• Registered: 2013-06-25
  • Posts: 4

Topic: Durham Blues 2013

Anybody go? I did....but will be my last time if its held in the Gala Theatre...the most least atmospheric place in the history of mankind (apart from The Arena of course).
Why on earth promotoers consider people want to sit down at these sort of gigs is way beyond me.
Same as... JB on at the Sage some years ago..... everybody sitting there like a bunch of dead ones... he even remarked near the end how disappointed he was.... was only me up dancing (for which I was threatened with eviction).
I can well understand being seated and appreciating the music etc...but Hells Flame... rocky/blues...and sittin on yer ****???
Oooops Soap Box collapse...maybe I should take more tea.....
xx
den

The Grate Denini. 3rd Earl of Hart le Pool
  • From: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
  • Registered: 2011-08-12
  • Posts: 4,615

Re: Durham Blues 2013

Partly the reason I chose not to go, despite a strong line-up. Couldn't see how it was going to work with fixed, theatre seats compared to Dunlem's open floor: maybe Dunelm wasn't available this year. Thing about the Gala, I'd go see any band do an acoustic there, but not to see one that wants to rip it up, Tommy can sort that out in your Bailiwick of Hartlepool  That said, the Gala has hosted Marcus Bonfanti, Chantel McGregor and Big Boy Bloater there recently, so at least they're trying.

Some friends went and general consensus was Albany Down should have had longer and John Lee Hooker Jr. waffled too much between songs.

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...
  • Registered: 2013-06-25
  • Posts: 4

Re: Durham Blues 2013

My fears were immediately compounded as soon as we walked in... there was 3 people at the bar!!
The Acoustic Stage was about 3 miles away... totally and utterly ostracised from everything else... I also have seem enough things at the Gala to appreciate it for what it is.... and if it was say my goodself escaping from a sack on stage and providing rapier wit and banter...well all well and good... but gee whiz...rocky blues???
Chantels opening quip of "Oooo yer all sat there like likkle mices!" summed it up..... me dancing in the ailse and getting laughed at (Look at the HAND....do I give a **##!!!)
John Lee Hooker Jnr.... eee lad...living off a name or what....... talked more than me...... think I`m gonna try that when I`m busking.... Jimmy Lindy JNR... see if I get more brass.
The student place was quite ideal as it did at least drag a FEW younger people in... but god...The Gala... was like being at yer own funeral.
Its a shame The Tommelator hasnt been able to find a "permanent" home as yet...so in meantime its nomadic rock/blues for us..... like a Poolie Tinawarien.
x
den

The Grate Denini. 3rd Earl of Hart le Pool
  • From: Newark, DE
  • Registered: 2013-01-13
  • Posts: 1,675

Re: Durham Blues 2013

This happened locally in NJ with a benefit show they do every year for Light of Day (Parkinson's). It started out at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, a club.  You couldn't get tickets easily but all standing. Usually two great nights of bands both local and well known. Some on bill, big acts never sure if they would show.  They did a money grab and moved it to a big club not local and it was empty. Now it's n a seated venue and its sterile as it can be in comparison.  No place to dance aside from standing in your seat.

Alan
  • From: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
  • Registered: 2011-08-12
  • Posts: 4,615

Re: Durham Blues 2013

Just driftin' off again; The Sage - have to agree, Hall 1 they're a bit "keen", keeping folk down, but never found much of a problem in Hall 2, especially after seeing the VATA lads & Wilko in there; like Stockton ARC, just needs some atmosphere building.

Getting back to Durham Blues - also heard the Ron Sayer Jr. was on fire. Thinking Whitby on October might be a goer - Ron and Henrick on the bill.

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...
  • Registered: 2013-06-25
  • Posts: 4

Re: Durham Blues 2013

BansheeUK wrote:

Just driftin' off again; The Sage - have to agree, Hall 1 they're a bit "keen", keeping folk down, but never found much of a problem in Hall 2, especially after seeing the VATA lads & Wilko in there; like Stockton ARC, just needs some atmosphere building.

Getting back to Durham Blues - also heard the Ron Sayer Jr. was on fire. Thinking Whitby on October might be a goer - Ron and Henrick on the bill.

I felt so strongly about that Sage gig---I wrote and expressed my feelings. I didnt want to spoil things for those around me by simply standing up in the middle of the row...so i moved to the side..was no trouble to anyone...just dancing... stewards onto me like like Quagmire on Tush... so I "sneaked off" to another spot...same again... but like you say---the other place is great for atmosphere.
Last years JB gig at the Arena...I was "freaking" out in me seat... in me own space... got warned off...then escorted right up to the Gods.... no problem I thought...nobody within 50yrds of me... and they STILL came and told me I mustn`t cross over the yellow lines...I just went to sleep in the end :-)
Durham :Ron Sayer Jr...was pretty much the highlight for me...love his style. Whitby is great---but ridiculous to get to (where isnt from the Glorious mecca of Harte le Pool).
xx
den

The Grate Denini. 3rd Earl of Hart le Pool