First gig since I've started the blog so this one will probably bit a little more long winded than the others so I apologise in advance. You guys know how to skim read yeah?
Last night was our show in Newcastle-under-Lyme and our first show at this particular venue. I was getting a little concerned when Jane of Tom Tom fame navigated us down a road that turned out to be the loading bay for a shop, however it seemed that other members were suffering the same fate. Luckiliy we soon found the venue and proceeded to unbundle the gear from our cars. We don't currently have a van so we drive to most shows in our cars which is a bit of a blag, but it does means we can bring a few people. I have a really supportive family so I always travel with them.
I've been gigging for years now and last night was the first night I remember a promoter buying me a drink. It might not sound much but it is. I'm a firm believer that a band shouldn't have to be out of pocket for playing gigs. I don't expect the promoter to lay on food, cocaine and strippers (although that would be epic), but little things like a pint mean a lot. The promoter last night was a treat to deal with. He seemed a nice guy and it was nice smiling face welcome us.
When we started setting our gear up we found out of the manager that we had to do our own sound. I wasn't too concerned because the venue was pretty small and only the drums and vocals would need micing up. The only problem was that there was no drum mics and I had to mic the kick drum up with a vocal mic. It wasn't ideal and it wasn't the best sounding, but it was better than a lot of venues we've played so there wasn't any real problem with it.
I was really happy with how the lads got on with getting their gear set up and it was nice to watch them trying hard to ensure the sound was as good as it can be off stage. Although we love monitors and a good sound on stage, the reality is that we hardly ever get it. The way we see it is that as long as it sounds as good as it can for the people off the stage, then we are happy.
It was nice to sit and have a laugh with the people who had travelled up to see us. I love it when all the band members are sat together with our family. I see a lot of our supporters as family members. In all honesty, this is sometimes the highlight of the night for me. Our friend Liggy had also brought us all food from Maccy's. Food and drink in one night...we were getting spoilt here!
The gig went pretty well. We played a solid set with no fuck ups which is always the primary concern. The crowd was pretty stationary, but we got a good reception after each song had finished. Thats the most important thing. A bands worst nightmare is to ginish the first song and hear silence. The venue was situated in the town centre and was free to enter which meant a few people who weren't the biggest metal fans would wonder in from time to time. I actually see playing to these type of people the biggest challenge and I thrive off it. I've played gigs where people have come up to me and said "It's not my type of thing, but you guys were really good and put on one hell of a show". Now that is victory. Unfortunately, this time around there was one inbred twat that stood at the side making a nuisance of himself. He tried to grab my mic was I pushed my mic away from him. In all honesty I wanted to slam it in his face, but I've learn't from my mistakes and decided to rise above it. I gave the barman a wink and the inbred soon left.
The guitarist totally nailed their solos and I love looking to the side of me and seeing constantly growing in confidence every gig we play. I felt my vocals were pretty good, although I still can't shift all the mucus out of my head which is getting a bit of pain in the arse!
After the gig I was approached by two ladies who looked like they were about to go to a nightclub. Most people would be suprised to learn that they were big death metal fans, but I wasn't. I'm probably not the most conventional looking metal head as most of the time I'm in sports gear, so I understand that image has fuck all to do with loving and being metal. For a genre which used to be so focused on individuality, it has unfortunately become very narrow minded. They were top ladies and a pleasure to chat vocal techniques with.
A pretty good experience and it was a treat to earn some cash from a gig. We've started to get a little money lately because of our reputation and endorsements. Hopefully we can build on this and finally buy a van (and our own maccys!).
Next stop...back to Newcastle next week!
Until then, stay brutal!
Daz
Turin
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