I know I saw The Beta Band at the Water Rats with Gaz, and remember that it was their first show. This is the only one that fits that. From http://betaband.co.uk/gigography/
They were supporting Kings Of Infinite Space and Tam. I thought we saw them with Grandaddy though?
There is another gig the following year at the Camden Electric Ballroom but I remember the first one being at the Water Rats.
I went to this one, more from this year in my gig history for 1997. Part of a list of every gig I went to from 1987 to 2024. A natural step from my Best Gigs Ever blog post. Yeah I know it's a bit geeky, let's let that go though, I'm having fun remembering these things.
Other gigs at Kings Cross Water Rats I have been to are David Devant at Kings Cross Water Rats (2022), Camera Obscura (2003), The Darkness (2002), The Darkness ('02), David Devant + his Spirit Wife ('02), The Darkness (2001), The Darkness ('01), David Devant and his Spirit Wife (2001), The Darkness (2001), Rosita ('01), Contempo (2001), Cooper Temple Clause ('00), Fighting Cocks ('00), Elastica ('00), Uncle Bob's Wedding Reception ('00), Clint Boon (2000), Twist ('00)