Ever played with Lego when your pissed?
“Stolen Tom are fucking awesome at drinking and playing” end quote
Any band would be pleased with a quote like this, maybe not the Jonas Brothers, but any propper band. Ok, it’s a quote from the drummer, but it’s still a scoop and you heard it here first.
The band are gearing up for another weekend of rock. Some people think it’s easy to just turn up and play, but there is alot of stuff goes on behind the scenes at a Stolen Tom gig. So you know, here’s usually how it goes :
Flinty gets the van sorted, he winds the crank handle and it spurts into life, the “Sherpa” or the “fun bus” is ready to go. No brakes but who needs them. Rock and death Roll.
The rythm section get picked up. The drummer, Sav, is always sober, prepared, ready and waiting for the van. It sickens him that he is kept waiting. Time is money.
Next to pick up Daz, bass man. Two peeps of the horn and Daz is still smoking his pipe with his slippers on, another two peeps and he is up, seen through the window looking for his planks. The van door slides open and he has either had a good day, or he doesn’t speak. Either way, there is an understanding between him and the drummer – booze n tabs.
Then it’s off to the lock up. Flinty opens up and we start the process of loading the van. At this point it is worth pointing out that the frontmam is not around. Typical.
Everything is heavy in a band, amps, drums, pa systems etc. The lads are in thier peak of physical…..well no they aren’t really, but slowly, the job gets done. Then it’s off to get the stragglers.
One peep outside Shaggys house (frontman) and he’s in the car looking for a beer and lighting up. Sav usually has a beer or two, or has drank a litre or two. The journey to the venue begins. Banter, casual abuse, and accusations, coupled with drinking and a genuine sense of excitement about not being in the Sherpa once they get to the venue.
Then they arrive at the venue. Sometimes it’s easy to offload, sometimes it’s a pain in the arse, but it’s always the band and maybe a mate or two. At this point it’s worth pointing out the frontman is no where to be seen. Typical.
Then they drink and meet and chat and laugh till it’s time to play. When playing they drink and laugh and meet and chat till it time to stop.
Here comes the good bit.
Everything detailed above is to be done again. In reverse order. While knackered. Usually in the dark. At 1 in the morning, but this time, while drunk. Truly, this is one of natures greatest displays. It really is.
So next time you go to see a band, any band, buy these hard working lads a pint! If not just in recognition of the behind the scenes hard work, then at least in an attempt to make life more entertaining for them while they pack the van drunk(and you while you watch).
Ever played with Lego when your drunk?
Yeah?
It’s exactly like that.
“…this thing, hic, this, hic, this fucking thing, hic, goes here, hic…”
(next day)
“….who broke my mike stand?…”
