Fifty Years Later: Justin Hopper’s 50th Birthday Bash

Vaseline + DJ, Saturday 17^th February

The Balham Bowls Club doesn’t seem to have much bowling going on tonight. It is however a splendid venue for an old-school bash, fairy lights barely illuminating a proper dance floor and a mound of chocolate brownies from Salt and Pepper.

The occasion is Justin’s 50th, and people have come from as far away as Germany, Sweden and Southfields to demand that he makes a Knight of it.

First up are Vaseline, a 4 piece band who might be from Birmingham and who play meaty covers of punk and ska songs.

After some initial hesitation amongst us ageing hipsters in the audience they go down really well. The undisputed set highlight is Justin’s appearance in chain mail to front a version of Swords Of A Thousand Men.

Vaseline are very slick.

My DJ set then follows, including a dub version of John I’m Only Dancing (sorry Wendy). Justin had pre-selected a number of tracks, thus guaranteeing me an enthusiastic audience of at least one. Sadly I am unable to respond to further audience requests for either James Brown or Guns ‘n’ Roses on the grounds that I do not own any of their records (other DJs with wider musical tastes are available). My playlist is here.

A midnight curfew encourages the last few stray punters into the bar downstairs which is full of large dogs having their pictures taken. Carriages at One, ours has a radio aerial that glows  neon blue for no discernible reason.

What a swell party this is. Thank you Justin and Jill for all your hard work in making it happen and I hope you had fun.