On 23 September 2000 The Boys played their first European date since Ibiza in the summer of 1982. Original drummer Jack Black made a guest appearance making it the first time since March 1980 that the five original Boys appeared on stage together. Jack Black tells his story with the photos being supplied by Italian Boys fan and Twinkles front man Nick Mess.

On 27 May one of The Boys biggest ever fans came up to interview me at my flat in Mansfield. What he doesn’t know about The Boys nobody does! Steve Metcalfe, who is now a good friend, proceeded with the interview he was doing for Matt and he mentioned that The Boys were apparently going to be playing at a festival in Spain in September and why didn’t I try to go along and maybe play a few numbers.

I was very excited at the prospect of going to Spain with The Boys and over the next few weeks I had several discussions with Matt and John. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to drum a full set but felt that I would be able to play on a couple of numbers at least. I thought it would be great to play in the original line up for the first time in 20 years. I was absolutely thrilled when Matt confirmed that it would be okay for me to go to Spain and he arranged for me meet up with the rest of the lads for a couple of rehearsals in September before flying out to Spain.

We all met up at some rehearsal studios on Holloway Road and it felt so natural to be seeing each other again. The sense of humour and the banter was all there and it all felt great to me to be back with the lads once again. The others ran through the set with Vom (from Die Toten Hosen) drumming first. I’d like to thank Vom firstly for arranging for me to go to Spain and secondly for his excellent drumming. It really does sound like The Boys when he’s behind the kit, which I take as a great compliment. So I’d like to sincerely thank you Vom. Ta pal!!

John had arranged for Steve to come and watch us rehearse and as you may have read on Backstage Pass he was thrilled to be there and REALLY enjoyed himself. We were also pleased to have him there too as he’s such a fan and spreads The Boys (and The Yobs) gospel everywhere he goes. Nice one Steve!

Well I got to play two numbers, "Kamikaze" and "Brickfield Nights" and after 18 years it felt really good to be behind a kit again! In fact I probably gave it a little too much wellie as I was dripping wet and in absolute agony afterwards but the lads seemed to think it went okay so I was well chuffed. Personally I thought that everyone sounded really great…….We’ve still got it!

We rehearsed the following day too and I couldn’t believe how much my arms were aching and my shoulders and tendons too. I felt like I’d been used as a punch bag! It was a good job I had a few days to recover and get the deep heat on!

Friday came and we met at 5 o’clock in the morning to catch the train from Liverpool Street station to Stanstead airport. Duncan was having kittens at Stanstead as the train was late but we caught the flight alright. The whole flight appeared to be full of bands and fans. There was a lot of leather on that flight and I can’t believe how some of the metal detectors didn’t blow up at the airports!!

We arrived in Bilbao and boy was it hot, about 27c and clear blue skies. After about an hour on the coach we arrived at Bergara, deep in the Basque region of Northern Spain (you could tell from the flags and banners that people had hanging from their balconies!).

Our hotel was fine, if a little on the small side. In the past we’ve stayed at the best and worst all over the place; B&B’s, grand hotels etc. Good or bad each place always provides memories for later. There were lots of small cafes and tapas bars just round the corner from our hotel. When in Spain eat Tapas! Luckily toilet facilities have improved beyond belief in the last 20 years!!

We walked through the pretty streets (see my video!) down to the gig at The Salle De Jem. I thought it was an excellent venue with a good stage, crowd area and a balcony area too which is where I filmed from. I’d also like to thank Andy Ginn (the skin) for helping me out with the filming whilst I played. I knew I could trust him as he had a Boys T-shirt on!!

We spent the Friday evening just chilling out, a few drinks and tapas here and there and all in the warmth of the lovely Spanish weather. For once I didn’t get particularly shit-faced. To be honest I was a little nervous and quiet, I didn’t want to fuck up the next day. We also went to see some of the bands who were playing that night.

The following day after breakfast, a beer and a stroll we went for the sound check. It was promising to be the usual fiasco that most sound checks are. In fact I’m not sure we actually had one but at least Cas managed to get hold of a keyboard!! We had a meal about an hour before we were due to go on and strolled down to the venue. The crowds were good and everyone seemed to be in the fiesta spirit. Some of the hair do’s were just as amazing as they used to be in the good ol’ days.
There were a variety of bands on before us, some good and some well, not quite so good. Mind you I was pleased that we didn’t have to follow a certain Spanish band who were, or at least appeared to be Basque inspired. They had a tremendous following, the football supporter type! Every song had Oi Oi Oi in the chorus, or so it seemed and the fans really loved them. As I say I’m glad we didn’t follow them as all the crowd were knackered for about half an hour afterwards.

Well it came to pass that The Boys were about to go on. I started filming from the intro tape which I wasn’t expecting (what’s it called?) but I thought it was a great idea. In my opinion the lighting was a little too dark, especially early on but it got better as the gig went on. The girl who was doing it was a real beauty and we awarded her the "best arse in Spain" trophy!

Matt & Duncan get close!

Better that than not sounding good. I came off knackered but well pleased and I hadn’t let the lads down…….Now I could have a couple of drinks!!!

I have to say that I’m sorry that "See You Later" and "Weekend" are cut like that but the battery ran out unexpectedly early, sorry fans. Somehow "Terminal Love" and "Cop Cars" are also lost but the rest of the gig was captured and it was great, even The Yobs managed to put in a quick appearance. "Box Number", "Worm Song" and "First Time" were my personal favourite stand out songs. For a band that’s only played a couple of times in the last 18 years I was well chuffed with the whole thing. Vom drums it like I do, thanks a lot Vom. If I didn’t know better I’d say you were a Boy! An honorary Boy you certainly are!

Afterwards we did all manage to get fairly drunk. It seemed very strange to be in a sweaty dressing room once again, but it felt like home too. I’d like to thank all The Boys for allowing me to go along. If there is a next time, which I sincerely hope there is maybe I can extend my repertoire to 3 numbers!! I’m still not sure I could play a full set, I guess it depends on how much notice I’m given and how the elbows hold up. At the moment I’m having to have a cortisone injection in my right elbow, which is a pain in the arse if you get my drift.
Yes it was just fabulous to all be gigging again. I wish we could do more and I’d be only too happy to participate in any capacity I can. My thanks go to Vom for fixing it all up and for his great drumming too. To Duncan, who as usual was a true pro about the whole thing and to John "The Big One" for his fab rhythm guitar. I’d also like to thank Matt for being Matt and humorous as ever and of course to Cas with whom I had a few interesting conversations and I thank him very much for that.

A combined age of over 250 had done the gig and done it well! I do hope that all the fans everywhere will buy and enjoy the video, which I will autograph for you all.

A big thank you to all our fans everywhere, join Backstage Pass and let’s have some Boys talk! Alternatively why not email me at jackblack@talk21.com

Go Gunners Go!