bassace

Some and some, although I don’t drink much at all these days. If it’s an informal pub gig I usually have a pint on the floor behind me for a swig here and there. If it’s a stage none at all. But I’ve got some good memories: on NYE 1961 we were playing support to the Acker Bilk band at Reading Town Hall. Quite a big gig for a load of youngsters. On first handover the Bilks came on stage with two carrier bags each loaded to the gunwales with beer and scotch and proceeded to set up a bar on two tables at the back of the stage. They invited us to share and for the two final numbers of the evening we joined them for a very boozy jam. And some of the European festivals were a bit hairy, especially in Holland where each stage had a stage manager whose main job seemed to make sure that the band never ran out of free beer.

Who are these people?

Elton played piano on the Hollies Can’t Tell the Bottom from the Top. My pal wrote it.

Mega. Mega. Did I say Mega?

Sometimes I used to go out with just the Ten and it filled quite large rooms. I’ve still got it and use it when we have to set up on a carpet. The mids really cut through where a 12 would just sound mushy.

Depends how much additional headroom you need. I used to find that a Wizzy 10 was enough, it lifted the mids and somehow managed to put some extra bottom into the 12.

I defer to your superior knowledge, Creeper. I only just scraped Physics A levels but went on to bluff my way to success. So there’s hope for us all I suppose.

Run a bath, then put the bass in it. Measure the volume of water displaced ( make before and after marks on the side of the bath) and calculate the weight of the bass according to Archimedes. Then take the next five days to dry out the electronics and check the neck for any warps. This will save you the £5. May need refinishing.

The DBs live in the upstairs study, amps, cabs and stands in the garage.

From Mike Arnapol. That’s a winner!

Two pics, 57 years apart. I hope the B&W won’t frighten the horses.

No, I wasn’t referring to a tip jar which I consider a bit tacky both at private and public gigs. Thing is, a lot of private work comes through agencies so the host doesn’t often get a chance to pay the band at the end. So he shows his appreciation in a tip, often £5-£10 per man.

The tips can be good.

147 replies so far. Come on guys, I’m sure we can get this pointless discussion up to 150 by the end of the day.

I played a big band gig off one of Buddy’s charts some time ago. The tempo sig was given as Orgasmo Furioso. When I politely inquired I was told it meant Go Like Fcuk. No kiddin’. BTW it is said that in his long career BR was never ever happy with any snare he used.

Love Hammond, hate Fender Rhodes. And what about that bloody wooden box that the pub landlord sits on and bangs, out of time?

Music stand.

There has been quite a tide of pop knighthoods over the past few years, so who’s next, I wonder. Sir Sting perhaps? And Mark Knoffler does a lot of ‘good works’. Any ideas

And Thyrwitt’s wife has also got a gong for services to retail. WTFx2!

Sat 14th good for me.

Last time I saw The Who, Pete Townshend was using an iPad on a mic stand. I think it was for chords but he should know them by now, shouldn’t he?

But not good for jazz. I’ve only recently been forgiven for wearing a red jacket.

And if the gig is outdoors don’t forget the clothes pegs!

Not unexpected.