Royal Standard (Walthamstow - London)            25th of  October 1995

I have seen Praying Mantis in Royal Standard (Walthamstow - London) on the 25th of  October 1995, after an unsuccessful attempt to watch them, a mare 4(?) days  prior to this gig, playing in an elusive far away- exotic place in Acton that no cab driver or any one local to the area didn't know about. We could not find, this place even though we were going around and around, and we were also asking all the local people  we could  mee Praying Mantis in Royal Standard (Walthamstow - London) on the 25th of  October 1995t, in order to get some information.(The Troy brothers told me later that this gig never took place, anyway!).
 When I learned that they were playing this venue which I have visited in the past, and after confirming over the phone with the owners of the venue, that Praying Mantis WAS going to play, (the band has been announced as Preying Mantis, in both this, and the Acton [non]event !!), that I just made the travel to North London. Who could I afford to miss the legends after all? (For your information they  were playing this gig as a warm up, for their (then) forthcoming Japanese tour). They played well, concentrating in the newest material, (but they also played some old material, sending shivers to my spine), and  I had the chance to speak to the best drummer that the N.W.O.B.H.M "movement" has spawned, the fantastic Mr. Cive Burr. He turned out to be a very, very polite and nice person. I was trying to find him immediately after the show has finished, in order to show him my appreciation for his drum playing (and … you’ve guest it , to have  his autographs). I could not find him anywhere, but Dennis Stratton has managed to find him for me, and started introducing me, by saying : "here is a guy who want to speak to you". (Bear in mind I was not officially a member of the Hellenic Metal Hammer at that moment, and I was just visiting as a fan, not as a reporter).At the moment he was drinking beer with a female (friend or relative), been seated  on one of the tables. I could not believe that he jumped up to give me his hand and start signing everything I was giving to him. He was so nice to me that in a way I felt bad, and after a point I’ve stopped giving him albums to sign. (I have only given to him to sign what I have considered to be "of immediate priority"). He must have had a big surprise when I have given to him the first Samson single, where he used to play, prior to his career with the then almighty Iron Maiden. He went: "Oh dear!" and then, "where did you get this??", and started to look at the cover of the single in disbelief, and slightly embarrassed I guess, laughing all the way through (the time that it took him to sign and make the dedication). Immediately after, I’ve started telling him that I consider him to be the best N.W.O.B.H.M drummer  and that only Duncan Scott the first Diamond Head--Gods!!!!--  drummer comes close, as far as I’m concerned. He was very shy about that. He gave me the impression that he was thinking that I was going a little bit over the top with my statement, and then he told me that "I should have played better today though…" What a modest guy!! I’m playing the drums myself, and believe me, he was really great on the night. Talking about a perfectionist, shy, and very humble person? I guess so!
 
 
Please visit the  pages of  the  NWOBHM / A.O.R group Praying Mantis at http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/praying-mantis/pm/
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