paul torch

[quote name='bremen' timestamp='1338391614' post='1673823'] Southern Man? [/quote] Ahh! beat me to it.

[quote name='BassTractor' timestamp='1338395332' post='1673921'] If you're saying that your health is such that you _could_ in fact do something, but that your fear for a health deterioration holds you back, then you are simply wrong. Even in periods of relatively deep depression, you can fight and you can even win. The fight itself _will_ help you. It will give you some health back (even if only temporary, this is too valuable to miss out on) and last but not least, at any rate it will help on your self esteem greatly. [/quote] totally agree

[quote name='El Bajo' timestamp='1338394691' post='1673897'] Exactly, which is what I did but made it more about building upon the band rather than throwing accusations and critques. I also added lols, smileys, dude, mate etc... And I've already posted I was joking about the subliminal message. [/quote] Sorry, didn't get that you were joking. Thought you had actually included it. Hope I didn't offend.

[quote name='El Bajo' timestamp='1338393082' post='1673847'] I also put in a background object with very very faint grey text saying D*CK in capital letters. Subliminal . [/quote] this

[quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1338390408' post='1673791'] Frankly, that's a lot to stick in an email without appearing a bit intense. It also shows your him your hand. Why not mail him, all smiley-like, saying you're glad he's 'happy with the outcome, let's have a beer and sort out where we go next and how I can best fit in with what you want to do'. Just that, no more. Sit him down and have a general matey chat about the things you listed. That way, he's not teed up in advance for trouble and you might get more info out of him than otherwise. Remember, you're a bassist. Silent but deadly is our way. [color=#ffffff].[/color] [/quote] there speaks a wise man.

[quote name='El Bajo' timestamp='1338393082' post='1673847'] I'll dive into it further next time I see him, I'm not very good over the phone. [/quote] not that great in an email either.

Sounds like he wants a session musician. Difficult but I would be tempted to ask for my investment (3 months salary?) back and for him to pay you for your time.

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1338306776' post='1672478'] Very enjoyable BUT a far more complicated story than I thought ... [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hey_Joe"]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hey_Joe[/url] I always assumed that it was a Hendrix original; more fool me. The Byrds weren't covering Hendrix, they were contemporaries doing a version of a song that had been largely "discovered" by David Crosby. [/quote][quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1338306776' post='1672478'] Very enjoyable BUT a far more complicated story than I thought ... [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hey_Joe"]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hey_Joe[/url] I always assumed that it was a Hendrix original; more fool me. The Byrds weren't covering Hendrix, they were contemporaries doing a version of a song that had been largely "discovered" by David Crosby. [/quote] I was going to say something along those lines. It is a traditional song that isn't credited to anyone apparently. This is one of the earliest versions and one of my faves: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWv03Wgz0PQ The "supergroup" may have been better-off doing purple haze or voodoo chile IMO.

v cool

ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[quote name='Gust0o' timestamp='1338196178' post='1670534'] Tried it. Guess I've just got a Bad Case of Loving You. [/quote] Could be worse Ring of Fire

One of bands often toys with the idea of doing a couple of covers. I've suggested Goose Step Mamma - The Rutles The Right Stuff - Robert Calvert Joe Public - The Rutles (rehearsed 'til tight) Most were happy with these but it's difficult to find something that everyone is into.

[quote name='Gust0o' timestamp='1338185600' post='1670422'] Sex Is On Fire. [/quote] Get some ointment.

[quote name='paul torch' timestamp='1338194689' post='1670507'] Plus, Dave Greenfield's lines would be a big ask for most. [/quote] Mind you, I saw Hugh Cornwell a few years back and his band do quite a few Stranglers numbers without keys, still works pretty well.

[quote name='the_skezz' timestamp='1338117421' post='1669746'] Always wanted to do some Stranglers but there's amazingly few keys players round these parts - or rather, everyone I know who says they play keyboards means that they've had a few lessons in school and can do 'When the Saints Go Marching In' [/quote] Plus, Dave Greenfield's lines would be a big ask for most.

Thing is though, you need to register as self employed or they'll fine you when you try to submit a tax return.

[quote name='thunderbird13' timestamp='1337952602' post='1667962'] Actually I was never that fond of The Astoria with its early closing policy. I must have lost a fortune with all the drinks that I had to leave behind [/quote] I have to agree. I was shocked the first time I went there (808 State) and it put me off for a few years. I don't think it was any worse than other venues in it's last few years.

[quote name='Cosmo Valdemar' timestamp='1337947268' post='1667823'] I haven't been to the Forum in years but most venues of that size seem to be getting worse sound-wise - I saw Killing Joke at the Roundhouse a couple of months ago and the sound was horrific for the first half, then seemed to get a little better. I saw Mastodon at the Islington Academy a couple of years ago and one of the guitarists was inaudible for the ENTIRE SET. Brixton Academy I've pretty much given up on. When a band you know well starts playing and you can't make out what song it is... This has happened several times there. I miss the Astoria [/quote] I don't think that the Forum is the only offender but IMO the consistently worse. I remember seeing Kraftwerk at Brixton, down at the front and the people behind me were having a nice little chat that actually drowned out the band. A total travesty that the Astoria is no longer with us.

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1337934627' post='1667522'] ....oh, and I forgot to mention[list] [*]whatever your view of HMRC may be, if you have cause to ring them up as I have done once or twice, if you speak to them like they are the enemy you will be treated likewise. If there is genuinely something you don't understand they will explain it to you in simple terms when asked. All the conversations I have had with them I have learnt from. [/list] [/quote] this. they are generally alright people who are there to help.

[quote name='WalMan' timestamp='1337934215' post='1667516'] Although the chances are that HMRC will (or should) if not immediately then within the first few years of such claims knock you set off claims back on the grounds that you are not "trading with a view to a profit". [/quote] Interesting. I wondered that myself as I was running a visual design service for some years and there was a cross-over period where that and a PAYE job where running side-by-side. As the years went on I was doing more PAYE work and less freelance work but still had the general day-to-day expenses of running my business, though by this time it was not turning a profit. i submitted my tax-returns (legitimately) and there was a section that asked if I wanted to offset any losses against any other earnings. I did and received a rebate for a number of years before winding up the business as I realised the PAYE work was becoming a full-time venture. I wasn't trying to pull a "fast one". As it happens I am now trading full time as self-employed due to a twist of fate.

Probably been said already but... Keep all receipts for every expense (equipment, rehearsal space, travel etc). If you are only getting £35-£50 per gig then you are probably running at a loss. These losses can be offset against any other earnings (PAYE jobs) enabling you to claim a tax rebate. Bit of a pain I know but you could end up quids-in.

[quote name='Monckyman' timestamp='1337769157' post='1665064'] Firstly, the Forum is a difficult place to mix, it`s domed roof causing no end of difficulties. The crew that work there is made up of a lot of ex Astoria crew, who know what they are about. Secondly,any house engineer would not be responsible for most touring acts sound, they would bring their own man. Thirdly, £ rules Fourthly, it doesn`t stink of piss and gay sex like the Astoria. [/quote] I'm not saying that they don't know what they are on about, just that the sound is awful. It hasn't always been the case so it is possible to get a decent sound there. If they bring their own sound guys then should know even more when something is wrong. Iy probably depends on the nights you attended at the Astoria in regard to the odours.

[quote name='jonthebass' timestamp='1337769021' post='1665060'] FWIW I've been to a couple of gigs there that sounded great. That said I've had similar grumbles about SheBu Empire & Brixton Academy on occasions but also been to some good sounding gigs at those venues too! Guess alot of it is down to the PA rental company and the Sound Engineer employed to do the tour, if there is one. [/quote] There has been one gig I went to there in recent years that sounded ok. Not really my bag, but Friendly Fires' sound was good though I think they used their own PA.

can't hear anything above 10. I have burst one of my eardrums twice though.

[quote name='Toasted' timestamp='1337767455' post='1665030'] The primary function of any venue is almost certainly to make the owner of that venue as much money as possible. [/quote] I think you've just hit the nail on the head.