Steve Browning

A really good event, of course. Well done to everyone (who braved the rain) and @Hamster and everyone who helped. I had to drag @rumblefish away as I was gigging in the evening. Some fascinating stuff for sure. Good to see a worthwhile use for the stuff that boy racers hang off the bottom of their cars!!

I have been in two tributes, an ABBA band and a Dire Straits tribute. Do you have to be a fan of the original artist, or maybe you become one? Not sure I'd have been described as fan, as such. Playing the songs of both gave me a greater appreciation of the craft in the songs. Dire Straits especially. Mark Knopfler is a brilliant writer. How important is it to be visually/musically identical? How much latitude are you allowed? I wasn't visually similar to either original. Luckily Rutger was always in the background! Do you ‘get into character’ or is it just a gig? Just a gig, in that respect. Does it feel musically limiting, or is it fulfilling your needs? (Maybe you have a side band?) I put in the important parts of original lines but also got to put my own identity into it. I found it very enjoyable. Do you have any qualms about tributes ‘stifling original music’? I'm not sure they do. I have a mate who sings in a Who tribute and he seems to rather think he is Roger Daltrey. He is getting gigs entirely on the back of the Who and so I see no great merit in it. Have you ever met or been seen by a member of the ‘originals’? What did they say? Not met any of them, with an awareness I have been in a tribute band. What is the overriding thing being in a tribute act has taught you? Nothing really. As stated, I gained a greater respect for the craft of songwriting. Having done it once, would you do it again? If so, would the musical angle be very different? I have sort of done it again. I toured with Greg Douglass (Steve Miller Band) and we played a variety of hits Greg has been involved in. Great fun and a chance to play with a fine guitar player. Similarly, Full House plays Frankie Miller's songs (blimey, what's the Miller thing). Again. hugely enjoyable.

Strange isn't it? And to use a quote from a bloke whose own foolishness cost him his legs. Takes all sorts.

Ah, Courtney and Walker. My late father and I spent many a Saturday lunchtime in there while my mum was going round the shops in Commercial Road. I remember the shop in New Road, but the name escapes me for the moment.

Make it quick. Steve has to clear out quite soon and is struggling to find premises. If good will could sort his problem he's in clover, but I think he's pretty worried. That said, a lovely guy, as I'm sure you know.

Indeed. Bought my first ever amp at Telecomms when it was in Stamshaw, before the move to North End.

Fiddlers Elbow with Greg Douglass and Penge (Penge?, I meant Pendle) Hippodrome with Full House (Frankie Miller's band).

Colne maybe?

Yes. MIJ PB70US. Superb basses and incredible value.

A band called the SharpeeZ and Full House, Frankie Miller's old band.

I have the good fortune to play with Clive. A very fine player indeed.

Be fair. It probably took the panda quite a while to calm down.

Absolutely this. You can always try a bit of a haggle over the phone.

Interesting piece on Vinted scams on telly last night. They invited contact over similar schemes. I have not been affected myself, but it sounds like an invitation for someone who has, to make contact. On The One Show.

Must be bad, even his guitar has lost its colour.

Clearly considering what to have for dinner there.

Blimey. That's provo-cative. He could dine out on that forever (obviously not, of course).

Reminds me of Bad News. "I could play Stairway To Heaven when I was 12. Jimmy Page didn't write it 'til he was 22. I think that says a lot".

I thought the very same thing.

That's correct. He had after me.

128 quid at the moment.