I don't like tributes
Many of you that know me will be aware that I don't like tribute bands. Nothing personal against the members but in running record labels and management services, I feel that the popularity of tribute bands could be to the detriment of emerging original artists. I fully realise it's an arguable point for sure.
In fact I greatly admire the technical competence of the tribute musicians who work hard to learn with, in the main I think, commendable accuracy a substantial catalogue of songs to a high standard. Although to be fair I have seen precious few tributes over the years so who am I to say? Those I have seen include Limehouse Lizzy and (I think) the Thin Lizzy Experience, although on the latter occasion myself and the family were more thrilled to meet Philomena (Phil Lynott's mum) who was also in attendance. I will never forget her saying what a shock she had each time she looked at the singer as he had such a close resemblance to "my Philip" as she put it. Based on one short meeting she seemed a lovely woman.
Something almost none of you will know is that I was actually in a tribute band at one point... "hypocrite" I hear you all scream! Yes it's true. Sometime around setting up the Rocksector Records label (2008 / 2009) and Absolva (Fury UK at the time) were starting to take off, I joined a Free and Bad Company tribute called Freestealer. The previous would-be guitarist Paul Kossoff had left the band and I answered an ad, was quickly appointed and was diligently learning the songs, turning up for fully three rehearsals (!) before realising I had bitten off more than I could chew. In terms of my time given the label and management, plus the impending touring commitments which were about to become a harsh reality, my decision to stand down as Paul Kossoff of Freestealer proved to be the best for all concerned. A shame really and the would-be Paul Rogers was miffed. It would have been fun, a challenge, and the extra money might have been handy too, but it wasn't to be. So there's a dirty little secret for you - don't tell anyone!
Anyhow, last year I was persuaded to go with son Luke to see a Rush tribute called Moving Pictures. I had mixed feelings. Rush are my all-time favourite band and I wasn't at all sure I wanted to put them into the category of 'tributes seen'. I was so wrong. They're a brilliant band and performed to a really high standard, I was so relieved and happy. Last Friday I saw them for a second time, accompanied my friend Dickie Taylor, designated driver. The added twist of fortune is that the would-be drummer Neil Peart in Moving Pictures is in fact a woman. At last years' concert that was a curiosity but a commendable one as she really can play, yet also now a point of interest is that the real Rush have scheduled a long tour and have appointed a female Neil Peart (the excellent Anika Niiles) on drums. So, Moving Pictures can certainly claim to have their finger on the pulse.
In view of my current mobility issues it's great that the The Met theatre in Bury has a lift and a small designated section for disabled people. Despite being grateful for the facilities, I confess to a strange emotion as I felt self-conscious and uncomfortable in that section. I don't like to be the one that 'makes a fuss'. I will perhaps become accustomed to it, depending on whether I need it in future, and how any partial recovery goes (specialist nurse says possible), but I think it's an automatic reflex response that we think significant illnesses and disabilities always happen to someone else. Don't believe it, it's simply not true.