Pete Academy

What are your experiences of stand-in gigs? Did you ever do one at last minute and had to busk it? Did the band supply you with a set list beforehand, then didn't stick to it? Did they spring different and unfamiliar songs on you, that were hard to busk and made you feel uncomfortable? Did they change the keys of the songs you had learned for the gig?

Excellent. You absolutely nailed it. <bastard>

As someone who works in a shop that's a Fender dealer, I can reiterate that Fender have made every dealer keep to a certain price. It was great for people wanting to buy Fenders, but not for dealers like us, who were having to try and match silly prices. They might do an in-store deal, but if they advertise online at a different price they face getting their dealership removed.

[url="http://www.dmstour.com/"]http://www.dmstour.com/[/url]

[quote name='thisnameistaken' post='1227060' date='May 11 2011, 07:23 AM']Spiny Norman was a hedgehog in a Monty Python sketch. Actually when I was a nipper my band 'Even Jammier' nicked a singer from a band called Spiny Norman. True story.[/quote] I remember him from Monty Python.

I have loads on my low B, but you can't hear it in a live situation. I find it bothers beginners, but that seems to be down to technique. Does it bother you?

Some years ago I was doing a private party in a marquee with a funk/soul covers band. We were due to go on at 9.30pm, but it was delayed until 11.30pm. During those two hours I drank copious amounts of a free and extremely potent cocktail called 'Spiny Norman'. By the time we were ready to go on, I was totally hammered. I had to be carried to the stage. I put on my bass and almost fell through the marquee wall. The band kicked in, and I joined them about four bars later, and in totally the wrong key. This continued throughout the set. After the gig a woman came up and congratulated us on a great performance.

[quote name='fumps' post='1225800' date='May 10 2011, 07:35 AM']Was belting this track out of the car on the way home for the last few days......absolutley crackin track & it's one of the rare tracks that makes me smile all the way through. Pete you should be well proud of this & to the guys who recorded it....nice sounds, good balance & overall a great peice of music. If you have anything else recorded by these guys give me a shout, i'll love to hear it.[/quote] Thanks Gav. The guys who recorded it have a studio in Stoke. I've been working with one of the lads for about 25 years, playing on his demos. They wrote 3 tracks on Robbie's new album, including Morning Sun. Here's a link: [url="http://www.daft-dog.com/"]http://www.daft-dog.com/[/url]

[quote name='chaypup' post='1225003' date='May 9 2011, 12:40 PM']First heard this when I was out on Saturday - Blew my socks off! A Big Fat Bootsy Bassline - what so never the dance (The Houseguests) [/quote] Amazing track.

Updated link [url="https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1114096497/91e5dc3dc79a1e594ec931f0f0bc92a6"]https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1114096497/91e5d...ec931f0f0bc92a6[/url]

[quote name='fumps' post='1219577' date='May 4 2011, 10:09 AM']Awww nooooo i just went to download the new version & it says it's unavailable......help me Pete, i need this track ****drops to knees**** think of the children.....will someone please thinkl of the children not sure why though[/quote] Sorry Fumps, but apparently the link has expired. The bloke who recorded the track has promised it will be up again by tomorrow. Worry not...and may the funk be with you!

[quote name='Clarky' post='1220212' date='May 4 2011, 08:04 PM']Basses don't tell me "f*ck off you sad old git"[/quote] And you can play with them all night and don't have to cuddle them afterwards.

[quote name='Clarky' post='1220212' date='May 4 2011, 08:04 PM']Basses don't tell me "f*ck off you sad old git"[/quote]

Dating your Fender Bass? Have you tried women, Clarky?

I think he has immaculate technique, feel, and groove, however naff the tune is. Just my opinion.

What's everyone on about? It's really tight and Hadrien is grooving like mad.

Just been speaking to Chris May from Overwater. He's touring stores that stock the Tanglewaters, and called in to have a look. Thoroughly great bloke, and had some good stories to tell. Just waiting for some new stock to arrive.

[quote name='jakesbass' post='1218059' date='May 2 2011, 09:06 PM']Say hello to Brian for me mate :0) Jake[/quote] Will do. He hasn't played many gigs due to professional requirements, but he did the last gig with us and was on fire.

[quote name='redstriper' post='1217898' date='May 2 2011, 06:51 PM']Who do you contact to get a gig there? We've been trying to bust out of Wales for a while, but got no contacts over the border so any help is much appreciated. The music is original and people seem to like what we do, we're happy to do support slots but we don't do cover versions. You can check us out [url="http://myspace.com/tacsiband"]here[/url]. Thanks, Steve.[/quote] I'm not sure, as I don't do the bookings. The venue number is 01244 340005.

Nearly Dan play Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester on Thursday May 5.

[quote name='JTUK' post='1216538' date='May 1 2011, 01:44 PM']Don't sell that bass, Pete, if it plugs straight in like that. [/quote] Don't worry, John...it's not going anywhere.

Apologies for stepping into guitar territory, but my old Casio Midi Guitar I bought in the 80s. Transformed my home recordings.