Our first gig of 2010 and in a new venue, but before we commence reminiscing the event, Beanz would like to apologise to our Sound Engineer Dan. Once again he forgot to mention him whilst introducing the band and we know how Dan likes to feel included! Sorry Dan, wasn't intentional and Beanz promises to write your name in big letters on his notes in future! xxx
Right, that's the serious bit out of the way, lets crack on with the gig!
Pretty much like the Colonial Bar, we had been pestering the Heroes to give us a try out since we started in 2008. Umpteen phonecalls and visits to the pub had seemed useless in our attempts to play, but we understand that they are quite a popular live music venue and have "big" bands on all the time. In the beginning, being unknown, it was hard for us to get opportunities anywhere, let alone here.
We managed to secure this date thanks to Darren of the well known and respected "Paparazzi". They have played the Heroes on numerous occasions but due to an injury sustained by one of their band members in the recent weather conditions, they were unable to gig. What was an unfortunate loss to them was an opening opportunity for us and we are really grateful for the nomination.
It turns out that when Darren suggested that we cover the date for them, the pub responded that they had heard of us and intended to book before, but simply never got round to it! Cheers Darren for prompting them and nominating us to step in for you!
Considering this was our first gig for quite a few weeks, and one that was taken on at very short notice, we were a little apprehensive about our 'rustyness'. We had our first practice only two days previous and it actually seemed we had gone backwards six months. Experience says, crap rehearsal good gig and vice versa. This wasn't strictly true on this occasion! After a night full of mistakes by everyone during practice, exactly the same happened on the night but we have been playing long enough together now to anticipate what to do in the situation. It's irrelavent as long as we laugh it off, have a good time and relay the fun out into the crowd. We have succeeded in this on more than one occasion and typically people don't care as long as they're having a good time.
We arrived around 730 after loading the van, which took longer than usual due to having to walk it all over very icey pavements. As per usual, we went in and checked out the stage area prior to setting up and immediately a light bulb appeared over our heads. The stage was a raised wooded area and we had forgot to pack Andy's 4x4 peice of carpet. Without it he would have ended up drumming in the rear garden area by the end of the night! Luckily enough, we were only 5 minutes away and Dan kindly ran Andy home to get it whilst Beanz, Harley and Jock continued to unload the van. We did the best we could considering the drums are typically set up first. Every minute that passed seemed like fifteen - time was going too quick with loads to do - it was going to be tight getting started on time. By the time Andy got back, everything was spread over the floor and he set up his drums in record time! For the first time ever, it seemed that everybody 'mucked in' setting everything up rather than their own equipment leaving Dan to sort the cabling. It worked well and we were ready to sound check by 900. We kicked off with 'Highway to Hell' by AC/DC to iron out any problems. Dan made sure there weren't any major issues and due to the late start, we went straight into the first set. Reactions were slow coming in the beginning but towards the end of the first set, more people came from the other bars to join us and seemed to appreciate our efforts. Despite rumours that the Heroes had become quiet of late, and the regulars being prominately of the younger generation, we were pleasantly surprised to have quite a full pub with varying age groups.
We were strict with ourselves concerning the break this time round and after a quick drink and a fag, we promptly cracked on with the second set. We had no volunteers to assist us with the songs requiring "backing" in this set and it was nice as always to have Kerry & Shirl (two out of our three guest backers "The A-32's") on hand to fill in the blanks. Where was Dil? Come back, we miss you! We still maintain that we would love nothing more than people who feel like they want to have a sing song to come up and join us. It's not all about the music, it's also about having fun! So your mates might laugh and take the Michael but they will love you for it and talk about it to others for days to come! There are a lot of bands out there who get really stressed out if things don't go to plan, or people try to muscle in on their limelight. We're not one of them so if we perform a song that you know or like, get your hiney up on stage a grab a mic. Your talents are wasted stood in a crowd of people and we don't bite!!
Towards the end of the second set, what we call the 'dancey' bit, there were a number of young ladies dancing next to the stage and to try and keep them from retiring to their seats, we discretely changed the set list to suit the mood. We finished off with good old crowd pleaser 'Johnny B Goode' and yet again, despite not expecting it tonight, we weren't allowed to say "That's It, Goodnight!". Unless you are a performer yourself, you can't begin to imagine who gratifying it is when your efforts are truly appreciated by the shouting of "More, we want more!" That little thing, if nothing else makes it all the more satisfying for us and keeps us perservering. Three encores, including one of our favourites at the moment, "Down Under", followed by the ever requested Kneeslider rendition of "Freebird" finished off the night superbly.
Aside our usual 'groupies', for who we are forever grateful to for sticking with us (and not getting bored with the routine, and Tanya & Charlie from the Brewers Arms) we had some new faces come to show their support this time. A few people who are aquaintances but had not yet come to watch us. We'd like to say thanks to Mark, guitarist for Slack Harry; Ebay Dave from Portsdown Hill Bikers; Ron & Graham from Insane Creations Drag Racing; Steve & Emma from Solent Renegades and a fair few others accompanying them - (really sorry but we don't know your names!) - Welcome to the family all of you and we hope we haven't scarred you for life and that you come again real soon! We'd also like to take this opportunity to give special thanks to the above mentioned Graham! He was prancing about like a ninja most of the night, camera in hand, endeavouring to capture some decent shots of us. We seriously hope we didn't break your lens and we're all looking forward to seeing the shots and maybe publishing them on our site (with your permission of course).
Once finished, we all retired as per usual to chill out and mingle. The landlord came over and shook our hands for a job well done, emphasising the fact that we should expect a phonecall for more bookings. That's another favourite outcome, second only to being kept on the stage. So watch this space people, a very enjoyable and successful first gig at The Heroes in Waterlooville, the first of many, we are hopeful.
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