I thought I might have been a bit harsh in my first post but it seems not.....
Garth George has spouted religious crap for years which has completely managed to negate any useful or sensible contributions he's made (not that I can remember many).
As far as the global warming goes, I completely agree with Jimi's first post - at least if we're wrong we won't have fucked up the planet as much - in fact I'd quite happily like to be proven wrong in said 2040
Definitely very good. Excellent songs, musicianship and humour, usually combined with a slightly ramshackle alcohol influence (mostly Buzz). Also vibrant dramas in these very forums.
Paul Hester was a brilliant drummer but his subtleties often went unnoticed amidst some powerful songwriting - Crowded House have always had a very laid back style that he suited exactly. I'm sure most people would not rate Paul as being in their top 10 list of amazing drummers though due to his low profile.
Riki Gooch absolutely has the ability - not sure where the second rate nz drummer bit comes from. I'm sure the decision will be made on a number of factors, not the least of which will be feel and chemistry. Of which I'm sure Riki has in spades.
That's quality posting that is right there. Spelling and grammar a1 yessiree. Well thought out ripost too.
hey have to agree hollis....didn't see them at atp but the luminaire gig was pretty special. definitely futuristic!
Fare thee well Low Hum.
Thanks for everything Blink (so far - I expect you'll have a new venture soon!) I can't remember a dud show/magazine/cd/dvd.
You are the Mike Watt of New Zealand!
Now where are those tour diaries eh???
xx
I have to clarify that by saying that I don't like either acts.....but Jeff Porcaro's a pretty damn good drummer (rip), and at least Africa meets high MOR standards!
Nice post Geoff as well.........
I can't believe I'm saying this.....but Toto shits all over Nik Kershaw.......
Just me two cents worth.....
nzonair have always been focused on commercial interests and goals. It's my understanding (could be wrong here) that the "grants" are effectively loans and there is an expectation to recoup that money through the success of the music and/or band. The reality is that most of the grants (especially the video ones) never get recouped due to various reasons (usually lack of sales etc - or the band having a great holiday overseas and making the video with a newly bought handycam.....).
Pretty sure this has been discussed here before but the large (and not so large) nzonair recording grants usually end up going to the major labels (generally not repaid as the label never "recoups" it's investment) and not the artists themselves unless you happen to be successful at both and own the label. I personally think it's a really crap system that serves to perpetuate certain interests and encourages bland participation - but that's the way it's existing at the moment. I definitely would like to see a change in criteria towards diversity and allocation, but doubt that would happen, definitely not in the near future.
But what about creative nz? Instead of pushing for changes within nzonair maybe a better focus might be to push for better funding of music diversity within that body? At least creative is open to a far wider range of music/people than nzonair ever will be.
Seeing as how I started all this.....
$75 is more than reasonable, it's a great pa! Matthew is a lovely man and the original issues have been handled very well. The schooner is the best "small" venue in Auckland at the moment (I don't count the ka as a small venue). And finally, my hangover sucks immensely.
'Nuff said!
Thanks for the post mathew.
On the night of our gig no one smuggled in beers or was drinking on the sidewalk (must have been other nights for those two occasions) but as I mentioned in the start the bar manager could have handled things way smoother than he did.
I also mentioned the good points (pa, decor, bouncer, venue itself) and it's great that some action has come about that can only improve the experience for all concerned. I reckon it has the potential to be the best small(ish) venue in auckland if it isn't already - that's pretty much the reason I raised concerns in the first place, I wouldn't want to see this lost to auckland. As I say, it was just our experience on the night. It probably wouldn't hurt if the bands and venue got together on the night to sort out expectations (playing times etc) up front so everyone's on the same page.
Great post, thanks for following up with things too. I guess I could have done this a bit more discreetly but there you go!
don't speak too soon......could still be on there slackjaw. am in negotiations....
I just put this out there as a warning to others - it was just our experience. I have no idea how future gigs will pan out there, probably fine. If you're skilled at dealing with people like that (Blink) then you'll be sweet.
True I'm not owed anything - but a bit of courtesy and respect from the venue goes a long way.
yeah blink you should take it to him. The guy does have a serious attitude. No idea how to handle gigs - just power mad and seeing dollars. Unlike yourself of course!
There's potential for bands to really have a bad experience there. I hadn't heard about the whole power thing being switched off either, that sucks. And having stood at the front door for a while it wouldn't surprise me if they get sound complaints from the apartments near by....
Not sure what it's like going there as a punter yet but just thought I'd add some comments about our gig experience there.
- Great venue. Original '70's decor.
- Great pa. Costs $75 though and you have to provide a sound guy.
- Nice bouncer
HOWEVER there is a definite dark side to playing there (or there was for us anyway.....)
- Crap bar staff. Slow as and no system whatsoever.
- A bit of a dodgy smoking area - could easily let in non paying customers. Dogs Bollix is horrendous for this too. Be warned.
- Finally, the manager. He has no idea about putting on bands (at least original ones anyway) and is arrogant, rude and greedy. He complained the crowd weren't drinking enough all the time, promised free drinks that never happened, tried to get tough on what time people were playing unnecessarily, tried to find out how much the door was taking and was generally a pain to deal with. When I went to pay him (early in the night) for the pa I wanted to have something in writing that I'd paid it - he wasn't keen and just said "No, I'll remember it".....which kinda could lead to misunderstandings later - fortunately it didn't.
I believe they're expecting huge crowds every time and will get nasty if you don't get them. We got the best crowd they've had so far (about 150 all up) and still got hassled by him, even though at the end of the night they were pleased with what had gone on.
Worst case scenario - it becomes a covers band only venue.
Be interested in anyone's thoughts/experiences on this......
definitely. well said foal30........his legacy is a large part of me formative years musicwise......very sad, much too soon.