‘Geoff’
Old favourites reform alongside current favourites in what promises to be a memorable night. Getintothis’ Orla Foster invites you to come along to All My Friends, an evening of great music in tribute to former 28 Costumes bassist Paul Williams.
The Baltic Social will be playing host to a very special night on Friday 11 September, as six great Liverpool bands come together to remember a much-loved friend.
Down and Outs, Tokyo Adventures and 28 Costumes will be reforming for the occasion, and they’ll also be joined by Voo, Puzzle and Married To The Sea. The show has been organised as a tribute to former 28 Costumes bassist Paul Williams, who passed away earlier this month.
Peter Martin, Paul’s close friend who co-organised the gig, explained: “I wanted to do something that would celebrate Paul’s life, bring together all the bands that he loved and raise money for MIND”.
“It has been easy to pull this together due to the overwhelming amount of support from people willing to help. I think it will be a really special evening.”
Paul, who was also known to his friends as “Geoff”, was passionate about all that he did, funny and deeply creative. He grew up in Liverpool where he was immersed in the local music scene from his teenage years; as well as performing with bands such as 28 Costumes, he was prolific with poster designs, devoting hours of his time to putting together the perfect image. His care and attention to detail extended not only to his work, but to his friends, who remember him as warm-hearted and generous to a fault. After graduating, Paul settled in Sheffield, where he worked as a graphic designer for several years.
Tragically, on August 4, Paul took his own life. He was twenty-eight years old. His medical assessment with MIND had been scheduled for just six days later.
It’s heartbreaking to lose a friend and loved one in this way. Despite the fact that one in four people will experience depression each year, the mental health sector is dangerously under-funded, meaning that crucial support is being denied to those who need it most. For this reason, Paul’s family and friends want to come together to remember Paul and to raise money for MIND, so that the charity can provide help for others dealing with mental health issues, and promote a better understanding of the struggles involved.
And what better way to celebrate Paul’s life than by reuniting so many of the bands he once loved? The line-up will appeal to anyone who remembers chewing the fat until dawn in the old Korova, or screaming Down and Outs choruses across a sweat-soaked pit — or who’d just like to see a load of great Liverpool acts on one bill.
As well as music, there will also be a poster sale and a tombola with prizes from local artists and musicians.
Tony Keenan, whose band Tokyo Adventures will be getting back together for the show, reflected on what the gig means to him:
“If it wasn’t for these bands a lot of us wouldn’t have made so many great mates. l personally wouldn’t have got to know Geoff otherwise — he was everyone’s mate.”
“It’ll be a great gig, and Geoff will be there in the pit with us.”
Meanwhile Chris McIntosh, singer with 28 Costumes and Paul’s former bandmate, emphasised that everyone is welcome to come down on the night.
“Geoff had so many friends and most of them were in bands, so it makes sense for us all to get together and play again in his honour.”
“All the money that we raise will be going to MIND, and I want to make it clear that you don’t have to have known Geoff to come along. It’s a totally non-exclusive event to raise money for a very worthy cause, and a rare opportunity to see some amazing bands on the same bill.”
Tickets are £4 and will be available on the door. If you can’t make it, but would still like to donate, you can do so here
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