‘I think it was at Blindos in 2015,’ said guitarist/singer, Tom Edwards. ‘My memory is hazy, but I do know it went off and they had to lock the doors to stop people coming in.’
The three-piece, Tom, Peter Frankland on drums and Ady Miller on bass, formed around 2007 when all three were working at the Guernsey Press.
‘I’ve been living in Australia, where I moved to in 2009, Ady’s been playing with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Disaster and most recently the Cage Shakers and Pete’s been finding lost submarines at the bottom of the English Channel.’
Unlike Ady, Tom hasn’t been involved with music for a while.
‘I didn’t pick up a guitar for several years, but got into it again when I formed a band called The Numbats with some workmates Down Under. We got really busy, playing rodeos in the bush, but I left them just over a year ago and have been on a break since.
‘Ady’s match-fit though and Pete’s currently wiping the dust off his drum kit and trying to remember which way you hold the sticks.’
In fact the reunion was all Pete’s idea.
‘So blame him. I’d assumed we wouldn’t do a gig as it’s been 10 years, but when I told the lads I was coming over for a holiday it wasn’t a case of if, but rather when and where. So I had no choice in the matter really, but naturally I love playing in The Paperboys, so I’m chuffed to bits to rock out with my mates again.
‘And this time round we’ve 18-year-old guitar virtuoso – and Pete’s son – John Frankland joining the band to bulk out our sound and add some much-needed eye-candy. He also brings the average age of the band down about 50 years to 25, which was much needed to say the least.
At the time of writing this, you’ve not practised – how do you think it’ll go? Are you nervous?
‘You mean we’re supposed to practise? It’s a straight-up rock ‘n’ roll show and no-one’s worrying about the odd bum note. We’ll run through the set list before just to make sure the old magic’s still there, but we don’t want to be too polished. It’s like riding a bike, albeit a slightly rusty one without brakes and this time there might be a cliff involved.’
How has the set been worked out? Or have you found an old fag-burnt, beer-stained set list from way back and thought ‘Ah, we’ll just do this one’?
‘People who’ve enjoyed our gigs in the past can rest assured there’ll be the usual punky pub classics to dance and sing along to. But rather than playing it safe we’re raising the stakes by adding some songs we’ve never played before. Expect some belters from The Beatles, The Clash, Little Richard, Nirvana and even a bit of Sabbath to honour Ozzy. I’m also playing an acoustic interlude of anthemic bangers with a mysterious English singer known only as The Hound.’
What can fans from all those years ago expect of Saturday at The Yacht?
‘Paperboys gigs have always been about having fun, playing high-energy rock ‘n’ roll and nothing’s changed on that front. When everyone’s up and dancing with a smile on their face and singing along to every word, that’s when we know we’ve done our job. After a decade away from the stage we’re ready to get out there and tear the roof off the place. So expect a dance floor crammed with happy, sweaty bodies, lots of forgotten lyrics and above all else, a great laugh.’
If this goes well, will there be any more gigs for The Paperboys?
‘We’re talking about a world tour and potential new album. Our last one – 2008’s Greatest Hits – sold out of all 15 copies at Kendall Guitars in a mere seven years, so we know the appetite’s there. Or maybe we’ll just see how Saturday’s gig goes and do another reunion in 2035.’
The Paperboys – as you can see, it’s all in the delivery.
The Paperboys are at The Yacht on Saturday night at 9pm. Bring a towel and a change of clothing.
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