NEW 12:OTHERS Track #6 June 30th 2016

Here we go again on the last day of the 6th month of the year already! This can only mean it's time for June's offering of my 12:OTHERS Cover project. This comes in the shape of THE BALLAD OF JOHN & YOKO by The Beatles. I grew up listening to the Fab Four as many of us did! Although of course being too young to remember them in their prime, my Parents were huge fans so I always had access to their LPs and CDs. This song always stuck out for me and has remained my favourite Beatles track to this day. So what better way to acknowledge that than by souping it up and putting my own punk pop rock spin on it? The original recording of the song actually only features John Lennon and Paul McCartney, with the latter playing drums on the track. It was also the final #1 Single for the band, topping the charts in June 1969, a mere 47 years ago!!

As ever you can download the song for FREE at www.logozworld.com/12-others and will be available until the next track is uploaded on July 31st.

Just a reminder, don't forget LoGOz next gig on Friday July 8th is at Think Tank in Newcastle supporting Crashed Out. There are still tickets left so get in touch with us direct if you'd like some lads and lasses! It's gonna be a cracking night and only £6 each!!!

Last but not least, good luck and best wishes to LoGOz drummer Harry Thomas who had his kidney transplant operation today. I'm sure you'll join me and the rest of us in wishing him a successful op and a speedy road to recovery. We look forward to seeing him behind that drum kit ASAP :)

Thanks for reading!

Cheerz

Peesh x

Acoustic Magic Newbiggin Solo gig 23/06/16 + NEW Song!

Thursday June 23rd saw me making my solo Live debut in nearby Newbiggin by the Sea. This was at the spanking Maritime Centre which overlooks the picturesque beach, so on this fine summer evening we wasted no time in seizing a few photo opportunities as Manager Clemmy snapped away. As we headed inside we were greeted warmly as ever by Acoustic Magic duo Derek and Mel. As we chewed the fat and discussed the order of play etc I was informed I was to be on last tonight, which was totally fine by me. Cool. As the sonic cafe area started to fill up nicely it was time for the first act of the evening. This being Mr Robin Lewsey. This seasoned pro delivered a laid back traditional Northumberland folking 30 minute set, warmly appreciated by the crowd of all ages. Next up was Mike Orchard who describes himself as a trainee singer songwriter folk gadgie on his Twitter page. And who were we to argue? Much in the same vein as opener Robin, Mr Orchard played us the dark fruits of his folk forest and not a bad apple in sight. 

As the sun started to go down, setting the scene, and lighting up the large windowed venue nicely. It was time for me to deliver the goods. The nerves were starting to kick in by now which wasn't helped by a slightly annoying aggravating health issue. Nowt to worry about though, and a few medicinal tins of Fosters certainly helped matters.  As Derek introduced me I breezed into opener BALLAD OF THE DiSENCHANTED. This set the tone for the night and I was off and running. Tonight I was playing to a few new yet familiar faces, but also for the very first time! This is always a refreshing challenge as well as playing to the acousti-hardcore following. The banter was flowing and I even managed to crowbar a request for an unscheduled mention of THUNDER CATS in the song KiDS TV which went down a storm! I even resisted the temptation of playing THiS iS MY ENGLAND, in light of the final voting day of the EU Referendum. In hindsight it could've been a master stroke, yet the irony may have been lost on unsuspecting listeners. Also the title itself can give the wrong impression, but hey, I digress! Another storming solo gig nailed and another new venue with more new friends and fans made along the way! With not being 100% fit, this gave me more pleasure than most to do my job with the same desire and dedication. Big thanks to everyone for coming down and supporting this event. Cheers again to Derek and Mel and to performers Robin and Mike. Also just to remind you I will be back at the Maritime Centre in February 2017 supporting the great Ed Tudor Pole.  Possibly before that date too...so watch this space! 

Time for a new acoustic song lads and lasses don't you think? This was purely coincidental in the shadow of the aforementioned EU referendum. Or maybe it was subliminal. Who knows? Anyway my new track is called LANDMiNE HEADLiNES. We live in a time of sensationalised 24 hour news channels, and showbiz scandalous headlines are in our face in our phones and constantly shared on social media, newspapers and magazines as heroes are built up only to be knocked down in the name of entertainment and greed. You can check this new acoustic song on my Soundcloud or Reverbnation pages! Feel free to share.

Hope you all enjoy it :)

Another reminder of LoGOz next gig which is Friday July 8th when we're supporting the punktastic Crashed Out at Think Tank in Newcastle. Tickets are going faster than England's hope of Euro glory! It's gonna be a smoker! You can get them direct from us right here .....£6 a pop! You know it makes sense :)

Thanks for reading and listening! 

Cheerz

Peesh X

Washington + Blyth Solo Acoustic Reviews - 12/06/16

Sunday June 12th and I was yet again on the solo trail with a double whammy of gigs! Kicking off at The Stella in Washington we arrived 10 minutes before stage time of 17:20pm as some roadworks and sabbath traffic near the Metro Centre threatened to halt proceedings. But the new LoGOz mobile came up trumps and Jill Bee got us there with minutes to spare. This was another Acoustic Magic all dayer which are always great events and a pleasure to play. We were greeted with the usual warmth and big smiles we've come to expect from Melanie and Derek Allan. I was assured there was no rush and to take it easy and get myself a drink and warmed up before show time. Nice. So just after 17:30pm it was time to do my thang! A friendly respectful crowd were already in the bar as I eased into the first song of my set THE BALLAD OF THE DISENCHANTED. These all day events are often a cool laid back affairs and that's fine by me and a healthy contrast to the usual frantic ferocity of LoGOz gigs. I thought this could be a good opportunity to play some AcoustiCalendar songs I've been rehearsing lately and itching to make its Live debut. So, step forward WONDER YEARS Track 30 of the project, which got its premier airing today. It went down really well too and I have a feeling it could be a regular main stay in future sets. Playing just under 30 minutes the gig flew over and I was more than warmed up for my next slot back in the familiar surroundings of The Tavern in Blyth. As we chatted with Derek, Mel and Acoustic Magic regular Tinny Bennett afterwards we could've stayed all night but hey, I had another engagement to fulfil and time was not on our side! It was also a pleasure to meet Stefanie Horat who had travelled over from Switzerland to see Derek perform in We Steal Flyers this weekend. She really dug my set too. Cool. 

Back in the LoGOz mobile and Clemmy, Jill and me were really wishing we were in Marty Mcflys Delorean as the hourglass was now running out of sand!

We pulled up at The Tavern in Blyth just before 19:00pm to again be reassured, this time by stand in sound man Dan that there was no rush! Phew. A quick soundcheck on the spankin stage and for the second time today I was ready to roll! A quick drink and chat outside with manager Clemmy reflecting  on things  so far  helped calm the adrenalin,  as a

few familiar faces passed us on the way in. Sweet. Round two. As the lights went down and stage lights came on this was one cool solo gig. Nervous excitement was evident as the banter flowed between songs with the crowd joining in whenever necessary, or even unnecessary for that matter haha! The sound was loud and clear, yet still had a bite that only added to the occasion! With the crowd being made up of largely hardcore LoGOz devotees this kinda triggered a little more punk edge to my delivery compared to the more relaxed atmosphere of The Stella in Washington. Again the contrast in the two gigs only helps my confidence and adds to the experience and variety in this acoustic world, where I still feel like a new player to the game! Another AcoustiCalendar song made its debut tonight with HEROES OF THE DAY making its first appearance. I finished the set with OLD PUNKS NEVER DIE before a 12:OTHERS cover onslaught with snippets of THATS LIVING ALRIGHT, THE LIKELY LADS, STAND & DELIVER, I COULD BE SO GOOD FOR YOU and finally climaxing with RISE! At the end of the day a very successful satisfying personal triumphant Sunday's work with two great gigs nailed in the bag. 

Big thanks again to Derek and Mel from Acoustic Magic and The Stella folk of Washington. Cheers also to Vince Race and to Dan for a great sound and everyone at The Tavern. Last but not least, big up to all the people who turned up to support these two gigs. You know who you are. Much appreciated. 

Thanks for reading

Cheerz

Peesh X

LoGOz - The Borough - Sunderland Gig Review + Solo Radio Prudhoe Live session - 4th/5th June 2016

Martin from Temple Avenue and Peesh

Saturday June 4th and LoGOz were back on the road with a trip down the slightly unfamiliar territory that is the city of Sunderland. Although we've played here a few times in the early days it was to be our debut at The Borough. Not the easiest venue to find to be honest, but the spankin' LoGOz hire mobile complete with dubious sat nav we hit the place in good time. Situated opposite top music venue The Point and in a busy sociable drinking area the signs were all good. As we headed upstairs with gear in tow we met Peter the owner who had booked us and he pointed us in the direction of shit loads of Amps, speakers, cabs, drums etc that we did not expect to have at our disposal. After a quick call from a lost Paul and Carlos at the other end of the City, the lads quickly located the Borough and we decided to sensibly use the majority of our own trusty gear. Soundcheck started well enough. That was until I put my mouth to the mic and got a nasty little electric belt! Not good. And not for the first time! So after a few different alternatives, including changing leads, mics, guitars and amps, things weren't looking too promising! Eventually the heavy drinking ex sparky and sound man for the evening switched sides to where I was powered and as if by magic I was back in the room. Safe. Cool. I failed to take him up on his advice to "just fuckin lick the mic man" when I was approaching the said instrument with hesitation and worry of electrocution! Rock n roll kids eh? Anyway, eventually soundcheck was nailed and we were ready to rock! But not before opening band Temple Avenue had strutted their stuff. After first witnessing these dudes at a solo gig I played at The Three Tuns in Gateshead back in March, I was looking forward to seeing them again! I'm pleased to report that that gig was no flash in the pan, and the lads were as tight and as powerful as the first time. This alternative melodic rocking three piece delivered a solid hard hitting punchy 30 minute set that fired us up perfectly! Check these guys out lads and lasses, I think we'll be seeing and hearing a lot more of them in the near future www.templeavenue.co.uk

So as the clock struck 10 it was our turn to shine. The small upstairs room was now boasting a decent healthy enthusiastic Saturday evening crowd! We played a full on slick punk rocking no nonsense power hour as the banter and drinks flowed as fast as we kicked out the jams! Maybe not the best sound we've ever had, but hey, sometimes that really isn't the most important thing when the band is on fire! As a warp speed MEXICOLA closed the show, there was to be no encore, it was a fitting finale. A good time feel good song on a good time night of good songs...or something like haha! Overall another brilliant gig for the band and we will certainly be returning to play here before the end of the year. Thanks to Peter, everyone at The Borough, the lads in Temple Avenue for a great set, and of course everyone who came down to support this night.

So on to Sunday and it was my first appearance on Radio Prudhoe for the North East Unsigned Radio Show, hosted by Tim Coid. After a pleasant sunny evenings drive through to Tyneside, and more sat nav difficulties denying us street names etc this resulting in calling ahead to Mr Coid for directions. Where would we be without mobile phones eh? Yeah they can save the day in an instant but they don't half make us lazy. Pmsl. Lol. Lmao!!??!! The up and downside of modern technology all in one go :)

TC was there to great us as we entered the impressively modern Fuse Media Centre where Radio Prudhoe is broadcast. After a mini guided tour of the facilities and a quick warm up I was in the Live recording room complete with engineer Joe on the other side of the window guiding me though a sound level check and itinerary for the night. The show started at 8pm and after a pre recorded interview and tracks from other artists it was time for me to go Live on air! This was quite a new challenging refreshing position to be in. The plan was for me to perform 6 songs straight, as if I was playing a gig. But obviously with no applause or banter in-between, it was up to me to keep it flowing! No pressure haha! I found this most enjoyable, as usually at gigs you just don't get the opportunity to speak clearly about the songs and stories behind them. After opening song THE BALLAD OF THE DISENCHANTED the nerves had settled and I was in full flow via the gift of song and words! The mini set also consisted of DEATH OF THE 7" SINGLE, CHARLIE CIGARETTES, KEEP YA TIMBER IN & YA POWDER DRY, ITS WAY OF LIFE and OLD PUNKS NEVER DIE. Manager Clemmy Scotswood was on hand filming, photographing and documenting the whole thing as well as keeping an eye on the sound, which by all accounts came across great over the airwaves. 

As soon as the session was done I headed into a separate room to chew the fat with Tim for a live post set interview. I was buzzing after the performance and could feel my slight over enthusiasm coming across as the interview progressed haha! But this is real man and was an absolute pleasure to do in the excellent professional surroundings. Recorded studio versions of HELLO LONELY by LoGOz and my all singing all dancing electric version of TIMBER were also aired as I spoke of the past, present and future of my music projects. A very enjoyable experience and cracking end to another successful weekend. Big thanks to Tim Coid and Joe at Fuse. In them meantime check out the website www.northeastunsignedradio.co.uk For those who missed the Live broadcast we will be uploading the full version of the performance and interview very soon, stay tuned!

Thanks for reading! 

Cheerz

Peesh X

Solo Acoustic Bank Holiday Gig Reviews - NEW 12:OTHERS Track #5 + LoGOz update - May 29/30/31 - 2016

Peesh & Sam Gibson

Another busy Bank Holiday beckoned as we headed out into new territory that would be The Travellers Rest in Witton Gilbert, Durham. This would be my first acoustic solo gig of this hectic weekend. As we entered the venue around 4:30pm  it was healthily busy with bank holiday revellers indulging in drinks aplenty as well as the good food on offer. The excellent self titled wannabe champion Mr Sam Gibson was hosting today and was just finishing off his polished set as he greeted me from the performance area. My slot was 5:15pm so as soon Sam was finished he gratefully blasted some Rancid out the PA system for me as I got set up in good time. After a swift soundcheck, I was pretty much ready to roll. Kicking straight into THE BALLAD OF THE DISENCHANTED the sound was warm and sweet and I was off and running! Some top witty banter with a bunch of refreshed lasses down the front added to the enjoyment of the gig, and I also slipped in a snippet of BEHIND BLUE EYES by The Who into proceedings! Another satisfying solo gig under my belt again to an appreciative new crowd. We stayed around to check out the next few acts and enjoy a bank holiday bevvy ourselves. Jon Hodgson, J Page and Tinny Bennett all delivered top quality sets, mixing varied popular covers with splashes of their own material. As the sun was almost setting in County Durham we headed back to Northumberland with fire and beer in our bellies! 

But alas this was not to be the last incident of the night! Oh no! The LoGOz/Solo mobile had other plans. Co ordinator and pilot Jill Bee, along with Manager Clemmy had been alarmed by a worrying smoking bonnet! Not good. Unfortunately and not wanting to tempt fate (Fiat) but we had broken down on the A1 route home. A few frantic calls and a few tinnies later, as the cold dusky air filled the night, the Boys in Blue complete with flashing lights saved the night by towing us out of harms way as we waited for the RAC. The final tow home was slightly hairy as Jill Bee admirably gripped the wheel to safely get us back. Phew. Never a dull moment. Great gig though. Big thanks to Acoustic Magic, everyone at The Travellers Rest, the Rozzers, RAC and to Janis who came a long way to see this gig tonight!

So onto Bank Holiday Monday and our acoustic slot at the Save Druridge Bay event at Cresswell Beach. I had a busy start to the morning as I was still working on my next 12:OTHERS Track #5. But more on this later! 

The new Goodies?

Basically Manager Clemmy Scotswood had been asked to organise the music section of this event which was taking place after the beach protest, and in the village hall. There was still a fresh air of uncertainty as we got to the beach at 12:30 midday. Lead guitarist Paul was also in the crew today as there was a chance for a mini LoGOz set as well as my proposed solo stint. We all trudged along the fields and sand, heading away from the village hall in search of the beach protesters. Bill Oddie was also making an appearance with a speech on the matter. At first we wandered and wondered if anyone was there at all...and not a giant kitten or funky gibbon in sight! I won't get into the heavy politics of this protest but it's basically to oppose the proposed plan to rip up the beach for a huge open cast mining project. As a regular visitor to this place as a child and as a father with my kids it made sense to support the cause. Anyway, all of a sudden as we hit the main beach we were able to see literally hundreds of people making their presence felt in what is obviously a very passionate statement to so many of the locals. There was also a tiny stage where Brian English performed his heartfelt protest song 'Druridge'. We also bumped into local punk DJ and PR Guru Keith Newman for a brief chat. Oh and there was ex Goodie and tit expert Mr Oddie himself. He happily posed for pics and pleasantries as the beach activity started to wind down and we made our way back to the village hall for our performances. 

The sound system was supplied by Steve Leyland who would also be performing a solo set as well as playing with his band LOBO. As we got back to the hall it was pretty much ram packed as Mr English was braying the arse off his excellent protest song for the second time today, as well as nailing a few popular covers, including the universally effervescent 'Wonderwall' by Oasis. So as the free buffet and drinks were devoured by the hungry locals it was my turn to give them something to chew on! It's always cool to play different new places, and after recently storming a Library gig, here I was in Cresswell village hall. My set got off to a great start with a

brilliantly enthusiastic crowd of all ages and walks of life, plus local musos too. Halfway through my set I invited Paul up and we ran through LoGOz favourites 'Jubileezer' 'No Win Situation' and 'Hello Lonely' much to the joy of the audience as well as ourselves. I completed my set with a fitting 'Keep ya Timber in and ya Powder Dry' dedicated to the Ashington miners. I finished off with a frantic 'Old Punks Never Die' and 'That's Living Alright' finale. Another great gig to top off another personally triumphant weekend of successful gigs under my belt. Every one counts! The entertainment still wasn't over yet as the 5 piece Lobo squeezed into the stage area and gave a slick set of eclectic well honed covers, the highlight being 'Times Like These' by Foo Fighters. As the day was winding down, the sausage rolls hardened and the sarnies curled up at the crusts, and Bill Oddie had disappeared with a doggie bag, there was still time for one last act. Steve Leyland closed the gig with a rare acoustic solo spot. Drawing from his varied musical tastes I enjoyed this,  especially his own musically complex yet lyrically honest composition. A haunting take on the classic Simon and Garfunkel Classic 'Scarborough Fair' with Lobo lead singer Donna joining him was sublime.  But my favourite though had to be 'Fat Bottomed Girls' by Queen, and just as the last of the buffet cake was scoffed by..ahem, two ladies, the irony wasn't lost on this track! 

So all in all another cracking day for everyone involved. Thanks to Lynn Tait, Keith Newman, Steve, Lobo, Brian English and everyone involved in making this a very successful event. Last but not least a special mention to Clemmy Scotswood in organising the acts for the day. 

So onto Tuesday May 31st. The last day of the month and no rest for the wicked as they say! So for me this can only mean one thing, and that's my new 12:OTHERS song. So we are are with Track #5 the Public Image Limited classic single 'Rise'. I was a huge fan of this song as a kid so seems fitting to include it in my covers collection here in 2016. The song is written about apartheid in South Africa, and Nelson Mandela in particular. The chorus contains the line 'May the road rise with you' which is an old Irish blessing. The song reached Number 11 in the UK charts in January 1986. It's hard to believe this great song is 30 years old. I think this is my most challenging cover to date. As usual I've gone for my own arrangement, putting my own unique spin on it, while trying to stay true to the brilliant original. You can download the song for FREE from www.logozworld.com/12-others As ever it will be available until the next track is uploaded on June 30th.

I think there's just enough time to tell you about some LoGOz gig activity this coming Saturday June 4th. We will be making our debut at The Borough in Sunderland. Support comes from Temple Avenue. This event is FREE Entry so come along 8pm and let's have a blast!!!

If that isn't enough, I'm also appearing Live on Tim Coid's Radio Prudhoe North East unsigned show www.northeastunsignedradioshow.co.uk at 8pm on Sunday June 5th. I'll be playing a 15-20 minute solo acoustic set followed by an interview, as well as playing some of my exclusive recorded tracks too! So tune in for this if you can folks please! 

And now breathe..

Thanks for reading

Cheerz

Peesh X