wateroftyne

OK.. we're into the Arena now. Tonight was a soundcheck, and a cursory run-through the set. Tomorrow we'll be going into more depth, checking cues etc. Here's some pics:

Yes, kind-of. One of them is now hosting the show, so we have a replacement for her...

Aye... sorry, everyone. Being in an Eagles tribute band will do that to you. I need that bridge pickup for some of the tunes. That's a 2017 American Standard, and it's blummin' lovely! OK - that's four days of rehearsals over... I'm knackered, but so far, so good. It's a great batch of songs, but inevitably the trickiest tune of the lot has had a late-in-the-day key change. As a non-reader, it keeps things spicy. We're in to the Arena tomorrow night to check lines & monitors, and have a couple of run-throughs before a day of full production rehearsals on Saturday. There's 13 in the band: Drummer (founder member of Lindisfarne), Keys (Ex-Dire Straits, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton), Keys / Violin / MD (Ex-Sting), Guitar #1 (Ex-Tygers of Pan Tang), Guitar #2 (Ex Arctic Monkeys / Last Shadow Puppets), 4x Brass (Including The 1975's sax player), 3x BVs (including the lady who sang 'I'll Do Anything for Love' with Meat Loaf) ...and little 'ol me. I'm on double-duty - I'm also responsible for the content on the video screens, which is nice as I get to make sure the visuals closely match the music. I'm looking forward to it all coming together. There was a segment about the show on the One Show on the BBC this evening if anyone's interested. Here's some more pics!

Oh, I’ve pushed the boat out. I’m using a tuner pedal 😄

Cheers! So far, so good. Yesterday was just the core band. Today we were joined by our BV ladies, and tomorrow the brass lads will be joining us. We're having to do all the rehearsals without lead vox as out guests won't be arriving until later in the week so there's always that worry that we'll need to change keys. Hopefully not... Bass-wise, I'm sticking to the two J's. They're doing everything I need. As for guests -as ever, it's top secret but I can say that Matty Healy from The 1975 will be making an appearance...

Hey gang.. Some of the longer-term members here might remember that I play in the house band at Sunday for Sammy, a huge music & comedy show that - until 2020 - happened every couple of years at Newcastle Arena. We've had some amazing guests over the years... Mark Knopfler, Brian Johnson, Trevor Horn, The Auf Wiedersehen Pet cast, Johnny Vegas, etc. But then COVID happened. And then nothing... until now! After 18 months of planning by an amazing team, it all happens again next Sunday. Two shows in one day, with a huge cast, it's a massive logistical challenge. I've been working on the songs in my own time for the last few months, and rehearsals start in earnest tomorrow. In the meantime, the crew loaded in to the rehearsal space today, and we (the core band) popped along in the afternoon to set up and do line checks. Here's some photos - more tomorrow! Two J's at the moment - both with flats. I might switch one for a P. FOH is set up in one of the dressing rooms. Monitors. My drummer pal. Guitar village. My hangout.

I don’t think I can ever watch that show again after they murdered that old Jazz bass.

Hello and welcome!

Quite.. it's strange to see some of the other takes on this this thread.

I’m just pleased the bass has been found. I’m sure if Fender take umbrage re: the replica thing, they’ll let Mark know, and he’ll react accordingly: In the meantime… let people enjoy their nice basses, eh?

I've emailed Wellers, FWIW.

Nice one! My God, that bass is pretty.

Gary at Sylva is absolutely awesome. Dave Wilson (always my #1 choice, but he's focusing on refins etc. at the moment) recommended him, and I can totally see why.

It breaks my heart that I never got to see him live.

I may get some moulded tips for the Plunges at some point. I'd always welcome a bit more attentuation.