casapete

My name is Pete, and I play bass in a tribute band - The ELO Experience. I've been doing it for around 10 years now, with the band being formed a few years before I joined. When the band first started I believe we were the only one on the go, now there's a few more appearing. So, here we go! Do you have to be a fan of the original artist, or maybe you become one? I think it definitely helps, although in my case I wasn't a full on ELO nerd - actually prefer Roy Wood's stuff to the later ELO albums. Have grown to like most of the ELO stuff now though, especially the crowd pleasers. How important is it to be visually/musically identical? How much latitude are you allowed? A difficult one this - when the band first started out, the visual thing wasn't so important, with all the effort being put into sounding authentic. However, mainly due to people coming to our gigs it was decided to make our singer look more like Jeff Lynne. At first I went for a bit of a 70's look with my stagewear, but this has gradually changed to more how Jeff Lynne's band have looked recently. (If any people here know how the late great bassist Kelly Groucutt looked in ELO then you'll understand my relief!) We do try to sound reasonably authentic, with some changes being deemed okay to fit in with our line up, Never had anyone call me out for anything yet, so think it's okay. Do you ‘get into character’ or is it just a gig? As I'm not playing anyone in particular then this isn't an issue. Never see it as 'just a gig' though, I always approach it with a positive outlook, thinking the paying audience deserve to see a band who look up for it. Does it feel musically limiting, or is it fulfilling your needs? (Maybe you have a side band?) I don't find it limiting - I'm no amazing player and some of the lines do stretch me a bit which is probably a good thing. I still do other things outside the band - I'm in an acoustic duo which is great fun, along with an occasional gigs in country/rock band 'The Fork Handles'. I also really enjoy doing occasional deps. As the tribute band gigs are mainly in theatre type environments, these other gigs are usually in smaller venues - pubs, clubs etc, which I've done for over 40 years now. Do you have any qualms about tributes ‘stifling original music’? None. As others have mentioned, it's only a type of cover band at the end of the day. Hope this doesn't sound overblown, but Jeff/ELO didn't play live for years, and I like to think we played a small part in keeping his music going with all his fans through that period. Have you ever met or been seen by a member of the ‘originals’? What did they say? Our singer and keyboard player were invited to Birmingham when Jeff Lynne was visiting to immortalize his handprints on Broad Street. They got to meet him briefly, and were suitably blown away. (Also met Jeff's mate Jasper Carrot too!) When ELO were rehearsing for their 'comeback' gigs we had some of the band come to see us at Richmond Theatre. They were rehearsing nearby so thought they'd come and check us out. Fortunately I didn't see them until after the show when they came down to talk to us. I met Lee Pomeroy, who was absolutely fantastic. He said some nice things and even had a go on my bass! All the band were lovely and happy to chat for ages, & we were absolutely thrilled to meet them. What is the overriding thing being in a tribute act has taught you? Never underestimate your audience. Also always remember how much love they have for the music you're playing and try to do it justice. We have some fans who follow us all over the place, and I never forget their commitment and support which allows us to keep going. Having done it once, would you do it again? If so, would the musical angle be very different? This is actually the 2nd tribute band I've been involved in, the first one being a Neil Diamond show. That got rid of some of my doubts over the whole tribute thing, so by the time I was asked to join my current band I kind of knew what to expect. I would consider another tribute band if the situation ever arose, and would most enjoy something like a Stones / Motown / Springsteen type of thing (although don't think I could do Jamerson's Motown bass lines justice TBH). However, I'm approaching 65 and hope that I can carry on with this band until I decide to slow down a bit gig wise - doing gigs all over the UK does push me at times, but still absolutely loving it!

On BBC4 now they are showing ‘James Brown : BBC Four Sessions’, recorded at LSO St. Lukes’s in London. Great band including two bass players. 😊

As well as being the finest UK female vocalist ever IMHO , Dusty was key in getting many Motown acts on British TV for the first time - although the Motown RSG Special was put out by ITV I believe.

Sending positive thoughts for your recovery.

A great story, nice one. I was never into Jamiroquai, but loved Stuart’s playing with Mark Ronson. Saw him play with Mark’s band around 15 years ago, and was very impressed. Good to know he’s a top bloke too.

I think their cover of ‘Venus’ was a Stock Aitken & Waterman production, so maybe look for more of their stuff from the same era? They seemed to have a recognisable trademark sound with most of the artists they produced - Kylie, Rick Astley etc, but I’m no expert Stew so could more to it than that.

Naturally I save that for Sundays only....

We’ve had a few gigs with only one cellist due to illness Dave, but hoping to be back with them both very soon. It’s always better with two of them, even though they get in my way sonically! They’re both great players and lovely people too, so a pleasure to have in the band.

Two theatre gigs over the weekend, at Wellingborough and then Cannock. Both well attended, and so far the economic situation doesn't seem to be affecting ticket sales although the high energy bills haven't really kicked in yet. We had a new PA guy with us for October and he's doing a great job - managed to help resolve a mysterious booming on one of the gigs - why do bands always assume it's the bass player though? Of course it wasn't, and it got sorted just fine. Managed to remember to bring the right bass this time too. 😅

Excellent, congratulations! ( Even though it wasn’t your amp I’d not put a bottle of water on it though....😉)

I did something I've never done before - grab the wrong case as I was leaving home! Fortunately it contained my bitsa Jazz bass so not a million miles away from my usual P-Lyte , and not much heavier thank god. Used it for two gigs this weekend, and our sound guy said the difference through the PA was barely noticeable.

Played a couple of gigs this week with the ELO Experience. First was on Thursday at The Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone, which we’ve done many times. Great venue with helpful staff and a great view from the outside balcony at the rear of the stage. France looked so close, and a great sunset over Dungeness too! We had a couple of problems with the IEM’s but an enthusiastic near capacity audience were on good form, plenty of dancing which is always good. Then after the long drive north from Kent we were at Skegness Embassy Theatre last night. One of our favourite venues, with a good stage and again nice staff. It’s always a fine sounding room, and was a really enjoyable gig. Funny moment during the first set though - it was blowing a gale outside, lashing down with rain. During the song ‘Showdown’, the lyrics include ‘and it’s raining, all over the world...’ at which point I got a massive drop of water on my head whilst I was singing. Apparently the roof vents do leak sometimes, directly above me! Moved my gear and monitor during the interval, and the staff put down what we called a stage nappy to absorb the rain and prevent splashing me. Several of the capacity audience noticed my predicament and were very amused, (as were the rest of the band of course). (No pics except this one of Dungeness in the distance from the theatre balcony).

I think it’s around 64lbs IIRC. I can manage it okay, but to be fair this usually involves just lifting it out of it’s flight case. 😆 There are lighter 4x10’s - the Barefaced and Aguilar SL models are both around 49lbs but are significantly more dosh. I’ve had the GK for a few years and it’s never missed a beat, same as my GK amps.

Loving the Reverend basses Stew. Am going to have to investigate them soon.

Strangely enough the last gig I did with Terry was at Ilkley Kings Hall too! He's a top fella.

Great venue. Think a mate of mine was on keys for this gig, Terry?

It’s taken me years to realise that although I’m a mid scoop fan it doesn’t really translate to a live situation. I often don’t like my onstage tone ( amp set reasonably ‘flat’ or thereabouts) playing solo at soundchecks, but when joined by the rest of the band / on the gig it seems to work just fine. Never need to change my EQ on the gig, in fact rarely touch the amp at all.

Second of three gigs this year for our (very) occasional country band ‘The Fork Handles’. Venue was a British Legion club in a small town just outside Hull. Must admit I didn’t count on them selling all the tickets, so when I arrived at 7pm the place was already heaving. Tiny stage, house PA not ideally situated for us and a new drummer didn’t manage to put the mockers on the night, with plenty of smiling faces all around. Some dodgy moments here and there of course, but overall one of those small good time gigs that I will never tire of. Used my Dano Longhorn into a GK / Barefaced Compact set up, and had plenty of warm bottom end sound. (No pics I’m afraid, although if any surface from the punters I’ll add them later.)

I take no pleasure in including Rod Stewart in this thread. Been a fan of his since the early 70's, especially his stuff with The Faces. Saw him live then and he was truly remarkable - one of those singers who occasionally didn't hit the notes bang on but everything else he brought to the table far eclipsed this. The quality of his voice has been (IMO) slowly going downhill since the 80's, and was especially grim on his American Songbook stuff. These days it's almost shot, with seemingly no upper or lower range, just a weird middley warble. Combine that with a rather embarassing 'still got it' stage persona, and it's just a massive cringe fest. Sorry mate, but you've had a good run.

Think this must been down to when creativity / attitude / being younger were all major factors in how their music was made. Who would have thought that say the punk bands of the late 70’s would still be touring now, with them being so rebellious and dismissive of the older bands back then? It’s down to earning a living I guess, so long as there are punters who will pay to see them. Nostalgia ain’t what it used to be etc.... Bands like the Stones haven’t produced much of note for a long time but they still get massive audiences willing to cough up hundreds to stand half a mile from the stage, just to be there. When acts become ‘legends’ it guarantees them a good living till they peg it. Having a healthy and memorable back catalogue is the goose that laid the golden egg.

Beat me to it. Saw Sir Tom just before the pandemic hit in, and he was absolutely incredible. His voice was bang in tune throughout the two hour gig, never faltering once and so strong. One of the best gigs I’ve been to in years. Saw him sing live on ‘The Voice’ recently and still amazing too.

Who to blame though - The Doors, White Stripes, Yeah Yeahs? 😆 It’s been a thing for a while now, yet nothing to worry about I feel. I’ve been to a couple of gigs where the bass player is absent. Saw Jimmie Vaughan supporting Clapton at the Albert Hall, and after my initial surprise I didn’t really miss the bass guitar that much. Keyboard (Hammond) player had it well covered. Also saw Steve Winwood at The Leadmill in Sheffield with a (mostly) South American band, and Steve had it covered with bass pedals most of the time. Again, didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the gig, but probably would have preferred a bass guitar for more attack and better tone.

Slightly OT, I happened to see a Ned Callan bass for sale in Fair Deal in Birmingham at the weekend. Looked like a fretless, in good condition.