Band Diary

The Fleece in Bristol

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:00:00 GMT

We knew we were in for a warm night in Bristol. When we were soundchecking it was hot on stage and that was without the spotlights on. We thought we'd better get some liquid down us so we retired to t...

The Fleece in Bristol

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Moxsters 20th June

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:00:00 GMT

This is going to be one of those 'stream of conciousness' type blogs as I'm a little fuzzy round the edges about when things happened, where things happened and with who it happened. If I've missed...

Moxsters 20th June

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Blogs are like buses

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Nothing for over a year and then two in four days. Our preparations for Moxsters are going well.We're allon a strict diet of mild andbitter, Bron is stocking up on chocolate for the day and Neil is...

Blogs are like buses

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Snakebite are Alive

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Well it's been quite a while since we've posted anything on our Myspace blog or site. But now we've had a change of personnel and things are settled within the band we'll make the effort to post here ...

Snakebite are Alive

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Moxsters and The Twist

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:14:00 GMT

I haven't really got a lot to say about the gig at the Twist in Colchester except a big thanks to the people who came, they wasn't many of you but you made a lot of noise. It was much appreciated by all of us in Snakebite. Let's hope the venue can get it's promotional act together and advertise gigs in future.

We're all getting geared up for the Moxsters gig in Coalville on the 20th June. I've never gigged there before so I guess that makes me a Moxsters virgin! Tom, Bron and Rog have gigged there a few times and they tell me that the beer's good, the music's loud and the girls are bad. Sounds like we're going to have a good time. We're having to cut down our usual set of two and a quarter hours to just one hour for this gig so if there's any Whitesnake songs that you really want to hear, shout 'em out loud and we'll try to fit in the set. I'll bring my slide guitar just in case you shout out for Lovehunter. Not that I'm trying to influence anybody to SHOUT OUT FOR LOVEHUNTER.

See you on the 20th, Peter and all of us in Snakebite

Stafford Rangers 30th May

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:50:00 GMT

This was a long day for us. A very long day. We met up at 10.30 for the drive to Stafford so we could see the cup final. Having two Chelski - sorry Chelsea - supporters and one Everton supporter in the band we were determined to get there in time. We were very kindly allowed to watch the final in the members bar of the Stafford Rangers Social Club. Apologies from the band to the club members for the profanities from one member of Snakebite when the ref gave a poor decision. I won't say who it was but she promises not to do it again.
Much later Rainbow Rising took to the stage and played some great stuff. We thoroughly enjoyed their set. And they're a good bunch of guys too. When we finally got on stage it was getting pretty late. We would have liked to have started earlier but it was out of our control. Big thanks to everyone who was there and singing along with all the Whitesnake songs. We had a good time and hope you did too. Maybe we'll see you at the Moxsters or the Wulfrun hall or the Limelight.
And then to cap a great weekend I got to see Lynyrd Skynyrd on Sunday evening at the Brixton Academy. If only every weekend could be like that.

cheers to all you good people who came to the gig, hope to see you again soon.

Peter and all of us in Snakebite

The Railway Bromley 22nd May

Sun, 24 May 2009 17:50:06 GMT

It was a bit of a rollercoaster ride leading up to this gig. When we got a call saying the gig was cancelled because the Railway might be closing, we were all pretty p!$$£) off. But next day the gig was back on again and the pub had got a temporary reprieve. Nearly having the gig cancelled really brought it home to us how much pubs like the Railway mean to bands and gig goers. It may not be the biggest or smartest venue in the South East but it always has a good crowd who like their music loud and Tony the promoter has worked really hard to get good bands in there. If you're ever in Bromley, Kent in the evening, check it out to see what bands they've got on. I can recommend it 'cos it's one of my favourite local pubs.
So after a quick change of strings, a polish of the ivories, an extension on the drum-kit and a spray with wd40 voice lube we were ready. When we got there, we set up, sound checked, and some of the band went off to do their hair, while others went off to buff their heads. If you've seen us live you know who I'm talking about. By the time we started at 9.45 the place had a good buzz and the two hour set just flew by all too quickly.
Highlights were:
the "extra" from Saturday night fever dancing at the front. I don't know who you were man, but you could give John Travolta a run for his money.
the crowd at the front during Here I go again. You were singing so loud I could here you even above Rhys' guitar.
the guy who was salivating over Bronja's keyboards. Or at least that's what I think he was looking at!
A big thanks to you all for being there, it was great. And a big thanks to Tony for all the hard work organising it all. We'll be back in October. Long may the Railway stay rockin'.

Peter

Chester Bells 2nd May

Mon, 11 May 2009 19:23:58 GMT

After a late start on our journey from Kent to Chester, we found out just how fast the Snakebus could go. We now know it's as Fast as F***. When we arrived we did wonder if Neil's ever expanding drum kit would fit in the stage area, but with a bit of shoving around we managed to get it in. Having a wall with a hole in it at one side of the stage it was an unusual set up, but Lee, the friendly owner, helped us with a bit of guidance as to where to set up the PA speakers. A quick set up and a soundcheck and we were happy to see the place was filling up. By the time we started there was a good crowd round both sides of the stage and even a few faces at the hole in the wall. Thanks to all you people who were singing along, dancing and jumping up and down. We all love the music of Whitesnake and it's great to see other people really enjoying it too, whatever age you are. 80? Really? I hope I'm still enjoying gigs at 80.
We must make an apology to those people who have told us that the sound wasn't what it could have been. We'll make no excuses here, but if you come and have a chat to me next time you see us I'll tell you why. So for the next gig at the Portland Rock bar in Hove we will be using a PA company with a 12k rig and for the gig at the The Railway Hotel, Bromley, we will be using our own PA and using the services of two of the best soundmen that the promise of free beer and kebabs could get us.

Beaverwood Club 23rd April

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:53:47 GMT

A quick note to say to all the people who came down the Beaverwood last night....Thank you for making us feel welcome. Although we had a few technical sound problems, hope it didn't spoil your fun, we enjoyed ourselves anyway. It was the first time we'd played Lovehunter and Slow and Easy and I think it went down well. The support band Colt.44 were excellent as usual, cheers guys. I think one day they could be a big band, maybe they'll be Colt.44 tribute bands in the future?
Big thanks to Pete Feenstra for all his hard work on this gig and for all the other great gigs he's bringing to the South East, top bloke. Thanks to Neil for helping us pack up at the end of the night, and yes mate, Valve amps are HEAVY, and the more you drink the heavier they get.
I hope that if you enjoyed the Beaverwood gig then we'll see you at the Railway Hotel, East St, Bromley on the 22nd May. It's only a few miles away and it's only £2 to get in. We expect a full house so get there early if your coming.

Cheers to you all, Peter

The Tripod Dublin Feb 21st

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:30:00 GMT

We'd been looking forward to this gig for what seems like ages and Dublin was everthing we thought it would be and more. We watched Dirty Deeds from up in the balcony so we could check out the audience and see if they were up for a good time. There was plenty of dancing and singing going on, especially to any Thin Lizzy numbers.
When we walked out on stage we could feel a good vibe from the audience, but when Tom shouted his usual greeting of "Are you ready!!!!!!!!" the roar we got back told us all we needed to know.
As we were in Dublin we had to play a bit of Thin Lizzy so when we got to Walking in the shadow of the blues we threw in a bit of Whiskey in the jar. Yes we could hear you from up on stage and we could see you dancing. I think we'll have to learn some more Lizzy for next time. We only had just over an hour to fit in as many songs as possible so some of the classics had to go. To those of you that were calling for Ain't no love and Is this love, sorry we just didn't have time.
After we'd finished our set I had the great pleasure of meeting Philomena Lynott backstage. A rare priviledge. Thanks to all you people who came up for a chat after the gig, it was good to talk to you all. Special mention goes to Karen and John who came over from Chippenham to see us plus they bought me a beer. Cheers!
It was great to watch Higher on maiden playing their set. A very exciting, professional band and a really good bunch of guys. Special mention also goes to Lloyd the promoter. Everything was laid on for us, well organised and exactly as he said it was going to be. Great job mate.
We had an 'interesting' ferry journey home but I'm sworn to secrecy by a certain other band member as to exactly what happened. Maybe the truth will come out one day?
We hope to be back in Ireland later this year, maybe playing a few more venues next time. Hope to see you there. Cheers, Peter Snakebite.

The Railway Hotel Bromley

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 06:40:00 GMT

When I got a call from Tony (the promoter for the Railway and top bloke) asking if we'd like to play a gig there I had my doubts. Last time I played there with a previous band we had eight people in the audience. Four I'd brought with me, two were so paralytic they couldn't get off their barstools without falling over and the other two just happened to wander in 'cos it was raining. But as the Railway had a new gov'nor and Tony is such as nice geyser we thought we'd give it a go. We hadn't gigged over Xmas and we could do with a quiet warm up gig before we go off to Dublin on our 'Irish Tour'.

When we got there, there was a bit of a buzz about the place. As we set up, the 'suits'left and the place just filled up with proper people and a few beers later they all looked ready to rock. So much for a 'quiet warm up gig'!! What we got was a hot, sweaty, steaming gig with a great audience. Just how we like it. I was told afterwards that we played for over two hours, but the time went so quickly we just didn't care.
Thanks to all the people who suggested what 'Snake songs we could do next time. We'll get together and rehearse some of them for the next gig. We'll see you back there on Friday 22nd May. Railway Hotel, we thank you. Cheers to you all, Peter

Phantom Guitarist

Sun, 02 Nov 2008 21:55:00 GMT

Hi Snakefans,

just felt that we should share a recent update in the band. As readers of these pages will know we thought we had recruited a guitarist called Marius to the Snakefold. But many no shows at rehearsals lead to us having to play Beacon Court as a five piece. Although the new guys played well there was something missing in a big way.
There are many unsubstantiated theories about Marius and whether he was planted to waste our time. We will suffice to say we decided to pull the plug on his involvement in the band before any further time was wasted.
Onwards and Upwards, Karma and all that "Peace & Love" etc
Well we have now recruited a damn fine new Snake for you.
Rhys West has been a big Malmsteen fan and attended the Institute in Brighton to hone his skills, he is well up to the job and you are going to love him. He has fitted in quickly and we all love his playing technique.
Our two new guitarists are not only highly talented but have complimentry playing styles. The future is bright!
Oh well, thats all for now folks
We wish you well!
Tom

Its All Change on the Snakebus!

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 02:05:00 GMT

Well its been a long summer without much weather to give cheer.
So Nick decided to emigrate to Canada, Pete decided work & family commitments should be taking priority. Ray decided to go off and join Ariel Bender (Ex Mott the Hoople) we brought in Big Malk on the drums only for him to busy with other projects...... Phew just like London Busses, Snakes don't leave in ones!!
So we have been recruiting, in comes Peter Lugg and Marius McGuiness on guitars and Neil Turnbull takes the throne, well he is on the drums to put it more politely!

We are looking forward to blowing off the cobwebs after rehearsing at the awesome Bernie Torme's studio. There is a great vibe about this line up. There is a lot to live up to! But life goes on and to quote Coverdale our message to all the guys who have moved on is "We wish you well"

Hope to see you all again soon, preferably this Saturday at The Beacon Court

Rog's Courthouse Dartford Ramblings

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 01:40:00 GMT

Sunday 2nd March saw us at the Courthouse in my home town of Dartford for what we intended to be a low key affair on a Sunday night. Although I had seen a few bands play here before ,this was my first time performing.
The first thought that struck us was "would all our gear fit in?", but after persauding the friendly barman to move a few chairs and tables we had bags of room.
After a quick burst of Dont Break My Heart as asound check we could tell that the acoustics would be good.
I cant remember a lot about the gig except lots of friendly faces singing along, the huge tv behind us showing music videos while we were playing, oh yeah and we were LOUD! This tuned out to be a great relaxed gig with lots of banter and the staff singing and leaping about .Thanks to Dave the landlord and his staff and most of all to you for coming out on a Sunday ,look forward to coming back but hopefully on a Saturday next time.
Cheers Rogersnake. .

The 12 Bar Swindon 26th Jan 2008

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 20:00:00 GMT

The 12 Bar - Swindon

Sat 26th Jan saw our first trip to Swindon's brilliant 12 Bar venue. Ray had played there before and had built up expectations, so we were all looking forward to the first gig of our 2008 dates and blowing away the post Xmas and New Year cobwebs (this was quite literally the case for one guitar stand in particular!).

The trip along some of the UK’s busiest motorways was really easy and we turned up with plenty of time to be greeted by Dave, the hugely friendly 12 Bar owner. The venue was great with top facilities in the dressing room as well a fantastic PA and lighting rig.

We'd worked hard on promotion again and this had paid off with some local press and Tom being interviewed on BBC Wiltshire that lunchtime, so we were hoping for a good turn out.

Sound check was as smooth as a baby's, especially with 'Prog-rock' Paul behind the controls who'd done the sound for Michael Schenker the week before!!!!!

By the time we hit the stage the room was getting close to full and buzzing. This was going to be fun, from the opening riff to Burn, it was obvious that we had a crowd who knew their music! There were a good few Whitesnake T-shirts, and people we're singing along from the off. By the time the traditional Ain't no Love choir was due, they were in great voice and the 2 or so hours flew by. Notable highlight was Walking in the Shadow of the Blues, a new song to the set that went without a hitch and was lapped up by the crowd.

Thanks to everyone who turned us especially the delightful Karen and John who I’m sure we’ll see again! Also birthday girl Nikki and friends – it’s always great to see the girls having a good time! We’ll back, can’t wait to see you all again!

Pete

Beacon Court Gillingham, 7th December

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 19:45:00 GMT

Hi Snakefans!

Well it was the last gig of the year on home turf so a bit dissapointed at the turn out. Although notwithstanding this the crowd that was there made up for numbers by being in fine voice.
Great to see so many friends of the band, plus Paul the sound man knows his room and is a Whitesnake fan so we always get a great sound.
Thanks to all the members of Love Honour & Disobey for turning out, I am sure we willbe watching you guys in the near future.
I had quite a long chat with Simon the landlord after the gig and he is starting to get the feeling that the Classic Rock bands are not the draw they used to be after several top line tributes not filling the room despite having rammed the place out previously. I think that in Simons case the local council have not helped matters with the parking restrictions put in place about a year ago. But also he has a point.
If people continue to take it for granted that the music will be available live, they have got it wrong. If the people do not turn out the music will die in live format because none of the bands can afford to exist without paying punters coming through the doors. Furthermore all the clubs will disappear too.
Once these venues have gone the councils will oppose new live music licences without soundmeters and the like being fitted. At this point the music dies unless you start goingto places like Wembley, O2, Astoria and the like.
Some of you guys may remeber the same happening to the cinema industry ion the 80's. All the old town Cinemas died and it took a while before the Showcase and Multiscreen cinemas appeared.
We do this because we enjoy it, everybody who comes to our shows tell us they enjoy it. Do I get the feeling that Apathy is starting to take hold in the South as we do not get the same in the midlands and east Anglia although trends do spread from the South upwards and outwards
The other side of course is that we are musicians not promotors and we may not be marketing ourselves in an effective way to maximise the audience. Anybody who specialises in this area would be welcomed into the Snakebite fold.
Oh well rant over!!
For those of you who were there last night, we salute you

Love & Light
Tom