Irish Steel Guitar Show 2018.

[Willie Gamble]

Billy, Brandon, Tommy and myself sailed from Cairnryan to Larne on Friday 12th October, during storm Callum, to say it was rough isn't even close, it was like a scene from the Russian Convoys,
It was great to meet up with all the steel " family" once again
I thanked the committee for slotting me in between Benny Pederson and John Davis. John did a great job nerves and all.
Sunday afternoon Aidan's family attended, the two girls got up to sing some of their Dads favourite tunes, and believe me, it was quite emotional, there were a few tears shed, mine included I have to admit. He will be much missed.
I think overall numbers were down a little, but a great weekend nevertheless.
Sarah was her usual self, absolutely fantastic.
All in all a fantastic weekend of great steel playing, a little drinking, and much laughing.
What can be said about the house band, they are some of the top musicians in Ireland, fantastic. This year we had David Arkins on guitar, he is the son of the great fiddler and harmonica player Charlie Arkins, the boy done good too.
If you have not attended the Irish show yet, I can only ask that you give it some serious consideration, if you like steel guitar, then this is the place to be.
This year I had the pleasure of meeting Ronnie Bennett, we had some lovely chat over a dram or two, a very nice man indeed
The jam in the bar at night was excellent as usual. Brendan and the boys do a wonderful job, fantastic musicians and the harmonies are to die for. Brendan Reilly and his brother Declan do the sound for the steel show during the day, and when we are stuffing our faces, they haul all the gear through to the bar, set up and play, backing singers and steel players untill around one in the morning, then they haul it back through to the concert haul and set it up for the next day. Those boys work damned hard.
I am now going to lock myself in a darkened room, untill I have recovered from the weekend.

Asleep at the steel

[Donny Johnston]

I think you should Willie, this is the Technical stuff how to section, have a look after you waken up. Ynnod.

[Danny Mitchell]

Just seen this
Sounds like you and the other lads had a ball, Willie. Great wee review, thanks for posting it (even in this far flung neck of the woods )