The previous post here was made just over a year ago. I still find it challenging to read it. (It's in the 2009 archive now). I was so full of hope and expectation when I wrote it. Anyway, I would like to apologise to anyone who has logged on since I wrote that and who has found...nothing, for over a year.
I've picked up the Blog baton again a year on because I realise (to my surprise) and from talking to people recently,that there are still folk out there who care about us, and indeed, there are still folk who want to read about what we are doing. So after an explanation of why we disappeared (again!) I will update those of you who want to know, about what we are up to now. Before I contine however, I would like to thank a few local people who have given us encouragement during 2010 whilst we tried to pick up the pieces.
Step forward Malc and Gilly, and all the audiences and performers from Bedworth Folk Club. Probably our spiritual "home" they have championed us from Day One. We let you down badly over the Christmas Party and we hope you'll give us a chance to repay that debt one day. Likewise the Festival. Please think of us for 2011! We always know that we can air new and "interesting" material at Beduff. Quite a lot of our current set list got its first run out there! And wherever we go-if there are folk from BFC present-they'll belt out our slightly odd choruses.
Rob and Karen- of The Sty and Tump Folk Clubs respectively. Thanks for your continuing support and encouragement. We've got to know you you as people, and you've stuck with us-ta. The gorgeous Kristy Gallagher-patient,understanding and immensely talented. We enjoyed the Tin Angel ducks, and we hope you'll have the full complement back sometime. Kevin Dempsey, Chris Tobin and Pete Willow-thanks for the nice things you said when we all hooked up at the Sty last month. Genuine, and appreciated. (And reciprocated,naturally). And to our two "Honorary Parrots"-the two harp players who have jammed with our bluesier numbers at various venues during 2010-thank you so much. Get in touch when you want another session!
Anyway, in October 2010, the Old Macaw is (just about) still fluttering. After the events of October 2009 though, it very nearly wasn't. Indeed, just after posting the October 2009 entry the band folded. For a third time! So: an explanation is due then.
2009 was a ghastly, horrible year for the four of us. It started with a bereavement which shook us all. It ended with no band after a horrendous "Lunch of The Long Knives," at the delightful Watermans Arms, in Hatton.and me plunged into the worst depression I have ever experienced.
You can tell from reading the archive entry for October 2009, that the day before this meeting I was upbeat, positive and looking forward to expanding the BPS Empire. Indeed, we had got to the point of exploring our new venue, having had a sound check there, and we were beginning to compile a monthly guest list for 2010. The venue management were excited and enthusiastic-which those brave souls reading this who run folk clubs will know, is a rare asset! The venue had a huge, plush, adaptable concert room, ample parking our own bar and separate toilets. The management were champions of real ale, and were keen to provide food. It would have been an exceptional Club. Honestly, I still believe that.
Sadly, it was not to be. We met with a really good friend of ours,the day after that post. Someone we had grown to like, respect and trust. This was a person we had fully intended to go into partnership with, in running the new venture. We had met finally(we thought) to put the finishing touches. It is pointless now to attribute blame for what then ensued. It just happened.
Some kind of madness seemed to fill us on that day.I tried for months afterwards to pinpoint exactly why, but I'm afraid I cannot. There is no point in going over it too much now, except to say that it caused me personally immense hurt, destroyed my self-esteem and caused me a great deal of personal mental anguish. It was genuinely not my intention to destroy the band or the proposed club that day. I was mortified that both outcomes resulted from that meeting. I suspect it might have had a similar effect on the others present.
We had quite a portfolio of Autumn gigs lined up, and we had to cancel them all. It affected our wives and families too. By January 2010 I was emotionally in bits, on every front. This was compounded by the fact that I had a horrible Christmas, with an unseen family tragedy and my wife recovering from surgery. Whoever was sticking the pins in my particular little doll at that time caused maximum damage.
But somehow, as real friends do, eventually we rallied. We realised, that having been playing music (intermittently) together for over 35 years, whatever had happened and however much hurt was caused, there was too much to give up. We know we're not the most aesthetically or musically competent band around, but we've written some good tunes together, and we've put on shows that have made audiences laugh, think and reflect.
By about April, we had resolved most of our differences,and had begun rehearsing and gigging together again. All kinds of personal commitments limited what we were able to do, but we managed to start working the Parrot publicly in various formats-two of us, then three, sometimes even all four. I've also been doing a few solo spots. None of us are getting any younger, and a couple of us have health issues-but the will is still there to entertain.
In a newer Blog post I will detail the venues we've played, the venues we've worked in and those we would like to explore. We are a bit shaky and still scarred by what happened. But you move on. You have to, The alternatives are too terrifying to contemplate.
