The Live Music Room.

[Dan Steel]

Glad you enjoyed it Keith, it’s not our house he’s playing at.

That would be good. Apparently it used to called the Cabin.

It’s facing the bombed out church at the top of Bold Street. 8)

[Scooter]

First gig of the year last night at the Church. Got into see a good crowd and Carl the promoter said he hadn’t sold out but was about 20 off doing so. Starting off was “Mike” and “Kenny”. One on guitar and the other playing violin. Heavy folk but really good. Mike has a strange accent at times sounding Italian and others Scouse! On the the main event Rozi Plain who last time she was here was playing bass and vocals with This is the Kit. She had a full band drums, bass, acoustic guitarist/vocals and a keyboard player. Started off sounding excellent but no bass, which resulted in the bass player changing leads and the sound becoming fuller and complete once done. She played heavily on the last album which she described as “new enough still to be classed as new”. The band were more than competent and the sound was excellent, when you hear sound so good you can’t wait to get home to hear it on your stereo. She was on for an hour fifteen and went down well to an obviously fan based crowd. I occasionally read comments about the lack of female musicians but the past two I’ve seen (Aldous Harding and Rozi) have really countered those comments. Both standing out in a competitive business. A great night again. Unfortunately next up is Gill Landry who I will miss due to prior arrangements but working on it so may make it.

[Dan Steel]

Nice one Keith

[Wenge1]

First gig of the year last night at the Church. Got into see a good crowd and Carl the promoter said he hadn’t sold out but was about 20 off doing so. Starting off was “Mike” and “Kenny”. One on guitar and the other playing violin. Heavy folk but really good. Mike has a strange accent at times sounding Italian and others Scouse! On the the main event Rozi Plain who last time she was here was playing bass and vocals with This is the Kit. She had a full band drums, bass, acoustic guitarist/vocals and a keyboard player. Started off sounding excellent but no bass, which resulted in the bass player changing leads and the sound becoming fuller and complete once done. She played heavily on the last album which she described as “new enough still to be classed as new”. The band were more than competent and the sound was excellent, when you hear sound so good you can’t wait to get home to hear it on your stereo. She was on for an hour fifteen and went down well to an obviously fan based crowd. I occasionally read comments about the lack of female musicians but the past two I’ve seen (Aldous Harding and Rozi) have really countered those comments. Both standing out in a competitive business. A great night again. Unfortunately next up is Gill Landry who I will miss due to prior arrangements but working on it so may make it.

Sounds great Keith. I'm a big fan of Rozi Plain .........

[Scooter]

First gig of the year last night at the Church. Got into see a good crowd and Carl the promoter said he hadn’t sold out but was about 20 off doing so. Starting off was “Mike” and “Kenny”. One on guitar and the other playing violin. Heavy folk but really good. Mike has a strange accent at times sounding Italian and others Scouse! On the the main event Rozi Plain who last time she was here was playing bass and vocals with This is the Kit. She had a full band drums, bass, acoustic guitarist/vocals and a keyboard player. Started off sounding excellent but no bass, which resulted in the bass player changing leads and the sound becoming fuller and complete once done. She played heavily on the last album which she described as “new enough still to be classed as new”. The band were more than competent and the sound was excellent, when you hear sound so good you can’t wait to get home to hear it on your stereo. She was on for an hour fifteen and went down well to an obviously fan based crowd. I occasionally read comments about the lack of female musicians but the past two I’ve seen (Aldous Harding and Rozi) have really countered those comments. Both standing out in a competitive business. A great night again. Unfortunately next up is Gill Landry who I will miss due to prior arrangements but working on it so may make it.

Sounds great Keith. I'm a big fan of Rozi Plain .........

She was amazing, the sound was excellent.

[Scooter]

Another night at “Church” this time to see American band Daddy Long Legs. Arrived during the interval deliberately missing the opening act who I’ve seen many times and whose act is either brilliant or all over the place. First thing I picked up on was a group of people who had come over from Manchester to see the band after being blown away by them in Manchester a couple of nights before. So on walked the first guy shaking maracas, which did not stop during the whole show and when I say that I mean it they went from start and he was still shaking as he walked off. So the band consisted of the drummer (or maracas shaker), guitarist and another guy who was a vocalist, harmonica and guitarist. The Tom Tom drum was set up at the stage front and with the maracas being used as a drum stick off they went. The vocalist at this point and for the first three songs played harmonic before switching between harmonica and guitar throughout the set. Often Jim and I say that American bands have something extra and with these they knew how to play and play the crowd. By halfway through the second song they had the audience clapping, cheering, etc. The music I can only describe as bluesy, rockabilly and foot stomping bar band. There were a fair few fans there who knew the songs and requests were being made throughout. They played for an hour and came back for a fifteen minute encore of two more songs. I have seen many acts at this venue but this was the liveliest band I’ve seen there. At the end they came out and as I said previous they knew some of the fans there. The downside of the evening was talking to the promoter later that he had has a complaint from a nearby resident during the gig. The venue is used not just by this promoter but others including “rave” nights which go on until midnight (limited by the licence). It wasn’t particularly noisy but maybe the nearby resident are getting fed up. There is no disruption from cars as there is a big car park the other side of the church away from the residential street. The promoter also confirmed that Gill Landry has been brilliant on Saturday night. Never mind can’t attend them all.

[Dan Steel]

Looks like they are a great band. Glad you enjoyed it Keith

[Scooter]

With most gigs all stopped you are probably thinking why is being posted. But we stayed in last night for this one. Ian Prowse broadcast via Facebook a solo show for all to see. He was supposed to have started his solo tour last night in North Yorkshire but obviously cancelled so he sent out the message he would do this from his home in Liverpool and he did. We were treated to one song off every album, couldn’t think of an album he missed. He planned to do it for half an hour but it last nearly one and a half. Whilst Ian is a brilliant performer he was out performed by his brilliant eight year old daughter Rosalita (yes named after the Springsteen song). She joined in on Something Changed and finally danced to the final song Springsteen’s Dancing in the Dark. He asked for donations which he duly got as he doesn’t know if and when he can work again. A lot of musicians seem to be doing this, Ian mentioned Miles Hunt (of the Wonderstuff) is doing one this afternoon. Strange times last night, we had a takeaway from our favourite restaurant followed by a performance by one of our favourite musicians.

[Dan Steel]

At least Prowsie is giving his fans something I’m not on Facebook so I couldn’t watch but I’m glad you and Janice enjoyed it. 8)

[FangfossFlyer]

My next gig:



Keep well,

Richard

[Scooter]

Hopefully this place will be my next and only live gig next month when Ian Prowse plays. They have had comedy shows there over the last few weeks hosted by Justin Moorhouse and they have gone well. The biggest issue has been where I took the photo from is the Roman walls and they have had a crowd up there watching for free but more idiotic no social distancing.

[Wenge1]

more idiotic no social distancing.

It's happening every where Keith - There have always been idiots in the world but we are currently finding out just how many of them there are ..............

[Scooter]

Hopefully this place will be my next and only live gig next month when Ian Prowse plays. They have had comedy shows there over the last few weeks hosted by Justin Moorhouse and they have gone well. The biggest issue has been where I took the photo from is the Roman walls and they have had a crowd up there watching for free but more idiotic no social distancing.

Well tonight’s the night or I should say evening. Weather forecast is really good. It’s going to be strange and we are a little apprehensive but yesterday afternoon we got a really comprehensive text from the venue saying that there are covid rules that we must obey. Waiter service, you are not allowed inside the venue only for the toilet, keep social distancing, etc but one I’ve not seen before “as the show will be outside bring a coat to allow for cooler weather”. Curfew when the venue closes is ten o’clock which is fine as we”re on the school run in the morning. They also gave stage times which they say will be strictly adhered to.
I can’t see any gigs being allowed in the near future so will make the most of this one.

[Dan Steel]

Hope everything goes well Keith

[Scooter]

What a great night, a little subdued to start but spirits soon got lifted. The venue has access to a “garden” behind the venue alongside the Roman walls, so the stage was back onto the walls about 5 metres in front of the tables. Every table was socially distanced. Waiter service had been cancelled as they couldN’t get enough staff so a limited outside bar had been set up with distancing markers for queueing. First up we’re the Southbound Attic Band. They are well known from the Cavern open mic nights and started off warming up a somewhat subdued audience. There was a strange atmosphere on arrival as I think people were considering the environment and safety, this soon dissipated as everyone realised the bar service was good and people themselves were being considerate. So on came Ian with Lara Simpson on violin. We were then treated to a best of set. As I said the stage was placed against the city walls so it was strange to see people up there walking past. During name and number an old guy appeared and he started dancing, this got a great reception and Ian invited him in. This guy turned up and he had castanets which he was playing whilst he stood to the side. Ian got him up and the guy kept the rhythm for one song and even got a “solo”. An a hour and a half in they gave permission to go until five to ten but the bar shut at a quarter to. So we got a couple more songs including a really good cover of born to run. Would have liked to stay for a later drink so had to retire to a pub opposite the venue which was practically empty. A great night, sold out and we felt really safe with lots of space and people being careful. I still don’t think I would do an indoor show yet so that may be the last show in a while.





“Roy” on castanets...

[Dan Steel]

Great to see live music again Keith, I’m not surprised you enjoyed it as Prowsey always gives a great show and never lets the fans down. Hopefully we can get to some gigs soon but the way this government are performing I’m not holding my breath. 8)

[Scooter]

Great to see live music again Keith, I’m not surprised you enjoyed it as Prowsey always gives a great show and never lets the fans down. Hopefully we can get to some gigs soon but the way this government are performing I’m not holding my breath. 8)

Had a quick word with him after and he said he couldn’t give details but they are making plans for outside show at Christmas as he thinks the Academy won’t be allowed to open. Somewhere in Liverpool is looking into outside shows, so there is a small glimmer of hope.

[Scooter]

This will be the second Prowsie Christmas show I’ve missed in Liverpool. The only one before this I missed was when my mate wasn’t up to going to Liverpool so I took him to the Slade rooms in Wolverhampton. Ian really looked after him, offering him his dressing room if he needed it. Another mate just sent me this, exit doors used to get to the seats in the Phil which is about a quarter full.

[Dan Steel]

This will be the second Prowsie Christmas show I’ve missed in Liverpool. The only one before this I missed was when my mate wasn’t up to going to Liverpool so I took him to the Slade rooms in Wolverhampton. Ian really looked after him, offering him his dressing room if he needed it. Another mate just sent me this, exit doors used to get to the seats in the Phil which is about a quarter full.

Ian always puts on a great show, hopefully next year or the one after or the one after that... if we haven’t got rid of the virus

[Scooter]

First big venue show in over 19 months last since the pandemic to see Ian Prowse with the full band and we were a little apprehensive. Getting the train over to Liverpool I would say the majority were wearing masks but coming home I would say the majority weren’t, probably the effect of alcohol. We had booked a restaurant and we were able to sit outside, which was a bonus. Then into the Philharmonic (venue not the pub) for a drink in the bar where everyone was masked. It was so good to be in a bar in a venue again. The Phil is well organised so you get the ten minute warning of stage time. The gig had been moved to the main hall from the music room, this gave more distancing which was observed. The circle wasn’t used so I’m guessing there was about 300 people there. Ian and the band came on at spot on nine o’clock and did a set of barn stormers with only a few slower songs to keep the party and “Saturday night Liverpool” going. It seemed strange to see the band on a big stage because normally they are all cramped onto a small stage and there can be up to 16 musician on stage. Last night there were just seven on stage. We were treated to over one and a half hours at an intense pace. Only one cover which had gone down well from the lockdown Friday shows, the Waterboys all of the moon. So we got a greatest hits show with nothing new despite knowing he is working on a new album. He definitely played it for fun and it’s great to see a band enjoying themselves.
Had a great night but as I said at the start was apprehensive and will do a couple of extra covid tests over the coming week.

[Dan Steel]

Glad you and Janice had a great evening Keith, I wish I could have made it. Prowsie never lets you down and you are always guaranteed and great gig from him. Hopefully it’s the start of many more gigs to come.

[Scooter]

Glad you and Janice had a great evening Keith, I wish I could have made it. Prowsie never lets you down and you are always guaranteed and great gig from him. Hopefully it’s the start of many more gigs to come.

Cheers. Yes you get sorted and we’ll be back out again.

[Scooter]

Well I've just had a load of messages about this weekend. Firstly I should explain that it's my daughters 40th birthday weekend. We're down to babysit tomorrow night whilst she is out for dinner, then on Sunday afternoon/evening we've organised and a bbq for her with her sister, grandparents and two aunts. The first message I got was asking if I was going to see Nick Ellis who is playing locally at a "farm shop". He was playing and another guy who I'm not fond of. Well it turns out the other guy has cancelled and there is somebody in town visiting friends who has stepped in, John Murry. Not only has he stepped in tomorrow night but may also play a pub here on Sunday. Now working on timings and crossing fingers.

[Scooter]

Well last night I managed to make it to one of the strangest but also nicest gigs I’ve been to. As said on the previous post it was my daughters 40th birthday and I had promised to drive them to a restaurant and pick them up afterwards and we would baby sit their three daughters which include 5 month old twins. My wife was happy to do the sitting. So I dropped them off and headed off to the other side of town to a “farm food shop” where the gig was taking place. Upon arrival I struggled to find a place to park as the car parks were full. I then found out the place has a camp site and the event has been a weekly thing for the past four weeks. As I started walking towards the “stage area” I heard the promoter announcing John Murry, who then started to play. We got half an hour of assorted songs from his catalogue plus he finished with an Abba cover of super trooper. The audience was made up of families and would have no idea who he was with the exception of about 20 to 30 people who are regulars at the Church contacted, like myself, by the promoter. There were fire pits around the site where children were toasting marsh mellows, as you can see in the photo. John was visiting friends here, the promoter, and was added when the other support dropped out. The main act was Nick Ellis who is really good but I said I would only stay for John’s set. When he had finished I was talking to some of the regulars from the gigs at the Church and I was pulled away by Carl the promoter who introduced me as a guy who must be one of your biggest supporters to the man himself. He remembered me from previous shows especially a pub gig he did here as a small tour warm up. Where we had talked about Neil Young. He was in a great mood because his partner is a Doctor who works for the French charity Medicins Sans frontier in Afghanistan and he had had a call from her at lunchtime as she was about to board a USAF plane in Kabul. So he knew she was now safe. He had planned to play the pub again but plans had changed so he was heading back to Ireland to be there when she gets home. I said what a strange but nice place to play. He replied the strangest gig he did was a few months ago when he did a promotional YouTube show for his new album. The did it in Whelans in Dublin and it was empty, no one in other than them, the sound guy and camera crew. He has played there a lot but playing empty was really strange.
I left just before Nick came on and got back to find that the twins hadn’t made a peep.

[Dan Steel]

Well last night I managed to make it to one of the strangest but also nicest gigs I’ve been to. As said on the previous post it was my daughters 40th birthday and I had promised to drive them to a restaurant and pick them up afterwards and we would baby sit their three daughters which include 5 month old twins. My wife was happy to do the sitting. So I dropped them off and headed off to the other side of town to a “farm food shop” where the gig was taking place. Upon arrival I struggled to find a place to park as the car parks were full. I then found out the place has a camp site and the event has been a weekly thing for the past four weeks. As I started walking towards the “stage area” I heard the promoter announcing John Murry, who then started to play. We got half an hour of assorted songs from his catalogue plus he finished with an Abba cover of super trooper. The audience was made up of families and would have no idea who he was with the exception of about 20 to 30 people who are regulars at the Church contacted, like myself, by the promoter. There were fire pits around the site where children were toasting marsh mellows, as you can see in the photo. John was visiting friends here, the promoter, and was added when the other support dropped out. The main act was Nick Ellis who is really good but I said I would only stay for John’s set. When he had finished I was talking to some of the regulars from the gigs at the Church and I was pulled away by Carl the promoter who introduced me as a guy who must be one of your biggest supporters to the man himself. He remembered me from previous shows especially a pub gig he did here as a small tour warm up. Where we had talked about Neil Young. He was in a great mood because his partner is a Doctor who works for the French charity Medicins Sans frontier in Afghanistan and he had had a call from her at lunchtime as she was about to board a USAF plane in Kabul. So he knew she was now safe. He had planned to play the pub again but plans had changed so he was heading back to Ireland to be there when she gets home. I said what a strange but nice place to play. He replied the strangest gig he did was a few months ago when he did a promotional YouTube show for his new album. The did it in Whelans in Dublin and it was empty, no one in other than them, the sound guy and camera crew. He has played there a lot but playing empty was really strange.
I left just before Nick came on and got back to find that the twins hadn’t made a peep.

Looks like a great night Keith, hopefully I’ll be back on the road. I’ve ordered the Felice Brothers tickets so we are all set to go to that one.. can’t wait.