Pub's open stage for bands (From Echo)

Pub's open stage for bands

9:20pm Sunday 20th July 2008

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ARE you an up and coming band? Finding it hard paying for instruments, while still finding extra cash for rehearsals? Maybe your group is even suffering from a little bit of stage fright! Well, if that is the case, then Mr Music Fixer himself, Ian Dane, owner of the King’s Head, in Rochford, might have just the tonic for you and your band- mates.

The pub, in Market Square, has its own stage, a full drum kit and all other musical equipment you could need, including a 12-track recorder. It’s all for the use of budding rock stars, completely free of charge.

They even have the gear to film performances, if you want to analyse your stage presence and live act closely afterwards.

“This pub is all about live music,” said Ian. “We try to have bands playing here six or seven nights a week, every week of the year, and it’s always free to get in! “I don’t watch TV, my life revolves around music, and I like to help other people with theirs. I’ve even been known to jump over the bar to get up on stage and play with them.”

Ian, who admits to having his own personal collection of five guitars and six basses, which he has been known to lend to gigging musician’s in dire need after their instruments have broken, said all new bands are welcome at the pub.

“It can be very expensive being in a band, but we’ve got all the gear here for people to use,” he said. “We let bands come in and rehearse on stage using the pub’s equipment for free in front of a live audience – the punters in the main bar.

“It certainly beats scraping around for money for rehearsal studios and other expensive equipment. We’ve got two bands who rehearse here on a regular basis at the moment. The James Goulding Band come on a Monday night and another group visit on Tuesday evenings who haven’t come up with a name yet. It’s early days for them.

“We’ve got a complete PA system, five lead amps, a complete drum kit, every other amp you could think of and 12-track recording equipment. Basically, everything you need to get up on stage and start playing.

“After bands have rehearsed, the night usually turns into a jamming session, with people getting off their bar stools to pick up an instrument and join in.

“We get a lot of musicians drinking down here now, which is great as everyone can talk to each other and there is a lot of good advice being handed on.

“We’re turning into a nice little music workshop community and anybody seriously into their music is welcome.”

James Goulding, from Southend, whose self titled band have been playing at the King’s Head on Monday evenings, said the pub’s dedication to the local music scene is priceless.

“We’ve definitely found the King’s Head very useful,” said the 26-year-old.

“Money can be really tight and it’s very expensive starting up a band.

“Using the pub for free rehearsals and playing in front of a bar full of people has been a great help to our development.

“The King’s Head is so good for music and the owner, Ian, deserves a lot of credit for the support he gives musicians.”

If you would like to book into the King’s Head for a free rehearsal, or use the pub’s equipment, you can get in contact with Ian by popping into the bar, or by visiting the venue’s website at www.myspace.com/ rochfordbeat

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