Our Trip to Israel 2002. By Kate McWilliam

Israel Feb/March 2002

Our illustrious band arrived in Eilat with few mishaps apart from one involving a rubber glove, some KY jelly and a red-faced Paul (oops forgot I wasn't supposed to mention that - pictures on Quill web site next month!). Little did we realize the horrors that awaited us in the dark lair of the Three Monkeys Pub.
Acting on the venues advice we arrived minus our gear, apart from my trusty fiddle and some suntan lotion, believing that the instruments we had requested would be there. How wrong could a band be? There was no mandolin or twelve string guitar or second keyboard and no ride or crash cymbals for the drums. To cap it all the manual for the guitar effects rack (they did have that) was only in French and German and the drum stands were held together with gaffa tape and totally non adjustable.
When we had scraped Martin and Paul off the ceiling we went to see the entertainments manager, who made soothing noises and consoled us with chocolate. He then sent us to the food and beverage manager!! After much discussion and arm waving, we ended up with a semi functioning drum kit, a second keyboard and a six string acoustic from hell-knicker elastic would not have sounded any worse.
The first gig lived down to expectations; the bass went off completely the acoustic twanged horribly and Dave Bailey became the first man ever to juggle with a keyboard as the hastily mended keyboard stand gave way, unplugging Paul's guitar as it fell. There was only one thing to be done-have an artistic tantrum and threaten to leave. An old trick but it did get things moving. A twelve string appeared costing many shekels and Matt from Sandwell College gallantly flew to our rescue and did our sound.
Apart from these slight teething troubles it was a very successful trip. Sitting in my freezing cold house with a busted boiler I am feeling somewhat nostalgic for sun, sand and sea and mountains that turn deep red at sunset and latte coffee on the veranda.

Radio Appearance. Thursday 3rd Oct 2002 at The Villan, Aston Villas own digital radio station, Quill appeared with Dennis Locorriere (the voice of Dr Hook). Dennis was there to promote his current tour and Quill were there as special guests of Disc Jockey Paul Burrell. Dennis sang the classic Dr Hook track 'A Little Bit More' with just his acoustic guitar before singing a duet with Joy of the song 'Only Sixteen'. Joy then sang one of Quills new songs called 'Somewhere', which will be out next year on a new album. She was accompanied by Quill members Paul and Dave on acoustic guitars.

Joy with Dennis Locorriere.

Welcome Back to our web site. Sorry it's been down for so long but it was due to circumstances beyond our control. We will be updating this site regularly so keep coming back.