A new dawn.
Welcome back to another KT Tuesday and today we take a look back at last Saturday’s gig.
Two big things were happening.
1. We had our very first headline show.
2. Our new Bass player was being revealed as it was her first gig with us.
Little did we know, or think, that of course things happen in 3’s
Let me explain. .
Tanya has been working hard on the bass lines for the last two weeks and stayed over on the Friday night before the gig to run through a few last minute things.
We also had a rehearsal booked on the Saturday for a few hours just to make sure everything was tight.
So the day was pretty much planned.
We woke up, had a cuppa tea and I had some coco pops and then proceeded to get ready for the day.
I was in my room and next thing I know, Grace is knocking on my door.
I said, wassup. She said, have you seen the messenger chat?
I was like, no.
(This is totally how it went lol)
Anyway turns out Spice is really sick. I mean I caught up with him on the Friday night to pick up some of his drum kit and he wasn’t right then.
However on the Saturday he was really poorly and messaged the chat to say he couldn’t make the show.
We suggested perhaps he could skip the rehearsal and just make the show ?
It was a idea, so Spice got some more sleep and we headed down to Robannas.
Grace is really good in these situations so she kinda took control and we decided that perhaps we should prepare for the worst and Grace would drum in rehearsal with me on guitar and Tanya on bass.
So, we arrived at the studio and somehow Rob had double booked our usual room.
(So far this day wasn’t going very well, could this be how the day was going to continue)
A band were in this particular room we normally use and we decided, rather than hump our gear all through Robannas we would grab a subway and come back in a hour.
Rob said the room would be empty by 1pm
The load in at the Claptrap had been changed to 6pm so we still had time on our hands.
We finally got in the room and started to run through the songs and although Grace is a great drummer. The songs did sound empty without her on lead guitar and of course there is only one Spice on drums.
We continued to run through the material and we decided to call Spice about 3pm.
After some lengthy discussion between him and Grace it was decided that Spice really is unfit to do the gig.
So what do we do.
Well...we decided we should call the promoter and pretty much give him three options.
1, we explain we can’t play the gig because our drummer is ill, but would come down to the venue and support the other two bands on the bill.
2, we suggested that we drop down the bill and perhaps open up the night proceedings with a stripped down set.
3, we continue the head line but explain it might feel a little light on the guitar side and be a little rough around the edges.
Well, Andrew from Shenanigans Promotions took a moment to think and then said.
I would rather you guys headline.
Your sound and tone is loud and I think you will be fine to continue. The evening is set to ramp up to a big finale.
He was super grateful at the same time. He said as the bill was only three bands he is super happy we didn’t throw the gig.
Well, we all looked at each other and I’m not going to lie. We were super excited to headline and we certainly didn’t want to throw the show.
So we got back to practice and then packed up the gear to start heading over to Stourbridge.
We had some giggle's while driving to the venue and found the place easily enough. I jumped out the car and ran to the other side of the road. I rang the bell and then banged on the door.
The owner of Claptrap came to the door.
I said hey, he said hi.
I said; I’m with The Wild Strays. He said oh yes please come in.
So we started to unload and carry our gear up the stairs.
(There is always some stairs)
This place was so so nice and really quirky too.
Lamp shades all over the place and some of which were upside down. There was even a door on the ceiling and doors used as tables.
This place was amazing and a good side sized stage too.
[picture above taken from the official Claptrap website]
After a short time, Left Hand Man band arrived and we introduced ourselves. They were super cool gigs to be honest.
Next was our sound check, we played through a song a couple of times and then we pushed our amps to the back of the stage to allow for the other bands to set up and sound check.
The time was ticking by and soon it was time for the first act.
As you may already know if you read my blogs, I don’t really discuss other bands here but a lady called Jess Silk opened up the evening and I was really looking forward to her set. I had already checked her out on YouTube and yeah she was ace.
Us, Wild Strays also wanted to make a point of watching the other bands. We have played with many headlining bands over the last year and many of them don’t listen to their support bands.
Not all, but some.
We didn’t want to have that reputation so we were there all the way through the night listening and enjoying the night.
Left Hand Man really did an amazing job and with such a big sound and we were a little worried how we might go down.
We were certainly heavier than the other acts and there was easily way over 100 people there dancing and having a good time.
Grace and Tanya went to get ready, and I headed over to the bar for a cider.
I came back and sat down, I looked up and Grace and Tanya had some really cool outfits. Honestly they looked amazing.
We made our way onto the stage and started to set up.
Those of you who have seen us, know we start the set with rain and thunder and then into the first song.
Heads turned and we smashed straight into Broken Glass and then The Beast Inside.
Just before 9 lives, Grace would normally open up the song with a beautiful riff.
However tonight, for one night only; Grace was on Drums
We decided before hand to use this opportunity in the set to address the audience and explain the following.
So I started by saying.
Those who may know us Wild Strays will notice Miss Hale is not up here next to me tonight, but she is on Drums for the very first time for a gig.
(Grace does play drums and very well, but this was her first ever live show)
I continued by saying, that our drummer Spice is very ill in bed and couldn’t make it tonight.
However we didn’t want to let anyone down.
This is also a really special night because not only is this our first Headline show but making her début for The Wild Strays tonight is our new bass player Tanya.
I finished with so if you could all give them a big hand and especially a warm welcome to Tanya we will crack on with our Début Single 9 Lives. A cheer and claps erupted.
From that point on we played a blinding set.
Grace really did amazing on drums and was told after the show she had such a great energy.
And.. Tanya nailed her first live show.
There is some great pictures taken and now we prepare for our next show where in just three days time, we will be supporting and we been waiting for this opportunity for a while.. the very busy touring band of the Ramonas.
These girls are pretty much always on end road and we can’t wait to share a stage with them.
Alongside some great bands and of course our friends Tinfish.
This next show is one not to be missed.
So, we finished our set and with a huge round of applause.
We came off stage and one person said to us.
“We won the hearts of the audience tonight”
Another said “We have shown true versatility and courage tonight”
All I know is, we did grow a little bit stronger for doing that show with 3/4 of the band. Spice I hope you are feeling much better. You were truly missed and I can’t wait for us to be back to full strength.
Here's a cheeky little picture i caught of Tanya of taking some of the gear back to the car.
A very warm welcome to the Wild Strays Padatan xx
Until next time,
Keep it Wild,
KT xx