oldslapper

My training (and job) is facilitating group work programmes for male perpetrators of violence. So I’m in a room with a group of very angry and potentially dangerous men. I love my job, always feel in control, can hold the rooms attention without issue, and challenge peoples behaviour without any anxiety. Put me on a stage with a bass round my neck, having rehearsed parts to beyond knowing them, and I have no idea what to do with myself, I’m so self conscious I hate it. I love playing with others and often end up MD for bands I play in, so it’s not lacking confidence over my ability to play. But as soon as I think people are looking at me I hate it and just feel awkward and silly. I can’t stand watching videos of gigs or photos as I look like I’m a statue or not wanting to be there. Bizarrely if on the rare occasion I’m fronting a band singing, I’m ok. Go figure….weirdo eh?

Me and my mate sat in the cinema and watched “Slade in Flame” on repeat. That’s when we decided to form our first band. Happy memories

Gordon Brown as the policeman!? Great casting.

Oh mate, that’s frustrating. Perhaps it’s time to let your “No” be “no”? It’s the only way people learn to respect boundaries. I once sat down with a pastor and his assistant to explain that I wanted to take time out from music in church as I was tired and had a lot going on at home and a responsible job that demanded my time. They we’re very good and sympathetic and supported the decision. 2 weeks later I was approached with “I know you’ve stepped down, but can you do the worship this week?” Along with a pastors wife telling me off for stepping down as I obviously didn’t know the importance of “my calling”. Church can be a wonderful place of joy, support and friendship. But man alive! Boundaries? What are those? Hope you are able to say something to help protect your space, it’s important. Otherwise you’ll become a grumpy old cynic like me 🙄😂

Shame Billy Bragg’s Jail Guitar Doors isn’t still going, these would be perfect.

Lovely job Jon!

Latest bitsa. G&B Ash body, SD vintage P, 42mm nut width neck. “Finder” decal (all my bitsas have one of those).

Ah was that in Portsmouth or Plymouth somewhere? I was watching it, but had no way of getting to it. Good find for no money and a good cause. 😎👍🏻

Brilliant description of the difference. Should be pinned? Thanks @BigRedX

Enjoyed my Squier VI, here’s mine with the Hollywood Killers a few years back. A very useful mod was to get some “barrels” manufactured so the bridge sat snug in the body, with full contact. This stopped unwanted overtones. Very flexible instrument in itself. Although I wouldn’t want to play a whole set with one, as BRX stated, the string spacing is narrow.

I see you’ve been combing for puns….not exactly been bumbling along now have you?

He got stung

Haha. Blue Moves is my favourite EJ album (always felt guilty about that, given that Dee Murray set me on the bass path), but then I always seem to gravitate towards music that no one else likes 😂. Interesting interview with KP describing recording Rock of The Westies. He only played fretless on 3 tracks as G Dudgeon didn’t like the tone and was used to DM’s sound, so he had to borrow an old bass which had terrible action, but gave the producer the sound he was after. Blue Moves is all fretless, the album where the band were more in control, and the rhythm section/guitar and keys were recorded live. If you want to geek out, here’s the interview link https://www.classicrockhistory.com/an-interview-with-legendary-bassist-kenny-passarelli/

Omg!! The other KP fan! Love “Feed me” on that album. He hits the 1 with such authority and groove. Blue Moves is my favourite EJ album and KP just pumps that LP along like a blacksmith on speed. Seeing him play influenced my choice of bass, tone and style of playing definitely. Rarely here him mentioned here, but a monster player. You made my day, I’m off to listen to “One horse town” and grin like I’ve just peed the first pee of the day.

Good post, ref what’s important to us. I spend more money on white goods (Washing machine, fridges, etc) than most of my peers, some of who earn more than I ever will. I’m sad, I know. Certainly spend more on a dishwasher than any bit of musical kit I’ve ever owned. I know, I know,… a cheaper washing machine will get my skid marks out! 💩

I understand the sentiment about guilt or (possibly) “imposter syndrome”. But ultimately if you like something, it’s affordable to you, and you’re not harming others by your choices, then why not? I wouldn’t, but I’m stuck with a poverty “make do” mentality that refuses to spend over £500 on an instrument or piece of back line even if I could afford to spend more. I’m probably missing out. It’s not based on reverse snobbery, or sending low expectations to others. Just an upbringing that’s hard to shake off. 😎👍🏻