NWB - Community Blog

I think you've probably nailed it for all of us there Rob. It's the whole buzz of a good gig, the applause, the people dancing. The more the audience get into what I'm playing, the more I get off on it, and if people come up at the end and want to shake your hand and tell you how good you were (either as an individual player or as a band) that's just the icing on the cake. I stopped playing live for about 5 years in the '90's and got withdrawal symptons! Let's keep it live and keep it rocking!

we definately love the gig banter between ourselves and the crowd! always a good laugh. but those ten seconds or so after you finish a tune are the reason i do it. when you know youve played really well and you know people have enjoyed it and they go mad at the end of the song. superb!

Watching Rab fook up and then try to nail the blame on someone else!!!

Actually for me - its seeing people see us setup and look suprsed - I've had a few scoffs lately from people questioning why I was setting up, what was I doing, what role in the band etc.
Then the look on their faces when I open my mouth and start singing.
I dont think I'm the greatest singer ever but apparently I'm not too bad. The idiots seem shocked and thats what I love to see. You see I've always been a big girl and people go on appearances only which makes me laugh - perhaps I'm another Susan Boyle with hopefully a better hair cut.

Singing makes me happy as does playing keys and I wouldnt stop even if the Simon Cowells of this world told me I should.

Pretty much what you said Robert. A smile is the payment. Individual compliments are just gravy. 8o)

We ALWAYS make a point of going up to the band to tell them how much we appreciate their performance, it's the very least we can do. As far as we're concerned everybody should do it, but you lads would have sore hands if that happened

@ Ice, hi hun, I have never been in a band (just solo) but I am so glad that when u opened your mouth and sung u shut up the naive think I am it people out there that know it all! I have experienced that alot, no disrespect to men on here, but I get alot of put me downs from blokes that think because I'm female I don't know diddly squat. I love it when I prove them wrong (only sometimes, don't wanna upset anyone here, lol)

One thing that IS really enjoyable is in the summer months when you've gigged, made people smile, packed up, dropped all the gear off and got home as it's starting to get light.

Nothing like that feeling of nobody else around and a cool can of beer sitting on the patio or on the conservatory steps. I love that feeling.

Hi Jeni, Janie here thanks for that, we've got a female drummer and when we were doing the auditions we had a chap auditioning at the same time from Burnley I think it was.
He tool one look at the other auditionee and asked was she a friend - when I said no she was here to drum, his face dropped and he made a scaving remark about women drummers.
Alway he sets his kit up big impressive and we think - great until he starts drumming absolutely dreadful cant keep time for toffee.

Weres as Lynn used a small kit was excellent proving that appearances can be deceptive once again.

don't judge a book by its cover.....words of wisdom! Punters who do....well...it feels SOOOO good to totally make them eat there own words!

Having the crack in the van on the way to and from the gig.

socialising with the punters and landlord/ladies that have become our friends.

receiving appreciation for your own songs from a bunch of muso metal head strangers

I enjoyed joining in stuff in my breaks,like once I played bingo at one club, but it didn't go down well when I won house!

as we are one of the youngest bands on here we do travel up and down the country letting peiople here our original music and before some gigs you get punters coming up asking who do you play ,when we say its a mix of covers and our own stuff we get the look these are not going to be any good ,but they soon shut up when we start the gig and in the break have even been heard phoning up mates to say your missing the best young band weve seen in ages these guys can play,then we always get the who taught you and as we are all self taught this gets another of those we don.t belive you looks,gets you down at times

Awe shucks Rob thanks for those kind words mate but you know as well as us that there's plenty of fans out there who appreciate just how much effort, time and money you guys and girls put into a gig.

Is this dad with loose false teeth? It better be or else I'm up for the high jump lol! Howdy dodi Charlie and norma, hows it going?

listened to your stuff Helvelyn 2, and yeah, u do rock! How old r u guys? And please, dont make me feel old!

I must admit i did enjoy Marseille's recent King Eddie gig when Mr Art Attack belted out the first chords of the night and it was a bit too loud and some bloke sat next to the PA's false teeth fell out!

That was one of those Mastercard moments!

Helvelyn II are a combined age of 12.....Ishy is 7, Stef is 5. Drummer Eccles has not been born yet ;-)

# Posted by jeni - 03/06/2009, 15:53 (GMT)

Is this dad with loose false teeth? It better be or else I'm up for the high jump lol! Howdy dodi Charlie and norma, hows it going

Hi Jeni, sent Norma off to work so just me on here. Did you really have to say hello after mentioning false teeth!!!:-))

# Posted by WOLFPACK - 03/06/2009, 15:57 (GMT)

Helvelyn II are a combined age of 12.....Ishy is 7, Stef is 5. Drummer Eccles has not been born yet ;-)

Your only jealous you old git!!!!

he he! Don't worry Charlie it happens to the best of us, mine will be in a glass at the side of the bed one day!

Mines go into a pint of Guinness,don't half bring em up nice

Interested as to why the group r called Helvelyn? Is it a street name by any chance? Helvelyn is near me, thats why i ask

@ rob-for me, having been both sides of the mic-it's always that two way thing, much as you say. when a band and audience are working that symbiosis thing (up dancing on the floor, chairs or anythng else that comes to hand!) and the band are interacting between themselves and the crowd-that's the BEST!!! THAT is what live music is all about!!??
just as, there's nothing worse for a band to have played their socks off all night to an audience that sits there stoney faced and offers polite applause after the songs, then, at the end of night suddenly erupts into cries of "more" or suddenly start shouting out requests!!! as shell would say -"go swivel"!!! :-)

compliments are nicer than insults I suppose, but I think the reason I do it (and I can't NOT be in a gigging band... tried stopping, didn't work out) is for that feeling you get after having played, and you've done a good job, and there's a cold beer with your name on it... the day's adrenaline and excitement all melts away into just a nice beered-up, happy glow

I've realised I don't do it for personal glory or praise, just for that amazing tension & release that gig days bring

the chesters chicken and chips after the gig, plus what rob said at the top hours ago, how did i miss this blog, ohh i know the four letter word "work"

not the setting up of your equipment, but then sitting down and looking at the stage and thinking, i,m very lucky to be one of the guys to get up there and perform tonight,

Enjoying the company of my band mates.
Having a knowing smile / laugh onstage mid-song with the lads when you spot something funny in the audience or you've just recovered from a mess-up!
Punters taking the time and effort to write on your guestbook.
Forgetting about work.
Making people smile / clap (even 'whoop' occasionally) :-)

I like it when we're setting up and someone comes and asks if its karaoke either they miss the drum kit, bass, lead and full PA or just thick . What i enjoy more is the look on our singers face..

Best things about playing live

i) getting lost in a song and putting everything you've got into it
ii) when you hit a good groove with the drummer or bassist
iii) People coming up to you afterwards to give positive feedback
iv) Getting paid for doing something you love
v) Going home with that exhausted but satisfied feeling of having played a good gig!

Getting paid would be nice - doing original music the venues tend to run screaming in the opposite way even if we mention petrol money never mind a free drink.

Its gotta be love if its original music - if you're after money then you're just as bad as Leona Boring screaming lewis.

The violent handshake at the end of the gig, the pissed bird who wants to drag you onto the dancefloor half way through the first chorus, The warm after glow that can take two r three hours to subside,that cold pint at the end of the gig just before you have to rip all the gear down. The knowing that, even if i did cock up on a tune the punters up n dancin dont REALLY give a shit. that feeling of "i could do that again"... Who needs f***ing drugs man... give a me a gig any day.... and to add i've said it before and i will say it again, my hat goes off, right off.. to all the LL's and venues who keep it live, its tough out there trying to make a crust, PS if any body fancies booking DF, msg me on here. We do it with feeling...

# Posted by The ICE Band - 03/06/2009, 21:26 (GMT)

Getting paid would be nice ,

The best part of doing gigs for me being handed a wad of cash at the end of the nite. To be honest I never got the buss like some many of u, hence why i gave it up. Me, like Ice, want to do my own original stuff and be skint than perform covers.

My buss comes from creation of the music, not the performing. To play a track and know that I wrote it,music/lyrics, did all the arranging/mixing/vocals and mastering completely alone. My ultimate dream is to be sat in an audience and a famous band/singer to perform one of my songs. That would totally blow me away.

# Posted by jeni - 04/06/2009, 09:41 (GMT)

"Me, like Ice, want to do my own original stuff and be skint than perform covers."

Many of us here have been through the originals thing Jeni. A large amount of us are doing covers because it's a hobby now, not a living. I still recall how tough it was to get gigs with original music. Even back to the 80s. I admire anyone who keeps plugging away at gigging originals live.

I think music is inside u, i agree, it's not about makin a living, we all do what we do as a hobby, me included. U enjoy the buzz of the audience, I enjoy the creation side. We all seem to have this unshakable addiction and music isn't just a need anymore...it's a way of life. I admire all of the guys on here for following their hearts. Being picked up or noticed for what we do is as likely as winning the lottery but hey...we all have dreams and that chance no matter how small is all the hope that i need.

My creativity comes out in the collaborations I do from home. I love that too. I wonder sometimes whether the covers band would be enough if I didn't have that outlet too. :o)

I think once u've been bitten by the creative side there's no going back. I also love doing collab's, too much in fact lol! I have been doing more collab's lately than my own stuff. It's so easy to get side tracked when someone sends u some music and u think...wow..I wanna get involved in this one, the excitement is second to none.

Posted by Bad Horsie - 03/06/2009, 14:05 (GMT)
Pretty much what you said Robert. A smile is the payment. Individual compliments are just gravy. 8o)
there you go again ....shudnt it read "A PIE is the payment. Individual compliments are just gravy. 8o)"

to quote Tap on playing " having fun .all the time"

Don't start the food thing off again lol!

lol@ RIFFRAFF!

Posted by jeni - 04/06/2009, 12:52 (GMT)
Don't start the food thing off again lol!
.............the singer with Horsie doesnt use a set list he has a menu !!!!

I bet the best thing about gigging to u guys is the pub jack bit in the interludes lol!

When it's your own stuff it's amazing when it goes down really well with a crowd. You get a real sense of "I MADE THIS!!!" (a-la Greg Evigan on the Lee and Herring show). Bit self-indulgent but it's the best reward there is really. Shame we've not been able to get out more in the last few years.

Doing a cover it's probably that feeling of success when you've pulled off something really hard and done a going job of it.

Having a laugh with the bandmates is always great though, especially on epic road trips to gigs.

Posted by viking - 03/06/2009
as shell would say -"go swivel"!!! :-)

I quite like a muso with balls and a no shit attitude, even if he's being a complete poncy tw*t on stage... I say good for you for giving it 100%. The majority of the audience would bounce of that (unless your a bitching muso yourself perhaps?)
I would rather have a mix of visual and audible entertainment. If you can't be arsed to provide it then I say 'go swivel'... lol

That's cool that she likes balls too, I'm sure she loves yours ;)

A bit of make-up too. A bit of eyeliner wouldn't hurt you guys.

and leather, armour and chain/ring mail....bring it on, don't be shy....

Don't be ridiculous Rob.... you'd look gorgeous and poncy and perfect, unlike these macho types!!!

@ shell and rob-
not forgetting the strap ons???? matching sets? :-)

I just mentioned them srtap ons on the other blog at the same time!

ding dong as Rob would say, here we go again blogjacking ... I'll put money on it that pig will be on soon!

who me? Pork balls anyone?

@ pig-mmmm! yummy, although, as you know, i prefer a hot toasted crumpet meself!!
how's the fingering technique coming along, shell? :-D

# Posted by RIFFRAFF(uk) - 04/06/2009, 14:32 (GMT)
.............the singer with Horsie doesnt use a set list he has a menu !!!!

There's something about rugby playing giants that the ladies love for some reason. ANd he's a pie eater. I can NOT, at 6 foot 2, get used to being the 2nd shortest member of the band. lmao

have to say I enjoy it if I look into the audience and see people playing 'air bass' along with me.. :)

and I can tell it's air bass and not air guitar, cos it's always LOW-SLUNG air bass :)

people can fake enthusiasm, and cheer & applaud out of politeness but they only play air bass and pull the accompanying face if they're PROPERLY digging it :D

# Posted by Steve Dixon - 05/06/2009, 00:37 (GMT)
"but they only play air bass and pull the accompanying face if they're PROPERLY digging it :D"

Hahahahahah!

Excuse me I am lost can anyone tell me if it's far to the top coz i wanna rock n roll and there's a rumour that it's a long way there?

# Posted by WOLFPACK - 05/06/2009, 10:17 (GMT)

"Excuse me I am lost can anyone tell me if it's far to the top coz i wanna rock n roll and there's a rumour that it's a long way there?"

If it's the top you're after mate, I wouldn't set off from here.....

@ wolfpack- i'm lost too-in fact, i'm dazed and confused-what more can i do????
@ bad horsie- as a drummer i always had difficulty distinguishing between "guitar face" and "bass face"-i think it was the pre gig curries had something to do with it?? :-)

its that sweaty arse after i get up of the drum throne after a blistering fast set !!!! just love it ! : 0

# Posted by viking - 05/06/2009, 20:47 (GMT)
@ bad horsie- as a drummer i always had difficulty distinguishing between "guitar face" and "bass face"-i think it was the pre gig curries had something to do with it?? :-)

It's easy to distinguish mate. Bass Face is where You have to stick your jaw out as far as you can and frown in time with the kick drum. Guitar face is where you have to simulate eating something tha has the texture of a rubber ball and the taste of week old cowshit. :o)

@ bad horsie-lol!! so THAT'S what our bassist was doing???!! and here's me thinking that rogan josh he'd had an hour before was catching up with him BIGTIME!!! and, as for our guitarists? they just had funny faces anyway!! (not really-i'm only saying that cause they always got first dibs at the totty,which, for some reason i've never understood!!) heh heh!! :-)

A little different for us as we are a tribute band to Genesis and Phil Collins so don't get the "I wrote this and they love it" buzz. Great to see peoples faces when they walk in and see the equipment and lighting rig and hear comments like "F**k me this looks impressive" and that's before you even play a note. Makes the three hours setting the bugger up worthwhile...... ;-)

The people who bother to come up at the end of the gig and thank you and also the people who follow you from gig to gig always gets to me as they don't have to do that.

Best wishes

John

# Posted by Johhn FV - 27/07/2009, 14:23 (GMT)
The people who bother to come up at the end of the gig and thank you and also the people who follow you from gig to gig always gets to me as they don't have to do that.

Your right they don't have to John, but they bloody well should do mate.Haven't seen your band but it's obvious you put a lot of effort into every gig you do, and how long does it take to approach the band at the end of a gig to shake their hands and tell them how much you enjoyed it. I wish more people would do it. Mind you you might get pissed off if you had a big queue lining up at the end to shake your hand :-)))

Good comment Charlie and Norma. It always makes a hell of a difference when people come and say well done or shake your hand.It is a little different with my band though as the people who come and see us are usually big fans of Genesis and or Phil Collins so they tend to appriciate what we try and do.

On another note I have heard nothing but praise for you as venue owners and I know just how hard it is to keep bands on at any level in the current climate so more power to both your collective elbows.

Quick plug for our site

www.facevalue.me.uk

Best wishes

John.

# Posted by Johhn FV - 27/07/2009, 15:10 (GMT)
On another note I have heard nothing but praise for you as venue owners and I know just how hard it is to keep bands on at any level in the current climate so more power to both your collective elbows

No no John we ain't a venue....just very apprecative fans mate.

DOH!

I thought you guys had the cricketers......;-)

Really must look before I post....;-)

Best wishes

John

I wish......Alan & Sharon have the Cricketer's and are great ambassadors for live bands, might get a gig there for 2010 if your quick John:-))

LOL. We are booked all this year and have been since last Sept so I will ask our drummer Wrex to have a chat about 2010......

Thanks for the heads up guys.

Best wishes

John

The playing bit is what does it for me everytime. I have never ever played with musicians like those I have in my band now. I could have done with this level of skill being out there when I started off.

There's bits in the gig where my jaw just drops at what our guitarists can do and I could never get bored with it.

Another thing I like is picking up a bass that's been in its case for a while and enjoying it.

The thing I don't like about all this is venues that have their little cliques and some great bands can't even get a reply to a message or email. Not the slightest chance of a look in. They really don't know what they are missing.

Some of our following from Wigan way have been to other venues off our circuit and said they saw some real crap there and why don't we play various venues. We try...