On Friday 7th November, we headed back to the heart of the Peak District for a very special night at The Millstone in Hathersage – a surprise 40th birthday party for Vikash. From the moment we arrived, it was clear this was going to be one of those gigs where the crowd and the band were on exactly the same wavelength.
Hathersage is a place that already feels like home to us. Earlier in the summer we’d played at the riotous Hathersage Gala, and many of the faces in the room that night were familiar. That connection made a huge difference – the crowd already knew what we were about, and they were more than ready to go again.
For this show, we were joined by James on drums, who very kindly stepped in to help us out. As ever, he was rock solid behind the kit and slotted in effortlessly, keeping everything driving from the first song to the final encore.
Set One – Straight Into the Action
We wasted no time getting things moving, opening with “Song 2” – loud, fast, and impossible to ignore. It set the tone perfectly and pulled people straight onto the dancefloor. From there, it was wall-to-wall 90s and 00s anthems: “Teenage Dirtbag,” “She’s Electric,” “Alright,” and “Dreaming of You” all landed brilliantly.
“Parklife” was a definite highlight, with the crowd chanting every word back at us, while “Heavyweight Champion of t’World” and “Shut Up and Dance” kept the energy high. By the time we hit “Roll With It,” “Mardy Bum,” “Last Nite,” and finished the set with “Dakota,” the room was buzzing and ready for more.
A Birthday Moment to Remember
Before launching into set two, it was time for the surprise itself. As Vikash’s birthday cake was wheeled out, we paused the music and led the whole room in a raucous rendition of “Happy Birthday.” The look on Vikash’s face said it all – a proper moment, and one of those reasons why we love playing events like this.
Set Two – Full-Throttle Celebrations
With the birthday celebrations complete, we kicked the second set off hard with “Take Me Out,” instantly filling the dancefloor again. What followed was a non-stop run of singalong favourites: “Valerie,” “Proud Mary,” “I Believe in a Thing Called Love,” and “Common People,” all delivered to a crowd that showed no signs of slowing down.
“Mr Brightside” was, as ever, absolute carnage in the best possible way, followed by “All the Small Things,” “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor,” “Chelsea Dagger,” and “Sex on Fire.” We wrapped up the main set with a huge, emotional “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” arms aloft across the room.
The chants for more brought us back out for a double encore: “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” followed by “Seven Nation Army,” turning the Millstone into one massive mosh pit to close the night.
A Perfect Hathersage Night
Huge thanks to everyone who came along and made Vikash’s surprise 40th such a memorable night. Hathersage crowds always bring something special, and this one was no exception.
Happy 40th, Vikash – we’re glad we could be part of it!
Absolutely fantastic! This band made our party – they sound fantastic, so much better than a DJ. They read the room so knew what to play to keep everyone dancing. Would I recommend them? Without a doubt! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Emily
Google Review
