West Street Live, Sheffield - Monday 9th Jan
This is a pretty cool venue with video screens around the bar showing a live feed of the stage when musicians are performing - which was kind of strange watching yourself on TV while playing. Played a 45 min set with Ben which now includes new song 'Still Sailing' and 'Some days' from my first album. Thanks to James for taking some pictures which should be on the website soon.
2005
The New Masons Arms, Mexborough - Friday 16th December
This was the first gig I'd played solo for bit as Ben couldn't make it. Still, it seemed to go well, considering the venue is more suited to loud rock than acoustic music. I think I won a few fans anyway who bought my album. The free CD's are still 'selling' like hot cakes as well!
The Rum Runner, Retford - Thursday 8th December
We were invited back to play at the Rum Runner by Jon and James which was nice! Its a great place to play with a very welcoming crowd (who would have had us playing till 2am if they could). The night ended with some impromptu covers and Ben impressing everyone by playing the lead guitar part for Dire Straits 'Sultans of Swing'!!!!
The Salutation, Doncaster - Monday 28th November
Thanks go out to Bob Chiswick who keeps inviting me back to the 'Sal'. Played a 5 song support slot with Ben Trott proividing lead guitar again. Sold a few albums and gave out a few free EP's. Really enjoyed playing this gig. All is well.
Baileys Bar, Doncaster - Tuesday 22nd Nov
Baileys usually has loud rock bands on a Tuesday so I was unsure how well an acoustic set would go down there. Luckily I had lots of support from the High Melton College crew. I made several nightmarish mistakes during this gig for which I am very ashamed (such as forgetting words to my own songs!!) but it didnt seem to matter and we had lots of good feedback. This was another gig with Ben who is playing lead guitar for me now. We were supporting Funk band M101 - great bunch of guys but a little strange (especially Howard) - who I know because I engineered some of their recording sessions over the summer - I also ended up playing bass for them for a couple of gigs!!
The Rum Runner, Retford - Thursday 27th October
Very nice little room at the back of the pub - nicely lit and a cosy atmosphere. I was invited by James who plays piano with Jon James Hall, who were also playing tonight. I am now playing gigs with Ben Trott on lead guitar and its working out very well. Ben adds a great deal to my songs as he is a great guitar player.
Lonsdale Live, Doncaster - Saturday 8th October
Didn't know I was playing till I got there so had to borrow a guitar from Liam Wilkinson. Allan and Liam were playing a set too which was marvellous as usual. I played about 30 mins - I think the new song 'Still Sailing' is going to become a live favourite. Laconic were headlining and did a splendid job.
The Salutation, Doncaster - Monday 3rd October
Back at the 'Sal' again. Played a 20 min set which included a brand new song which I wrote a couple of weeks ago called 'Still Sailing'. I am now giving out CD's of my latest EP at gigs and plenty of people took a copy. Really enjoyed Paul Liddell's set too - reminded me of Nick Harper - fantastic.
The Salutation, Doncaster - Monday 18th July
Played four songs as support for Rossie Doonan and Ben Murray. New songs - 'Please Don't Say I love you', 'Spaceman' and 'Back this way'. Finished off with 'God I'm Trying'. Lots of tuning up between songs otherwise I would have done more. Allan (from Solace) says this was the best live gig he had seen me play!Thanks to the nice lady who bought my CD.
Lonsdale Live, Doncaster - Saturday 14th May
Played with Solace for the first time in a while. We were pretty good to say we only had one practice the night before! Just played one of my songs ('Why?') and five covers. This was a great night all round with support from Laconic and Martha Tilston as the main act. Thanks to Fred for buying an album.
Sprotbrough Country Club, Doncaster - Wednesday 16th February
I was asked by Bob Chiswick to play this support slot when he saw me at the Lonsdale on the previous Saturday. Bob runs this acoustic / folk club fortnightly called Live In DN5. I played 4 songs, all new ones apart from 'Should have been there', but still sold 2 copies of my first album. Good gig.
Lonsdale Live, Doncaster - Saturday 12th February
I was glad to be playing the Lonsdale again because it's while since I last played there or attended a gig (due to working on a Saturday night). The monthly club is now called Lonsdale Live and has a new website - www.lonsdalelive.co.uk. This was a 20 minute support slot for Alistair Russell so I played 4 or 5 songs including a new song 'It's Funny' and 'Yet she cries' by Liam Wilkinson.
The Boardwalk, Sheffield - Friday 21st January
I love playing at the Boardwalk because you know you're going to get an audience who are up for hearing good new music. I got this gig by chance after I emailed The Boardwalk asking about their next acoustic night. I was offered this support slot instead, opening for Diesel Park West. I played 7 songs - God I'm Trying, Summer Song, Being There, The Na Na Na Song (which got a few people singing along), The World Will Break Your Heart, a new song called Is There Any Wonder, and a cover of a song by Liam Wilkinson called Yet She Cries. I sold 3 albums which was quite good considering the venue was only a quarter full when I played my set. Thanks to Ricky for filming the gig - we're going to put together a kind of music video / documentary from the footage. Also thanks to Katie, Hailey and Greig for coming to support me.