IT won't just be a meeting of old bandmates tomorrow night, but one of old friends – as Bottlenecks members past and present finally get together for a very special reunion gig right here on our doorstep.

It's been a while since they've all been together, but the lads are raring to go and are set to give rock lovers in Morecambe a night of "pure hedonism".

The current line-up is Martin Fleming, Simon Thornton, Anthony Gregson and Dominic Clayton, but former members Aiden Baldwin, brothers John and Daniel Baxendale and ex-Towers of London and Prodigy guitarist Paul 'The Rev' James will all head to The Royal.

Oh yes, Bottlenecks fans are in for a real treat.

They've been together for a whopping 10 years and they've got all the rock 'n' roll tales to prove it. What's more, they've had more
line-up and name changes than I've had hot dinners – but are still going strong.

Awaken, Sablerain, Moneyshot and of course, The Bottlenecks are just a few of the monikers they've had.

Life as a Bottleneck has rarely been simple. They've had their fair share of bad luck but they've always been united in one thing – the music.

Having started the band as school kids, they earned a great following locally, playing local schools, pubs, clubs and even performing at the Festival of Light and Water.

Dividing their time between playing originals and covers, The Bottlenecks went on to perform in big cities like London, Manchester and Liverpool, all the time taking a coach-load of Morecambe fans with them.

"Basically we used to gig two or three times a week, all piled in the back of a van," remembers vocalist Simon Thornton. "We'd do cover gigs to fund the rest of the band, with money going on equipment."

Guitarist Anthony Gregson, landlord of The Royal, said: "It was never a hobby. It was a drive, a goal and everyone around us gave us help to keep us focused.

"Paul's dad Keith drove us around to gigs and everyone was supportive, keeping us focused about making music and doing gigs. George Macfarlane, a friend of Martin's dad managed us for a while, as did Martin's dad, 'Big' Martin Fleming."

Simon continues: "In the beginning the band was about dreams and
ambitions.

"Although our focus has shifted to other projects we still have a great affection for playing The Bottlenecks gigs, and for the people who still come to see us whenever we play.

"So I guess now it's all about pure hedonism."

In 2001, the band decided to concentrate less on playing covers and more on getting some original material out there.

Two years later they got caught up with a manager who led them up the garden path, promising them things that never came off.

"He was a con artist basically," says Simon."He'd been sacked by his record label in London. We'd believed that would be our road to fame but it all went wrong.

"Being courted by (Japanese record label) Yoshiko was fairly exciting at the time but in general the biggest thrill we get is jumping in the back of a van, taking a road trip and doing the thing we love doing more than anything else – playing."

Not long after that, original guitarist Paul 'The Rev' James left to pursue a career in punk act Towers of London.That same year (2004) Simon and Martin also spent a year in the Big Smoke, with an originals band.

"We watched the Towers a few times while we were there – there's never been any hard feelings and we'll look forward to playing with Paul again on Thursday," says Simon.

"It was hard for us when Paul joined Towers, especially when he started showing up in Kerrang magazine."

Anthony adds: "Paul has got that whole punk mentality and attitude. There weren't many people who could have fitted that role.

"But in the end it seemed to be an act (Towers of London) and I think Paul was glad to be out of it."
Simon continues: "Even when we were in London we'd come back up and do Bottlenecks gigs."
Engage
The Bottlenecks isn't the be-all-and-end-all for the lads though, as they all happily engage in solo projects too.

Dom Clayton has had great success drumming with international
percussion group Noise Ensemble who've enjoyed world tours. He drummed at Wembley Stadium before the Cup Final and on Saturday performed at the Reebok Stadium before Bolton Wanderers' first League game of the new season.

Anthony, still only 24, now runs the Royal pub in Morecambe having
previously managed Cuba bar in Lancaster, been assistant manager at Ma Murphy's and promotions manager at The Carleton.

Daniel Baxendale enjoyed a stint playing with Lancaster band Elementary Penguin.

And Simon, Martin and Dominic also formed an original band called God's Directors.

"Everyone's got other projects on the side but we still love doing The Bottlenecks gigs," continues Simon.

Despite a few ups and downs with the band, Simon admits there's little they regret.

"We wouldn't change a thing," he says. "There have been some difficult times which ultimately ended the ambitions of the band as a unit, but I don't think we'd really do anything differently."

As for the gig at The Royal, Simon admits the band don't have a set list.

"We're a rock band! In some cases it'll be about what the members of each line-up can remember.

"In the main we'll be playing the classic rock covers that people know us for, but we hope to play a few of the most popular original numbers too.

"We do still get requests for the original material when we head out to the Barrow and Dalton area and maybe if enough of them turn up we'll oblige."

"The Royal gig is a chance to get everyone together, fans and band,
people who haven't all been in the same room together for a long time.

"It'll be nostalgic for us to play some of the songs we don't play regularly anymore, and to be honest it'll feel like a family reunion. It's a good chance for everyone to catch up, have a few drinks and hear some great music."

* SEE The Bottlenecks' 10th anniversary gig at the Royal
tomorrow (August 21) from 8pm. Admission is free.