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GIRLS ON TOP FRENCH TOUR 2003
It all kicked off in a terrible nail-biting rush when the ferry was delayed & Anna our blonde tour manager was driving her VW van like a maniac before gig-time in Angers. Straight on stage at the Chabada and we’d been travelling all night, so it was a slightly shell-shocked GOT who warmed up a large crowd for the Wampas. Didier the lead singer came running up after their set to our stall in his underpants to introduce himself. Poitiers next and a street festival was in full swing - GOT were playing like demons in a tent in the square. Mel Roxy had bought a schoolgirl’s outfit in town, which went down rather well. Then Ladyfest outside of Nantes, where we met female bands from all over Europe and we gotta say it was probably the most exciting show we played - they all went wild for us! The Monsta Baby had thankfully arrived in a carrier bag, having been abandoned at the Chabada, poor thing. Before we set off for Strasbourg, we were invited to the Noveau casino in Paris to see the fabulous Fuzztones. Here we are hanging out with Rudi Protrudi, the singer, at the Petit Garage, a cool little bar round the corner. Also partying was Sebastian who runs Bar Roc, (who have long been Girls On Top promoters in France) & Philippe, mate, writer & DJ. Vicki is drinking ti rum punch - ouch! We’re not sure about the Laitiere in Strasbourg, it was death metal night & most people were there for El Ninos from the U.S. - ‘you’re all a bunch of pussies, yaaaa!!! ’……..hmmmmm. Still, we did find a remote farmhouse on the way, near a place called Loonyville where we flopped very late after a long long drive - surrounded by cows & ducks & run by a rosy-cheeked & portly couple who pressed their own cider, nice. Paris & back to the Noveau Casino to play at the Punkista Festival and everyone shrieked & cheered as the Monsta baby was born. Great night plus we did an interview for Rocksound magazine. When we flew back to France for ‘Les Choeurs’ festival in Tulle, Vicki’s luggage remained in London & so did the Baby. Again! Didier from Les Wampas (now our very good friends) gave her something to wear from his extensive punk wardrobe & dragged her on stage during their excellent show to sing ‘Amour’. The tent was knee deep in water from a constant downpour but rammed with about 600 ecstatic people. At ‘Nevers a Vif’ festival, the Bellrays were headlining - nice bunch, but we had to miss their show to drive back to the airport. The last riotous evening where Girls On Top kicked & rocked another patch of France, then home. |