Toddy

Madly, just remembered my password, been yrs since visited, and er, well, guess it's kind of comforting  to find nothing has changed lol.......

Hi guys, it's been a while, so be gentle, haven't read every reply, and some great points here, all bands have to be treated like a business, and you have to have an aim, which, for most, is to play live, have a following, earn some cash, which as a start up band usually needs to be invested back into the project, and have a great time, any business has start up costs, and if your seriously going for it, and you need to get on the scene, the odd forty quid could be an investment, certainly agree that it should not be the norm, but until you have a name and some followers, you really aren't in a position to throw your weight around, all us old timers have been in this position, some you get right, some you lose, you learn on your feet, at this level seem bands that have got paid expenses etc, and then put three times back over the bar, it's all relative,,,over time, and if your guys are entertaining and want to take it seriously, then that becomes a different issue, hope this helps,

Ha, crikey, now here is a thing, was quite a crush in that crowd, was the mandela concert, was three rows from the front when this happened, great memory, thanks for posting.

PM Sent JPJ....

Busy week, Reading Hexagon tonight, Telford Oakengates Theatre tomorrow,and Sunderland Empire Theatre on Sat,,took my old Warwick this week, engineer still prefers the active Jazz..

You cant find a drummer for a Manchester area function band,,,seriously?

Where are you based Mr Sausage,,, know a lot of good northern lads?

So,, just checked the MOT Cert, and in the last 12 mths, gigs only, UK and Ireland, have notched up just over 34k,, anyone else doing the miles?..

You asked....Blew all the stage power at Newcastle City Hall,,,,, luckily had the crowd on our side,,,, huge cheer when went back on...

This one is pretty big, Belfast,,Luckily I get to prance about 2 or 3 times a week on the nicest venues..

There are some really great agencies out there,
As always (with bands also),lots of people playing at it,
you really need to be serious before approaching a good agent, most bookers tend not to be "facebook generation" so apart from being available, they will be looking for a website with some vid footage and pictures, they can send to potential venues,
its also very good form, to go see them in person, and agree to perform at one of their "showcases" where they will ask you to play in front of their customers.
If this all goes well, should end up with a full diary.
Its the agents job to "sell bands", not be your bestie, so they will want to book you (if you make it as one of their acts) wherever they can, so expect a few tryout gigs, before you get the premium bookings.
inevitably this will probably mean at some point if your in the UK ending up at the Holiday camp circuit,,(another topic completely), which is not for everyone, but if starting out, is good money and experiance,
you do need to be aware of the fact you will be traded like cards with other agents etc,, and may be asked to work exclusively through one office acting as your sole agent,, who would them want commission on all your existing gigs,
this can be difficult and lead to conflict, however, if your now working 4 nights a week, can be worth it.
If your just looking to pick up the odd gig here and there, its possibly not the route for you to go, if however, you have a band and want to work every weekend,, go for it.
it can lead to some great opportunities, we ended up as touring support band for a rather famous guy, and never stop touring the big UK theatres...as well as doing our own shows,,
if can help with anything, feel free to give us a shout,, and good luck with it...

[url="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=329769803775341&ref=ts&fref=ts"]https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=329769803775341&ref=ts&fref=ts[/url]

knowledgeable and friendly facebook group for these,, great guys, an experts...

Quote,,," Was good that, bit too much Blondie" At a sold out Blondie Tribute Night....Mmmm

yes, could be right,, however on a hofner forum......just thought someone ere bound to know ...

Anyone know who this player is with a Hofner?

Interestingly, just seen a Jeff Beck Sky interview, where he claims, when writing with Steve,,He came up with the Riff, and Steve knicked it back !...

Hold the Line - Toto

Walking on the Moon- Police

This guy really knows his stuff, and good bloke too,, helped me in the past,, and he bought a Kawai off me !

[url="http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fkawaiguitars.com%2F&ei=VjZZVKa6BfKV7Aa014DwAw&usg=AFQjCNGXOPbHV5_-AqOpGRVuHl7-XfRFjQ&sig2=C6vhQeuGJdOP_AWqOmNyFA&bvm=bv.78677474,d.ZGU"]http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fkawaiguitars.com%2F&ei=VjZZVKa6BfKV7Aa014DwAw&usg=AFQjCNGXOPbHV5_-AqOpGRVuHl7-XfRFjQ&sig2=C6vhQeuGJdOP_AWqOmNyFA&bvm=bv.78677474,d.ZGU[/url]

Love the Scott Devine video, where he actually gets to play his dream bass and rig from his hero, and is gutted to find it just sounds like himself,

Have just read the exellent, flying with instruments guide,

Just a quick thought,

I have a perfectly good P Bass that gets little use, and I am adept at setting up Basses,

Any reason I cannot take the neck off, and put in the suitcase with clothes ?

or is there some good reason not too if flying(Customs etc)

also pedals in hand luggage ok?,,

Regards

J

Walked in last Mon, looking like a tourist, told to try anything I wanted,, fell in love with a Danelectro Longhorn..no obligation to buy it on the day,, nice,,,, will be back.

Or. Come see us "Heart of Glass" Blondie like it used to be..

Or even this....

Just been reminded, that connected to an old phone charger, can make a foam cutter...