Stuart Hall’s site for sore ears…

…well, at the Riff’s bar in Swindon actually, and even tho’ very very hot it was a remarkably friendly place, so possibly not very hell like at all…

So, my band had the job of crowd warming for the Steve Grimmett band last night which, although always fun, is not the main reason I turn up… the reason I turn up is to watch Steve after we’ve finished our set!

Anyway, we played an ok set, thanks to our sound man Ian doing his usual great job of making us sound better than we really are, a kind crowd who actually acknowledged we were there, and a great sound system that made sure all the people who decided to wait outside for the main act could still hear us regardless of where they tried to hide!

But like I said, the main reason for going was to see the Steve Grimmett band and as usual Steve delivered like the legend he is and everyone had a great time.

From a guitary point of view, Steve’s guitar player, Ian Nash, performed another outstanding gig, anyone who plays guitar and is into their metal should really check him out, he’s a great example of a player who balances soul, speed and creative phrasing with a massive technical ability and makes it look soooooo easy – but trust me it really really isn’t!

But possibly the highlight of the show was when Russ (my singer and son of Grimmett senior) got on stage and sang ’see you in hell’ with his dad… the crowd went nuts and Russ lapped it up (cos to be honest we ain’t used to getting that kinda reception!!)

It also gave me a chance to try my hand at gig photography cos I’ve never tried it before and to be honest there was a varying level of success to the resulting pictures! The better ones I’ll put on my gallery on the photo page at some point.

Anyway, if you missed it then, well, you missed it! All I can suggest is to check out the myspace page, buy the album, and catch him next time.

Now, I love lego games… what started with Lego Star Wars moved to Indy to Batman and I’ve played them all with only batman still waiting for me to complete to 100%… which I plan to do when time allows. Ace games..

I also love Rock band style rhythm games… ok, guitar hero, but I’m guessing rock band is just as cool cos it seems to be just as successful as GH.

So why, does Lego Rock Band feel sooooo so so so so wrong?

I think there is a big lump of what’s the point getting in my way of liking the idea of this game… maybe I’m missing some unique additional gameplay mechanic that will make this worthwhile. Not sure I am tho’ :/

but that’s not the worst bit… game play:

man, it just looks pointless! Why?! why do we need this as well as Rock Band? What function does it serve that Rock Band already doesn’t? Man, I’m so confused!!!

listen to the whole album here to hear what happened when the one of the world best vocalists, guitarists and drummers got together with Michael Anthony!

…then go buy it

Joe Satriani, Chad Smith, Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony Rock Supergroup…

coooooooooooool!

Man I really hope it works as well as the simulated ad! Can’t wait to kick some virtual butt – imagine: DOA in first person with motion sensor?! Awesome!

However, on the worrying side:

I mean… why?! I don’t consider myself the most social animal on the planet – but do I really need an artificial 12 year old cyber kid to be my friend?

But get the concept into the next Elder Scrolls game and that could make for some interesting RPGing

…but don’tcha got to feel sorry for those PS3-ers… they get to waggle a dumb stick at the screen! lol… c’mon Sony! Keep up!!

lol… I laugh every time I see that… lol!!

Ok, so I’m going back to 22nd of May for this post but I just wanted to tell the world about a most amazing night.

Josh Doyle, for those who don’t know, was front man and songwriting dude with pop/rock/punk band the Dum Dums. Since their split he moved to Nashville where he works by day and pursues a musical career at all other times.

Well, after 8 years of getting his sh*t together he finally made it back to these shores to perform a few selected gigs around the country.

I was lucky enough to grab some tickets to his Bristol show, where he performed as an acoustic duo with his guitar player to a tightly packed room of around 30 people…. and boy did he perform!

If you weren’t there then you’re never gonna know how amazing the night was but take it from me if you ever get the chance to see him in such a small, intimate setting then don’t think twice, don’t hesitate, grab the opportunity and you’ll ‘get it’.

To give you an example I saw the Dum Dums open for Bon Jovi at Wembley Stadium ages ago, there were around 60,000 people there and josh performed to every single person! If one man can project their personality amongst that many people and have you ‘feel it’ just imagine when you reduce that number to a close 30 people and you’ll start to understand how powerful the night was ie. take 60,000 parts of Josh Doyle charisma and add 60,000 Bon Jovi fans and each one gets one part of Josh Doyle… take the same 60,000 parts of Josh Doyle charisma and spread it among 30 people… you get the idea?! Just an amazing night…

Oddly after getting there a bit late (but not late for the show), we actually lucked out on some cheeky onstage seating so were literally sat next to him throughout the gig!

Anyway I got to say hi and had some stuff signed… but the guy must do his research cos – get this- he only knew who I was! I guess 30 people ain’t that many to remember but it just goes to show how swtiched on he is and how seriously he takes his business.

Anyway, that’s it… I just wanted to share

Also, while I’m here on another subject completely, the 3 weeks I gave myself to do the website appears to have turned into 3 days by a bit of luck and magic so as long as this posts ok I’ll announce this site now open… yay!

Soooo, were you expecting something different? Aha! well Stuart Hall Guitar Tutor is going through some changes – it’s an age thing!

But bare with me a little while whilst I whip this site into a more community friendly, diverse, interesting, and student participating site.

But it may take a few weeks… it’s now 28th May… I reckon 3 weeks from now we’ll be basically there… start your watches!

In the meantime, anyone requiring lessons or lesson information contact me at lessons@stuarthallguitartutor.co.uk