous week’s debacle.   We exorcised the ghosts by playing a few Frampton Weller tunes to kick off and then took a leisurely cruise through the CRUSH UK catalogue.   Saturday 28th saw us roll out the Barrel in Exmouth.   I can't think of a better way to commemorate another year rolling by than spending it with a bunch of my favourite people.   It was good to be back at the Barrel and we all rocked the house.   Good luck to Natasha and Andy the new management team.   Thank you all for your cards and best wishes, but most of all for the phone call from Leslie and great parties during and after the shows.   I hope you managed to get up for work Nige!   Dave I hope you get over the shock of the bloke who flashed you!   Robin and Sara thank you for your vocal talents and putting up with us all again.   Long may we rock!!   Back to work this week with the BobKatZ appearing at the Ferryboat, Shaldon on Friday 3rd and the Globe, Exeter Newtown on Saturday 4th November.   CRUSH UK will return in December.   Until then   Adieu from Weller Dudley Bell     CRUSH UK 27th and 28th October 24th October 2006 After what seems an age the boys are back in action!! To celebrate 45 years on this earth for Weller - Weller Dudley Bell will be performing their acclaimed repertoire at the Redwing, Lympstone on Friday 27th and Famous Old Barrel, Exmouth on Saturday 28th October 2006. All are welcome to join in the party!! Kick off 9pm - free admission.   It don't get better than this!     Gig Update 18th October 2006 After a fabulously successful weekend playing two new venues and getting rebooked at both we are back on more familiar turf this week.   All things being equal Weller and the BobKatZ will be playing:   Friday 20th October @ Redwing, Lympstone EX8 5JT 01395 222156   Saturday 21st October @ Double Locks, Exeter EX2 6LT 01392   To save a wasted journey please call the venue before travelling. – I’m glad this advice is being heeded J   All the best   Weller     The Dragon & the Phoenix 12th October 2006   Not tempting fate here I hope, but we might get to play two gigs this weekend!   After recent debacles we are waiting to hear if the Phoenix in Exmouth will be open this Saturday.   The floor caved in this week so watch this space.   But all things being equal Weller and the BobKatZ will be playing:   Fri 13th October @ Green Dragon, Combe St Nicholas TA20 3NG 01460 63311 - 9.15pm   Sat 14th October @ Phoenix, Exmouth EX8 1PT 01395 223191 – 9.15pm   To save a wasted journey please call the venue before travelling.   All the best   Weller     BobKatZ Gigs 4th October 2006 Evenin' All Wouldn't you know it the gig in Otterton at the Kings Arms scheduled for this Friday 6th October has been cancelled AGAIN!! This time it's a bereavement that has caused the situation! Bloody inconsiderate I say, but hey what can you do? I thought we could have given 'em a great send off personally but hey ho. The GOOD NEWS is we will be rockin at the Lansdowne in Dawlish on Saturday 7th October as planned. Kick off 9.45 and we play to midnight, so come prepared. The pub is open until 2am for you hardcore folks who wanna do the session - we'll be there 'til the bitter end (probably). Enjoy the moment Ali   Update 27th September 2006   Hey gang   Weller will be shakin his tush at ya again this weekend:   With the BobKatZ - Friday 29th September @ New Quay Inn, Teignmouth TQ14 8DA, Tel: 01626 774145 and Saturday 30th September @ Globe Inn, Exeter EX1 2BL, Tel: 01392 256491   Hope you can make it.   Also, (this is a reminder to me mainly, but) if you enjoy music played on acoustic guitar and other acoustic instruments then this could interest you too (if you wanna come to Devon that is).   Acoustic evenings:   Seven Stars, Kennford - Last Friday of the month starting October 2006 Bell Inn, Bovey Tracy - Third Thursday of every month Globe, Topsham - Every Sunday either in the bar or for special events in the adjacent barn   Now I won't forget and will get my ass down to wherever whenever I can :-)   I’ll let you know how they shape up.   That’s all for now folks   Martin   CRUSH UK Update 14th September 2006 I am delighted to announce that Weller, Dudley, Bell aka CRUSH UK have been drafted in to play at one of our fav venues this Friday 15th September 2006.   I've said it before, but the MH rocks and although the crowd do not have any hands apparently - I can only assume that's why the buggers don't clap - they love us.   Come on down if you can.   Whatever you do - enjoy!   Thanks to Terrell for the booking.   Weller     CRUSH UK Update 12th September 2006 Great news for us and fans of Weller, Dudley, Bell - CRUSH UK     We're back in action in Devon this Saturday 16th September at the Phoenix, Exeter Rd, Exmouth. The venue has been rebuilt and now hosts all the top bands.   It's Rick's umpteenth birthday so why not join us for a night of fun and frolics and of course great rock and roll?   Show starts 9pm and admission is free.   Looking forward to seeing you.     CRUSH UK News 31st August 2006  Welcome to all our regular readers and the host of new subscribers who have joined recently.  It’s pedal to the metal for Weller between now and the end of the year.   Round up  We are doing our bit to keep music live and it’s always great to have your support at the shows  – yeah I know they are all in Devon and what about everywhere else?  We have no plans to tour right now, but we are always open to suggestions as to where you think we would go down well.  Weddings, birthdays and all that – If you have a special occasion and would like to book us then come on don’t be afraid - we’ll do you a good deal and delight is guaranteed.  Personally I still like the idea of playing private shows in people’s houses around the world, crashing on the couch and hanging out for a while.   It’s what we’re good at J  Forthcoming live shows featuring MARTIN WELLER, CRUSH UK and the BobKatZ:   September 2006  MARTIN WELLER - Fri 1st September @ Marine Tavern, Dawlish EX7 9DJ  The BobKatZ - Saturday 2nd September @ Ship Hotel, Crediton EX17 3LQ The BobKatZ - Friday 8th September @ Ferryboat Inn, Shaldon TQ14 0DL The BobKatZ - Saturday 9th September @ Royal Oak, Exminster EX6 8DX  CRUSH UK - Saturday 16th September - PHOENIX, Exmouth EX8 1PT  The BobKatZ - Friday 22nd September @ Appleby's, Torquay TQ2 5TY The BobKatZ – Saturday 23rd September @ Kings Arms, Otterton EX9 7HB The BobKatZ - Friday 29th September @ New Quay Inn, Teignmouth TQ14 8DA The BobKatZ - Saturday 30th September @ The Globe Inn, Exeter EX1 2BL   October 2006  The BobKatZ - Sat 7th October @ The Lansdowne, Dawlish EX7 9LQ The BobKatZ - Fri 13th October @ Green Dragon, Combe St Nicholas TA20 3NG - 9.15pm The BobKatZ - Sat 14th October @ Phoenix, Exmouth EX8 1PT The BobKatZ - Fri 20th October @ Redwing, Lympstone EX8 5JT The BobKatZ - Sat 21st October @ Double Locks, Exeter EX2 6LT    The BobKatZ - Wed 25th October @ Bowling Green, Exeter EX4 6ST  CRUSH UK - Friday 27th October @ REDWING, Lympstone EX8 5JT CRUSH UK - Saturday 28th October @ FAMOUS OLD BARREL, Exmouth EX8 1JA – To be confirmed, due to change of management.   November 2006  The BobKatZ - Friday 3rd November @ Ferryboat Inn, Shaldon TQ14 0DL The BobKatZ – Saturday 4th November @ The Globe Inn, Exeter EX1 2BL The BobKatZ - Sunday 5th November @ Double Locks, Exeter EX2 6LT    The BobKatZ – Saturday 11th November @ Ship Hotel, Crediton EX17 3LQ The BobKatZ - Friday 17th November @ New Quay Inn, Teignmouth TQ14 8DA The BobKatZ – Saturday 25th November @ Black Horse, Exeter EX4 6AB   December 2006  The BobKatZ – Saturday 2nd December @ Lansdowne, Dawlish EX7 9LQ – 9.45pm  CRUSH UK - Friday 8th December @ MANSION HOUSE, Bridgwater TA6 3BJ CRUSH UK - Saturday 9th December @ FAMOUS OLD BARREL, Exmouth EX8 1JA – To be confirmed, due to change of management.  The BobKatZ - Friday 15th December @ Redwing, Lympstone EX8 5JT The BobKatZ - Saturday 16th December @ Double Locks, Exeter EX2 6LT    The BobKatZ - Wednesday 20th December @ Bowling Green, Exeter EX4 6ST The BobKatZ - Saturday 23rd December @ Old Coaching House, Chudleigh TQ13 0HX - 9.30pm  CRUSH UK - Sunday 31st December @ REDWING, Lympstone EX8 5JT – 10pm   2007 – Confirmed dates so far:  CRUSH UK - Friday 12th January @ MANSION HOUSE, Bridgwater TA6 3BJ  The BobKatZ - Friday 26th January @ Appleby's, Torquay TQ2 5TY  The BobKatZ - Friday 2nd March @ Mansion House, Bridgwater TA6 3BJ The BobKatZ - Friday 23rd March @ Appleby's, Torquay TQ2 5TY  CRUSH UK - Friday 13th April @ MANSION HOUSE, Bridgwater TA6 3BJ  The BobKatZ - Friday 25th May @ Appleby's, Torquay TQ2 5TY  The BobKatZ - Friday 8th June @ Mansion House, Bridgwater TA6 3BJ  The BobKatZ - Friday 27th July @ Appleby's, Torquay TQ2 5TY  CRUSH UK - Friday 17th August @ MANSION HOUSE, Bridgwater TA6 3BJ  The BobKatZ – Friday 21st September @ Appleby's, Torquay TQ2 5TY The BobKatZ – Friday 28th September @ Mansion House, Bridgwater TA6 3BJ  The BobKatZ – Friday 2nd November @ Mansion House, Bridgwater TA6 3BJ The BobKatZ – Friday 23rd November @ Appleby's, Torquay TQ2 5TY  CRUSH UK - Friday 14th December @ MANSION HOUSE, Bridgwater TA6 3BJ    All shows are free entry and start at 9pm unless advertised or the venue decides to drop a late one on us at the last minute!  So, please phone the venue before you travel cos nothing is certain!  You can find all the venue details at http://www.crushuk.com/gigs.html or  http://www.lemonrock.com/bobkatz   And now the rest of the news….  I think it’s about time I reintroduced the members of CRUSH UK and outlined our satellite projects. Full details are at: www.crushuk.com/about.html so I won’t bang on too much!  MARTIN WELLER – yours truly  Aka Marvin, Ali Kat, The Captain, Damian and many other names not suitable for publication here J A dedicated professional musician and songwriter, my obsession with music is of epidemic proportions – sounds serious dunnit? I’ve been around a while and had some great times not least of which was when I toured extensively for 6 years as half of the Frampton Weller duo before enjoying international success as leader of CRUSH UK.  Still working with Dudley & Bell in CRUSH UK I now also sing and play with Exeter based band The BobKatZ. I currently have the featured song on Lemonrock - http://www.lemonrock.com/index.php   CRUSH UK England's premier power poppunkcountrybluesrock band:  Featuring: Martin Weller - vocals and guitars Rick Bell - drums and vocals Dave Dudley - bass, vocals and additional instruments Formed in London, April 1999 - CRUSH UK have developed a powerful, eclectic and lively mix of original and classic power rock-pop. Our albums feature Weller’s passionate vocals, power electric and soulful acoustic guitars that blend perfectly with Dave's dynamic and distinctive bass guitar style - complemented by Rick's harmonies and percussion. Excellent songs, charisma and sheer energy have earned us a worldwide reputation as an unmissable live act. "You guys made a difference to my life" - Andy Newfan    The BobKatZ Introducing one of Devon’s top pop, punk, R&B covers outfits:  Featuring: Ali KaT – vocals/guitar Top KaT – vocals/bass Billie KaTphish – vocals/guitar St KiT – drums.  The ‘KatZ comprise four skilled and versatile musicians who excel at playing high energy Pop, Punk, Rhythm and Blues covering some of the most memorable contemporary music of our time.  The BobKatZ set regularly features songs by: Kings of Leon; Kinks; Rolling Stones; Talking Heads; David Bowie; The Jam; Buzzcocks; Ramones; Dr Feelgood; Undertones; Clash; Green Day; Billy Idol; Kaiser Chiefs; The Who; Red Hot Chili Peppers; Roxy Music; Stranglers; XTC; Radiohead; Jerry Lee Lewis; Cream and more.   CRUSH UK Recordings - http://www.crushuk.com/store.html  A recent stock take has shown that we are out of some of our albums and down to the last few of others.  We really can’t offer you a better price for what we know will give you a great deal of pleasure, so best get ‘em now afore they are gone forever…..     The New Big Thing 2003 (CD) £5                                                             Quantity in stock: 5   Pay Attention 2001 (CD) £5 Quantity in stock: 4   Indulgent 2001 (CD) £5 A tribute to some of rock and pop music's greatest artists Quantity in stock: 5   Changing by Degrees 2000 (CD) £5 Seventy minutes of music - sixteen songs - plus a few other bits. Special guest Pete Groves.   Quantity in stock: 2   Crushlife 1999 (cassette) £5 November 1999 - Recorded live in Devon, England The best of CRUSH UK live in 1999. Quantity in stock: 1          Crush 1998 - Debut (CD) £5 Quantity in stock: 5   Frampton Weller 1997 - (CD or Cassette) £5   Yhaal House 2003 - (CD) £5 Versions of songs by CRUSH UK   We are looking at selling our songs separately soon, but ain’t it grand to have an original CD? We use Paypal, but cheques/checks are also welcome for now, just contact me or Dudley first to discuss logistics.  Contact  Weller - mrtnweller@yahoo.co.uk – For all CRUSH UK, Crush & Frampton Weller CDs and cassettes.  Dudley - yhaalhouse@hotmail.com – for Dudley’s collection of ‘classic cutz’ – currently not on sale via CRUSH UK – please deal direct apart from Yhaal house – read on…   B.B.KING’S WIG MUSEUM   David Cameron Dudley - A2DDCDCD002 © 2005 An instrumental retrospective covering selected pieces from 1998 to 2005. Dudley - all instruments, arranging and engineering et cetera. Tracks are short and varied, maybe reminiscent of some obscure film music you half remember or an album heard at an arts lab party. Ranging from the twee café jazz arrangement of “Who Do You Think You Are Kidding Mr.Hitler”, through the pan-Amerikana of “Jumpin’ Over The Fence”, via the whole-tone free for all of “Servio Radio” and heady nostalgia of “Hit or Miss- The Theme to Juke Box Jury” played on ukuleles, right on to the bedroom-groove of “Scratch”; a tribute to the great Lee “Upsetter” Perry.   WOW! THAT’S WHAT I CALL MUSIC 163   David Cameron Dudley- A2DDCDCD004 © 2005 An album of covers plus two Dudley originals. “These Boots Are Made For Walking” (originally Lee Hazelwood/ Nancy Sinatra) and “Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes” (Tony Burrows/ Edison Lighthouse) to an acoustic-y work up of Drury’s “Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll”. There is ukulele heaven in “Ace of Spades” and alarm clock utopia on “Rosemary II” half based on a Martin Weller song “Shoot the car”. The Dudley original “Love At First Sight” combines a dreamy blur with a tinkling one-drop groove, ”Understanding The BlooZ” is a bluebeat/ cheezy organ mutant.    SGT.PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND   David Cameron Dudley - A2DDCDCD003 © 2005 Dudley’s tribute to arguably the best album ever made. Using an old 4 track cassette machine and simple instruments (including treble recorder, ‘cello, Farfisa organ, ukuleles, glockenspiel et cetera) as well as drum programmes, bass and guitars (and more!) he has re-made all the tracks of the original in the same order but instrumental.  The hard rocking “Being For The Benefit of Mr.Kite”, the BlooZ jam ambience of “Within You Without You”, Irish session like in uneven meters “Good Morning Good Morning”.  Every note is there but every nuance is different although the magnificent tunes remain.  Have a listen: you won’t be disappointed.  Dudley has also been recording at his old mate Gil's studio in Bath making some tunes with Mary Nazareth and ukuleles!  And finally, Dudley can be seen playing every Tuesday night at the Irish Jam held at the Kilkenny Arms, South Wimbledon.  As yet we have no news from the rear gunner!   Enough already!  Have fun.  Martin Weller, for CRUSH UK   CRUSH UK News 11th August 2006 A big Hi to all our followers      I gather from friends around the world that this global warming malarkey is really kicking in and everyone is being boiled alive!   Here in the bat cave all is well and our various projects are alive and kicking.   CRUSH UK take to the road again in September and despite some considerable muppetry from bookers we will be playing the Phoenix in Exmouth on Saturday 16th September, however, we are still on the hunt for a replacement show on Friday 15th.   It has always been frustrating that people in ‘the business’ by and large have the smallest brains on the planet, but it’s even worse when you are doing this full time and need to actually secure an income!   Perseverance is the key!     Hey ho let’s go!   The BobKatZ are about to embark on an incredible run of gigs right up until Christmas.   We have added a bunch of new songs by the Stranglers, Ramones, Clash, Roxy Music and Radiohead to the set so now there’s no excuse for anyone to get bored with us playing the same old sh*t.     As for Weller himself   I am slowly building my reputation (LOL) and booking solo shows for later this year, that is when I can find a gap between CRUSH UK and BobKatZ gigs.   The first to be confirmed is at the Marine Tavern, Dawlish on Friday 1st September.   I want to make these shows all ages as much as possible so the kidz can get to dig the stuff I play even if the ‘adults’ couldn’t give a flying burrito!   Reoffending   Those punk funsters The Reoffenders are currently on tour in Cornwall with new drummer Tracy Toshiba.   They rehearsed in my garage a few weeks back and the potential was there for all the neighbours to hear J - Blimey the Pixies (their fav band) just showed up on my MP3 player as I wrote these words – spooky!     CRUSH UK albums   The catalogue of our recordings is fading away rapidly and I am not going to commission any more CDs of our old stuff, so get it while you can from us via Paypal.   Rifling through my old cassettes I have uncovered some little gems which I intend to offer as a very special deal to fans of the band once I have digitized it all.   Could be a few nice surprises particularly for Frampton & Weller fans that is if Clive ever gets back in touch to give his permission to release material which we co wrote.   This all coincides nicely with the pending 10th anniversary of our one and only recording on CD – ‘Frampton Weller’   As for more songs from the pen of Weller I am still working on a whole bunch.   No use rushing the process cos this time there will be no one else to blame if the recording all goes wrong J   Hope to see you soon   Martin   Another Fantastic Weekend In Devon! 1st August 2006 Another fantastic weekend in Devon!   No problems with the M25 this time as CRUSH UK arrived at the Redwing on Friday in good time and played a blinder.   It was incredibly hot, but that didn't stop the temperature from rising further as Martin, Rick and Dave were joined on stage by local vocal hero Sara Corser.   Folks were dancing in the street so what more could we want?   The Lansdowne (Sat) was a different ball game.   Still hot, but some tardy fans missed a great rocking first set.   Two broken guitar strings didn't stop us either and our Dawlish posse gave it their all to the bitter end.   Thanks to Ray and his team for their hospitality.     Unfortunately we do not have plans to return to Dawlish this year, but hey what great memories to take away.     Martin also played on Sunday in Torquay. Gr8 to see the Reoffenders in the audience. Thanks for the beer guys and good luck with the new drummer (Tracy Toshiba) and the Cornish Tour.   Oh well that's it for CRUSH UK until September 16th at the Phoenix in Exmouth.   The gig scheduled for Friday 15th was pulled so we'll see what other trouble we can get into :)   Later   Damian    CRUSH UK News 27th July 2006 Hi You are invited to join the crush this weekend in Devon: Friday 28th @ Redwing, Lympstone - 9pm Saturday 29th @ Lansdowne, Dawlish - 9.30pm It will be hot and rockin!   Clarefest 2006 Report 7th July 2006 If you have ever been involved in organising a charity event, particularly outdoors and involving musicians you need a medal and a long holiday afterwards.   Once again Debbie & Terry with tremendous support from Paul Downes and a host of others pulled off a fantastic day enjoyed by all ages - a real family event.   The venue is a back garden that turns into a mini Glastonbury for the day on which we remember the life of Clare from Lympstone.   This was something like the 6th Clarefest and none of us forget why we are there; to celebrate life and to help others who have, are or will suffer cancer.   Over £1700 was raised and CRUSH UK are proud to have played their small part in the day along with Junkyard Angels, Steve Morgan, Dave Moxon, Paul Downes and many more exciting young musicians.   My personal thanks to Richard Bell who drove down from Milton Keynes just for the event and had to borrow a drum kit when he got there.   Dudley who came from Wimbledon and helped me out at both events over the weekend and Nick (TC) Thorman from the BobKatZ.   We loved it and hope all who attended did too.   Marv   CRUSH UK Update 29th June 2006 Hello   Goodbye to ‘flaming’ June – bring on summer   After a relatively restful month we are raring to get back in the saddle.    An action packed July sees Martin Weller, CRUSH UK and the BobKatZ all busy making music and mischief.    Martin Weller   Saturday 1st July – Martin Weller and ‘friends’ helping to raise money for a local children’s’ hospice. San Francisco, near Mamhead. – All sold out. Thanks to everyone who bought tickets. They went in a flash!!    CRUSH UK   Sunday 2nd July - Clarefest – annual event helping to raise money and awareness of breast cancer and FORCE the local cancer support charity.  @ Debbie & Terry’s place opposite the Redwing, Lympstone - Tickets £5 The entertainment starts at 2pm through to 8pm     Friday 28th July 9 - 11pm 01395 222156 REDWING Church Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT   Saturday 29th July 9.30 – 11.30pm 01626 863201 LANSDOWNE 8 Park Rd, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9LQ     The BobKatZ   Saturday 8th July - Double Locks, Exeter Friday 14th July - Ferryboat Inn, Shaldon Saturday 15th July - Kings Arms, Otterton Saturday 22nd July - Old Coaching House, Chudleigh 9.30pm Sunday 30th July – Appleby’s, Torquay 8.30pm – 10.30pm    Keep an eye on the Lemonrock website for up to date news, shows and info about us and our buddies including Calling Orson and The Reoffenders.     Don’t forget, if you want to get in touch with Martin Weller, or CRUSH UK, or The BobKatZ please e-mail mrtnweller@yahoo.co.uk We’re lovin it lovin it.    Wishing you all good health    Weller   iCRUSH UK Update 11th June 2006 Welcome to flaming June from CRUSH UK Deep joy for those of us that worship the sun. No gigs in June for CRUSH UK, but our recent show at the Mansion House in Bridgwater was a ripsnorter and thanks to the hen party for the display of flesh! We are taking a short break right now but looking forward to our shows in July. CRUSH UK/Martin Weller Saturday 1st July – Martin Weller and ‘friends’ helping to raise money for a local children’s hospice. Venue - San Francisco, near Mamhead. Tickets £6 Sunday 2nd July - Clarefest – annual event helping to raise money and awareness of breast cancer and FORCE the local cancer support charity. Venue - Debbie & Terry’s place opposite the Redwing, Lympstone Tickets £5 Friday 28th July 9 - 11pm 01395 222156 REDWING Church Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT Saturday 29th July 9.30 – 11.30pm 01626 863201 LANSDOWNE 8 Park Rd, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9LQ Plus of course The BobKatZ July shows starring Martin Weller: Saturday 8th July - Double Locks, Exeter Friday 14th July - Ferryboat Inn, Shaldon Saturday 15th July - Kings Arms, Otterton Saturday 22nd July - Old Coaching House, Chudleigh 9.30pm   Don’t forget, if you want to get in touch with me Martin Weller, or CRUSH UK, or The BobKatZ please use my yahoo address: mrtnweller@yahoo.co.uk   Welcome to the CRUSH UK Website Update 21st May 2006   A little story to start with: So there I was last Friday (5th May) at 5pm thinking all in the garden was rosy when I got a call from Rick. "Hello mate. I'm on the M25", he said. "Ok" I thought, they won't be here for dinner but should make the gig at the Redwing on time. WRONG! Rick was on the M25 on the way to Dave’s at 163 about an hour away in the wrong direction! It didn't take a lot of working out that unless they hired a helicopter/jet they weren't gonna make it t the gig anywhere near on time to set up and do the biz. I phoned Dave Moir at the Redwing and offered my solo skills, but Dave blew my aspirations away when he said "Can't you get the BobKatZ instead?" Well, given that I play in the KatZ and we can't gig in two places at once (or so it seemed) it was a good call by Dave. So Nick (vox/bass) and Stew (drums) came on down to play. It was a great first half, and Dave and Rick arrived in time to catch 20 minutes of it. Billy Katfish and his missus turned up in the second half too so now we had the full complement of two bands. We mixed and matched personnel in the second half with Sara Corser joining the fray on vocals too. We knew all was well when Dave Moir did his cameo. It turned out to be a real blast, the Lympstone and Exmouth faithful did us proud with their fantastic support. We've played so many memorable gigs at the Redwing these last ten years, but this one has to go down as something really special. Thanks to Dave Moir, Sara Corser, The BobKatZ, Rick, Dave and all who witnessed the spectacle. Live music lives!! *Next up Let’s hope we don’t have too much of that kind of excitement when we play the Mansion House, Bridgwater this Friday 26th May. This is a top gig and we are fortunate to have been invited to step in and play there again earlier than scheduled. Clarefest has been confirmed for Sunday July 2nd and CRUSH UK will be there in their own right and cooperating with other musos to provide a gr8 days entertainment for what promises to be another fantastic event helping to raise money and awareness of breast cancer and FORCE the local cancer support charity. Sadly Clare died of breast cancer a few years ago, but yours truly (testicular) and Debbie (breast) who hosts the event with Terry are survivors of the disease for getting on for a year. Despite the occasional bouts of depression (they don’t tell you about that) it’s all good and life is exciting and fulfilling again. The day before Clarefest ‘Captain Damian Black and friends’ will be helping to raise money for a local children hospice, so we’re doing our bit. *More ways to spend your money If you fancy donating a couple of quid to good causes check out my friend Audrey’s upcoming fundraising activity: Choice 1: 1st event - Race for Life, Coventry in aid of Cancer Research UK - 11th June - 5km - sponsor me at: www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/audreyrooneyellis Choice 2: 2nd event - The Pentlands Snowdon Challenge in aid of The Philippine Community Find (this is a small charity that helps children with education, medical care and support so they don't have to work in the rubbish dumps near the squatter colonies in the Philippines where they live - every donation really makes a big impact) - 24th June - about 6-8 hours of walking up and down Snowdon. Sponsor us at http://www.justgiving.com/pcf-pentlands Choice 3: Sponsor me for both Choice 4: Sponsor me for neither event (and don't worry - I know how many demands there are for money etc) And finally please feel free to pass this on and really confuse and friends and family who may or may not know who I am. Thank you Audrey Don’t forget to claim the tax back via tax aid so the charity gets more of the money you donate. Tells you about it on the respective donation sites. *Captain Solo So all this stuff with CRUSH UK and The BobKatZ is all very interesting but when is Weller going to take his place among the rock music elite by setting the world ablaze with his solo career? First things first. Sorting out CRUSH UK and the KatZ has taken a priority cos I ain’t getting paid for anything else these days (my choice). I have a few irons in the fire and reckon by this time next year I will be in full flow with my solo project. I intend to forge a whole range of new contacts, but I won’t forget those who have been with me for so long and revisiting some old haunts is high on my agenda! *Other stuff Interesting information about our garage here in Devon. The garage used to be a 'recording studio', where the previous owners made videos about computing subjects, and used several 'up and coming' local BBC announcers to narrate. Among them were Juliet Morris (who you may or may not remember) and Jill Dando, who you probably do! – De Kleine Welt eh? Our old mates The Reoffenders and Calling Orson (despite a change in personnel) are still rockin hard. Check out all the local bands in action at: www.lemonrock.com *OK so should we get anything but rain this summer I hope you have a gr8 one and we’ll be back in touch soon. *E-mail hell I have sacked damian@crushuk.com for now cos I discovered by chance that despite the 10 tons of spam I get every day I have been missing some important stuff coming through from friends and clients. So, if you want to get in touch with me Martin Weller, or CRUSH UK, or The BobKatZ please use my yahoo address: mrtnweller@yahoo.co.uk or at least copy your e-mails to both to be sure. *Lastly Don’t forget to check the CRUSH UK message board for up to date info on all sorts of stuff. That’s it for now. All the best Martin aka Damian aka Lucius (21st Century Sczichzoid man) mrtnweller@yahoo.co.uk     CRUSH UK Update: 28th April 2006     Greetings from Damian and the crush crew   We have a packed programme for Weller, Dudley, Bell aka CRUSH UK   Plus news from the BobKatZ, Reoffenders, Calling Orson and more…   ClaIrefest 2006   I am delighted to announce that CRUSH UK have been invited once more to perform at Clairefest in Lympstone on Sunday 2nd July 2006.   The event helps to raise funds and awareness of breast cancer and FORCE the cancer support charity.   Weather permitting it all happens opposite the Redwing and for a mere £5 entrance fee fans get a live music from around 12 noon until 7pm and a fab time to boot.   Bring a picnic and cash to bid for some amazing items that will be auctioned to boost funds.   Contact me - damian@crushuk.com - for further info.   Let the sun shine down on us all for that day at least.   The members of CRUSH UK are enjoying life in and out of the band and still lovin’ it live..     CRUSH UK - 2006 Friday 5th May – REDWING Saturday 6th May - OLD BARREL Sunday 2nd July 12 – 7pm - CLAIRFEST Friday 28th July – REDWING Sat 29th July - 9.30pm start - LANSDOWNE, Dawlish Fri 15th September - LIME TREE, Paignton Sat 16th September - OLD BARREL Friday 27th October – REDWING Saturday 28th October - OLD BARREL Friday 8th December - MANSION HOUSE Saturday 9th December - OLD BARREL Sunday 31st December - 10pm start - REDWING Full details at: http://www.crushuk.com/gigs.html   New venues As far as new gigs go we are always on the look out for new places to play. It doesn’t have to be a regular thing although that’s good, but some venues have the occasional live music for special occasions. If this sounds like your local, or a place you know, like and think we would be appreciated please let me know. Name of venue, manager/guvnor and a phone number would be much appreciated. We do all the leg work and if it doesn’t work out it won’t be your fault. We just say thanks for trying   Meanwhile…. Busy making waves with the BobKatZ…. With ex members of Crowded Trousers and the OtherZ, Weller is adding his charisma to the mix and the gig list speaks for itself. This band is going places! BobKatZ Fri 19th May - Redwing, Lympstone Sat 20th May - Double Locks, Exeter Sat 3rd June - Kings Arms, Otterton Sat 10th June - Ship Hotel, Crediton Sat 8th July - Double Locks, Exeter Fri 14th July - Ferryboat Inn, Shaldon Sat 15th July - The Globe, Exeter Sat 22nd July - Old Coaching House, Chudleigh 9.30pm Sat 19th Aug - The Crawford, Exeter Sat 26th Aug - Double Locks, Exeter Wed 30th Aug - Bowling Green, Exeter Sat 2nd Sept - Ship Hotel, Crediton Fri 29th Sept - New Quay Inn, Teignmouth Sat 7th Oct - The Lansdowne, Dawlish - 9.30pm Sat 21st Oct - Double Locks, Exeter Wed 25th Oct - Bowling Green, Exeter Sat 4th Nov - The Globe, Exeter Sun 5th Nov - Double Locks, Exeter Sat 11th Nov - Ship Hotel, Crediton Fri 17th Nov - New Quay Inn, Teignmouth Sat 25th Nov - Black Horse, Exeter Sat 2nd Dec - The Lansdowne, Dawlish - 9.30pm Sat 16th Dec - Double Locks, Exeter Wed 20th Dec - Bowling Green, Exeter Sat 23rd Dec - Old Coaching House, Chudleigh - 9.30pm If that ain’t enough live music for ya check out the schedules at: www.reoffenders.co.uk and www.callingorson.net Makes me sweat just thinking about it! Don’t miss the BMAD (Bikers Make A Difference) festival on Paignton seafront this weekend feat. Reoffenders and Calling Orson.   or   If you are in north London check out a real cool band ‘Vizion’ - http://www.vizionband.co.uk/ at the Manjaro Bar, 148 Holloway Rd   A new live music venue starting this Sunday night 30th April 2006   Dudley is 'managing' the sound system! – contact yhaalhouse@hotmail.com for more details.   Plus Rick is busy with his countless other bands and one of these days he will give me a gig list. Hope to see you soon Damian         Do you, or someone you know need or want: Guitar coaching Vocal coaching A band or two A solo artist A great singer A great guitarist A fab songwriter A recording studio A personal address (PA) system A live sound engineer Master of ceremonies (MC) For any of the above contact damian@crushuk.com Or call 07932 121266     CRUSH UK Update: 4th April 2006 Welcome. We hope you find what you are looking for. If not drop us a line damian@crushuk.com or post on the message board. The recent gigs were rockin’ and it was gr8 to celebrate Sara’s birthday at the Mansion House with Sara joining us on stage for some excellent tunes. It’s all go with Martin leading the CRUSH UK troubadours, joining Bobkatz on guitar and vocals and planning his solo career. All good fun and a chance to give up the day job which he did last Friday. The ’KatZ are sorted with dozens of gigs this year, but CRUSH UK have a few dates left to fill which we have left clear for private shows. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you want us at your wedding, birthday, wake or just as an excuse to have a party. We play to all ages and are very happy to work in a smoke free environment. Note for your diary - Weller Dudley and Bell among others will feature in Dudley’s Jamshed. We’ll be gathering at the Grey Horse, Kingston on Saturday 13th May 2006.   Forthcoming CRUSH UK dates: Friday 5th May 9-11pm 01395 222156 REDWING Church Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT Saturday 6th May 9 - 11pm 01395 268226 FAMOUS OLD BARREL Princess Street, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1JA Friday 28th July 9-11pm 01395 222156 REDWING Church Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT Saturday 29th July 9.30 – 11.30pm 01626 863201 LANSDOWNE 8 Park Rd, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9LQ Friday 15th September 9 - 11pm 01803 664847 LIME TREE 9-11 Dartmouth Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 5AA Saturday 16th September 9 - 11pm 01395 268226 FAMOUS OLD BARREL Princess Street, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1JA Friday 27th October 9-11pm 01395 222156 REDWING Church Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT Saturday 28th October 9 - 11pm 01395 268226 FAMOUS OLD BARREL Princess Street, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1JA Friday 8th December 9 - 11pm 01278 458433 MANSION HOUSE 32 High Street, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 3BJ Saturday 9th December 9 - 11pm 01395 268226 FAMOUS OLD BARREL Princess Street, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1JA Sunday 31st December 9-11pm 01395 222156 REDWING Church Road, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JT   Other news of our rock and roll friends Leanne’ Kaleido – debut album check her site - www.leanie.com REOFFENDERS update - The punk funsters gig list is getting busier and I can’t keep up with it, but you can at - www.reoffenders.co.uk Plus - Calling Orson featuring Paul, John and Heather from the REOFENDERS cover a mixture of pop and rock in an acoustic format. Dates and info at www.callingorson.net Bobkatz gigs are listed at - http://www.eboards4all.com/066344/ Another band to watch: http://www.vizionband.com/menu_vizion.htm   Stay in touch and do let us know if you have changed e-mail address, sex or whatever. Adios for now Damian damian@crushuk.com     CRUSH UK Gigs This Weekend UPDATE: 22nd March 2006 Great news for the special few who dig what we do. CRUSH UK are back in action this: FRIDAY, 24th March - 9-11pm MANSION HOUSE Tel: 01278 458433 32 High Street, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 3BJ And SATURDAY, 25th March - 9-11pm LIME TREE Tel: 01803 664847 Dartmouth Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 5AA Free entry and a guaranteed night to remember! Hope to see you.   CRUSH UK UPDATE: 1st March 2006 Greetings music lovers Our national distribution deal in England for our CDs via the library service has started working. The CDs sat on the shelf for a while, but now they are out constantly, so that’s cool. Just need folks to buy them now! You too can hire our music and see if you like it. Just go into your local library and ask for Frampton Weller or Changing by degrees by Crush. Let me know if you have any trouble tracking them down – damian@crushuk.com   Although 2006 started quietly for us, it’s been all go over the last few weeks. Martin has decided to expand his repertoire and as well as leading the CRUSH UK troubadours, he has joined Bobkatz (formerly the Otherz). A chance meeting with Nick aka ‘the Brief’, led to an audition, 2 rehearsals and three gigs in a week. This is all good and no threat to the mighty CRUSH UK. All good fun and a chance to give up the day job (again) at last. Well we’ll see but fun is the name of the game.   CRUSH UK meanwhile are pitching to holiday camps, hotels and other ‘more traditional’ types of venues in the South West. We feel it’s about time we moved in a different direction, so we’ll see if our infectious sounds permeate the barriers of staid performers knocking out ‘the birdy song’ and ‘chirpy chirpy cheep cheep’. Back in the real (pub) world, we’ve got the gigs sorted pretty much for this year (fingers crossed). There are a few dates left to fill which we have left clear for private shows, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you want us at your wedding, birthday, wake or just as an excuse to have a party. We play to all ages and are very happy to work in a smoke free environment.   Note for your diary - Weller Dudley and Bell among others will feature in Dudley’s Jamshed. We’ll be gathering at the Grey Horse, Kingston on Saturday 13th May 2006.   Unfortunately efforts to f