dmccombe7

Well that was the shortest gig i've ever done. BLOCKBUSTARZ Glam were booked to play Mayfield Community Club near Dalkeith 5-7pm for a decent fee. We struggled to get any details about whether PA and lights required plus running order so that raised some concerns and alarm bells were already ringing. We turned up at 2:30pm to get set up only to find the event was already well underway since 12:30pm and there was a guy singing some great old classic 70's songs and i have to admit i was really enjoying it as we set up. There was a DJ filling in the gaps between acts. We did a very quick sound check at 4:30pm for approx 10mins and then went back to changing room Organiser came in and asked if we would start 5:30pm as the other guy had ran a bit late and finish at 7pm. Apparently another band was on after us. There were 2 stages one in each corner of the back end of the hall so that was convenient. We had the larger stage. Started at 5:30 and got to 6:10pm the organiser came over the DJ microphone saying one more song from the band. ??? We were actually shocked and thought it was a mistake but nope that was it. We had visions of not being fully paid but were handed an envelope with the full fee. Audience were shouting at the organiser to let the band play on as many had seen us before and had come along solely to see us. No joy. People were coming up to us as we packed up asking why such a short set. They had seen us before and we had played for 2-3hrs in some venues. We had to tell them it was down to the organiser who appeared well pissed when we arrived. Singer saw him talking to the "other band" that turned out to be a guy and a woman with backing tracks. It was directly after that the organiser announced the ending. We suspect they were friends of the organiser and they wanted us off stage long before they went on for whatever reason ? They were on 7-10pm apparently. Either totally "up" themselves or didn't want to follow us who were putting on a proper show with all the glam gear etc. As we were packing our gear they started their set. Can't say they put any effort into their clothing. Old jeans and a black shirt ? Anyways that was our first gig in 2025. Very short and sweet but a decent full fee was paid. We definitely won't return to that venue again. At least my fingers weren't sore after todays gig I do feel sorry for those that came along specifically to see us as it was a ticketed event. We have learned a lesson tho. Pay more attention to any bookings we accept and thoroughly check what the event actually is. We don't want a repeat of that fiasco. We may now go down the route of proper contracts clearly stating what we do and when we start and finish. Dave

Just find the request gigs fascinating and the opportunity for a very varied song list. Not something i've ever seen with a band. If i'm ever down your way i'll try and make a gig. Dave

Hope Mrs CP is all good now Pete and 2025 proves to be a great year for you guys. All the very best for 2025. Would love to see you guys do the request set which just sounds like so much fun, but maybe not in such "formal" surroundings. Dave

That was a good turn up getting another pub opened just for your band. I like that. Love the Auld Lang Syne thing. That would have been a great version to hear and must have gone down a treat. Our encore is a medley of Scottish songs over the bass and drum riff to Bay City Rollers Shang-a-Lang and it always fills the floor completely. Last night the full venue was on their feet, floor was full so they danced at their tables. It was a good sight to see. Dave

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025 everyone. Hogmanay gig for BLOCKBUSTARZ Glam band in Airdrie working mans Club. Sold Out and according to the organiser its the first time they've ever sold out for Hogmanay. Left house 3pm, got there 4pm, doors open 7pm then found out we were not going on until 9:30-10:30pm then back on 11-11:45pm and then 00:15 to 00:30am ish to allow for the DJ to play some traditional old Scottish songs for the bells at midnight. We decided to mix with the audience at midnight rather than sit in changing room which turned out good fun with many wanting hugs and kisses from the band as well as pics. Band played well, no noticeable mistooks. During the 3rd song a woman came up to me and attempted to hand me a note while i was playing the chorus of Cat Crept In so my wee fingers are up and down the neck. Not sure how she expected me to take the note mid song but luckily the singer clocked it and came over and took the note requesting a song by Fleetwood Mac. This was a sold out, fully ticketed night with advertising and posters well in advance with the band on stage in full outrageous Glam gear so why would you make a request for Fleetwood Mac. ? Sometimes there are just moments during a gig where you wonder. We've been booked same gig next Hogmanay since 2023 so that's good. Other surprise was we got paid £100 more than the agreed fee for some odd reason. That was nice. Usual gear Sandberg VM4 into Keeley comp, Shure wireless, Mesa TT800 Boogie channel, Mesa 210/115 cabs. Packed up and on the road by 01:30am and home 02:30am. Quick coffee and biccie and bed. Dave

I picked it up from electricians as an apprentice back in 70's. Dave

Gotcha now. Had forgotten about that oldie Dave

All the very best with your challenge. I hate press-ups probably 2nd to burpees in the gym. I'm lucky if i can do 15-20 press-ups in a row on a good day at the gym. Dave

I'll be leaving home at 3pm today. At venue 4pm, set up and sound check with doors open 7pm. No confirmed times as yet apart from finishing 11:45pm to allow a piper to bring in the bells at midnight. Will need to wait till the piper has finished before getting changed and stripping down the gear. I'm expecting i'll be home 2:30-3am so its basically a 12hr day for me. I don't really mind the set up as its usually closed doors until we've sound checked but the strip down can be a nuisance at times. Tonight's venue has a load in door next to stage area so that's good news. It also has a ramp over part of the small staircase so using trolleys makes it far easier. Dave

Not seeing it Mickey but i am slow I need help. Dave

Drummer and myself look after the PA. Its his but i carry the larger 3-way 15's and know all about setting them up. When it comes to leads we both have the same ethic. Leads are looped in approx 10-12" loops and then secured with a re-usable cable tie. My own leads all have velcro ties. Looping means less strain on the cable when stored. Dave

Did you stop using the Rumble altogether Lee. ? Dave

Think the guys from Lateral Flow have had a rough time recently with Brian their bass player suffering from a very serious illness. Because our gig in Dundee got cancelled Lateral Flow and The Dreadnought venue offered anyone with a ticket for our gig would get free access for the Lateral Flow gig on Sat night. What a fantastic gesture of goodwill from both the band and the venue. Seriously thought about going along but having a badly twisted ankle from Xmas day i decided best to stay at home and rest it. Think the Wheatsheaf is worth avoiding by sounds of it. @grapefruitmoon At least you had a great night out in The Dreadnought to take your minds off it. Take care and hopefully get to see you guys at some point. Dave

I've now trained my wife to roll up leads at the end of the night plus she helps load the gear into the various cars. Have to point out she can lift the same weight as me at the gym. Dave

My dream job. Dave

Yes that's where i am with it at the moment. Its the best i can get at the moment. I did consider sending my bass to one IEM channel and possibly an on stage mic to pick up what i would hear on stage to the 2nd IEM channel. Think the mic would need a pre-amp of some kind tho and its starting to get costly. Think the desk signal is the way to go for now. The guitarist has also agreed to look into doing it this way.. Have to say if we had everything thru the desk we would have full and better control of the overall band sound. Dave

It was the obvious answer. Afraid our drummer who owns the PA isn't happy putting bass thru it unless we have the subs which means van hire and more cost. I've tried explaining the QSC 3-way 15's are more than capable of taking bass but he won't budge on it i'm afraid. It would make life a lot easier. Would save me carrying bass cabs about and set up and down would be far quicker. We have talked about putting the bass thru the desk but not out front and i could get a signal back for IEM. Only benefit i see there is protecting my ears of course plus on stage volume would be lower all round. I'll keep working at it. Dave

IEM was my first option however we don't always put guitars and bass thru the PA so that would be an issue unless you can offer a suggestion to get around it other than the obvious. Dave

Due to Singer losing his voice today we have had to cancel our BLOCKBUSTARZ gig at Beat Generator in Dundee. Also just found out today that one of the band member's daughter in law committed suicide on Xmas night after leaving the family get together. Not a good time for the family and our thoughts are with them all. Put a bit of a downer on today. Can't quite get my head around that. Dave

So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you at such a sad time. Take care. Dave

Did a surprise birthday party on Sun last week same venue as our Sat night so all the gear was left in situ apart from taking my basses home but to be honest it turned out a great gig. Just have to make the best of it and just think about having fun with it. Enjoy what you do and the audience will follow suit. Have a good one Daryl. Look on the bright side, i have a gig 2hr drive to Dundee, up 3 flights of stairs and its a ticket deal so depending on numbers that turn up will determine my fee. All that with a badly twisted ankle from Xmas day. So bad i'm gonna use the venues bass cabinet to save trying to lift heavy gear up and down stairs. Got it strapped up for extra support. Good news is its an 11pm finish (2 x 1hr sets) so should be home by 2am. Thankfully my wife will be there as usual and will give me a hand with the little gear i'm taking. Dave

Its all about the prep Daryl. Good prep = confidence. Dave

I envy and respect guys that can work like that. The stress of learning full sets at short notice has been enough that i tend not to do it these days. Its a hobby for me and i'd prefer it not to become a job as such where i feel i have to do it. Dave

That's a good observation and i agree up to a certain point, however i've left bands and when i was persuaded to return the comments were that i was providing a drive that other bassists weren't. What i took from that was down to confidence in what i bring to a band. I learn my parts well enough i can drive a rock song with a bit of aggressive attack. I think other bassists were what i call more "club" bass players. Other things that may affect why i am asked to join bands is that i learn my bass parts note for note or as near as possible. Our guitarist has regularly commented on the fact he has never needed to show me any bass part and that's a first for him. When i turn up to a rehearsal i make sure i know my part of a new song inside out that i'm confident playing it. To sum it up i guess i'm quite a confident player but that comes with a lot of time and effort learning things. Dave

WOW Chris 18 band / projects in 2024. That's impressive. No idea how you can find the time. I struggle finding time for the 3 bands i'm in let alone 18. Appreciate some are projects tho. Are some of them depping ? Depping is an art form in itself. Dave