As the millennium chimes rang out, one hoped that the new decade / century would bring a welcome resurgence to the guitar based scene. The first couple of months at Esquires in 2000 showed little signs of it as tribute bands dominated into February. In fact, it wasn't until March that the young fans had something to get really excited about. Kerrang! put together a tour bill of Cay, Crashland and My Vitriol which visited Esquires (25th). The following week Toploader headlined and the annoying "Dancing in the Moonlight" was set to be the radio song of the year. Other events of the month were veteran punks Peter and The Test Tube Babies sharing the stage with homegrown Sick On The Bus (3rd). King Prawn (11th), Kettering's The Junket and Birmingham's female quartet Twist also feature during this month.
April Fool's Day saw Chris Martin and Coldplay share headline duties with the soon to be forgotten Terris. A bank holiday Monday was the perfect recovery day for a visit from The Damned (30th), who were also to return in November. Local faves The Pecadiloes play a homecoming gig (15th).
Although not a music star, May was to be memorable for a visit from Mr Nice aka Howard Marks. He told very explicitly about his drug fuelled life (4th). As the ticket said "The biggest draw in town"! There were glam rockers aplenty with Rachel Stamp, Anti Product (6th) and King Adora supported the underrrated Seafood. Dum Dums (18th) and veteran punks UK Subs (12th) also appeared.
June saw CJ, former guitarist with The Wildhearts appear with his band The Jellys (10th). The rising Dark Star appeared for a Glastonbury warm up show (24th). Local bands who made their mark in the first half of the year are BOTB winners Bobs Got Mad Hair, Groindog, Moolie and Peanuckle.
A fantastic acoustic set by The Beautiful South duo Paul Heaton and Dave Rothery packs out Esquires (28th). Without a doubt it is the highlight of July. A Moon Ska Europe night (14th) is headlined by Ex Cathedra. Leatherface scared us (1st) and Fun Ya Mum made a return (8th).
August had a Reading warm up from Lupine Howl (19th). They feature ex-members of Spiritualized. The reformed Mission had the goths out in force (15th), while the old skool punks welcomed 999 (4th).
In September (5th), Esquires hosted the Channel 4 cameras for a Barfly Session gig. A huge truck and wires everywhere. A free gig and an early start. We see Pitchshifter (playing "Dead battery" twice!), The Crocketts and My Vitriol. The programme is hosted by Dermot O'Leary and shown in a late night slot a month later. Otherwise a quiet month and only notable for GBH (8th) and Plan A (23rd).
The Thirst Club celebrated it's tenth birthday in October (7th). They even produced a free CD called "Doing it the hard way" to mark the occasion. Returning to Esquires after a few years are Uresei Yatsura (21st). Ska fans are especially catered for with Spunge (28th) and Lubby Nugget (14th) enjoying a good evening.
November saw former Inspiral Carpets front man Tom Hingley bring his acoustic guitar (25th). Miocene created some noise (18th), while Rock Bitch made a controversial visit the night before. Bucks boys Capdown appear (4th). There is also a Circuit Live tour (28th), which was a nationwide tour of gigs showcasing new talent. Granola headlined for us.
The year ends with a highlight as King Prawn play a mean set a week prior to Christmas (16th). December also had a visit from Mo Solid Gold (9th). Local bands to make their name on level 2 this year were Bowfinger, Headwire, Insomnia, Loose Thread, Papertree, Fenside, Flaccid, and the wackily titled Involunterry Wogan!