THE SIDEVALVES

Band returned to play at the cricket club - we always get a good reception here. Delayed in setting up due to footy being shown live (only the toon....) so it was a bit of a rush to be ready for 9pm.

Apart from Pat's bass amp blowing a speaker (he was down to only 300w of speaker...not sure how he coped!!) and a Gibson Les Paul that just wouldn't stay in tune (think I'd be more than just a bit miffed to have such an expensive & desirable guitar that goes out of tune in every song....time to get rid I think!!) we got through the gig well, considering we hadn't played for a few weeks.

Good gig, good crowd, hope to be back there soon.

PR

One of our favourite 'haunts' for gigging - The White Tun - playing for Jen on her 60th birthday. A cracking night which saw Jen celebrate her birthday in style. It was good to see Alan Smith at the 'do' - he used to do the sound for Davey et al when they gigged (quite) a few years ago. Anyway, we enjoyed the night & as it was local for us all, we managed a few beers afterwards (note, afterwards, the best time for having a few beers, not during the gig!!!!!!!!!)...what time was it when we left.....bl*!dy late I think!

Pete 

We returned to play at Hamsteels in February - this is a cracking little venue & an appreciative crowd. They don't have live music on very often, though, so it's a pleasure to play for them.

We had the 'young' Sidevalves helping us out in the 2nd set - there was some pretty mean 'air guitar' being played by the young 'uns....keep on rocking!

Anyway, an enjoyable night, good crack, looking forward to returning later on the year.

Pete

New Year's Eve saw us back at The Daisy Hill to see the New Year in. A good crowd was in the music room and a late bar was an added bonus.

The punters were mainly a different crowd to the usual Friday night 'music' crowd, but nevertheless, gave us a good reception. A disco was also banging out the vibes to add to the festivities. There was also the added challenge of a 'shower' on the stage, which gave our drummer, Dave, a bit of a worry, as water continually dripped from the ceiling, over his kit throughout the night. He moved further and further to the left of the stage in a vain attempt to avoid the drips - the only thing missing was the Head and Shoulders!! We had a bucket stuck to his hi-hat to catch the water - I thought we should have put a drum mic on this as well! 

This was the final gig for our drummer, Dave, as he hangs up his sticks and retires from playing. He's been around for quite a few years on the music scene, both as a player and musical director. He will be missed by us all and we wish him well, as he pursues a more leisurely lifesyle. He says he'll miss the actual 'playing' but not the preparation and physcial effort of humping the gear in and out of venues, especially on cold, wet winter nights when he'd rather be tucked up in front of the fire, with his pipe, slippers and a cocoa.......can't understand this at all!!

We managed to do Summer of 69 without any battery problems on the bass guitaer - Paddy had been out and bought some spare batteries since the previous night. Some punters who had been at the previous night's gig at the cricket club asked if we would play this song as they were disappointed we couldn't do it last night. We still await the new dance moves that Paddy's new wireless system will free him up to perform!! We can't wait!!

Loius Bell now joins us on drums as Dave's replacement, although he will still be playing with his first/main band, The Suspects, as well as with us.

The band returned to play at the cricket club as part of the '07 Xmas Tour. Unusually, the gig was a Sunday and this may have contributed to the small crowd, although many of the usual punters at the club were attending Bessie's wedding do at the Ramside.

We played fairly tightly, for us, and managed to get out of playing my favourite song - Summer of 69 - quite nicely when Paddy had power problems as we started the encore. He was using his 'wireless' system (Santa brought it for xmas!) for the first time but this wasn't the problem and was functioning fine. The fault was identified as a flat battery in his 'active' bass guitar - an elementary school boy-type error, and to which he had no solution as a spare (standard kit when you rely on a battery, surely??) was not carried. Contradictory to the old saying, the show did not go on!!

The 'wireless' system seemed a good addition to the bass set-up. It will release Pady to roam about the stage, cause mayhem, and exhibit his extensive repetoir of synchronised moves, thus far restricted by the guitar lead length!! 

The band returned to play at The White Tun on Sat. night. We were supported by Sam Reynolds, a guitarist/vocalist, who performed a short set of songs in between our 2 sets and then a few more songs after we had finished, playing an electro-accoustic guitar. This set was well received by the crowd and he certainly did himself justice. The girl holding up the poster with 'I want to have your babie's, Sam' was rather amusing. Not sure he's up to that, mind, haven't I read somewhere that tight jeans inhibits baby making? I didn't recognise many of the songs but that's just my age! We hope to have Sam appear with us at future gigs and assist him to promote his talents.

We played our usual two sets and didn't seem to suffer too much from rustiness considering it's been a while since we played, especially for Dave K. Brian, our lead guitarist, celebrated his 50th birthday this weekend (he doesn't look 50......!) and Pat was 53 earlier in the week (he does look 53.....!). We're what you call a mature band, I guess! Some cash was raised for charity on the night, although I'm not sure how much or for which charity. When I find out I'll put it on the website. Someone spilt a pint down Brians Les Paul but, unusually, it wasn't Brian (this time....!).

Pete

Our drummer, Dave, has advised us that he is finally (totally unexpectently) hanging up his sticks and retiring! Whilst this is very disappointing for us all, we totally respect Dave's decision. He will be playing the gigs in December with us, though, which gives us plenty of opportunities to talk him out of packing in. Dave is a fine drummer who we have all enjoyed working with and we certainly wish him well.

We have, however, agreed for his usual 'dep' drummer, Lewis, to become our 'permanent' drummer. He will be bashing the skins with us from January, but will also be playing with his band, The Suspects (they remain his main band, though, check their website on thesuspects). Hopefully he will be able to balance playing with 2 bands - neither play more than once or twice per month, anyway, so this shouldn't be too much of a problem.

We have three gigs in December. The White Tun on Sat 8th is the 1st gig of our annual Xmas Tour, and we are pleased to announce that a very talented young guitarist/vocalist, Sam Reynolds, will be appearing with us as support. Sam is from Witton and should have a good career ahead of him in the music business. Come along and see what you think. We then play two consecutive gigs at the end of the month - 30th at Sacriston Cricket Club, 31st (New Year's Eve) at The Daisy Hill.

We played a gig for a local bike club who were celebrating their 5th birthday, at Whitburn Lodge, Sunderland. Sharing the 'bill' with Status Four, we were 1st on and played for about an hour. Must say a big thank you to Status Four for allowing us to use their back-line equipment and P.A. system. We had our usual 'dep' drummer, Louis, filling in for Dave who was at a wedding. We also welcomed 'Casher' on stage to play with us, he did some lead vocals and played the 'harp', surprising a few of his bike club mates, I think, with his skills. It was unusual for us to be finished by 10pm so we made the most of the excellent grub and high-tailed it home in time for a few beers at our local in Witton Gilbert.

Pete

This was a special gig for us, playing at a work colleague's wedding (Christine). The venue was quite grand - Ramside Hall - and the Ballroom was full of the wedding crowd, many work colleagues, most of whom hadn't seen the band before.

Anyway, no sound problems, unlike the last time we played at one of Durham's eminent hotels (3 Tuns) and the decibel meter kept switching us off every 2 bars! However, at the Ramside, if you play in the ballroom, as we did, apparently the main restaurant is adjoining - this meant the punters enjoying their (expensive) evening meals also got to hear (or should I say feel) the band. We were then graced with the presence of the restaurant manager coming to the front of the stage a number of times and gesticulating wildly at the band. Thinking he was just an excited wedding punter, I asked him what song he wanted us to play, and couldn't understand when he became rather angry. Apparently he was actually asking us to turn down! Now, I find this rather amusing, when someone books a wedding and pays mega dosh for the faciltities, etc, only to have the same 'management' who rake in the dosh trying to control the entertainment. Who's great idea was it to have a restaurant adjoining the ballroom - not the cleverest of ideas, you must agree. The bride has the final say, it's her day, and we do what she wishes - no one turned down!

We played just over an hour and the punters seemed to enjoy themselves - unfortunately we couldn't do any encores due to the hot buffet being ready to be served and the risk of further aggro from the restaurant manager.

Hope you enjoyed your day, Christine & Mac.

Pete    

It was our pleasure to play for The Steelers FC at their end of (very successful) season presentation night at The Hamsteels Inn, Quebec. The football team have had a very successful 1st season in the league and won the division, gaining promotion.

This was the 1st time we've played here and it's a cracking place to play. There's an amazing huge covered decking area out back which I didn't realise was there, we'll be giving this a visit for a few beers on a balmy summer evening!

Anyway, onto the gig - a typical Sidevalves one, we hadn't played since end March - 1st set was fairly tight and the 2nd set was fairly loose - what is it about the left side of the band having to drink so much ale!? Nerves, addiction, greed, rock'n'roll stars? Highlight of the night - has to be the appearance of the new 'Valvettes', 3 in number (guess, in their late teens) in the 2nd set and they got right into Summer of 69 (only one they knew but they danced away in the Free / ZZ Top songs). They certainly gave the audience something pretty to look at, better than our ugly mugs! Well done, don't know your names (yet) but you are now officially the new 'Valvettes'.

The landlord was good 'crack' when he woke up late on (alcohol related) - some of the band know him from their (much) younger days and a reminiscence session ensued! Tales from the good old days! Young Sam (his son) was dead keen on the band and was chuffed when we all signed autographs  for him at his request. Thanks for the post on the website, Sam.

PR

We returned to play at the cricket club at 'Segga', one of our favourite venues. Hey, it didn't lash down with rain on the night, like it usually does when we play here (knee deep in mud getting the gear in is the norm when it rains!).

Anyway, back in the groove with Dave K who seems to be over his wrist problem, thankfully. A good crowd was in & seemed to enjoy the night. Louis, who 'depped' for Dave K, came along to see us, also, which was good.

We all managed a quick gear strip down & headed off to our favourite watering hole afterwards for a 'late' drink, celebrating a birthday. A good end to a good night on the road. Rock'n'roll, man!

Well, we finally made it back on the road after Xmas - this was our 1st gig with Dave our usual drummer since his wrist injury last year - we said goodbye to Louis who deputised so ably - we couldn't believe it's just over 8 months since Dave last played a gig with us (24 June 06 to be exact). Anyway, he settled back in without any problems whatsoever - there didn't seem to be any adverse reaction with his 'wrist', although I guess it will still need monitoring. Fingers crossed!

The gig was in aid of Russell Wardman's son (last time I saw him he was about 9 or 10 years of age & shooting a .410 shotgun at our clayshoot). He's going off to carry out Voluntary Service in Kenya very soon - we wish him well on his adventure. I ws impressed with his 'dirty dancing' antics - guess he'll not be around now to get overly embarrassed by it!

Two bands shared the gig - we had the pleasure of working with 'Greenroom' - each band playing one hour long set. We went on 1st and trundled through all the 'old' favourites. Then we swopped over, with their drummer using our drum kit, making for a speedy change. I promised Gregg (singer) that I'd see about getting them a gig on a Friday at 'The Daisy' as they'd certainly go down well.  

It was good to see support in from Witton (Spike, Glyn, Johnny & their partners) & a fairly healthy sized crowd certainly seemed to enjoy the evening. Stu' the Stick even made it up for the latter part of our set, though I don't think he lasted the evening! The gig also raised some cash to help the lad on his way to Kenya. Both bands gave their services for free (Russell stood us all a beer - good on ya).

Greenroom play a mix of modern/new 'rock', covering bands such as Kaiser Chiefs, Killers, Oasis, Clash, Undertones, Jam, Ocean Colour Scene, Franz Ferdinand - they played a very impressive set and we certainly enjoyed listening to them. They had the crowd up dancing and singing along. Dave enjoyed listening to his kit being played by someone else (through our PA) - think it sounded fine?

Anyway, an enjoyable evening. Hope to see Greenroom back at The Daisy sometime this year.

Pete

We have now managed to practice with Dave K and he appears to be recovered from his wrist injury - he now feels able to resume his drumming duties with the band.

We'd like to say a big 'thanks' to Louis Bell for deputising for Dave over the last few months - he's done a grand job. We know we've got a ready made deputy if Dave has any further problems (his band committments allowing). Louis' band have just got a new 2nd guitarist & hope to be back on the road again very soon. Hope it works out, Louis, we'll coem along to see you when you start gigging. Thanks, once again. 

Pete

Friday before Xmas at The Queens - charity night in aid of Meningitis Charity - Dave the Manager's friend sadly lost his young child to this terrible condition. ++++£££££ raised on the night - well done to everyone who gave generously. As usual, we were only too happy to give our services for free for a worthy cause.

Pub was busy as we were setting up - a legacy of 'mad Friday' before xmas - a few probs getting the gear in/set-up, drunken punters all over!!! What a mess! Anyway, most of the afternoon revellers had either cleared off or passed out by the time we came on, although one 'lady' remained & proceeded to dance strangely in front of us - amazed she could stand, never mind dance (sway, then). Amazing vocabulary from her at times - mostly ending with ...off! Merry bloody xmas to you too!!

Good to see friends from Witton Gilbert up supporting us & the charity night.

Another good night for us; our stand-in drummer, Louis, did us proud, once again, he's proving a real asset to the band as Dave K's replacement.

Next gig is Witton club on New Year's Eve. See you there.   

Back to The Daisy Hill again, 2nd gig of the band's Big Xmas Tour. We always enjoy playing here, friendly, appreciative crowd, although it certainly helps that the band is local. Once again, thanks to all our friends & dare I say it, fans, for coming along to support us once again, good to see you all.

On the downside, John (who puts the bands on) forgot to take photos on the night, even though he had his camera with him!! Doh!! Shame, I was looking forward to having some new pix of the band for both our own & The Daisy Hill website.

Spike asked what mini-disaster would befall us this time, as something usually goes wrong (last time the effects unit on the desk failed) - happily, nothing went wrong or failed on the night this time. Even Brian managed to keep his pint upright on the stage!!! (no beer lake this time!!)

Anyway, we were fairly tight (for us) - hope to return to The Daisy again next year. Thanks to John for all his hard work putting live music on at The Daisy, it's worth all the effort he makes, All the Best for Xmas & New Year.

Pete

The band returned to Brasside Prison Officers Club. This was our 2nd gig with our 'new' stand-in drummer, Louis. For the 2nd successive gig, our setting-up routine was held back by Live Sky Football. Everythin stops for bl*!dyfootball....it's not for bands, man!!! Oh, a new name courtesy of the club, also - Sidevalve!! Thanks to the Mayor of Brasside!

A good crowd, supplemented by many friends & followers of the band, filled this small, friendly club. Apart from an annoying electrical-interference noise through the PA during the 1st set (I sorted it within 30 secs during the interval - floor tom mic lead KO'd) we were fairly tight, if a little loud (what's that ringing noise in my ears!). I'd like to thank everyone from Witton G who came to see us, we appreciate your support. Someone (Chris) even flew in from Gran Canaria to see us! Hopefully, he'll become our Head Roadie! (you're sacked, John!). Sory we didn't do any Aerosmith or Deep Purple, as requested, maybe we need to get some in for next time. Gets my vote.

Another good night for the band & hopefully a return gig or 2 next year - this a good gig for any band, you'll be made welcome.

Our 2006 Xmas Tour starts on 2nd December, with 4 gigs during this festive month, culminating with our New Year's gig at Witton Gilbert Workmans Club. Check our gig guide for details.

Well, we made it back on the road - about time, too! Saturday night saw us back at The Glen, again! We were asked to play at the pub's Charity presentation night - all of the clubs in the pub have raised money throughout the year for the chosen charity - The Last of the Summer Wine Club, which provides leisure activities for visually and hearing impaired people. Once again, the Punter's Club donated the majority of the money, most of which came from their Wicked Witch golf day. The Gun Club also raised money from a clay shoot that many of the pub regulars participated in, as did the Dart's Team. At the end of the evening £950 was raised in total - presented to the club's organiser, Ellen (she's The Glen's licensee John Hanley's sister). Incidentally, John rounded the final total up to £950 (from £920)at the end of the night.

Well done to everyone who supported all of the fund raising events and who turned up on the night.

Oh, yes, just remembered, the band played as well! We hadn't played since mid-June and this was our 1st gig with stand-in drummer, Louis (Bell) who performed admirably, receiving many compliments from the audience at the end of the night. We were surprisingly tight after such a long lay-off - it's weird how often that occurs!

I have to mention the dangerous 'go-go dancer' who managed to gyrate wildly (in a world of her own) in the only space available for me to stand in front of the band - she managed to stand on both of my feet with her stilettos, crippling me, then winded me with a blow to the stomach, knocked my mic into my mouth/teeth a few times, chipping a tooth, finally finishing me off with another blow, this time to the 'cricket box' area, finishing me off! I felt like I'd done 3 rounds with Mike Tyson - actually, I'd have preferred tangling with him!

Anyway, it was good to play again. Look out for more gigs in Nov & Dec - we have a number of irons in the fire in the Durham area. The Sidevalves Xmas Tour gig line-up is being finalised - watch this space!

Pete

25th SEPT 06 - we are currently rehearsing with a replacement drummer - Louis - at present. This is going well & he is now ready to make his debut - he will cover for Dave whilst he recovers from his tendon injury (updatre on this injury - it's not good news, progress is extremely slow & Dave is not happy with the wrist at all - he is going on holiday to Majorca very soon, hopefully this will help speed things up, some heat & relaxation - stop picking up the grandson).

We will be able to resume 'gigs' in October, starting with a gig in The Glen, Witton Gilbert on Sat 7th October at which all the various groups (darts, football, gun club, etc) will present their charity raising efforts.

Sorry to the pubs who we have had to cancel gigs with recently - hopefully we'll be able to rebook the gigs.

It was great to play again in 'The Tun' once again, it's been a while. Welcome to Jeanette, the new co-land lady along with her sister (sorry, forgot your name) - they've just taken over running the pub - good luck to you.

Anyway, we were playing this gig for bass player Pat's wife Cath - her 40th birthday. A marvellous turn-out of friends & family - she's a Scot/Cumbrian and there was a sizeable deputation from over the border. The place was packed & we partied long into the night. Cath's brother John was subject to a wind-up - he was the only person whose invitation card had 'come in fancy dress' on - he turned up in his Hawiian shirt & shorts - very colourful indeed (facial colour as well as shirt!). It was great to see everyone from Crook and all the members of the bike club who turned up.

We played 2 x half hour sets so we could get on with some serious alchohol consumption before time - this worked out well, though I don't think we should have taken a break as the playing by some band members in the 2nd set was pants at times - that's rock'n'roll! I will never do 'Midnight Hour' again after that rendition!! Had to be heard to be believed.

Cath enjoyed her night, the party go'ers enjoyed the food, especially Davey's curry & the band was well received by all.

This review was posted on the riffs website (www.riffsonline.co.uk) on the letter page by Decka who puts the bands on in The Vulcan, Winlaton -

"hi riffs
just another big thank you to The Sidevalves (played the Vulcan last night 17th June)
Yet another packed venue with great sounds provided by The Sidevalves, no trouble what so ever, just a good crowd enjoying the music and dancing along with the band. Any venue that haven’t had the pleasure of this band, you’re missing out - book them"
regards Decka

Band view - We enjoyed playing at The Vulcan - great crowd, they danced, sang, had a laugh, great atmosphere - any band who gets the chance to play this gig, take it, you'll not regret it.

Pete

The band returned to play at the cricket club - no cricket club tour this summer though, this was a one-off. Gig went well - the power cut-off twice during the 1st set which wasn't good - sorted this for the 2nd set by-passing the trip-switch on the mains sockets! Rock'n'roll!

Pete

Cracking gig at the Prison Officers Club - 1st time for us & a 1st for the club to have a band play. Good to see so many of our friends turn up to support, especially Pauline from my office & her friend, Stewy the Stick & Law, Sharon & John (who I think is aspiring to be our roadie). They all knew where the club was as they often visit friends & family who stay in the large free 'hotel' over the road! Also renewed acquaintances with the long arm of the law who used to be our village bobby - now the pot man at the club!

Pete 

We returned to play at the cricket club at Sacriston last Saturday - billed as the Supersonic Sidevalves......the concert chairman's a pearler!!! A good crowd was in, mix of young & not so young. All seemed to have a good night.

Good to see Lyn Hall (& hubby Peter) in the audience. We were also honoured to see Bessy dancing ...what a mover....there ain't nothing like "a sharp dressed Bessie".

Another good gig for us, we always enjoy playing here & last Sat was no exception. I'd like to say a big thank you to Matt, Pat's lad, for giving us a hand getting the gear out after the gig..he was more use than his father!!! (*issed again). 

The gremlins continued, however, with Dave the drummer's kick drum pedal collapsing mid-way through the 1st set. Luckily, he had a spare (he reckoned the spare is better than the Yamaha one!); he also had a drum mic clamp lose a fixing screw in the 2nd set. Don't forget to fix this for him, Davey! This is another reminder! I have to apologise to the couple sitting at the front right in front of me - I coughed up a mouthful of phelgm whilst singing (I've had catarrh & sinusitis recently)...it couldn't have been very pleasant watching me deal with it so closely!

The weather took a turn for the worse...it's always wet/crap when we play here (even in the summer)...we had to endure the mud getting the gear in....but took the gear out the long way afterwards (in the rain) as we couldn't face getting up to the naffs in mud!! This club should get the access sorted for bands if they want live music - yeah, this is a moan....it's not on having to to walk through deep mud & sodden grass with expensive gear!!! Get it sorted!!! Me trainers are ruined!

The club steward is a comedian in his own right...he's a great laugh & always has a good crack on (& *iss take) with the band. I never tell jokes here as he's a master at doing it!

Anyway, we look forward to playing here again later in the year....we're all bringing our wellies next time.

Fri 17 March. The band played at Steels Club, not our usual type of venue these days but an opportunity to to once again tread the boards on the huge stage in the concert room. The room was fairly full, which amounted to a very sizeable crowd, especially as it's a large room - you need binoculars to see who's on the stage when you're at the bar! Apart from having to 'lug' the gear up the stairs/rear fire escape (bringing back memories of why I didn't like playing clubs years ago!) we all enjoyed the evening.

Our lead guitarist Brian managed to throw his lager straight over his Gibson Les Paul as he went onto the stage for the start of the 1st set....brilliant.....all you could hear from that side of the stage was him muttering 'bollocks, bollocks' as he cleaned it all up (with Davey's towel)!! Tip - don't put your pint glass on top of the organ with the cover on (has Steels emblazoned on it) - the music stand on the top of the organ lurks underneath the cover & Brian put his pint down on what appeared to be a flat surface....not....over went the glass & lager went averywhere........what a start, but, like the professionals we are, we just got on with it......that's showbiz!

We played fairly tightly (for us) although I have to say that Midnight Hour was....well...err...different to how I remember it the last few times we played it.....now how does it go? When will 'She Loves My Automobile' make it's debut? Anyone with a copy please drop it off for our bass player!

We used the club lights, which are all Par 64's, loadsa' them & very impressive, so we didn't need to set our own up, which was a help, as it's always a rush from work for Friday gigs. For any band who might want to use them - don't get them to flash - there was an awful 'electrical' interference-type noise coming through our gear when this was tried - just use them faded on about half way instead.

I spent the interval talking to the singer from Tokyo - apparently he's leaving the band very soon.

There appears to be an interesting line-up of bands coming in the next few months, including Beckett, The Note (who our drummer knows).

Here's a comment from Arthur, who organises the Friday gigs for the club -

"thanks for the gig last Friday, I enjoyed it & the feedback from the regulars was quite complimentary, I hope you all had a good night & I'll be back in touch for another booking later in the year       Arthur"  

The band returned to play at The Daisy Hill for the 3rd time. A great crowd turned out, with at least 20 people from Witton G. turning up to support the lads - thanks for coming along....Stu, Glyn, Johnny, Spike, John P & friend, Arthur & Joan, Shirley, Mick S & girlfriend, Mick & Carol, Brian D et al....that's not 20 so sorry to those who I've missed. Also thanks to the gadgy in the red sweater who sat at the front & made a funny remark linked to anything we said between songs - he thought he was funny anyway, he wasn't so much heckling (we always enjoy a good heckle...it's part of the crack) as downright bloody annoying, anyway it's good to see care in the community is working, hope you got back safe to the hospital afterwards. I watched him from the audience the next week when Rattlesnake Road were playing & he just carried on where he left off with us!

A few gremlins struck during the pre-gig sound check - the Behringer mixing desk (only 2 months old) decided to lose all it's on-board digital effects (we use them on the vocals & snare drum) & replace them with a sound like the sea crashing onto rocks & a repetitive clicking sound - not good! We had to play with a very dry vocal sound that didn't assist the vocals at all but I don't think the audience really noticed anything amiss. Soundslive at Newcastle identified the fault by Tuesday & replaced the desk with another brand new one - great after-sales service - no quibble at all. Dave the drummer also knacked a tom head but fortunately he had a replacement with him (I'd been telling him for weeks it was on the way out but would he listen!) The gig went well, we'd been practicing recently, so managed to get a few new songs in believe it or not - the encore Sunshine of Your Love went down a storm, especially with the Dragonslayers Bike club who were in again - apart from some good natured heckling from 'that lass' they behaved themselves, my mic stand survived the night. All in all another good night at this excellent venue - it really is going from strength to strength. Me & John who runs the music side of the pub needed the barmaid to tell us where his mic cable jack plug needed to be inserted into John's new CD player/mixer!! Could we hell work it out. She sorted it immediately! Embarrassing or what!! I'd never seen a jack socket within an xlr socket before!

We'll be back next year - the pub is pretty well booked up for the remainder of the year now.

24/12/05 Xmas Eve gig at the club - local for us. Great night, band performed really well, especially considering we're definitely not a 'club' band. Well received by the audience & a promise of a return booking. We also had new PA gear for this gig - Behringer desk & RCF active speakers to try out with our existing & beloved Mackie bins - they certainly didn't let us down in this larger (than we are used to) venue. Had to wind them up, mind, but we're more than happy with the new set-up.

Bit of a mishap during afternoon sound check when drummer Dave managed to put his foot pedal beater through the kick drum skin - he had replacement skins/heads for every drum except this one! Typical - 345pm on Xmas Eve, no drum shop open, panic setting-in...eventually, managed to borrow a kick drum head locally, which was fortunate! Hope Santa brought a spare later that evening! Even managed to put in a new song - it wasn't a xmas one, either! It was good to see some of our 'fans' there also, thanks for coming along.

12/11/05. Due to an unfortunate gardening accident, drummer Dave has managed to put himself out of action for a few weeks. Last Saturday afternoon, whilst finishing off some tidying up in the grounds of Kay Mansion, he managed to inflict a rather severe, deep laceration to the base of the thumb on his snare drum bashing hand with the garden secateurs, rendering himself incapacitated. Bleeding like a stuck pig, a trip to the local minor injuries unit ensued (though from his description you'd have thought it was a major trauma!) where Dave was treated by a bevy of excited nurses - it's not often Shotley Bridge Hospital gets a visit from a local rock star! Anyway, 4 stitches later (you'd have thought it was 40) & Dave was given the order - no drumming for you - and that night's gig was off! He couldn't believe it as it didn't hurt. However, when he got home & the local anaesthetic affects started to wear off he was in agony (soft tart!). Davey H's suggestion that Dave should just play one handed were duly noted, so we tried ringing Def Leppards drummer to see if we could borrow his spare kit, but he was out (gigging, probably!). Anyway, Dave is now sporting a new nickname - Slasher - taking over the Head Lacerator's role in the band from Davey H (he usually manages to cut the end off one of his guitar picking fingers in the week leading up to a gig). Sadly, we have also had this week's gig at Sacriston Cricket Club cancelled due to the concert chairman forgetting they had a club trip away organised (& therefore no audience for the gig!), giving Dave a bit longer to recover (use of his hand, etc). We'll be getting another date sorted for this gig, hopefully in December, as well as a replacement gig at The Glen.

20/08/05. The band played a fund raising gig for Cancer Research at The Cricket Club, Langley Park. We were pleased to give an opportunity to a young band to support us - Terminal 30 - this was their 1st proper gig & they played for about 35 mins, featuring Hannah on lead vocals, Alex on lead guitar (sorry, didn't catch the drummer & bass player's names). They went down well & the audience gave them great support! Hannah can certainly belt out a song, but u need to give up the job on the phone in the call-centre if you want to preserve your voice. Well done to you all, hope this gives you the impetus to get out there gigging very soon. Check out gig pix at Sidevalves & Terminal 30 gig pix

Nearly £400 was raised for Cancer Research. Thanks to everyone one who came along on the night & dug deep into their pockets for such a worthwhile cause. A word of thanks to the organisers also, sorry I didn't get your names, but I know how much hard work & effort goes into such events. We were pleased to give our services free for this worthy cause. 

08/07/05, The band returned to play at this local venue early July.

Smaller crowd than last time, probably due to the extremely hot weather, summer hols, etc, but, nevertheless, great gig, good to see friends & followers there supporting us, especially Spike, Russ & their good ladies.

Not sure about the 'lake of beer' effect created when Brian spilt his pint across one side of the stage! Think we'll give that effect a miss in future!

No Valvettes at this gig, which was a bit disappointing. Just like to say 'ta' to our drummer, Dave, who drove back the same day all the way from holiday in Devon to play! Hero! Much appreciated.

During the gig, disaster struck when the blue light went out on one of the Mackie bins, it just wasn't the same without the little blue light shining brightly! You just can't get quality these days!

Hope to be back maybe later in the year or after Xmas. Look out for the new Daisy Hill website which will put the music side of the pub & gigs on the net! Check out the website  www.thedaisyhill.co.uk

02/04/05. Finally got to see blues band Bluessential at The Daisy Hill last night. Bass player, Andy Crowley, works in the same office as me, we often have a good natter about music/gigging in the corridors of power whenever we bump in to each other. Good gig, didn't see all 2nd set as had to make it back to The Glen to finish off our lead guitarist Brian's stag night! He's married at lunchtime today.   Pete

Here'a a link to their website Bluessential

04/03/05. The band at The Three Tuns Hotel, Durham City. This was a special occasion for Durham's member of parliament, Gerry Steinberg, to celebrate his career as a politician. Gerry is 'retiring' as an MP at the next general election. Over 150 well-wishers turned out to give Gerry a great send off. The band are pictured with Gerry after the gig (oops, didn't notice that light stand growing out the top of his head! Who took that pic?). Pat hasn't washed his strumming hand since!

20/12/04. The band's gig at The Glendenning Arms, Witton Gilbert on Saturday managed to raise £116 which will go to Witton Gilbert School. Thanks to everyone who gave so generously, and special thanks to John & Loo, our hosts at The Glen, who donated all the raffle prizes.  

The band played for the first time at The Daisy Hill last friday night. Looked to be about 100-120 music fans in, great turn out, standing room only in the first half. Thanks to all our friends, fans & workmates who turned up to support us, we appreciate your support. I think this was probably our best gig so far, tightest we've been also. Have to apologise to the 'club' party of girls from Sacriston on their xmas night out who didn't know any of our songs (nor did we, some might say!). We'll try & learn (as one of them put it) a fcuker you know for next time! 

We hope to be returning to play here next year (2005), hopefully not too long away! Great venue to play at, appreciative & discerning audience! Keeping music live!