A Busy Summers Work
On stage pre-gig with The Ultimate Killers (Photo: Charlie Philp)
The gigs are most definitely back, the past couple of weeks have been some of the busiest i’ve had in a very long time indeed! Rather than bore you with a ton of words, because quite frankly i’m knackered after all of this, i’ll let the photos do all the talking! Plenty of stage snaps and gear pics ahead. (And definitely no mention of the old ‘Tonights office‘ caption!)
So here’s 2 weeks worth of shows, in the order they happened. Wouldn't change this job for anything!
For more info on any of the artists or bands, just click on the names and it should take you over to their respective websites!
Maroon Live
First show of a busy week, playing for Pure Entertainment Group’s ‘Maroon Live’, always a fun set to play, and this gig was no exception!
Ultimate Jess Glynne (1st Gig)
New show on me this one, backing the fantastic Donna Ramsdale as Jess Glynne, great band lineup too, alongside Jason and Georgia, tons of great tunes and a truly wonderful crowd.
(Also massive thanks to the Flamingo Land techy in chief, Kyle (Spot him in the first pic!), for all his wonderful work on so many of these gigs, making sure all of us Musos are happy, as well as making it sound great out front - That man deserves a medal!)
Hometown Glory
Yet another new show for me, with Natalie Black as Adele, and her Hometown Glory show! Full 4 piece setup band wise too, with Shaun, John and Adam on stage with moi! Another lovely set to play, and a top class tribute act.
The Paul Skerritt Band
Bit of a change from the previous! Doing a dep wedding gig with The Paul Skerritt Band, playing some classic jazz tunes, and jazzing up a few pop tunes too! Perfect excuse for the Natal kit, Craviotto snare, and even a suit on yours truly. Setup within the fireplace at the stunningly beautiful Jesmond Dene House.
The band lineup was: Paul Skerritt (Vocals), Jeremy McMurray (Piano) & Lloyd Wright (Bass)
Ultimate Killers
Of all the Pure Entertainment shows, I think its safe to say this one is the most intense and exhausting! Playing it is a real workout, in the best possible way! With Dan up front, Jack on bass and Charlie on guitar, its a great play from the first downbeat!
Typically Tina
When Tina is in the house, you know about it, especially with Karin at the helm! She’s an absolute force of nature, and holds the audience in the palm of her hand, even a fire alarm wasn’t going to end the show, we got right back up there (after the all clear of course!) and finished the set right off. On bass for this one we had Georgia, and Neil on guitar, a fun show and smiles all round!
Bein’ Adams
Matt Wattz as Bein’ Adams for this one, with Shaun and Jason making up the band. A set of classic Bryan Adams tunes makes this one another cracking show, packed with big ballads, fast country and even a tasty shuffle or two!
Ultimate Jess Glynne (2nd Gig)
Back with the brilliant Donna Ramsdale once again, alongside Shaun and Neil. This has become one of my favourite shows to play too, so much groove and space. Not to mention the crowd who were absolutely loving it - and who could blame them!
As you can see, its been pretty non-stop, and lets hope this momentum keeps going. Gotta thank Pure Entertainment Group, Tom at Pure Muso, and Paul Skerritt for the gigs, all the musicians i’ve been working alongside and the techs and backstage guys who make everything run smoothly. I certainly couldn’t work without those guys!
Now I think I need a nap…