Memorial Gig for Screaming Lord Sutch - The 1st Annual 'Sutch-A-Night'

Friday 16 June 2000

Loonies, friends and musicians gathered in Wembley and Harrow for the first anniversary of Screaming Lord Sutch. Here is a touching review of the day and night's events from the perspective of a longtime Savages follower:

"I polished my top hat, threw some props in the car and set off down to London for the Lord Sutch Memorial, but was it REALLY one year ago since I made the journey down to his funeral?
I guess Dave Sutch had left a strong impression in my mind over the years I knew him. So strong infact that his image was still as clear as if I had only seen him yesterday. The journey down to London was quiet, just me, my thoughts and the overcrowded M1 motorway.....If this had been a gig Sutchy would have been in the back of the van saying "Do you know where you're going?" or "There's no rush, it's a late start!!!" as was so often the case when Screaming Lord Sutch was booked to play.

	I continued to the Pinner New Cemetry and the grave side rememberence. Meeting up with musicians, friends, and loonies the atmosphere was solemn but there was an air of anticipation for the celebration of Lord Sutch's music. People were left with their thoughts and memories and Carlo gathered everyone together to sing a skiffle song. A convoy then made it's way to Sudbury Sports & Social Club for a jam session to celebrate the almost unrecognised but massive part that Screaming Lord Sutch played in the music scene of the 60's.
	With Doc Cox as compere and general all round nice guy, the evening got off to a excellent start. Carlo Little's Allstars played some R&B how it should be played, with enthusiasm and energy. The audience, so diverse in character all pulled together in appreciation of the many musically talented people who joined in. The brightly coloured costumes of the Monster Raving Loony Party in stark contrast to the black leather of the bikers, the people who had known Dave Sutch for over 30 years and the one's who had only known him a few months, the professional musicians shared the stage with the amateurs and not one single ego got in the way of the non stop Rock 'n' Roll.

The end of the night came too soon for most, with the resolution that we should do it again and maybe not wait until next year to do so. New friendships made and old friendships strengthened, the hall slowly emptied and once again my mind showed me a clear picture of Dave Sutch stood there talking to everybody.......always the last out of any gig, he always had time to give to people......."c'mon Dave, we've got to go" You would know he'd be another half hour at least.

My thanks to Carlo and Co. for organising the event and to all the Heavy Friends of Screaming Lord Sutch everywhere.

Dave Savage.

NB: Carlo continued organising Sutch-A-Night, as later he named the evening of rememberance, every June at the London Ace Cafe until his death in Aug 2005. Just weeks before Carlo died and despite being extremely ill, he made his last ever journey to London, determined to carry on with the gig, for his best friend David Sutch.

 Back to Top