We at Silverball Country have
eagerly awaited the release of the supporting video to “Local Mans Star” and we
were keen – and privileged - to see an advance copy. Why? This song stirs the emotions of all
listeners, not just Rik and Francesca if the audience at Buckle and Boots are
representative.
In off stage conversations
with Kezia, she told us that she was worried that she might shed several tears
through her performance; she explained the meaning behind the song and its back
story. This set the bar high for the video, we had already developed the images
in our own minds.
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| Kezia with Silverball Country after her appearance at Buckle and Boots |
In case you are unaware, the
song is about Kezia’s dad, “singing for a living” and how he is a
celebrity to the locals and a hero and inspiration to her and her career.
Brought to life by Steph
Lee, the video for Local Mans Star was filmed at the Zingari Club, Long Eaton
by Jay Hillyer - the very club where Eddie McGill would perform and take his
children.
Little Kezia is played to
perfection by Tamari Sharvadze, the rest of the Gill family is played by – The
Gill Family.
The way the video is woven
around the lyrics; it is amazing and so evocative with transitions and actions
that are simply perfect. We won’t detail them, but leave that for when you see
the video for yourself, however be warned, this is a serious tearjerker and
memory dredger:
Francesca who also grew up
attending the local working men’s club adds a special “Thank you Kezia for transporting me
back in time” and relates since “My dad was, and still is, my hero”.
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| "My Dad was, and still is, my hero" |
She reminisces: It was always a
treat to put on a party frock on a Saturday night and go with my mum and dad to
the local working men’s club, known as “the club”. Half a coke and a packet of
crisps was supposed to keep me quiet and sat in a chair, if I was good, I might
get a treat from the fishmonger when he came around with his basket later in
the evening - cockles anyone? Or maybe you prefer a salmon bap brought from
home wrapped in tin foil.
Little Kezia is ushered into the
room with her dad behind her, that was always the way, but not really needed as
everyone already knew who you were and everything about you; as long as you attend
you will hear stories about when you were a baby or did x, y or z. You never forget who sits where and not to
sit in somebody else’s seat.
Excitement
builds as the bingo ends, were just waiting for a committee man to announce
who’s performing (extra respect if they get the name right) and hand over the
all-important microphone.
It the artiste is good, everyone
will be swaying along in their chairs and the kids dance on some of the world’s
smallest dance floors. Expect a little banter from the punters too, at least
they are engaged.
All
working men’s clubs must be kitted out from a standard supplier, you see the
same bar shutters, little round tables, heavy patterned carpets and the heavy
dark curtains that held in the aroma of smoke long after smoking was banned.
Years later you might notice the slight yellowing of the wallpaper.
All
the stars perform in front of a glitter curtain and if they were lucky there
might be a decent sized changing room behind it, otherwise it’s the toilets,
I’m afraid.
This
video is perfect for the song, recreating a time gone by, well almost - smoking
is no longer permitted inside, and the drinks might be a bit pricier, but the
sense of community and family remains if you can find these little hidden gems.
Kezia and the team behind this
video have taken what was already an incredible and emotional song and improved
on it – it gives the song a new dynamic.
The
only thing that would make this video any better would be if it had been delivered
on a reused VHS tape.
The release is perfectly timed for Father’s Day, Local
Mans Star premieres this Sunday on Kezia’s Youtube channel - Youtube
Whilst
the song reminisces about Kezia’s dad, the setting is alive and well and
together they should inspire you to connect with family.
Watch it on Sunday and share
a pint with your dad (ideally at your local).
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