Thanks Brian.

[drakula63]

If, by any chance, you are reading this, Brian, then it's just a short message from me to say 'Thanks'. Thanks for what? I hear you ask. Well, 33 years ago, I discovered The Shadows and it was your drumming, in particular, that inspired me to start hitting things! Mainly saucepans and their lids at first! (Mum says 'thanks' for this too!!!)

As the years went by, I 'progressed' to proper drums and played in a few bands. Recently I joined Derby band The Stance, for their final gig. I am attaching a youtube link to this message which will take you to a 50 minute documentary about the band and this final gig (and the torturous road that led to it!). I hope you like it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_Hl6z6qPcU

It was a great gig. I enjoyed it and I'm sure that most of the paying punters did too! Obviously your influence is probably not that evident from my playing, but I'll put that down to my general lack of ability and the fact that, prior to this, I hadn't actually played drums for 15 or 16 years! Not quite the London Palladium or the 02 Arena, but the Victoria Inn in Derby was a good place to go out...

Apart from the albums and CDs, I have, courtesy of Warren, got a signed drum stick and a signed photo (the photo is framed and hanging in my hallway, just above the control box for the burglar alarm!!). And, more importantly, I had the great pleasure of meeting you in Nottingham, after the Shads' gig, back in 2004.

Anyway, thanks for the inspiration, Brian. I've done my best and although I've not been terribly successful, I've enjoyed the ride and am a bit sad that it's now over. 48 now, so time to hang up the sticks.

So, thanks again Brian, from one of the many, many, many drummers that you have inspired.

All the best,

Chris.

[Jay Bass]

48 now, so time to hang up the sticks. ?


Why stop at 48 ?
plenty of drumming left to do

regards
Jay

[roninnes]

Goodness me Chris, I am 64 and still playing and my friend Rick Winter is 71.
You are never too old to play as long as you are enjoying it.

Ron

[Paul Creasey]

Totally agree, Jay and Ron.

As for me................67, and still bashing!!

However, I DO agree with Chris in his comments about "The Guv'nor" - although, in my own case, it wasn't BB that was the initial inspiration.

As "Our Kid" says at the foot of his posts on here - "You don't stop playing when you get old - you get old when you stop playing" (or words to that effect).

Chris..............DON'T hang up those sticks!!

Regards
Paul

[drakula63]

Thanks everyone.

I shall obviously have to reconsider my plans for early retirement! Seriously, one or two things have been discussed, but I just can't find the enthusiasm for it any more. The Stance gig was fun, though, but only ever meant to be a one-off. If I was 21 again then I'd be raring to go.

Still, full marks to you all for carrying on. Yes, the 'guv'nor' is almost 72 and he's playing better now than ever. Maybe that should be a lesson to us all - myself included...???!!!

[suspend6]

I am 70, and after a 45 year break from drummimg, I was invited to join a Cliff Richard/Shadows tribute band in Oz called "The Bayside Drifters". There are a few postings on Youtube. Unfortunately there is an American Band called "Bayside Drifters" who are NOT us (thank God).

But back to the age thing - at 70 I initially wondered if I was past it, but not so. It's all in the mind (assuming the body still works!)

[drakula63]

Completely forgotten about this thread! TEN years ago! Where has it gone? I am now 57 and it's 44 years since I discovered that Shadows and bought 20 GG. During the interim - 2011 and 2021 - so many things have happened... not least of all I met Brian (again), properly this time and had the pleasure of interviewing him at his home in 2012. What an experience! Got a few photos and, of course, plenty of video footage! And a few signed photos!

Where will we all be in another ten years, I wonder...

P.S. And I haven't played the drums since 2011.