Len_derby

I’ve got no advice I can give on fingertip protectors, but I had a similar sensation a few years ago. It turned out to be a deep-lying splinter that was not visible on the surface.

My goal for 2026 is to carry-on gigging with the two bands I’m in. The obstacle to that is that the partner of the singer (common to both bands) had a bad stroke in November. She’s back home but needing a lot of care and can’t really be left alone at the moment. I’ll fit-in with whatever the singer is able to commit to in the future. Perhaps it’ll be fewer gigs and closer venues. If I find I have spare capacity I’ll join or form another band. Continuing with about two gigs a month is my aim. I’m perfectly happy as a hobbyist, never wanted to have playing music as my main or sole source of income.

oops, sorry. I’ve already started on it, obviously…..

A new folding music stand. For practising, definitely not performing 😂 A nice plaid shirt, which will appear on stage with me some time soon. A bottle of Talisker malt whisky for inspiration.

A very knowledgeable and talented blues performer. His Blue Guitars compilation is well worth a listen. Does this now make Bob Mortimer the most famous Middlesbrough person alive?

That’s great news, John. I look forward to coming to see your band! I will definitely keep my ears and eyes open for potential band mates and point them in your direction. Also, over the last few months I’ve made a concerted effort to sample the open-mic and jam nights in and around the fair city of Derby. When it’s appropriate, drop me a line and I can pass on my recommendations for the launch of Level Neville.

Ouch. Bad luck. Best regards and I hope you get back to some sort of normality soon. As for your Christmas hosting, time for you guests to step up to the plate I think!

oh dear, poor old Basschat, the future isn’t looking bright …😂

I know that you’re going to be even busier than before Tom, but it’d be great to hear how things go. We get lots of comments about venues on Basschat, but from the band’s point of view. It will be interesting to hear the story from the other side of the fence.

That’s great news Tom. Well done and good luck!

Yes, a proper rock venue. I’ve not played there for a few years but remember it well. I think there was an additional performance space upstairs too? Oh yes, Queen’s Hall. I’ve just reread your text.

Better than the alternative of not reaching old-age! 😂 I do agree with all you’ve said, though. 👍

Not the new Lionel, then Lozz?

We all intend to keep going. Hopefully, this will just be a temporary break.

This one is primarily, but not exclusively, aimed at those of us who are in the mellow autumn of our years. The partner of our vocalist and band leader had a stroke last week. She’s likely to be in hospital for another few weeks and is likely to need lots of support when she gets home. Consequently, and rightly, we’ve cancelled everything band-wise for the rest of the year. Onwards, we’ll have to see how things go. So, while you are able, do that gig, join that band, buy that bass, climb that mountain. Whatever you want to do, while you can. And, prompted by a recent thread, don’t stick around in that dysfunctional band hoping things will improve.

These.

Well spotted! Passive, obviously.

My bass playing is often described as agricultural.

Lekato for me. Had them for a year and have been fine for the weekend warrior/pub covers band level that I infest.

I’d say more Lennon and McCartney. My Shell, My Belle.

It’s a wonderful thing, language. I think anything that helps a potential audience identify what kind of stuff you’re playing is helpful. I remember, pre-internet going to see bands that I knew nothing about, and couldn’t find out. Sometimes their name gave you a clue, but not always. I’m considering relaunching my acoustic trio as playing Country n’ Sludgebucket.

Although Facebook is mostly irritating nonsense I find it very useful for promoting the two bands I’m in. Also for keeping an eye on venues and other acts working in the same area. About a half dozen times over the last three years-ish we’ve picked up gigs when venues put messages on Facebook for last-minute replacements. I often think that musicians who reject social media either don’t gig or leave all the promotional donkey work to others.

There’s a thread on the Basschat Market Place section called What’s It Worth (or similar). Although, you may need to be a subscribing member to access it.

Almost exclusively now. Mexican Mustang P/J and Squier Jaguar. For acoustic work, a Taylor mini-bass.