Hi Everyone.

It's been a while but I'm so into Album # 3 that I've been forgetting to let you know what's happening.

This I decided to not just write, record and enter the first set of songs that came to mind.  I'm up to 20 possibles and began writing a song for my Mum. She's 87 yrs old and after 47 years with her partner Ken who very sadly passed from Cancer last August.  Mum & Ken were one. They were totally dependent on each other and now without him Mum is drawing on all her strength to keep her enthusiasm going. She's a fighter but she lives with constant reminders of what she had. Daily routines where "Ken always did this or that" Getting two cups out when making tea.  Shyopping and putting Ken's favourite biscuits in the basket.

This tune is for My Mum and all those out there that have lost their right arms.

My love goes out to all of you.

Steve XX

ThatchFest 2015, Running Order

http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/thatchfest-2015-tickets-17512184415?aff=es2

Running order from 13:00 (or sooner) =

Barry Stagg

The Skedaddles

The Hucksters Jive Band

Golden Boulder

Lorelei

Mike Fry Band

The Rock Redemption

Icca's Belle

The Rolling Tones

The Dirty Strangers

Our Chosen Charity

M.C - Dawn Gracie

ThatchFest 2015

https://www.facebook.com/TheThatchedTavern

Following my Jan 7th Post, I'm proud to say I've been formally asked to organize the very first Thatchfest EVER!!  The arrangements, possible trials and tribulations are forming identities and methods required to make the day a success for all are taking positive attitudes.

On Sunday 23rd August 2015, a total of ten bands will be showcasing their wares and skills from 1:00pm until 11:pm.  

Shortly, a list of all the bands playing will be formalised, once achieved, we hope to be able to individually Blog about each band.

The ThatchFest is a platform that hopes to bring together a variety of genres including Ska, Reggae, Rock, Vintage etc.  We're proud to say there are Originals bands as well as covers but they've all been selected because they are excellent within their genre.

I will be playing on stage both in a new covers band, featuring a rhythm section that are so obviously made for each other and certainly one of the best I've ever had the pleasure to play with.. The covers will, I'm sure be recognisable but performed with a personality and style all our own.

Also, alongside two members of 80's Rock band from Reading, Lorelei.. Bob Moody (Bass) & Andy Bierschenk (guitar)  During the 80's, Lorelei wrote and performed songs including some that have recently been recorded & released by some very current artists. Since all bands will be asked to perform for 45 minutes some of the original Lorelei songs will be accompanied by, SCB songs from Partay on til Dawn and some written by Bob & Andy recently and released at the end of 2014 on a brand new album. We've tried to chose carefully and are really excited about playing them for you.    

Unfortunately, Original drummer Brian Runham has work commitments overseas and can't join us but on the day the drummer gap will be filled by the amazing young talent of Dwight Brady, who has selflessly and literally been instrumental is helping get Steve Christopher Band out performing, plus he's currently performing and recording with several successful artists. I believe his skill as a percussionist and generally being a outstanding person stands as a testament to his dedication to his art. Oh! And he likes the occasional party.

Finally, tickets are available through the facebook group page 

Copy and paste :

 https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThatchFest2015/?fref=ts 

or pop in to check in.

2015 Open air Music Festival

It may seem a bit premature, but not for the first time I find myself looking forward to summer fruits and events.

This particular late summer event  (date to be formalised)

Will feature many varied bands and styles of music.

 There is one linking thread and that is "for the love of it"

The venue is on the South Coast of England (Chichester)

Tickets will be available one calendar month before the event

links to the website will be posted nearer the time.

Cheers, enjoy the Winter and see you in the sunshine.

Steve Christopher

The Target Pub and the Reading music scene during 

the 70's & 80's.

There I was, minding my own business when a request to join a facebook page leaped out at me.  

: People of the Target Pub It rang a bell, a loud bell. Actually, a bloody loud bell.  The Target pub was a cellar bar in the middle of Reading and from memory it's below The Hexagon in the Butts Centre. now closed down or perhaps even demolished?   I remember driving through the underground labyrinth of loading bays and car parking areas with my then wife who was giving me verbals about nothing in particular when all I could think about was playing at this renowned and fearsome venue. (Not a good start to a gig).    

I think it was a Reading Festival weekend in August. It was hot steamy and being a cellar bar, airless and dismal.   On this particular day, the pub offered us a choice of take a cut of the bar or charge entry. We chose the latter. The ladies took control of the door and charged entry at what seemed a fair price.  We (Lorelei # 2) were being supported by the Waltons who from memory were a little different from us but were lively and enthusiastic.   During the Waltons set, when the pub was already close to capacity, one of the ladies tapped me on the shoulder to say a whole bunch of Hell's Angels wanted to come in but didn't want to pay. Putting my nicest smile on I faced the leather and colour brigade who eventually coughed up with a warning that if Lorelei weren't better than "that shit" they would leave the bar in ashes and dust.  Do I return to the band and tell them what I know?  Hell, Yes!! why should I suffer alone?.

The Waltons finished their set and left the stage to decent applause then, while the road crew set up our gear the "Angels" pushed their way to the front. Presumably to be first to get to the drum kit and anything else they could destroy should they so choose.  In those days we had a wooden cut out light with the Lorelei logo letters at the front of the stage.  The light had several overpowered bulbs in it that gave out terrific heat and light and I recall one of the angels flicking cigarette ash into the cut outs. Me nervous? Bloody right!!!

Thanks to Phil Nixon Bass player of Lorelei # 1

The ladies left the door unattended to make a clear path to the cars below and we began to play. After the first few notes the floor began to move.   Fortunately for us it was in a rhythmical and positive manner. Some of the Leather jacketed bikers even joined in with the stage banter. Following our second encore, we received hand shakes offers for drinks (The bar was shuttered up) and thumps on the back that would have downed a mere mortal. we even had  help loading the gear.  

Just goes to show, if you're scared enough, you can achieve anything.

As a consequence of recent events, my fellow band members and myself have decided to add a bit of spice to our lives by going out as a Covers band that will showcase our Original stuff too. 

It's our hope that many new faces will be able to appreciate our material without having to pay for tickets to select and sometimes expensive venues.

We are now actively seeking a Lead Vocalist and/or Lead Guitarist/Vocalist and/or Keyboard/Vocalist.  Someone with a love for the stage will be looked on favourably.

Keep an eye open on this and our other contact sites 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/385148671521460/ (Steve christopher Band Rocks) Most updated.

http://www.reverbnation.com/stevechristopher?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav (This one not too regularly updated)

https://soundcloud.com/stevechristopher  (For a sound or two)

http://www.stevechristopherband.com/index.html  (For Tickets etc)

for dates and events.

Pictures taken by Jo Pritchard on 9th August 2013.

Check out gigs, etc. here: www.stevechristopherband.com. Or get updated and join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/385148671521460/

August 9th at Bracklesham Barn. 

This was the one that was to give us an idea of how some of the songs for the next album would be received live.

We were pleasantly surprised and had a great time doing it.

The show was opened by the terrifically Talented Tom Baird. Who at Just 15 yrs is a name that will be heard more and more as his popularity gains momentum.

Thanks for your interest guys. Hope to see you at the next Gig. 

Steve xx