For those of you outside of the North East of England the name Jeff Rowe, or his more usual monicker Little Jeff, may be unfamiliar. However for those in the know Little Jeff was the ultimate rock god in the Newcastle. The DJ for many years at the historic Mayfair before it's untimely demise and then following up with clubs at Cuba Cuba and Legends the man was responsible for many the musical accompaniment to many drunken nights in the 'toon'. Unfortunately Jeff, like his beloved Mayfair, passed away before his time in July 2005 and as a fitting tribute Trillians initiated Jeff Fest the following year. The first edition of the event was mainly populated by local bands but for this, the second show, local lad made good, Spike and his band the Quireboys turned up to entertain the sold out masses - and a bloody good job they did too.

Last time that I'd seen the Quireboys was late in 2005 and , to be honest, they were well wankered. However for Jeff Fest everything appeared clearer and in particular Spike himself seemed in far better form vocally. Whatever your feeling on the Quireboys one thing that cannot be argued is that they are a heap of fun live and, for the women, there's that added touch of sexiness that seems to ooze from Spike. Maybe its the husky voice, maybe its his eyes, but whatever it is, it's there. Starting out with 'Don't Bite The Hand' culled from the Bitter, Sweet & Twisted album that led nicely into Misled. As has been usual over the past few summers bassist Nigel Mogg was missing from the line up but regular stand in Jimi fitted in with aplomb and the band were flowing effortlessly.

  

OK thanks to the low ceiling Spike's trademark mic stand thrusts were curtailed but despite the small stage the Quireboys were giving it their all. From the last album, 'Well Oiled' came Finer Stuff but it was the older material that most wanted to hear. With this in mind the band didn't disappoint, Roses & Rings, Hey You & There She Goes Again all made appearances and if Little Jeff was watching down he must have loved what he was seeing - a sold out show, people dancing, pints a flowing and as the Quireboys' song goes, 'This Is Rock & Roll'. Wrapping the main set out with Sweet Mary Anne, changed appropriately to Sweet Juliein honour of Spike's sister who was in attendance and of course the ubiquitous 7 O'clock - party time most definitely in Trillians.

  

Kicking off the encores with 'I Don't Love You Anymore', sounding ten times better than the last time I heard it, there was only one song that could bring the evening to a fitting close. With champagne corks a popping and toasts all around to Little Jeff it had to be MAYFAIR - and that was it.... Everyone worn out, everyone happy and a more fitting tribute to Jeff could not be imagined....