Dankology

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1586546/ About the band Scarce - a great group who were felled by some incredibly bad luck.

Oh wow, that's where I grew up... Never the most glamorous of places but I'm impressed that there's at least one pub still putting bands on.

I'm originally from one of the several arse-ends of Bolton - give us a clue whereabouts you were...

The version on Live At Leeds is spectacular, even if it benefits from some overdubs. Dunno about it not being one of their greatest - I reckon it could be in their top 3...

Shakespeare North with the Mighty Wah last night - spectacular venue, lovely staff, amazing audience and we (primed by a run of support slots) played a blinder. Eldest daughter brought her German exchange partner with her - Christ knows what she made of it all. I had a bit of revelation re my always reticent bvs - whack the monitor volume up an just go for it seems to be the way forward. I used the lovely Jap P bass I bought through here a couple of months back and rather than doing my usual swapping between pick and fingers depending on the song, just used a plectrum throughout. I expect my tone was admirably consistent but I've inflicted a couple of areas of bass burn on my right hand in the process. I only want to do gigs in posh theatres from now on.

When I clicked onto the Justgiving link earlier today I was literally gobsmacked by what had happened. I mean, I always knew that the bassists were the eternal good guys of bands but this is genuinely moving stuff. The sight of Iris gleefully dancing to her dad's music a couple of weeks ago, ear defenders in place and at times hand-in-hand with another person using a wheelchair, the two spiralling around each other, is an image that will live with me forever. You've done a beautiful thing for a beautiful family.

I had a very similar experience in my first year of secondary school: asked to sing a verse of Good King Wenceslas in front of a class of 30 boys. "Unremarkable" was the quietly crushing verdict. I'm still horrifically self-conscious of my singing, to the point it nearly caused a major argument at soundcheck tonight. If angers me that the process was based entirely on identifying easy wins for the choir/other school stuff, rather than nurturing potential. But I'm fairly certain that I'm the only person fron that cohort gigging at a professional level so what did they know?

Just to echo @AndyTravis's comments above... Saturday was great: afternoon gigs might be the way forward. Fiasco Jam were phenomenal - great songs, great arrangements and everyone locked in. As I've already said to him, Andy might be my favourite bassist: despite his immense technical and sonic range, he always serves the song and never puts a foot wrong. We were a bit rusty in comparison but acquitted ourselves acceptably. Very grateful to FJ for taking us along!

Another hassle-free transaction!

Playing an afternoon gig alongside@AndyTravis's band in Rochdale tomorrow. This is his lot: And this is mine: https://deadtenantmusic.bandcamp.com/album/there-must-be-more-e-p And all for free...

Absolutely! I've no desire to go digging in there myself - just hoping someone was going to suggest it was a nice cheap fix...

I picked up a c20 year old AC30 last week but when I crank it up it cuts out and emits a continuous hum. Has anyone any inklings before I lug it to a tech? Could it be a simple as a duff/loose valve?

And in case you need audio evidence: https://www.transfernow.net/dl/20240925czVDpSum/cfjOts0F Link should be good for the next seven days.

Just back from the Manchester gig. It was ace. Of course I'd have preferred to see them with Lydon but that would've been an arena gig and I'm not up for that. One of the great bands - and Matlock's bass playing is magnificent. If it's a choice between a semi-cabaret version and nothing, I'll take the cabaret, old chum.

I'm so sorry, it seems like anything outside of the bigger stages was thrown together on a wing and a prayer. And you could have used my amp - sat as it was in an unused kitchen for 6 hours... I truly hope it wasn't the same bar that you were in... that would be too painful.