The three nodded their agreement and Steve raised his glass. To Fossils, he announced.
The four chinked glasses and repeated aloud.
Fossils!
Other customers, thinking the old fellows ruckus was because they just discovered that someone invented multi-coloured incontinence pants, glared at them and went back to their conversations.
Right gentlemen, we have Vulnerable almost cracked, so once we perfect that, we could learn more of Wayne's songs, said Charles.
Ive got one, Steve chuckled and warbled.
Mary, Mary your fannys hairy, your tits are heading south; Ive something here that tastes of beer, so shove it in your m...
Thats enough! shouted Charles, interrupting.
Steve put his hand over his mouth and realising he'd upset Charles, became embarrassed and apologised. Sorry Charles, I forgot your wifes name was Mary. I was only joking, he said and extended his hand.
Charles shook his hand, smirked, and said. So, how did you know her fanny was hairy?
Steve looked into the smiling face of Charles and realised that he wasnt as stuck-up as he seemed as Charles said. It was a fine old bush before it turned grey and wispy, he joked. One time I could have sworn I saw Doctor Livingstone wandering around lost in there.
Wayne, Elvin, and Steve looked shocked and then burst out laughing.
The conversation then turned to the old women of Fossdyke and their pubic hair, or the lack thereof. The four laughed and joked all evening.
They went back to Fossdyke and Charles spoke to wispy fanny Mary before drifting off to sleep.
OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, Fossils rehearsed and played songs from Waynes repertoire. The music varied from ballads and soft rock to up-tempo rock n roll. Charles and Wayne spent time incorporating or changing notes, lyrics, and melodies, to suit the newly formed band. With Charless tenor raspy voice and the other three harmonising, it sounded different from any other music. Their sound was unique.
They practised long hours alone in the recreation room as the old residents scurried out when Steve, Elvin, and Wayne set up their instruments. Mrs Chew was still angry at Lucy Fossdyke's decision to allow them to rehearse again. Fearing that it was still a noisy racket, she kept clear of the recreation room.
The four felt pleased and surprised by how well they came together under Charless tuition.
The next song they tried had no lyrics. Although Wayne had written several versions, he wasnt happy with the results. Charles liked the tune and played the melody several times before a title popped into his head. He and Wayne worked on the lyrics while Elvin and Steve went to the pub.
The following day they rehearsed, Life is Too Short to Be Sad, Wayne and Charles wrote lyrics based on Charless title. Charles added notes and toned down the tempo. The beguiling song had several parts, needing all four to sing in harmony. It also had a solo tenor crescendo in the chorus. It was a soft rock ballad with thought-provoking lyrics, which the four loved.
One evening, after packing away their instruments, and about to go to the Pavilion for their evening libation, Steve said. How about going to The Wellow for a change? They have a band playing tonight.
Charles looked puzzled.
Wellows another pub close by Nobby, but its noisy and full of youngsters, said Wayne, much to Steves amusement.
Why do you care? Youre deaf! shouted Steve.
Not all the time, Wayne replied and smirked
What do you reckon Nobby, it will be a change, said Steve.
Charles looked at Wayne and Elvin, who shrugged.
Why not, said Charles, Perhaps theres a good group on, so we can pick up some tips.
The four walked along the beach road and headed to the Wellow.
The Wellow public house, situated close to the towns small bowling alley, was only a short walk along the beach road from Fossdyke. Although slightly smaller than the Pavilion, it attracted the younger crowd, making it a lot more raucous. The Wellows landlord, a middle-aged man named David Sugden, was an unmarried, stocky individual, with a friendly disposition. Known as Cosmo because he resembled English comedian Benny Hill's character, Cosmo Smallpiece, he had run the successful brewery owned public house for 15 years. Cosmo occasionally did the odd dodgy deal but prided himself on never breaking the law, although hed bent it on occasions.
When Charles, Elvin, Steve, and Wayne arrived at the Wellow, they went around the back to the lounge. It was a warm summer evening and people stood outside in groups holding pints of beer, chatting, and smoking. A sign on the door read: Live tonight - Tony S.
The lounge bustled with people stood chatting, and while Wayne, Charles, and Elvin sat at an empty table, Steve struggled through the crowd to get to the bar and get the drinks.
Eventually being served, he jostled his way back to the other three. They saw the bands equipment set up and waited for them to play.
Only seeing a guitar and electronic equipment, Charles said. It must be just a man with a guitar.
Tony S went on the small stage and fiddled with buttons and knobs on his equipment. The Stevie Wonder tune, I Just Called to Say I Love you played, as Tony S strummed and sang.
Its a bloody Karaoke! Steve shouted above the din.
Not good Karaoke either, said Elvin, it sounds awful.
Wayne just thought, I told you so, and switched off his hearing-aid.
The four sat through the painful set of Tony S and felt relieved when he took a break.
Lets have a beer in the Pavilion, said Elvin. At least we can hear ourselves think, without that bloody awful racket.
Agreed, said Wayne, after switching on his hearing-aid.
They finished their drinks and were about to leave when Steve said. You go on ahead, I will join you later. I just saw somebody I need to have a word with.
Elvin, Charles, and Wayne walked the short distance to the Pavilion and sat outside at their regular spot.
They waited for Steve, who hadnt shown up by 10:00 pm.
He must still be chatting to his mate, said Elvin.
He would probably go back to Fossdyke when he realised the time, said Charles, Wayne and Elvin nodded and the three walked back to Fossdyke.
Steve grinned like a Cheshire cat through breakfast. They went into the recreation room and set up their equipment.
Wayne counted them in and they played, Consider Me Gone, another of Wayne's songs they wanted to try.
After finishing the song, Wayne and Charles got together to iron out the wrinkles, while Elvin and Steve plucked, strummed, and chatted.
Why dont you try an electric bass mate? Steve asked, sounding aloof.
Elvin looked at his beat-up old instrument, shook his head, and said. I like my old double bass. I tried an electric one several years ago. It was easy to play, but I much prefer my old faithful Flores. Elvin then plucked a fast tempo piece and grinned.
How about you Nobby? Steve shouted, interrupting Charles and Waynes train of thought. Can you play something smaller? Wayne has a portable Yamaha keyboard that does everything and has all the bells and whistles.