G’day as my Aussie friends say.

It’s been a busy time recently, not that I am complaining:  The band have played West Kirby ( my concerns were unfounded) , The Saddle in Chester, The Griffin, the Old wine vaults and this Friday (tomorrow) we play Stanley’s Cask. All great gigs, Steve and Roland are settled in, it’s getting tighter and we are writing new songs.

On a personal level my leg/foot is improving, slight hobble/limp but physio is being undertaken. Will take a while but its all going in the right direction.

Roland and I are playing our first VanMac gig this Saturday, VanMac is our acoustic duo which will play a range of material including some Clan tracks rearranged for acoustics plus some classic acoustic tracks and whatever else we decide upon. Obviously, this is for venues which can’t handle the full band due to space, sound constraints or just their vibe. The way I see it, is the more we mention The Clan the more the interest grows. VanMac is a combination of Roland Van den Bossche and Craig Mac of course for those interested.

Speaking of acoustic duos, I went to see Francis Rossi again recently who puts on a great show accompanied by Andy Brook. Really recommend seeing him if you get the chance, great stories, great music and a great bloke.

Someone else I went to see was Albert Lee, a guitarist with an amazing pedigree and track record. He’s 83 but you wouldn’t think so, incredible guitar playing, sings great and can also play the piano. His band were excellent too.  Yes, that was a good night.

Disappointed that Uli Jon Roth cancelled his UK tour, I should have seen him last Tuesday. No reason given or not that I have heard. He’s not ill as he is playing Europe and  Scandinavia starting on Saturday.  Low ticket sales perhaps, logistical issues?

Nex t week I am seeing T.Rextasy again, Probably the best T.Rex cover band around and you can’t see the real thing can you (despite a band doing the rounds as T.Rex – The drummer was in one of the later versions of T.Rex  which is why he thinks he can use the name but make your own mind up on that one.

There have been no announcements yet, but the rumour mill has started for Stonedead line up next year. Little Angels (who have reformed) are heavily mentioned. Not a band I noticed back in their heyday really, too much brass on their songs for me but I do Like Toby Jepson in Wayward sons. Headliners? Not in my book but hey what do I know?

I think I mentioned I was going to see Blackmore’s Blood and Bon Jovi Experience in my last blog. I did and they were both excellent. A good time was had.

This week I put a question on social media asking if people think its ok for tribute bands to use pictures of the original artists in their advertising. Personally, I don’t care either way as I am not in a tribute band but it was interesting to read the comments. Generally I would say most people including people in tribute bands said No. What was more interesting was that they said it is often the venues and promoters who do that not the bands themselves.

Sorry to hear that Fanck Carducci is dissolving the fantastic squad soon, great band saw them a few times. He is going to carry on in a different format but it’s still a shame.

I think it may be time for The Clan to release When the world Needs Rock on CD. Its 18 months since it was released on vinyl and download but we do get asked for CD versions.

 I will seriously think about it.                  

Anyway, that’s about it for now,

Hope you’re all ok, try to keep healthy, keep rockin’ and living life

Craig