The trusty Sat Nav got myself, Doc Jnr and Shy Girl to Mansfield with no problems at all. After booking in at the hotel we met up with Dean and Jo, got a taxi and headed out to the venue. Martin had called me to say that the merchandise would be right next to the stage (and some sofas) and would leave me to set it up however I liked. We had black/gold , white/gold and black/green Sputnik Rock t-shirts, Prophet Of Freak t-shirts, SSS compilation 1-5 CD’s, Sputnik V Bowie CD’s and Prophet Of Freak CD.

Plastique, John and Dee tipped up shortly after the doors opened but by the time the first support act had started there was hardly anyone there and my heart sank a little. Things soon turned round however and by the time the second act appeared (whose name I’ve forgotten now but they are very popular locally) the place was full. I wondered if they were going to be the best received act of the night but then the merchandise really kicked off, I worked harder than I ever do in my real job!! There were several people who had seen SSS back in the 80’s and were curious to check out this new electronic version of the band and they were gratefully letting me part them with their hard earned cash.

So, Martin and Whiteheadstripe finally took the stage about 10.40pm. By this time we had all made our way right down to the front. See the photos for how they looked. Martin introduced themselves over the Clockwork Orange theme before launching into Rockit Miss USA.

When I saw Sigue Sigue Sputnik Electronik for the first time back in Saxilby I must admit I had doubts how an all electro version of the band would look and sound. It’s easy for us die-hard fans to love it, but would a general audience be as receptive. This was well and truly answered at this show. I’ve not seen a crowed bowled over so quickly at a Sputnik gig in a long long time. Doc Jnr has now had his first experience of a proper Sputnik mosh pit. Track after track drew rapturous applause and deafening screams and shouts.

As is the norm, Martin lost his way on a few tracks, notably 21st Century Boy and Success. Nobody seemed to care though, they were all far too busy getting down with the sound.

The set list (couldn't get an actual set list this time, where were you Annie??)

CLOCKWORK ORANGE INTRO
ROCKIT MISS USA
21ST CENTURY BOY
TEENAGE THUNDER
MASSIVE RETALIATION
SUCCESS
ATARI BABY
GENE GENIE
DRIVE IN SATURDAY
SEX BOMB BOOGIE
JAYNE MANSFIELD
LOVE MISSILE F1-11

Aptly, Jayne Mansfield was the track of the night, the room when fucking nuts when it started. Just about everyone down the front had a go on the mic. I was getting a bit worried about Jnr getting crushed but he held his own and was fine.

They tried to leave the stage but the calls for more were thunderous. Martin ended up saying he’d do one more four times in all. There were no extra tracks programmed so we got

ROCKIT MISS USA
21ST CENTURY BOY
JAYNE MANSFIELD
SEX BOMB BOOGIE

In all they played for 70 minutes, well worth £6.00

I got no rest afterwards though, once the merchandise was out again it flew off the table as the boys posed for pictures, gave out autographs, accepted drinks and generally made sure everyone went home happy.

I got a few group photos after everyone else had gone, I think we were all flagging a bit by then, especially Doc Jnr. Martin’s told him we wants to write a song with a singing part for him in and for him to trek down to London to record it. Could be interesting if it happens.

So, a great night all round. Superb venue, well up for it audience, and, of course, a top notch performance from our boys.

If you are worried that the electronics don’t rock don’t worry. They do!!

Special shout outs to Doc Jnr, Dean and Jo, Plastique, Dee and John Moon (name check guys!!!!!!) and all the people who came and said hi and brought from the merchandise.

Big hugs and thanks to Shy Girl for agreeing to spend most of the show stuck behind the video camera, I’ve scanned through it and it seems to have come out quite well.

Special thanks to the management of The Town Mill for allowing me to bring Jnr along to this event. I think it’s true to say that both the band and the venue had an enjoyable and very profitable night. I hope the opportunity for Sigue Sigue Sputnik Electronik playing there again arises in the not too distant future.

DOC JNR KEEPING AN EYE ON THE STALL

AFTER SHOW WITH SPUTNIK DARREN AND KAREN

RELAXING AFTER THE SHOW

DOC JNR WITH MARTIN AND JO

SHY GIRL, DOC JNR, JO, DEAN, MARTIN, JO, PLASTIQUE AND DEE

SHY GIRL, DOC JNR, ME, JO, DEAN, MARTIN AND JO

THE BOYS WITH THE BOYS

SHY GIRL GOT JO'S HAT AGAIN

TOGETHER WE ARE BEAUTIFUL

LIVE LONG AND PROSPER

I'VE GOT THREE OF THESE AND DIDN'T NEED THEM