I wandered up the back roads and into what could be central Sanur. Lots of resto/bars filled with Europeans and Aussies. I found a good supermarket which also has an ATM outside – 20 minutes’ walk from my hotel. I followed the road down to the beach, past the Holiday Inn and the Intercontinental; the kind of places you stay when you want a sanitised holiday. When I look at the pools and seating areas outside those sort of places I often think the guests could be anywhere in the world where the sun shines all day; Benidorm, Hawaii, Santorini, probably all look the same when you stay at those places!
Anyway I walked past Tapha because I’d already eaten at a Greek restaurant (which could have been anywhere!). On my google map I had noticed a bar a bit further along the beach so I went to explore. It is called Pier Eight Bali – turns out is part of the Intercontinental. I ordered a beer, which of course cost double what the local bars charge. I sat and listened to a guy playing bland pop on his acoustic guitar.
Two beers and the bland pop was enough for me.
I headed back along the beach. When I reached Tapha I realised the band was a Beatles cover, so I took a table and sat down to listen.
Kid Cock was there again.
This time there was a new lady fussing amongst the tables. The usual staff wear black T-shirts and black jeans, but this lady, maybe a Maître D’, wore a really nice red dress. The only downside was she had an arse the size of a small kingdom!
Sitting here, July 2026, listening to the music of a group that split up 56 years ago is just incredible. Every song seemed to be recognised by all the audience, many of whom were not even alive 56 years ago!
I chatted with the lads during the interval.
‘Yes I grew up in the 60’s so that is the music of my youth. No I never went to the original Cavern club, that was mostly rubble by the time I started visiting clubs in the 70’s. But Matthew street is still there, with a new Cavern, The Grapes, Flanagan’s Apple, and Cavern walks…’
They started their second set with If I fell, which is one of my favourites. They moved on from early Beatles until we got to Don’t let me down and I could only think of Aisha. Then a surreal moment – as the band played a group of a dozen cyclists rode across the front of them.
My mind shot back to Edge Hill College 1980 when we organised the Bootleg Beatles to play at the college. 46 years ago – I wonder if they exist now?
Nostalgia is all in the past!
For some reason there are still lots of Abba tribute acts – which reminds me of the wonderful Will Farrel movie Eurovision.
More beers, more dealings with beach salesmen selling gewgaws and bangles. Time for bed.
Fairy Hanny 