| Rebelski | - Martin Roman Rebelski is keyboard player for Doves
- His debut album, Thanks For Your Thoughts, came out in March 2003
- The follow-up, Stickers On Keys, will be released by Twisted Nerve in the autumn.
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Once the soundcheck is over, it’s only a short wait until show time, but the time seems to drag, allowing nerves to build amongst the band. They are spread across two dressing rooms (“Me in one and the rest in the other,” jokes Martin) and a small case of beers sits temptingly in the corner of each. “Are you taking a beer on stage with you?” asks Ollie to the room in general. Simon misses the question, trying to decide if he should wear his jeans on stage or if it’s too hot for them. “No, I never drink them and they just end up warm,” replies Martin, looking increasingly expectant.
 | | The Rebelski set list |
In the other dressing room, Naomi, Cath and Lizzie are equally excitable as the minutes tick by. Badly Drawn Boy pops his head into the boys’ room to check out whether his piano is better than the one Rebelski has been provided with (it isn’t) and to wish them all luck. His presence seems to relax everyone somewhat and a moment later, it’s time to hit the stage, Lizzie leading the way from the room with her violin before her like a torch.
 | | Lizzie leads the way to the stage. |
In the wings, there’s a quick pep talk for Martin from his Badly Drawn boss, and a short one from him for the rest of the band before they all, bar Mike TV and fellow guest vocalist, Montgolfier Brothers’ Roger Quigley, take to the stage. For a third performance ever, the show goes like a dream. The whole band relaxes into it, the audience grows with each tune and seem to genuinely enjoy themselves, and Martin, thanks to a couple of quick gags, gains praise from the assembled in laughter. Damon Gough, who’s stayed in the wings to watch the entire set, turns to one of Martin’s friends, down for the show. “He’s a natural,” he grins.
 | | Rebelski on the backstage monitor |
The nerves may have disappeared on stage, but off it, Mike and Roger don’t look quite as chilled out. Roger sparks up another rolled cigarette while Mike goes through his lyrics. Neither needed worry. In front of the microphone, they are both every bit the guest vocalist, fitting in with the sound while standing apart in their styles, adding their wonderful voices to the superb Play The School Piano and Little White Lights respectively.
 | | Martin Rebelski and Roger Quigley on stage |
As Scarecrow echoes to a close, there are cheers from the auditorium and the band come off to back pats, much praise from Damon and his band, and, in the case of Lizzie and Naomi, who carry their instruments from the far side of the stage, wolf whistles. When Damon and his band leave the stage after their set later, they’ll be straight into their dressing rooms for a party. Such luxuries aren’t for the support. The story continues in part three... |
