Last night I went to see a band that had a big impact on me growing up. It was a one off reunion show by The Beekeepers. They’re from my home town and NOT one of the many other bands from around the globe who have since adopted the same name.

Its hard to describe how important this band is to everything I’ve done since. Having been listening exclusively to Queen since the age of 5 our new guitar player, of the band we had at school, told me about this band I should check out. We went to see them play in a pub (we were dramatically underage!), in Belper which is near to Derby, I was instantly convinced of their greatness.

The Beekeepers captured my imagination to such an extent that looking back I’m pretty sure the songs I was writing at the time, for my school band, were my own interpretations of the early Beekeepers demos!

I was actually hesitant to go to the show last night, some things are best left in the past as great memories but I am so glad I went now! Although they were missing original rhythm guitarist Julian Berry they still had the exact same power and passion that captured my impressionable musical mind years ago. I believed back then and last night reaffirmed the belief that it is a crime this band didn’t achieve bigger success.

My favourite recording is the 6 track demo that I managed to get because our guitarist at the time was the nephew of the bands manager, it really captures the band as I remember them, intense energetic and fun.

The song Elsewhere is one of the few songs I wish I had written (along with Queen’s Somebody To Love) that’s the best compliment I could give a song!
I’ve been thinking a lot (maybe too much) about time on earth, destiny and legacy while making our new record and it makes no sense to me that a song like Elsewhere (from the mini album THIRD PARTY FEAR AND THEFT, BUY IT FROM iTunes) is not in consciousness of the world – Although we did try and break it into the US market while cruising along Santa Monica during a day off from recording, blasting it out the hire car speakers!

Thanks to the Beekeepers for the music, the memories AND for playing Deep Fried Thought!!

x

New picture by Rob Baker Ashton,
check out his other work here http://www.robbakerashton.com/

X files / Rambo fantasy coming true! Pics by Joanne O’Neill

Continue reading “Video shoot day two”

Some stills from the performance part of our new video, taken by Rob Baker Ashton

Working on the DVD for the deluxe version of the album with our good friend Rob Baker Ashton. Been fun seeing all the footage we have collected on the road and in the studio. Cant wait for you all to see it and hear the new record!

Thanks so much to all who sent in photos of your cities, its so interesting going through them.
From what I have seen so far they’re almost equally of cities we have already visited AND cities/countries we have yet to reach which is amazing!
I don’t think I really thought, in advance of receiving them, how much of an insight into your worlds these photographs would provide us.

My friend Rob sent me this picture of me on tour which I love, check more of his work out at robbakerashton.com

Hey everyone, hope you’re all doing good. I just created a Ustream account. Still figuring out how it works but I’ll be broadcasting from it as often as I can, playing some songs and generally existing online! I’ll let you know when my first broadcast will be! check it out!

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/we-exist-as-shadows

Taken by good friend of the band Steph Fiorese, follow @stagefrightTv

Spent  a wonderful few days shooting some photos with our great friend Rob Baker Ashton. The main set of pictures are planned for inclusion in artwork but here’s a little hint at what we’ve been up to … I think we really captured a moment and mood of the band perfectly at this point in June 2011 …….ps I did all my own make up!

Check Robs other stuff out here  http://www.robbakerashton.com/