Love Junkies Photo-shoot Day - Video Diary

Ah, the sweet and sunny end of September. Glorious weather for beautiful people to enjoy. And so with light hearts and good intentions we made our way to Top Frog Studios in Ashford to get some new band piccies.

New, being the operative word here. Our last promo shot has done us rather well, but you know, well it was, well, a very long time ago. So with three suitcases, a head full of creative ideas and a make-up artist (thanks Bex) we set about the task in hand.

Dave and Marcus, a little underwhelmed by having to don 'a little bit of powder' for reflective reasons (naturally) set about doing other things whilst Rozz and Andee made themselves into visions.

Armed with only the camera on an iPhone and some ropey cropping skills, Dave recorded a video diary for general consumption. These pictures included here are NOT the fruits of our professional photographers!

Hope you enjoy, we had fun. Thanks guys.

Fancy listening to some more from The Love Junkies, get over to our site and check out some great live and studio audio.

The original album "What I Meant To Say" from Rox Clayton Scott and The Love Junkies is available to buy on iTunes.

Amazing Venues, Difficult Get-in's

We love a bit of a fanfare. Masters of ceremonies, trumpeters, honour guards and salutations - the works if you can provide that'd be lovely. However the best that we've managed so far is to have the Tower of London drawbridge raised for our benefit. On that occasion we were performing on the Dixie Queen, one of the few boats that manages to secure the raising of the bridge.

This time we were actually playing on the bridge itself. Well, on the walkways to be precise. If you've never really studied Tower Bridge that closely, you may have just glanced over the supporting cross brace structures at the top of the bridge. These are actually two corridors, closed off to the element, about 80m in length and 4m wide - and they're available to hire!

Hats off to the marketing people, Some bright events co-ordinator, thought it a good idea to promote this venue for functions. It's barely wide enough to fit a round table in with seating for about 8-10, yet fit tables in they do. A lot of them. You can hire the walkways for birthday parties, weddings, functions, etc and bizarrely it just about works. Of course the natural extension to this is to get some music and entertainment in the venue. This is where we come in.

As a flexible band we pride ourselves in being able to play most venues. Cramped, difficult access, out of the ordinary line-ups. This was something else. I guess that the venue works for acoustic musicians, jazz trios and smaller ensembles. However, a full 4 piece function band with PA, lighting equipment, drum kit, etc, etc. Well we gave it a go.

You've got about the same amount of space as a hospital corridor. So carefully setting up we managed to ensure at the least that punters were able to walk past the band. However we weren't able to face our audience. Also, the dance floor was to the side of us. It's a strange experience playing a gig to people who are watching you from the sidelines. Kind of like a rock stadium gig, but without the 50,000 fans in front. Anyway, play we did and dance they did - both of us filling our contractual obligations ;) However at the end of the gig and 'Sex On Fire' we started to get worried about physics as the walkway was bouncing up and down too much from the crowd jumping.

Dave and Marcus were both a little peaky that night. Andee enjoyed the fact that she got to play the drums for Poker Face - such flexibility! We had to wait a very long time to go on so learnt a lot about amazing bridges from the world bridge exhibition.

The get-in however was really hard. Parked about 200 yards away from the south tower (no loading between 5-7 bizarrely, so also on the look out for parking wardens) we had to shift the PA from Van to tower. Then up the lift and over the walkway. Nightmare. Fortuntaely we had the foresight to bring a couple of helping hands. It cost us money from our fee, but we wouldn't ever attempt this gig without employing a couple of porters. Just thought we'd warn other bands.

It's a great experience and the views are incredible. Don't underestimate the get-in!

No gain in Gaynes park

Last night, The Love Junkies played Gaynes Park in Essex. The band turned up early to try out a new lighting rig. Having allowed enough time to give the system a proper workout, we got in a sound check and there-in commenced battle with the sound limiter.

Booo! Pah! More frustration! Set very low, the limiter forced the band to turn down so much we had difficulty in playing. Sometimes you have to ask yourself, what's the point of these things? The worst of it though was the fact that we had set our level during the soundcheck and managed to play without it ripping the power from our equipment. However when we actually got to start playing for real it seemed that the sound limiter was more sensitive. Subterfuge perhaps?

We tripped it twice during our opening number Dancing in the Street, even though we had set our levels - as you can imagine this is really embarassing and not a great way to start the night - the only people who get it in the neck are us as the guests don't (largely) understand. Therefore, we would advise any Bride and Groom hiring the venue with a band in mind to be aware of this. We have a lot of experience playing with sound limiters and this one is calibrated particularly savagely.

Other bands take note! Okay, moan over.

Marcus and Dave are overjoyed with the new lighting rig

The rest of the wedding went well. Having managed to turn down quiet enough to play our set we aired some of our new material, including She Said, Poker Face and Firework. The band's favourite Poker Face, put a smile on our faces as we all sing "Mamamama". Got the audience up and dancing. Gagamania.

Even better were the new lights. We got a laser-thingy, two twirlymagigs, four spotywotsits, two poleys, one truss and a smoke machine - which we were told to turn off :( - thanks GP. In action, in a dark room, it all works rather well. Very, very impressed. The laser looks really cool with the fog machine.

Barbara Windsor - "there"

And guess what? Not that I'm interested in celebrity spotting but Barbara Windsor was there. She was. No word of a lie. Honest. Really. I don't think she danced though. We've also played to celebrity guests such as Pam St Clement (Paaaaaat from dour soap Eastenders), Jimmy Greaves (from Football, like) and Andy from CBeebies. So if you have a celebrity at your wedding, er, we won't fawn over them, talk to them (unless spoken to) or suffer from any starstruckness. We promise. Unless it's Al Pacino, Debbie Gibson or John Shuttleworth.

As always I like to comment on the catering. Great to see a Hog Roast - my favourite - and also a chocolate fountain in action (I thought those guys were out of business!)

...on with the old, in with the new!

Ladies and Gentlemen, after many successful years of performing Disco, Motown, Funk and Soul, the Love Junkies are pleased to announce their plans for the future. . . . .

MOre DiscO! MoRe moToWn! MORe FuNk and even MORE SOuL!!

But in addition ..... drum roll please .... we have decided to move firmly into the 21st Century. Therefore, please be upstanding for the announcement of a whole load of new and contemporary material;

Forget you/ cee lo green
Sex on fire/kings of Leon
You got the love/ Florence and the machine
Poker face/lady ga ga
Bad romance/lady ga ga
Firework/Katy perry
Hot n cold/Katy perry
Don't stop believing/journey
Mr brightside/the killers
Use somebody/kings of Leon
Ruby/kaiser chiefs
I predict a riot/kaiser chiefs
Who knew/pink
Brown sugar/rolling stone
Honky Tonk women/ rolling stones
I feel for you/ Chaka khan
Don't stop me now/queen
Call me/blondie
Billie Jean/Michael Jackson
Blame it on the boogie/jacksons
Boogie Wonderland / EWF
Higher and higher/ Jackie Wilson
Wanna be starting something/don't stop the music/Rihanna/mj

Now if that ain't enough to wet your appetite then, in the words of Cee Lo Green - "Forget You"!! ;-) We look forward to seeing you soon. xxx

Finally, a p*** up in a Brewery

Shepherd Neame Brewery, Faversham. A rescheduled Christmas party, a perfect venue plus 'The Love Junkies'. Certainly, there’s no shortage of beer here. In fact we’ll wager that we’d have all been able to get free top-ups all night... that is if we hadn’t had to work.

Dave opted for the Master Brew, Andee P, taking the sensible option and heading for the Spitfire. Dave was slightly disappointed and had Spitfire envy.

Again, fantastic to see a hog roast making itself available for our eating pleasure. But on to the job more pressing...

The brewery staff were in the mood to party, to which we duly obliged. We were Impressed with the spirit and friendliness of the Shepherd Neame staff and kudos to the organisers for moving the bad weather postponed party into the New Year. Not many companies would’ve done that.

The part of the brewery we played in was museum by day, so contained all manner of Shepherd Neame related paraphernalia from days gone by. Amazed to see a beautifully preserved Austin 1926 Delivery truck. Dave stored his guitar case in the back. Perfect.

Rozz was pub sign spotting. Hard not to, as the place was decorated with traditional pub signs from through the ages.

We were not disappointed to see a fair few beer bellies. If we worked there, we would be drinking the inventory too.

Village Hall Victory

Tonight's gig saw The Love Junkies in the depth of the Hertfordshire countryside in the (presumed) sleepy village of Ashwell. After a quick straw poll, we all agreed that we hadn’t played in a village hall for many a long year. Whilst this fact was not deemed to be hazardous to our existence as musicians, it also wasn't through deliberate avoidance. 

And in this case, the height of the stage, the rectangularness of the room, the inbuilt lighting rig and the tabbed curtains (which must not be moved) all added to a pretty detached and aloof playing atmosphere. During the pre-show wait, we started wondering how many acting careers have been launched from the boards here? How many budding bards have let forth their Hamlets, Ian McKellen perhaps. Er, probably not. 

We also started taking more silly photos.

During the soundcheck we had confirmed the big 'village hall' sound. In fact we had some concerns that we might blow the village to kingdom come, whilst still only playing at half our usual volume. "It’s difficult, you know, getting the balance right" mused Marcus.

Tonight though, we were very accommodating and did a special request for the birthday boy - a Level 42 fan. We put in a few hours gratis to add the new tune to the repertoire, a tricky little ditty known by the name of “Hot Water”. Not to boast, but I will boast that this sounded good. Good enough to be added to the regular list. The not inconsiderable crowd that had gathered for Scottie's birthday were also in fine form as we launched into the hardcore Junkies set. Dancing the night away, enjoying the band and having fun - which is all that we ask for in an audience.

After the gig was over we were greeted with enthusiasm and amazement that we'd been available to play for the birthday bash. Several kind partygoers, including hirer, Wendy were over the moon that they'd been able to find us on t'internet. Giving us all an embarrassingly but gratefully received pats-on-the-backs. 

That's kind of what makes the internet great. So well done and thanks to Wendy, Scottie and the Ashwell villagers on taking a punt online!

Victory!!

Celebs, Dignitaries and Warlords

One of the delights of this job is that you occasionally get to play weird and wonderful venues. Cue, Madame Tussauds this Thurs 7th October. This was a gig through agents Prelude and a 'slap on the back' type party for a company called Sodexo (we think). We'd played the same event for them last year, so we at least knew the form and were able to relax into the event.

Mr Depp and Ms Clayton-Scott

After waiting for the hordes to subside at around 6pm, and the building to be given security clearance we got the kit in upstairs into the World Stage room. Surrounded by such dignitaries as Nelson Mandela, Winston Churchill and Saddam Hussein we set about setting ourselves up. Flanked by Michael Jackson and Gary Barlow (who knew?) we sound-checked 'Valerie' and then retired upstairs, as we didn't have to be on until 10pm.

Our dressing room was in the meeting room up on the top floor. I don't know if you've thought about what happens to the old unfashionable celebrities when they leave the main stage. I think they are fairly ruthlessly melted down and the wax and body parts recycled. For some reason though, JK from Jamiroquai, the cat in the hat has escaped this fate and been preserved in the offices upstairs to preside over account management meetings.

Marcus gets fruity with JPG

Having made our way down a floor to get our tea in the A-List Celeb room. We had an hour or so to be silly and do the tourist thing. The photographic fruits of our work can be seen elsewhere on this Blog. Rozz's posting of her and Leo on Facebook fooled more than a few in the end. Marcus, got cuddly with Davina. Chris got cheeky with J-Lo and Dave pushed Stephen Hawking's buttons.

Come 10.30pm the novelty of being alone in a room full of celebrity waxworks was starting to wear thin and even become a little creepy, we were itching to get on. We delivered a back-to-front condensed Love Junkies set of around1hr and kept everyone dancing until the event finished. Good audience, danced all night, which is how we like it.

It wasn't until we started packing up that the fun began. Tussauds is a bit like a rabbit warren and we were back in the dressing room when the Fire Alarm went off. Take the red stairs (as Gemma had told me earlier) but alas that way was locked. Then suddenly we were on the brown stairs and it all went a bit Spinal Tap 'Hello Cleveland'. After about 20 mins of going through narrow corridors, visiting almost every wax display in the building and having doors close behind us, not to be able to get back through them again, we happened across a security guy who managed to do what we had failed to, and shepherd'd us out of the building.

Still, could've been worse. Actually a lot worse so we were pleased to find that the fire was actually a malfunctioning sprinkler. Annoyingly, the rigmarole of fixing the sprinkler and getting the 'all-clear' took about an hour and so we were left outside on the pavement, not packing away our gear for an hour. Got away at about 1.30am in the end. Now that's virtual insanity (sorry, sorry, sorry.)