Steve Browning

I think the sets I actually bought first were Albion. Then flirted with Dean Markley Blue Steel but soon settled on Rotosound and have been a happy customer since then (probably about 1987). Swing Bass Nickel on the single bass I have that is strung with rounds and Jazz Bass on all the others.

I think it's fairly obvious we're creating a Utopia. If no-one joined an army, there's be no war. Not very likely, but nevertheless true.

The drummer (Robin) used to dep with the band I played in. Last saw him at a pub in Bognor Regis. He used his dad's car. I was a bit stunned to learn of their success Stateside. He is/was a very fine drummer and obsessed with Dave Weckl.

That's the rumblings in its stomach!

Fill yer boots, as they say. Good result.

It doesn't mention that you get hit with 20% UK VAT on importation. The Belgian shop must have been much cheaper to still save on all the costs of importing the basses. Good result for sure.

John Paul Jones wrote no part of Stairway To Heaven. How different to a bass player in another band playing the song? Not a big fan of tribute bands though. A mate of mine was in a Who tribute and you could almost imagine him thinking he was Roger Daltrey.

Thanks. I've been on board for a couple of years or so. I was originally supported by Kris, and Trent passed on my details when he moved on.

I'm sure Ged is willing.

That's good. I've just been passed to an artist relations team in the UK, so I guess it's all about to open up again here.

Also, is there any cost involved in cancellation? Most studios require 24 or 48 hours notice to avoid a charge. If you're using a commercial venue and there is no (apparent) charge I'd be thinking the venue was told in advance. I agree that you need to lay it on the line for them. You have your own standards and you shouldn't compromise them.

It was a nightmare getting off-site to get to the ferry. The ground was saturated. Still, Jeff Beck was great.

We are in the same club. It wasn't the main stage (hence 'technically'). The festival audience had the choice of my band, High Flying Birds or (under cover while it was peeing down) the Manics. Got me my Rotosound deal anyway!

Quite right. Technically, I headlined the Isle of Wight festival at 52.

I'm not sure that I ever did want to 'make it'. I always thought that Rory Gallagher achieved the level of success that I would have liked. Successful but largely unknown. I'm perfectly happy with the level of 'success' I've had, but the arrival of my first child made me aware that a regular income was my priority. Touring wasn't very lucrative and there was no royalty income for me either. That said, at 65, I'm still gigging regularly and also tour regularly with artists from the US, fitting it in with annual leave. I did a lot of work in Europe but haven't for a couple of years. Hopefully, there's a 3 week tour in Europe in January/February. I seem to garner a nice level of respect from people I respect and that has always been more important to me, I think. In some ways, getting the endorsement deal with Mesa is a form of 'making it', if it's a reflection of that respect (and I'm happy to think so!!). I'm not famous but I'm fine with that. I'm way too shy to have been able to cope with that anyway.

Use a Queen song then!! 😞

Class G? Specially done for ventriloquists, I presume.

Are there any combos where the amp stage is rack sized. You could flog the amp bit and install a power amp. Mesa certainly have done that in the past.

I have had instances where a Hi-Mass made a huge difference to volume and sustain, and instances where it hasn't seemed to make any difference whatsoever. YMMV. Ultimately, we all have our own perceptions. Whether they're founded on scientific evidence or not, do we really care? We play what we play and we hear what we hear. If we're happy with our choices then that's all that matters. Maybe Barney Kessel was dying to use an Explorer or Flying V.

Perfectly true. I wonder if the Red Special will still be in the May family 32 years after Sir Brian has passed?

In fairness, I wouldn't say "nobody wants them". Spot on for the rest though. 😞

I do find it mildly amusing the Sir Brian says it's all too painful and that Freddie's possessions are being sold to the highest bidder. Since Freddie's death, he has sanctioned the use of Queens music for such things as detergent adverts.

Very fortunate to be a Rotosound endorsee, which is enormously helpful and for which I am very grateful.

Really interesting. Thank you.