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Richard Amey: Gig Cameo

Chris Copping, back from Australia, had so much to fit in on his visit after the Redhill gig. I caught him backstage after the concert finished and the first thing he mentioned was beer. Gary Brooker dedicated the performance of A Rum Tale to Chris, but that was slightly wide of the mark.

This was a cherished chance to satisfy his unsatisfied years-long craving for English Ale, and he wasn’t going to let it slip by.

So many changes, so many new faces since he left. One of my abiding memories of Redhill during the music will be of Chris during the second half. Most of his playing allocation had been in the first, so he was fidgeting about in the wings, exchanging reactions with whoever was nearby.

Probably the number which produced the most animation in him was A Salty Dog. He was evidently very taken in particular with Graham Broad’s drumming. I asked Chris afterwards and it was confirmed.

'He’s a beautiful drummer!' he beamed.

Back to Shine On-Line May 1998