How was your gig last night?

[msb]

Last year we lost a keyboard player that was quite the institution in our local blues scene , Barry Cook. He played with just about everyone around town and had his own little band , the Blue Devils. I was one of the regular bass players in the band. The Devils decided to keep the band going and we played last night in the old blues dive. Parking was a misery in the downtown core last night but I eventually found a spot. There was a hockey game going on around the corner. Great crowd , band sounded great. We were given song lists to listen to , but (as usual) no rehearsal , great playing. Enjoyed the night , back tonight for the Sunday jam night , looking forward to it , we’ve been having some wonderful guests recently, should be a good night. Nice finish to 2024.

[msb]

There’s so many unanswered questions , I’m sorry to hear you’re dealing with that , Dave. 

[msb]

Last Sunday jam of 24 , lots of good players up. Parking was the usual pain but found a spot around the corner. Played a bit later than usual , all good. The new dive is working out well. The original bar was a bit outside the downtown core , more walk in traffic at the new spot. All in all a great way to finish the year. I’ll be home NYE. Rheo using my bass here , he loves that big orange Gretsch. I’ll have a new power amp under Monique in several weeks. Looking forward to the slight rig change.

Edited December 30, 2024 by msb

[msb]

View from the balcony

[grapefruitmoon]

I should have had a post on here, as we (Temptation Waits) were due to play the Wheatsheaf Inn in Kirkcaldy on Saturday night. However this shambles of a venue messaged one of our guitarists (not the BL who does most of the bookings, or the other guitarist who got in touch with them in the first place) to say they weren't sure if they could put a band on as they'd not had many customers (5 the previous day) in in the few days before. This was at 1.30pm and we were due to be loading in about 5pm and on stage at 8pm. So we had to fire off messages asking for confirmation on whether we would be playing or not! We were also about to pick up some hired speakers for our PA too. Absolute joke. They got back after a while saying it wasn't going ahead and got a bunch of lame excuses. Thing is, we had well over 20 folk plus their friends heading along, as we know a lot of folk in the area. I reckon they were hoping we'd get back saying we'd accept no fee or a much reduced fee. Would urge other bands to avoid this venue. Guitarists other band were booked in to play the week before, but they hadn't put it in the diary and booked another band instead. And they did zero promotion, only asked for posters and images the day before. I've no idea why places like this bother booking bands.

 

Anyway, a few of us had a band night out instead and went to the Dreadnought in Bathgate to see our pals Lateral Flow and they were excellent as always, despite their bassist being ill in hospital and the guitarists both stepping in and taking a set each on bass.

 

Of course, angry and frustrated as we were, all put into perspective with the incredibly sad news from @dmccombe7 - thoughts with his band, awful thing to go through.

[Greg Edwards69]

Saturday, Redonizm were back at The Cow & Telescope in Southend, one of our favourite venues in the area.

 

Being that awkward Saturday between Christmas and New Year, we were unsure what the turn out would be. The pub was almost empty when we arrived and when my wife, bother, sister-in-law and a coulple of friends arrived around 8.30 the audience size doubled! But we needn't have worries, people started trickling in, including a lot of regulars, around 9pm and got quite busy by the time we started at 9.30.

 

We get to got a little heavier in this place, which is nice, but still kept a few of the party anthems that always work, anywhere we play. In fact, it's getting harder to choose which songs not to play these days! That said, I was hesitant to play Dakota and Sex on Fire that one of the singers had included in the setlist, at this particular venue, as they're done to death (the new mustang sally). But they went down more that okay. In fact the regulars have their own call and response thing for Dakata that made it even better. Like having our own choir.

 

All in all a really good night and a perfect end to the year. This was out 4th weekend out in a row, so set up seemed much simpler, and I wasn't aching as much as I normally would at the end of the night either. I could have kept going for another half hour, no problem. Just goes to show that your body gets used to things after repetition!

 

Got a break from gigging for couple of months now. Time to work on new material, technical stuff and working on marketing stuff, not to mention booking some more dates in the diary!

 

 

 

Edited December 30, 2024 by Greg Edwards69

[Bluewine]

Our 2024 NYE gig. 4-7

 

OF COURSE we’re doing an early NYE show! Happy to be back at The Precinct in Germantown again this year to get the party started with an afternoon of high energy rock & blues!

Here’s what you need to know this time around:
-first come/first serve for all tables&seating
-reservations NOT accepted this year
-doors open at 3:30pm sharp! 
-don’t campout overnight but don’t be late!😆
-music starts at 4! 
 

Edited December 31, 2024 by Bluewine

[dmccombe7]

3 hours ago, grapefruitmoon said:

I should have had a post on here, as we (Temptation Waits) were due to play the Wheatsheaf Inn in Kirkcaldy on Saturday night. However this shambles of a venue messaged one of our guitarists (not the BL who does most of the bookings, or the other guitarist who got in touch with them in the first place) to say they weren't sure if they could put a band on as they'd not had many customers (5 the previous day) in in the few days before. This was at 1.30pm and we were due to be loading in about 5pm and on stage at 8pm. So we had to fire off messages asking for confirmation on whether we would be playing or not! We were also about to pick up some hired speakers for our PA too. Absolute joke. They got back after a while saying it wasn't going ahead and got a bunch of lame excuses. Thing is, we had well over 20 folk plus their friends heading along, as we know a lot of folk in the area. I reckon they were hoping we'd get back saying we'd accept no fee or a much reduced fee. Would urge other bands to avoid this venue. Guitarists other band were booked in to play the week before, but they hadn't put it in the diary and booked another band instead. And they did zero promotion, only asked for posters and images the day before. I've no idea why places like this bother booking bands.

 

Anyway, a few of us had a band night out instead and went to the Dreadnought in Bathgate to see our pals Lateral Flow and they were excellent as always, despite their bassist being ill in hospital and the guitarists both stepping in and taking a set each on bass.

 

Of course, angry and frustrated as we were, all put into perspective with the incredibly sad news from @dmccombe7 - thoughts with his band, awful thing to go through.

Think the guys from Lateral Flow have had a rough time recently with Brian their bass player suffering from a very serious illness.

Because our gig in Dundee got cancelled Lateral Flow and The Dreadnought venue offered anyone with a ticket for our gig would get free access for the Lateral Flow gig on Sat night. What a fantastic gesture of goodwill from both the band and the venue.

Seriously thought about going along but having a badly twisted ankle from Xmas day i decided best to stay at home and rest it.

 

Think the Wheatsheaf is worth avoiding by sounds of it. @grapefruitmoon At least you had a great night out in The Dreadnought to take your minds off it.

Take care and hopefully get to see you guys at some point.

Dave

Edited December 30, 2024 by dmccombe7

[moley6knipe]

5 hours ago, Greg Edwards69 said:

Saturday, Redonizm were back at The Cow & Telescope in Southend, one of our favourite venues in the area.

 

Being that awkward Saturday between Christmas and New Year, we were unsure what the turn out would be. The pub was almost empty when we arrived and when my wife, bother, sister-in-law and a coulple of friends arrived around 8.30 the audience size doubled! But we needn't have worries, people started trickling in, including a lot of regulars, around 9pm and got quite busy by the time we started at 9.30.

 

We get to got a little heavier in this place, which is nice, but still kept a few of the party anthems that always work, anywhere we play. In fact, it's getting harder to choose which songs not to play these days! That said, I was hesitant to play Dakota and Sex on Fire that one of the singers had included in the setlist, at this particular venue, as they're done to death (the new mustang sally). But they went down more that okay. In fact the regulars have their own call and response thing for Dakata that made it even better. Like having our own choir.

 

All in all a really good night and a perfect end to the year. This was out 4th weekend out in a row, so set up seemed much simpler, and I wasn't aching as much as I normally would at the end of the night either. I could have kept going for another half hour, no problem. Just goes to show that your body gets used to things after repetition!

 

Got a break from gigging for couple of months now. Time to work on new material, technical stuff and working on marketing stuff, not to mention booking some more dates in the diary!

 

 

 

THREE guitarists?!?

[Norris]

Just back from our New Year's Eve Eve gig. It was a sold out ticket-only event in a village hall that holds 130, organised by the woman that used to own the village pub and who still owns a catering company. Nice little stage, not too high. However the venue has the typical village hall reverberation due to all the hard surfaces. The Sterling Sub Ray5 was lovely and clear through my Rumble (Retrovibe Stinger preamp) though.

 

Slightly slow start, but didn't take long to pack the dance floor. We ended the night with a 2 hour set to keep the party going. Boy was it hot!

 

 

 

I have the day off work tomorrow to rest up for NYE. That's an "Oscar" theme night, so it's going to be even hotter in the dinner suit and bow tie. Good money though - kerching!

[mikebass456]

In stark contrast, it was just the final rehearsal session of the year last night - no gig tonight either.  I'm trying to stay away from Christmas and new year gigs nowadays - I know they're very lucrative and enjoyable (if properly organised and well attended), but for me it's all the time in the run up and breaking down afterwards that takes the shine off it.  I'm now very much a spectator to the event.

We're currently putting together a full set of material for our next main gig, which is still Patrick's day in a local (Irish owned) pub. 

It was the first outing for my new Martin short scale acoustic bass as well........

[Obrienp]

3 hours ago, mikebass456 said:

but for me it's all the time in the run up and breaking down afterwards that takes the shine off it. 

Yes, I’m with you on that.  I’ve got to turn up at 6pm this evening but our first set doesn’t start until 9pm and we expect to go on until around 1am. Then breakdown and home. It’s quite a long way down steps from the car park at this pub as well and it’s a dep job. Doubt I’ll be home much before 3am. Fortunately, I enjoy playing with this band and I like their set list. More after the gig…..

 

I optimistically signed up for the 100 press ups a day in January challenge, to raise funds for Cancer Research. I think day one might be a bit hard after getting to bed at 3am! 😬

[Bluewine]

5 minutes ago, Obrienp said:

Yes, I’m with you on that.  I’ve got to turn up at 6pm this evening but our first set doesn’t start until 9pm and we expect to go on until around 1am. Then breakdown and home. It’s quite a long way down steps from the car park at this pub as well and it’s a dep job. Doubt I’ll be home much before 3am. Fortunately, I enjoy playing with this band and I like their set list. More after the gig…..

 

I optimistically signed up for the 100 press ups a day in January challenge, to raise funds for Cancer Research. I think day one might be a bit hard after getting to bed at 3am! 😬

 

Get home safe.

 

I have it a little easier if everything goes right. 

 

"Hey guys sorry a bit late. Load in tomorrow at Precinct around 2:30/2:45, doors open at 3:30, showtime @4🤘🏻👍🏻"

 

It's only an 18 minute commute.  However, I'm concerned about the forecasted fog and driving on back country roads. 

 

I'll help tear down which means getting home at 8:30.

 

Daryl

[Obrienp]

@Bluewine now that’s a good NYE gig! I hope it goes to plan!

[dmccombe7]

I'll be leaving home at 3pm today. At venue 4pm, set up and sound check with doors open 7pm. No confirmed times as yet apart from finishing 11:45pm to allow a piper to bring in the bells at midnight. Will need to wait till the piper has finished before getting changed and stripping down the gear. I'm expecting i'll be home 2:30-3am so its basically a 12hr day for me.

I don't really mind the set up as its usually closed doors until we've sound checked but the strip down can be a nuisance at times. Tonight's venue has a load in door next to stage area so that's good news. It also has a ramp over part of the small staircase so using trolleys makes it far easier.

Dave

[dmccombe7]

52 minutes ago, Obrienp said:

I optimistically signed up for the 100 press ups a day in January challenge, to raise funds for Cancer Research. I think day one might be a bit hard after getting to bed at 3am! 😬

All the very best with your challenge. I hate press-ups probably 2nd to burpees in the gym. I'm lucky if i can do 15-20 press-ups in a row on a good day at the gym.

Dave

[cheddatom]

I've been a bit lax in here lately. Fewer gigs and some life stuff getting in the way...

 

The last one of the year was supporting Ferocious Dog at Holfirth Picturedrome which is an awesome venue. I'm on drums and I've badly sprained an intercostal muscle or two, so was very apprehensive as I'd been resting for 2 weeks. The other guys all moved my gear for me which was most appreciated (normally I do most of the loading so the van was a right mess 🤣). I set up on the stage in front of the drum riser, which can often lead to cramped conditions but this is a big stage and my bass drum is very shallow. Sound check was great but I could feel twinges in my chest. 

 

It was a 50 minute set which seems very long for a support slot. The first 30 minutes went pretty well, but then the pain really started to kick in. I made quite a few mistakes in the last few songs. Thankfully the rest of the band were very understanding, and of course, no-one in the audience noticed. They were singing along in full voice and cheering at the end of every song. 

 

 

 

[steve-bbb]

its not just a question of who could replace me (fairly easily)

 

its also about which replacement can put up with the drummer 

 

could one of the mods move this to the correct post please - not sure wtf happened there 🤪

Edited December 31, 2024 by steve-bbb

[Greg Edwards69]

13 hours ago, moley6knipe said:

THREE guitarists?!?

Well, two really. One of the lead singers dabbles with basic rhythm guitar using a boss acoustic sim pedal. Sometimes, we wish he wouldn't!

[Lozz196]

Great crowd @cheddatom

[Bluewine]

5 hours ago, dmccombe7 said:

I'll be leaving home at 3pm today. At venue 4pm, set up and sound check with doors open 7pm. No confirmed times as yet apart from finishing 11:45pm to allow a piper to bring in the bells at midnight. Will need to wait till the piper has finished before getting changed and stripping down the gear. I'm expecting i'll be home 2:30-3am so its basically a 12hr day for me.

I don't really mind the set up as its usually closed doors until we've sound checked but the strip down can be a nuisance at times. Tonight's venue has a load in door next to stage area so that's good news. It also has a ramp over part of the small staircase so using trolleys makes it far easier.

Dave

 

Have a great night Dave. Let us know how the night goes off.

 

Happy New Year !

 

Daryl

[ezbass]

Just in from playing a Hogmanay gig in Dundee. It went well, even as just a 3 piece (keyboard player is always with family on NYE). Played a 2 band line up, with the other guys do trad music, laced with comedy (all a bit 1970’s), interspersed with the raffle and 2 bingo sections (give it a rest for Hogmanay ffs!). After our agreed 2 sets, we stripped down the gear and got ready to go, only for one of the committee to question the agreed timings, expecting more from us. This complete dick watched us break it all down and be out the door before saying a word. The BL kindly set up part of the PA and played some music for them, whilst waiting for the other band to play in the New Year. This a father a problem with the fee, which they were proved to be in the wrong. I suspect the bloke is a chancer and is going to try and pay us less. Good luck with that, our BL has a record of the comms and isn’t known for being a mug. I’ll hear the full story tomorrow, no doubt, as I had a long drive home and left. I’ll get my payment next time we meet up. I won’t play there again (I’ll name and shame once I’ve got my fee)!

[dave_bass5]

Good gig at a retirement village tonight in Bedford. 
 

Not sure what time we will get home though. 

[KingPrawn]

Not long in. A jam-packed night at this legend of a boozer in Bromsgrove. Great crowd on their feet from the start.

 

[Norris]

Just got in from our NYE gig. It was ok-ish. An Oscars theme night (🤷‍♂️) meant sweating my balls off in dinner jacket and bow tie. Doing 30 minutes on/off seemed even more tiring than the 2 hour set from last night. The night really seemed to drag.

 

The crowd were quite hard work until they were sufficiently lubricated too. It didn't help that the stage in this village hall is about 5 feet high and very large: excellent for am-dram productions, but can disconnect the band from the crowd.

 

I was playing the Sterling again and was initially struggling to get a nice sound. As the first set went on it got progressively worse, sounding weak, farty and distorted. Yep, the battery had run out! Luckily changing it took a couple of seconds thanks to the battery holder, and out came a "GP Cell" brand battery! Rookie error - I'd not changed it since I bought the bass, and who in their right mind would use anything but a Duracell?! Later on, my amp started distorting quite badly on certain notes, and after a song or two of a horrible sinking feeling I eventually realised it was actually the tiny plastic "Oscar" I'd been awarded, and placed on top of my Fender Rumble - phew!

 

Anyway, ker-ching! Happy New Year.

 

We all agreed we'd actually rather earn less and have a good night rocking out a pub next time!

 

I forgot to take any photos, so instead here's my mini Oscar next to a rather nice bottle of Cuban rum

 

Edited January 1 by Norris