Nicki Gillis is a talented singer/songwriter and performer from Australia. Winner of the Australian Music Industry MO award for best country artist 2011. I'm privileged to be part of her UK band.
Monday, 28 June 2010
Outdoor stage
This was the stage we played on on Sunday. The sun shone, it was blazing hot, and everyone who attended was a fan of the music. Let's hope that any other outdoor shows will have as good weather as this.
The R49 Festival at Leominster, Sunday 27th June
It was an early start. Too early as it happened, because the traffic was very light and we misjudged how long it would take us to drive over to Leominster.
We arrived at the Festival entrance to find everyone still asleep, yes it was that early. We drove down to the stage area and had a recce. It was going to be a very hot day. The stage was a converted 40 foot trailer with a blister style pull out extension, so we had an ample stage of about 30 x 20 and plenty of time to get set up. All the acts had to be there and set up by ten o'clock as the event kicked off at 10.30.
Our first set was at about mid-day and the second at about 3.30.
Nicky went to get changed and soon returned. In the rush to leave the hotel to get to the site she'd picked up the wrong stage gear and what she thought was a dress was in fact a top. Luckily there were plenty of trade stands selling clothing and she picked out a lovely red fringed dress that fitted her like a glove. Just as well, because we cut it fine getting onto the stage.
Nicki and the band soon got the crowd going and we finished to set to rapturous applause. We continued to chill out backstage until it was time to play again, at a time that coincided with the World Cup game against Germany, so the performance was interspersed with news of the scores as they came in.
The crowd soon forgot England's woes as they were won over by Nicki. Many of the audience and organisers will be at the Welshpool festival in a couple of weeks time and we look forward to seeing them there.
We quickly dismantled the kit and cleared the stage so that the final band could play, then loaded the van ready for a leisurely drive home via Worcester, Pershore and Evesham, then the A46 and A/M45, M1 and home.
Chris hadn't had much sleep so I took over and drove part of the way home. I'm feeling fitter and stronger and my sore throat has now cleared up. Next stop for Nicki is a BBC radio interview, next stop for me is a hospital apointment on Tuesday, and the next stop for the band is a trip to the North East on Wednesday.
We arrived at the Festival entrance to find everyone still asleep, yes it was that early. We drove down to the stage area and had a recce. It was going to be a very hot day. The stage was a converted 40 foot trailer with a blister style pull out extension, so we had an ample stage of about 30 x 20 and plenty of time to get set up. All the acts had to be there and set up by ten o'clock as the event kicked off at 10.30.
Our first set was at about mid-day and the second at about 3.30.
Nicky went to get changed and soon returned. In the rush to leave the hotel to get to the site she'd picked up the wrong stage gear and what she thought was a dress was in fact a top. Luckily there were plenty of trade stands selling clothing and she picked out a lovely red fringed dress that fitted her like a glove. Just as well, because we cut it fine getting onto the stage.
Nicki and the band soon got the crowd going and we finished to set to rapturous applause. We continued to chill out backstage until it was time to play again, at a time that coincided with the World Cup game against Germany, so the performance was interspersed with news of the scores as they came in.
The crowd soon forgot England's woes as they were won over by Nicki. Many of the audience and organisers will be at the Welshpool festival in a couple of weeks time and we look forward to seeing them there.
We quickly dismantled the kit and cleared the stage so that the final band could play, then loaded the van ready for a leisurely drive home via Worcester, Pershore and Evesham, then the A46 and A/M45, M1 and home.
Chris hadn't had much sleep so I took over and drove part of the way home. I'm feeling fitter and stronger and my sore throat has now cleared up. Next stop for Nicki is a BBC radio interview, next stop for me is a hospital apointment on Tuesday, and the next stop for the band is a trip to the North East on Wednesday.
Saturday, 26 June 2010
Sunny Shropshire
Last night we played a show in a picturesque town in Shropshire called Ellesmere. We set off early to avoid the usual Friday afternoon motorway carnage, and by mostly sticking to the old A5 we arrived in very good time. It was incredibly hot in the van as the sun shone in through the windcreen all the way there. We had time to get the picnic chairs out and sit and eat a takeaway before loading in, but I was still parched until we'd set up and tested everything. I then set up the kettle and made cups of tea until every thirst was quenched. (It took three mugs for me).
We hit a familiar snag on this show. The lack of, or ineffectiveness of publicity. Basically, the paying public know what they like, and like what they know. Advertisers reckon that the average person needs to see an advert eight times before it registers with them. Unfortunately, the promotors efforts to advertise Nicki fell on mostly deaf ears and blind eyes, hence the low turnout. Not to be discouraged, Nicki turned in a blindingly good performance and won the crowd over.
When the show had finished I was relegated to tea making duties and packing away the cables. Once the van was loaded we said our farewells. Nick, Bob and Tracy drove to Ludlow and Chris, Cozy and myself back home. However, we hadn't enough diesel to get that far, so we very carefully drove down to Shrewsbury and then managed to find a 24 hour Tesco, where we put as much fuel in as we could afford. We had a wander around the store looking for food ( I can't eat when it's too hot, but I was hungry when we got off stage) and then we drove home.
We arrived home and got to bed at about four. Exactly twenty four hours later we have to be up and out and on our way to the next show in Ludlow, where we play in the morning and again in the afternoon. I hope there's a good turnout.
We hit a familiar snag on this show. The lack of, or ineffectiveness of publicity. Basically, the paying public know what they like, and like what they know. Advertisers reckon that the average person needs to see an advert eight times before it registers with them. Unfortunately, the promotors efforts to advertise Nicki fell on mostly deaf ears and blind eyes, hence the low turnout. Not to be discouraged, Nicki turned in a blindingly good performance and won the crowd over.
When the show had finished I was relegated to tea making duties and packing away the cables. Once the van was loaded we said our farewells. Nick, Bob and Tracy drove to Ludlow and Chris, Cozy and myself back home. However, we hadn't enough diesel to get that far, so we very carefully drove down to Shrewsbury and then managed to find a 24 hour Tesco, where we put as much fuel in as we could afford. We had a wander around the store looking for food ( I can't eat when it's too hot, but I was hungry when we got off stage) and then we drove home.
We arrived home and got to bed at about four. Exactly twenty four hours later we have to be up and out and on our way to the next show in Ludlow, where we play in the morning and again in the afternoon. I hope there's a good turnout.
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Thursday 24th June
I've done four shows with Nicki, Bob, Tracy, Chris and Cozy so far. I've had to take it easy and not lift or carry anything, and try and stay in isolation from everyone. That's a bit strange but it's working so far.
I'm really loving every minute of this tour, and I'm going to continue to do so. It's great to work with my son Chris, and although it seems limited by my own standards, I believe I'm making a contribution to the success of the tour so far.
I'm treating each show as if it were my last. You never know, one of these shows might be.
I'm really loving every minute of this tour, and I'm going to continue to do so. It's great to work with my son Chris, and although it seems limited by my own standards, I believe I'm making a contribution to the success of the tour so far.
I'm treating each show as if it were my last. You never know, one of these shows might be.
Wednesday 23rd June
Last night we played the RAFA Club in Newark. We arrived at least an hour earlier than we needed to and got set up in double quick time. Nicki, Tracy & Bob got lost again. I stood out in the main street waving my hands and they eventually passed by and I guided them to the venue.
It's a nice club, not very big and they enjoy listening to the music rather than just dancing. We played three 40-45 minute sets during the evening and they absolutely loved Nicki. She looked and sounded great and many of the audience said they'd not heard a better singer for years.
It was very hot. I'm watching my temperature constantly and I had to be careful that I didn't get too cold after the show, so I emerged from the venue and sat in the van dressed in my tour jacket which is fully lined. This allowed me to cool down slowly.
We got back home before 2 o'clock and I had a good night's sleep again.
It's a nice club, not very big and they enjoy listening to the music rather than just dancing. We played three 40-45 minute sets during the evening and they absolutely loved Nicki. She looked and sounded great and many of the audience said they'd not heard a better singer for years.
It was very hot. I'm watching my temperature constantly and I had to be careful that I didn't get too cold after the show, so I emerged from the venue and sat in the van dressed in my tour jacket which is fully lined. This allowed me to cool down slowly.
We got back home before 2 o'clock and I had a good night's sleep again.
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
Widnes Monday 21st June
Last night we made a welcome return to the United Services Club in Widnes. It was a long day, starting at nine in the morning when I visited my specialist at the hospital. I had a blood test and he told me that my white blood cell count was very low, due to my ear/mouth/throat infection. I have to inject myself each day in order that my body will produce more white cells. I have to see him again on Friday. He warned me that if my temperature rose above 38c, he'd admit me to hospital for a large dose of antibiotics.
We hit the road during the afternoon and arrived at the venue exactly on schedule. and were soon set up. The biggest hassle after that was getting a cup of tea. Once refreshed we got ready to play our two sets.
All the band members were presented with specially embroidered tour jackets by Nicki and Tracy, and very fetching they look as well. We could have done with them last weekend in Pickering.
Nicki was well received, although the audience seemed a bit more reserved than they were on Saturday. Tracy sold less merchandise as well, but that may be due to the economic climate and an older audience on a fixed income.
When the show was over, I sat in the van while the others packed the kit down. That felt very strange. I'm used to being in the thick of things, but if I'm to make it to the end of this tour I will have to conserve my energy.
I thought I'd claimed the corner seat in the back of the van, but as I got out to say goodnight to everybody, Cozy sneaked in to sit there as usual. The drive home was the usual mix of dozing whilst sitting up, numb bum and legs, pins & needles. We stopped near Uttoxeter on the A50 for some diesel and a chance to stretch our legs and then it was onwards towards home.
After dropping Cozy off we arrived home at about 4.00.
Yesterday was the longest day, the Summer Solstice. We seemed to spend a lot of it driving.
We hit the road during the afternoon and arrived at the venue exactly on schedule. and were soon set up. The biggest hassle after that was getting a cup of tea. Once refreshed we got ready to play our two sets.
All the band members were presented with specially embroidered tour jackets by Nicki and Tracy, and very fetching they look as well. We could have done with them last weekend in Pickering.
Nicki was well received, although the audience seemed a bit more reserved than they were on Saturday. Tracy sold less merchandise as well, but that may be due to the economic climate and an older audience on a fixed income.
When the show was over, I sat in the van while the others packed the kit down. That felt very strange. I'm used to being in the thick of things, but if I'm to make it to the end of this tour I will have to conserve my energy.
I thought I'd claimed the corner seat in the back of the van, but as I got out to say goodnight to everybody, Cozy sneaked in to sit there as usual. The drive home was the usual mix of dozing whilst sitting up, numb bum and legs, pins & needles. We stopped near Uttoxeter on the A50 for some diesel and a chance to stretch our legs and then it was onwards towards home.
After dropping Cozy off we arrived home at about 4.00.
Monday, 21 June 2010
Sunday, 20 June 2010
A great show at Dumbleton
We set off for Northampton just after 3 in the afternoon, collecting Cozy & Bob, fuelling up and then heading cross country via Daventry, Leamington and Evesham.
The venue was in a tiny village off the beaten track and it seemed that the crowd travelled up to 30 miles to get there. They were a really friendly bunch who made us welcome (and a nice cup of tea as well).
We had to play three sets of 45 minutes and Nicki soon had the audience hanging onto every word and every song. The really took to her and applauded when she told them about visiting Iraq to entertain the troops a couple of years ago, following up with a superb rendition of "The White Cliffs of Dover" that had a standing ovation.
We played a couple of songs for the first time, including Bob & Nicki duetting on "I remember you" which was a hit for her sponsor Frank Ifield back in the 60s. Nicki has a single of that song out now, produced by Bob, that features Nicki and Frank, in a lovely performance that spans the decades.
The third set included Nicki's mike failing twice while she was singing "An Australian Trilogy". Luckily the crowd knew the chorus to "Waltzing Matilda" and roared her home.
It was a rousing success and they've booked her again for next year.
All too soon it was over. Nicki was surrounded by well wishers as we dismantled the kit. When that was done I sat in the van while everything was loaded. We managed to get away by about 12.30 and we were home a couple of hours later.
My ear infection and ulcers made it difficult to swallow and I couldn't hear myself well enough to sing in tune. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
I'm coping OK but I'm glad of a day off on Sunday. On Monday I see my specialist and have some blood tests. I won't know until then how much more of the tour I can undertake.
The venue was in a tiny village off the beaten track and it seemed that the crowd travelled up to 30 miles to get there. They were a really friendly bunch who made us welcome (and a nice cup of tea as well).
We had to play three sets of 45 minutes and Nicki soon had the audience hanging onto every word and every song. The really took to her and applauded when she told them about visiting Iraq to entertain the troops a couple of years ago, following up with a superb rendition of "The White Cliffs of Dover" that had a standing ovation.
We played a couple of songs for the first time, including Bob & Nicki duetting on "I remember you" which was a hit for her sponsor Frank Ifield back in the 60s. Nicki has a single of that song out now, produced by Bob, that features Nicki and Frank, in a lovely performance that spans the decades.
The third set included Nicki's mike failing twice while she was singing "An Australian Trilogy". Luckily the crowd knew the chorus to "Waltzing Matilda" and roared her home.
It was a rousing success and they've booked her again for next year.
All too soon it was over. Nicki was surrounded by well wishers as we dismantled the kit. When that was done I sat in the van while everything was loaded. We managed to get away by about 12.30 and we were home a couple of hours later.
My ear infection and ulcers made it difficult to swallow and I couldn't hear myself well enough to sing in tune. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
I'm coping OK but I'm glad of a day off on Sunday. On Monday I see my specialist and have some blood tests. I won't know until then how much more of the tour I can undertake.
Saturday, 19 June 2010
Saturday 19th June
I got to bed at about 5 this morning and was awake again at about 11 o'clock. I've got a sore throat and my mouth ulcers are playing up. Swallowing gives me earache. My temperature is OK. I will just have to watch it.
Friday June 18th Pickering Country Music Festival
Chris drove the van and I sat in the front passenger seat. First stop was in Wellingborough where we picked up Robbo and Steve, who together with Cozy and Bob were the other band on the bill- Barbary Coast.
Next stop was Northampton where we filled up with diesel for the van and some food for me, then collected Cozy and the rest of his drum kit.
Then we headed north. Nicki, Tracy and Bob were already on the M1 about twenty minutes in front of us, so we met up at Leicester Forest East services.
We then drove in convoy to our destination, with rain showers and traffic jams along the way. We made good time and arrived at around 5.30 and set up.
We had a solo singer on the bill with us, so each act played two sets. Bob and Cozy played four sets in all. The stage was about the warmest place on the site. The wind was from the North and was very biting.
I stayed in the van when we weren't playing as I have to nurse my health. I hadn't played with a band since last summer and my ears played me tricks. My bass sounded out of tune although it wasn't, so I had to play by instinct.
It was like we hadn't been apart for the last eleven months. I really enjoyed the experience although it was so cold. When the show was over we got packed up and away by 12.30 and Chris drove us all the way back with a couple of convenience breaks and to top up with diesel. As we left the M1 to join the A14 I heard the dawn chorus and it was light by time we'd dropped everyone off. I got into bed just after 5 o'clock and awake at about eleven.
I've got a sore throat and earache. I'll have to take care.
Friday, 18 June 2010
Off we go...
Chris is driving the van and he's picking everyone up this lunchtime. We have to be in Rosedale Abbey by about 5.00 to set up the kit.
We'll be somewhere in the middle of this valley
We'll be somewhere in the middle of this valley
Thursday, 17 June 2010
One day to go.
Chris and I spent an hour or two emptying the van and refilling it again. All the kit is loaded, all the leads are checked, the ashtrays are emptied and we're ready to roll again.
First stop is the band rehearsal tonight
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
Nicki Gillis UK band 2009
Monday, 14 June 2010
More from last year
Nicki is a talented singer songwriter who can belt out a great tune. Here we are at one of last year's festivals playing a Eurythmics song.
Almost ready to rock!
It's Monday 14th June and we're only a few days away from the 2010 Nicki Gillis UK tour. I was privileged to play for her when she toured here last year, and we have many happy memories from back then.
As you may know, I finished the tour and managed to get bitten by a tick while on holiday in Wales. To cut a long story short, it turned out that I had a form of leukaemia, so I've spent the last ten months getting having chemo and feeling a bit sick. However, the worst is over and I'm raring to play on at least a few of her shows.
The tour starts this Friday at the Pickering Country Music Festival, held at Rosedale Abbey, deep in the North Yorkshire Moors.
To give you a taste of what to expect, here's a video of Nicki and the band from a festival last year.
As you may know, I finished the tour and managed to get bitten by a tick while on holiday in Wales. To cut a long story short, it turned out that I had a form of leukaemia, so I've spent the last ten months getting having chemo and feeling a bit sick. However, the worst is over and I'm raring to play on at least a few of her shows.
The tour starts this Friday at the Pickering Country Music Festival, held at Rosedale Abbey, deep in the North Yorkshire Moors.
To give you a taste of what to expect, here's a video of Nicki and the band from a festival last year.
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