The gig was held at the Norwich Puppet Theatre, which is a converted church, with the performance space having been converted with a small stage and steep, tiered seating so that it is really dark and intimate. As someone with a bit of a panicky fear of puppets, actually attending the venue was a bit of a challenge for me, but most of those on display looked quite friendly - it's the Punch and Judy-style mean-looking, carved wood faces that scare the living daylights out of me. My favourite 'puppet' on display was the The Admonitor (below):
In honour of their latest (and last?) release, the Ebony & Ivory EP, Violet Violet requested a black and white dress code for their farewell party (not a difficult task for me!). They also requested that everyone attend for the entire night, meaning that no-one was to be admitted after 8pm (although I didn't know this so it was just good luck that we rolled up at about that time!).First band was Mondo Ray, who were good fun but not really my cup of tea. They were introduced by the VV girls themselves, who also gave presents to people who had helped them along the way and did lots of thank yous.
After a short intermission and a much needed bottle of water (we'd spent the afternoon in the WONDERFUL Rumsey Wells Public House - the Meantime Wheat beer was going down rather too smoothly) it was on to The Kabeedies, who played a great set from their album Rumpus plus a couple of new songs. I tried to get some photos but the damned energetic little blighters move around too much. I did get this one of Evan, who was wearing one dangly earring, and this bothered me.
Finally, we had the pleasure of a thumping set from Violet Violet, after they were introduced by a video they had put together of all their finest moments. It could have been seen as a teeny bit narcissistic, but I think they just about got away with it. They played from their most recent album, The City Is Full Of Beasts, but also gave a nod to the previous incarnations of the band and former members, as well as playing from Ebony & Ivory (unfortunately not a cover of the McCartney/Wonder classic).
We will miss you, Violets but have a feeling we'll probably be seeing you back on stage again soon...?
