where have all the steelies gone?

[STEDDIE EDDIE]

bit quiet in here ????????????? only a short time since a very good irish steel festival, and no one has any contribution to make?? no???? nothing???? what will our new members be thinking????? anyway, im on the high seas 2mo night heading for Scotland for three gigs, Carter re strung, ready to go, not exactly groundbreaking news, but at least something, we are bringing mental mickey [Irelands maddest fiddle player] with us, anyway, thats my news, if anyone is slightly interested ????? ok, at least im trying, see ya

[bob adams]

Nothing Edward!? What's this lot then!!

http://www.thebritishsteeliessociety.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1950

Granted! Only one reply from Uncle Roy! Thank you Mr Heap!

But we did have a few comments from the ISGF thread

http://www.thebritishsteeliessociety.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1289&start=30

For my part : The venue was great, well located, better accommodation, friendlier staff, better food, better price, IMHO way better VFM than Bettystown. Sound system was a 'wee tad challenging here and there' and caught some of us out (not least me!) as did the L.E.D. lighting (played havoc with my stills) making most folk look like the incredible hulk! But hey ho! all part of life's rich tapestry ..... I tell you what, though, the drummer worked his socks off did he not! I for one gave him a hard time when I play back the videos he sure made me smile! Apologies and much credit..That man!!

Regardless of Polished, luster or 'plain fluster' performances, The company was great and there was much chat between us all. In truth I know of no other such community! Probably because we are all barking but who cares!!

I think the trouble is that there is so much effort goes into these events by the organizers for sure but also the players in the run up ... that when its over everybody unwinds back to 'Life as we know it Jim'

Maurice, Richard, Paul, Ted, Pat, Tony, etc ..Serious Grats Guys! Job well done!... And even our much cherished wild card! Ivor Greenwood for lending his treasured gear for the event!

For what it is worth Eddie I have had several communications from our shores, Europe and believe it or not the US so I guess we are doing something right! But do I care!........ damn right I do!!!

Where are you playing in the promised land this weekend? Are they private or public venues?

Which brings me back to another thought re. the ISGF! It is without doubt the best kept secret! Several people spoke to me saying, 'Why does no-one know about this?' One local 'Gentleman Farmer' said to me, 'I came in here for a quite drink and thought I had died and gone to heaven, first I heard country music, then I hear PSG! then I checked my pulse!'

Whilst it is lovely to have a 'Steelies Family Gathering' much loved by us all..!! perhaps it is time to open the doors to a wider audience, it would certainly help the finances and cover costs!

I also had communication from some Dublin based guys asking permission to send the event videos to global news organizations, did I say no way! ...Don't think so! I said shoot! get it out there!

We are a long time dead boys and girls lets make something of this electric sowing machine of ours!

Hello anybody there????

[Donny Johnston]

Where are the gigs Eddie, most Scottish bands would not be able to string 3 gigs together. Anyway, mine is an electric knitting machine.

[Paul Brennan]

Bob, thanks for your comments about the Irish Steel Festival. They are much appreciated, believe me. Now you've been "blooded" you know just what a steelie goes through when they put themselves up there in front of a crowd of fellow steelies. It's certainly not your average gig. Yes there were problems with the sound and conflicting schedules of some of the band members. This did not go unnoticed by the committee and these problems will not arise again.

I too am bemused by comments such as "best kept secret...", "why did I not know about this?", etc. Advertising that reaches a large audience costs a lot of money. Considering the event runs at a hefty loss each year and relies on generous contributions from a small, dedicated group of people, risking yet more money on an extensive media blitz is not something the committee has been willing to gamble on. The Dublin venue was definitely an advantage and generated more interest.

I'm always touched by the feeling of family that exists amongst players of the pedal steel guitar. Long may this continue. However, festivals such as the Irish one will only continue as long as people continue to support it by putting their bums on seats. With regard to Eddie's original point about this forum, yes it is a bit quiet. However, I don't think it's doing too badly. In my experience most working musicians are not the best at communicating in the electronic media - just try and get them to even read their eMail! Even on the US forum you don't see too many of the top line professionals regularly contributing.

[STEDDIE EDDIE]

you know, i really must stop posting when i come in from the pub, kinda got in holiday mode last night, way too much of the black stuff, and decided to go on the forum, ooops, [just my little drunken rant, sorry] but hey, i got a response, i only made it for the sunday in Dublin, but it was a great atmosphere, and we really enjoyed the night time jam session, it was the first time i had dragged Breda along with me, she thought it would be boring after a while, but she absolutely loved the whole vibe of the place, and the friendly people she met, so its true, we can reach out to non steelies, i got a lot of travelling to do, as we sail into stranraer in the wee early hours, [see, im talking scottish already] head up to Thurso, which is somewhere near the north pole i believe, then Invergordon, then Ellon? promise i wont post after my next drinking session, [probably tonight actually]

[Paul Brennan]

Yeah, I suppose we should check the time of your posts in future Eddie! As a matter of fact take a look at the time of the posts by Messers Adams and Johnston. Up late practising guys!?

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

I like that bit .... " Now you've been "blooded" yeah Bob, whats it like to be invited to play up there on that big stage with all those top liners watching you????
I liked the clip of Ted playing very nice sound....reckon he1s putting some time in at the woodshed

[bob adams]

Ha! Yeah! Paul got that right!
There was no need for a laxative! In fact saloon doors on the toilet would have been really handy!

I was surprised that at least three of the superstars admitted to a little vibrato on the right hand action! I am sure many would say it would be easier to play to 10,000 strangers in a stadium than a room full of your colleagues!

The guys in the band were great mind laying it down when often they didn't know what was coming next! Thanks to Mr Brennan on my set and Derek Thurlby for jumping in on lead for me, we had lost the fiddle and piano by that time so it put a little extra responsibility on the 'string section'

Yip nice set from Ted!

[Donny Johnston]

Yeh Paul, up rehearsing for the next one, I wish, unfortunately I have to work for a living as well, so up making breakfast for my lovely wife who lets me go to Ireland each year on my own, well she sends Ronnie to keep an eye on me.