Colin Hay gig.....

Jo and I tripped down to the Black Box in Belfast's Hill Street to see the former Men at Work legend Colin Hay.

I only started to notice his solo work after his appearance in several episodes of the hit medical sitcom Scrubs, as a wandering troubadour who eventually has his guitar wrenched from his hands to be smashed on a nearby wall by Dr. Cox (John C. McGinley).

I was amused by the music that I heard but didn't make a connection between this singer and his former band, known famously for their hit "Down Under" from their debut album "Business As Usual". It was at a friends' house much later that I found out by accident who he was. Jo was playing some of Colin Hay's tracks and my friend's dad said 'that doesn't sound much like when he was in men at work!'

I had been anticipating this intimate gig, part of the Belfast-Nashville music festival for a few weeks now. Jo was especially excited as she never thought we'd actually see this guy live, never mind in Belfast.

How do you describe a Colin Hay gig? It was like going to see Billy Connelly (as, yes folks he was born in Scotland), profanity, humour and all, only each story was a well crafted build up to a song. He was charismatic, hilarious and yet down to earth and brutally honest about his rock star highs and lows. He told a story of a hotel in Australia where he held the record for the most people squeezed into the venue, then several years later the record for the fewest.

He's done ok for himself though. After some years of obscurity he had that Zack Braff assisted comeback. He lives in LA and has a house in Australia, he's done tours with Ringo Starr and Paul Carrack. But then he talks about the aftermath of playing a tour with an ex Beatle, having to drive your own band around in a crappy van, rather than enjoying a luxury jet from venue to venue. He talks about those who have had 'good careers' like Sting, then curses under his breath. He dazzles you with example after example of his obvious talent.

Jo and I met Colin after the gig. Jo got her fan-girl-ing out of the way and had her picture taken. And after a kiss on the cheek, for Jo, and of course a manly handshake for me, we were on our way home, internally jumping up and down like school children at meeting and experiencing such a character.

Busy Busy Bzzzzzz......

Currently Listening to: "Holy"
Artist: Allan Ellingsgaard
Album: Going Home

I've been a little run off my feet for the last few weeks. Lets start with Valentines' week.

I finished off a video my friend Nathan's mum filmed while on a trek from Mount Sinai to the Red Sea, realised that the flowers I ordered for Jo for Valentines' day weren't coming. The usually reliable Marks and Spencer's (who obviously had an offer on) politely e-mailed me to tell me that my delivery (which is not any ordinary delivery), could not be made as Joanne lived too far out of their delivery zone. She lives less than one mile from an M&S store.

I thought about politely telling them where to place their flowers, but then still went and bought some in store, as they are maybe the best around. They are still alive, I checked this evening.

Next was 2 nights of tech where I've found that my lecturer is still a little lacking in the enthusiasm department. I've been compensating by going to the library and reading the material myself.

Thursday I had a practice with Allan Ellingsgaard, a great Christian singer/songwriter who was releasing his debut album "Going Home". Basically when someone asks for guitar help, I'm a sucker! Practice went well.

Friday I played a "love" gig in Larne Baptist Church. The whole idea was to play 30 mins of love songs, then they explained about Christ's love for them. It was an excellent setup. I relaxed into my set after a few songs and had one of the loveliest solo gigs I've ever played. I even sang some of my own songs to a warm reception.

The weekend was a little relaxing time with Mr Fellowes during the day, then my lovely missis-to-be, Raj and Sarah for a winter BBQ and movie night at Jo's. We watched "Phone Booth", "Lost Boys" and "Flatliners". All movies had a Keifer Sutherland kick to them. Any excuse really to watch Lost Boys, a film I watched repeatedly in my formative years.

Sunday was photo taking, and a proper, wonderful, cooked to perfection Sunday roast at Raj's. (and more movies - "the Sentinel").

The last week was a blur. Setting up for "Stars In Their Eyes" with the Belfast Giants official supporters club on Monday, DJing and hosting the event on Tuesday, took it easier on Wednesday, caught up on 24 and Lost, practice with Allan on Thursday after a killer of a work day, Allan's album launch gig in Ballymena Elim on Friday. (see dermo.co.uk for some pics. You need firefox or IE7 to view properly)

Today Elia and I made a movie mockup for a Baptist Youth roadshow about mission work.

Phew!

This week is exciting enough because not only are we going to see Colin Hay, formerly of Men at Work - 'we come from a land down under.....' but also Tuesday brings Dave Matthews to Belfast's Waterfront Hall. I have tickets!

I have been wanting to see Dave Matthews in concert since I was 16. It has only taken 11 years.

Well, to bed now as I really am not getting enough sleep.

Sick, Idol and gigs..

So, since Tuesday afternoon when I realised I wasn't feeling exactly 100% I've been asleep 90% of the time. I drove myself home at about 3.30pm on Tuesday afternoon and went straight to bed. I stayed there till pretty much this afternoon. Bless.

Daytime tv is a government initiative to get you back to work. Ok, we have cable, but there is nothing on all 900 channels during the day that will help the misery. There is only so much "Tricia" a man can watch before he loses the will to live.

American Idol. Holy cow. It is great to know that Americans are still the most stupid and gullible people on the planet. They've all been told since they were kids that they are special. They believe it. I understand that parents are supposed to be encouraging and build up their kids, and that is a great thing, but when a contestant who can't sing a note is told so by the likes of Simon Cowell and says something like 'Oh, thats your opinion' or 'who are you to tell me that i can't sing?' I must laugh. Actually I was just watching as a mum, so outraged that her daughter didn't get through, stormed back into the audition room and told the judges off! classic.

I don't know anyone who watches the whole competition, just the auditions.

Anyhow, had some fun recently, went to see Peter Mulvey in Dublin. (click the link and listen to some samples.). If you've never heard of this guy he's well worth the listen. From Michigan in the US of A, Mr Mulvey has several fantastic albums of acoustic mastery and social commentary. He is an accomplished songster with a jazzy edge. If anyone is interested, I'll certainly pass some of his stuff on.

He comes here about 3 times a year, usually to Dublin and thereabouts. Young Raj introduced me to him a few years ago, and though I really enjoyed his albums, there is nothing like seeing this guy live. There is such energy about his performances, just one guy one guitar fills the room. Hopefully we'll have Peter in Belfast soon.

Well, I gotta go pass out now. I'll update again soon.

M