Thoughts as I go

GMT Rock - New Album RAW LIVE *****

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:00:00 GMT

It could only be the new GMT Live album. So what do you get? well you get a good old fashioned unashamed guitar hero in Bernie Tormé doing what electric guitars were made for ably accompanied (accompanied notice - not backed) by the living legend that is John McCoy on Bass and the flash stick twirling madness of Robin Guy on drums. Flash he may be but he has the substance and talent to back it up. Together they make the glorious racket that is Guy-McCoy-Tormé (GMT) in full flight. To me it just doesn’t get any better. Not to everyone’s taste I admit and Bernie’s vocals are adequate rather than outstanding (which makes me feel better about mine, neither of us being Paul Rogers), but it’s all about attitude and the sheer determination of a band doing what they want to. I have been watching Bernie since I first met him at the Marquee back in ’82 when I was in Sinner. Since then he has played to audiences numbering tens of thousands at Madison Square garden and other similar venues down to audiences of barely more than ten people at places like the Half time Orange in Leicester or the Witchwood in Ashton Under Lyne. The thing is though he always gives it 100% (Note – it is 100% - you can’t give any more – not 101% or 110%, it’s simply not possible) because he loves playing live. This ethos exists throughout the whole band. So what you get is an album which lists 11 tracks on the rather scant sleeve notes. I do think they are pushing that description a bit though, the first one is purely the intro tape and the second one is basically the band making their presence felt with a guitar/bass/drum frenzy which lasts about 25 seconds, not an actual track by any stretch of the imagination. So by the time the first song does actually kick off you are already on track three. So, out of the nine real songs there are seven GMT tracks which are a good representative selection of the band’s two studio albums plus two covers; Jimi Hendrix’s “Fire” which Bernie has been playing for quite a while as an encore and the other is a nod to Bernie and John’s time in Gillan with “No Easy Way”, which has always been a great track and a long standing entry on Bernie’s set lists. I suspect that the inclusion of these two is to try and attract some interest from rock fans that are not particularly familiar with GMT but there is nothing wrong with that. Like anyone else I probably have my own favourite tracks that I would have like to have seen included, they played enough at the gigs to make this a double CD I am sure, but that is just nit picking and you will never please everyone. At the end of the day it is what it is - GMT - RAW LIVE and it is great. If you want the definition of a rock band then it is GMT. I very much doubt you will be hearing it on Planet rock but I will be happy to be proved wrong. Recommended and Current Listening – GMT – RAW LIVE. Craig McDonald - 10/06/11

07/06/11- new Rory Gallagher Album - London - Gigs

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:59:18 GMT

Welcome,

We just had the one gig last Week – The Pensby Hotel. As I indicated previously it’s not really known as a rock venue and that very much proved to be the case but thanks to those who popped along anyway and showed support.

This week however it’s back to business as usual with two gigs in the Midlands both in “proper” rock venues

Friday 10th June
The Greyhound
Beeston
Nottingham

Saturday 11th June
Vicky Bikers Pub
Coalville
Leicestershire

See you there?

Ok that’s the summary – here’s the week in detail
====

Last Wednesday saw me trying to sort out my equipment problems which involved purchasing another Marshall Power brake as I was pretty sure that was the cause of the recent sound loss mid gig. As I wasn’t sure it would arrive in time for Saturday’s gig I spent some time in Fallen Industries rehearsal rooms trying out various alternative workarounds to see if I could conjure up anything similar to “my sound”. Needless to say nothing compared despite the various combinations of distortion pedals, boosters, different speaker cabinets, master volume amps etc. although I did come up with something usable. It was also a good opportunity to check leads and other bits and bobs that get abused on the road so it was time well spent.

I also contacted Marshall to see if I could have my original power brake serviced or repaired which they are doing. What is rather worrying however is that they have discontinued manufacturing the unit?

The rest of the week passed fairly uneventfully other than despatching posters to the various July gig venues.

The weather improved by Friday so that was good, I do like the sun as I am sure most of you know. Any excuse to be out in it is ok by me. So Friday night popped out to early evening to sit outside a bar which was good as I bumped into a few friends who had the same idea.

Saturday was a very pleasant day leading up to the gig at the Pensby Hotel gig. I won’t go in to it in detail but it was one of “those” gigs through no fault of our own. Basically we were the wrong band in the wrong place at the wrong time. We played well enough and it went ok with the majority of the crowd although it would be fair to say from our point of view we won’t be marking it down as one of our most enjoyable gigs.
Still every cloud has a silver lining and on the plus side my replacement power brake held up and the guitar sound was restored to normal.

Sunday - Started off watching some of the Isle of man TT racing on the TV – those guys are nuts! It was very entertaining though, far more interesting than Formula 1.
This was followed by a Coffee in Slinky (which I think may have changed ownership and not for the better if the service on Sunday is going to become the norm?) followed by walking the dog and then a couple of easy watch DVDs.

Well that was last week, this weekend we have a couple of proper rock gigs in the Midlands which we are looking forward to. We need these to wash away the bad taste of last Saturday. Friday has our debut gig in the Greyhound – Beeston-Nottingham. We are told this is a great rock pub and from what I can ascertain on the internet it does seem to be the case. Hopefully it will go well, a good night in prospect.
Saturday we trek back in the same sort of direction to play the Vicky Bikers pub in Coalville. Third time there for us but the first time in our own right. It’s a good venue, great people and once again it should be another good night.

So – until next week keep rockin’

Here are the regulars,

Rants

The feedback I have had from most of you seems to indicate that the rants are the most popular part of the update. I don’t specifically go out of my way to rant it just seems to happen. Is it my age or is there just more stupidity about these days? Probably a bit of both I suspect. I am normally a fairly happy go lucky guy not a grump (well that is how I see myself anyway ha-ha).

You probably know that I am not a big fan of twitter and face book and whilst I can see that they have their uses, certainly as far as being tools to publicise the band that is the limit of my interest.
It seems to me however that for some people there is a constant need to exchange views on everything all the time. I read that last week whilst Simon Cowell was on TV twitter was awash with “tweets” about the state of his eye and whether he had used Botox? Apparently this happens all the time; people sit watching TV and pass comments via twitter or facebook, probably whilst completely avoiding speaking to anyone who is physically in the same room.
Quoting John Peel (2nd time in two weeks), he famously described Emerson, Lake and Palmers debut gig at the Isle of Wight festival as “a tragic waste of time, talent and electricity”. Well I would apply the same quote to twitter and facebook!

I was very impressed by Paul Scholes actually this week. Whilst I am not a football fan I have actually heard of him but all credit to him for having spent over 16 years as a professional footballer and proving that you can have your privacy if you want to. I don’t really have a lot of sympathy for the players who complain about being hassled by paparazzi when they quite blatantly go out of their way to get themselves noticed.

I was unfortunate enough to catch one of the Britain’s got talent (is that a good name for it?) shows last week, to be honest it is quite difficult to miss as it seems to have taken over ITV completely. Anyway, apart from the obvious faults with the show which I don’t need to mention what really wound me up was the contestants making that stupid shape with their hand that is meant to resemble a telephone! You know when they make a fist, stick their thumb and little finger out and then hold it by their face. How annoying and irritating is that?

It is almost as annoying as people who beep their car horns when leaving after a visit. Why?

You may not have noticed this but since the pubs now stay open later the majority of chip shops close earlier. When they knew the pubs closed at 11:00 then they expected a rush just afterwards and stayed open to accommodate it. Now of course pubs have variable closing times sometimes after 1:00 a.m. or later. There is no way the chippies are going to stay open until then and there is no guarantee of a closing time rush. Therefore many of them simply shut at 10:00p.m. and you can’t blame them. Another example of how government has destroyed not only the entire pub culture but also the many peripheral businesses supported by it.

Speaking of the government I see they are celebrating the fact that we now have an “essential” relationship with the USA rather than a “special” one. In other words Britain is now the official staging area for America when they want to carry out operations in this part of the world. I am not too sure what Britain gets out of this? Reminds me a bit of the small kid at school who has a big mate to back him up when he gets above himself.

London? Why do the media think that everyone in Britain is totally familiar with the place or that we can all get there at the drop of a hat? Going to Paris – Just jump on the Eurostar they say – Well yes but for much of the country just jumping on the Eurostar involves a multi-hour trip by car or train first! You wouldn’t do it; you would fly straight to Paris from your local airport, cheaper and quicker.

The voice of “mind the gap” was on TV last week – I bet half the country had no idea who he was or what “mind the Gap” means.
As far as I am aware there are 60 Million people or more in the UK and only about 10 million live in London. Most of them know nothing about Gherkins, Shards, Gaps, Canary Wharf, The Embankment etc.
I wish the media would take this into account. There is more to the UK than London and much of it is a lot nicer.

Music

Well being a Rory Gallagher fan I took the plunge and purchased the new “Notes from San Francisco “package. It consists of a remixed version of a studio album recorded in 1978/9 which was never released, a Live concert CD and an extra CD of some rehearsal sessions for the live concert.
Being honest my main driver for wanting the package was for the Live Concert CD. This was from a late 70s concert which for me was the best period of Rory’s career and it has on the track list such gems as Tattooed lady, Shinkicker, Follow me and Shadow play. A Similar set list to the one of my favourite live albums, Rory’s stage struck but a more complete concert.
I was not to be disappointed. The band had recently dispensed with the services of keyboard player Lou Martin and was playing as a three piece which to me is infinitely preferable. The piano never really added much to the sound as far as I was concerned and is not missed at all. The tracks are great and Rory’s guitar playing is as always superb and he really seems to be out to prove something at this gig.
The package is worth having for this CD alone.

The “shelved” studio CD I was not too concerned about. It’s ok but I assume Rory Shelved this for a reason and having listened to it once I probably won’t listen to it again even though there is nothing actually wrong with it. I just prefer to hear the man play live.
Some of the songs I have heard before as they have appeared as bonus tracks on other reissued albums or in fact as songs on other albums in their own right. So Brute force and Ignorance, Overnight bag, Mississippi Sheiks and a couple of others most Rory Gallagher fans will be familiar with albeit not these particular versions.

The third part of the collection is some tour rehearsal sessions which were recorded in a studio. As anyone who has played in a band will know, recording such sessions on a cassette recorder does not give a very good representation of the sound and to me it sounds exactly like this is what has happened here. The band play well enough but the balance is all over the place and the sound is dull and distant. It’s interesting to listen to briefly but unlikely to be on heavy rotation.

Summing up – Only buy this if you want to hear Rory playing some of his best tunes live. However if you do like to hear him live this is one of the best CDs I have heard and indispensable.
If you prefer Rory’s studio work then I would say all the other studio albums ones I have heard are better and you won’t get excited over this.

Recommended and Current Listening – Rory Gallagher – Notes from San Francisco (Bonus Live CD).

Until next week

Keep Rockin’

Craig

31/05/11 - Welsh Bike show, Powerbrake, Banks!

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:52:51 GMT

Hello all,

Well last week was slightly disappointing in that Saturday’s gig at the Glynne arms was cancelled but the other two gigs were great and more than made up for it.
Only the one gig this week although it kicks off a reasonably busy June! It’s relatively local as well for a change.

Saturday June 4th

The Pensby Hotel
Ridgewood Drive
Thingwall
Wirral

That’s it for the summary;

The Week in detail follows below as always

The early part of the week was fairly quiet really only marred slightly by the news that Saturday’s gig at the Glynne arms was cancelled. This was nothing to do with us; apparently the pub has no live music licence and can’t have live music until CCTV is installed. (?)
Anyway our agent reckons we will get on there when it is all sorted out so all is not lost.

Some good news came with the announcement of a new GMT (Guy-McCoy-Tormé) live album. Recorded on their last tour (I was at the Harrogate gig) from the couple of tracks I have heard it sounds great. Totally raw and live, just the way I like it. There are definite similarities with the Clan!
The track listing is not totally what I would have chosen given the set they played but hey it’s their album and they can choose what they want. So – roll on June 6th! Hopefully they will follow up with a tour. The thing I love about GMT apart from the fact that they make great music is that they just do what they want to do and don’t pander to fashion. You can tell they make this music primarily because they enjoy doing it, again like we do with the Clan.

So Friday came and we trooped off in the van to Builth Wells for the Welsh International Bike show.
A bit of a trek (it’s not that far actually but slow roads) to play a 30 minute set but that is the nature of the job and it was totally worth it. The weather was kind and upon arrival it was nice to find a well organised event in a great location. A slight problem when my guitar amp cut out mid number but Jim and Steve kept things going until I managed to restore some sound after a quick diagnosis. Having said that it was somewhat different to normal which was slightly off putting however we didn’t let it affect the rest of the performance leaving smiles around when we eventually left the stage. So despite the problems a good gig.

Due to the cancellation at the Glynne arms Saturday was a night off so a chance for a day out. Nothing of interest to report - A trip to the Trafford centre which being a shopping mall is not really worthy of further mention and a night in with a couple of mediocre DVDs.

Sunday was a lazy slow starting day which included a slightly more interesting than usual Monaco Grand Prix but not a lot else happened until the evening. Once again we headed into Wales, maybe I should start learning Welsh, for the evening gig at the Wheatsheaf in Gwersyllt (Wrexham). Despite our initial misgivings it turned out to be a bit of a party gig as a couple of the regulars are getting married this coming Saturday. We were requested to let the groom sing a number which we did (proving that not everyone in Wales can sing) but it was all appreciated and made for a rather good night.

This week my priority has to be to sort out my equipment. I used my old JTM30 amplifier at the Sunday gig and whilst it was acceptable (After all I used it for years) it just wasn’t the same as my current setup so I need to check things out ready for Saturday. A couple of hours in a rehearsal room required to try out the options.

It’s been quite a while since we played locally so this week sees us rectifying that with a gig in the Pensby Hotel. Not generally known as a rock venue, but let’s see if we can change that for the night, get a few people in and raise the roof. It has a decent stage so let’s put it to good use.

So – until next week keep rockin’

Here are the regulars,

Rants

Banks – yes they have annoyed me again. I have a standing order that pays out on May 20th. I also had more than sufficient money to cover it clearing into the bank on May 20th. No problem? Well not so, apparently you have to have the money available on 19th! So not only did the payment fail meaning that I had to sort that out but the bank tried to charge me £10 for the privilege as well. 30 frustrating minutes on the phone finally got them to waive the charges but only on the agreement that I now understood that the money needs to be there the day before as Standing orders are paid at 1:00.a.m. Now I am not a stupid guy and I could have had the required money in the account the day before but I knew that money was being paid in to cover it.
I would expect money paid in on 20th to be used for money paid out on 20th! Obviously I am being unreasonable.
No wonder they make huge profits. Trying to charge £10 for a computer to not send some money and then write an automated letter seems a bit of an overcharge to me.

Weather forecasts – they just aren’t accurate. Why do we bother?

Car parks Why are there never enough spaces and why do some people get in their cars to leave and take 10 minutes to start the engine, put on seatbelts etc. What are they doing? It is very frustrating if you are waiting for them to move.

It is about time Wales had some motorways or at least dual carriageways. It’s fine around the edges, well perhaps not on the West coast, but venture inside and it’s hopeless. Maybe that is what adds to its charm?

Inside the cover of Deep Purple’s “who do we think we are” album circa 1973 amongst many other articles is a quote from John Peel about the fact that if he stuck to playing the same songs all the time on his radio show it would get a bit boring. I have never been a big John Peel fan but I have to say I think he had a point. It seems to be increasingly more difficult to hear new rock music these days and that includes new music from established bands let alone lesser known bands. As far as I can tell it applies across the right spectrum:- Radio, TV and live shows. Even Planet rock seem to restrict which songs are played by specific artists although they are probably better than most.

Music

Well I must have been in need of some good solid no frills rock this week, probably brought about by the imminent GMT album. So other than listening to the Clan live at the swinging arm EP the next best thing was another rock trio- Motorhead.
Like both GMT and The Clan, Motorhead play the music they like. It’s not particular clever or intricate (although a lot of bass players would have trouble playing like Lemmy) but it has a take it or leave it because we don’t care attitude. Its three guys playing what they want to loudly.
I have said before that Lemmy is no fool and when you listen to him interviewed he comes across as a very intelligent and thoughtful guy, if you actually take the time to listen to or look at his lyrics you might be surprised.

So my listening this week is not a best of but a fairly recent live album recorded in Hamburg called “Everything louder than everything else”. If you like your rock to be stripped down, loud and in your face then give it a listen.

Current Listening – Motorhead - Everything louder than everything else.

Until next week

Keep Rockin’

Craig

Get on Your Bikes and ride

Tue, 24 May 2011 05:43:36 GMT

G’day
www.clan-rock.com .

Thanks to all who came along to Stamps Too last Saturday – a rockin’ night.
This week’s Gigs

Friday May 27th

The Welsh International Bike Show
Builth Wells
Onstage 7:45 – 8:15

Saturday May 28th

The Glynne Arms
Broughton
Chester

Sunday May 29th

The Wheatsheaf
Gwersyllt
Wrexham

That’s it for the summary;

The Week in detail follows below as always

Well not a lot happened really last week. I spoke to Jacky at the Olde Red Lion and the next First Tuesday night there (June 7th) has been cancelled by mutual agreement. I have no doubt that attendance will pick up as it gets warmer and summer comes along but it wasn’t really working for us. Sometimes knowing when to stop is a good thing. There is such a thing as over exposure and it can prove to be a negative effect.

As I mentioned last week I needed to make a few changes to one of my guitars in order to turn it into a signature “Craig McDonald Stratocaster”. So I completed this on Wednesday.

Thursday I went to a go kart night organised by some friends. I was actually better than I expected, I have only done it once before about 5 years ago and I wasn’t very good. This time I was 12th out of 26 and made the semi finals so I was really quite pleased. Overall though it was just a good fun night and everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable time. I was aching a bit on Friday though ha-ha.

Friday - A chance for a night out – so early evening attendance in The Red door West Kirby. No I didn’t pay £8 for pints of Sam Adams, stuck to the lager at a mere £3.50.

Saturday was a casual day culminating in the Stamps Too gig in Waterloo which is as close to Liverpool as we have been for a while. First time there and it had a good reputation as a music venue so we were looking forward to it. We were somewhat surprised when we arrived that the place was smaller than expected and the “stage” area was just about able to accommodate Jim’s drums. The set up meant that we were facing across a narrow rectangle which was the main thoroughfare and the majority of the audience were assembled around the bar 90 degrees to our left?
Still, despite not having enough room to swing a strat we coped and it all went very well. An encore was demanded and I heard nothing but good things. Hopefully back there soon. A good gig.

Sunday – Leisurely breakfast, watch the end of the grand Prix, bit of a sleep and then back to the Red door for a couple of drinks to round off the weekend. It can’t be bad.

This week we are looking forward to a busy bank holiday weekend all kicking off with an appearance at the Welsh International Bike show in Builth Wells on Friday. We only have a 30 minute set but we are scheduled to play just before “Headliners” Hi-on Maiden as far as I know, probably not a bad slot to have. Forecast is for light rain- Great.

Saturday and Sunday are pub gigs in North Wales so all in all a very Welsh weekend for us. Maybe I need to dig out the fire breathing dragon stage prop?

So – until next week have a great bank holiday weekend and keep rockin’

Here are the regulars,

Rants

Is it just me or does it seem that every day on the news there has been more silly name calling and sniping between MPs? They seem to spend more time trying to get one over on each other than actually doing anything. It is all very tedious, childish and pointless. I wish they would put their efforts into trying to achieve something useful instead.

Have you noticed that when a car is written off by the insurance company the amount they pay out is actually nowhere near enough to buy an equivalent vehicle? So how does that work? Surely they should pay the market value of a car i.e. the amount it costs to replace it from the open market. So not only do you lose out there but more than likely your premiums will increase after claiming.
Good eh?

Another thing I have spotted is the amount of people who have camper vans parked on their drives but never seem to use them? Seems a waste to me, maybe they just use them as extra rooms when they have visitors or something? Certainly most of them never seem to go anywhere.
I know that these days many places will not allow Caravans to be kept on drives so maybe this is how you get around it.

I am getting very fed up of all this super injunction privacy stuff on the news. Is it really news if some footballer/celebrity/politician has been seeing someone else? I don’t think so. Surely the only people it has anything to do with are the people involved and their families. It is not important news that affects the rest of us. There are far more important things to report I am sure although they are trying to dress it up to be a serious issue about the legal system.

It is hard for me to get excited over the Olympics as I am not really interested in sport anyway. Unfortunately every time they announce something now such as the route for the torch etc. all I can think about is the excellent spoof TV show 2012.Far more entertaining than the actual Olympics. I do appreciate however that many many people do enjoy the event and I am sure that when it happens I will be keeping an eye on proceedings as much as anyone else especially if “team GB” start doing well.

Music

Well a very mellow start to the week which had me revisiting Tasmin Archer’s debut album Great Expectations. I thought this was released circa 2000 but it was actually 1992! It is still a great album though and contains a number of hit singles including the very successful Sleeping satellite. She is still making music but is much lower profile these days.

From mellow to metal as I then had Judas Priest on Shuffle play for the rest of the week. It was quite a good idea really as alongside the usual familiar Priest standards the shuffle play threw up a few album tracks which I rarely listen to. I am not totally familiar with the Ram it down, Turbo and Painkiller albums for instance so it was good to hear that there are some pretty good songs on them. Like most bands there are a few throwaway tracks (The Priest version of Johnny B Goode is dire,) but not that many to be honest.

To be fair I did avoid the Non Rob Halford albums Demolition and Jugulator completely and let’s face it what on earth were they thinking with their last studio effort the completely ridiculous double concept album Nostradamus.
With the departure of guitarist KK Downing however the Priest will never be the same again so do yourself a favour, give them a spin. Classics like Sad wings of Destiny, Unleashed in the East, Screaming for Vengeance, British Steel and Killing machine.

One of the greatest rock bands of the last 40 years and one that is totally unashamed to be called Heavy Metal!

Current Listening – Judas Priest – Various.

Until next week

Keep Rockin’

Craig

Weekly Blog - 16/05/11

Tue, 17 May 2011 17:45:33 GMT

Hello folks, I trust I find you all well.
Remember –the web Site Link will take you to the latest Clan news - www.clan-rock.com .

As ever, I just want to say a big thank you to all who came to last week’s gigs, it is always good to say hello to you afterwards as well.
This week’s gig:-

Saturday May 21st

Stamps Too
South Road
Waterloo
Liverpool.

That’s it for the summary;

The Week in detail follows below as always

Last Tuesday saw us playing a short notice gig with a band from Brighton called Ragweed who are in the middle of a short UK tour. It was the first time for us at the Old Dog Inn (Preston) and we had a great night. Ragweed were three decent guys playing a what I would describe as a cross between Punk and Grunge I suppose? We kicked the evening off with an hour long set then they followed with their set (30 minutes?). It was a good pub and we are back there in our own right July 22nd. We will use our own gear then as well so the full show.

Friday you might have caught us at the Sun Inn – Llangollen. Again it was another first for us. A totally top night. The pub is really geared up for bands having a house PA and lighting rig. There is a stage door and excellent black sound proofing curtains.
I had to turn my amp way down so that Paul (the landlord) could mix the out front sound so that was bit weird, I felt like I was playing at bedroom levels- not something I want to make into a habit but it all helped for a good sound out front . A great show, great crowd, two encores and just a great gig.
Looking forward to getting back there as Lisa and Paul really know what they want in there but it could be 12 months!

There was no more music on the agenda for the rest of the weekend so an opportunity to do something else for a change.
Saturday was spent eating, drinking and sleeping. I watched the film “The Rocker” which was not too bad.

The bits and bobs I bought from eBay arrived so I spent a bit of time fiddling with them ha-ha.

The annual horror of Eurovision was on last Saturday of course. Why the UK persists in bothering with this I really don’t know. Why people bother to watch I don’t know. I suppose it gives us a chance to moan and criticise and generally people seem to like doing that. No harm is done I guess and its only entertainment. I do get the impression that some other countries take it quite seriously however. No I didn’t watch it.

Sunday was another casual day spent doing very little; rain doesn’t really help does it? Read the papers, did some forms for the Welsh Bike show gig (stage layout, mic requirements etc) and started to prepare one of my guitars for more customisation.
I like to have Sperzel Locking Tuners fitted to my stage guitars so I need to fit a set to my natural wood Strat. Some minor drilling is required to do the job and a string change afterwards. It should be complete ready for Saturday’s gig.

Speaking of which this week we play in Liverpool! Well Waterloo anyway, a venue called Stamps Too which is a well known music pub. We are looking forward to that one this Saturday. We rarely play in Liverpool as personally I think the musical culture is more “indie” than rock so good to be asked to play at Stamps. Please Note there are two different bars, Stamps and Stamps Too. We are at Stamps Too.

Before then I am trying out my driving skills and nerve at a go-kart evening on Thursday with a few friends. I have only done this once before and I had a good time although I wasn’t exactly Sebastian Vettel. I don’t mind as long as I enjoy myself. It’s something a bit different.

So – until next week here are the regulars, take care

Rants

Food descriptions – I have mentioned this before but it cropped up again this week – For example:- Is it really so difficult to say a sandwich is Sausage, egg and tomato ketchup instead of describing it as sausage and egg hence letting the unwitting purchaser suffer the unexpected and unpleasant taste of some overpowering ingredient they didn’t want.
Either provide the ketchup in a separate sachet or put it in the description!!! It’s quite simple.

I have to laugh at celebrities complaining that people on Twitter saying things about them. The Celebs would probably complain if they weren’t being talked about. Surely they can simply ignore the whole thing rather than responding and making the issue last longer. I am pretty sure that most people on Twitter and the like are really not that bothered, will get bored very quickly and move onto some other trivial topic.

The police are going to get powers to carry out on the spot fines and driving licence points for traffic offences. Not sure I am happy about this although the details are not clear yet of course. I assume and certainly hope that there will be some form of appeal process in place.

Did you see where a schoolboy wore a skirt to school in protest as the school wouldn’t let him wear shorts? Made his point I suppose but to be quite honest in my day I would have just been told tough, long trousers are the uniform, get on with it. Most lads couldn’t wait to get out of shorts into long trousers. I just think his parents are idiots, we can see who is on control in that house can’t we?

It would seem that if the Eurovision Song contest is anything to go by then Europe is getting larger by the year. Bizarre.

Music

A blast from my past this week. Recent conversations have made me hanker after listening to Budgie’s 1974 album “In for the kill”. Possibly their most successful album which I still have on vinyl! Having said that rather than mess about with turntables and feeding it into the computer for transfer to the Ipod I acquired a CD version. Interestingly it didn’t seem to be available for download from ITunes or any of the other sites. It has turned out to be a very enjoyable listen and actually better than I remember.

Current Listening – Budgie – In for the Kill

Until next week

Keep Rockin’

Craig

Gary Moore dies at 58.

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:35:00 GMT

Well we had a great weekend with gigs at The Olde Red Lion and the Station however my elation was tempered when I heard the unbelievable and sad news today that Guitarist Gary Moore has died at the age of 58?
A great loss.

RIP Gary.

A Jolly Time, Tar.

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 03:18:06 GMT

Well we went to the Jolly Tar on Sunday and played four numbers. Quite busy for a Sunday night and we were well appreciated by the crowd.
We had a good time and hopefully we will get a weekend gig out of it. Not much more we could have done to be honest.
Watch this space I guess.

Tomorrow night is in the studio to record a few cover versions for a demo CD. Not sure there is any benefit but pubs do ask for them sometimes. we will probably put some of the tracks on here for free download.

The new Clan site should go live this weekend with a bit of luck.

So - all good fun.

Rock On

Weekend world

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 21:43:20 GMT

Well last weekend was busy and fun, three gigs, all different but all great.
Nothing this week unless me and the boys go to The Jolly Tar Jam night on Sunday night.
Only way to get another gig there is to show 'em what we can do I reckon.
Talking is getting us nowhere.

Possibly checking out another Marshall amp this weekend, the DSL 2000. I used to have one but can't really remember if it was versatile enough for my requirements. Need to check one out so might be in P.M.T. Salford as they actually have one in stock.
Depends what else crops ups.

Made a bit of an error yeterday, got some posters printed for Feb 11th gig at Brookers Rock bar - Chester and put the date as January! Doh.
Oh well - start again.
Advert on Faceboook for First Tuesday gigs at The Olde Red Lion - informal rehearsal type gigs, good fun.

Couple of return gigs secured at Witton Chimes Northwich - great venue.
Check Live dates

So - hope you all have a good weekend, keep rockin'

Craig

This weekend is rocking!

Sun, 16 Jan 2011 21:49:00 GMT

Hi all,

just a quick update

Friday in Burnley went ok, we played well although not sure the venue was particularly suited to Classic rock. The listings on the wall were mainly for solo and duos. Still, we had good comments afterwards and it was a friendly enough place. would quite happily return.

Last night was one of our regular venues - The Station In Ellesmere Port. never the same twice, last night was a cracker. we all enjoyed ourselves and the audience did as well. One guy from Sweden was very happy and someone else told me that I looked like Peter Frampton? A new one to me that, I have bene told I look like a number of people but that was a first. Peter Frampton, Blonde with a well chiselled jaw line? Hmm, not sure I fit that desciption.

Tonight, Alexander's in Chester with my Mate Neil who is doing his McCartney tribute. A good way to end a rocking weekend!
I'll let you know how it goes.

See ya

More Sabbath

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 15:35:00 GMT

Hey good news, found out todyay we are supporting our good friends Sack Sabbath again in April. Look forward to that..

The Clan rock!

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 01:37:14 GMT

Well what can I say? Stanley's cask Rocked! A fantastic night and everyone had a great time.
More gigs like this please!

A great start to 2011. Hopefully "the year" for The Clan.

Spead the word !

2011 Rocks!

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 23:07:04 GMT

A good start to the New Year last night in the Station. A rock version of Auld Lang Syne went well? haha
Tonight it is the first gig of the year at Stanley's one of our favourite venues.

Rock on.

A welcome break

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 17:00:16 GMT

Great gig last night at the Witton Chimes. A larger crowd than at The Hark Towler which is always good.
Anyway- A break for Christmas now- Back for New years Eve!

Leaving the train

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:01:19 GMT

Well it is after some long and hard thinking that I have decided to leave Iron Horse. It really comes back to the old favourite - Musical Differences. As you know we recruited a new singer and there was talk of the band becoming more mainstream in order to widen the scop for gigs. I thought I could go along with this but actually it's not what I want to do. My committment to The Horse was also being questioned and in reality it woudl have come second to The Clan.
I play music for myself primarily and therefore the prospect of playing quite a few songs I really don't like just to get the gigs is not me.
I have to be true to myself, there is no point in me trying to be something I am not..

So I will concentrate on "The Clan" as we can play 100% original sets, 100% covers sets or anything inbetween. The remaining Iron Horse gigs will be honoured (probably by The Clan) so here is to a rockin' 2011.

I would like to thanks the guys (Dave, Rod and Steve ) for the last three years, we had a good time most of the time and apologies to Pete for getting him on board only for me to jump off. Better sooner than later I think. Steve I am still playing with in the Clan of course.

Tonight we play in Bury, not expecting a big crowd as it's a Thursday and snow is expected, we will give it everything anyway of course.
Looking forward to hearing Steve's new bass rig.

Rock on,

Craig

Cocked and loaded

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 19:29:10 GMT

Great Gig at Revolver last night. The Bon Jovi experience guys were good blokes and let us use someof their gear which made things a lot easier.
We rocked an everyone had a good time. More like this please!

Now looking forward to Thursday's gig in Bury.
Been a pretty good year really.

2011 will be even better I think!

Dry Dock

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 22:58:24 GMT

Played a good gig with the Clan at The Dock last Saturday but it was a small crowd. (Dis)organisational problems in the venue left a bitter taste though so not in too much of a hurry to return. Still, never say never.

Next gigs are Friday with the new Iron Horse line up and then Saturday when the Clan supprot the Faux Fighters. Looking forward to that one.

Check listings for details.

Craig

Towel was thrown in

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 03:50:03 GMT

Bit fed up at moment. All geared up to head off to Bury-Hark Towler gig and it was cancelled at last minute by the venue. Something about a double booking. We have been promised a new date but it still brings you down when you are ready to rock!
It happens so I'll get over it and be fine at the Eastham Tap tomorrow! We move on.
Keep the faith.

Sabbath Rule

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 20:36:31 GMT

Played a great gig at Yardbirds last Friday. Supported Sack Sabbath, great guys and Yardbirds is a really friendly place.
We rocked everyone and warmed them up then Sabbath did their thing which was excellent.
A really good night was had by all.

Looking forward to a busy week this week.!

Promotion

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 15:04:05 GMT

Well "The Clan" played as Headliners last night at The Railway - Bolton. Great venue, great people. We played a blinder even though it wasn't a huge audience and we couldn't have done any more under the circumstances. Crackin' Gig! Next up - Biker Night at the Olde Red Lion - Little Sutton -Tuesday 2nd Nov.

All change

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 22:58:15 GMT

Ok,

Iron Horse news - Vocalist Dave Harrison has left the band and we are looking for a replacement. See the new Iron Horse Page on this site.

Clan news - Looking forward to the gig at the Railway Venue -Bromley Cross - Bolton - this Friday.
Rehearsals tonight!
Still not checked out my burnt out JTM30 amp from Saturday.
Just not enough time
got to go