Post by DAVE HURRY on Aug 7, 2007 18:19:19 GMT
Well, after the York Experience (see last diary) I was feeling a bit down on it all. There were to be no gigs for four weeks, and the fact that the York gig ended badly didn't leave any of us really looking forward to another one.
Two days later, a text from Speed "what the f*** is he wearing?" Harris: "You free Aug 4th?".
"Yep. Why?"
"Gig. Barbie's birthday"
"Right. Where?"
"Manchester"
"Alright"
And so it was decided! Sadly Joe couldn't join us for the gig due to prior commitments, so Mr Dave Shaw was once again drafted in to fill the gap. It was practically a local gig for Shaw, so that worked out well. I, on the other hand, booked myself a train on the rather picturesque line between London Euston and Manchester Picadilly. As soon as I entered Lancashire the grey cloud settled over me, but thankfully no rain fell. Another train and a rail replacement bus later I arrived at Oliver's Bar in Ashton.
One of those classic underground rock clubs where your feet stick to the carpet (!), it had atmosphere! The owner was a lovely bloke by the name of Shawy, who kept me company until Adrian "Watch out! It's Camp David!" Swift appeared in the doorway, closely followed by Bruce "pint of Irish tar, please" Dugginson. Speed and Dave Shaw turned up soon afterwards and we set about lazily putting the gear together. The boys were carefully looking at some past photos of Maiden for some future plans...look out next year!
Anyone who saw us soundcheck would have been treated to about six versions of Stranger In A Strange Land, all featuring various amounts of synth from Mr Swift (who, by all accounts, has too much gear!). After getting soundcheck out of the way we disappeared backstage for more discussion, occasionally popping out to see some friends in the audience.
The gig was not too shabby, with a crowd that were half "WAHEY!!! LET'S 'AVE SOME!!!" and half stood there with their arms crossed comparing us carefully to the real thing! Ah, the fan club...we've all done it! They were all really appreciative after the show, though it is a bit odd playing to an audience that you know is full of Maiden fans who just stand there and watch rather than let loose and look like they're enjoying themselves! Still, the praise makes you feel good and Barbi certainly looked like he was having a good time. It's just not your birthday unless you get covered in cake / shaving foam / whatever the f*** else people can find to plaster you with!
Some absolutely class cock-ups from all concerned. I remember playing that first harmony part in Revelations, making a cock up, thinking "I've never ever made that one before!" and then promptly making it again next time around!!! The minute you stop to think, you lose it. The skill is being able to shrug it off and not let it screw up the rest of your night, which is something it took me a long long time to learn. I enjoy gigs much more now I accept that these things happen!!!
After the gig I drank rather too much and ate rather too much of that chili (I'm surprised I didn't pebble-dash Mr Swift's toilet bowl when we finally arrived back there!). All in all, I had rather a good time this weekend!!!
Do it again next year?
Two days later, a text from Speed "what the f*** is he wearing?" Harris: "You free Aug 4th?".
"Yep. Why?"
"Gig. Barbie's birthday"
"Right. Where?"
"Manchester"
"Alright"
And so it was decided! Sadly Joe couldn't join us for the gig due to prior commitments, so Mr Dave Shaw was once again drafted in to fill the gap. It was practically a local gig for Shaw, so that worked out well. I, on the other hand, booked myself a train on the rather picturesque line between London Euston and Manchester Picadilly. As soon as I entered Lancashire the grey cloud settled over me, but thankfully no rain fell. Another train and a rail replacement bus later I arrived at Oliver's Bar in Ashton.
One of those classic underground rock clubs where your feet stick to the carpet (!), it had atmosphere! The owner was a lovely bloke by the name of Shawy, who kept me company until Adrian "Watch out! It's Camp David!" Swift appeared in the doorway, closely followed by Bruce "pint of Irish tar, please" Dugginson. Speed and Dave Shaw turned up soon afterwards and we set about lazily putting the gear together. The boys were carefully looking at some past photos of Maiden for some future plans...look out next year!
Anyone who saw us soundcheck would have been treated to about six versions of Stranger In A Strange Land, all featuring various amounts of synth from Mr Swift (who, by all accounts, has too much gear!). After getting soundcheck out of the way we disappeared backstage for more discussion, occasionally popping out to see some friends in the audience.
The gig was not too shabby, with a crowd that were half "WAHEY!!! LET'S 'AVE SOME!!!" and half stood there with their arms crossed comparing us carefully to the real thing! Ah, the fan club...we've all done it! They were all really appreciative after the show, though it is a bit odd playing to an audience that you know is full of Maiden fans who just stand there and watch rather than let loose and look like they're enjoying themselves! Still, the praise makes you feel good and Barbi certainly looked like he was having a good time. It's just not your birthday unless you get covered in cake / shaving foam / whatever the f*** else people can find to plaster you with!
Some absolutely class cock-ups from all concerned. I remember playing that first harmony part in Revelations, making a cock up, thinking "I've never ever made that one before!" and then promptly making it again next time around!!! The minute you stop to think, you lose it. The skill is being able to shrug it off and not let it screw up the rest of your night, which is something it took me a long long time to learn. I enjoy gigs much more now I accept that these things happen!!!
After the gig I drank rather too much and ate rather too much of that chili (I'm surprised I didn't pebble-dash Mr Swift's toilet bowl when we finally arrived back there!). All in all, I had rather a good time this weekend!!!
Do it again next year?