Dateline 9/6/08

Footballer's Dives

Already fed up with the footie? Has the 'Group of Death' turned out a bit tame? Well, if you're looking for an alternative Saturday night out scenario, ankle round to the Angel in Andover on the 21st June. Yes sportsfans, Bare Wires will be setting out their stall and providing end to end entertainment 'til late. On show will be the tightest back four to have hit Andover, since the last time they played there. Referee!

Dateline 24/5/08

The Weekend Starts Here

Bouncing back from the sudden cancellation of their Railway Tavern gig, your heroes were raring to go when they arrived at the Town Mills, Andover on Friday 23rd May. It was another unseasonally pleasant evening and it was unfortunate that the setting up of kit hampered the steady flow of drinkers flocking to the outside seating areas. The amount of kit is starting to raise eyebrows amongst our hosts and the genial landlord, Ken, compared the racks of gear to 'Cape Canaveral'. Don't worry chaps, it's all environmentally friendly energy efficient stuff. Well our drummer is anyway.

The lighting saga continued. Although managing to actually get it all out of it's coffin-like case and up on the stands, the various components failed to obey the previously programmed set-up and did its own thing basically. "It's lights Jim, but not as we know it!" someone said. A technical forum will be held next week to try and fathom the stuff out. On a brighter note (geddit?) the lights did vastly increase our audience as moths and winged creaures of the night, flew in from the veranda...

Dateline 13/5/08

They're Back

Bare Wires navigated their way into a hot and sultry Andover last week, kicking off their May tour. The nice people at Propaganda had invited us back, following our debut there in January and once more we had a guest artist during the half time interval. Whilst the band members were off eating their oranges, Sam Brothers (son of Jonathon) entertained the crowd with a bijou solo set. A measure of his confidence was that he actually changed the settings on his Dad’s amp. Something none of us would dare to do! For his last number Sam chose the Jeff Buckley interpretation of ‘Hallelujah’, at one point the girls behind the bar even joined in. It was almost one of those ‘lighters in the air’ moments.

Despite the luxury of a printed set list, your heroes soon found themselves ‘off piste’ in the second half due probably to some exuberant soloing. Numbers were discarded in the blink of an eye, as the strict 11 o’clock deadline approached. A song that did make it’s debut was ‘I ain’t got you’. The Yardbirds' styling was rejected in favour of the more robust Gary Moore version and is set to become a concert classic.

The debut of the much-heralded Bare Wires lightshow was, alas, delayed due to the lack of space available to put the things up. Next week’s Railway Tavern appearance should remedy this. Which reminds me – next Saturday 17th May, Bare wires are appearing at The Railway Tavern, Hungerford. You know it makes sense.

"Well, I thought you knew how to work it"

Dateline 29/3/08

They're Off

And that was just the crowd! Though the weather was, in fact, less than glorious, a rollicking good time was had by an exuberant bunch of race goers, at Newbury last Saturday. Many were exuberant as a newt come five o’clock, after a hard days refreshment. See Reviews for more details...

Dateline 22/3/08

There's No Business Like Snow Business

Have you seen it out there? On the other hand the weather will, apparently, be glorious next weekend, when Bare Wires will appear at the Newbury Racecourse. First race is at 1.50, but before that, crowds will witness a light jog to the bar, as band members seek refreshment.

Last week they made the first of a season of gigs at the Town Mills in Andover. See Snaps for the latest picures. As promised, some new songs saw the light of day, including an experimental Rocky Mountian Way featuring more peculiar bass noises. One of the other highlights (geddit?) was the debut of the Bare Wires light show. Alright, it was just the one LED gizmo, but there is more to come punters! Don't touch this dial...

"and my solo was THAT big"

Dateline 08/3/08

Get Them While They're Hot

Hi there sportsfans, those of you who like a flutter may be interested to know that on March 29th Bare Wires will once more be entertaining the punters at Newbury Racecourse. The occasion is the opening of the Fuller's Real Ale Bar and there is no band better qualified for the task. Follow this link for more information: Bangers & Beer Day.

Meanwhile, don’t forget that the band is making its debut at Town Mills in Andover next Friday 14th March. Also making their first appearance are several new numbers. Go to the Gigs page for contact details. Get there early to avoid disappointment!

Dateline 03/2/08

Whole Lotta Gigs

A flurry of future dates have been arranged for the band, at various venues around Andover. Go to the Gigs page to plan your next musical soiree.

Dateline 19/1/08

Bare Wires In Andover Storm

The boys were back in town last Thursday, when they played a storming set at the rather pleasant Propaganda Music Canteen. Go to the Reviews page for the full lowdown and visit Snaps for the latest pictures.
As a measure of the progress made by the band during the last year, the picture on the right sums it all up. Top of the bill! (In the gents powder room…)

Dateline 10/1/08

Happy New Year

It's not long now folk's, in fact it'll soon be Thursday 17th January 2008, when Bare Wires will be appearing at the Propaganda Music Canteen in Andover.

Dateline 18/12/07

Jingle Bells

Yes, boys and girls, it's only a week away from Christmas Day and already the band have a pressie under the tree. Courtesy of eBay, a new (to us), set of Peavey PA speakers were procured only hours ago and will hopefully allow Jonathon's vocals to soar above the cacophony produced by the other members.

Christmas is not all about presents of course and in a recent interview, the group were asked individually, what they hoped for over the festive season. Ian wished for peace on Earth, Jonathon prayed for an end to famine and poverty, Dave hoped for an end to the madness that has produced global warming. Nigel said a pair of cuff-links would come in handy.

Have a good one!

Dateline 07/12/07

FA News

Following growing speculation that a member of Bare Wires has been linked to the now vacant post of England Manager, a spokesperson for the band has issued the following statement:

“Contrary to recent rumours in the sporting press, no one in Bare Wires wishes to be considered for job of England football supremo. They all have day jobs, mainly, and what with practices and gigs, do not feel they could commit to the several hours a week required. Anyone caught ‘tapping up’ our guitarist will be given short shrift.”

By a strange twist of fate, there are some high profile football managers linked to positions in Bare Wires. Sir Alex Ferguson, a man with hot air to spare, has been considering a role as harmonica player, whilst Jose Mourinho is interested in standing on the stage and looking enigmatic. Unfortunately, the band have had to turn down an offer from Steve McClaren, who was hoping to play the spoons as warm up act at future gigs. They felt his communication skills were lacking and that he was tactically naive.

Dateline 28/10/07

Even More Gig News!

Another date for your diaries is Thursday 17th January 2008 when Bare Wires will be appearing at the Propaganda Music Canteen in Andover.

Yesterday's sessions at Newbury Racecourse went well, on the final day of the Flat Season. Those that listened to the band enjoyed themselves and we even managed to do some requests. These included a couple of Cream songs and an astonishing rendition of 'Happy Birthday' from Dave Shephard , who had just delivered his debut performance of ZZ Top's 'La Grange'. It was so astonishing he won't be asked again. Alas, the gentlemen who asked for Guns ' Roses could not be indulged, but was instead treated to something even better!

Race fans desert the track, in order to hear Bare Wires play the Premier Enclosure marquee

Dateline 26/10/07

More Gig News!

Tomorrow, yes tomorrow (27th), at midday, the Bare Wires Rapid Response Group fly into Newbury Racecourse to entertain hundreds of punters at a pre/post race function. The runners and riders are:

Jonathon Brothers is the favourite with bookies to win the Stella Artois Cup, awarded for the most notes played during a song.
Worth an each way bet in the Changing Man Hurdle is Nigel Mills, who put in a decent time in training yesterday.
Dave Shephard is a dark horse, at least until he gets some more highlights put in. He has put in a lot of fitness work recently, but has yet to reach his optimum weight. At long odds, he might be worth a flutter.
Despite a damaged fetlock, Ian Sheldon is expected to canter away in the Tom Tom Challenge. Betfred, Coral and Ladbrokes have, in fact, closed the book on that one.

The going is expected to be 'good to soft'.

Dateline 10/10/07

Gig News

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, your favourite blues band will soon be appearing in licensed premises near you. That’s right, Bare Wires are proud to be back at the Railway Tavern, Hungerford on Saturday, 3rd November 2007 There will be new songs, old jokes and different trousers on display, when the lads are unleashed, once more, upon the general public.
Start your Guy Fawkes weekend with a bang at the Railway Tavern, Hungerford.

The Railway Tavern

Dateline 07/9/07

Disaster Area

The gig cancelled a couple of months ago due to historic rainfall, may now be back on. Whilst the back end of September by no means guarantees a better meteorological outlook and the concert would still be outdoors, contingency plans are being formulated. If rain occurs before the gig, the band may be able to call upon a squadron of Army helicopters to hover over the school grounds thus accelerating the drying process. The problem of rain during show time might be mitigated by the band playing in a helicopter and using radio mikes to beam down the performance data to their amplifiers onstage. Being a keen student of the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and the owner of a new radio mike, it will not surprise readers to hear that Dave came up with this idea. Scientists are still trying to work out if the noise of the helicopter will allow an audience to actually hear the band.

Dateline 07/9/07

If it ain’t broke, buy another one.

As for the rest of the band, drummer Ian has some new gaffer tape, whilst Jonathon is considering buying a battery for his wah-wah pedal.

Bare Wires Play Marquee

Please go to the Gigs page for a sideways look at Bare Wires appearance at Simon’s Summer Party on July 21st. Available light photography by Quiller Taylor.

Dateline 19/7/07

Bare Wires Big Band

In the lead up to the Lower Chute gig, Bare Wires had not managed many rehearsal sessions due to various member commitments. On the Thursday beforehand, however, things went to the opposite extreme as the band swelled its ranks to include Mark on Hammond organ, plus guitar shredding from Sam Brothers. Add to this mix a guest drummer, Barry, from Newbury and the rehearsal was certainly different. Even more different were the peculiar noises emanating from Shephard’s several toys, as he attempted to recreate the middle section of Led Zep’s ‘Whole Lotta Love’. As the band were leaving the rehearsal suite that night, to wend their weary ways home, Brian the landlord whispered words of encouragement.
“You lot must be on drugs!” he yelled, incredulously.

In a dramatic move today, education authorities in the Winchester area unilaterally cancelled a concert to be given by popular local blues band, the ‘Bare Wires’. A spokesperson for the school, who did not wish to be named, was quoted as saying “The situation was untenable. We’ve suffered weeks of persistent rain, in fact it’s still persisting down. The lacrosse pitch is a quagmire and we can’t have hordes of people sloshing round the grounds enjoying themselves. This is Waltham Chase not bloody Glastonbury!”
This comes as a further blow to the band who, like the Rolling Stones, was not invited to participate in the Glastonbury fest-fest. Traditionally, the contingency plan in such circumstances is to hold the event in the Scout hut, but local campanologists were already booked into the hall and refused to camp it up elsewhere.
Rumours that the band’s lead guitarist cancelled the gig, due to the non-arrival of his custom built, diamante-studded, Bassey-esque, green wellies, have been denied vigorously by Bare Wires management. “Surely, the Welsh diva has had a big influence on your career?” enquired a journalist at a hurriedly convened press conference. “Don’t call me Shirley!” replied the guitarist, before storming out.

For an impartial review of our performance at the Cross Keys, go to the Gigs page.

Website: The Cross Keys Inn

The first results from the recent recording session are available via the 'Sounds' page Jukebox link. Otis Redding's 'Hard To Handle', the Rory Gallagher-esque 'Messin' With the Kid', Jimi Hendrix's 'Red House and 'Little Wing', Weller's 'Changing Man' and John Mayall's 'All Your Lovin' - what more could you want? Feel free to listen and comment.

The band have been booked for two private functions during July. Friday 6th July in the Winchester area and Saturday 21st July in Lower Chute. Negociations are currently underway for a short tour in the area, taking in Middle Chute, Chute Forest and Para Chute. This is provisionally titled the Chute For the Stars tour. (Shephard's back has got better, but his jokes haven't.)

November 3rd sees a return to the Railway Tavern

Just in - A gig has been arranged at popular country tavern The Cross Keys, in Upper Chute. Nigel Mills, who selflessly visits local hostelries on the band's behalf, secured the booking last weekend and the recital will take place on Saturday June 2nd. Check out the Keys' website for details of how to get there:

The Cross Keys Inn

Bare Wires' bass player, Dave Shephard, is currently out of action as the result of an injury sustained over the Easter break. Problems with his lower back area have meant he has been unable to attend practice sessions. This cruel blow has temporarily put on hold, the planned onslaught of the Andover music scene.

Asked if his injury had been caused during the trashing of hotel rooms, driving luxury vehicles into swimming pools, or snowboarding down the Zugspitz, Dave said "No, I just sat down at the dining room table and me back went!"

It's life Jim, but not as we know it.

Following the internet release of an unauthorised bootleg recording of a recent gig, plans to produce an official CD have been accelerated. A spokesperson for the band said "We realise that the public need good quality Bare Wires product, so a session has been booked for April 14th."

Stay tuned to this station for the world premier of the latest Bare Wires mini album!

At a secret location, close to Hurstbourne Tarrant, the band resumed their rigourous rehearsal schedule on 29th March and with a view to devising a recording programme. The resuting CD wiil be offered to enterprising publicans as a taster of the live set, and will be an invaluable marketing tool. See 'Blog' for further musings on this subject.

Bare Wires appeared at The Railway Tavern, Hungerford on March 16th 2007. See 'Gigs for words and pictures. Other dates are being arranged as we speak. Further details will be published when known.

We welcome a new drummer to the band, following an exhaustive search of the Shires. No website or saloon bar was left unturned, as we combed the counties looking for a suitable sticksman. Bare Wires can now proudly announce that the winning contestant was - Ian Sheldon from Andover!