The 'Observer' gig guide advertised a gig for 'The Duncan McFarlane Band' in Leeds with the description 'Celtic Folk Rock' (which, by the by, was an incorrect description) The following issue advertised a gig at the Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal, with exactly the same description. Funny, thinks I - I don't know anything about that booking! I telephoned the Kendal venue to enquire if they actually did have us on. The conversation with the manager went like this... DMcF: Hi, Duncan McFarlane here, I just want to check, as you appear to have booked us and I know nothing of it. Kendal Arts Centre Manager: Oh... are you local to here? D: No KACM: Are you about 5ft 4''? D: No KACM: Are you completely bald? D: No! KACM: Are you ninety years of age? D: NO!! KACM: Hmmm. Well the Duncan McFarlane that I've booked is all of those. Your band does play Glen Miller Big Band style material, doesn't it? D: Definitely, no! KACM: Then I haven't booked you at all! The Observer had erred in its description. Lazily using the DMcF band description of the previous week for the very next instance of 'a' DMcF Band that they encountered. The Duncan McFarlane Band, fronted by a short, bald 90+, big band leader STILL plays Kendal Arts Centre annually (practically their only gig since the man has all but 'retired' these days) The folk-rock outfit - The Duncan McFarlane Band - still carries on with the same name - as we both reckon one or other of us will outlive the other!! Thus freeing-up the name exclusively! ;0)
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