Thank you, thank you, thank you – with cherries on top
Thank you and Happy New Year Everyone. So first’s things first in 2018. We would like to thank the individuals and companies that have supported our efforts to keep music live. Without each and every one of you we simply would not be able to do what we do without your help and support.
To our fans and everyone that has attended gigs, booked us, downloaded our music, shared our posts, subscribed to our social media and overall showed us some love.
You have all enabled us to donate and perform for various charities throughout the year. It has helped us stick with our motto “Together through the love of music, we can make a difference”. Not only have you helped us to Keep Music Live but maybe without even knowing it you have supported those who need our help the most.
We donate a percentage of our takings to charity. So you can pat yourselves on the backs knowing that you have fed the under privileged and the homeless, fed and housed animals in need, helped mountain rescue, supported Big Issue retailers, provided funds for research and immunisations, helped those in poverty stricken circumstances, and many other worthy causes. All the charities we choose are well researched so your money is well received and goes directly to those who need it.
From family and friends, fans far away and closer to home, super fans, people who have booked us, people who have supported our aims and efforts in music. To those of you who have help keep music live on the streets up and down the country, the venues and individuals who book us and rebook us and to those of you who come to gigs. The ones that encourage, buy or listen to our music, for the lovely comments on a bitterly cold day outside busking. For the donations, gifts and random acts of kindness. We truly love you all. You are the unsung heroes and we appreciate everything you do.
We are so fortunate to also have support from a handful of companies. They do it simply to give back and expect nothing in return. In no particular order we’d like to thank:
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MOTO Hospitality are the service stations you may see dotted up and down the country. The services where you stop to recharge your batteries on long journeys. By the way if you’ve not downloaded their app it is well worth it. They have daily promotions on food and purchases and it can save you a lot of money. I tell this to everyone as we have always taken advantage of this and saved a few pretty pennies in the process.
During the year we need to travel around in our van to attend gigs, fundraising events and to entertain the crowds on the streets. This means accommodation can become very pricey. The thing is if we were to stay in hotels etc., it would come at a cost. The more we spend on hotels etc., the less we can travel and the less we can give. We don’t mind sleeping in the back of our van surviving off noodles and bananas.
Travelling around keeps your performance fresh in different locations. Since we stay in the van a lot its difficult if you don’t have somewhere to call home for the night. Basic essentials that we take for granted everyday like drinking water, showers, toilets and a safe place to sleep all become very difficult when your on the road.
Home is where you park it and that’s were MOTO come in. The lovely people at MOTO provide us with ongoing support to enable us to continue with our work. MOTO are our official sponsors of overnight accommodation and allow us to stay over at their service stations up and down the country.
Our van is self-converted and many campsites can be extremely fussy about who they let on their sites. Panelled vans are a no no on a lot of sites. Unfortunately we don’t have a spare £30,000 lying about to buy a new converted camper van. Our van Scooby does the job though. She may be a bit old, but she always gets us to where we need to go. In the past we have stayed on streets in neighbourhoods in disguise.
We may have even slept outside your house without you knowing it. The huge problem with this is safety and the lack of amenities. Especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. Driving around in the dark looking for places to park can become very tiresome. Somebody banging on your window at 3am in the morning trying to break into your van is not for the faint hearted.
Since we have been staying at MOTO we have not had any problems like this and it has been a brilliant life line. It has saved us a lot of money, kept us safe and refreshed and has made everything we do possible. It has given us peace of mind and for that we are extremely grateful.So here’s to the people at MOTO Hospitality. We thank you for your generosity and for inadvertently helping others. We value your ongoing support and would like to thank you on behalf of the charities we have raised funds for.
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Another company that is worth a huge mention is all the guys at Sutherland Trading. Now unless you are a retailer you may not be familiar with this company but if I mention Hohner it may get your ears twitching.Sutherland Trading you see are the kings of harmonica. The chances are if you’ve bought a Hohner harmonica from a music shop it has passed through the hands of the lovely people at Sutherland Trading.
When I first started to learn the harmonica I thought to myself great, a cheap little instrument that will sound great and last forever. I bought myself a Hohner Blues Harp in the key of C and enjoyed tooting away. I soon realised that since it was a diatonic harmonica I would need to purchase several harmonicas in various keys. Due to finances I bought myself a set of Swan harmonicas and it opened a whole new world to my playing.
I could now play along to any song in any key. There was a problem though. Unfortunately the Swan Harmonicas were not a patch on my Hohner harmonica (I’m sorry Swan but I’m only being honest). They are great for complete beginners to learn scales but I found it hindered my learning.
It was hard work to bend and run on them. They are quite rough around the edges and after a few hours of playing my lips resembled the joker from Batman. I just couldn’t bond with them. Since I was trying to improve my playing it was difficult to progress.
I have tried playing a few different brands of harmonica including Lee Oskar. I found the Lee Oskar harmonicas were very well made but for me the reeds blow quite quickly and their tone just doesn’t feel the same. They sound very clean and crisp but if it’s a dirty bluesy sound you’re after, then it’s Hohner all the way for me.
I then decided to make it my mission to purchase a Hohner Harmonica every month until I could afford the whole set. So with my major key set in hand I began learning different techniques. Due to cost I had to leave the sharps and flats and stick with the more popular keys. They lasted me years but eventually the reeds started to blow and the notes were flat. I really did get a good run from them. I think the thing that killed a few of them was an accidental spillage of Lucozade during a gig. Word of warning to all. Fizzy drinks and harmonicas don’t mix.
During our “Sing for Your Supper” tour for foodbanks I was delighted when Sutherland Trading very kindly offered me some new harmonicas.
This would enable us to continue with our work and fundraising. They continue to support us and our causes and keep me happily tooting away. They also sent me a new case to protect them and I carry it everywhere.
They sent me the sharps and flats his year to complete my collection and I was as happy as sugar addict in a sweet shop. I love them and it has enabled me to experiment with new songs and create new sounds.
I’ve always had a love for anything Hohner. My Grandma used to have a Hohner electric organ and I would spend many hours tinkering with it. My dad had a Hohner Weekender which was my very first harmonica. It reminds me of a squeezebox but I still have it with my collection.
I’m far from a pro harmonica player though. That will come with many more years of practice. I am still learning new techniques and saving up for the ultimate Hohner 64 Chromatic Harmonica. It’s like a dream harmonica that I’ve been itching to learn. They come at a price but when I get my hands on one I will love, learn and cherish it. I know a chromatic harmonica is a completely different kettle of fish but it’s one I want to start exploring.
There’s a great harmonica solo in “I guess that’s why they call it the blues” by Elton John. The man in question who plays the solo is the amazing and very inspirational Stevie Wonder. The solo itself is played on a Chromatic. When I get my hands on one of these this is the piece I want to aim for.
So I’d like to say a huuuuuuuuuuge thank you to all the lovely people at Sutherland Trading for your ongoing support and thank you for helping us to make a difference. -
Fresh and decent guitar strings are a must for any budding guitarist and since Andy likes to change them once every one or two weeks it’s always very handy to have a pack or two to hand. Plectrums are funny little things. I think with plectrums they are similar to hair bobbles, lighters and odd socks. They disappear into a land of the complete unknown. I have a theory that when we part company from this world you pass through a place of mystery and find all of these objects along the way.
Knowing our plectrum predicaments Strings and Things supply us with bright pink plectrums. They may not be the most masculine of colours but they are fantastic for spotting on the floor. To think of all the time we’ve wasted hunting around for a grey plectrums on a grey stage.
The audience anticipating what the next song will be as you stand scratching your head, bewildered on where the plectrum could have possibly fallen. Gone are those days. Now we have a healthy supply in hand and it’s not a colour that can be missed. When buying a plectrum go for bright every time. Trust me, you’ll appreciate it in a dimly lit room.
Another thing to mention is a handy little device known as Strap Locks by Ernie Ball. These are the best thing invented (well apart from my foot tambourine).
Before we had even heard of Strap Locks we had a particularly unfortunate incident at a gig once. It was pretty full on and the crowd where shouting for an encore. Andy threw his arms in the air and the guitar promptly fell on the floor resulting in a hairline crack which eventually resulted in a complete head stock repair.
We recommend these little beauties to everyone. If you value your guitar it is really worth picking up a set of strap locks. They basically do what they say on the tin and lock the strap onto your guitar. No need for rubber washers or the tops from beer bottles. There made by Ernie Ball and since fitting them, they have saved our skin on many occasions.
So heres a massive thanks to all at Strings and Things for your ongoing support. We would also like to thank you for helping to keep music live and helping others along the way.
Sefton Palm House, Sefton Park, Liverpool. Today was the wedding of our friends Craig & Samantha. We have known Craig for many years and a few years ago he met the love of his life Samantha. Sam is a beautiful girl with a beautiful heart and is a perfect match for Craig. Their choice of venue was Sefton Palm house which was perfect for the chilled out couple. We are familiar with the venue as we have performed here several times before.
Live Music Lake District. Each year we play Grizedale Festival we almost always get to catch up with Paul & Suzzanne. They are in a band called “The Boggleband”. Each year they also do a set at the festival. Paul asked us to entertain at a house party for his wife Suzanne. It was the second part of her birthday party. A bit like the queen having two celebrations. Suzanne deserved 2 birthday parties probably more than the queen does, so why not? Lets do it.
Once Paul opened the garage he took us through to his rehearsal room. It was kitted out with sound proofing and a glass roof with pictures of bands he had worked with over the years. It was a fascinating little room with a little stage and a full sound system and lights. We brought our own PA but Paul helped us out with the sound and allowed us to go through his desk making it pretty straight forward for us. Once we were setup we were taken through to his house and saw the lovely garden they had both designed.
The room was very organised and everything in its place. It would be a fantastic room for recording and rehearsing. It would be brilliant to have a room like that. Just think of all the recordings, writing and videos you could do. If I had a room like that I don’t think I would come out for days (or maybe weeks) on end. Its most musicians dream to have a room to go to where music is the only thing that exists. Paul & Suzanne are very blessed and I’m sure they know it and also make the most of it.
We were well ready to go buy the time the tea was ready so he suggested taking the tea with us. He told us “just take the cups, we’ve got loads”. Knowing that Suzanne may not be too happy about this (and understandably) we brought our cups in from the van. We left cup of tea in hand with the daunting task of reversing down the dark hill.
We waited for someone to turn up and open the doors. We were waiting for about 20 minutes which to be honest was fine. Since we had been driving all day it was good to have some time to gather our thoughts. Someone who looked like they had authority (well they had a key) turned up. So we jumped out, waited a minute for the smell of fridge raiders to disappear and introduced ourselves. They took us to the spot where we would be performing.
It was a fabulous party and everyone made the effort to dress up well. I think I saw Madonna walking around 3 times and George Micheal popped up once or twice. Towards the end of the evening the whole crowd joined in with the Locomotion. The whole party formed a train type circle around the room, it was lots of fun.
As we were waiting we couldn’t help but notice the trampoline in the garden. It was an excellent idea. Rather than having a frame there was a big hole in the ground and the trampoline was sunken to ground level. It was brilliant and the kids loved it. The thought of heavy winds and injuries all gone. Sinking the trampoline seemed to be a fantastic solution. When the food had been served and everyone’s tummies were happy we started with our first set. For the first hour we played mostly to people sitting on the grass or chatting nearby. It was a chilled out affair. During the break we had the opportunity to catch up with Mr and Mrs Binks and yes they are still happily married so all was good.
They party only really started get into full swing towards the end of the second set. I think with so many friends catching up they didn’t realise the music was going to end soon. When we announced the last song, everyone was very well watered by this point. Alex asked if we were able to do another set. No worries, we’ll be happy to oblige. The only problem was the party was due to finish much earlier so we didn’t bring any lighting. By the time we finished our third set the sun was just about to drop below the horizon. We had a quick break and then broke into song for our third and final set.
It was dark by the time we left and everyone was positively smashed by the end of it. Alex gave us a lovely bottle of fizz and a couple of ciders to take with us. There were hugs and she thanked us for going the extra mile. Overall it was a brilliant house party full of love, food, booze and laughter. As we drove off into the night with smiles on our faces, we were sure they would be partying till the early hours of the morning.
We parked up a second time and this is where the fun began. The marquee was tight up against another tent at the back and there was quite a few shall we say giant marquee pegs around. Krypton Factor here we come. Marquee pegs aren’t your typical tent peg made of plastic. These beasts could hold King Kong down in a tornado. They were going nowhere. Inevitably no matter how careful you are carrying heavy gear accidents happen. You would think we would learn but both of us tripped over the same peg not twice but four times each. It was quite funny. Although I think the peg was laughing at us deliberately poking his head out a little further each time we passed. I think we only hit our heads twice on the low rail you had to limbo underneath. We got there in the end. No trips to casualty were required.
We set up the equipment quite swiftly and did a quick sound check. Well I say sound check. There was no sound. When this happens in the heat of the moment panic sets in. What happens if the speakers are broke? What happens if the mixer has snuffed it? Trying to stay calm and scratching our heads the problem became apparent. Doh, it was simple. In the rush of trying to get the equipment in and moving the equipment several times, I had plugged the lead into the wrong inputs. Andy just looked at me with one of those faces. He didn’t say it but is facial expression did. “Dumb Blonde”.
At one wedding in a similar situation we advised them about the feedback and to stay behind the amp. The feedback kicked in and everyone went “ouch”. Although a little bit of feedback can clear the eardrums and granny thinks her hearing aid is playing up its not very pleasant. The message wasn’t passed on to everyone giving a speech and we had to go over mid speech and tell them to stand behind the amp.
As we started to play, any thoughts of the Krypton factor completely went out of our thoughts. We give it our all and it was worth it. With such a wonderful and encouraging audience it was a breeze. An absolute pleasure. The little ones made us laugh. They all ran in from outside and sacrificed a bounce on the bouncy castle to see what all the noise was about. It was so sweet. They all sat crossed legged in front of us instruments in hand. A little girl had all the instruments lined up in an order and a toddler kept coming over and stealing the instruments. It was so funny to watch. It was like the penguin scene on David Attenborough’s Frozen Planet. Instead of stealing the rocks the toddler kept on taking the instruments and started to build quite a collection. We performed for about 2 hours with a short gap in between. Kieran and Sarah have such a lovely group of friends and family. It was so interactive and the children really enjoyed it to.
I won’t lie the first dance is a bit nerve wrecking. All cameras in hand. To most it’s a very important moment. Since the song was well practiced we were very confident with it. You have to be. No room for error. On the day though it’s different and you have to be prepared for this. I can happily report though we played it well and Mr & Mrs Waters were very happy with the performance. That is all that matters. Job done. We passed over to the DJ who took advantage of the dancefloor being occupied. Since it was a beautiful day it was quite a struggle to keep guests inside and the BBQ was just being served.
When we finished packing up and after our mission to complete the Krypton factor with those naughty pegs and poles we went to say our goodbyes. Sarah was sat on the decking near the lake with some friends and we couldn’t find Kieran anywhere. The sun was setting in the sky and it was a warm summers evening. People were scattered across the field enjoying the warm breeze. Then we spotted him. He was on the water in a boat paddling away. It’s not every day you see a groom participating in a bit of water sport. Ha ha brilliant. It sums up this lovely couple perfectly.
Brathay Hall, Ambleside. Our third and final destination for the day was situated in the beautiful Cumbrian countryside.
We reached Brathay Hall and immediately noticed the lake and a spectacular view. Breathing the fresh countryside air and idyllic landscape for a brief moment. We jumped out the van and were welcomed warmly by Clare and Rick. I explained when the location was changed that we may arrive a lot later than when we did. They were so happy that we managed to arrive before the guests. Everyone got stuck in and kindly helped carry the gear in. It was a great help. We could get used to roadies to be honest. Instead of five trips to the van, it’s done in one load.
A Cheshire Wedding. Antrobus Village Hall, Antrobus, Cheshire. Antrobus is a Village we’ve never even heard of let alone visited. Situated in Cheshire, Northwich it is a quaint little village with approximately 300 houses, a post office run by volunteers, a Church, a Chapel, a meeting house, a community garden, a golf course and of course a village hall. We headed out to Antrobus Village Hall for our second wedding of the day. This was the wedding of Rosie Beech to her man Pete. It has a rural feel to it and is the perfect location for a wedding. After the wedding this morning with Louise & Dan at the Liver Buildings it seemed a world away from the busy hustle and bustle of city life.
After a short while, the guests started to arrive. I looked a bit like Wurzel Gummage after shifting the bales. I shook off the straw and we broke into song. The decision to set up outside paid off. Most people accumulated outside anticipating the arrival of the bride and groom. Processco’s in hand we continued to entertain the guests. They were really getting into the music and most of the instruments were already out of the box.
I banged on the door whilst Andy polished his boots and a member of staff who was very helpful showed the best way to gain access. We unloaded the equipment and headed for the service lift. The man in the service area warned us about the lift being quite abrupt. He wasn’t wrong there. We pressed the button, a siren sounded and the lift door quickly slammed shut. It frightened the bloody life out of me.
This year’s Bickerstock was a classic festival that saw some sunshine and lots of rain as usual for the festival. Starting off on the Friday with the local ceilidh band and finishing off on the Sunday night with some of the biggest local talent in the area. This year’s highlights featured Weekend Wars, Georges Big Shed, Flora Golden, Big Bambora, Sheldon Blackman from Trinidad & Tobago, Polaris, Psychic Robot, Red Eyed Jedi, Red Men Don’t Walk and many, many more… oh yes and us The Rag Tag Misfits.
It wasn’t long before we were due to perform so we give the sound engineer the nod to let him know we had arrived. We did a quick sound check and Paul (who knows our settings inside and out) gave us a great sound. He then decided to join us on stage with his double bass. Paul has played with us many times and is always welcome to join in. I love the sound of the double bass and he turns his hand to anything. He looks out for the chord changes and off he goes. The tent was pretty full already but then it started to rain and it filled up even more as the audience tried to stay dry.
The Quaintest Show on Earth was a treat. Greedy Jesus (as everyone knows him) was due on stage. We’ve done a couple of nights with him in Liverpool and he’s a unique character. Nobody knows his real name. It’s probably something really normal like Bob or John. Everyone just calls him Greedy and he seems happy with that. His antics on stage were amusing and he was a real crowd pleaser. His energy was immense as he jumped on speakers and out into the audience. They didn’t what had hit them. Brilliant.
The rain had really come down in the last few hours and made some lakes on the field. You had to feel sorry for the people in tents. Still it was all part of the festival experience and reports show that a great weekend took place, yes there was the odd hiccup of a band pulling out but nothing major. All in all a great little festival. Thank you to all the Bickerstock Crew for your determination and hard work on making this event happen and for bringing the community together. To the bands, the caterers and of course You, the audience for helping keep music live. Until next year….