Obsession - You Know You Want To.......: Blog

Middlesbrough Buffs - Sunday 13th April 2008

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 07:37:18 GMT

Tired, Tired Tired!!! 3 gigs in a row, this last one being the Devils Hump From Hell........ can't quite believe I couldn't remember it..... but I certainly did as I rounded the corner to gaze upon it's monstrousness......

Previous 2 nights both really excellent, the Saturday at Pennywell Coms in particular was one of the best I can remember - check out the toonage in the "Live" section - the second half toons are mainly from there - Angels in particular stands out.

Back to MBro Buffs though - huge room, nice crowd, everything seemed set up to perfection from the night before, only to be scuppered once again by our Bass Players need to piss about with his tone. Fine in the 'check, nice and level, signal perect, how on earth then does it go tits up within 4 songs - what ever he does with those tone controls on his bass it sends something completely different to the desk which then clips the foldback, which means it sounds great outfront, but shit on stage. Even worse second half. I'm bloody fed up og it!!!

Next gig I'm putting a compressor on his channel so he can't whack so much Bass End on his sound that it clips everything......... a fiendish and cunning plan.

Still got loads of people coming up saying how superb we were, which is thanks to a great PA still delivering despite DD's best efforts to kill it....!

Here's some pics -

Barley Mow Workingmens Club Sunday 23rd March

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:15:00 GMT

An absolutely classic night - they love their Rock, so the set went down well, and the crowd were excellent.

Okay it was an upstairs hump, and sure there was dogshit in the yard where we had to carry through, and alright I drove through a big pile of it n the way in which wrapped itself round the back wheel, and yes, Andy was gagging the whole time....... but the great reception and Karen the concert chairperson was a dream as always.

The Angels solo was performed with significant "Gusto"........just fir a change!!! lol. Rock On...

Most agreeable.

Western Social Club, Union St, Middlesborough - Sat 22nd March '08

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 04:17:43 GMT

Great gig - nice people and they like their ROCK!

Rebel Yell kicking arse these days, and Dakota sounding better - must go for those high notes.....!

3 Encores, and at last my guitar was sounding well tasty - totally nailed Can't Get Enough 2nite.

Soon we'll have Sactuary & Jump in, and we will be pounding the second half.

The Malleable Social Club, Norton Road, Stockton

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:31:17 GMT

Great trio Gig - finally got Donnie Darko's bass sound sorted out, foldback was much improved as a result and Rocking was suitably administered!!

Nice crowd as always, good size room, tight sound. VERY appreciative young ladies........one of whom i am informed bared her all at the end of the night - I missed it.... grrrrrrr -- Andy barely escaped alive at the end of the night, though by his own admission those responsible were a little errr..... "well-rounded".

MUST get the words to Dakota learnt properly for next gig, and no excuses for anyone not knowing their bits (DONNIE.....)

NEW songs to learn -

Sanctuary

Jump

Only Thing That Looks Good On Me – Brian Adams

Hard To Handle

Jonny Rockstar engaed to produce them!!

That Moment

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:51:05 GMT

I siezed it, that moment, I would not let it pass,

I took it, that moment, should it be the last,

That instant, that daliance, a blink of "beings" eye,

I won't watch it evade me, not me, no, not I.

Some moments already, I have lived to regret,

Some moments I cannot decide on; not yet,

Some moments though stubbornly, have helped me to grow,

Some moments have been wrong, in hindsight I know.

All moments in common, breath in and breath out,

Smell Roses, Strike Poses, scream, laugh and kick out,

Feel, love and taste them, you're here then you're gone,

This moment, just treat it, like it's you're only one.

The Candle

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:32:54 GMT

Reach out and touch this shadow of me,

Find me, Remind me, of what I knew I could be,

Reach in and stir me, my restless troubled soul,

This half life is fading, now half of the whole,

Drifting and shifting, through quicksands of time,

No purpose to aim for, no plans to define,

Defeaten, life beaten, what use now my friends,

My walls have no doorways, my turns all dead ends.

Time passes, your glasses, which once were half full,

Gold on the outside, but inside left dull,

Each day I grew older, each hour I have lost,

Each moment left wanting, now counting it's cost

The soul I am seeking, it wanders and cries,

It's candle of life dimming down in dark eyes,

My match to it's kindling, my spark be it's flame,

Together burn brightly, life living again.

Stanley Central

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 09:42:13 GMT

At the time of writing, th Trio has 8 gigs in for March, and thre are still three Saturdays to fill....... one has to wonder whether this is the way of the clubs now - we were at Stanley Central last night, and there is another once packed club who have had to go down to Trio's on a Saturday and 2 x Solo Artists on a Sunday. They have sold off their HUGE Concert Room, and from next wekk they will be working out of the rest of the building, with a nice new concert room and a fabulous dressing room (with a bog!!). Upstairs hump, but they have a lift almost installed.

Sad times - I remember going there to see Six of The Best in the min 90's, and you couldn't get a seat!!

Anyway, we are once again giving thought to whether we should simply stick to the Trio.....

Another new song installed last night - Gimme Some Lovin - Spencer Davis Group - went extremely well, fits nice, people danced!!!

Lost Keys.......

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:58:20 GMT

I have decided our lightsmans suggestion of "Skinnin' Bones" as the new name is pretty good, so we'll sit on that and see what it feels like.

Sad to hear today that our potential new Keys Player, Chris, has decided he would rather play more Motown, Soul and Pop, so won't be moving forward with us.

Good news though, another keyboard player has been in touch today, who has an impeccable pedigree, and hopefully he will be reading this soon!

Rehearsal still on for Monday night, but if the new keysman can't do it, we'll wait till later in the week, or the week after to get songs learnt. I'll find out from him 2morrow hopefully if Monday is do-able or not.

BBV.

Tracks for you to learn

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 10:12:48 GMT

Note on the right the folders containing tracks - just click, download and listen/learn - how easy do I make these things?

Southbank St Peters Social, Middlesbrough

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 07:28:09 GMT

Friday 15th- Desperados

Yet another sterling rock-out performance!!

Those that were there clearly enjoyed it, could have done with more punters in, CC thanked the crowd for their continued support, mentioning that they had "managed to get acts for most of the month ahead", and worryingly "were going to try different agents to get the acts prices down".... not good for the Acts!!!

Notable performance by Donnie Darko to chat up the 23 year old leggie blonde who did her best to wander round as much as possible....... and what on earth the two Footballers Wives were doing there with their "pimp" we will never know - I think they were lost....... stuck around for the first half then off on to better things??!!

Great to see Martin (drummer from Journey South) there - thanks for the help fellow, good craik had by all.

Big claps at the end, but the usual "sorry it wasn't more full for you" issues - why don't they advertise more then!!!!

More Rock Vicar?

Nowt booked in for 2nite, this is the quietest February I've known, on standby 2nite, lets hope we can pave the way to enlightenment for another crowd 2nite with our Rock.......

Technical stuff -

Find your way along the A66 to the SouthBank roundabout where the 66 crosses Normanby Road, turn right and the club is on the left about 0.5mile up, set back from the road.

Outside concrete fire escape to concert room, straight onto stage though so not too bad. No sink in dressing room!! Small wide room, seats abut 120, expect to get the 20 in....... enthusiastic Concert Chairman, hates bands doing Angels, as it's "his song". Nice bloke though.

Small long stage, not deep enough for a kit behind the singer, so an "offset" arrangement needs to ensue.

Tough to geta good sound, acoustics wierd, vocals bounce around, use a short strong reverb.

Rehearsals & Stuff to Learn

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 22:06:06 GMT

Having a slight bit of difficulty getting a club to rehearse in - Dinnington have cut back the number of bands they let rehearse there, following a couple of bands abusing the place and leaving it a mess.

So...... I am going to try to get Hazelrigg, but will need to visit it, which I will try to do Thursday evening from work.

Tracks to learn - best bet will be for us to rehearse with tracks we intend to keep, so we can "feel" the difference without the backing, and perhaps one more from the shortlists.

So, we will bang out -

Rebel Yell
I Predict A Riot
Summer of 69
Can't Get Enough of Your Love - Bad Company
Don't Stop Believing - in the key of C (i.e. first piano chord is C)
Dakota - Stereophonics
Hard To Handle - Black Crowes
Gimme Some Lovin - Spencer Davis Group/Blues brothers - in E (copy key)

I think that's do to give us all a feel for each other (ooh-err).

At the time of publishing, we have not decided which drummers draw the short straw to get in a room with us, as the standard of all concerned is very high, and it will depend how many nights I can secure as to whom we choose to have a blast with first - please bare with me!!

Keyboards wise, I am delighted to say we have already said a big yes to Chris (ex-legacy), who has exactly the same train of thought as me in terms of musical direction, and as I've seen him play, I know he'll be perfect for the job!!

Will keep you all informed!!

BBvox

New Musicians!

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 10:58:18 GMT

Following ads on www.partysounds.co.uk and www.riffsonline.co.uk we have had some good interest from drummers and keyboard players.

Options being weighed up and rehearsals hopefully next week with the potential new players.

Looking good!!

Bill

Big Changes

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 11:36:37 GMT

Decision made to go "All-Live", adding Drums & Keyboards. Applications welcome.

New set list not finalised, but some ideas for songs are -

Thin Lizzy - Rosalie/Cowgirl's Song (4:14)
2. Thin Lizzy - Don't Believe A Word (2:19)
3. The Black Crowes - black crowes, the - hard to handle (3:08)
4. Bon Jovi - Bon Jovi - Bon Jovi - Runaway (3:52)
5. Gary Moore - Empty Rooms (4:15)
6. Free - Wishing Well (3:37)
7. Phil Lynott & Gary Moore - Out In The Fields (4:20)
8. Stereophonics - Dakota (4:56)
9. Kaiser Chiefs - I predict a riot (3:54)
10. Rebel Yell - Billy Idol (4:49)
11. Van Halen(Rare) - Won't Get Fooled Again(Studio (4:36)
12. Aerosmith - Livin' On The Edge (6:07)
13. Van Halen - Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love (3:49)
14. Journey - Any Way You Want It (3:23)
15. Mr. Mister - Broken Wings (1985) (5:32)
16. Blue Öyster Cult - (Don't Fear) The Reaper (5:08)
17. Def Leppard - Photograph (4:08)
18. Various Artists - Shot In The Dark (4:25)
19. John Cougar Mellencamp - Jack and Diane (4:30)
20. Thin Lizzy - Jailbreak (4:44)
21. Van Halen - Why Can't This Be Love (3:47)
22. Ugly Kid Joe - Cat's in the Cradle (4:01)
23. Tom Petty - Tom Petty - Running Down A Dream (4:23)
24. Red Hot Chilli Peppers - Red Hot Chili Peppers - Under the Bridge (4:21)
25. Rainbow - Stone cold (5:20)
26. Manic Street Preachers - Motorcycle Emptyness (6:06)

The Cult - She Sells Sanctuary (4:16)
2. Van Halen - Jump (4:01)
3. The Blues Brothers - Gimme Some Lovin' (3:09)
4. Billy Idol - Mony Mony (5:02)
5. Georgia Satellites - Battleship Chains (2:58)
6. ZZ Top - Gimme All Your Lovin' (3:57)
7. ZZ Top - Sharp Dressed Man (4:14)
8. The Knack - My Sharona (4:00)
9. Rolling Stones - Paint it Black (3:45)
10. Thin Lizzy - The Boys Are Back in Town (4:25)
11. Brian Adams - Only thing looks good on me (3:36)
12. The Rolling Stones - Brown Sugar (3:49)
13. Various Artists - Drive (3:57)
14. Whitesnake - Fool For Your Loving (4:17)
15. Van Halen - Panama (3:31)
16. U2 - Pride (In The Name Of Love) (3:50)
17. Brian Adams - Only thing looks good on me (3:36)

1st Blog!!

Sun, 07 Jan 2007 12:01:51 GMT

Well, first blog - had a cracking NYE gig at Roseworth in Stockton, late night but most enjoyable.

Thought I should probably list the current set, and use this page as a place for us bandy members to put potential new toons on, as we are about to change the set round completely - feel free to add entries, and if you're not "one of us"(!) add your age to whatever songs you think we should play - bear in mind we're playing workingmens clubs here, and we are heading into a more rocky/indie phase....

Current Set -

1st Half

Let me Entertain You - Robbie

Clocks - Coldplay

Feel - Robbie

Wherever You May Go - The Calling

Mary's Prayer

I Predict A Riot - Kaiser Chiefs

Fields of Gold - Sting

Parklife - Blur

Take Your Mama - Scissor Sisters

2nd Half

Sit Down - James

Respect - Wheatus/Erasure

Feel It - Jacksons

Starlight - Superman Lovers

Simply The Best - Tina Turner

Addicted to Love - Robert Palmer

Disco Inferno - The Trammps

Smooth - Santana & Rob Thomas

Summer of 69 - Bryan Adams

Encores -

Can't Get Enough - Bad Company

Angels - Robbie Williams

Babe - Styx

Don't U Forget 'Bout Me - Simple Minds

Spares -

You're Gorgeous - Babybird

Rollercoaster - Ronan Keating

All I Have - Snow Patrol

Rock DJ - Robbie Williams

Alright - Supergrass

I'm A Believer - Monkees/Vic & Bob

Bitter Sweet Symphony - The Verve

POTENTIAL NEW TRACKS FOR 2007 - IN ALPHA ORDER - * INDICATES my personal must do's -

Alive & Kicking - Simple Minds

All the things she said - Simple Minds

Be My Friend - Free

Beds are Burning - Midnight Oil

Born To Be Wild

Breakthru - Queen *

Born To Run - Springsteen

Chance - Big Country - Participation Encore (perhaps not every club?)*

Come Undone - Robbie - Feel replacement *

Cool for Cats - Squeeze * - 1st Half

Dakota - Stereophonics * - 2nd Half

Desire - U2/BBKing

Do Anything You Wanna Do - Eddie and the Hotrods *

Don't Stop me Now - McFly version (Queen)

Easy - Red Hot Chilli's version **

Echo beach - Martha & the Muffins

Rocks Off - Primal Scream * 1st/2nd half or encore?

Going Underground - Jam*

Hard 2 Handle - Black Crows/Otis Reading *

Heat Of The Moment - ASIA

How YOu Remind Me - Nickleback

Jack & Diane - J C Mellancamp *

Kiss the Bride - Elton John

Don't Stop Believing - Journey *

Little Bit of Love - FREE

Look Away - Big Country * 1st/2nd half

Love it when you call - The Feeling*

Lovely Day - Bill Withers

My Sharona - The Knack

Never be Lonely - The Feeling

Only Thing That Looks Good On Me - Bryan Adams*

Pretending - Clapton

Rebel Yell - Billy Idol*

Regret - New Order

Rolalie - Lizzy*

Running Down The Dream - Tom Petty - 1st Half *

Satellite - Hooters

Sharp Dressed Man - ZZ Top*

She Sells Sanctuary - The Cult ************** must do it right now.......

Should I stay or Should I go - The Clash

Some Might Say - Oasis*

Songbird - Oasis

Stoned In Love - Chicane ft. Tom Jones *******

The Boys Are Back in Town - Lizzy *******

The Boys of Summer - Don Henley - Dance Version? *

You Really Got Me - The Kinks

Wishing Well - FREE *

With or Without You - U2 *

Without You - Harry Nilson - Encore?

Won't Back Down - Tom Petty