dmccombe7 Posted April 1 Share Posted April 1 39 minutes ago, Mickeyboro said: Central Bournemouth show at the Poole Hill Brewery, one of the best live venues. First of three bookings this year for the Otis Jay Blues Band. Sparsely populated to start with (playing 3-6) but fuller later. Had our original guitarist come visit - he isn’t in the best of health now - and was good to see him. Audience changed halfway with an influx of would-be dancers so had to change set 3 to suit, but few noticed the repeats! Played my Flea through an Elf and two Barefaced One10. While I’ve done PHB with one cab, the sound is so much better I’m a two-cab man now! Great stuff Mickey but what is PHB with one cab ? Not heard this before. Its possibly an age thing LOL Dave 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Krow Posted April 1 Share Posted April 1 11 minutes ago, dmccombe7 said: Great stuff Mickey but what is PHB with one cab ? Not heard this before. Its possibly an age thing LOL Dave I reckon PHB is the venue 😊 I've figured out that we all seem to have 3 letter abbreviations ('TLAs' haha). And they're all different to everyone else's! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmccombe7 Posted April 1 Share Posted April 1 13 hours ago, Bluewine said: I hate to admit it .Most of our band hijinks evolve around alcohol ( I don't drink)l in someway or another. Like this past New Years when my girlfriend flashed our band leaders father. Daryl I don't usually drink Daryl and because of where i live in countryside i need to drive to go anywhere but i've found thru experience that i don't need to drink to enjoy myself these days. Yes i appreciate a few beers does loosen you up a bit and can relax you more so that you get more involved but its not a requirement for enjoyment. My wife and i are both relatively shy people and prefer our own company to that of others but we still go out and meet up with others on occasion but generally not the band members and that's probably because we all stay far apart and meet up for gigs. Guitarist is 1.5hrs drive from my house. Drummer 30mins drive Singer Mikey is 1hr drive Singer Lynn is 45mins drive Public transport for myself and drummer is a bit of a laugh. One bus an hr for me to get to the nearest town 8 miles away. Drummer's bus service is one bus every few hrs to my nearest town. Public transport just isn't practical in that respect so we end up driving. The band used to meet up at service stations on motorways for a chat and a coffee but when they prohibited parking to 2hrs at service stations and i got a ticket for being 10mins over we stopped doing it. I was there first by about 10mins and the others didn't get a ticket at all. Life on the road I wouldn't make too much out of socialising with other band members. Its not a deal breaker and i appreciate you might feel left out a bit but as long as the band is working then no sweat. If all else fails and next time you are out for a coffee with the guitarists parents tell them about her outrageous behaviour for a laugh With regards your girlfriend flashing .......... if she's got it, flaunt it. Be proud of her. Its no worse than going topless on the beach. (I'm assuming it was a top half flash ) Dave 2 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon C Posted April 1 Share Posted April 1 (edited) 1 hour ago, dmccombe7 said: 1 hour ago, dmccombe7 said: Great stuff Mickey but what is PHB with one cab ? Not heard this before. Its possibly an age thing LOL Dave 1 hour ago, Al Krow said: I reckon PHB is the venue 😊 I've figured out that we all seem to have 3 letter abbreviations ('TLAs' haha). And they're all different to everyone else's! Well it could be the venue. I’d like to think it is “Precious Harley Benton” though.😀 Edited April 1 by Simon C 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewblack Posted April 1 Share Posted April 1 16 hours ago, Bluewine said: Happy Easter Everyone I haven't had a gig since 3/8. And no gigs acoustic or full band in April. No communication either. However, the summer schedule looks busy. This is the thing. I'm 30 years older then my band members. I look at being in a band differently than they do. I'm a " 1960s guy". Secondly the other members all have careers outside of the band. Regardless I'm still in the best band I can be in. Jumping ship at this point would get me nowhere. Comments? Daryl You are realistic and very wise. I would drop bands without a second thought when I was younger. Now I hang on to as many as I can 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casapete Posted April 1 Share Posted April 1 (edited) Our acoustic duo played last night in Beverley at The Sun Inn. We weren't sure if it would be busy with it being Easter Sunday and all, but when we arrived at 4pm the place was getting quite full. It's a lousy get-in with parking difficult, and the pub is on a blind corner which makes unloading a bit scary but we got it all in just before the heavens opened. It's an old pub dating from the 16th century - stone flagged floor, beams everywhere etc (see pic) so the sound can be a bit challenging. Due to the number of people in we didn't get a good soundcheck but just cracked on anyway. Did 3 x 40 min sets of requests, usual broad range of stuff from Ray Charles to Taylor Swift! At one point they had someone on the door having to turn people away as the room was rammed with punters. Plenty of faces we hadn't seen for a while, so great to catch up. Gave away a few business cards so hopefully will pick up some other work too. Landlord Paul is a top bloke, and we've just agreed to play a monthly gig there now for the rest of 2024. 🙂 http://suninnbeverley.co.uk Edited April 1 by casapete 21 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mickeyboro Posted April 1 Share Posted April 1 2 hours ago, Simon C said: Well it could be the venue. I’d like to think it is “Precious Harley Benton” though.😀 It is the venue, the Poole Hill Brewery! have edited to make clear. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taunton-hobbit Posted April 1 Share Posted April 1 4 hours ago, dmccombe7 said: I remember reading somewhere from a band member that they only ever see the first couple of rows of an audience. I've played gigs like that where all i can see thru lights and smoke machine is the front row and had no idea how busy it was until the break and the stage lights went off. I have always played to the first couple of rows, if you can keep that moving, the rest of the room will (usually) follow ........... 😎 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmccombe7 Posted April 1 Share Posted April 1 (edited) Could only see the first row until the stage lights went off and that was all that was there Dave Edited April 1 by dmccombe7 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asingardenof Posted April 1 Share Posted April 1 12 hours ago, dmccombe7 said: I remember reading somewhere from a band member that they only ever see the first couple of rows of an audience. I've played gigs like that where all i can see thru lights and smoke machine is the front row and had no idea how busy it was until the break and the stage lights went off. I've only ever played one gig that big, where as you say I could see about three rows back thanks to the stage lights and then it was sillhouettes for about 50m back so I didn't appreciate the size of the crowd until we'd finished the first number and the cheer was more than I was expecting. 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluewine Posted April 1 Share Posted April 1 14 hours ago, Mickeyboro said: Central Bournemouth show at the Poole Hill Brewery, one of the best live venues. First of three bookings this year for the Otis Jay Blues Band. Sparsely populated to start with (playing 3-6) but fuller later. Had our original guitarist come visit - he isn’t in the best of health now - and was good to see him. Audience changed halfway with an influx of would-be dancers so had to change set 3 to suit, but few noticed the repeats! Played my Flea through an Elf and two Barefaced One10. While I’ve played the venue with one cab, the sound is so much better I’m a two-cab man now! Great photos. Daryl 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluewine Posted April 1 Share Posted April 1 12 hours ago, stewblack said: You are realistic and very wise. I would drop bands without a second thought when I was younger. Now I hang on to as many as I can Age and local or regional band opportunities will vary. I'm not sure what challenges the 70 year old at the local or regional level would bring. Overall I don't think age matters as much as it did 30 years ago. I think understanding how important committing to the "right band" for 70 year olds is crucial. Daryl 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluewine Posted April 1 Share Posted April 1 (edited) 13 hours ago, dmccombe7 said: I don't usually drink Daryl and because of where i live in countryside i need to drive to go anywhere but i've found thru experience that i don't need to drink to enjoy myself these days. Yes i appreciate a few beers does loosen you up a bit and can relax you more so that you get more involved but its not a requirement for enjoyment. With regards your girlfriend flashing .......... if she's got it, flaunt it. Be proud of her. Its no worse than going topless on the beach. (I'm assuming it was a top half flash ) Dave Hi Dave, a little off topic. At 70 managing my behavior sober is a challenge in itself . A few examples: 1. Getting lost on the way to gigs. 2. Getting lost on the way home from gigs. 3. Not remembering the names of people that have been following the band for years. 4. My hearing is so bad my response to anything anyone asks me is " huh ? " 5. Panicking because your rig isn't working a few minutes before you start the show. And you realize you have the volume turned all the way down on your bass or you forgot to plug your bass in. As far as the flashing incident. I didn't see it so I pretended it didn't happen. Our band leader assured me it did indeed happen. Lol Daryl Edited April 1 by Bluewine 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmccombe7 Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 8 hours ago, Bluewine said: Hi Dave, a little off topic. At 70 managing my behavior sober is a challenge in itself . A few examples: 1. Getting lost on the way to gigs. 2. Getting lost on the way home from gigs. 3. Not remembering the names of people that have been following the band for years. 4. My hearing is so bad my response to anything anyone asks me is " huh ? " 5. Panicking because your rig isn't working a few minutes before you start the show. And you realize you have the volume turned all the way down on your bass or you forgot to plug your bass in. As far as the flashing incident. I didn't see it so I pretended it didn't happen. Our band leader assured me it did indeed happen. Lol Daryl Much the same here Daryl. I use Sat Nav these days so rarely get lost now. Hearing is ok with a little tinnitus but manageable. Rig issues on a regular basis altho more so with the sound effects board i use with Glam band. Bass rig i have forgotten the volume on occasion too LOL Can't say i've had the experience with the flashing altho a mates girlfriend used to do that every sat night after she had a few drinks and in those days girls didn't need a bra for support All pretty normal for us oldies Daryl. Maybe you're over thinking the age thing. Our drummer turned 65 last week and he's never given age a thought really until he saw the 65 on his birthday card and it dawned on him he was getting old but he's ok about it. At the end of the day i'm 64 and i still feel as daft as i did when i was in my 20's big difference is i'm sober these days Just forget the age thing cause you don't look 70 mate and enjoy life and the band. Life is for living not regretting. Dave 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewblack Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 9 hours ago, Bluewine said: Age and local or regional band opportunities will vary. I'm not sure what challenges the 70 year old at the local or regional level would bring. Overall I don't think age matters as much as it did 30 years ago. I think understanding how important committing to the "right band" for 70 year olds is crucial. Daryl Ah well there we differ. I'll take any work I can get as I approach my 70s. I feel the clock ticking... 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Obrienp Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 11 minutes ago, stewblack said: Ah well there we differ. I'll take any work I can get as I approach my 70s. I feel the clock ticking... I feel like that. Less than 2 years to go and arthritis in my left hand is not getting any better. I will do any depping on offer and get very frustrated when the bands I am in don’t have gigs (like now). However, I did 5 gigs in 4 days in July last year and ended up in hospital. I was ill anyway but doing too much pushed me over the top, so I am trying to moderate commitments now. 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmccombe7 Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 1 minute ago, Obrienp said: I feel like that. Less than 2 years to go and arthritis in my left hand is not getting any better. I will do any depping on offer and get very frustrated when the bands I am in don’t have gigs (like now). However, I did 5 gigs in 4 days in July last year and ended up in hospital. I was ill anyway but doing too much pushed me over the top, so I am trying to moderate commitments now. When we started off we all agreed 2 gigs a month with Glam band. The punk band was doing much the same. Over past 2 yrs things have changed dramatically with both bands. Glam band is getting inundated with requests to book now and we are playing almost every weekend this year whereas the punk band is dwindling away as venues and audiences just aren't there. Lucky if we do a gig every 2 mths. Its that bad we no have to fit in a rehearsal before a gig as we haven't played for so long. Not sure where that's gonna end up. I have made it perfectly clear that if it starts feeling like a chore or a job then i'll probably walk away. Its a hobby for me that i enjoy and no more. Apart from Dec i won't do 2 gigs in a weekend as it is just too much for me as i keep the larger PA cabs and have to load and unload them on my own plus wearing all the glam gear makes you sweat a lot and a gig is quite tiring. If the gigs are nearby and PA supplied i'm ok with doing 2 in a row. Luckily i'm not the only one in the band that feels that way so at the moment things are good and i'm enjoying it. Dave 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Obrienp Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 @dmccombe7 Lugging the PA doesn’t help! Fortunately we have gone down to using 2 column PAs, one of which belongs to me and the other to the drummer. I have also reduced the size of my rig: now down to either a BF Two10, or LFSys Monza and class D head, depending on the size of the gig. I do lug the monitors as well though. Congratulations on how well your glam band is doing. I would be overjoyed if we had that many gigs but I’m sure it has its drawbacks as well. I agree with you: if it becomes a chore then it’s time to walk away. At the moment I am the one who wants to go on playing when the others are looking at the clock and mumbling about having done our contracted time. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casapete Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 (edited) I was absolutely done in after our acoustic duo gig at the weekend! I'm 66, and lugging a PA into a venue is getting more of a PITA for me, ( especially as don't have to do this in the theatre band I'm in! ) Although a seated gig, I found it very full on and a touch stressful, which isn't what I was thinking of in my pending retirement! Most of our gigs are quite laid back, so a rammed pub on Easter Sunday was probably an exception. I can't blame my own kit (Fender Rumble 100 combo) either! Think we'll be looking for a more lightweight / easier to manage PA soon. It's crap getting old!! Edited April 2 by casapete 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Krow Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 4 minutes ago, casapete said: I was absolutely done in after our acoustic duo at the weekend! I'm 66, and lugging a PA into a venue is getting more of a PITA for me, ( especially as don't have to do this in the theatre band I'm in! ) Although a seated gig, I found it very full on and a touch stressful, which isn't what I was thinking of in my pending retirement! Most of our gigs are quite laid back, so a rammed pub on Easter Sunday was probably an exception. I can't blame my own kit (Fender Rumble 100 combo) either! Think we'll be looking for a more lightweight / easier to manage PA soon. It's crap getting old!! We used a pair of RCF 310As for years with a full band when I was still using backline for bass. Great sound and very lightweight - maybe worth checking out? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casapete Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 7 minutes ago, Al Krow said: We used a pair of RCF 310As for years with a full band when I was still using backline for bass. Great sound and very lightweight - maybe worth checking out? Cheers, will do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stub Mandrel Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 Not a gig, but in tbe same vein? I just spent 45 minutes being interviewed on the ups and downs of being in local bands on Radio Cardiff by Ceri Stennett. Made it very easy for me, just a bunch of gentle anecdotes and he even played a couple of tracks with me on. I finally make the radio and one of the songs was a Carl Perkins number 🤣 His dad Stan was a local legend and was even a regular on Coronation Street! 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taunton-hobbit Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 19 minutes ago, casapete said: Think we'll be looking for a more lightweight / easier to manage PA soon I'm 78, & I know what you mean - I run Barefaced and have just bought (Ebay) a Crown 2000watt class D - plus I use a couple of fairly light Mackies for mid/top, 2 cases of cds & my deckset, which is the heaviest bit - sorted if I ever need to work again ! 😎 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Franticsmurf Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 (edited) 14 hours ago, Bluewine said: 1. Getting lost on the way to gigs. 2. Getting lost on the way home from gigs. 3. Not remembering the names of people that have been following the band for years. 4. My hearing is so bad my response to anything anyone asks me is " huh ? " 5. Panicking because your rig isn't working a few minutes before you start the show. And you realize you have the volume turned all the way down on your bass or you forgot to plug your bass in. As far as the flashing incident. I didn't see it so I pretended it didn't happen. Our band leader assured me it did indeed happen. Lol I'm days away from turning 60. 1. Done that. In darkest South Wales, where many of the valley villages have yet to experience electricity* 2. Similar, relying on directions from locals and ending up on top of a lonely mountain looking down on the lights of the road I'm meant to be on, several miles away and with no clue of how to reach it. 3. Introducing the wife of the guitarist I'd been playing with for more than 10 years to a friend, and at the crucial naming moment, finding out that I'd forgotten her name. 4. For variety, I also use 'pardon', 'what' and occasionally just nod and smile in the hope it will satisfy the individual. 5. Done this, with the added horror of having asked the FOH sound guy what he'd done to my amp when plugging in the DI cable to make it die on me before checking the volume controls. I did apologise. It was awful. I deny flashing anyone, but see #3 for a possible explanation. (*may not be true) Edited April 2 by Franticsmurf 1 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msb Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 This getting older is not easy. BCDEG all end in eee and that’s all I hear all too frequently. My sense of mis direction was legend so that’s nothing new. I’ve learned not to panic when I don’t have signal. It’s usually operator error. I simply try to get the job done without any drama. Still love a good gig. Thankfully modern gear is light and manageable. And I no longer have to lug an Ampeg fridge around. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.