Concert review
Scottish Entrepreneurial Exchange fundraising ball, 12 June 2004
by Bill Matthews



There are sometimes occasions that one cannot miss. My other band, http://www.evangeline.org.uk is currently embedded in a studio in the Highlands of Scotland recording an album. We're actually putting down rhythmn tracks right now, but I managed to negotiate a pass to drive two hours back to Glasgow for a gig that couldn't be missed. And how glad am I that I did ?

On the 12th of June the Scottish Entrepreneurial Exchange held their annual fundraising ball. This group of people, with whom I exist on the periphery, represent the best of innovative and entrepreneurial Scots business people. They have a motto of "Work Hard, Play Hard, and Put Something Back", and can be found at http://www.entex.co.uk. As with previous years, many hundreds of thousands of pounds were raised for very worthwhile charities for children. What made this year different was the cabaret....

Texas performed a private gig for the 550 attendees as a result of a deal between Sharleen and a prominent member of Entex. The financial details don't really matter I'm sure, but it's yet another really good example of the generosity of our favourite band since the main beneficiary was a children's charity.

For over an hour Texas absolutely won over their home crowd. And, having seen a large number of Texas performances, this was one of the best. The band, who played a largely Greatest Hits set, were brilliantly tight. They looked like they had so much fun. The lineup was the one that we know well from recent promotional gigs, Sharleen looked (I'm biased but my friends agreed) stunning, and the sound was superb. A setlist is attached, and there were too many highlights to list them all. The band looked like we all remember them from Greatest Hits tour. Sharleen wore a white jacket over a black T-shirt and black jeans, with her hair quite short. She was absolutely brilliant with a young recipient of support from one of the charities, who I'm delighted to say wore my stetson for a large part of the gig (yes, it was a fancy-dress ball).

Having bumped into the band a few times, I'm delighted that they know who Southside are, so I was lucky enough to talk to Johnny, Eddie, and Ally. All were as usual friendly, humorous, and attentive. Johnny tells me that they've been recording again, so fingers crossed. Ally and Eddie were exchanging their usual banter. It was just great to see quite a few non Texas fans realise how much of an asset we have here in Scotland, and a large number marvel at how talented Sharleen and the guys are. I'm very grateful for being able to attend.

Bill Matthews, Manager, Southside, the Texas Tribute Band.






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