casapete

I had a busy weekend. Birmingham theatre gig on Friday with over 600 punters, then Lincoln on Saturday with around 300 in. Both gigs went well, despite us being a cellist down on the Friday gig due to isolating. My initial worries about slow ticket sales may have been unfounded - early days yet but we'll see how it pans out. Sunday afternoon I had a gig at a pub not far from my place, playing with 3 other musicians I'd never played with before. Was a band put together by the singer/guitarist to do some covers to finish off an afternoon of other (mainly acoustic style) acts. Unfortunately the weather nearly spoiled it all but we managed to get finished just before the heavens opened. I make no apologies for the music stand - 12 songs in the set of which I knew maybe 4, so a necessity really. Nice PA and engineer along with Ashdown rig provided, so quite enjoyed myself. Went down well and maybe some more stuff in the future too. Love playing with new people, always a good learning curve etc.

Our first theatre gig since lockdown last night. Sensible precautions backstage and with the crew, although none of the 600+ audience appeared to wearing masks. Despite being (presumably / hopefully) mainly double jabbed oldies, nevertheless I’m glad they were a good distance from us. One of the benefits of doing theatres is the stage is normally a fair way from the punters in the stalls. The band did well despite being a string player down (due to isolating), and it was good to back doing it after nearly 18 months of nothing.

Tonight (13/8/21) at 7pm on Sky Arts there’s a programme called ‘Mick Ronson by Gary Kemp’. Not sure if it’s been aired before but could be interesting.

Or if it got a bit punky, maybe something by Tent Pole Tudor? 😆

Know it will have been a jazz gig, but if they bordered on the odd soul cover they could have done something by The Mar-Keys....

Both backing singers Lisa Fischer and Bernard Fowler have also been part of the Stones touring and recording schedules for over 30 years too, as well as working with many others over that period. Lisa also featured in the film documentary ‘20 feet from Stardom’ about backing singers which was very well received. The Stones do seem to hold on to great supporting musicians - the late sax player Bobby Keys also springs to mind.

Ian Stewart (Stu) was an original member of the band, but left as the band became successful after their manager didn’t think he fitted in with how he thought the band should look. He stayed on as pianist and driver / roadie for a long time afterwards.

I’d forgotten about Chuck! Hopefully he’s been well looked after during nearly 40 years.

In all the years I’ve used them, never had ONE duff string. Quality.

About time Daryl was offered membership now, after nearly 30 years!

Forgot to add the obvious connection with the Stones doing a cover of the Bobby Womack tune ‘Its all over now! 😄

Bobby Womack was a good friend of Ronnie Wood, and appeared on Ron’s second solo album ‘Now Look’ in the mid 70’s. Seem to remember some of the Stones appearing on one of Bobby’s albums too - Ronnie, Keith and maybe Charlie? Can’t recall any more Stones involvements with the Womack dynasty, but happy to be wrong.

I was aware of these guys doing studio sessions, but thought the comment was referencing the band using extra players for live gigs - maybe I got the wrong end of the stick, as never heard of this being the case. I have some Clapton stuff with the Stones - the most famous being the alternative version of ‘Brown Sugar’ featuring EC on slide guitar. Ry Cooder was apparently the source of Keith’s taking up the open G five string tuning, and Perkins and Mandel were just a couple of the many players they tried out before asking Ronnie Wood to join. Their efforts ended up on the ‘Black and Blue’ album. Hadn’t heard the Rory Gallagher story, but like Clapton and Jeff Beck who were also considered for the job, I’m sure it would have ended in tears pretty quickly. Ronnie Wood was really the ideal guy to fit in with the band, having already had history with them on the ‘It’s only rock and roll’ sessions at his house in Richmond. Hard to believe he’s been in the band for 45 years!

Starting at 6.50pm today (Sunday) on Sky Arts is a Jack Bruce tribute concert. No idea what it will be like, just thought it may be of interest to some folks on here. 🙂

Been using them for over 20 years now. Great strings, best overall roundwounds I’ve tried. Last a reasonably long time with me, but I’m not too heavy on strings anyway to be fair. Usually buy them when on a deal somewhere, so not crazy expensive either. Strings and Beyond in the USA used to be cheapest for these, but haven’t bought any since before lockdown so not checked the prices. They do them in twin packs too which work out cheaper than buying single sets.

George’s son Dhani is guesting on Johnnie Walker’s Radio 2 show right now, very interesting stuff about the new boxed set and the new versions etc. Will be available on IPlayer too I should imagine.

Who were these ‘invisibles ‘ of which you speak? 🤔

Famous clip taken from ‘Hail hail rock n roll’, the film about Keith putting together a top band to back Chuck in a concert celebrating ( I think) his 60th birthday. All the grief of the rehearsals, then true to form on the gig Chuck did it his way anyway, changing keys and arrangements etc. Steve Jordan on drums did a great job, along with Johnnie Johnson on piano, Joey Spampinato on bass and Keith as MD on guitar. Great film if you get the chance to catch it.

Watched the ‘Chuck Berry ‘King of Rock n Roll’ film last night. Very enjoyable, with plenty of insight into his family life as well as his musical career. Made after his death, it was respectful despite not glossing over his various well known run ins with the law. Before this I watched the BB King concert filmed at the Albert Hall in 2011. Despite being a fan, thought this was pretty lame stuff, with the blues legend obviously well past his best. Also featured guests Mick Hucknall, Ronnie Wood, Slash along with Susan Tedeschi & husband Derek Trucks who were both superb. His band coped with the situation well, even when some keys were randomly changed on the fly! Still, engaged me enough to stay awake till after midnight when the Chuck Berry film started. Sky Arts is a godsend on a gig free Saturday night!

Didn’t know that Daryl played with Jagger before taking up with the Stones . I read somewhere that when the bass vacancy arose, Keith had said Charlie could choose who got the job.

For the first time since he joined the Rolling Stones in 1963, Charlie will have to miss some tour dates due to a medical procedure. Steve Jordan will be playing drums for the band's US leg of their upcoming 'No filter' tour. Charlie is expected to make a full recovery after resting. At the age of 80, it's the first dep he's had to use in 58 years! Wishing him all the best. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rolling-stones-charlie-watts-us-tour-1207707/

Anybody seen this yet? I’m hoping to watch it this week.

I always wanted a 50’s Tele, with a massive neck. When I realised it was never going to be I opted for a Baja model which is an amazing guitar for a fraction of the price. Can’t beat a good Tele.

Think I have equal GAS for basses and guitars ( oh yeah, and amps!). I think I have about the same amount of each. Must admit GAS levels have gradually decreased in recent years though, probably reached the mythical ‘Age of Enlightenment’ that someone warned me about a while ago. 😄

On Saturday 31st July at 9pm, Sky Arts are showing the Rolling Stones ‘Rock and Roll Circus’. Also features John Lennon (&Yoko), The Who and Eric Clapton.