“And as I watched him on the stage, my hands were clenched in fists of rage.” Don McLean, “American Pie” Went to Innsbruck (courtesy of a very kind friend!) to see the Bob Dylan/Mark Knopfler show. Out of consideration for the feelings of my host (who is a Dylan nut) I’ll limit myself to being …
Category Archive: The Minstrels Blog
stories, anecdotes, rumour, gossip, scurrilous backstage whisperings, revelations, rants, comments from the world of the working musician.
Nov 10
“Faceless Session Musicians”: Rhodri Marsden in the Independent
Rhodri Marsden in the Independent complains about “faceless session musicians” doing cover versions of “I Will Survive” on Spotify. Thanks God someone finally has had the courage to expose these criminals; wasters who can’t even be bothered to become celebrities! I wonder precisely how many such musicians Rhodri knows? If he met any, he would …
May 28
Sign of the Times
I had a new young artist in the studio the other day. He was looking at my platinum discs, including a Golden Reel award from Ampex. “Who’s this Ampex guy,” he asked, “someone you worked with?” Bless.
Apr 06
The Artist is Always Right
Rule 1: The Artist is always right, even when they are clearly wrong, stark-staring mad or just plain barking. Rule 2: The Artist’s husband/wife or current life and bodily-fluids partner is always right, even when they are clearly wrong, stark-staring mad or just plain barking. Rule 3: The person who currently is the Artist’s New …
Apr 06
Look out! He’s Got A Banjo!!!!
First ever paid session on the banjo! The producer who booked me on guitar for a session last night remembered that I had told him I’d bought a banjo: “Chuck the banjo in the car as well,” he said, “We might need it.” Banjo was duly chucked along with Strat, leads bag and amp. Sure …
Apr 06
This Is My Office!!!!
From the back of the hall (where I am breaking rule 1 by getting to the buffet before the guests) I spot them: two figures standing on stage beside my amp trying to put a mic in front of a ghetto-blaster into which they have plugged an iPod. They are swaying slightly and frowning heavily. …