In just little over a week I have the pleasure to be putting on Hurray
For The Riff Raff on what is the first night of their headlining UK
tour.
I don't
think I can really convey how excited I am about this.
Whenever
anyone uses the word promoter to describe me I cringe.
I'm not a
business man.
The
simple truth is that I'm a music fan who sometimes puts on a gig or
to.
So the
excitement I feel has nothing to do with any money - it's a non
profit making gig with the money after my outlay going to cover the
cost of Hurray for the Riff Raff, and the rest being split between
the supports – and everything to do with my appreciation of the
talents of the band.
Since I
first heard them there's not a day goes by that I don't listen to
them.
Sometimes
it is the whole of one of their albums, other days it is just a song
here and there as I share them out online as I promote the show.
Whenever
I do listen to them I actually feel a bit of a thrill.
There's
something primitively enchanting about them.
They just
sound.....well real I suppose.
Lacking
in the trappings of showbiz.
Part of
the attraction is also that on studio recordings it is so very
obvious that they are primarily a live band, and I'm literally
counting down the days until they arrive.
I just
now that on a stage in front of an audience they will push things onto the
next level.
Friends have commented about the link with Alabama Shakes and their success (They share a producer), likewise the media attention that the band are now getting (mentions in The Sun, Sunday Times, Mojo and Uncut) as if this has anything to do with why I am looking forward to the gig.
In some peoples eyes it seems like a big deal, and it is, but the main thing for me is that I'm involved in putting on a band that I truly admire.
The icing on the cake is that all the supports, Little Fire, The Dirt and Matt Scott are all friends.
In my head the night is going to be like a big warm family party.
So far
sales of tickets have went very well, and without exaggerating to
generate more sales it does look like it will sell out.
I
sincerely hope it does.
The band
deserve nothing less than a honestly rousing support to start their
tour off.
Now
listen to this with an open mind and forget what is in or out of
fashion. Just listen.
