casapete

Let her use your PA, whilst you remain in control of it so no damage can be done. Point out you're doing this as a special favour and the booker(s) will think you're great. We always used to keep a cheapish mic and long lead for speeches and guest vocalists, although it always pees me off that often singers can't even bring their own. I think mics are a very personal item, and never ask to borrow one or lend mine out.

The Stones. Had liked them for years by then, with Sticky Fingers and Exile already leaving a big impression. I was 16 in 1974 when It's Only Rock n roll was released. Played along with it for hours. Still probably my favourite all time band.

Done, ditto ^^^

The Brewdog non (or maybe very low?) alcohol beer is called 'Nanny State', and it's ok. Am guessing most active basses are unable to run without their battery, as I found out years ago with a Precision Lyte that died just as we were finishing the first dance at a big wedding. Made me change batteries every string change, usually around 8 weeks. For the price you can get Duracells on ebay, it really isn't worth risking not doing it. I usually buy them in boxes of 10 for around £8 delivered, and unlike a lot of places the company I use guarantees them to be originals. ( Apparently Duracells are widely counterfeited? )

Pro here. Started playing in bands aged 15, through school and college. Then was semi pro for around 17 years, holding down a job with a local newspaper whilst working 3 or 4 nights a week playing in clubs, pubs and then a residency at a leading local nightclub where I played with quite a number of well known singers / comedians / bands. Just as my day job was starting to go a bit pants, I got offered a chance to join a function / wedding band, and played gigs all over the UK, & some in Europe and Morocco. Stayed with them for 16 years, until the recession started to hit and we began struggling for work. Fortunately I then got the chance to join my current band, The ELO Experience, who I've been touring UK theatres with now for 6 years. Also still fit in weekly pub gigs in an acoustic duo and a country rock band. Consider myself very fortunate to be still making a living with my bass, just hope I can hang in there now!

http://stagewearunlimited.com/ Over the years I've had a fair bit of stuff from here. Great if you want something making to order, and not overly expensive either.

My band are taking their usual time off in August, and as I'm not going on holiday this year just wondered if anyone needed a dep for theirs? I've loads of experience in function work, and also pub / club bands. Reliable, good gear and no major vices, with my own transport. Some reading ability, backing vocals and excellent busker! I'm in East Yorkshire but travelling no problem assuming it's viable etc. Cheers, Pete.

PM sent.

[attachment=223194:Lee,Donavan and me!.jpg] I was playing in Richmond,London last Wednesday with my band The ELO Experience. At the end of the night, I came back onto the stage, and there was Lee with Donavan Hepburn at the front! Went down to meet them, just gobsmacked they'd come to see an ELO tribute. They also brought backing vocalist Ian Hornal and musical director/guitarist Mike Stevens along with them. Chatted for ages with Lee, who was just the nicest bloke you could possibly meet. Showed him my bass (Fender P-Lyte) which he had a quick go on too. They were all very complementary about our band, which was unexpected and very kind. Lee told me they'd been rehearsing with Take That not far from where we were, in readiness for their Hyde Park gig yesterday. Top player and feller, so thrilled to meet him.

No worries, keep me posted.

Hi Ped - did you get sorted with this? Drop me a PM, may have someone suitable for you. Cheers Pete.

I actually had the privilege of meeting Scotty at a guitar show in Dallas in the early 90's. He was on a stand with nobody talking to him, just couldn't believe a real life legend was being overlooked . Stood and chatted with him for a long while, and found him a great man who was so modest about his part in the birth of rock n roll. One of the absolute key players in popular music, sadly missed. RIP.

Sorry to disagree Michael, but I thought The Caffreys were overall best despite thinking Bombskare were great. FWIW I think you should have done 'Angel Gabriel' in the final, such a good song. Would have come to see you at Beverley had I known, how did it go?

Just caught this on BBC4 again. Paul Moore is great on electric and upright. Am ashamed to say I'd never heard of him till now, but was very impressed. http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b068fvks/van-morrison-up-on-cyprus-avenue

Only just watched episode 2, but like many others thought The Caffreys were just fantastic, as did Mrs CP. She even suggested we should get up there to see you guys play at some point. Really well done WOT, all the best.

Not uncommon for bands to be followed after gigs to wherever they are staying / parking. Like Lozz I always take my bass into the hotel with me, no matter what.

Did this occur when the band actually played live? If so am really surprised it didn't cut off. From my experience pre recorded/compressed music could be made to play/sound a lot louder than a live band. Am guessing it's the transient peaks that a band gives out that can trip sound meters. With my old band it was usually cymbals and snare drums that were the main culprits, although their red lighting the meter tended to be in sharp bursts. However, add a trumpet and screaming guitar and then off it went. One residency we had, we got round this by running the mains for the band not from the stage but from a conveniently placed cigarette machine. Did this for years, never got rumbled. Have to say though that the meter would set off so easily, making playing even at moderate levels impossible, with the band watching the meter all the time. Not fun.

Something I've often wondered myself. Even with little use you would imagine just ageing alone would take it's toll at some point? Having said that, I have a Marshall 18 watt guitar combo from the late 60's, and the 12" Celestion still sounds wonderful. Anyone else?

Agree with the above post - when I'm not busy working with my band then have more time to browse for stuff. We have various 'layoffs' during the year, but I do manage to keep my hand in with pub gigs/deps. Just back into regular gigging again now, and it's feeling great. Restrung / cleaned my bass and the first night was a blast - surprising how a break can reinvigorate you. Also was considering changing my rig, but after these last few dates am going to stick with it. So a possible (temporary?) GAS cure for me.

[quote name='grandad' timestamp='1465666193' post='3070107'] I tried a friend's Spirit I think. It felt very strange with no headstock and little body to speak of. My fingers didn't know where they were on the frets. The headstock must be a reference point for finger-memory. [/quote] I had the same problem with a Hohner B2A. Think it was down to the postioning of the upper strap button which caused the neck to sit a bit further away than I would have liked, resulting in a few one & sometimes 2 frets out moments! Seem to remember a bracket for the strap that Steinberger used on their models which eliminated this, so guess it must have been a common problem.

Thought I was nearly out of GAS, and then a 50's style hollow body comes along and I'm drooling. Must stay strong.......