As many of you know, and a few may even have the misfortune to witness, myself and my mighty ukulele made our world debut last a couple of weeks ago at the Hadrian’s Walk wrap up party.
Here’s a photo of me looking dynamic and rock star like:
I’m incredibly grateful to Rich, Rich, Paul and Roger for letting me play alongside them. And Rich Bassinder in particular for badgering me to go through with it when I tried to make feeble nervous excuses as to why I shouldn’t. For the record I joined in on “Girls in their Summer Clothes”, “With a Little Help From My Friends”, and a fair old chunk of “500 Miles” until I stopped because I was paranoid I was playing out of tune (I wasn’t apparently, although I’m yet to be convinced).
I must point out that by no means was I any good. In fact I was rather bad. But the room was full of friends with forgiving natures and so it didn’t really matter.
That’s not to say that there wasn’t some pretty impressive talent on display. Not only are the guys themselves pretty damn skilled, but there was a very cool star turn from Craig on the harmonica for a couple of numbers. It’s true what they say you know, we bald men really can play the blues.
And you know what? I really enjoyed myself. Not particularly the playing in front of an audience bit (although that was fun), but the being part of a band.
As anyone who’s known me for more than a couple of years will tell you, I am a man of fleeting passions. I pick up hobbies like a veritable Mr Toad. Flitting from one to another like a butterfly with ADHD. And amongst my various interests over the years I’ve toyed with playing a number of instruments: guitar, piano, accordion, and now of course the ukulele.
But I’ve never actually played alongside anyone else. Which is a real shame because it’s fantastic. The feeling of being a cog in a machine that’s pumping out music that actually worth listening to is amazing. And I really got into it. Kerry said she even noticed me jigging about a little bit on a couple of the numbers. Not much mind, I am severely tethered by my self consciousness when doing anything even approaching the suburbs of dancing. But from me a slight shift of weight from one leg to another is equivalent to a full on break dance routine from someone else, so relatively speaking I was basically stage diving.
So I had a great time. Although judging by the photos that I’ve seen of the evening it didn’t actually look like it. Oli even caught my eye at one point and told me to smile so as not to wreck a photo he was trying to take. But what can I say, I’m the Morrissey of the uke world, it’s just the way I roll.
I’m not sure if I’ll ever play with the band again. They perform extremely infrequently, and anyway I think muscling in on a paying gig would be stretching the boundaries of friendship a little too far. But it was a hell of a lot of fun and has certainly inspired me to practice a lot more recently. I’ve even managed to master the previously elusive “E” chord now so the world is my oyster.
Amy and I are even developing a mighty fine version of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” which, providing you close your eyes, block your ears, and go and stand three villages away almost sounds like the Glee version. Almost.
No related posts.
No, really, it sounded great from here… :P
Must have been a real blast, good on you! :)
It was fun :)
Well done you. When you perform on Top of the Pops (is that even on anymore?) with your band I’ll be proud to say I knew you, well, read your blog, before you were famous.
Top of the Pops was generally mimed anyhow wasn’t it? I think I could cope with that.
New Order were the exception to the miming rule as I recall. They always played live.
In my talentless eyes anyone who can play or read music is someone to be admired. I failed to master the triangle at school and was demoted to page turner. Although I am an amazing singer while driving alone in the car!!!!
I can’t read music – unless you count Tab (which you shouldn’t really)
Free-biiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrd!
Certainly sir. Expect an C90 cassette tape with it on in the post shortly.
so where are the recordings? There weren’t any? tssk.
We banned any recording devices just in case we decide to release it as a live album once we are famous.
We’re going to need some video to substantiate this claim.
None was taken fortunately/unfortunately (delete as appropriate)
Ahhh! You (and everyone else) were fab Mr Hughes!
Oh, and if you ever form your own band where you’re the reluctant frontman, then you *must* call yourselves ‘The Danimals’.
:D
I shan’t. I decided long ago that any band I front will be called “The Amazing Creosote and Lefty”
I’m sure someone has video!
Playing in a “band” is the best, even if you only hit the same notes about 20% of the time. Watch out, though. It’s addictive.
Speaking of Morrissey of the uke, there’s a woman called Zee Avi who plays uke and sings beautifully, and she does a great cover of “Last of the Gang to Die.” Check it out.
20% of the time was about right.
I’m checking out Zee Avi as I type. I like it a lot, although have only been able to find her self titled album on spotify
Oh good! Now I don’t have to feel like a *complete* dumbass thinking my little piano version of a Coldplay song is something special.
I’m only sorry I missed it.
Hmmm, a dumbarse challenge huh? I am rather tempted to call you out and challenge ou to a “Build me up Buttercup” youtube video contest.
Glad to have you back!
great atmospheric photos
and yes..get some ducks!!! just three (one drake and two ducks)!!!!
I can try and put some runner duck eggs in the incubator for you?
Is that a serious offer? Because you may well have caused a rift in my marriage with that one.
How big a pool do runner ducks need?
You ruined the photo anyway, but at least you were smiling.
:)
Only because I made everyone else look hideous compared to my glowing beauty.
I really, really miss playing with people. Giving up music has been the single worst thing about becoming a parent. But seriously doing bands and fatherhood don’t go together, not with a full time job on top of it.
Very happy you had a great time – you so should do this some more!