YC Olie - The Show Must Go On

What a first night that was!!! I was expecting more of a crowd, but if one thing the local music scene has taught me, it's to play music for yourself - if anyone else digs it and jumps on board then that's a bonus!  As the start of the gig drew nearer there were questions of 'should we still play', but as the old saying goes... THE SHOW MUST GO ON! So it did, and I'm ruddy glad it did too ^_^

I will look back on the open night of the Six String Theory Tour as potentially the most fun gig of the year (and as you may know - I am keeping a very good account of this years gigs :p).

First off, I should mention that the Watershed truly is a diamond in the rough. It is far from a squeaky clean venue with post-modern decorative design and a feng-shui furniture plan but in my eyes thats what makes it the diamond. At first glance there's unique artwork all over the walls, guitars and amplifiers lying around as decoration and a piano sat in the corner. In MonkeyKettle terms, it's a long way from the Slug & Lettuce and I can honestly say I'm happy to swap the middle-class theatre going crowds for a small back-alley bar with crazy decor and a rock n roll venue feel. After all - this is a classic rock n roll tour as far as I'm concerned. Not a trip round faceless establishments with set menu's and strict business strategies.

There were a number of highlights in my eyes. I gotta say it's great to be gigging again with Seeking Scott. After the demise of the Slug open mics, his music is a rarity in my open mic schedule so it was a pleasure to hear some old favourites again. Saying that, his new song 'Crush On You' (I hope thats whta its called anyway) proved to be an Instant Classic. Let's just say that you'll soon understand why when you hear it ^_^

The main talking point in my mind however, was the fact that the Watershed provided not only the PA system, but also a rather shiny looking drum kit in the corner of the stage. It is a little known fact in the MonkeyKettle circles that I am a secret drummer. Or should I say a secret competent drummer. My only downfall is that I've never actually owned a drum kit and have learned the rhythms in my head tapping on desks. Luckily for me I find it easily translates to a real kit.

I don't know everyone elses feeling going into the gig. I wouldn't be suprised if they were slightly concerned that my child-like enthusiasm for the use of the kit would result in a monkey bashing on frying pans. I'd like to think I did a pretty good job throughout Phil's set though, and I'm hoping that everyone was pleasently suprised to discover my drumming talents.

For my set, I was pleased with the way it went. I tried 2 new songs (both by Frank Turner) and I feel they went down quite well. I unearthed 'Boy With The Heart Shaped Sleeve' for the first time in 11 months and was rather pleased I remembered it well.

Next up is the Carpenters Arms in Cranfield. Almost booked entirely on the behalf of the landlord for his love of Vodka Boy, I'm confident that this will be a fun night for all in attendence ^_^