THE REUNION

As we look forward to a follow up to the fantastic sellout Diversion Ends 25th Anniversary Reunion Concert at Playhouse2 Theatre, Shaw on Saturday 5th February 2011, let's look back at what was the big reunion of 2005, and review the key moments.

 

 

The Magnificent Seven Ride Again!

7 former Diversion Ends members reunite

 

The date: Thursday 16th June 2005

The venue: The Railway, Greenfield

The time: 8.00pm - well, it was for most, but Sam and Andy M were fashionably late of course!

 

It all happened because Detours member and Detours Music owner Ez Jon Erikson decided to set up a Twentieth Anniversary tribute website to the fabulous Saddleworth band Diversion Ends. Following great feedback, and surprise meetings with several members of the band, Ez then decided it was about time the lads got together for an evening of drinks and social banter - a chance to reminisce about the good old days, with a view to a 21st Anniversary Reunion Concert in 2006! Ez then sent out invitations by text message to the mobile numbers he had, and along with Rudi he chased up the other members. A date was then set. Unfortunately, Andy Zeer could not be contacted and Julian Flindle learnt that he was unable to make it late in the day, due to work commitments. 

 

A memorable evening was had by the seven members that were present (Andy Marston, Bryn Gater, Carl Devene, Paul and Richard Duddle, Rudi de Setelle and Sam Johnson) along with some close family members and friends, including Ez, Jonny, Badger, Paul Adshead, Paula and John, Robert Quinn, Doctor Damage, and Gillian and Bronwyn (cousins of the Johnson brothers). The lads were also honoured by the presence of Saddleworth duo Magic Ged and the Fat Bloke (Ged Casserley and Carl Taylor) with Ged mesmerising them with his magic tricks during the early hours of the morning. Then it was over to Richard's for further drinks, a Diversion Ends CD on the stereo, and the biggest kebabs ever known to man! Sam, Carl, Bryn, Rudi and Andy M agreed to be part of a new Diversion Ends line-up going forward.

Great night, and so began the Diversion Ends revival!!!

 

view photos of the evening

 

 

 

New lineup night out in Manchester!

Diversion Ends reform as 5 piece

 

The date: Friday 7th October 2005

The venue: Greenfield Railway Station & Manchester bars

The time: 7.55pm

 

Ez sent out invitations to the new five man lineup to join him and Jonny on a night out to see the band Blue Thatcher at The Late Room, Life Cafe, Manchester. Another cracking night! Whilst out, Ez managed to persuade all but Andy to perform at the finale of Detours' set at the upcoming Detours Music Christmas Acoustic Concert. 

 

 

 

First reunion Rehearsal!

Sam, Carl, Bryn, Rudi & Ez get down to business!

 

The date: Tuesday 18th October 2005

The venue: Carl Robinson's kitchen, Greenfield

The time: 8.00pm

 

This was the first time since 1992 that Sam, Carl and Bryn had rehearsed together, and the first time they'd rehearsed with Rudi since his departure in 1987. Ez joined them for this acoustic rehearsal in Carl's kitchen, assisting in refreshing the guys with the Diversion Ends material that he, Sam and Ju had recorded and performed in Detours. Several such rehearsals would follow, and then they would move to an empty friend's house on Chew Valley Road, Greenfield in the weeks leading up to the acoustic reunion concert. Ju and Andy would be present at later rehearsals.

 

 

 

Carl records bass on Detours song!

Diversion Ends bass player Carl Devene in recording studio with lead singer Sam Johnson for first time in over a decade

 

The venue: Stable Music, Denshaw

 

Diversion Ends lead singer is also a member of the acoustic rock pop trio from Saddleworth, Detours, along with brother Ez Jon Erikson and former Diversion Ends keyboard player Julian Flindle. Ez asked Carl and Bryn if they would like to perform on Together, the opening song of Detours' third album A Dark Storm. Ez had chosen this particular song that he had written as the sentiment fitted the Diversion Ends reunion. They both agreed, but Bryn had the flu the week of the recording and the session could not be rearranged due to deadlines. However, thankfully Carl went through with it and this was the first time in well over a decade that he had recorded with his band mate Sam. Another landmark in the reunion of Diversion Ends.

 

 

 

 

Reunion Acoustic Performance!

Diversion Ends members perform together for first time since break up!

 

The date: Saturday 3rd December 2005

The venue: Players' Theatre, Delph, Saddleworth

The time: 10.30pm approx

 

This was to be the first time since 1991 that Sam, Carl, Bryn and Ju had performed together (Ju had left the band in 1991 and the band folded when Sam walked out in March 1992). It was to be the first time since May 1987 that Sam, Carl, Bryn and Rudi had performed together.....eighteen and a half years! This was a very important moment in the history of both Diversion Ends and Detours. The chemistry between the six guys on that theatre stage was awesome. The rehearsals during the build up to the concert were highly enjoyable, firstly at Carl's house, then later on at an empty house next to Ian South's butcher's shop in Greenfield arranged by Rudi (thanks very much to Mr Ian South) which were also attended by Andy. The week before the show there was local newspaper coverage on three separate nights. Absolutely memorable!

 

 

 

 

Bryn and Carl Detour to Jackson's Pit!

Detours and Diversion Ends members team up again for a second acoustic performance!

 

The date: Friday 3rd February 2006

The venue: Cellar Bar, Jackson's Pit, Oldham

The time: 9.00pm approx

 

Sam and Ez were performing a half hour set as a duo to support The Crabs and Blue Thatcher, so they sent out another invitation to Carl and Bryn to perform acoustically with them. All four lads performed three Diversion Ends songs at the close of the set.

 

 

 

 

Diversion Ends return to home of first concert for rehearsals!

New Diversion Ends line-up begin regular rehearsals at The Commercial, Uppermill!

 

The date: March to June 2006

The venue: The Commercial, Uppermill, Saddleworth

The time: 8.00pm - 11.00pm

 

The new line-up of Sam, Carl, Bryn, Andy and Rudi, joined by Ez, began to rehearse at The Commercial, Uppermill. Interestingly, this was the venue of Diversion Ends' first ever gig back on Thursday 13th June 1985, twenty one years earlier!