Band News

Friday 16th June. 2010
Venue: The Plough, Manston

It was a pretty wet Friday evening, as the band made its way to The Plough at Manston. This delightful and welcoming pub is situated in a part of North Dorset requiring a good road map and a keen sense of direction, if you want to avoid getting lost, that is; although I insist that I was merely waiting for the rain to ease! when my follow band member Iain and his son Richard, found me stopped at the side of the road half way through Child Okeford! Lost? Me? (yes, editors input) Anyhow, after a frantic drive along some pretty bendy country lanes the other half of the band finally arrived at The Plough.

Yet again, England we're trying to win their first match of the 2010 World Cup. Yet again, they failed miserably and, from all accounts, it was not an entertaining match to watch. We hoped that we could do better than messers Rooney, Hesky and co!

Despite the poor weather their were a good number of locals and holiday makers in the main bar as we opened up our slightly revised first set. A great reaction to the first couple of numbers got us off to a flying start and soon we were in full swing. As usual, Iain entertained with some sublime and delightful lead guitar playing, whilst front man Steve sang with great panache and feeling, especially on the slower numbers such as Red House and As the Years Go Passing By. Meanwhile, the 'Rhythm Twins', Rob 'n' Rich, kept everything nice and tight! The second set opened with a belting version of Riding with the King, which went down a storm. Unchain my Heart (initially in two keys, may be three!) followed, together with great renditions of Stormy Monday and Badge. We finished the evening off with Steve's favourite, Tush.

Throughout, we were blown away by the appreciative and positive reactions we got from all those listening and we'd like it take this opportunity to thank you all for giving us such great feedback. It really does help.

In all, a fantastic evening with a warm, welcoming and enthusiastic crowed. Will we be back at the Plough? You bet we will!

Rich Bassist (Shoestring Blues)

Saturday 12th June. 2010
Venue: Mudeford Men's Club, Mudeford.
Bashing the Blues Gig

I have fond memories of Mudeford Men’s Club having preformed there many times in the seventies, it was and still is a good place to play, having great acoustics and a appreciative audience, even so I must admit I was a little apprehensive. I wasn't’t sure if we were the right kind band, however Rob reassured me that the evening had been promoted as a blues night and it would be OK.

England were playing their first match in the World cup and the club was full, there was a big screen set up in front of the stage so that members could watch in comfort and although the result should have been better, every body was in a good mood, the vibes were right for a great evening. As soon as we started playing I realised that my misgivings were misplaced.

We went through our set in our usual way, Iain showing superb ability on guitar, Rob tight at the back on drums and Rich doing his thing on bass, with these three behind me my bit was easy. The evening seemed to pass very quickly and we soon found ourselves playing our last tune and saying good night.

I hope they do another blues event, it’s a superb venue and we all agreed we would like to do another gig there if asked. Although times have changed since I first appeared as a young singer in the seventies. The club still retain the qualities I remember. If there are any members of the club reading this? I would like on behalf of the band to say thanks for being such a brilliant audience.

Steve. Lead vocalist (Shoestring Blues)

Saturday 5th June. 2010
Venue: The Thomas tripp Pub, Christchurch.

I have played this pub with several other bands in the past, at the time I was just sitting in, depping on drum's. It was great to be able to take Shoestring into and play at The Thomas tripp. A new venue for us but a great old venue for live music. We we're told on arriving at the pub that they were getting complaints from one of the local residents! regarding live music and could we keep the volume down! and we did, no complaints. So we have a great night playing to a great audience with a great atmospher that built as the evening went on. Great feed back from several of the regulars that come to watch the bands that play The Thomas Tripp. Will we be back at The Tripp? yes we will, see you all in later in the year.