casapete

Fabulous song, but the original by Charlie Rich is the killer version IMO.

In my previous band we referred to it as ‘LSD’, lead singer disease. We got through quite a few singers during my stint, and the pattern was remarkably similar - they started fine ,then gradually became more assertive ( regarding lots of stuff like song choices / rehearsals etc) and then when they felt they weren’t getting enough attention or changing the band enough to suit themselves, resorted to spitting their dummies out before finally resigning. To be fair, they did take a lot of stick which seems a common thing in such scenarios. I think in order to have the bottle to stand at the front and represent the band, you do need a large amount of self belief and this can soon be eroded by some p*ss taking musicians. I’ve also found that in most cases lead singers who also play an instrument are mostly easier to get on with, both musically as well as socially. (Maybe also as a bass player who sings backing vocals I’ve realised how hard it is to do their job?)

Mrs CP is currently watching ‘Portrait Artist of the Year 2023’ on Sky Arts. One of the sitters is Nigel Havers, who has brought with him a Hofner Violin bass. Said he played a bit in bands a few years ago. Who knew?

It’s probably just the same variables that affect all others types of band - how much of a draw / following / how far to travel / size of venue etc. I earn more from my band than I do from when playing local pubs. 🙂

Thanks, it has been great for me. Could be as good for the right person too!

Replied thanks.

That’s a great bass fest Mick, forgotten that one!

For me it’s missing Jim’s rather more interesting original walking bassline - Dave Hill sticking pretty much with just the root notes ( probably to allow him to stomp about like he does).

Absolutely, and that’s why I mentioned it doesn’t maybe sound ‘right’.

I’m guessing because it’s a ‘live’ version? Co-writer Jim Lea played bass on the original, and much better than Dave Hill does in this version IMO. I liked a lot of Jim’s bass stuff, really made many of Slade’s hits for me.

Thanks Loz. I’ve been with them for around 14 years so it’s going to be difficult for me. Hopefully we can find someone who will enjoy it as much as I have. 😊

So grim I couldn’t recall how to spell his surname too….😆

Was going to post this myself, wonderful song. ( Just don’t mention the George Micheal version….)

After 14 years playing with ‘The ELO Experience’ I am looking to retire in the spring of 2024. Subsequently the band are looking for my replacement, and I suggested putting it on here first to see if anyone is interested? I’ve posted more details in the ‘Bassists Wanted’ section, so please have a look if you think it may be for you. Many thanks, Pete.

Well, it's with a heavy heart that I'm going to be stepping down from my position in this band in a few months time. I've volunteered to put this up on here first, before advertising more widely if needed. The plan is to gauge who may be interested, and then I can forward their details on to our band leader Andy who will ultimately be deciding who to choose. I'm looking at leaving around April / May 2024, so that's when the new person would be taking over. Below is a brief 'advert' I've put together to outline the type of applicants we are looking for. https://www.elotribute.com/ Bassist with backing vocals wanted for 'The ELO Experience'. I am retiring from this band in Spring 2024, so we are starting to look for my replacement! The person will ideally be based in Yorkshire / Midlands area, and have their own transport ( to get to meeting points for our band bus to pick you up en route to gigs.) We currently play upwards of 65 gigs a year, mainly in principal theatres all over Great Britain along with some festivals. There may also be the chance for European gigs in the future as well. We need someone who can authentically play the original ELO bass parts as well as provide solid backing vocals which form an important part of the songs. You will need to be well presented with a strong 'team player' professional attitude both on and off stage – this is something all our band and crew have and it makes for a very happy group of people! Age-wise we are happy for pretty much anyone to apply who can do the job – the current members range from mid 20's to mid 60's. It is possible for you to do other work around our band's commitments, so long as it's understood that this job is ALWAYS your first call – we never use deps. If this sounds like you and you'd like to be considered then please drop me a PM and I will forward it on to our band leader Andy. I'm also happy to answer any questions via PM if there's anything more you need to know before applying. Please send PMs to me by Wednesday 15th November - thank you. If you're successful we would be looking at rehearsals in early 2024 with a view to starting full time with the band in April / May 2024. Cheers, Pete.

The Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone is quite an iconic place. I’d guess it is from the art deco era, and is situated on the side of the cliff overlooking the English Channel. It’s quite a challenge reversing our vans down the track to the load in area! Backstage there are lots of photos of bands who’ve played there over the years, including The Stones, Thin Lizzy, Quo, Judas Priest, Ozzy and Motörhead. ( They must be slumming it these days having tribute bands on like ours! )

Good to meet up with you Bill, and thanks for posting your pictures. This was our last gig of 3, a venue we’ve played regularly since I joined the band. We got here a bit early, so I had a walk up to Coda Music in Stevenage Old Town. Still a brilliant shop, mainly for guitars but they had a selection of basses in there too. The gig was virtually sold out, so just over 800 punters in the room, which is a bit sports hallish with accompanying sound! Got it sounding okay after a while, but one of those gigs where your amp doesn’t sound anything like the night before, so a rare change of my eq needed ( I know, that’s what it’s there for etc). Gig went well, followed by a long drive home up the A1. Only two more gigs now left to play this year - would have been three but Carlisle Sands venue closed due to suspected concrete construction issues.

That’s a crazy price - shame no other gauges for wusses like me though! Thanks for posting.

Hope so Mick. Being northerners we sometimes think weather reports for southern regions are maybe a bit exaggerated, but you’ve had it grim down here just lately. Seen loads of trees down and the sea front last night in Folkestone was wild. Still blustery here today ( we are near Canterbury ATM) so hope things improve as the day goes on.

Three gigs for us this week, all over the place too! First was in Stamford on Thursday night. The Corn Exchange is a great theatre in the picturesque town centre. Largely run by volunteers, it’s always a good place for us and we sell it out too,( although only seats around 400 so it’s one of the smaller venues we regularly do.) Great crowd and atmosphere, and I got to meet up with an old school mate who I haven’t seen in over 40 years! Last night we were at The Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone, an iconic venue with views over the channel. Had a dreadful journey there though, with the M20 partly closed due to trucks being held there due to channel ferry cancellations with the appalling weather conditions. Really blustery all the way, I was struggling to keep our bus in a straight line a lot of the time. Anyway, we arrived a bit late but got soundchecked quickly. Not an easy place sound wise, but for the first time we flew the top part of the PA and it worked great. First time we’ve sold the venue out with 830 people in. There’s room for dancing at the sides which is great, some people up almost straight away! Really appreciative crowd, all in all a cracking gig. Today we’re driving up to Stevenage, so just hope the weather lets up.

Ha ha, no fighting though - didn’t you know we’re all sh*t on here? 😆

I’d agree, although getting an 800 combo or (even head/cab) s/h would be unlikely on the OP’s budget of £450.

Another +1 from me for the Rumble 500 V3 combo. All the amp he will need and more! If the seperates route is preferable the Rumble 500 head is also a great choice.