How was your gig last night?

[Paddy777]

Had a very busy weekend and a break from the norm with some great dep gigs. Fri night & Sat morning depped in a production of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, a very professional show and a chance to flex my reading chops, I then went straight from that gig on Saturday 120 miles down to a Holiday Park near Scarborough to dep for a band playing at an end of season party to finish off a very busy Saturday. Quite a contrast but some fun tunes to play. The theatre show was in a really nice old Theatre in Newcastle city centre, I took a few photos from the pit where I was sitting, it really gives the place a proper old timey feel rather than some of the sterile newer places. 
 

[Twigman]

On Saturday we played at Gagarin205 in Athens - the venue looked fantastic lit up at night. Sadly I only have a daytime pic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and an aerial view of the soundcheck in moody black and white:

 

 

 

 

and a view of the audience from the stage:

 

 

 

 

We sold 1200 tickets.

The venue was full.

Punters were being turned away!

We had a few technical gremlins but overall it was a successful (and profitable) adventure.

 

My kit for the night:

EBMM Sterling 4HH> Shure GLXD16+ wireless> Empress compressor> Cog CE-2B clone(some songs)>  DHA EQ >DI Box (split off to PA) > locally Ampeg B5R > Ampeg 4x10

 

 

PS - Athens was full of Scotsmen attending the football:

 

 

Edited Tuesday at 17:08 by Twigman

[dmccombe7]

4 hours ago, Twigman said:

On Saturday we played at Gagarin205 in Athens - the venue looked fantastic lit up at night. Sadly I only have a daytime pic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and an aerial view of the soundcheck in moody black and white:

 

 

 

 

and a view of the audience from the stage:

 

 

 

 

We sold 1200 tickets.

The venue was full.

Punters were being turned away!

We had a few technical gremlins but overall it was a successful (and profitable) adventure.

 

My kit for the night:

EBMM Sterling 4HH> Shure GLXD16+ wireless> Empress compressor> Cog CE-2B clone(some songs)>  DHA EQ >DI Box (split off to PA) > locally Ampeg B5R > Ampeg 4x10

 

 

PS - Athens was full of Scotsmen attending the football:

 

 

Nice one.

How did you manage to get that gig ?

Bet the drive home was a bummer 😂

Dave

[Lozz196]

I played there a few years back, great venue.
 

Afterwards the rest of the band got tear-gassed by the police when outside for a (very inefficient it turned out) breath of fresh air.

[Twigman]

13 hours ago, dmccombe7 said:

How did you manage to get that gig ?

It seems we're quite popular in Athens.

This was our ninth gig there.

We played Gagarin for the first time back in 2009 - we've also played at The Rodeo Club twice,  Six d.o.g.s once, The AN Club three times and played the Death Disco festival in 2023, headlining the second stage.

There have been two promoters fighting over the right to put us on for several years.

The Death Disco festival was the first with the current promoter - he seems to be able to do a better job so we'll stick with this guy.

Edited Wednesday at 10:32 by Twigman

[dmccombe7]

2 hours ago, Twigman said:

It seems we're quite popular in Athens.

This was our ninth gig there.

We played Gagarin for the first time back in 2009 - we've also played at The Rodeo Club twice,  Six d.o.g.s once, The AN Club three times and played the Death Disco festival in 2023, headlining the second stage.

There have been two promoters fighting over the right to put us on for several years.

The Death Disco festival was the first with the current promoter - he seems to be able to do a better job so we'll stick with this guy.

Well done.

What kind of music are you playing ? 

Dave

[Twigman]

38 minutes ago, dmccombe7 said:

What kind of music are you playing ? 

We seem to get lumped in with 'darkwave' (recently played gigs with Sisters of Mercy, the Mission, Lebanon Hanover, She Past Away, etc )  but we're not.

The greek crowd, well you can see from the audience shot,  look sort of goth/darkwave - I don't get the connection.

Check out our Spotify and you tell me

 

[dmccombe7]

1 hour ago, Twigman said:

We seem to get lumped in with 'darkwave' (recently played gigs with Sisters of Mercy, the Mission, Lebanon Hanover, She Past Away, etc )  but we're not.

The greek crowd, well you can see from the audience shot,  look sort of goth/darkwave - I don't get the connection.

Check out our Spotify and you tell me

 

Ooohhh liking some of that. I can hear similarities to Goth thing but it reminds me of some of the more light hearted bands from early 80's but just can't put my finger on who it i've got in my head.

Sounds really good tho and i'd enjoy your gig.

Thanks for sharing with us.

Dave

[Bluewine]

Maple Road

Saturday 11/22/25

7:00-9:00

 

"Join us in the newly revamped Eden Ave. event venue located inside Game Over, downtown West Bend! Full bar, killer food menu including smash burgers and a Saturday night of live rockin' blues tunes!"

 

I don't  know about this one. I have one main concern. This is downtown West Bend (30k). We're not a  3 hour Saturday night party band. We're a better fit  for the larger Summertime  afternoon multi-band festivals and fairs, playing for 1.5 hours.

 

This could be a real dud. I've been wrong before. 

 

And here's another issue. Dep drummer.

 

Daryl

Edited Friday at 07:54 by Bluewine

[Ed_S]

Couple of gigs..

 

Last Saturday was an all day festival with 7 bands playing various different styles of metal - mostly the more tuneful variety. I've been depping for the last year with the band that organises the day but wasn't expecting to play this one, so it was a surprise when they informed me that they'd eventually parted company with their bassist and asked me to cover. It was a long day from turning up at 10am to get everything ready for doors at 2pm, then generally meandering round smiling at people and drinking a lot of alcohol-free Guinness until our 8pm co-headline slot. An hour on stage went pretty fast, and the four new songs (two originals and two covers) were well enough planted in my head. No screw-ups, a pleased band, and home before midnight... though predictably knackered.

 

Warwick RB Streamer LX 5 -> L6 G30 wireless -> [SFX m-Thumpinator -> Boss XS-1 -> Boss BC1-X -> T21 VT Bass v2 -> T21 Sansamp BDDI v2] -> Markbass Nano 2 -> Blackstar house cab (?)

 

Last night was back to the same venue but a different room for a tribute to Ozzy that another local band had put on as a charity event. We'd tentatively agreed to be support, but the tentative bit didn't quite make it across so the posters were printed before we knew our singer would be out of the country at a conference. We're all for keeping our implied/inferred word, though, so we borrowed the two singers (and the keyboardist for one song) from the depping band, and they took a couple of songs each solo then a couple of songs together. The rule was that there were no repeats throughout the evening, which is totally reasonable, but once the headline and main support had taken their pick, we had to be a bit creative to come up with a set that wouldn't leave people scratching their heads. In the end, though, I think we got it right and played a half hour set which seemed genuinely well received as far as I could tell. No screw-ups, and because I was able to get my gear disco-loaded-out and driven away, I got to stay and enjoy the headline set with a few beers as well.

 

Warwick RB Streamer LX 5 -> Fender Telepath wireless -> T21 Bass Fly Rig v2 -> Markbass Nano 2 -> Blackstar house cab (?)

 

Sadly no photos have emerged of either gig just yet, but there were enough cameras out and about at both so I'm sure there'll be some eventually to prove it all happened. No time to let that spark an existential crisis, though, as it's off to a first open-mic with a side project tomorrow, and then last gig of the year with the dep band mid-December. I realise it's nothing compared to the schedules of some round these parts, but I've not played out so much since the enforced break of covid, and I'm enjoying it; my gear is all condensed down to the smallest, lightest and most efficient versions I can manage, the DI sound keeps getting general thumbs-ups from sound techs, and my main gigging pair of Streamer LX 5s are feeling comfortable.

[Salt on your Bass?]

A week ago now but I played my first overseas gig in Germany at a small doom festival in Leonberg, with Gévaudan.

 

Really really cool vibe, promoters really looked after all the bands and the crowd were ace both whilst on stage and hanging out during the before and after. we played pretty well and the sound was clear and mainly on point on stage. Good times and lots learned. Felt like a very different approach to live music on the continent. 

 

Edited 20 hours ago by Salt on your Bass?

[tauzero]

Gig with the Bonnevilles R&B band at the Foley Arms in Sutton Coldfield.

 

Reasonable stage area and an unused area to the side where we could dump bags and cases. A fair few followers came as well.

 

 

I'd managed to rip a flap of skin up on my right middle fingertip on Thursday which wasn't ideal. Put paid to any alternating finger work, and to the occasional bit of index finger relief. Had to resort to plectrum for quite a few songs, which reminds me that I left my plectrum holder on the mic stand (the singer supplies his and my mic stands). Had several plasters on standby in case the one I was using fell off (it didn't).

 

 

Obligatory atmospheric shot by Mrs Zero

 

 

Sei Flamboyant 5 -> Lekato wireless -> Zoom MS-60B+ -> home made jack-jack lead -> Tecamp Puma 900 -> GR Bass AT212, normal Caravelle memory foam trainers

[Stub Mandrel]

1 hour ago, tauzero said:

 

Ouch!

[Obrienp]

Bringing the tone down: I did a charity fundraiser with Bandwidth (covers and originals) for the Felbeck Trust at Cley Village Hall last night. It was a ticketed affair with  a meal between sets (veggie and gluten free), with a few over 70 there despite the filthy weather. The meal was delicious in fact and we were provided with free drinks.

 

The stage could have been excellent, if it wasn’t for the hundred or so chairs stacked at the back,  which meant we were very cramped. It also looked a mess with the curtain tucked into the chairs. Anyway we played 2 x 1:15 sets and got plenty of dancers in the second set. I was really struggling, as I was diagnosed with a chest infection an hour before set up and had just started on antibiotics. I’m not sure how I managed to drive home.

 

Gear was Guild Starfire 1 and custom P/J shorty into Blackstar U700 (via Peterson Strobostomp) and 2 LFSys Monza. DI to the desk. U700 master literally on just over 1, so two Monzas was complete overkill. I should just have connected the top one, as I don’t think the amp was working hard enough.

 

We got loads of good feedback and possibly some follow on gigs🤞. Not a great pic and yes,mChris has to sit through gigs these days. We’re a poor old bunch🫤

[Bluewine]

7 minutes ago, Obrienp said:

Bringing the tone down: I did a charity fundraiser with Bandwidth (covers and originals) for the Felbeck Trust at Cley Village Hall last night. It was a ticketed affair with  a meal between sets (veggie and gluten free), with a few over 70 there despite the filthy weather. The meal was delicious in fact and we were provided with free drinks.

 

The stage could have been excellent, if it wasn’t for the hundred or so chairs stacked at the back,  which meant we were very cramped. It also looked a mess with the curtain tucked into the chairs. Anyway we played 2 x 1:15 sets and got plenty of dancers in the second set. I was really struggling, as I was diagnosed with a chest infection an hour before set up and had just started on antibiotics. I’m not sure how I managed to drive home.

 

Gear was Guild Starfire 1 and custom P/J shorty into Blackstar U700 (via Peterson Strobostomp) and 2 LFSys Monza. DI to the desk. U700 master literally on just over 1, so two Monzas was complete overkill. I should just have connected the top one, as I don’t think the amp was working hard enough.

 

We got loads of good feedback and possibly some follow on gigs🤞. Not a great pic and yes,mChris has to sit through gigs these days. We’re a poor old bunch🫤

 

Nice Starfire !

 

Daryl

[Bluewine]

On 16/11/2025 at 19:05, Paddy777 said:

Had a very busy weekend and a break from the norm with some great dep gigs. Fri night & Sat morning depped in a production of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, a very professional show and a chance to flex my reading chops, I then went straight from that gig on Saturday 120 miles down to a Holiday Park near Scarborough to dep for a band playing at an end of season party to finish off a very busy Saturday. Quite a contrast but some fun tunes to play. The theatre show was in a really nice old Theatre in Newcastle city centre, I took a few photos from the pit where I was sitting, it really gives the place a proper old timey feel rather than some of the sterile newer places. 
 

 

Nice depping.

 

Nobody ever calls me for anything. 

 

Daryl

[Obrienp]

1 hour ago, Bluewine said:

 

Nice Starfire !

 

Daryl

Thanks Daryl. I’ve put a set of DiMarzio Split P (DP127) in it and a 6 position Varitone switch. It has lots of grunt and bottom end now.

[bassbiscuits]

8 hours ago, Salt on your Bass? said:

A week ago now but I played my first overseas gig in Germany at a small doom festival in Leonberg….

 

That’s an epic pic 

[Paddy777]

2 hours ago, Bluewine said:

 

Nice depping.

 

Nobody ever calls me for anything. 

 

Daryl

I definitely get that feeling too sometimes, just got to enjoy the gigs when they’re there!  

[bassbiscuits]

Just back from a 70th birthday gig at a local rugby club with the Andy Wales Band. We’d played for the same chap’s birthday last year so knew the venue etc (seemed to be dark, wet and windy last time we were loading in too come to think of it). 
 

I was feeling pretty ropey from my flu jab two days ago, and have also managed to do something to my lower back which made lifting and turning impossible but luckily the other two fellas helped me unload and set up the PA etc. 

 

I wasn’t able to move much during the gig due to the back problem but musically it went pretty well.
 

Swapped out some of the slower stuff for more upbeat tunes to keep the dance floor busy. 
 

Drove home v slowly in very thick freezing fog which was nice. But I came home to the jackpot - leftover Chinese food from my missus’ meal which I’d missed earlier in the night, and Dire Straits Live Alchemy on Sky Arts. 
 

All is well once again. 
 

Gear: the usual. Yamaha BB604, Little Mark head and two traveller cabs, pedal board and my Mackie / Allen and Heath PA. 
 

PS I’m in no hurry to go to bed as I suspect my back is not going to be happy once it’s cooled down and had eight hours of inactivity to stiffen up. 
 

Edited 10 hours ago by bassbiscuits

[Bluewine]

10 hours ago, Paddy777 said:

I definitely get that feeling too sometimes, just got to enjoy the gigs when they’re there!  

 

Agreed

 

Daryl

[Bluewine]

On 21/11/2025 at 01:50, Bluewine said:

Maple Road

Saturday 11/22/25

7:00-9:00

 

"Join us in the newly revamped Eden Ave. event venue located inside Game Over, downtown West Bend! Full bar, killer food menu including smash burgers and a Saturday night of live rockin' blues tunes!"

 

I don't  know about this one. I have one main concern. This is downtown West Bend (30k). We're not a  3 hour Saturday night party band. We're a better fit  for the larger Summertime  afternoon multi-band festivals and fairs, playing for 1.5 hours.

 

This could be a real dud. I've been wrong before. 

 

And here's another issue. Dep drummer.

 

Daryl

 

 

We had a crowd, however it was awkward.Nice room, nice stage and sound.  We bought our own lighting. Like I said this place is more for the Saturday night party bands.

 

There were a few "screw ups" musically . Good paying gig and some nice tips.

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BTJQAGVN2/

 

Daryl

Edited 1 hour ago by Bluewine

[dmccombe7]

19 hours ago, tauzero said:

Gig with the Bonnevilles R&B band at the Foley Arms in Sutton Coldfield.

 

Reasonable stage area and an unused area to the side where we could dump bags and cases. A fair few followers came as well.

 

 

I'd managed to rip a flap of skin up on my right middle fingertip on Thursday which wasn't ideal. Put paid to any alternating finger work, and to the occasional bit of index finger relief. Had to resort to plectrum for quite a few songs, which reminds me that I left my plectrum holder on the mic stand (the singer supplies his and my mic stands). Had several plasters on standby in case the one I was using fell off (it didn't).

 

 

Obligatory atmospheric shot by Mrs Zero

 

 

Sei Flamboyant 5 -> Lekato wireless -> Zoom MS-60B+ -> home made jack-jack lead -> Tecamp Puma 900 -> GR Bass AT212, normal Caravelle memory foam trainers

Ouch that finger doesn't look good.

I started to use my 3rd finger on occasion as finger relief. Mostly index and middle finger but its handy having that spare finger 😂

I started it more out of curiosity but it kinda stuck. Not that i use it a lot to be honest.

Liking that bass.

Dave

Edited 1 hour ago by dmccombe7

[dmccombe7]

14 hours ago, Bluewine said:

 

Nice depping.

 

Nobody ever calls me for anything. 

 

Daryl

Out of the blue 8am yesterday i got a call from an old band i was in approx 10 yrs ago but we have kept in touch to see if i was busy that night. Unfortunately i was gigging.

Another Glam covers band too.

Dave

[dmccombe7]

Last night was an odd gig at Cockenzie & Port Seton British Legion.

Turned up to hear they never sold too many tickets. They reckoned 30-40 which was about the size of the audience. 

Once again they didn't advertise the event and even tho we sent 8 posters there were none up in the venue. Nothing on their FB page either until a few days ago.

Decent sized venue with a good stage too. At one point after sound check we were getting worried that we might no be getting paid for this one as it holds approx 100-150. BL spoke with the organiser and she confirmed we would be getting paid the full amount and she apologised for the poor turnout.

Our guitarist being ex-Royal Marine and a member of the Legion told us they get a grant from the Legion to put bands on that would cover our fee so bar profits all go to the club itself.

We decided to just go for it and enjoy the night for what it was and at the end of the day its a well paid rehearsal. 

Turns out they loved it and were up dancing most of the night with literally everyone on the floor a couple of times in the 2nd set. With such a small audience in a big hall i could count them. 😂

Sound was great and the feedback was excellent. Organiser paid us as soon as we finished and said she had asked around the hall and everyone loved it. She wants to rebook us for next year again.

We did get asked to bring the volume down at half time tho altho my wife said it wasn't that loud to start with. She has ACS custom ear plugs too but didn't need them. Anyways we turned it down a touch for the 2nd set. I think with the hall being empty our volume was a bit loud first set.

No major issues and the band was sounding good on stage. We had a lot of fun but we always do on stage.

I think this was the smallest audience we've played to. 🤩

Usual gear. Sandberg VM4, Shure wireless, Keeley comp, Handbox WB-100, BF 212 cab with MarloweDK as back up bass.

We're now using our PA company almost every gig so that's a huge bonus and saves me humphing heavy PA cabs about.

Coupe of short FB reel clips appeared last night so here goes. Hopefully the links work.

Dave

 

http://www.facebook.com/reel/1757089728447509

 

http://www.facebook.com/reel/1505177564099939