DNA Night Club Birmingham - Wednesday 16th May 2001

I had eagerly anticipated this event for many weeks, ever since Chris Abbott phoned me about his plans. As the May 16th date got closer, I became more excited. The chance to mingle with stars of the C64 era, was dream in itself !

The Virgin Train to Birmingham New Street from Oxford was delayed by 20-25 minutes on the Wednesday morning, but once onboard, I settled in my seat and took in the sights during my journey. I arrived at Birmingham New Street Train Station just after 1:30pm and caught a Taxi to the Premier Lodge Hotel, rather than walk, as I didn't know Birmingham that well. When I arrived at Premier Lodge, I paid for my room, which was shared by myself and Darren Izzard. The quality of our room was okay with on-suite Bathroom facilities and basic Sky TV Channels. I phoned Chris Abbott to inform him that I'd arrived safely and awaited his arrival. Darren was answering his Phone, so to not distract Chris from his driving. About an hour had passed and several guests were starting to arrive, I had noticed David Whittaker early. My, how he changed from his 1980's magazine / press photo's. In fact all of the coders and musicians had changed somewhat, apart from Jeff Minter. His classic character had remained and what a great bloke he is !

Later on, some of us visited the Old Orleans Bar for a drink, where most of us met up. It was good to be in the company of so many C64 heroes, all of which were friendly and down to earth. We then ventured on to the DNA Night Club, where all could hang around until the evening started. I must say that I was impressed by the size of the Club. The sound system was being tested at this point by resident DJ's ( Peter Connelly, the other(s) I forget ! ) and an internal organ shaking experience it was ! I saw a familiar face whilst we were there, it was Bjorn Lynne ! Wow ! I couldn't believe it ! Not many people recognised him at first !

Time progressed fast and Jeff Minter's Lightshow was being tested, classic C64= Logos and various other effects were being shown ! The VIP lounge was becoming a collective of more classic C64 musicians. I was finding it hard to believe, was I dreaming ? No ! The likes of Ben Daglish, David Whittaker, Martin Galway and everyone's SID hero, Rob Hubbard !

Music during the first part of the evening, was 1980's synthesiser pop, like Depeche Mode ! The later C64 remix session was brilliant, some of brave souls, including myself, took to the dance floor and strutted our funky stuff ! Some Night Clubbers looked on in amazement ! I don't think I would ever imagined myself dancing to C64 Music in a Night Club, but hey ! What an experience it was !

I have to confess, that I was a bit shy in approaching some of the Musicians. Rob Hubbard looked like he was overwhelmed by the whole evening. I bet all of the musicians never would of believed that their classic 8-bit SID tunes were still being listened to and adored after so many years !

The Back in Time Live experience was FANTASTIC ! I am so glad that I went to witness the historic event ! For those of you that missed it, shame on you ! :o)

We all have to thank ourselves, the C64 community, that has help push this great machine further into everyone's memory ! For nostalgia is here to stay !

I would also like to thank personally, Chris Abbott for his sterling efforts in bringing Back in Time into our lives ! For it has made them that much more entertaining !

With all the excitement, I only took two Photos on the night, so here they are !

Kenz, Mez and Frank Abbott.	Tony Crowther, Rob Hubbard and Fred Gray.