Ok here we go, hopefully this is a return to the normal format First off of course this week’s gigs
Friday 4th April
The Dog & Partridge
Stockport
Saturday 5th April
The Witton Chimes
Northwich, Cheshire
The Witton Chimes has been a regular gig for us over the last four years and it’s always been a good one. Let’s hope the trend continues. The Dog & Partridge is a new one for us which is always good fun. Never know what to expect.
Ok for those of you who only want that info you have it. For those wanting more then please continue…….
The big news this week of course is the release of the “Rock for You” EP which went on general download sale worldwide last Monday. We have distributed the promo CDs to the media so it’s all proceeding as planned. Speaking of CD versions if anyone does prefer that format to the Downloads then they can be ordered through our web site or purchased at gigs of course.
Last Weekend we played another regular venue which has always been kind to us, the Clwyd in Shotton. We managed to deliver a few different songs in the set and a good night was had by all. We recently took delivery of a new section for the backdrop, to match the logo we use elsewhere. We think it looks pretty good and keeps the branding consistent. I am still hoping to finalise a T-shirt design. My prototype version 2 looked ok to me but it hasn’t generated enough positive comments to warrant the cost of producing a batch to sell. Back to the drawing board I guess. Possibly the artwork used for the Rock for you EP?
I have been doing quite a lot of thinking recently (never a good idea) as to how to increase the band profile and a few ideas may be followed up.
Some time ago I mentioned that I was taking delivery of a “Bad Cat Unleash”. Well I am very pleased to report that so far the box does what it claims to do and therefore I have been able to start using my Marshall Super Lead Plexi (SLP) amp onstage again. The long standing problem of how to boost for solos has been conquered by the Bad Cat. Coda music who supplied it are excellent by the way.
Oh yes, speaking of equipment the band and I have been offered a partial endorsement deal for some specific strings and drumsticks. Like the chicken pick plectrums I was offered a while ago we need to try the products out before we agree. Not a manufacturer I have heard of to be honest but that doesn’t mean they are not worth looking at.
There is a good chance my next “gear” video will be produced this month. The Valves/Solid state amp comparison has now reached 100,000 viewings which I find quite astonishing to be honest. Most of the comments posted on it have been favourable although a few are abusive or over pedantic. That is the internet for you.
It’s been so long since I wrote one of these I can’t remember what has happened. I may be repeating myself. We all went off to see classic rockers Saxon at the Tivoli not long ago. A support band called Stormzone were good and Saxon delivered their classic and new tracks with a sense of humour and fun. All good stuff although a bottle of Newcastle Brown was a bit steep at £5.00. I think that was somewhat unnecessary really. It was nice to see the Tivoli in Buckley so full.
Not much coming up in the way of gigs to go to. My second favourite guitarist Bernie Tormé is ready to record a new album (funded via Pledgemusic) and he will be following up with a tour later this year. Needless to say I am exploring the possibilities of some support slots although it is up to the promoters really, not Bernie himself so I won’t hold my breath. I am glad he is back solo really, although GMT were quite good I think Bernie solo has more scope and freedom to play whatever he wants.
I still keep plugging away at Cambridge Rock Festival as we would love to return to that. We were told we would but not when? We are “headlining” the Saturday night at a local charity festival in Warrington later in the year. It’s in aid of Christie Hospital and the festival is called Wibbstock. I think they are in year four so it should be reasonably well organised. No Hoylake Oxjam this year. We do have to be careful with Charity gigs, we get asked to do a lot of them and whilst we would love to say yes to them all it would cost us quite a bit if we did as they often don’t even pay travel expenses. So we tend to only do two a year.
Well what has annoyed me recently?
The News, I do wonder sometimes what the producers of news programs are thinking. Today I heard that a group of people won’t be doing something this year. Well a lot of us won’t be doing a lot of things this year but it is not news.
A celebrity couple split up – it’s not news and really not important to anyone but them and their family. Plus they seem to make a big thing about them being together for ten years as though that is some huge achievement. Yes ten years is quite a long time but it’s not really that long in terms of a couple being together. There are an awful lot of people who have been together a lot longer.
So the Tour de France cycle race is starting in Leeds this year. Yes, Leeds in Yorkshire, UK. I cannot think of any logical reason for this, am I missing something?
As you know i don’t smoke and never have but smokers are really getting a raw deal. First the smoking ban brought in to protect others(?), then the inclusion of graphic pictures on the packets, clearly had no impact as they are now switching to plain packets, hiding them in cupboards in shops and now this week the Welsh are banning e-Cigs fin public places for no logical reason whatsoever.
Ok Rants over
Music Musically thiis week – The Clan Rock for you EP.
It’s cheaper than a beer and lasts longer Available here
Keep rockin’ Craig