February 4th 2005

Annabella Wows Crowd

Bow Wow Wow had a blast playing for the capacity crowd at The Vault in Long Beach. The unusual venue, a converted bank, also captured the band’s imagination however. After settling into the vault-cum-dressing room, which still had the original 4-inch thick steel vault door, they explored the warren-like basement which still houses a large walk-in safe. Unfortunately after a little experimentation, Leigh soon found that safe cracking wasn’t within his skill-set. Fortunately, Laura, our hospitality queen, diverted the band’s attention to more savory activities with her deli platters, plates of food, and well-stocked refrigerator.

The Vault 350 Long Beach California

Los Angeles female-fronted post-punkers The Start (www.thisisthestart.com) kicked off this girl-powered night in front of an already packed crowd. The club was rammed by the time Bow Wow Wow took to the stage – a little later than scheduled since the band didn’t want to disappoint those still stuck in the line outside waiting to get in. Star 98.7’s Richard Blade had called the band earlier that day, kindly offering to come down and introduce them. Bow Wow Wow’s set included another song from the Wowsers’ email-list poll; “Fools Rush In” separated the merely curious from the die-hard fans at the front of the stage who were word perfect.

Leigh and Adrian at Soundcheck

Co-headliners Berlin (www.berlinpage.com) closed the show with a flawless set. Afterwards all three bands headed to Adrian Young’s pad for an afterparty at Young’s Pub. Singer Tiffany, who had come down to the gig with her sister Margaux, chatted with Berlin’s Terri Nunn and The Start’s Aimee Echo. 103.1’s Native Wayne Jobson looked on as the three female singers compared notes. Meanwhile Phil Gough got all tongue-tied after asking to be introduced to Tiffany (who incidentally has a new trance track coming out with dance outfit Second Sun). BWW tour-mates Gabe McNair and Kerry James from the band Oslo also made it down to the show and afterparty. Their debut album will be in stores in March 05 (www.osloband.com). Thanks also to No Doubter Tony Kanal for coming down and showing his support. Be sure to check out the band’s website (www.nodoubt.com) for details of an excusive No Doubt performance at a benefit concert to raise money for the South Asia tsunami victims.

Phil and Annabella

Thanks to The Vault’s Laura, Dan and Damien for looking after us so well. And of course thanks to the Bow Wow Wow dream team: Chris Rankin (who makes us sound so good), Jessie & Damian (our trusty techs who moonlight as Young’s Pub barmen), Ken Phillips (our super-star PR guru), The MOB’s Mitch and Joy (who get us into this trouble in the first place), Brian Carr (who keeps us legal) and David Holleman (who disseminates the call of the Wowsers far and wide).

Annabella Lwin at Soundcheck