Delectable little treats appear when I log into the blogger every now and again!
Now our own little TV station? Well... that is something! Looks like the work of Mr Mort Van Cleef; and I'm enjoying the surprises!
Pressure on us lads to make some little video blogs too; I think they're called 'vlogs' in the world where condensed words seem to be standardised. I must make a few up myself... (door hinge = dinge, light bulb = lulb, rock band = rand, jive and jazz = jizz?... I could go on)
So whatdoya reckon; HCTLG blogs, exclusives? Conversations? Sneaky recordings of practice room arguments (not that we have that many...)
All these sound good in theory; but there is a slight problem; Marty is terribly shy in social situations (we sometimes find him in the corner of the backstage sitting down reading Harry Potter and dressed like a wizard, and we have to drag him out to the stage), Rion has Tourettes (although I'd call it passion), the hair to face ratio is all wrong for me, Rob has a funny looking moustache which may come across strange on camera and Wally's various voices may appear along with his middle finger; and offend somewhat.
I need to get these problems solved before venturing into this video adventure (vadventure?); but I need everyone possible to comment and let us know if you want it! Yes you, and not just the usual suspects; EVERYONE who reads it has gots to say yay or nay...
So whats it to be?
J
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Hot off the press....!
Found a few pics of us rawkin' out at Glasgowbury '09 on the Hotpress Mag website...
thought i'd share 'em.....
The photos are by Carrie Davenport, who was at the festival and took LOADSA snaps throughout the day of bands, people, mud etc... Take a look at her blog at http://blog.carriedavenport.com/
Marty
thought i'd share 'em.....
The photos are by Carrie Davenport, who was at the festival and took LOADSA snaps throughout the day of bands, people, mud etc... Take a look at her blog at http://blog.carriedavenport.com/
Marty
Monday, July 27, 2009
Mum's the word...
Recovering from the antics at the weekend... It's taking me a while! Longer than expected, but you end up appreciating showers, toilets, heating and a cosy bed more after a weekend in the mountains!
Haven't been chatting to the guys since coming back, but I reckon they're in the same boat as me.
It was nice to see my Mum and Dad; hadn't seen them really in two weeks!
When I got in the door, my mum asked 'How was it?' I handed her the computer and she read the blog! Handy, blogs are... Saved me about 15 minutes to chat about other things!!
I'm kidding of course! I told her all the craic, and then came the infamous question no son wants to hear about things they write on the internet...
'How do I bookmark this page?'
*christ...
So, anyone who reads this blog, mind your fucking language, my mum and dad are probably reading it!
Next up, Roarin Meg festival!
I've got to get the muck off my boots. Speaking of, I'm gonna post a pic of my DM boots that saved my feet from all sorts of unpleasantries... They're all covered in mud and sheep shit...) (sorry mum)
J
Haven't been chatting to the guys since coming back, but I reckon they're in the same boat as me.
It was nice to see my Mum and Dad; hadn't seen them really in two weeks!
When I got in the door, my mum asked 'How was it?' I handed her the computer and she read the blog! Handy, blogs are... Saved me about 15 minutes to chat about other things!!
I'm kidding of course! I told her all the craic, and then came the infamous question no son wants to hear about things they write on the internet...
'How do I bookmark this page?'
*christ...
So, anyone who reads this blog, mind your fucking language, my mum and dad are probably reading it!
Next up, Roarin Meg festival!
I've got to get the muck off my boots. Speaking of, I'm gonna post a pic of my DM boots that saved my feet from all sorts of unpleasantries... They're all covered in mud and sheep shit...) (sorry mum)
J
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Glasgowbury... The Story (and Aftermath)
First of all,
I couldn't get a good enough signal to post in the mountains, so humble apologies; however, WHAT A FUCKING WEEKEND!!!
Me, The Bean, The Meek, The Port & Banana arrived down at around 7 on Friday, pitched the tents in a matter of an hour and got settled in for the midgies to feast on us. It was cold enough, but no rain thankfully. Rion along with his Missus (whose Catalan stew saved a few bellies... Amazing chef!) Hollie, Marty and JAAMIEEE arrived shortly after to put up their sleeping quarters.
Rion, Marty and the crew left to go to a warm bed, hot showers and more importantly, CLEAN TOILETS! Me and my crew stayed to battle the elements head on with warm cardigans, a warm blanket and the smallest picnic blanket I've ever seen!
We had a few drinks, then went off to bed quite early; I had a big day ahead of me, and wanted to make sure I was ready for anything!! So sleeping tablet, and bed for me.
The next day, we woke around 7am... Restless enough sleep because of the cold; but a sleep was a sleep. The Bean packed LOADS of foodstuff for us, and had a French breakfast. Coffee, Croissants, Pain Au Chocolat and orange juice! On a fucking mountain?? Amazing stuff! The day was starting out to be a lot lot warmer, so that put us all in top form.
That was us ready for the day ahead. The Q and their girlfriends arrived shortly after... We helped them with their tents and had a laugh. We mingled about, talked to some other people we knew, and before we knew it; it was 1:00pm! Time flies! The festival area opened at 12! We got our sweaters, jumpers, cardigans and what have you, plus stuck a couple of rain macs into The Bean's bag... just in case!
On our way up, we met Reno and Dermot carrying a big tent bag; which I am assuming was filled with drink, (and lots of it) as it took the two of them to carry it!
We made it there just in time to catch the last couple of songs from Balkan Alien Sound, who blew the Eagles Rock stage away with their high powered gypsy folk which had even me dancing; a difficult feat at the best of times!
We took a wander around the area, seeing the stalls selling beer,Coffee, Merchandise and food. I then nipped backstage to familiarise myself with the layout, and where our stage was and so forth. Bumped into 'We Are Resistance', an extremely talented band hailing from the Draperstown area. There was a lot of beard complimenting and beard rubbing!
Back on the main site, we watched a couple more acts, and The Bean and I headed back to the campsite for a little rest; and also to get my suit sorted for the show.
The campsite was now STUFFED with people & tents! One guy thought he was onto a winner by booting a rugby ball as far as possible, and it landing on tents. People with no sense fuck me off; but anyway...
We got back to the tent just as the rain began... Damn shame! It was a great morning. Ah well; its Ireland...Rain comes with the country.
We made it back to the festival site to see our boys 'The Q' (interesting fact? Rion drummed temporarily for them about 4 months ago). They were immense! Guitars up full, and Pablo was the frontman of frontmen. (Not as good as Marty though cause he's just class, but I'm always concentrating on playing to take notice!)
The Q finished, and outside was PISSING DOWN! Really heavy rain; so macs on, and back to the campsite. The catalan stew hit the spot, and we had a few drinks. The rain eased up a bit; so we ventured out once more up to the Spurs of Rock stage to see our good friends, 'The Mighty Stef'; who were unbelievable as always. They dedicated my favorite song of theirs to the Gentry boys, and there was a roar from behind us!! Needless to say, I got nervous at that point. After the Stef, we had to run back stage to Mr Stephen McCauley for a radio interview with the BBC. We clambered into the back of a van, Wally at the helm and drove as far away from Lafaro's sound as possible so we could record a little tune for Mr McCauley. We did a bizarre rendition of 'Highbrow' and were sped back to the backstage area for Spurs of Rock; just to catch 'Swanee River' start. Jesus the crowd was enormous. How the fuck were we going to follow them!??
We watched and waited; and anxiously got our gear ready for a swift changeover; and stood at the wings. Swanee finished off their epic 'Baby Better Lady' then it was mad dives to get the drum kit changed, keyboards up,amplifiers heated and guitars tuned. With a quick sound check from Paul Sheerin, we ran back to the van and got changed into our suits... Then the madness began...
Marty walked onstage to an enormous roar from the crowd and began Leadbelly; to which we followed. I'd forgotten my nerves; strapped on my guitar (yes ladies and gents... My babies are back!) and Rion, Wally and I joined Marty in the song. With the count in from Wally, I hit the D chord and it almost blew my head clean off!! What a noise!! After a lot of jumping around, we moved straight into Johnny Hero. The photographer was right in front of me; and as we started the chorus, I leapt into the air, jumped back and promptly rolled about the ground! I kept playing, and the flashes of cameras made me think 'Jesus... I need to make this look intentional...' The ground was muddy, and some was on my shoes, so what I actually did was slip, but The Bean told me afterwards that it looked completely intentional! So job done as far as that was concerned.
Next up was Baditude. Ballsy as buck and again, a lot of leaping. Marty giving it his all onstage. He was going nuts too! We had a ball.
We began the changearound... Wally up front on harmonica, and Rion on the drums; and we brought onstage Mr Conor O'Kane for 'Troublesome Woman Blues'... Yet another crowdpleaser. The night went on, we sang Whiskey Town with Mr Keith Harkin on guitar, and to 'Bubblehead' ending on the accappela version of Leadbelly. The crowd were all singing along, and again we had Keith onstage singing with us, Paddy Nash, and God knows who else!
We left the stage with chants of 'ONE MORE TUNE! ONE MORE TUNE!' behind us.
We stood at the backstage, looked at each other and took to the stage one more time, blasting out 'The Ballad of The Landed Gentry'...
We then left on one of the biggest highs I think I've ever had... Robert was leaping about, Wally was buzzing and Rion, Marty, Dermot & Conor were just high with excitement... And that was it.
I ran around to find the Bean, and brought her and The Meek back with me. It was 11:40, and The Bean's favourite local band ASIWYFA were due on stage in 20 mins. We had to get all our gear into the van, leave space for a bed for Wally and Henry McCullagh was due to go on any minute. We broke the gear down and left it backstage; and The Bean, The Meek & I ran to see ASIWYFA.
I managed to see about 15 minutes before having to go and start loading gear, when it transpired that people were going on stage with ASIWYFA for the last song to sing...
I got The Meek and The Bean, ran to the stairs, and watched the enormous crowd. Everyone was on stage ready to go, then we got the go ahead.
Out we went, clapping our hands and singing to the crowd! It was fucking unreal! The Beans face was all lit up, really having a blast! It was pretty special.
When we got back to the Spurs of Rock stage, it turned out that Stevie from Swanee and our very own Big Marty were onstage with Henry McCullagh (from Wings/ Joe Cocker's band) singing 'Little help from my friends'!! Jesus! I don't think even Marty was expecting that!(***edit by Marty - Yes John I knew about this weeks before as it was arranged by Dermot [Mod] and Paddy G.***) AND they sang 'You've really got me' by The Kinks!
That was the end of the Glasgowbury festival. The gear was packed, the crowds were leaving and we were on a big big high.
On the way back to the campsite, there was a lot of people who recognised me from the band, and were shaking my hand, telling me that the band were brilliant. I found it strange. Can't help but wonder if people would talk to me had I not been in a band..
Back at the campsite, the heavens opened and it poured and poured. People took refuge in their tents; including me. Across the way, was Big Marty's big TeePee, with what must have been about 30 people in it; and him and Wally were doing an impromptu gig with Stevie Blues. I was happy listening... I was exhausted, and content.
We all went to bed at around 4.30am. My sleeping pill worked withing minutes; and that was my Glasgowbury 09.
A lot of work is put into that festival every year, and its growing; and if it wasn't for people like Stella Glasgow, Paddy Glasgow and all the G'Bury crew, it would turn into a monster; but with people like that in control; it'll always be the best festival in the world and the biggest highlight in any Irish musician's year.
Cheers for reading
J
I couldn't get a good enough signal to post in the mountains, so humble apologies; however, WHAT A FUCKING WEEKEND!!!
Me, The Bean, The Meek, The Port & Banana arrived down at around 7 on Friday, pitched the tents in a matter of an hour and got settled in for the midgies to feast on us. It was cold enough, but no rain thankfully. Rion along with his Missus (whose Catalan stew saved a few bellies... Amazing chef!) Hollie, Marty and JAAMIEEE arrived shortly after to put up their sleeping quarters.
Rion, Marty and the crew left to go to a warm bed, hot showers and more importantly, CLEAN TOILETS! Me and my crew stayed to battle the elements head on with warm cardigans, a warm blanket and the smallest picnic blanket I've ever seen!
We had a few drinks, then went off to bed quite early; I had a big day ahead of me, and wanted to make sure I was ready for anything!! So sleeping tablet, and bed for me.
The next day, we woke around 7am... Restless enough sleep because of the cold; but a sleep was a sleep. The Bean packed LOADS of foodstuff for us, and had a French breakfast. Coffee, Croissants, Pain Au Chocolat and orange juice! On a fucking mountain?? Amazing stuff! The day was starting out to be a lot lot warmer, so that put us all in top form.
That was us ready for the day ahead. The Q and their girlfriends arrived shortly after... We helped them with their tents and had a laugh. We mingled about, talked to some other people we knew, and before we knew it; it was 1:00pm! Time flies! The festival area opened at 12! We got our sweaters, jumpers, cardigans and what have you, plus stuck a couple of rain macs into The Bean's bag... just in case!
On our way up, we met Reno and Dermot carrying a big tent bag; which I am assuming was filled with drink, (and lots of it) as it took the two of them to carry it!
We made it there just in time to catch the last couple of songs from Balkan Alien Sound, who blew the Eagles Rock stage away with their high powered gypsy folk which had even me dancing; a difficult feat at the best of times!
We took a wander around the area, seeing the stalls selling beer,Coffee, Merchandise and food. I then nipped backstage to familiarise myself with the layout, and where our stage was and so forth. Bumped into 'We Are Resistance', an extremely talented band hailing from the Draperstown area. There was a lot of beard complimenting and beard rubbing!
Back on the main site, we watched a couple more acts, and The Bean and I headed back to the campsite for a little rest; and also to get my suit sorted for the show.
The campsite was now STUFFED with people & tents! One guy thought he was onto a winner by booting a rugby ball as far as possible, and it landing on tents. People with no sense fuck me off; but anyway...
We got back to the tent just as the rain began... Damn shame! It was a great morning. Ah well; its Ireland...Rain comes with the country.
We made it back to the festival site to see our boys 'The Q' (interesting fact? Rion drummed temporarily for them about 4 months ago). They were immense! Guitars up full, and Pablo was the frontman of frontmen. (Not as good as Marty though cause he's just class, but I'm always concentrating on playing to take notice!)
The Q finished, and outside was PISSING DOWN! Really heavy rain; so macs on, and back to the campsite. The catalan stew hit the spot, and we had a few drinks. The rain eased up a bit; so we ventured out once more up to the Spurs of Rock stage to see our good friends, 'The Mighty Stef'; who were unbelievable as always. They dedicated my favorite song of theirs to the Gentry boys, and there was a roar from behind us!! Needless to say, I got nervous at that point. After the Stef, we had to run back stage to Mr Stephen McCauley for a radio interview with the BBC. We clambered into the back of a van, Wally at the helm and drove as far away from Lafaro's sound as possible so we could record a little tune for Mr McCauley. We did a bizarre rendition of 'Highbrow' and were sped back to the backstage area for Spurs of Rock; just to catch 'Swanee River' start. Jesus the crowd was enormous. How the fuck were we going to follow them!??
We watched and waited; and anxiously got our gear ready for a swift changeover; and stood at the wings. Swanee finished off their epic 'Baby Better Lady' then it was mad dives to get the drum kit changed, keyboards up,amplifiers heated and guitars tuned. With a quick sound check from Paul Sheerin, we ran back to the van and got changed into our suits... Then the madness began...
Marty walked onstage to an enormous roar from the crowd and began Leadbelly; to which we followed. I'd forgotten my nerves; strapped on my guitar (yes ladies and gents... My babies are back!) and Rion, Wally and I joined Marty in the song. With the count in from Wally, I hit the D chord and it almost blew my head clean off!! What a noise!! After a lot of jumping around, we moved straight into Johnny Hero. The photographer was right in front of me; and as we started the chorus, I leapt into the air, jumped back and promptly rolled about the ground! I kept playing, and the flashes of cameras made me think 'Jesus... I need to make this look intentional...' The ground was muddy, and some was on my shoes, so what I actually did was slip, but The Bean told me afterwards that it looked completely intentional! So job done as far as that was concerned.
Next up was Baditude. Ballsy as buck and again, a lot of leaping. Marty giving it his all onstage. He was going nuts too! We had a ball.
We began the changearound... Wally up front on harmonica, and Rion on the drums; and we brought onstage Mr Conor O'Kane for 'Troublesome Woman Blues'... Yet another crowdpleaser. The night went on, we sang Whiskey Town with Mr Keith Harkin on guitar, and to 'Bubblehead' ending on the accappela version of Leadbelly. The crowd were all singing along, and again we had Keith onstage singing with us, Paddy Nash, and God knows who else!
We left the stage with chants of 'ONE MORE TUNE! ONE MORE TUNE!' behind us.
We stood at the backstage, looked at each other and took to the stage one more time, blasting out 'The Ballad of The Landed Gentry'...
We then left on one of the biggest highs I think I've ever had... Robert was leaping about, Wally was buzzing and Rion, Marty, Dermot & Conor were just high with excitement... And that was it.
I ran around to find the Bean, and brought her and The Meek back with me. It was 11:40, and The Bean's favourite local band ASIWYFA were due on stage in 20 mins. We had to get all our gear into the van, leave space for a bed for Wally and Henry McCullagh was due to go on any minute. We broke the gear down and left it backstage; and The Bean, The Meek & I ran to see ASIWYFA.
I managed to see about 15 minutes before having to go and start loading gear, when it transpired that people were going on stage with ASIWYFA for the last song to sing...
I got The Meek and The Bean, ran to the stairs, and watched the enormous crowd. Everyone was on stage ready to go, then we got the go ahead.
Out we went, clapping our hands and singing to the crowd! It was fucking unreal! The Beans face was all lit up, really having a blast! It was pretty special.
When we got back to the Spurs of Rock stage, it turned out that Stevie from Swanee and our very own Big Marty were onstage with Henry McCullagh (from Wings/ Joe Cocker's band) singing 'Little help from my friends'!! Jesus! I don't think even Marty was expecting that!(***edit by Marty - Yes John I knew about this weeks before as it was arranged by Dermot [Mod] and Paddy G.***) AND they sang 'You've really got me' by The Kinks!
That was the end of the Glasgowbury festival. The gear was packed, the crowds were leaving and we were on a big big high.
On the way back to the campsite, there was a lot of people who recognised me from the band, and were shaking my hand, telling me that the band were brilliant. I found it strange. Can't help but wonder if people would talk to me had I not been in a band..
Back at the campsite, the heavens opened and it poured and poured. People took refuge in their tents; including me. Across the way, was Big Marty's big TeePee, with what must have been about 30 people in it; and him and Wally were doing an impromptu gig with Stevie Blues. I was happy listening... I was exhausted, and content.
We all went to bed at around 4.30am. My sleeping pill worked withing minutes; and that was my Glasgowbury 09.
A lot of work is put into that festival every year, and its growing; and if it wasn't for people like Stella Glasgow, Paddy Glasgow and all the G'Bury crew, it would turn into a monster; but with people like that in control; it'll always be the best festival in the world and the biggest highlight in any Irish musician's year.
Cheers for reading
J
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Glasgowbury!!
It is here! And i'm being eaten alive by bugs!
Last night sleep was restless, about 2 or 3 hours in total. It was freezing, so 4 layers of clothes!
People still arriving, and someone thought he was onto a winner with a big annoying drum... Needless to say, the drummer was pretty good.
I'll try and post throught the day and add photos from my phone.
Chat soon!
J
Last night sleep was restless, about 2 or 3 hours in total. It was freezing, so 4 layers of clothes!
People still arriving, and someone thought he was onto a winner with a big annoying drum... Needless to say, the drummer was pretty good.
I'll try and post throught the day and add photos from my phone.
Chat soon!
J
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Roundabouts, veg & music...
'What's your favourite roundabout?' was the topic of conversation on the journey home. I enjoy wee moments like that, just random conversations! Moving swiftly onto veg with the exceptionally talented Conor, who is a guest banjo banjo...ist(?).
Not a packed gig tonight, but a good wee warm up for the mighty Glasgowbury. And, I got my guitboxes back! Good times.
Well, a short post tonight, because its 4 am, and I'm sure I'm speaking for the rest of the guys by saying I'm all wonk out!
J
Not a packed gig tonight, but a good wee warm up for the mighty Glasgowbury. And, I got my guitboxes back! Good times.
Well, a short post tonight, because its 4 am, and I'm sure I'm speaking for the rest of the guys by saying I'm all wonk out!
J
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Check out the big hombres mutha fuckas..!!!
Yeeeeaaaaooo....
check us bad boys out sportin' our new HCTLG Tees..
don't worry folks, im gonna set up an online shop on our website so ye's can sample the merch from next week on..!
Not gonna ramble on like John J. so stay tuned guys for more!
Marty
check us bad boys out sportin' our new HCTLG Tees..
don't worry folks, im gonna set up an online shop on our website so ye's can sample the merch from next week on..!
Not gonna ramble on like John J. so stay tuned guys for more!
Marty
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
A large, please...
T-shirts are ready and getting picked up tomorrow! Mr McCartney called, and asked what size I'd like... I asked for medium, Rion said large! I honestly thought medium would be good, but The Bean put me straight and told me a medium was too small for me! And it's rare that The Bean is wrong!
Wishful thinking on my behalf I suppose...
So I'll be sporting my HCTLG t-shirt in no time at all! I think the badges are arriving too. Just in time for G'Bury. Marvelous!
My Telecasters are still with our (still unknown to him) guitar tech. Rion got his back today, and told me that they are absolutely amazing! Like different guitars!! Christ I can't wait till Thursday to get'em back again! I'll stick a picture up of all the axes the Gentry use when they're united again... You'll be surprised!
I borrowed my mate's Tele, but really... it isn't the same; a bed is a bed, but nothing is better than your own bed. I'm sure you know what I mean. Nice of him though!
The next addition to this blog, I'm thinking of adding a Google search engine... Its more so that folks (if they want, and like these bloggy things) can have it as a home page, and use it like regular Google!
Let me know what you reckon about this, as if it ain't gonna be used, then there ain't no point!
Well, that is that. I'm hoping this thundery weather will be gone by the weekend! Its bloody grey and lashing with rain! Practice tomorrow, and another day closer to G'Bury...
It'll be a hoot! Come rain or shine!!
For now, enjoy a 'Small but MASSIVE' Marty!
Don't forget...
www.herecomesthelandedgentry.com
www.myspace.com/herecom... Ahh, ye'll get them all at the first link!
J
Wishful thinking on my behalf I suppose...
So I'll be sporting my HCTLG t-shirt in no time at all! I think the badges are arriving too. Just in time for G'Bury. Marvelous!
My Telecasters are still with our (still unknown to him) guitar tech. Rion got his back today, and told me that they are absolutely amazing! Like different guitars!! Christ I can't wait till Thursday to get'em back again! I'll stick a picture up of all the axes the Gentry use when they're united again... You'll be surprised!
I borrowed my mate's Tele, but really... it isn't the same; a bed is a bed, but nothing is better than your own bed. I'm sure you know what I mean. Nice of him though!
The next addition to this blog, I'm thinking of adding a Google search engine... Its more so that folks (if they want, and like these bloggy things) can have it as a home page, and use it like regular Google!
Let me know what you reckon about this, as if it ain't gonna be used, then there ain't no point!
Well, that is that. I'm hoping this thundery weather will be gone by the weekend! Its bloody grey and lashing with rain! Practice tomorrow, and another day closer to G'Bury...
It'll be a hoot! Come rain or shine!!
For now, enjoy a 'Small but MASSIVE' Marty!
Don't forget...
www.herecomesthelandedgentry.com
www.myspace.com/herecom... Ahh, ye'll get them all at the first link!
J
Monday, July 20, 2009
Exhausted!
Not even a high powered, full rock gig, but the little acoustic one! And I'm shattered today! Getting old doesn't get easy!
We left Derry at about 7, minus Wally who has the swine flu (or just the flu, but you never know!!) and minus Rob.
Rion wasn't best pleased with the lack of sandwiches that the garage had, so he went hungry for the journey. A bag of crisps and a bounty helped through that tough time.
We got there with 20 minutes to spare; time enough for a quick acoustic practice.
We didn't have high hopes for the gig, as the last acoustic gig we did was a bit of a disaster... But we battled onward. The venue was scattered with sofas & chairs, some people sitting on blankets on the floor with crackers, cheese & wine (Rions eyes lit up!) The room was lit with candle light, and looked amazing.
So with no mics, amps or anything plugged in, we chatted to the crowd, and started a rendition of Lightness & Weight. A good response to what I felt was a good version. This boosted confidence all round! This confidence quickly dissipated as both Marty and myself BOTH forgot the words to Johnny Hero! But we managed to up the ante by promptly forgetting the second verse!! I think we need lyric sheets... Quote from Mr McCartney;'thats what happens when you've got 100 songs to choose from!
We ended with acapellabelly, which everyone there got into.
The long and short is, we got an amazing response, and we walked away on a high.
I ended up having hicburps (I burp EVERYTIME I hiccup) and now my chest is killing me!
So that is that; for another day...For now, enjoy a picture of me along with another me from 5 years ago, when I went back to stop myself eating a full king size bag of peanuts.
We left Derry at about 7, minus Wally who has the swine flu (or just the flu, but you never know!!) and minus Rob.
Rion wasn't best pleased with the lack of sandwiches that the garage had, so he went hungry for the journey. A bag of crisps and a bounty helped through that tough time.
We got there with 20 minutes to spare; time enough for a quick acoustic practice.
We didn't have high hopes for the gig, as the last acoustic gig we did was a bit of a disaster... But we battled onward. The venue was scattered with sofas & chairs, some people sitting on blankets on the floor with crackers, cheese & wine (Rions eyes lit up!) The room was lit with candle light, and looked amazing.
So with no mics, amps or anything plugged in, we chatted to the crowd, and started a rendition of Lightness & Weight. A good response to what I felt was a good version. This boosted confidence all round! This confidence quickly dissipated as both Marty and myself BOTH forgot the words to Johnny Hero! But we managed to up the ante by promptly forgetting the second verse!! I think we need lyric sheets... Quote from Mr McCartney;'thats what happens when you've got 100 songs to choose from!
We ended with acapellabelly, which everyone there got into.
The long and short is, we got an amazing response, and we walked away on a high.
I ended up having hicburps (I burp EVERYTIME I hiccup) and now my chest is killing me!
So that is that; for another day...For now, enjoy a picture of me along with another me from 5 years ago, when I went back to stop myself eating a full king size bag of peanuts.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
A hard day's night...
What the hell does that mean?? Hard days night... If you think about it, it doesn't make much sense. Its like saying 'I'm off to the pub yesterday'... Never noticed until I wrote it!
Anyway... A few idiotic phone snaps of the rehearsal tonight. Went well, some spontaneous jamming, just making stuff up and fluttering about. The craic was good, and a bit of it was me and Wally having an ould chop busting session! Good times!
So my borrowed guitbox was Mr McCartneys loverly blue Yamaha. I miss my Telecasters loads and loads though. Strange that I've grown SO fond of what is essentially a piece of wood! But I do miss them.
Rob has been blending in well; I'm sure he must have found it awkward at the start, but he's one of the lads.
Just needs his good suit and fighting boots ready for the penultimate gig... Need I say it again? 6 days to go!! A special version of Whiskey Town especially Mr Glasgow! Wait and see, ladies and gents, wait and see!
The radio session went well apparently. I wasn't able to go to it, but I'll get a listen at some point I'm sure.
So its off later to Belfast for an acoustic session. No amps, no lighting, no effects... Just good old fashioned sitting around playing to people in candlelight. Sounds good to me!
Well, thats me for now. Enjoy a couple of poor quality pics as promised!
Ta
J
Anyway... A few idiotic phone snaps of the rehearsal tonight. Went well, some spontaneous jamming, just making stuff up and fluttering about. The craic was good, and a bit of it was me and Wally having an ould chop busting session! Good times!
So my borrowed guitbox was Mr McCartneys loverly blue Yamaha. I miss my Telecasters loads and loads though. Strange that I've grown SO fond of what is essentially a piece of wood! But I do miss them.
Rob has been blending in well; I'm sure he must have found it awkward at the start, but he's one of the lads.
Just needs his good suit and fighting boots ready for the penultimate gig... Need I say it again? 6 days to go!! A special version of Whiskey Town especially Mr Glasgow! Wait and see, ladies and gents, wait and see!
The radio session went well apparently. I wasn't able to go to it, but I'll get a listen at some point I'm sure.
So its off later to Belfast for an acoustic session. No amps, no lighting, no effects... Just good old fashioned sitting around playing to people in candlelight. Sounds good to me!
Well, thats me for now. Enjoy a couple of poor quality pics as promised!
Ta
J
One week left....
Until the hills are alive with the sound of music; mountains actually, the Sperrin mountains to be exact!
The guitars are at the guitar hospital, and they should be fighting fit by the time G'Bury comes around!
Yet another practice is due tonight; and I'm looking forward to it (even with a borrowed axe!!!)
So this blog has been released into the yonder, as they say. So keep eyes open for updates, pictures, vids... you know the drill!
And just to let everyone know too... we're on the radio today for a live session with the one and only Paddy Glasgow! So tune into Drive 105.3fm, or go to their website if you can!
First time on Drive 105; normally its the BBC we're on! So exciting stuff!
Ah Paddy, where would the Sperrins be without ye!
The guitars are at the guitar hospital, and they should be fighting fit by the time G'Bury comes around!
Yet another practice is due tonight; and I'm looking forward to it (even with a borrowed axe!!!)
So this blog has been released into the yonder, as they say. So keep eyes open for updates, pictures, vids... you know the drill!
And just to let everyone know too... we're on the radio today for a live session with the one and only Paddy Glasgow! So tune into Drive 105.3fm, or go to their website if you can!
First time on Drive 105; normally its the BBC we're on! So exciting stuff!
Ah Paddy, where would the Sperrins be without ye!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Rockabillybury
What a day!
The new single is launched, and if you've missed out on our first release 'Lightness & Weight', then it'll be another 6 months before you can get your mitts on it! But trust me, you'll want it again anyway!
Only 8 days to Glasgowbury! Glastonbury is a distant memory, and for the attendees; probably a fuzzy memory.
Glasgowbury, however is one for the music fans... For the people who aren't afraid to say 'Fuck The Killers, fuck Kings of Leon, fuck Coldplay, fuck Razorlight, fuck Lily Allen etc etc, Come on And So I Watch You From Afar, come on The Q, come on Cashier No 9, come on Swanee River, Come on Little Hooks!! The world might not know you, but the ones that matter know, and that is the MUSIC fans!!! It may be small... but by Christ it's massive!'
I don't think I've been more excited about an event as much as I am for G'Bury. I really am counting down the days!!
So what else has been occurring in the world of HCTLG? My wee Kelly is sounding perfect, Rion's & my guitars are en-route for a jolly good seeing to by our (unknown to him) guitar tech and the callouses on my fingertips are beginning to form! (It's as though they know something good is about to happen.)
So that is it! Get the Guinness, Corona, Carlsberg; and for Marty... the Buckfast in the ice-bucket and ready to go!
J
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
'Practice makes Perfect...'
Is 6 weeks too long? You'd think so, wouldn't you. That is how long it's been since we were together for a proper full on rehearsal; and it was as though we've been at it everyday. It all came flooding back (give or take one or two bum notes).
So, no new songs written... Just perfecting the oldies but goodies, and we threw in EMF 'Unbelievable', and the mighty 'Blur - Beetlebum' for good measure!!
It feels great after a good solid practice, and especially after so long. I have to admit, I was getting withdrawal symptoms from my Telecaster (by the way... on that note, Mr McCartney got himself a new, cherry Tele with what looks to be vintage cream binding and a bigsby... I'm not jealous at all... the bastard...)
So I'm due a new axe; its only fair! And of course, it has to be a Fender Telecaster!
I could go into one, but I'm on a musical high, and need to enjoy the next instalment of Big Brother! (It's addictive, so don't judge me!)
Toodle pip....
So, no new songs written... Just perfecting the oldies but goodies, and we threw in EMF 'Unbelievable', and the mighty 'Blur - Beetlebum' for good measure!!
It feels great after a good solid practice, and especially after so long. I have to admit, I was getting withdrawal symptoms from my Telecaster (by the way... on that note, Mr McCartney got himself a new, cherry Tele with what looks to be vintage cream binding and a bigsby... I'm not jealous at all... the bastard...)
So I'm due a new axe; its only fair! And of course, it has to be a Fender Telecaster!
I could go into one, but I'm on a musical high, and need to enjoy the next instalment of Big Brother! (It's addictive, so don't judge me!)
Toodle pip....
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
www.herecomesthelandedgentry.com
Folks...
It's ours!! Herecomesthelandedgentry.com is now our official website... And what a sight! (pun indeed intended)
Exciting stuff I reckon.
So what else has been happening in the gentry camp? Well, apart from the website, we're headed into practice from tomorrow for some extensive rehearsals. I gotta get my wee Kelly all sorted for the Cornucopia of gigs (I don't think there is a collective noun for Gigs, so Cornucopia it is!) that are on the way!
Our new single Rockabilly Boogie should be available for free download on Friday, and we're gonna have our first batch of t-shirts ready in the next couple of weeks! So its all go go go for us lads! Its a good job we play hard too!
So there you have it. Summer of 09 is ours for the taking, and it most certainly will be taken!
J
It's ours!! Herecomesthelandedgentry.com is now our official website... And what a sight! (pun indeed intended)
Exciting stuff I reckon.
So what else has been happening in the gentry camp? Well, apart from the website, we're headed into practice from tomorrow for some extensive rehearsals. I gotta get my wee Kelly all sorted for the Cornucopia of gigs (I don't think there is a collective noun for Gigs, so Cornucopia it is!) that are on the way!
Our new single Rockabilly Boogie should be available for free download on Friday, and we're gonna have our first batch of t-shirts ready in the next couple of weeks! So its all go go go for us lads! Its a good job we play hard too!
So there you have it. Summer of 09 is ours for the taking, and it most certainly will be taken!
J
Sunday, July 12, 2009
First Blog, of many... Hopefully
So, whats all this then?
A web page, a forum, social networking??? All thats great and all; but everyone knows that blogs are best! Everyone enjoys a story.
So here we go ladies and gents...the first official HCTLG blog.
So whats been happening in the world of HCTLG? Being honest? We've been resting up and had a little holiday, preparing for the almighty Glasgowbury, which is about 2 weeks away.
In the interim, we've been mixing our new songs which are almost ready to be released into the world; and we're pretty excited about the whole thing. So, over the next week, practice practice practice. The guitars are tuned, the drum skins are... tuned (?) and the vocals are warmed up; and its gonna be a fucking rock assault!
So, all of you who are lucky enough to have a ticket for G'Bury, are in for a bit of a treat! And who knows, there may be another Campsite session! You bring the booze, we'll bring the tunes!
So, I'll be posting some more on this as time goes on no doubt, and there may be some poor quality photos added too, just for good measure.
There is nothing better than rolling with The Gentry boys...
A web page, a forum, social networking??? All thats great and all; but everyone knows that blogs are best! Everyone enjoys a story.
So here we go ladies and gents...the first official HCTLG blog.
So whats been happening in the world of HCTLG? Being honest? We've been resting up and had a little holiday, preparing for the almighty Glasgowbury, which is about 2 weeks away.
In the interim, we've been mixing our new songs which are almost ready to be released into the world; and we're pretty excited about the whole thing. So, over the next week, practice practice practice. The guitars are tuned, the drum skins are... tuned (?) and the vocals are warmed up; and its gonna be a fucking rock assault!
So, all of you who are lucky enough to have a ticket for G'Bury, are in for a bit of a treat! And who knows, there may be another Campsite session! You bring the booze, we'll bring the tunes!
So, I'll be posting some more on this as time goes on no doubt, and there may be some poor quality photos added too, just for good measure.
There is nothing better than rolling with The Gentry boys...
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