Cat Burrito

And now the strings have appeared which I have approved but they literally just showed up. Not sure why there was a delay.

None were showing when I posted, as I checked the queue. A short strap was showing awaiting approval just now, which I have approved, but there are no others.

Personally I check the approval queue every time I visit Basschat. Occasionally life gets in the way and I am not here every day (particularly weekends). I did approve one the other day that was, ahem, a bit vintage but usually we’re pretty quick.

You have a good memory Lozz. I did, an old 70s thing. Great bass. The previous owner swapped the necks over and I wanted the jazz sound but didn't get on with narrow necks back then.

I quit music in 2001, as at 28yrs old I felt I was getting old. I was a bit embarrassed about it for years but I think it’s probably more common than I realised at the time. I’d always been the main driver of my bands and it meant I was behind everyone else on establishing any sort of career, whilst others had all progressed with their lives. It lasted less than 4yrs and by 2004, I was firmly back in the game. I have played solidly since and definitely enjoyed it more, ironically having greater successes with less pressure. I’m certainly a better player now. Most of my old band mates are long out the game, with maybe only two others from my first four bands (1988 – 2001) still playing. Of the two playing still, one is actually playing music with me again. I think I’ve changed recently in that desire for international tours and all the stuff I used to do has waned a little since I got into my 50s but I still like regularly playing live, writing and recording music. I think the headline from me is that it still feels like it is in my DNA. I’m definitely more picky about what I say yes to now but I don’t have any plans to stop any time soon.

Good to hear. It is a nice little amp 😎

We don't stand on formalities here. Cat is fine AKA Tim 😸

As you are a supporting member, there shouldn't be. We have different rules for trade dealers but for a house clearance, you should be fine. Any issues, report it to the Moderation team and we'll pick it up. The two links here, might be of use - Advice for buyers and sellers Terms and Conditions

Our next show has just been pushed back a week but thankfully I hadn't plugged it with the wrong date on here. The amended poster is here.

Just prior to going on, a man on a mobility scooter stopped to sing “Sharp Dressed Man” to me. It set me up for the gig!

Today we kicked off the UK proceedings for World Goth Day (technically this Thursday but I managed to get our event listed) with a cheeky little in store record shop gig. I played mainly mandolin with some mandocello and a bit of a guitar (not bad for an old bassist). We had a pretty respectable crowd and I enjoyed the set. We even had a brief write up locally Deadlight Dance Devizine

Mosrite. Rickenbacker 4005.

This Saturday, we're doing a record shop show which coincidentally kick starts world goth day celebrations in the UK.

Whenever I emailed Orange, they were always really helpful. Worth a go.

I saw they were looking Lozz. Sounds cool. Sometimes it is nice to go back.

Q - What separates your band from the other bands in the areas you work in? A - a mix of playing originals (we do covers too), playing darker / gothic songs and our instrumentation. Q - What do you have that others don't? A - There’s some real talent around here but I think it’s our overall package. Q - If you were pitching your band to a prospect, what would be your bast selling point. A- We’re good at what we do, we’re easy to work with and we manage to take our music seriously without taking ourselves too seriously as people. Q - You can also add in areas where you think your band struggles. A - Just being too left field for what is a rural county. We’re flexible but fairly uncompromising.

Sounds like a nightmare @BigRedX. I meant contact you afterwards. Luckily we’re used to playing in a more acoustic style too so we had a serviceable plan B. That’s a really top tip on the EQ though. I did think the soundman looked a bit young and new to it all.

That makes sense. I nearly messaged you as I know you have more experience with backing tracks. It was frustrating but we worked around it. We aimed to research it and come back better informed. That makes sense. My theory (as someone who isn't into tech) was that Nick's iPad is ancient and the desk wasn't reading it. We used my more modern one at the next gig and there was no problem. I'll pass your answer on to Nick from the group as I really don't want that happening again.

I have the solid black one, a black / grey leopard print one and the white version of your one on the left. All 3" style. I should do a photo sometime too.

Folk'd About were great fun. I really enjoyed watching the other bands and pretty much everyone made a point of supporting each other. It was an odd venue to show up to. When we first walked through the bar, I thought we might need chicken wire but the people in the back room was really friendly. To be fair, although we definitely got checked out walking through the main bar, everyone was cool. Hope you have a great show.

See below... & I don't own any heavy basses. Unfortunately, my shoulder is just knackered! I am impressed - indeed it is. 269 is on all my basses. It was the number given to a cow that was destined to be killed but was liberated. 269 went on to live a long and healthy life.

I was delighted to play a charity fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Society in Salisbury at the weekend. Having lost my Mum to Alzheimer’s, it wasn’t one I had to think twice over! A great lineup of bands - 7 acts who for the most part all supported each other. It was a really friendly atmosphere and we played really well. Our mid placed billing was definitely the golden hour and it is absolutely a contender for my gig of the year, so far. We played electric, mostly original gothic tunes. Here’s a pic, courtesy of John Armstrong, of me heading up the dusty end to channel my inner Peter Hook.

I never got my name in lights but more than happy with chalk! We had our headline at The Vic in Swindon. We’d been weeks in rehearsal and our soundcheck had us struck by the curse of backing tracks. For some reason we had a virtually non-existent kick drum and barely audible count ins, coupled with ear bleedingly loud keyboard washes! Rather than try and dissect the problem, we hastily rewrote the set to come up with a stripped back set. The Rickenbacker sounded immense through my Blackstar U700 head and 4x10. That head continues to excel in all situations. The crowd walked a line between modest but respectable (original goth music in Swindon on a school night perhaps isn’t the easiest of sells). Despite the initial woes of soundcheck, a fantastic night. I was even complimented on my singing voice - something I have been working hard on for the last couple of years 🎉

Looking forward to our electric headline show in Swindon this Thursday, along with our fantastic handpicked special guest. Free entry.

As part of Record Store Day, I played a church in my hometown. Not only did it mark 12 months of me being alcohol free but it marked the first time I played a venue that my Dad had played. No, we're not religious but it amazes me that in 37yrs of playing, it hasn't happened already. I had friends come over from Wales and down from Yorkshire and we were on it throughout. The playback confirmed it. It was promoting my friend Rich Davies and his band The Dissidents. Got to use my Blackstar head and cab with my trusty Ric 4003s. It sounded immense.