The Admiral

[quote name='Kiwi' timestamp='1414139203' post='2586225'] Anything with Nile Rodgers or Keith Richards in it. [/quote] Nile Rodgers makes it sound simple, but it's actually an incredibly hard style to master. Very underrated and innovative player, and a very clever and decent chap to boot. Lesson from Justin here : http://www.justinguitar.com/en/RF-007-LeFreak.php

I have a Korean Squier strat which I bought used in 1990 and I'm trying to date it. I think it's from either 1982 or 84, and as I'm thinking of moving it on, I'd like to be clear on the age. Any ideas on valuations would be helpful too - it's in fantastic nick! Cheers

Not the first time an late night tranny related escapade in Levenshulme has resulted in a happy ending I'm sure. Great news for the band and hopefully a lesson learned.

[quote name='bassace' timestamp='1418393517' post='2629860'] Saw them at NIA last Sunday. Fantastic show - Pete in good humour, Rog in excellent voice all the way through and Zak was a real star playing Moon-like but seemingly effortlessly. Contrast that with the huffing and puffing that some of today's drummers put out. (that Coldplay clown eg) [/quote] Hugely off topic I know, but the guy from Coldplay is only the drummer because when their drummer didn't show for rehearsal back in the dark ages, he swapped from rhythm guitar to the sticks 'temporarily'. I understand he doesn't play drums, except with the band, and doesnt even own a kit.

You are pushing against an open door with me on this, as it absolutely boils my piss. These wide boys couldn't give a sh*t about the music - it's just a commodity, and it could be watering cans or gerbils for all they care. I know there will be plenty of people that quote 'market forces' and supply and demand being a cornerstone of capitalism, but the simplest way to stop this is to make it pointless from the touts perspective. If you ensure that its not worth it, they'll go off to find something else to do to make an easy buck. You can do that by making it an offence to sell a ticket for more than the face value plus ten pounds. That will allow the profiteering tw**s at the ticket agencies enough latitude to charge their outrageous booking fees, but ensure that the profiteering fu*kers on eBay, and the scallies outside the venues decide its not worth the hassle. That to me is a better use of the local constabularies time than nicking motorists for doing 35 in a 30 limit zone, in the middle of nowhere. And I have to agree - it's absolutely scandalous that exclusive arrangements are in place such that one company controls the sale of tickets for a tour, and a significant amount of these tickets turn up in the hands of specialist premium 'we'll get you in' fee agents, who actually are owned by the agency with the exclusive deal. It stinks.

[quote name='Diablo' timestamp='1418247845' post='2628513'] You guess they only wanted the van, not the gear. But who would leave £30k's worth of gear in a £2k van? I wonder if they were insured to have all that gear in there? I hope so for their sake. [/quote] This an awful situation, but Clearly I'm not the only one wondering why anyone would leave the tools of their trade, which they can't afford to replace, in a van overnight? I do feel for these guys, but, as has been suggested, it's either an opportunist theft of the van, and the gear is a happy byproduct for the thieves, or - it's a targeted theft of the bands gear, by thieves who know what they are doing and may well have recced them outside a venue, unloading. Let's hope they are properly insured, but I wouldn't bet the mortgage on it.

I have no expert knowledge here, but my brother travels a great deal to the states for business and he is there to work on a medical engineering product, which the yanks have no expertise for. He's had a hard time at immigration on more than one occasion, and that's with a work visa. A bunch of guys and gals trying to get in as tourists, who look like musicians, turning up at immigration, with instruments, and I'd suggest you have got absolutely no chance of not being given a serious third degree re where you are travelling and insistence on seeing the money with which you intend to support yourself, so you have no need to work. A girl I know travelled on a tourist visa - for an informal interview with the U.S. arm of the bank she already works for in London. The immigration guys checked the calendar in her laptop, found the interview details, and refused her entry - for 5 years, and straight on the plane home. Don't even try it. You risk getting your name on a list you definitely don't want to be on.

I was at a wedding fair recently and the string quartet (who were missing a stuck in traffic violin) did some great stuff as a trio, the pick of which was an Elbow track, the name of which I can't remember now, but it's their big festival sing along and has a string part played on keys.

Achilles Last Stand?

As has been said, it's more a reaction to the perceived lack of rock and roll cred than professionalism I suspect - you can't really imagine Slash with a stand can you. These old rockers who need help remembering the words - who'd want to see that eh?

http://articles.latimes.com/2012/dec/03/entertainment/la-et-mn-led-zeppelin-movies-20121203

Rory Gallagher - Irish Tour deluxe edition : 4 full length concerts over 7 CDs, plus a DVD http://www.myplaydirect.com/rory-gallagher/irish-tour-74-deluxe-edition-box-set/details/31248639 http://youtu.be/ZpQdKzq29W8

Not sure if this has been posted before, but an interesting Wings outtake. John Bonham on drums, with a very Achilles Last Stand groove I thought : http://youtu.be/moc9dnOT0sU

[quote name='BetaFunk' timestamp='1417985824' post='2625801'] Nothing spotted yet but i live in hope that the South West England Tourist Board will soon have an advert on TV with a nice song containing slightly rearranged lyrics along the lines of 'Stairway To Devon'. [/quote] The might end up paying Focus the royalties if they do.

I just noticed the new Boss after shave ad has Whole Lotta Love as the soundtrack, and on X Factor the contestants do their walk off, post song, to an instrumental version of Kashmir now. I seem to remember an interview with Jack Black re 'School of Rock', in which he suggested that to obtain the permission to use a Zep tune in the film, he had to record a personal begging short film and sent it off to Jimmy Page, as they wouldn't allow the use of their music in anything. Seems like something has changed, but I can't imagine it's the need for cash! Any other spottings I've missed?

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1417469640' post='2620767'] Did they have any other guitar stuff? [/quote] Just some really cheap 'western guitars', but still boxed. No idea if they could be remotely playable. They did have some nice folding sack trucks the other week. Aluminium and black moulded plastic, which looked like they may have been handy for getting your rig into a gig, but they seem to go like lightning. And the Argentinian Malbec at £5.99 is superb!

I've put this here for maximum exposure. I was in my local Aldi this afternoon and they have some basic guitar stands, but complete with foam padding and rubber band securing strap across the neck - for £6.95. They won't take a lot of abuse I wouldn't think, but if you want something for a bedroom studio or the gig bag, it looked pretty robust, and at that price....... Cheers A

Does anyone know if it's actually necessary to have a guitar/bass interface for recording into Garageband? I've seen various types and prices : some have a connected to the iPad multi pin plug, whilst other seem to go into the headphone socket, which I'm guessing can work in and out. Any suggestions welcome. I have a line 6 pocket pod I can use with either and take a mini Jack line out, but wondered if I need some magic Apple Only device to get the best quality? Thanks A

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1416835512' post='2614012'] Quite - [i]you [/i]are also auditioning [i]them [/i]as players and as people. And (given a certain level of competence) it's not always the best player that gets the gig, it's the person who is most likely to fit in. [/quote] I've posted this before, but words of wisdom from Lee Pomeroy : "The reason I got the Take That gig was as much because I could do good backing vocals as well as play bass. So it can definitely be an asset. I also play guitar, keys and some drums, too, and I'll happily dive in on another instrument if needed. "Other important factors are simply being a nice person to be around, turning up on time, knowing what you're doing. That goes as far as anything else because it's all very well being the best player with the biggest chops, but if no-one can stand being in a room with you then you're in trouble. Put the kettle on, too - that always goes down well." "Love what you do, be a nice person to be around, turn up on time, have good equipment, leave your ego in the bin. You should also learn the music, be open to ideas, be a team player, be sympathetic to the music and serve the song. Finally, keep your ears open." Full article here : http://www.musicradar.com/news/bass/lee-pomeroy-an-insiders-view-of-the-session-world-594755

I've seen him numerous times down the years, and he's always outstanding. First time was in the states in the late 80s in San Francisco, and I've also caught the acoustic shows and the stadium gigs. He's a great live act, and always mixes it up a bit - opened one stadium gig with just himself playing an acoustic version of Cuts like a knife, on a tiny stage in the centre of the auditorium, with the house lights up. He had everyone singing, and just as it hit the third chorus, house lights down, stage sheet stripped down and the full band and lighting rig kicked in - great showmanship. They played for 2 hours - all the hits, and you forget how many great songs he's got. Keith Scott is a very fine guitar player too, and BA has some fantastic guitars - including some beautiful old semis, which he still gigs. The band are all excellent players and Norm Fisher has had the bass gig since 2002. He's from Adams' home town and they've probably known, or known of each other for years. I'd agree with the point about them still playing bars, even if they had not made it big - they just like to rock out, and they stil play with enthusiasm and a real sense of fun : no corporate rock. You'll have a great time and I wish I was going! Interesting insight into his gear here - he collects original 1960s AC30s, and pays top dollar for them I believe - and gigs them. Controlled at the side of the stage by his tech, with dummy amps on the back line. http://www.18tilidie.co.uk/gigs/pluggedin/putshowtogether/instruments/guitars/guitars.htm

[quote name='bootleg' timestamp='1415799198' post='2603881'] I had a pro guitarist (Jon Gomm) play my JayDee Roadie once and he made it sound like magic. [/quote] Jon is a great player an well worth seeing live if you ever get the chance. Thoroughly decent bloke too - I promoted a gig featuring him some years ago. No prima donna bullshit, just got on and played a blinder.

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1415820461' post='2604173'] That's a surprise. Thanks for sharing that. Stevie Ray Vaughan's main Strat was a total beast, unplayable by most apparently. 13 gauge top E with an action that required a visa to get from the strings to the frets. [/quote] Ditto Gary Moore. Heavy strings, high action - but then he had hands like a bricklayer, so no surprises really I suppose. I read an interview where he talked about the fact that other pros would ask him how he could play them apparently, as they could barely hold down a chord. Makes you wonder though : two guitarists famous for great tone, and both used heavy strings and high actions.

She's started early this year, so I am faced with providing Mrs A withideas for my Christmas list for the ou-tlaws, otherwise I'll end up with another load of socks, ties and 'Grumpy Old Pedant' books. Anyone seen anything good that would come in under £20? I quite fancy a new strap, but I suspect it's worth spending a bit more, and I'm always open to a new t shirt, or good book. Quite fancying the Jimmy Page photo book actually, but that's currently a bit over budget at £25 ( or significantly more for the original, limited edition version). All suggestions welcome.

I was up in Glasgow earlier the is week and popped into said retailer, as, now I live I rural Staffs, my nearest shop is about 25 miles away. Amazing stock, including 3 left handed Rick basses - which kind of tells you how much they carry. Pretty much anything you could want Fender wise, Peavey's, Yamaha, and some Lakland etc. plus of course about 200 or 300 Strats and Teles, and a huge choice of Les Paul's. Well worth a look if you are in town. Interestingly, there are also a couple of pawn shops over the road, which clearly focus on guitars, and one had a really nice 1980s Aria bass in the window, albeit for £650, but they also had one of the limited edition Eric Clapton Martin small bodied acoustics and some nice old 'weird and wonderful' stuff too, including some great 60s semis. A great way to spend an hour.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1413619480' post='2580133'] I think the onus should be on the person to provide proof but then again we in the U.K don't even have ID on us abroad. We might carry CC's ..if that is acceptable, but we don't carry our passports. [/quote] This reminded me of a trip to Brooklyn about 5 years ago. We were staying at the Marriott and the lady at the front desk was renting us a safe deposit box, in which were going a number of things, plus passports and drivers licences. She asked us, having filled our deposit box, what we had kept for ID? Basically, nothing beyond credit cards was the answer, and she looked at us as if we were nuts before asking a very pertinent question : if you are in an accident, how is anyone going to know who you are, and most importantly, if you are insured? It just hadn't occurred to us. She insisted we take a photocopy of both our passports and our travel insurance documents, plus her business card, with the originals going in the SDB. Apparently, whilst Broolyn is much safer and smarter than it was, since Cunard built the big dock for the QM2 at Redhook, which is very rough, there had been an influx of thieves targeting the naive and generally pretty wealthy Brits who got off the boats. Consequently care was required, and you do stand out a it in Brooklyn if you are a 200lb, 6ft plus pale and gingery white guy, as the locals are mostly African American or Latino (they tended to assume I was Irish, which was interesting, as I'm not). Have to say we had no trouble - apart from the sh*t wet weather, and really liked it. Definitely an up and coming area, where you can still buy property for something approaching only mildly daft, and lots of funky privately owned businesses including some great live music bars.