SUMMER ROUNDUP AUTUMN WINTER UPDATE
WRITES DAVE WRITES DAVE WRITES DAVE WRITES
Hey everybody, hope youve all had a great 2019 Summer despite the weather being very unpredictable.
Its been a busy time here none the less with amazing shows throughout July and August during runs down to Devon Kent and a long run up to the Highlands.
The Devon shows were marked with plenty of sunshine and it was great to see a good number of familiar faces along the way. The trip was made all the more interesting with a run out to Stockbridge for a debut appearance at the Chickenstock Festival which featured an excellent bill of songwriters from both the UK and the USA. Chickenstock is a fairly new Festival finding its feet as a meeting ground for a wide range of musicians from around the globe. It was a super day and folks enjoyed a warm and friendly atmosphere with great music being the watchword.
Following the Devon run it was all points North for a lengthy trip to Scotland and The Highlands.
Along the way I was very excited to be on the bill for my first performance at the Rebellion Festival at The Winter Gardens in Blackpool at the beginning of August on the opening night of the weekends events on the Thursday evening.
Not knowing what to expect I decided to arrive mid afternoon to take in the vibe and I have to say I was completely blown away. It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces and good friends amongst a very packed Winter Garden. It was a super fantastic atmosphere with so many different stages within the complex. I was due to appear on the Nearly Acoustic Stage that evening at 8pm and after checking in with indomitable Huggie the stage manager I was able to hang out with some great friends I hadnt seen in a good long while, it was great to see you all.
I managed to catch some great artists whilst waiting around for my show and it seemed the excitement in the room was building up to a very special evening. By the time I was ready to play the room was filled to capacity with folk sitting cross legged at the stagefront. It was an unbelievably great feeling to see so many ready for some action and to feel so much warmth from everyone present. Thanks to everyone there for making it an amazing show and I hope I get the chance to make a return visit next year.
On the way to Rebellion I was invited to play a show the following night opening for The Skids in Grimsby on the way to Scotland. It was certainly great to see the guys again, I think the last time we had run into each other was way back around 1986 during an Alarm rehearsal at Eezee hire studios in London. I had a great show and The Skids were absolutely superb. The band was firing on all four and the music was outstanding. It was an honour to be present and a thrill to be on the bill.
After an overnight drive North I arrived in Scotland for my first show at the Market Bar in Inverness to kick off my Highland run. It was going to be an interesting trip with a good number of new venues Id be visiting for the first time. Id like to send a huge thanks to Laurent at the Harbour Bar in Buckkie, Elaine and Jim at the Shore Inn. Portsoy and Simon and Paul from the Spin Bar in Aberdeen for making me feel so very welcome and for three very memorable shows.
Id like to make a special mention in dispatches and send a huge vote of thanks to Greig, from the ever excellent three peice band Uniform, who was amazing beyond the call of duty in helping to put this years Scottish run together, thank you Greig and Alex and Liam sending all great appreciation your way.
Well Im just about ready for an Autumn Winter run of shows kicking off with another trip to Devon followed by a visit South to Kent.
along the way Im very excited to be making an appearance at The Great British Alternative Festival on Sunday October 6th. It looks like an amazing bill of artists and an excellent way to begin the shows leading to year end.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me during the Summer months and for making 2019 a Summer to remember.
Hope I see you all out on the road as we head on through the coming months. In the meantime keep the faith and sending peace and love to you all.
dave-
