Unusual venues So Dan and random adventures have asked me to write a piece about unusual venues that I have played.
Dan very kindly had me play at the Green Jersey which was a bicycle shop. That was a very fun evening not only because brilliant audience and Dan’s always amazing sound. But nice food from Phil and I played a good set. In fact I played this place 3 times I think in total and always an amazing night.
I have been know for playing where ever asked to play. Being able to play acoustic certainly aids that. And I’m always up for a challenge! Even if it challenges my phobias! I have played underground in a Cave in Ireland where my claustrophobia went thru the roof until I was in the cave. I must say squeezing through small tunnels with head lamps and hard hats on was something. But the acoustics where insane once we where insane.
I face another major phobia in Germany too when myself and my friend Andy aka Raxil4 where asked to play on the top of a disused water tower that had been turned into an amazing arts venue. It seemed like a great idea. But I have chronic vertigo so took me a good while to get up to the top especially up the metal stairs. Once up Andy found he had to get my drinks for me as I was too scared to go back down. Meant I couldn’t drink too much as the toilets where also at the bottom of the building. Again tho so much fun and crazy sounds playing in a water tower.
Other than that played a load of house and garden shows over the years (including bathroom shows and kitchen shows). Basically where ever I can play I will do it. As the more unusual the venue often the more fun can be. It throws the audience a new perspective of what a gig can be. The most intense and unusual gig must be playing an Asylum in France! For people with extreme learning difficulties. The show marked the most intense 20 minute set I’ve ever played especially when one of the residence jumped and grabbed my guitar neck with my hand still attached. But the show helped them so much and felt rewarding even if I have never felt quite so physically and mentally drained after a show like that before.
Thanks so much Dan for asking me to do this I have written more about this in my upcoming book Quiet which I hope to put out in 2021.
But basically I love playing shows and always up for new and challenging venues.
Thanks to Tim for his kind words, you can find Tim at: