We had an interesting mid week stint in Canterbury. Skillnet very kindly lent us the use of their recording studio for a couple of days and we banged out a version of our World Cup song, 'Give us the World'
Two days isn't much time but we pulled it off ok, recording the music on Wednesday and the lead and harmony vocals next day. Now all we need is a decent mix we can all agree on and it'll be ready for release. So that's that then.
It'll be interesting to see what our Engineer Clive comes up with . He is obviously leaning toward a radio friendly mix with vocals well up and everything sounding a bit dry for our taste and we're torn really between wanting the song to sound current and wanting it to have the obligatory Queenlike hugeness of the eighties which everyone remembers so well.
Time will tell but I suspect Queen hugeness will prevail in the end . It's nice to be doing something we've written ourselves for a change but it's very obviously in the style of Queen and that is the aim of the whole thing so not have the production reflect that would be a bit pointless.
Anyway, that task finished, it was off to the Elgiva theatre Chesham on Friday and a sellout at Rotherham Civic Theatre on Saturday. Two cracking nights crowned for me, by the inclusion of Love of my Life at Rotherham. It's such a simple song but so exposed and I'm always terrified of either forgetting the words or the audience not joining in but we really nailed it on Saturday and Rotherham sang it beautifully. Chris was happy too because he got to sit on his Queen monogrammed stool. Honestly there are no excesses to which this man will not go for the sake of authenticity!
Brighton Rock next. Full album version, which will be a challenge but the boys are all well up for it.
So it's off to Christchurch, Margate and Weston Supermare this weekend and we'll be introducing Chris to the One Vision musical on Saturday at Margate Theatre Royal. I understand they've worked 'Give us the World' into the show so it'll be nice to have a crack at performing it live.
Rock on all. Speak soon
Rob
Thursday, 18 February 2010
Monday, 15 February 2010
Still on tour!
Hi Folks
We've had a busy old time of it since the last post. Six theatres and a couple of days recording so here's where we've been and what we've done...
We kicked off February on the 4th at the Wyvern Theatre Swindon. Great night. They've all been great nights so far and we're really settling into our stride now. At the Beck theatre in Hayes next night we had a smaller than average audience (no-one over four foot :o) ) but they made up for lack of numbers with bags of enthusiasm. Felixstowe was a very chilly place to be on Saturday but we were warmed considerably by the lovely audience at the Spa Pavillion. We've had a lot of comments from emails to the site and also at the meet and greets after the shows about the less well known stuff. Almost all of the comments have been positive about the inclusion of 39 and Death On Two Legs so it seems our judgement has been vindicated on that score. Worthing Assembly Hall rounded off the weekend. What a huge stage! We filled it though and John-Marc had a field day with a projector screen roughly the size of Belgium.
Tracy (the Mrs) popped along to see the show and kindly manned the merchandise stall as well, Ta love!)
Merchandise is going very well. the programs are selling like hotcakes and Chris even came up with some plectrums with images of the band on, snazzy eh? Mind you he sulked a bit because everyone wants one with Freddie on it! Tee hee hee...
So that was that weekend. It confirmed what we'd already hoped, that we're settling in well. Ticket sales are good. Audiences are really into what we're doing. Everything on track.
On the minus side, the laptop has not materialised so sadly that was stolen, cheers for that, whoever scumbag was responsible for that. Still, into everyone's life a little rain must fall...
One other thing, we've run out of ammo! No pyros left! Don't worry folks, more ordered and on the way.
More news to follow...
We've had a busy old time of it since the last post. Six theatres and a couple of days recording so here's where we've been and what we've done...
We kicked off February on the 4th at the Wyvern Theatre Swindon. Great night. They've all been great nights so far and we're really settling into our stride now. At the Beck theatre in Hayes next night we had a smaller than average audience (no-one over four foot :o) ) but they made up for lack of numbers with bags of enthusiasm. Felixstowe was a very chilly place to be on Saturday but we were warmed considerably by the lovely audience at the Spa Pavillion. We've had a lot of comments from emails to the site and also at the meet and greets after the shows about the less well known stuff. Almost all of the comments have been positive about the inclusion of 39 and Death On Two Legs so it seems our judgement has been vindicated on that score. Worthing Assembly Hall rounded off the weekend. What a huge stage! We filled it though and John-Marc had a field day with a projector screen roughly the size of Belgium.
Tracy (the Mrs) popped along to see the show and kindly manned the merchandise stall as well, Ta love!)
Merchandise is going very well. the programs are selling like hotcakes and Chris even came up with some plectrums with images of the band on, snazzy eh? Mind you he sulked a bit because everyone wants one with Freddie on it! Tee hee hee...
So that was that weekend. It confirmed what we'd already hoped, that we're settling in well. Ticket sales are good. Audiences are really into what we're doing. Everything on track.
On the minus side, the laptop has not materialised so sadly that was stolen, cheers for that, whoever scumbag was responsible for that. Still, into everyone's life a little rain must fall...
One other thing, we've run out of ammo! No pyros left! Don't worry folks, more ordered and on the way.
More news to follow...
Monday, 1 February 2010
On Tour!
Hi all
What a great weekend we just had! Four shows, starting off at Cheltenham town hall on Thursday. The crowd were great and forgave me for inadvertently calling them Chelmsford at the end of the night, whoops...
Hullbridge Sports club on Friday was a sell out but sadly marred by us losing a rather vital laptop with all our lighting software on it. Probably nicked or hopefully just mislaid but we'd rather like it back so fingers crossed there.
Camberley Theatre on Saturday was a sell out and a truly magical night. We tried out Death on Two Legs again and it went well but we felt it possibly darkened the beginning of the set with Play the Game absent. Food for thought there.
Plenty of food for thought from Jacqui's email (see reviews page on the site)
No fewer than five suggestions for improvements to the set!
Some good points though. I normally do angle the Piano in a bit to face the audience but didn't on Saturday. Shall definitely do so from now on! Freddie was always side on actually bit I know it's an issue. Brian to play God Save the Queen (ah la Buck Place) in his solo. I'm sure he'll be delighted to (the tart) I'll pass that suggestion along.
Show must go on does sometimes come into the set so perhaps next time you see us...
As to numbers well we do try not to have too much obscure stuff in but I reckon the balance is about right. 39 wouldn't really work in a medley and is a nice change of tone. Visually good too with Roger at the front.
Thanks Jacqui for your comments . See you next time we're in Camberley!
Sunday was a great night at Kings' Lynn Corn Exchange although we had a pretty close call getting set up. Just in time! phew... hate it when that happens but the sound was great. Cheers to the boys from Stagecore for their sterling work. An honourable mention as well to John, our new projector man who also did the sound for us at Camberley. Those back projections really add something and plenty of room for expansion there.
At King's Lynn we tried Death on Two Legs after Flash/Play the Game and BINGO IT ROCKS! it sits just fine there so that's good. One of my personal favourites that one.
The voice held up ok over four consecutive nights which is encouraging although I may have to watch it a bit. I don't want to start dropping keys and all that but one has to be sensible. Four more coming up in three days...
Cheers folks. Speak soon.
What a great weekend we just had! Four shows, starting off at Cheltenham town hall on Thursday. The crowd were great and forgave me for inadvertently calling them Chelmsford at the end of the night, whoops...
Hullbridge Sports club on Friday was a sell out but sadly marred by us losing a rather vital laptop with all our lighting software on it. Probably nicked or hopefully just mislaid but we'd rather like it back so fingers crossed there.
Camberley Theatre on Saturday was a sell out and a truly magical night. We tried out Death on Two Legs again and it went well but we felt it possibly darkened the beginning of the set with Play the Game absent. Food for thought there.
Plenty of food for thought from Jacqui's email (see reviews page on the site)
No fewer than five suggestions for improvements to the set!
Some good points though. I normally do angle the Piano in a bit to face the audience but didn't on Saturday. Shall definitely do so from now on! Freddie was always side on actually bit I know it's an issue. Brian to play God Save the Queen (ah la Buck Place) in his solo. I'm sure he'll be delighted to (the tart) I'll pass that suggestion along.
Show must go on does sometimes come into the set so perhaps next time you see us...
As to numbers well we do try not to have too much obscure stuff in but I reckon the balance is about right. 39 wouldn't really work in a medley and is a nice change of tone. Visually good too with Roger at the front.
Thanks Jacqui for your comments . See you next time we're in Camberley!
Sunday was a great night at Kings' Lynn Corn Exchange although we had a pretty close call getting set up. Just in time! phew... hate it when that happens but the sound was great. Cheers to the boys from Stagecore for their sterling work. An honourable mention as well to John, our new projector man who also did the sound for us at Camberley. Those back projections really add something and plenty of room for expansion there.
At King's Lynn we tried Death on Two Legs after Flash/Play the Game and BINGO IT ROCKS! it sits just fine there so that's good. One of my personal favourites that one.
The voice held up ok over four consecutive nights which is encouraging although I may have to watch it a bit. I don't want to start dropping keys and all that but one has to be sensible. Four more coming up in three days...
Cheers folks. Speak soon.
Saturday, 23 January 2010
2010 starts as it means to continue
Hi all
And welcome to the new year. It's going to be a good one this year I can feel it in my bones.
We've already got the first two shows under our belts and they were both crackers! We had a few weather related worries but thank goodness we weren't scuppered by the snow.
Last Friday at Castle Hall Hertford was a great way to get back into proceedings. A lovely hall and a lovely crowd who really entered into the spirit of things. Thanks Hertford for such a warm reception.
Last night we were at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford. Another great night and a good turnout.
We are really happy with the venues we find ourselves in at the moment. Large theatres are definitely the right type of venue for us these days and the audiences are routinely wonderful.
Last night was partucularly enjoyable and we went and did a meet and greet with the audience afterwards which was nice.
The new programmes have arrived and look very smart.
What else? Oh yes we're having a crack at a world cup song. What a laugh! Actually we're quite looking forward to recording it and I think next month is the recording date.
Chris came up with the idea and the music for it and Kevin opined that it wouldn't be a bad thing to record something and release it for a bit of fun and of course some great publicity if we can persuade a few people to buy it. Worth a crack so I penned some suitably bombastic lyrics to go with Chris' riffage and Hey Presto! 'Give us the World' was born.
I'm not sure if this has been officially anounced yet actually but if not you heard it here first!
Now all we'll need is a rampant England to lend dignity to the whole thing and we're all set for a magical summer.
the opening line is : 'A teardrop on a blade of grass' and no doubt England will contrive to continue that familiar trend but we've got Cappelo now and a half decent side so you never know ...
That's all for now folks. Speak soon
Rob
PS Up the Albion at Villa this afternoon. Good luck lads
And welcome to the new year. It's going to be a good one this year I can feel it in my bones.
We've already got the first two shows under our belts and they were both crackers! We had a few weather related worries but thank goodness we weren't scuppered by the snow.
Last Friday at Castle Hall Hertford was a great way to get back into proceedings. A lovely hall and a lovely crowd who really entered into the spirit of things. Thanks Hertford for such a warm reception.
Last night we were at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford. Another great night and a good turnout.
We are really happy with the venues we find ourselves in at the moment. Large theatres are definitely the right type of venue for us these days and the audiences are routinely wonderful.
Last night was partucularly enjoyable and we went and did a meet and greet with the audience afterwards which was nice.
The new programmes have arrived and look very smart.
What else? Oh yes we're having a crack at a world cup song. What a laugh! Actually we're quite looking forward to recording it and I think next month is the recording date.
Chris came up with the idea and the music for it and Kevin opined that it wouldn't be a bad thing to record something and release it for a bit of fun and of course some great publicity if we can persuade a few people to buy it. Worth a crack so I penned some suitably bombastic lyrics to go with Chris' riffage and Hey Presto! 'Give us the World' was born.
I'm not sure if this has been officially anounced yet actually but if not you heard it here first!
Now all we'll need is a rampant England to lend dignity to the whole thing and we're all set for a magical summer.
the opening line is : 'A teardrop on a blade of grass' and no doubt England will contrive to continue that familiar trend but we've got Cappelo now and a half decent side so you never know ...
That's all for now folks. Speak soon
Rob
PS Up the Albion at Villa this afternoon. Good luck lads
Monday, 14 December 2009
Merry Christmas and see you next year
Hi Folks
That's us done for the year then!
Two cracking nights at the Boom Boom club in Sutton and the Tamworth Snowdome to finish our involvement in 2010 (well I think there's a private party on the 29th but you get the general idea :0)
It was a great way to end a great year for the Bohemians. We really have gone from strength to strength this year and are looking forward to next year with relish.
And it could all have gone pretty badly this weekend actually. I got some ghastly bug at the backend of last weekend, backend being the operative word here! Ooh, nasty it was. Anyway this turned into a bad cold and I really thought the old vocal chords had had it but thankfully no. I had my full range and we had a couple of stormers.
Just as well really as we had Eddie, Elaine and a clutch of Rhodes Rockers to impress at Tamworth. they turned up to check us out so to speak and it was a pleasure to have a chat with Eddie before the gig.
We did the usual round of balloons and tinsel although shockingly I wasn't at first allocated any tinsel for my mic stand! Imagine! Me, freddie Mercury with no tinsel! I had to throw a strop before this disgraceful state of affairs was rectified. I don't know, just can't get the staff ...
We also added the obligatory renditions of Thank God It's Xmas and Santa Claus is coming to town and generally it all went down rather well, glasses raised and festive cheer to one and all sort of thing. I particularly enjoyed being roasted by the pyros during Bohrap on Friday. Thanks Will! he played a cracking piano solo on Crazy by the way.
Thanks to everyone who helped and supported the Bohemians through this eventful year.
A big thankyou to Nick ballard ret. for his sterling service over 12 or so years. the big haired, big hearted one will be sadly missed by all. Thanks Chris for stepping into the breach and bringing to the band all those things wot you've brought my old son. I gather you 'ave!
Also thanks to Dan and his sterling work with lights and various other duties and to Katharine for her help repairing costumes. Much appreciated.
World cup next year. All sorts of possibilties. Who knows in what context we might be belting out We are the Champions eh? Right, that's put the kibosh on England then!
Finally, as I often say; Most of all, thank you for coming!
Merry Christmas and we'll see you all next year
Rob
That's us done for the year then!
Two cracking nights at the Boom Boom club in Sutton and the Tamworth Snowdome to finish our involvement in 2010 (well I think there's a private party on the 29th but you get the general idea :0)
It was a great way to end a great year for the Bohemians. We really have gone from strength to strength this year and are looking forward to next year with relish.
And it could all have gone pretty badly this weekend actually. I got some ghastly bug at the backend of last weekend, backend being the operative word here! Ooh, nasty it was. Anyway this turned into a bad cold and I really thought the old vocal chords had had it but thankfully no. I had my full range and we had a couple of stormers.
Just as well really as we had Eddie, Elaine and a clutch of Rhodes Rockers to impress at Tamworth. they turned up to check us out so to speak and it was a pleasure to have a chat with Eddie before the gig.
We did the usual round of balloons and tinsel although shockingly I wasn't at first allocated any tinsel for my mic stand! Imagine! Me, freddie Mercury with no tinsel! I had to throw a strop before this disgraceful state of affairs was rectified. I don't know, just can't get the staff ...
We also added the obligatory renditions of Thank God It's Xmas and Santa Claus is coming to town and generally it all went down rather well, glasses raised and festive cheer to one and all sort of thing. I particularly enjoyed being roasted by the pyros during Bohrap on Friday. Thanks Will! he played a cracking piano solo on Crazy by the way.
Thanks to everyone who helped and supported the Bohemians through this eventful year.
A big thankyou to Nick ballard ret. for his sterling service over 12 or so years. the big haired, big hearted one will be sadly missed by all. Thanks Chris for stepping into the breach and bringing to the band all those things wot you've brought my old son. I gather you 'ave!
Also thanks to Dan and his sterling work with lights and various other duties and to Katharine for her help repairing costumes. Much appreciated.
World cup next year. All sorts of possibilties. Who knows in what context we might be belting out We are the Champions eh? Right, that's put the kibosh on England then!
Finally, as I often say; Most of all, thank you for coming!
Merry Christmas and we'll see you all next year
Rob
Thursday, 3 December 2009
Lazing on a Thursday afternoon
Hi all
I'm starting to get my head around this blog business now. My first attempt can be viewed as comments on Kevin's first message so that didn't work out quite right! But anyway it's on there and you can presumably find it without too much difficulty.
I 'aint going to say too much today for the simple reason that I said it all yesterday!
So just a quick resume on what I've been doing today. A bit of piano practice on Death on Two Legs (love that intro) Seaside Rendevous and also lazing on a Sunday Afternoon which is a bit of a hoot. Another one we're planning on doing is It's a Hard Life which should slot quite nicely into the first set. there are quite a few songs I practice with the possibilty that they may never be performed. The likes if My Melancholy Blues, You Take My Breath Away, Teo Torriatte. Can't see that one getting in can you? maybe if we play in Japan...Thing is I just love playing so I do it for fun. I took up piano late on, after I joined the Boh's actually so it's all still very fresh. I'll probably always be a better guitarist than a pianist but I love the fact that I can play piano now. Always promised myself I'd learn. Anyway Chris obviously gets to play all that lovely May guitar work the lucky dog so I have to keep myself entertained somehow!
Speak soon
Rob
I'm starting to get my head around this blog business now. My first attempt can be viewed as comments on Kevin's first message so that didn't work out quite right! But anyway it's on there and you can presumably find it without too much difficulty.
I 'aint going to say too much today for the simple reason that I said it all yesterday!
So just a quick resume on what I've been doing today. A bit of piano practice on Death on Two Legs (love that intro) Seaside Rendevous and also lazing on a Sunday Afternoon which is a bit of a hoot. Another one we're planning on doing is It's a Hard Life which should slot quite nicely into the first set. there are quite a few songs I practice with the possibilty that they may never be performed. The likes if My Melancholy Blues, You Take My Breath Away, Teo Torriatte. Can't see that one getting in can you? maybe if we play in Japan...Thing is I just love playing so I do it for fun. I took up piano late on, after I joined the Boh's actually so it's all still very fresh. I'll probably always be a better guitarist than a pianist but I love the fact that I can play piano now. Always promised myself I'd learn. Anyway Chris obviously gets to play all that lovely May guitar work the lucky dog so I have to keep myself entertained somehow!
Speak soon
Rob
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
The Bohemians Queen Tribute New Blog
Hi,
Welcome to our new Blog.
It has taken a while but we are slowly catching up with all this online stuff! We also now have a Face Book site which is; 'The Bohemians Queen Tribute Band Appreciation Society'!
Rob Comber 'Freddie' will be contributing mostly to this blog and will keep you updated and entertained on a fairly regular basis.
Thanks for visiting.
See you soon
All the best
Kevin Goodwin
Welcome to our new Blog.
It has taken a while but we are slowly catching up with all this online stuff! We also now have a Face Book site which is; 'The Bohemians Queen Tribute Band Appreciation Society'!
Rob Comber 'Freddie' will be contributing mostly to this blog and will keep you updated and entertained on a fairly regular basis.
Thanks for visiting.
See you soon
All the best
Kevin Goodwin
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