Charity Fundraiser - Pells Pool

Do rock and water mix? This Saturday you’ll be able to find out when psychedelic 60s and 70s pop band Tongue and Groove perform at the 2007 Pells Pool Party. I talk to Glynde-based lead singer Phil, who tells me about last year’s party, during which he ended up swimming a length of the pool wearing only Superman underpants and a snorkel, whilst the band played Get It On. I was concerned about possible electrocution, but he assured me he had no electrical equipment on him at the time. This year, he tells me, they’re hoping for 'a skinny dip encore'. Despite this talk of nudity, the band are actually known for their extraordinary outfits. These are often bought, he tells me, from the eBay ‘unwanted presents’ selection of the ladies’ clothing store. Phil told me that his favourite is a silver body-stocking worn with his huge polystyrene glitterball hat.

The Pells Party is a fundraiser, so Tongue and Groove will not be getting a fee for their appearance. Despite a busy schedule of parties and functions, the band, who claim to ‘blend charm, good looks, bad clothes and hypnotising riffology’, also have day jobs. Phil is a teacher of performing arts. The tee-total guitarist is a yoga guru, who has been known to play his instrument in a yogic pose. I asked Phil if there is a line of tastelessness beyond which they will not venture. “We wouldn’t do the Birdy Song.” he says. “But otherwise we’re pretty corruptible.” EC