MacDaddy

TLDR: that isn’t equality, it’s noblesse oblige in progressive clothes. Ah, “punching down.” That ghastly little phrase, which sounds less like a moral framework and more like an instruction one might find in an IKEA manual for assembling an oddly-shaped ottoman. The idea, if you’ll allow me to paraphrase it badly, is that comedians should never make jokes at the expense of those with less power or lower status. Very noble. Very high-minded. Very - how do I put this delicately? - patronising in the extreme. We’re being told who counts as “up” and who’s stuck “down.” That isn’t equality, it’s a hierarchy disguised as virtue, and the moment you divide people like that, you’ve abandoned the very principle of treating everyone as equals. And here’s the obvious truth: people are equal regardless of job, money, or social status. A duke and a dustman may move in different worlds, but both are flawed, both ridiculous, both capable of laughter. To declare one “fair game” and the other “off limits” is to recreate the very divisions equality claims to abolish. Shielding people from humour doesn’t honour them; it quietly marks them out as lesser, as fragile, needing special treatment. I’ve met, in my time, any number of the allegedly powerless, and I’ll tell you what: many are sharper, wittier, and far more capable of puncturing pomposity than the self-appointed guardians of their honour. To exclude them from the rough-and-tumble of humour is to infantilise them. Shielding some groups from jokes doesn’t respect them, it sidelines them. It’s not kindness; it’s exclusion in a sanctimonious mask .

I think it would depend if you have ever whacked for your daddy, oh?

I can't imagine an opera singer having those concerns when singing "Va, pensiero" (Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves).

I read Keith Richards autobiography and was surprised by how the 'Stones never have been great mates. It's purely a working relationship.

If you think non-jewish actors playing Jewish characters is as bad as blackface you must also object to this:

If I haven't lived in a yellow submarine, or got my kicks on Route 66, or can't remember the summer of '69, there are certain songs I can't play because I can't relate to them? 🫤

Macbeth, opera by Verdi. Because nothing says “Scottish tragedy” like storming a castle to the sound of bel canto 😖 It might not be cultural appropriation but it's annoying!

Cultural appropriation = telling people they can not do something because of their culture or the colour of their skin. The last vestige of acceptable racism?

It may be worth getting your ears checked for eczema. Even if you've never had it, it can occur in later life and in the ear canal.

I like them. If it wasn't for the fact that I need a slow gear/volume swell effect live, it would be my all-in-one solution.

Looking forward to your updates on this thread 😁

Never underestimate the power of branding.

Video shoot for a promo for one of the cover bands. We were only doing snippets of 4 songs but it still a full day of filming.

Because playing with a pick is so much easier, I do think it's cheating

IIRC you are not in the UK and therefore unable to bring this to a Bassbash so I can have a go? 😟

Meh. Already done in the 80

Best or worst? (I played through a TC BQ500 at a rehearsal studio and it was pants!)

...of 2024? 😉

Indeed it is. Build thread here.

Snap this one up, they're £379 new. 29" scale. I've played mine in a metal band, so yes they are good for metal 😆 https://www.bassdirect.co.uk/product/snap-dragon-e-bass/

Yesterday Electrik Soup played at The Hare & Hounds in Claygate, in a marquee in front of the pub (is it still a marquee if all the sides are open, or is it then a gazebo?). Gig was 4pm to 7pm on a lovely late summer day. It was the first gig that we've used all our own equipment (backline and PA). We had so much gear 😆 all used though. Great sound both on stage and FOH. All was going well until 4 songs before the break "something" happened to the guitarist's amp. Regular readers may remember my previous post in which his valve amp died. This time he had a SS back up so we took the break for him to sort things out. The first part of the second set was just acoustic guitar and vocals, then we did the remaining songs from the first set, and the remainder of the second set. The guitarist used his original amp and it was fine. He's still going to buy a new one. We had a few people come to see us, but the pub was busy all day so there was always an audience, albeit somewhat transitory. Lots of nice comments afterwards, someone even wanted to book us for a birthday party. Couldn't do the date though, unfortunately the drummer will be away. Shuker 3 -> Getaria wireless -> Hardwire polyphonic tuner -> Fender Rumble 500 combo. To the right of the bass combo is the offending guitar amp.