...June 2007: The new line line hits the road

...April 2007: Redders leaves F2b and the band takes on a new look and starts rehearsals with two new members

...October 2006: Pops Callaghan leaves F2B and a new chapter begins... watch this space

...December 2005, 4 years on from those early rehearsals back in December 2001. Things are very different now. As we approach the New Year we already have gig dates throughout 2006. More songs, new equipment, new guitars...

...but what of us...

June 2007: Exciting times! I could not have imagined writing about two new band members when we last updated the band history back in December 2005, but this demonstrates the dynamics of being in a band I guess!

Pops and Redders played more than a significant role in the shaping of Fade2Black, and we wish them well for the future.

But fate is a curious and wonderful thing. I had asked Amelia to join us for my birthday bash at the New Barrack Tavern at the back end of March 07, she accepted, and brought the house down with her vocals and guitar playing. We found out afterwards that she also plays violin.

Shortly after this event I was surfing the net and I came across the details of a singer looking to join a band, and after a few exchanges of e-mails we met Willow for the first time……only as it turned out I had met him a few years earlier when I was involved in another band.

 So F2B have two new members and an exciting future, we have a front man with a big voice who is not sure if he is man or ape (take a look at the promo photos he sent us!), and a versatile musician and vocalist who brings a fresh dimension to the band.

 I’m looking forward to launching the next phase of F2B, I hope you will enjoy it as much as we will!

December 2005: The last four years have passed so quickly, which sadly is a sign of old age - or too much beer!

We have experienced all the highs and lows that you would expect playing in a local band. Playing to a gathering of two! - who did become firm friends by the end of the evening - to over two hundred full on rock'n'blues fans, all gigs are good - some are awesome!

What never fails to amaze me is the extent of the knowledge the people have when it comes to music. Whatever number we play, no matter how obscure, there is always someone there who can real off all the artists associated with the song, along with the dates it was performed and the equipment used.

Something that has helped us is being listed on independent music web sites that provide invaluable information for bands and punters alike, check out: www.rockofthenorth.com

I can’t help but notice the diversity and quality of music that is now available in local pubs and clubs, often organised by great enthusiasts - such as Les at the King Of Diamonds in Shirebrook - and without them we would not get the same opportunities to play the music we love so much

June 2007: After discussions with the remaining members of the band last year when Pops Callaghan decided to leave us, I truly believed that F2B would continue as a successful four-piece. This wasn’t to be however and Redders also went his own way shortly afterwards.

A remarkable series of events followed and the end result is that we now have a fantastic new line-up….welcome Amelia & Willow! (a big thanks to Andy and Richard for all their hard work tracking down these two top musicians).

For many years I’ve appreciated how well a violin can fit into the blues format (John Mayall’s ‘Where Did I Belong’ from the ‘Bare Wires’ album is a prime example). With this in mind, I’m delighted that Amelia, as well as her talents as a vocalist and guitarist, will be bringing a flavour of this instrument to F2B.

Anyone who has ever seen Willow front a band will have immediately discovered what a great voice and charisma he has. We’re lucky to have him!

We’ve already had a favourable reaction to the new line-up….I’m looking forward to playing my part in what I consider to be the best ever F2B!

December 2005: What a good little band F2B has turned out to be!

To be perfectly honest, when we originally got together 4 years ago to discuss playing the blues, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to bring the necessary ‘feel’ to the songs which is so important for this type of music (never thought of myself as a blues drummer).

My confidence has since grown though as the rest of the band appear to like what I do and are able to use this as a foundation for their contributions.

I really like most of the stuff we do now and feel much more at home with blues music, having learned what generally works and doesn’t work from both playing and watching other musicians.

A big plus for me is that at our gigs I’m usually in prime position (stage lights permitting!) at the back of the band to observe the audience reaction to the fine guitar and vocals from the other guys.

June 2007: I guess deep down, you know things will change - but you can never be sure exactly how and when. So here we are - a new F2B - with Willow and Amelia now in the band - and we have just played our first full gig together. A mix of old favourites but played in a new way and some new songs altogether... and more new stuff to come.

Playing with Redders and Pops was great and we got to know each other musically very well... and that made playing a pleasure. Now, with two new members, we are discovering what we can each do and what magic we can be bring to F2B - and that is a great pleasure too.

My playing is evolving and with our past success to build on there are some exciting times ahead... for those that have stayed with us over the years - thank you - I hope you love the next phase to F2B - and if you have only just discovered us... then I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

As for life in general, more change, more drama, more restructuring - but hey, I am still here... admittedly with slightly less hair - that blues for you!

December 2005: The last 4 years have seen some big changes in my life with all the emotional highs and lows that family dramas, illness and loss can bring - alongside company restructures - leaving job, no job then getting new job! Blues is the business of life!

Band-wise, we are in a very different place as we have grown and know each other musically so much better now - playing many gigs and many songs. Some songs are still with us from the beginning - others are new ones forged along the way. We do not always agree on stuff - but we do agree that we make a great sound together. 

If it's been a bad day and you are trying to get it together for a rehearsal or a gig - once the stresses of plugging everything in  are over (trust me on this - wires is a tricky business!!) - you hear the count and click of drumstick 1.2.3.4... the snare drum beat, Pop's sweet Fender Stratocaster kicks off, the Bass powers in, Redder's voice swells to the opening line and all I want to do is play my heart out.

One of the joys for me is that we can move freely from beautiful, tight controlled arrangements to the magic of "in the moment" improvisation. Add in a few jazzy moments due to some creative memory chords or riffs wise and no two gigs are the same - and that works for me.

I hope it works for you too.