casapete

It was amazing Lozz, he began playing ‘Blackbird’ and then the stage started rising. 82 years old, no safety barriers so could have been problematic but ended up amazing. People in the front few rows couldn’t see him though!

More pics from McCartney last night, care of my daughter.

I went to see Paul McCartney last night at the Co Op Live arena in Manchester. My son in law is a massive Macca fan, and being in a wheelchair asked if I’d accompany him so I was happy to go, despite large venues not being my favourite. He had reserved disabled parking online, but on arrival it was evident that the spaces were already taken up - there was the local derby of Man City vs Man Utd taking place at the Etihad next door, so 53,000 punters there and a further 23,000 at the gig meant it was extremely busy. We eventually found a space that had enough room thanks to the help of the car park staff, and got into the venue quite early. The gig was AMAZING! One of the best concerts I have ever seen. From the opener ‘Can’t buy me love’ it was over two and a half hours of non stop brilliance. The set consisted of material from throughout Paul’s career, and was chosen really well. Quite a few numbers featured very rocky arrangements, with both the guitarists ( Brian Ray and Rusty Anderson ) playing brilliantly. All of the band were truly superb, augmented on some songs by a fantastic 3 piece brass section. Paul was on top form, his vocals really good and his bass playing top notch - used his Hofner all night into Mesa amplification. Brian took over on bass duties ( Fiesta red Precision and Epiphone Jack Casady) when Paul was playing guitar / piano / mandolin / ukulele. Plenty of special effects and poignant video footage on some songs, I was absolutely spellbound throughout. First time seeing a Beatle for me, and an unforgettable evening.

Saturday night we ( The Alligators ) were playing at a pub in Bridlington’s old town. Audience varied in size from the start, at one point we played to 4 people and then later around 40! Had a hen night party in for a while which was quite interesting - they all danced to one or two songs and then gradually moved on to other pubs down the high street. Overall an okay night, until two of the ladies started being a pain by harassing an audience member so we stopped playing and finished early which was a shame. Such a pain when this happens, but as there was nobody able to deal with them I felt it was our only course of action. We got paid and the staff apologised, hopefully we’ll return there in 2025 but must admit I’m personally not that bothered which is a shame.

Rod just bought a gig bag from me - lovely bloke, easy transaction too thanks. ( Apologies for not inviting you in for coffee Rod, had to be at a gig 40 miles away fairly sharpish! )

Blimey, that’s a bit harsh? Surely the whole point of clip on ( any?) tuners is being able to easily correct any tuning anomalies on the fly during the set. I know there is some dislike for clip on tuners out there, but didn’t realise it was such an issue.

Just seen this - the Ryedale Blues Club is based at the Milton Rooms in the centre of Malton, N. Yorks. Having seen the illustrious names on the schedule, I’m already getting imposter syndrome 7 months before I play there with The Alligators!

First gig for a while with blues band The Alligators at a nice little pub ‘The Imperial’ in Filey, which is a small seaside town on the East Yorkshire coast. Very quiet when we were setting up, but gradually more punters arrived to make it feel better, and they were very appreciative of our efforts. The landlady is a big music fan and we have a few more dates booked here for 2025, mainly Sunday afternoon gigs which I really enjoy. Gig went well - a few minor things forgotten - but overall an enjoyable evening. Used my passive Precision Lyte into the Rumble 500 combo. Roads quiet on the way back so made it home by 1pm. We are playing just down the road from Filey tonight at The Queens in Bridlington, so pretty much the same journey again for me.

Macca in Manchester on Sunday. Big venue so hoping it’s okay sound wise.

Sounds same as mine - lovely. I was thinking of some of their other stuff though, like these. Fine by me, but…?

I quite admired these basses when first released, and actually don’t mind the guard either. There again I love a Danelectro as well, so no hope for me I guess.

Ha, yeah Chris has been doing gigs with FGtR for quite a while now. He fits everything in around the ELO Experience dates, works well for him. I must get to see him with them sometime soon.

Ditto! In the blues band I play in I’ve started singing 3 or 4 songs, and that’s more than enough for all concerned….😆 In my acoustic duo I sing the occasional one, either when my guitarist mate isn’t sure of it or he needs a breather. This happened on a gig on Sunday night, where we had many Christmas requests so I ended up doing Chuck Berry’s ‘Run Rudolph Run’. Straight back to harmony duties after it though.

I think we have a winner here. 🤮

‘20 feet from Stardom’, a 2013 film all about the lives of backing singers. Very watchable and gives a great insight into the world of singers who perform with many famous bands.

In an old band we were playing for a wedding at York Racecourse, nice function suite and quite posh. Seven of the band’s members arrived on time, but the guitarist was notable by his absence. Eventually we got a phone call from him, wondering if the set up time had been put back. When told we were due to start playing soon, he asked if we were in a different part of the venue, and only then did it dawn on him that he was at Beverley Racecourse, over 30 miles away! We did the first set without him, nobody died…

There are a couple of s/h Rumble heads currently for sale on FB marketplace - an 800 for £375, and a 500 for £325. I have the 500 combo and use it in a blues rock trio - it is full of nice fat old school loveliness.

Yup, you’re right. However ( and this kind of backs up why it’s not an easy busker! ), I believe the song goes like this - Intro / Vs1 / Chorus / Vs2 / Chorus are all in B Bridge goes to A Vs 3 - (actually half a verse IIRC) goes to C (hence my confusion! ) Solo in A Chorus to ending in B Great song, think we may try it with the acoustic duo, although that may involve transposing it down which would probably mean I’d have to read the whole song 😆

Starting at 8pm on Sky Arts ( Freeview Ch36 ) - Sheryl Crow ‘Miles from Memphis’. Saw Sheryl earlier this year, superb band and many great tunes.

I’m sorry to hear of your health concerns, and hope you manage to overcome them ASAP. Please don’t let one d*ckhead spoil doing what you love though - surely other band members must be aware of his shortcomings and give him his marching orders. A break whilst you find another drummer may be good for you and all concerned?

It doesn’t seem to get used much Dave, and could probably do with some publicity to encourage more traffic. 😊