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Welcome Back to the Undersea World
The famous Fishtank faithful are called together for a reunion of the
most up for it crowd in clubland in honour of two of it's most loved
characters: Andy Sweatman AKA Fat Bob Harley and Ean Sellars AKA "The
ol'trout" or simply "E".
Having lost these two friends so early
in life, it is only fitting that they are remembered in the spirit that they
lived...so we will be proper havin' it to the sounds of uplifting anthems
and old school classics in the aquatic wonderland that is the Fishtank! All
old faces and new friends are welcome for what is sure to be the final event
of the legendary clubnight founded by Fat Bob and so loved by E that he
would insist on ticket number 1 for every event.
We will be pushing the boat out one more time to the sounds of Simon Eve,
Jonty & Funkimunki all playing some of the tunes that will be forever "Bob" while
no doubt dropping some fresh new tracks that hit the spot for the funky uplifting
vibe.
The Undersea Queen will be putting her
artistic talents on show in the form of jaw droppingly beautiful aquatic
decor as we build the watery wonderland for the last time and we welcome a
new creative aspect to the visuals provided by local VJ's [sic] Graffix and
video artist
denisecallender.com. If you have any
special photos you would like to see incorporated into the visuals on the
night please
click here to email them.
Look out for the Mermaids,
free fruit and Fishtank giveaways on the night - any one who might want
to complete their collection of flyers or pick up an old poster could be in
luck - and of course the pumping sound and dazzling light show that you have
come to expect from The Fishtank. We set the standard for clubbing
production of the south coast and we won't be letting you down as we take a
bow from clubland after 10 years.
Tickets are already selling fast for
the reunion of this legendary clubnight so don't miss your chance to large
it one more time with the original crew and raise money for a
good cause so ring the box office now or
buy online.
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Directions to South Parade Pier
from M25
Leave the M25 at exit 10 for A3 (southbound)
Stay on A3 from London to A3(M)
A3(M) becomes A27 (DO NOT GET ONTO M27 FOR PORTSMOUTH & SOUTHAMPTON)
Exit left onto A2030 signed for Southsea
Stay on A2030 heading for Southsea (approx 1.5 miles) until you come to
large crossroads & set of traffic lights.
Take the left filter lane (turn left).
Stay on this road to the Seafront, straight on at next roundabout (bears
right along coast).
Follow Seafront to centre of Southsea, you will see South Parade Pier after
approx. ½ mile. If you miss it ask anyone, it is a well-known venue. |
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Fat Bob |
Bob passed away peacefully in his
sleep on Sunday 20th March a few weeks after his 40th birthday having
bravely faced various serious illnesses over the last four years. He was
well loved by many in Portsmouth and on the music scene throughout the south
and will be much missed.
Bob started The Fishtank in 1995 as a reaction to the elitism in London
clubland at the time. He had no time for so-called exclusive nights or
narrow-minded scenes and had a vision of an inclusive club welcoming all.
This was expressed in the broad music policy promoted by The Fishtank and
the insistence that no dress code or "beauty parade" door policy would apply
at Fishtank events. This openness and inclusivity, combined with quality
uplifting house music fused from many genres, gave the club a distinctive
flavour that many regarded as unique. Bob's personality was an integral part
of the night and his taste in "big tunes" and obscure but infectious dance
tracks became a major success locally when The Fishtank re-located to The
Wedgewood Rooms.
Fat Bob connected directly with clubbers through his obvious joy in music.
He would regularly use the microphone (unusual in clubbing at the time) to
exhort the crowd to express themselves and somehow became cult figure simply
be being himself, developing a loyal following that recognised his
indomitable spirit. Bob had time for everybody and seemed to make a friend
out of virtually everyone he met , whether venue manager or fanatic clubber,
and he attracted many fond cuddles with his wide smile.
Bob was also one of that rare breed of DJ's that actually made a living out
of playing records as he developed many contacts as a skilful commercial DJ
and would play at, or provide a DJ for, virtually any event. He famously
performed at The Fishtank on a Saturday night and a children's party for the
7 year old daughter of a friend the following day. Bringing his wicked sense
of humour, coupled with a huge knowledge and love of music, to every gig he
played, Bob developed residencies at various London commercial clubs and
lately held a residence at the main club in his local area of Maidenhead.
Aside from his interest in dance music of every kind he was well versed in
musical obscurities, Radiohead rarities and the blues of Dr John.
Bob was an exceptionally generous person who made all of his friends feel
special throughout his time as a DJ, in his former career as a lighting
technician (working at Live Aid amongst many other events) and in his home
town. Staunch Spurs supporter, Simpsons expert, midnight chef and someone
who knew the difference between a mid-fag doze and mid-doze fag, Andy
Sweatman was a huge man in every respect. In short, he had a lot of love.
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Charity |
All profits from this event will be
donated to Ability Counts, a Football Association programme for disabled
children affiliated to Fat Bob's beloved Spurs.
Click here for more details of Ability Counts
Many thanks to the following businesses and
individuals that have offered their services free or at cost price:
South Parade Pier (Nick Lyne 023 9273 2283)
The Wedgewood Rooms (023 9286 3911)
BCS Sound Hire (Dave Shepherd 078 6012 6835)
Zero21 (023 9247 5599)
not forgetting all the DJ's, dancers and crew on the night....
The total amount raised will be published on this site after the
event,thanks for your support. |
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