A
note from Status Clone:
Our
bass player, Dave, had to have knee replacement surgery in 2005 and in March
2006, a major operation on his ankle on the other leg . During both of Dave's
enforced absences from the band, Brian "Bison" Smith (aka "Bigsmig")
took over Dave's role as bassist in Status Clone, (and did an incredibly excellent
job, may we say!) doing a total of thirty one gigs during Dave's hospitalisation
and recovery. Brian is a keen Quo fan and, in particular, a fan of Quo's bass
player, Rhino. Just like Rhino, Brian kept a log of all the gigs he played
with us and we have pleasure in including this log in Brian's own words on
our website. Dave has now recovered and back with us playing bass, but we
would all like to extend our great thanks to Brian, both for being a brilliant
dep over the past few months and for being a great mate!
(By the way, Rhino regularly posts his Tour Log on Quo's website. Read
it here)
Now over to Brian.............................
Hi All
Dave
(Clone's bass-player) is now recovering and whilst he is, I have a fantastic
opportunity to play my beloved QUO in a great band until he returns, Get well
soon Dave!!
As some of you know, I have the same bass as Rhino but with a slight difference,
mine is fretless, to what turned out (Rhino disgust, Ha ha) Well after speaking
with Rhino and agreeing that my sound needed more Growl, I made the decision
to ask Rob and Dawn at Status Graphite to fit a fretted neck to my bass and
one with all the lights and the horn lit up. I was delighted when Dawn said,
" we have just taken the neck off Rhino's" I said "ITS MINE, ITS MINE", she
laughed and said ok let me get you a price!!!. Cost a fortune but it makes
me feel proud of my bass thinking "I have the neck that produced the party
ain't over yet album and many gigs. Anyway! Here is my little tourlog of my
time with Status Clone.
Just
before you read it, I would like to take this opportunity to say a massive
thank you to all the fantastic people I have met on this journey and all the
advice has been duly noted and actioned. I would also like to say a massive
thank you to the band, Paul, Steve, Lars and Dave who really are a fine bunch
of lads who are really true professionals and I have learned so much from
them. I took the time to roll a video camera on 90% of the gigs to have my
own personal memories of my time with Status Clone, subject to editing onto
a DVD, Status Clone may make these available to you on Order via their website
Now how did all of this start! The one thing I have always wanted to do is
play hard and play Quo music. How was I going to do that? I put a message
on the Status Quo message board in the cover bands section, SAYING!, I was
a bass player who wants to play in a quo tribute band, stuff like that. Weeks
go by and then first I get a message from Steve
of Status Clone and then a call from Paul, asking
me if I was interested in depping for their bassist Dave, naturally I said
YES!!!! I looked on their website and then my bottle went, I thought "Christ,
these look great" and then a panic set in. Paul sent me a set list of what
was likely to be in the set during Dave's absence, I got to work straight
away. Luckily I have an opportunity to swap notes with Rhino, and grab some
tips from the master. Then the call came, I remember it like yesterday! I
was sitting in my conservatory as he dropped the bombshell, ITS FRIDAY, Paul
said. I picked the phone up from the floor and said OK, shaking and in disbelief
I told my wife and we started preparing, in comes the rig and off I go rehearsing.
I hope you have a few laughs and enjoy my time with a great band
Take care,
regards
Brian
Status Clone Tour-Log 05-06 by Brian (Bison)(Bigsmig) Smith
2005
July
23rd Private Function, Birmingham
This
is the day I have been waiting for and as I set off having booked my hotel
in Birmingham, my shell-shocked state of mind started to become more balanced
and focused on what I had to do. We arrived with plenty of time at the venue,
and I remember thinking "should I have brought my wife on this first gig"
I could fall on my arse and be thrown off. Well I walked into the club and
the Lads were setting up, I shout "Hi Paul" and immediately the band were
fantastic, as we all seemed to get on straight away. After about an hour,
I get the nod from Paul to test my Bass, OK he says, lets try it all together.
SO SPOOKY! Paul starts the sound check by playing in Paper Plane, I was straight
in but I couldn't believe my ears, I thought JESUS is that me!! IT WAS REALLY
LOUD.
I looked over to Lorna (My Wife) and she had a big smile on her face which
obviously meant it sounded great, but I turned away from the band as I remember
thinking this sounds so much like QUO its unreal. Then they stopped and said
OK that will do, I said is that it, Paul said "Yep" Sounds OK. I went back
to the hotel to freshen up and get ready for the gig but so worried because
I didn't know how they got from one track to the other.
Anyway off we go! The drone was deafening and then Paul shouts "Bye the way!
Those pedals on the floor control our lights, you will be ok wont you?" Shit
I thought and off we went. I can't begin to say how fantastic I felt up their
thrashing out Quo numbers as we flew through the gig, we were up there over
and hour and a half and Paul says we were on our last number, I thought we
had only just started and wanted to stay up there all night. It was great
to see some real QUO and Clone fans all there, I remember meeting Deni, Jan,
Kim Queen of Quo. Came off stage and thought I hoped I did OK, and Paul, Steve,
and Lars were all very pleased which was great. Got back to the hotel and
my ears were still ringing from the sound level, brilliant I thought, just
like coming away from a QUO gig.
August
6th
The Weary Traveller, Cullompton
A week has past and people have said nice things on
Quo's notice board which was very kind, so I am really up for this gig. A
long drive down to Cullompton, which took us 5 hours, but worth every minute.
Great little pub and atmosphere as we get off to a flyer, just as we are closing
Down Down, the power in the venue fails. Second set goes down great even with
another power failure and it on our way back home for 6am.
11th Chicago Rock, Stourbridge This
was the first of the few nights away with the band, great gig at Stourbridge,
Lovely food too! Ha Ha.
12th Festival, Zevenhuizen (nr. Drachten), Holland
After closing the gig at Stourbridge, I wave my Wife
of in my car a she went back to Liverpool and I went on with 
the
band to Holland. Arrived at the ferry terminal early Saturday morning and
we are all Knackered, I remember we stopped at services before the terminal
and I bought the CD Heavy Traffic for one of my boys who love QUO, Ethan.
Going over on the ferry was real fun as by this time I sort have struck up
a real friendship with Lars who plays the Rick Parfitt of the band. I think
the reason we hit it off, is because we have many of the same interests, stuff
like Gadgets and gismo's, wildlife, Playing and jamming, and visiting places
were in. We got into Holland and we were told it wasn't that far, 4 hours
later we arrived, cracking venue and huge PA and Stage. Gig was on a knife-edge
for an hour or so and then we went on, great experience for me on a massive
stage and seeing huge screens with us on. That was the gig where the photo
is from on this website!!
Thanks Steve. Off we go in search of the Van der Valk hotel. Up early for
breakfast and on our way home to the UK.
20th Bar Utopia, Bridlington
Here we come up two flights of stairs, but a cracking
little venue. This turns out to be my last gig for the time being, and I wanted
to enjoy every minute. Great gig and the people were absolutely fantastic.
Longish drive home and for the first time I was upset knowing that could have
been it.
2006
March
24th Grosvenor Casino, Plymouth
Its seven months later, Dave is in hospital having a
major op on his ankle so here we go again!. Its off to Plymouth Grosvenor
Casino for the first gig, and after a near tearful goodbye to my three little
boys Aaron, Peter, and Ethan and wife Lorna, I was on my way. Got to the venue
at about 3pm and had a peep at the little stage area, wow! You didn't have
room to spin around without hitting something with my double chin, ha ha.
Couple of hours before the rest of the band were due to arrive so I thought
"what a great time to check out this great City". Found some great shops but
couldn't resist a visit to the local music shop, and as I arrived there was
a chap sitting in the window playing a kit of drums "the pad drum kit" you
know! Bought a fistful of picks as Paul wanted me to play with picks, takes
a bit of getting used to especially when I have moulded my shape specifically
to match RHINO from Quo. Band arrived at about 5:30 and it took us about 2
and a half to set up and be happy with the sound, considering we took only
the top end of the PA in and never took lines in off the drum kit, it was
very good. Fantastic to meet up with the band again, sat with Steve for some
time as he brought me up to date with things. Steve is a great drummer who's
been around a bit and knows the business inside out, and it's probably down
to him really how I settled in and enjoyed myself comfortably, his advice
and help and guidance over the past months has been invaluable. Had a good
couple of hours chatting and watching things go on in the casino before getting
ready to go stage. Felt a little apprehensive going on with the sound levels
obviously an issue in the casino, but after the first few numbers went out,
it was clear that things were well accepted and the first set went down very
well. Took some fluids in and back on we went to a fantastic audience who
gave it plenty and gave us a good send off. That was the casino gig done and
now all the gear is in the van at 2:30am, where am I going to get my head
down. Off I go in chase of Lars in his car, we are off to a caravan in Looe
somewhere between Plymouth and St Austell. Now this was funny, as I had heard
so much of George I was now going to meet him. George is Lars's golden retriever
and he is like a human, he gives you a look, as he understands exactly what
you say to him, and as for his strength - he could pull a car.
25th Bethal Social Club, St Austell
Well after a few hours sleep, were up and out to Liskard
as one of Lars's wiper blades packed in and the weather was really bad. Got
it, and now for the local cuisine, the CORNISH pasty, WOW! The size of it
and it had to have brown sauce and washed down with a bottle of the finest
COKE. 3pm, and we have to be on our way to St Austell for the gig, it was
pouring with rain and there were speed camera's everywhere, got to the venue
at about 4:30 and Paul and Steve were already there. Little stage but nice
and deep which Steve enjoyed, by this time everything is going great as I
am starting to put stuff together and not just my own gear which help speed
things up and gets the banter going with the lads. It's great being in these
lovely towns and cities seeing some wonderful people and hearing great stories.
One of the girls that worked in the venue couldn't believe that I didn't drink
tea or coffee, "Just give us a coke". Sound check OK so lets go. Gig Kicked
off and went down so-so according to Paul, I thought it was great, But I would.
In came the second set with a bang and it was really good as the dance floor
swelled and people were generally enjoying themselves. At the end of the gig
I met a fantastic bloke named Mary? Who was the singer in another tribute
band and really enjoyed us, he was a real tonic. It was great to see the Clone
Rangers at this gig, Deni, Jan and the gang. At this time, I was thinking
"St Austell to Liverpool" God! What a journey, and off I went on my way home.
8 hours later I pull on my drive, half asleep.
April
1st Surrey H.O.G., Gatwick Manor Hotel
Time flies when you having fun! Off I go again and I'm
on my way to The Gatwick Manor Hotel for the Harley Davidson Owners club bash.
Took an age to find, my sat-nav saying, "you have arrived, you have arrived"
I am shouting at it, WHERE!!!!!!! Well I found it; there it was all the time,
tucked away behind a forest of trees. Lovely day, birds tweeting everywhere
in the hotel grounds as I hear the lovely overtones of a diesel engine clunking
up the drive, YES! Its the band arriving. The lads were in a great mood for
this one, Steve and Paul cracking funnies all afternoon mostly at either Larsy's
expense, or mine all in good humour though. Set up again, sound checked and
that's it, wait for the gig time. Now I see a familiar face, its David, Crapmodem
off the Status Quo Message Board, really great to see him, as he knows so
much about our beloved Status Quo. A little time goes by and we are very please
to see another board member join us, Its Janine T, she is a little cracker
who loves Quo and enjoyed the whole evening with Crappy. This gig was the
type of gig I would love to Clone, pardon the pun. The crowd were fantastic,
jumping up and down and singing their heads off, now if there was ever a time
I felt a little tear in my eyes! It was when we smashed out Burning Bridges;
I was drawn to David who was really going at that point. Burning Bridges is
now a very special track for David and Quo as this was Shona's favourite song,
Shona died at the very tender age of 10, taken by Cancer and she adored QUO.
Fantastic gig and very rewarding for very good reasons!!
8th Falmouth Football Club, Falmouth
Another massive journey ahead as I'm off to Falmouth,
as we play Falmouth Football club. A different start to the day as I met the
band at Paul's house and we all went together down to Falmouth, a great opportunity
to take in the breathtaking views of Cornwall. We arrived a little later than
planned and promptly set the gear up, sound check went pretty much to plan
although Paul needed the delay working exactly to spec, and rightly so. Then
came the alarm call from Steve, "Who wants the CHIPPY?" I was straight into
the van as we went looking for the best chippy in Falmouth. Steve is great
sniffing out the best Chippies in every city we play in. Nice to see the Clone
Rangers arrive safely and having a good time, Jan and Deni really love the
band and put some miles in as they follow the band, MUCH APPRECIATED by the
way. Not a bad gig at all. In the past, I always thought Social clubs can
either go with a bang or die on their arse, there is no in-between. . Great
crowd here though, who made us very welcome.Two funny chaps dancing in front
of me with long black wigs on, I was almost tempted to grab one for the rest
of the gig
14th
Chicago Rock, Swansea
Onto the Chicago rock scene, you just don't know what
you're going to get at these places. Set off really early to beat the traffic
and I followed my sat-nav, which took me all over the place. Got there a couple
of hours before the rest of the band, which gave me ample time to walk around
the city. What a place and some great people who were very pleasant. The venue
was quite big with a stage that looked directly over the bar, would have been
ideal if the bar was open during the gig. Some old friends from work popped
in to see the gig and take some photos. Took an age to get on the road, and
we all stayed at the Travelodge near Cardiff before our onward journey to
tomorrow's gig.
15th Agi Club, Guildford
Off to Guildford, Nav system says 88 miles but it seemed
to take ages. Arrived with a bit of nervousness, as this was a strange little
venue with a good stage but like a huge shed. But my bottle went as Lars tells
me "Rhino doesn't live that far away from here, you know", well that was it,
I have been asking Rhino to pop in and have a look at us for ages and thought
this could be it. Lets go!! Felt a little strange as I was conscious that
I was in RHINO country, would have been brilliant to see him walk in,,,,,,,
But then again. But the people never stop to amaze me, so warm and kind. Great
gig Got out and over to the next Travelodge, we were shattered. Looked in
the doorways, at the back, in the dark corners, BUT NO RHINO. Oh well.
16th Sussex Beach Holiday Village, Earnly
Travelling further south to the holiday camp, Got to
the camp nice and early but the tiredness was setting in, got the gear set
up and went off for a stroll on the beach with Lars to relax a bit. Got back
to the venue and we were based in a lovely big conservatory to relax. Very
well scheduled show and we were ok, but back stage tempers flared up with
Paul and Lars, I decided it wasn't for me and got on the road feeling a little
pissed off as it should be a high coming off stage. Really feeling a bit crap
for a few days after that gig wondering how the next gig would pan out.
22nd Heavitree Sports Club, Exeter
Here
we go! I thought… Took the wife along to this gig as she would calm things
down, but everything was a little surreal as the rig was being set up, because
everything was back to normal.Just shows really!! These guys have a great
professionalism about them, it doesn't matter what happens backstage, they
still perform and give the crowd the performance they need to see. We were
all really on top form. It was great to see Dave (complete with plaster cast!)
and his wife at the gig too. Nice that people ask for autographs and stop
to chat, it gives me so much pleasure to say hello to the people who support
the band. Lorna came with me to the gig and we had a really good time, Lars
and me skipped out for an hour to find a Chippy, Excellent food. The people
at the gig were fantastic and danced all night, and thanks to the people playing
the blow up guitars Great Night.
27th Thorns Inn, Brierley Hill, W. Midlands
Well! Here goes on a three-night run with the band,
starting at Birmingham. Got there a few hours before the rest of the band,
it was a lovely day and I sat in the beer garden in the sunshine waiting for
the band. Little pub, and we thought it wouldn't fill up; it ended up quite
good and plenty of Quo fans in there. Bust a string for the first time and
I was devastated, one of my friends turned up with his girlfriend too, what
a plonker I felt. Brill gig. Off we went in search of the Travelodge hotel.
28th Plastic Red, Sidcup
Got up about 10am and just outside the hotel was a little
Tesco store and bakery, I'm having a bit of that. Got Lars out and we had
some nice brekky from the Bakery. So we were off to Sidcup and a nightclub
called plastic reds, and we had all the time in the world to get there, as
we weren't on stage till midnight. I was a little apprehensions as last night
I broke my A string, I have never broke a bass string so I was devastated.
Off we went and all was good and we were into whatever you want and BANG went
my E string, I couldn't believe it. I thought "what's wrong with my guitar"
and then Lars told my that I was playing very hard, a lot harder lately which
meant I now have to change my strings before every gig if I want to get to
the end. Off we went at the end of the night with
me in my car following the van as we drove back
to Devon for the following night's gig.
29th Langstone Cliff Hotel, Dawlish Warren
I stopped on my own at a Travelodge between Reading
and Bristol, as I was really tired whilst the band carried on to Plymouth.
The next morning was fantastic as I was really fresh and set off at my own
pace to the gig which was in a lovely hotel. I got to the venue, it was a
postcard, absolutely beautiful overlooking the sea. I took some footage of
the scenery and then Lars appeared. We spent some time taking in the views
and then the van appeared, we got set up and sound checked before Lars and
I went into the beautiful town to buy some bottled drinks for the stage. We
sat outside before the gig watching the evening come in and the wildlife changing
from seagulls to Bats and things, Fantastic. What a party that was, tuxedo
job and meals and stuff, I had to watch my Ps and Qs. Drove home that night
very fresh as the day was not tiring as the sleep earlier did the trick.
May
17th Chicago Rock, Mansfield
On to the Chicago Rock scene, you don't know what you're
going to get in these places. I had to go straight from work to this gig from
Leeds, took an age getting there and it was raining very hard when I got there.
It turned out to be a good gig and then home again.
18th Chicago Rock, Stourbridge
Played this one last year and it was great, so it was
like revisiting a holiday, you hope it will be as good as last time. It was
packed and the sound from the gear was really good. Several board members
attended the gig and posted good things about the band only to get people
slagging them off again. Who cares anyway?
21st Butlins, Bognor Regis
Well its arrived, and the lads have been saying for
months "wait until you do a Butlins gig" well its now time. Set off nice and
early and got to the venue about 4 o-clock two hours spare before the lads
got there. Great place and I walked around taking it in, when I went back
in to Centre Stage they were getting the stage ready and the lads 
from
Slade were getting their gear sorted. Couldn't believe it, I was taken to
Butlins every year as a kid on holidays and thought the acts were fantastic,
now I'm the act. The drummer from Slade, Don Powell, was setting up as two
of his fans were sitting in the empty venue watching. I went over to them
and chatted about the guitar he wanted Dave Hill to sign, and then spoke about
Clone, he was really excited when I told him that I was the bass player and
I began to explain where he planned to be as we were on stage. I told him
that I would come over to him and say hello when we were playing, which I
did to his delight.. Well I took my own bass rig, which is the same as Rhino's,
You Know! MARSHALL, as I wanted to give as much as I could to that particular
gig, and it was well worth it. Curtain opens with the drone playing, Paul
counts us in and were off.. I remember thinking f----ng hell as I looked out
on a sea of bopping heads all the way to the stage.
Well that was it I wanted to be as close to them as possible and it ROCKED.
During our set, It was funny watching Steve being Zapped by the smoke machine
which was directly over his head and when they used it, it came out freezing
straight over the drum kit and when it cleared! There was Steve shaking FROZEN.
This gig was the best experience I have ever had on stage and I was enjoying
every second of it, I didn't want the night to finish. I spotted the chap
I met before the gig who had the guitar for Dave hill to sign, I went straight
over to him and shook his hand and he was delighted. Great experience…
24th Chicago Rock, Banbury
I had to leave for this gig late, as I had to drive
there straight after work. When I arrived the gear was set up and Jon, a work
colleague, arrived with
his new girlfriend just as I was finishing
a lovely
"before the gig" meal . It started
to get busy by 10pm and shortly after we hit the stage. Stage was up really
high over the bar, Christ!! Wrong time to find out I suffer from VERTIGO,
every time I looked down, I went dizzy. Ha,Ha. DAM DAMN , during the first
2 songs my sound started fading, then OFF it went. During the confusion, I
couldn't find the problem so I hooked up to a line that restricted my movement
on stage. It turned out to be my transmitter battery on the guitar strap that
went down, OK though as the night went pretty good. No dramas or stories on
this one as I got there did the job then straight home for work the next day.
26th Cactus Jacks, Boston, Lincs
Half Day at work, then off on my journey to Boston.
Not due on stage till midnight, so it was a good few hours away. Got to the
venue and had to off load and park my car about a mile away, so Lars and me
walked back as we parked the van and my car together. Great little club and
the manager loved us as she is a big Quo fan, lots of people at the venue
and all singing and dancing with us. I remember driving home thinking, "I've
played so many gigs and people always come up to us at either the break or
at the end and say, you were absolutely brilliant, or fantastic, yet! I look
at the message board on Quo's site only to read so-called quo fans rip the
band to shreds. I am a stand in bass player and I love Status Quo old and
new as I have followed them for 30 years, and I really think that Status Clone
are very, very good. Oops that's a little moan out the way!
June
7th Chicago Rock, Fareham
Blimey! Some miles going on the car now, just ordered
my new one. Arrived nice and early, again. Walked around the sunny town centre
and then the band turned up, got the gear in and set up, really warm. Lars
and me went for a walk down to the marina, wherever you go with Lars, people
will look and say "Status QUO" because he genuinely looks like Rick. We walked
around the boats and stuff and had a nice chill and there was Steve sitting
on the wall looking out on the water, its not often Steve pops out for a walk
so it was nice to sit with him and have a laugh. Great venue, Lovely Food,
Nice people, lovely city, 10/10
14th Chicago Rock, Trowbridge
In and out Job for me this one, Got to the venue, straight
on stage, straight off in my car and home. What was that all about? Ha Ha
18th Butlins, Minehead
Well after playing Bognor a few weeks ago, I thought
well it's a breeze, but you can't say that about any gig. The night before
the gig I did a little homework, the band think I am mad, but I am enjoying
every minute of this, well! I was sat watching Quo playing Minehead for the
25th anniversary, then watched a few other DVDs. Right I am ready, Lets get
to Butlins. Here I am my gear on stage, tuned in and ready to go; now the
band arrives. All set up and were ready, Showaddywaddy are on after us, I
noticed a Status bass amongst their bass player's basses and chatted to the
chap setting them up, nice guy. Great to see my Marshall VBA400 and 8x10s
on the big stage and sounding nice and loud, I could only pull the volume
to about 5 as it was really loud, LOVELY!. The crowd were unbelievable as
the bounced and rock from start to finish and singing the QUOooOO you know
what I mean. Can't beat the genuine Quo fans.
30th Park Hotel, Diss
Long drive to Norfolk, a little hotel in Diss. met the
lads who stayed there the night before. The gig went down really well, but
at the sound check, we were hampered by a bloody sound sensor which triggered
the power off if we were at any audible volume at all, no chance! (so the
management unplugged it). Good little gig.
July
8th Private Function, Bamford
Well this was a relatively local gig for me on a Saturday
night, a great little wedding Got into the venue nice and early again and
set up sound checked and ready to go, 5pm and then the wait. Good time to
take Lars back to my house, soon as we arrived, he hopped onto the drum kit
and played along with quo. I had two rigs set up in the room, naturally (Marshall)
and Lars was quick to grab a guitar and thrash out the riffs from roll over
lay down and it sounded great. Got
back to the venue and took the wife with us and we had a great night, and
guess what? Bang went the A string on the second number. Great to have kids
at a gig and their parents asked if they could have a photo or two with me
and the guitar, really great gig. 
15th Billing Aquadrome, Northampton
What a place this was. Very hot day, and we were playing
in a massive marquee, never done that before. Had a great day walking around
the place sampling the great food and drink and talking to lots of people,
Paula and Ray supplied a lovely jacket potato for Lars and I before the gig.
I remember getting to DOWN DOWN and thinking, "I shouldn't have had that jacket
potato" Ha ha. Fantastic gig and the crowd were great. DVD for that gig came
out quite good. Plug!
21st Majestic Templestowe, Torquay
OK we're off on a three night mini tour starting in
Torquay. Drove to Lars's house and got there just in time for us to make our
way to the hotel. Another scorcher, I've never been to Torquay before and
it was breathtaking. The hotel was quite good with a nice big Pool outside,
but what a staircase to get all the gear down in this heat! Phew!!!! It was
worse getting it back up, I'm sure someone added a flight on the way out.
Great gig again with some great banter with the crowd. Into the car and off
to Lars's house for the night! Got up to a fabulous cooked brekky, what a
life!
22nd The Highfield Show, Littleport
Had a mess about with Lars's guitars and recording studio
before splitting to get in the van to Littleport. What a change in the weather
conditions, teaming with rain all the way to the venue with flash flooding
and thunderstorms. This was an outdoor gig and we thought it might have been
cancelled! Thank god it was OK when we got there, it cleared up a bit, but
the damage from the storms were evident on and off the stage. The first thing
we seen when we approached was this massive PA, closer inspection revealed
it was similar to the PA Quo use in that it was Martin. It was really great
playing out to a field of people as it reminded me of a recent Quo gig I went
to at Knowsley a few months ago. Some great acts were on stage that night
and Tina Turner was brilliant. Got back to Lars's house at about 6am, and
we were up at 11 playing guitars and having a great brekky again.
23rd Victory Hall. Roche
Where is the time going! We off to Roche in Cornwall,
quick stop, as we all needed an Ice cream, another scorcher.
Big hall this one so that meant that the echo was deafening. Great little
gig loads of pasties, funny as we went backstage after the gig and the pasties
had gone and just before we were to leave the venue, the manager asked "Do
you want a pasty" we said "Oh yes please" and with that he produced the pasties
that he gave us hours earlier. Ha ha I have had a fantastic time with Status
Clone and now the journey is nearly over with maybe 1 or 2 gigs to go. One
thing I have learned over my time with the band is, you never take anything
for granted and don't expect anything from anyone, if it works! Leave it alone.
I have learned so much about being on stage, being part of an act, timing,
and generally conducting yourself in an appropriate manner on stage. These
are qualities that very few have an opportunity to get, and I genuinely thank
Status Clone for my education in that vital part of playing live. I hope I
can go on now with that experience and either play in another tribute band
to Status Quo or build my own.
Take Care All
Brian (Bison) (Bigsmig) Smith