A trip to Dundee to see Hayseed Dixie, straight after The Wickerman Festival seemed like a stupid idea, and it was (Debbie and I hadn't had a good night's sleep for five days, and we were shattered). But as soon as we arrived in Dundee, things picked up... We checked in to our hotel at the same time as Jake, Don Wayne and Dale (who wanted my shirt), the band went off to soundcheck, and we went for dinner (fantastic Sausages with Mash and Gravy)...oh, and there were penguins...
Fat Sam's is a nightclub, complete with chrome and neon...a strange choice for a Hayseed Dixie gig perhaps...but we were reassured to see a couple of 'Outhousers' there, amid the strange melting pot of young and old rock fans, bikers and girls in cowboy hats...
Drinks in Fat Sam's were very dear ! £4 for a warm pint of Tennents in a plastic glass ! I was dismayed to discover that they didn't sell IRN BRU either...and the sound desk guy seemed to have found the only rock tape in his collection...Hendrix... still, the support band were good, and I could happily have heard a few more songs from them, as they were just getting into a nice bluesy groove when they finished their set (nice beer bottle percussion!) I think they may be coming to LOOPALLU ?
After a false start caused by a dodgy mandolin lead, Hayseed Dixie kicked off with Have A Drink On Me...the crowd seemed hesitant to come forward, giving us veterans a chance to dance, and take pictures.
As usual, three songs in to the set, and the crowd had been won over... this band spreads sheer joy, through great banter, song choice and sheer talent. It had been a while since I'd 'testified' and it seemed as if the heat in the venue, my lack of sleep, and tent-inflicted sore back were somehow swept away in the presence of my favourite band.
I have never been up so close to the band. The stage was tiny, and I was worried that my camera's flash might be too distracting for the guys, so I took a lot of pictures without a flash...forgetting to increase the shutter speed ! Cue a lot of blurred pics ! Bleh ! Anyway, I was pleased to be given the opportunity of studying Don Wayne's playing up-close...I have to accept that I will never be able to play this well...(nobody will, he's incredible!)
Highlights of the set were a rendition of The Tennessee Waltz (lost on this crowd ? Debbie and I stole a chance to dance together !), a superb Big Balls, and a surprise inclusion of I Wish I Was You...
The crowd got noisier and noisier, and I was annoyed by one woman's screaming during songs, I asked her to please wait until the song had ended...She took my complaint well, but still screamed ! Ho Hum !
Big Jake played brilliantly, and was admired by the girls near the front, ( the ladies like a sideburn apparently...to hold on to !)... one girl passed him her hat, (a good fit, surprisingly) He seemed amused by Debbie and me doing 'funny walks' to Walk This Way...
Dale, in his kilt, was a star, as usual...a cartoon character, who pleased the old Outhousers as well as the new fans...I won't reveal what was under his kilt (until after the Scottish leg of the tour finishes...)
Fat Sam's is a nightclub, complete with chrome and neon...a strange choice for a Hayseed Dixie gig perhaps...but we were reassured to see a couple of 'Outhousers' there, amid the strange melting pot of young and old rock fans, bikers and girls in cowboy hats...
Drinks in Fat Sam's were very dear ! £4 for a warm pint of Tennents in a plastic glass ! I was dismayed to discover that they didn't sell IRN BRU either...and the sound desk guy seemed to have found the only rock tape in his collection...Hendrix... still, the support band were good, and I could happily have heard a few more songs from them, as they were just getting into a nice bluesy groove when they finished their set (nice beer bottle percussion!) I think they may be coming to LOOPALLU ?
After a false start caused by a dodgy mandolin lead, Hayseed Dixie kicked off with Have A Drink On Me...the crowd seemed hesitant to come forward, giving us veterans a chance to dance, and take pictures.
As usual, three songs in to the set, and the crowd had been won over... this band spreads sheer joy, through great banter, song choice and sheer talent. It had been a while since I'd 'testified' and it seemed as if the heat in the venue, my lack of sleep, and tent-inflicted sore back were somehow swept away in the presence of my favourite band.
I have never been up so close to the band. The stage was tiny, and I was worried that my camera's flash might be too distracting for the guys, so I took a lot of pictures without a flash...forgetting to increase the shutter speed ! Cue a lot of blurred pics ! Bleh ! Anyway, I was pleased to be given the opportunity of studying Don Wayne's playing up-close...I have to accept that I will never be able to play this well...(nobody will, he's incredible!)
Highlights of the set were a rendition of The Tennessee Waltz (lost on this crowd ? Debbie and I stole a chance to dance together !), a superb Big Balls, and a surprise inclusion of I Wish I Was You...
The crowd got noisier and noisier, and I was annoyed by one woman's screaming during songs, I asked her to please wait until the song had ended...She took my complaint well, but still screamed ! Ho Hum !
Big Jake played brilliantly, and was admired by the girls near the front, ( the ladies like a sideburn apparently...to hold on to !)... one girl passed him her hat, (a good fit, surprisingly) He seemed amused by Debbie and me doing 'funny walks' to Walk This Way...
Dale, in his kilt, was a star, as usual...a cartoon character, who pleased the old Outhousers as well as the new fans...I won't reveal what was under his kilt (until after the Scottish leg of the tour finishes...)Inverness punters be warned... You're in for a shock !
A very hot, sweaty gig, but an enjoyable one...
It was great to meet other fans, and I'm sorry that I didn't say hello to more people who have contacted me online...
If you make it to Inverness, please say 'Hello'
d:oD
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