SteveXFR

Learn some songs of a different style to your usual taste. I'm a metal head but learnt a lot from a bit of blues and pop. Rhythm and timing are more important than any other complexity. Try some REM, Mike Mills was really creative with rhythm and I found their songs a real challenge.

The Fernandes is appealing but the 6 hour round trip to collect is a bit much.

I can't find any under £750

I had a couple Mexican p basses and like you said, it's a not at all inspired or original choice but they're good solid instruments, they work and they'll probably survive until the heat death of the universe or maybe a clumsy music student at university with loads of gigs.

I bought it like new but second hand so couldn't return it. Did Herbie Flowers have a highly skilled tech who can make anything play nicely?

I'm looking but they're all a bit out of budget

I'd probably avoid Squier after the P bass I had which was just never nice to play and wouldn't stay in tune.

That may be pushing the boat out a bit far.

I'm looking at buying XFR Jr a new bass for Xmas since she's getting more and more awesome and the old Peavey International struggles to cut through anything. Other than the obvious Fender MIM Jazz, what should I look out for used around £500 -£600? Jazz style neck is essential. Ideally passive. Durable enough for daily use and loads of gigs

Chelsea Wolfe in Bristol last night. Very dark and atmospheric. Incredible vocals, very creative. One of the most impressive dynamic drummers I've seen, from barely there quiet to brutal, punch in the face loud. During the solo acoustic song, she had an amazing lighting effect I've never seen before which looked like a 3d smoke & light vortex going back in to a black hole. Very cool.

Diarrhoea - The Eggs

Sit Down - James The singer in James is a surprisingly unpleasant person.

Die Monster Die - Misfits

Not quite post metal but close enough. I love a bit of Elephant Tree. I'm loving the new album. Incredible bass tones. https://tidal.com/album/364497479?u

Friday night I'm going to the Marble Factory in Bristol to see Chelsea Wolfe. If you're not familiar with her, have a listen.

Smasher / Devourer - Fear Factory

The Wizard - Black Sabbath

My daughters band played four or five outdoor festivals this year. It was great, we made it a full day out each one, watched loads of bands, met loads of musicians, nerded out over gear, they enjoyed playing to bigger than normal audiences, hundreds watching them instead of a small crowd in a pub and they got more bookings out of each one.

@BigRedX Arctangent Festival, run by James in the podcast always gets at least one day of heavy rain but sells out (10,000 tickets) every year. Its possibly helped by being a small site with all stages in tents so there's not much trudging about outside. He said in one episode he doesn't want to go bigger, he doesn't see it being profitable if he has to book bigger bands. I think all the most successful UK festivals are outdoors despite the weather. Glastonbury seems to do OK and is often soaked.

@jonno1981 the costs are pretty shocking. It must be tricky to make it all add up to a small profit

DC Comics and Chocolate Milkshake - Art Brut

I've been listening to this podcast for a while now. I find it really interesting hearing about the music industry from a promotors point of view, hearing their challenges, difficulties and the positives. Anyone else here a listener?

Mother - Danzig

I wanna be your dog - Stooges