tag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:/blogs/news?p=1News2021-12-20T14:55:06+00:00Mick McConnellfalsetag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/68466572021-12-20T14:55:06+00:002023-10-16T15:45:38+01:00Terry Uttley .... RIP my friend!<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/7e25294800a0704d5a5bbf3500edc226d9bb1a35/original/terry.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>It’s so difficult to write a tribute about someone, because it’s so easy to miss something out, especially when for thirty some years, we’ve spent an incredible amount of time together. </p>
<p>I sit here today, thinking about my mate Tel. <br>He was a friend, a band mate, a brother in arms, but he was also much more to me, a whole lot more! </p>
<p>He would often say I was the little brother he never had.<br>We toured together for a long-long time and we knew everything there was to know about each other. </p>
<p>I first met Terry in the Rose and Crown in Ilkley. <br>I was doing a blues gig, when I was about 17 years old. <br>Terry stopped me at the bar and said he thought I had a great sound. <br>Who would have known 25 years later, that that young lad in the blues band would become lead guitarist of Smokie? </p>
<p>When you think of a friend, you have to take a lot into account. <br>Terry to me, was a true friend. <br>He welcomed me into the Smokie camp and gave me a free reign to do what I wanted. <br>“Play what you think Mick” ……. He would give me encouragement in the early days, and I would be introduced on so many occasions as “The Young Lad” or “Young’n.<br>Terry was very much a Yorkshire lad through and through. </p>
<p>I have hundreds of stories I could share about Terry. <br>I have done so many gigs with him and travelled the world with him on a weekly basis, getting to know his family and friends along the way. </p>
<p>One period in my life that was so hard to deal with was my divorce. <br>I would often fall into deep depression about what was happening to me, but you know what? ……… Terry was always the one who came up to me when we were on tour and would say, “Are you ok Mick” he would give me a man hug and make me feel like I had someone in the world who cared, when everything felt so dark. </p>
<p>We had great times together and I have such fond memories of someone, who absolutely felt like an older brother at times. <br>I guess he used to call me “The Brother he never had” because he loved me too. He also thought I could be the biggest pain in the arse going, I could drive him mad at times, and I loved winding him up! </p>
<p>Whenever we finished a tour in Australia, Myself and Terry would stay on for a couple of days extra and have a couple of days shooting the shit! ….. having a few drinks at the Lucky Shag pub in Perth, before flying home. </p>
<p>In recent times I would look over at Terry onstage when I knew his health issues were ganging up on him. It was tough seeing him struggling with life on the road, something he could do so easily in the past. <br>I would carry his bags for him and try and make life just a little bit easier, but it killed me to see him going down hill. </p>
<p>I went on to Terry's facebook page and got this picture from our recent photoshoot with our new singer Pete.<br>I didn't crop this picture, Terry did, perhaps that tells me something too?</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/bce0ff895595c1a20d6f2985fbf83714a94559df/original/me-and-terry.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Today I write this short tribute to Terry with a river of tears streaming down my face.</p>
<p>It’s only a days ago that I did the same for his wife Shirley. </p>
<p>My heart goes out to Lisa and Holly and all the Uttley family. </p>
<p>My life was far more colourful for knowing Terry. <br>I’m proud that I got share a stage with him for over a quarter of a century. </p>
<p>Fly with the angles Pal ….. “I shall miss you Tel” ….. I really mean that!</p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/68169872021-11-21T13:38:09+00:002021-11-21T13:38:09+00:00Shirley Uttley<p>As most of you already know by now, my bandmate and friend lost his wife last week.</p>
<p>I know that many of you have sent condolences to Terry and his family, via social media.<br>I would also like to add my message here today.</p>
<p>I have spoke to Terry each day since the passing of Shirley, and I know that he needs our support at this time.</p>
<p><br>Shirley was a lovely kind lady whom I have personally known her for many years.<br>When I joined Smokie she gave me an immense amount of encouragement and welcomed me into the Smokie family.</p>
<p>Sometimes what the public don't always know, is that band members families' become very much part of what we do.<br>We get to know a lot about each other, we see kids come along and get married and then grandkids arrive.</p>
<p>I was very fond of Shirley, may she Rest In Peace.</p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/67765812021-10-15T08:15:27+01:002021-10-15T08:15:27+01:00"Acoustic Hang" #13<p>I'm back for another "Hang" on the 20th October (8pm-UK - 9pm-EU)</p>
<p>Got some great new songs, coming at you!<br>I hope you can join me for 45 minutes of music and banter?</p>
<p>Here's your link to Stageit:</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.stageit.com/mick_mcconnell/acoustic_hang_13/101930" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.stageit.com/mick_mcconnell/acoustic_hang_13/101930">https://www.stageit.com/mick_mcconnell/acoustic_hang_13/101930</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/3535fd447a3a4dfb420cda709c614428a5fd5317/original/hang-13.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/67710662021-10-09T20:29:18+01:002021-10-09T20:29:18+01:00BACK TO IT!<p>All I shall say. It was great to once again walk on a stage and do what I've not done for almost two years!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/4943d4db459e278ee79f5751c72201c8d5c7d9a4/original/pete-mick-3-copy.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/67395802021-09-08T13:29:51+01:002021-09-08T13:29:51+01:00"ACOUSTIC HANG" #12<p>Hey everyone .......</p>
<p>I'm back with another "Acoustic Hang" on the 22nd of September!!!!<br>Please join me for some music and banter, with nothing other than my trusty acoustic guitar.<br>Some cool new tunes coming your way!!!</p>
<p>8pm UK - 9pm EU</p>
<p>Here's your link!!!</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.stageit.com/mick_mcconnell/acoustic_hang_12/101116" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.stageit.com/mick_mcconnell/acoustic_hang_12/101116">https://www.stageit.com/mick_mcconnell/acoustic_hang_12/101116</a></p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/67354522021-09-03T22:47:44+01:002021-09-03T22:47:44+01:00SUMMER UPDATE<p>September is here, and summer is slowly heading to meet Autumn.<br>Sadly Smokie still haven't got back on the road and I'm starting to find it all a bit frustrating.</p>
<p>Obviously there's not much to report except we, like other bands are hoping that life for us musicians will return to normal quite soon.</p>
<p>I had a few text messages asking why I've disappeared, off social media?<br>Well basically my girlfriend was being trolled on Facebook by some selfish, jealous nut job!<br>So for me , it was time to come off. and hopefully one day I will find out whether or not it was someone who was obsessed about me? or obsessed about her? . . . . . If they're reading this, I hope they go to hell.</p>
<p>So sorry there seems to be more bad news than good news!<br>Hopefully I'll be writing about a gig next time round?</p>
<p>Take care everyone<br>I normally say, keep safe, but this time I'm going to write "Be Kind"</p>
<p>Mick</p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/66827192021-07-08T22:29:14+01:002021-07-08T22:29:14+01:00LIGHT ON THE HORIZON?<p>So today; The government in the UK, made some changes to quarantine rules when returning to the UK from green and amber countries. As long as the traveller has received both jabs and has the correct vaccine proof to hand.</p>
<p><br>This of course will have a huge effect on the travel industry, but more importantly for me! ........... It will open up the music industry for many UK bands and musicians.<br><br>The "old" 10 day quarantine rule, meant that any touring musician coming back from say Sweden or Norway would have to quarantine for ten days, possibly only allowing a musician 2 gigs in a month, yes crazy!</p>
<p>So; as of today Smokie have a gig (what appears at this time) to be going very much ahead. So Denmark here we come! Hopefully you will have forgot about the footie and England sending you back home with a case-full of bacon and Tuborg!<br><br>A lot has happened since we last toured in December 2019. <br>It was a big change in my life, coping with the whole lockdown thing, but I had many positives that came out of it.</p>
<p><br>I flew by the seat of my pants in order to play some acoustic shows online via the Stageit platform. I really would like to thank everyone who supported me in this rather strange venture, but I really enjoyed it and it gave me a real sense of satisfaction to attempt something that was completely alien to me.<br>I shall do a few more as long as fans and friends wish to hear me play.</p>
<p>As most of you are aware, Mike stepped down after 26 years in the band.<br>I shall miss the guy that I have stood next to for quarter of a century (yes, when said like that, it's a long time)<br>Myself and Mike were very close and we most certainly understood each other.<br>I keep in touch with Mike, and I know he will miss the many fans that we have met and played in-front of, over the years.</p>
<p><br>It will be great to get back on the road and I look forward to working with Pete Lincoln.<br>Hopefully fans will enjoy what Pete brings to the table and I think we shall all enjoy being together one more time, playing and listening to music and feeling a sense of freedom that we have had to give up for such a long time through the pandemic.</p>
<p>For now!........... There appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel?</p>
<p>Let's hope this is just the start that we all need!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/66633112021-06-18T15:24:52+01:002021-06-18T15:24:52+01:00I'm OK!<p>For those of you who have showed some concern to me disappearing off social media, I just want to let you know that I'm perfectly fine!</p>
<p>Such a shame that there are some people in this world who want to ruin everything through jealousy!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/0522017bb749a4022dfc62ecbd26d58d127dc759/original/pool1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/65943892021-04-05T08:59:11+01:002021-05-06T20:54:27+01:00"ACOUSTIC HANG" #7<p>Hey everybody</p>
<p>I hope you're well.</p>
<p>I have another "Acoustic Hang" on the 14th April.</p>
<p>Please join me for some great music fun and laughter!<br>Make sure you have wine!!!!!</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.stageit.com/mick_mcconnell/the_acoustic_hang_7/96727&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.stageit.com/mick_mcconnell/the_acoustic_hang_7/96727" target="_blank">https://www.stageit.com/mick_mcconnell/the_acoustic_hang_7/96727 </a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/8fc32d20b8d399cac4662b859a3c8f24c1dc8c10/original/hang-7.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/65677682021-03-08T08:09:37+00:002021-04-05T08:51:55+01:00"ACOUSTIC HANG" #6<p>Hi everyone!</p>
<p>I have another "Acoustic Hang" that will take place as usual on stageit.com!</p>
<p>Here's the link<br><a contents="https://www.stageit.com/mick_mcconnell/the_acoustic_hang_6/95680" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.stageit.com/mick_mcconnell/the_acoustic_hang_6/95680">https://www.stageit.com/mick_mcconnell/the_acoustic_hang_6/95680</a></p>
<p>Please share on your social media and spread the word!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/b2e5b7716cf817f46a4ecdd6786c8ee3ae8b94e5/original/acoustic-hang-6.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/65571912021-02-24T09:51:54+00:002021-04-24T14:34:49+01:00"ACOUSTIC HANG" #5<p>Isn't it funny, how sometimes a musician can perform a concert in whatever setting . . . in this case me at home doing my "Hang"</p>
<p>After the show, I had so many messages, telling me how it was the best one yet!!<br>To have pretty much the same people coming back every week with messages of support is quite tremendous and I feel that only a thank you on my website, is the right way of saying a big thank you, to you all.</p>
<p>I have a "Top Tipper" prize on my hang. A few days after, I write an email to my "Top Tipper" and ask which song they would like, again another way of saying thank you. I edit the video in a way that is very personal with a message of thanks, something else I actually enjoy doing!<br>Again a big thank you to my Top Tippers!</p>
<p>So . . . . .</p>
<p>Moving on . . . .<br>It would seem that the UK, has a plan for coming out of lockdown. My feeling is though that on the musical side of things, it's all going to take a good bit longer and I'd be surprised, if I play any gigs with Smokie before the end of the summer?<br>I am hopeful though! I think there is light at the end of the tunnel.<br>I will also be contacting the guys from "The Blue Thunder Brigade" to see if we can put that back together, hopefully we can?</p>
<p>Yesterday, I sat in my bay window. I love my Guild acoustic guitar. Learning songs is a real positive for me and of course like any musician, I need to get some practice in!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/ae593e20433695c19ddea2e2ecc069ac3bf0f029/original/guitarbaywindow.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>We have another "Acoustic Hang" coming shortly this will be #6<br>I am learning new songs for this one, and I think that is key to this, playing different songs every time!<br>I shall post on Facebook as usual and hopefully word will get about!<br> </p>
<p>Thank you everyone for your continued support<br>Love<br>Mick</p>
<p> </p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/65257512021-01-20T15:28:51+00:002021-05-26T07:24:38+01:00ACOUSTIC HANG #4<p>Hi everyone!</p>
<p>I'm back for another "Acoustic Hang| on the 27th January 2021.</p>
<p>Please join me for a night of fun, banter and acoustic music!</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.stageit.com/mick_mcconnell/the_acoustic_hang_4/94100" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.stageit.com/mick_mcconnell/the_acoustic_hang_4/94100">https://www.stageit.com/mick_mcconnell/the_acoustic_hang_4/94100</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/1da5056383de843879d9f5b3eaa47ad9408d179e/original/acoustic-hang-4.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/65076972020-12-25T17:11:10+00:002021-06-02T08:01:30+01:00Merry Christmas my friends!<p>Hi everyone!</p>
<p>I hope you are safe and well.<br>What can I say? . . . . This is such a strange Christmas!<br>I hope that next year will be different!<br>I hope that we can get back to normal.<br> </p>
<p>I want to say a big thank you for supporting me on my recent streaming shows on www.stageit.com<br>This has been a bit f a godsend to me. Giving me the chance to interact with Mick McConnell fans worldwide!<br>I'm enjoying the hangs!<br> </p>
<p>I have an "Acoustic Hang #3" next Wednesday 30th December at 7pm UK and 8pm Europe<br>I hope you can join me?</p>
<p>I wish you all the best and pray that 2021 will be somewhat better for all of us!</p>
<p>See you soon</p>
<p>Mick</p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/64978712020-12-12T15:05:05+00:002021-06-09T19:07:47+01:00THE "ACOUSTIC HANG" #2<p>Hi everyone!</p>
<p>I hope you can all join me on Wednesday the 16th of December for my live stream "The Acoustic Hang"</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/f38a56cb8e964c3da0c443681fcbd2f15e7d1c4d/original/hang-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>This live stream is via www.stageit.com</p>
<p>Tickets are pay what you like! . . . . So join me for the minimal amount.<br>This week I'm going to be lpaying some songs from Van Morrison, Rod Stewart maybe some Bryan Adams?<br>Contact e on Facebook, if you have any requests?<br> </p>
<p>Try to join me for an hour of music, chat and fun!</p>
<p>Here;s the link!</p>
<p>https://www.stageit.com/mick_mcconnell/the_acoustic_hang_2/92115</p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/64827822020-11-21T12:45:28+00:002021-04-06T13:24:19+01:00"THE ACOUSTIC HANG" LIVE STREAM<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/4470eeaff193c693a8b2c58297fa830ada238009/original/showpicture.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>On Wednesday 25th November.<br>Mick will perform a live stream from his house in Yorkshire.</p>
<p>He will be playing some of his favourite songs as well as a couple of original songs from his first solo album "My Kinda Heaven"</p>
<p>Join Mick via www.stageit.com and be there for "The Acoustic Hang"</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.stageit.com/mick_mcconnell/the_acoustic_hang/91146" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.stageit.com/mick_mcconnell/the_acoustic_hang/91146">https://www.stageit.com/mick_mcconnell/the_acoustic_hang/91146</a></p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/64194252020-08-28T17:41:02+01:002021-04-05T10:29:05+01:00SUMMER HAPPENINGS<p><span class="font_regular"><strong>Greetings from a very hot sunny Spain folks! </strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">I usually call this a summer update. Sharing stories from the road in what would normally be, a busy period in my work calendar. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">First of all, I hope your all safe and well. <br>2020 for all of us has been a strange year. Some of us have lost family and friends due to the Covid-19 virus. Our lives have certainly changed forever or at least until a vaccine is found. <br>I’m also sure that 2020 will remain in our memories for a long-long time. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Anyways . . . . . . What have I been up to? <br>Well to be totally honest, not a great deal. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">I have been playing a lot of acoustic guitar as well as singing loads of songs that I have learned. <br>Playing as a solo acoustic/singer is something I plan to do in the future; so basically, I’ve gone and got the ball rolling by learning more that 35 songs . . . . . I’ve really enjoyed making arrangements for those songs and playing them in a way that I can put my own stamp on the way they are performed. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">I’ve been doing a lot of cycling whilst in Spain, clocking up 300 miles a week give or take. <br>Can you believe I even lost a bit of weight . . . . . although I’m surprised I haven’t lost more considering the heat we have been riding in! <br>If any of you are on Strava, you can follow my rides, I may even follow you back! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/206899c3f57d1bd1fdb16f35c2581a57fa2b8fd3/original/bikes.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">One thing I haven’t missed, is all the traveling that I would normally do. <br>I’m not sure when Smokie will work again, but I would be surprised to do any concerts before the end of this year? I rather suspect, it we may well be into 2021 before any live concerts kick off again? <br>I miss playing live and remember, this is my livelihood and how I earn my living, so it’s easy to see how times can soon get tough, when no money is coming in and savings end up taking a real bashing. </span><br><strong><span class="font_regular">Social Media </span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Just recently, I have unfriended quite a few folks on Facebook. <br>Now let me explain something, there is no one more tolerant than myself. I take great pride in allowing anyone to have a difference of opinion to me and I always show them the respect that they deserve whether or not their opinion is the same as mine and regardless of what that might be? <br>However; some of us, seem to be a bunch of all-day long moaners! <br>I don’t care who you vote for! <br>I don’t care whether or not you are a Brexiteer or a Remainer <br>I don’t care If you don’t like Boris Johnson <br>What I do care about though is, the venom that some people like to include in their Facebook posts! . . . . . . I like positivity in my life! <br>I like to express an opinion sometimes without being selected for ridicule and I expect to give the same back and allow a discussion to be fair and without prejudice (<em>That can’t be said about many of my so-called Facebook friends</em>) <br>So with that in mind . . . . . I unfriended some of the people who create bad vibes! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Facebook also has a marketplace section where we can sell goods . . . <br>It really does sadden me to see so many musicians selling their beloved instruments to make ends meet. These are the tools of their trade and when things get back to normal, many a guitarist I’m sure, will be using a far inferior instrument to what they had before! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><strong>Leeds United </strong><br>My beloved Leeds got promoted to the Premier League . . . . . Yay!!! <br>I celebrated let me tell you! . . . . I’ve waited 16 long years for the day we got back to the promised land. <br>I shall look forward to the new season. Leeds play Liverpool the current champions in their first game . . . . “Bring on the Scousers”! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/5cd6c845b5c986d3f4ffea49eebe497f4291da57/original/ozdrink.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Stay safe folks, be positive . . . . and remember, someone, somewhere is probably in a far worse position than you are!</span></p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/62952612020-04-26T21:42:38+01:002021-04-21T18:07:47+01:00LOCK-DOWN UPDATE<p>Little did I know when I walked off stage 6 weeks ago in Stockholm that I would be heading home for something that would be completely unprecedented in my lifetime. <br>That day was Wednesday, the 11th of March. <br>Little did I know (like everyone else) what would lie ahead. </p>
<p>After arriving home, I informed some friends that we should expect life to change very quickly. None of them had a clue what the fuck I was on about, or maybe they just didn’t want to accept that a change to all our lives, would or could be, so drastic? </p>
<p>When Boris announced the “Lock Down” on the six o’clock evening news on the following Friday, I ventured to the pub for what I knew would be, a long time before I would venture there again. <br>I had 1 quiet bottle of beer, distancing myself from a couple of friends, before saying goodbye to everyone. I said I would see them at Christmas . . . . They thought I was joking! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/5f975231745de70daef24abb0a9019591982f379/original/garden-room.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I quickly got myself into a routine, following the rules set out by my government. <br>Making the best of a bad situation, I had a word with myself about how I should use my time? <br>Exercise, eating well and passing my day in a way that doesn’t drive me mad. </p>
<p>This is how my day roughly goes . . . . . </p>
<p>Around 08.00 I Wake up and take a shower </p>
<p>Coffee as usual whilst catching the news headlines. <br>Online Spanish lesson <br>A 4 mile walk <br>I practice my guitar for at least 90 minutes every day. <br>I have a spot of lunch and try and keep it healthy </p>
<p>In the afternoon, I check my emails <br>Maybe do a few jobs around the house. <br>I drink more coffee and I seem to eat too many biscuits! </p>
<p>Afternoon walk . . . . another 4 miles <br>I do a few weights, use my rowing machine as well as my sit-up machine </p>
<p>Sometimes I use my spinner bike, but I’m not really enjoying it. </p>
<p>After eating dinner, I then watch TV, but never before 19.00 <br>in Bed by 11pm! </p>
<p>I follow this routine day in day out! . . . . However; the weather has been really nice in the UK, for almost all these weeks. <br>The good weather has allowed me to do work in my garden and sit out reading for long periods of time in my lovely private garden. <br>I often have video calls with my friends close and far afield, such as America and Spain. <br>5 weeks have now past and I feel like I have coped pretty well. <br>I love having a couple of beers on Friday and Saturday evenings, and for whatever reason I make myself a pizza every Friday. </p>
<p>I live in a village, so I’ve really enjoyed meeting and talking to other residents when I'm out walking, folks whom I’ve never known or seen until this period of lock-down. <br>The good nature of village life has come to fruition and families leave books in boxes for anyone who wishes to read them? <br>Gardens are so tidy and everyone has a great deal of pride in their own isolation space. <br>There’s lots of horses where I live, farm fields with cows and sheep. It’s when you see all this nature and everything that it has to offer, that you realize just how tough it is for those families who live in high-rise buildings, especially the one’s at the bottom of the social spectrum . . . . It must be seriously hard on them? . . . . How on earth do they cope, especially if they have kids?? </p>
<p>My neighbours in Spain have been telling me about their ordeal and the Spanish lock-down which has far more draconian means of keeping everyone safe in the lock-down. <br>So maybe I should be a little thankful that I’ve spent my isolation in the UK as apposed to being in my house in Spain. </p>
<p>I find it hard to listen to the deaths and carnage that Covid-19 has brought. My daughter was showing signs after returning home from university. I was seriously worried but she seems to be very well past those symptoms now thankfully. <br>I have been buoyed by the kindness shown on so many levels. The situation seems to have brought the best out in some folks and once again my feelings about human nature are way more positive today than they were only 5 weeks ago. <br>When our Prime Minister tested positive for Covid-19, It really was a wake-up call for everyone and the atmosphere certainly changed that weekend!! </p>
<p>Having had the best of weather, I have witnessed some wonderful sunsets from my house. <br>The starlink satellites, have been clearly visible as well as what I think is Venus? </p>
<p>I have watched a few great films and for the first time in many years because I have been at home and not on tour, I have watched things on TV that I would never have the chance to catch </p>
<p>We are far from over in this world crisis, but with a little bit of luck, we shall find a vaccine and life will hopefully (One day) return to normal. </p>
<p>I have never played my guitar as much, so hopefully I shall improve? <br>My Spanish will most certainly improve and my cooking skills venture beyond what I have ever done before, I’ve even tried having a go at making my own bread! </p>
<p>Hopefully the next time, I write a post, life will be somewhat different? Although I do feel like there is a long way to go. </p>
<p>I find it hard to criticise my government, because of their efforts to look after everyone financially. They have probably been the most progressive government in Europe regarding this subject. <br>It’s probably true that some mistakes have been made, but FFS, why a public enquiry? <br>let’s just get on with life and move on.<br>The NHS in the UK, have coped so well and that makes me proud. A multi-skilled organisation, with a multi-cultural workforce, doing what they do best; saving lives!<br>Every Thursday we all go outside at 8pm and we clap for our front line workers, It's a rather wonderful feeling and we all recognise the work that they do and the risks they are taking!</p>
<p>It makes me feel like I’m proper fucking useless! </p>
<p>I wish you all well . . . . Stay safe and look after yourselves!!</p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/62225312020-02-21T12:17:02+00:002021-05-07T04:16:42+01:00NEW BLUES RIG<p>I was back rehearsing with "The Blue Thunder Brigade" this week!<br><br>It was a bit rough the first few songs, but we soon got back to winning ways and by the end of the session, we were back in the land of being a tight band once again.<br>We have some gig news on the horizon, so hopefully we can make that announcement soon.</p>
<p>I've been trying various pedals out for my Blues Rig, but I finally committed to putting them on a board! . . . . . I need to make one or two tweaks and I need to wire the thing a bit more perminant.<br>I wa tap dancing a bit in rehearsal, which caused me to make a few mistakes, but that's kind of the norm with new pedals especially when singing at the same time!!!</p>
<p>So here's the "Blues Rig"</p>
<p>For you Geeks out there, here's how it runs!</p>
<p>Guitar into a buffered TC Polytune > The Carl Martin Hydra boost is a clean boost which I use to boost my strat > Landlord true bypass half pint compressor > a Jim Dunlop true bypass mini wah > Carl Martin DC Drive with boost (used as my crunch sound) > Wampler Dual Fusion (Stacked) for solos<br>All powered by the MXR brick . . . . . The TC Modulator and the > TC Repeater go in the effects loop.<br>So there you have it . . . . . and it sounds good too.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/417724220854aac7326e5ad688deb537dbfbdd85/original/bluesrig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/62055722020-02-06T12:18:44+00:002021-05-28T02:49:49+01:00BACK TO IT!<p>Hi everyone, I hope your 2020 has got off to a great start!</p>
<p>I'm back to it tomorrow with the annual Smokie charity concert in Bradford.<br>Not much of a need to blow the cobwebs off my fingers, because I've been doing plenty of practicing and rehearsing with the Blue Thunder Brigade!</p>
<p>The real touring starts next week though, where I shall be on my travels once again with Smokie.</p>
<p>I look forward to seeing you all throughout the year! . . . . Come and say hello! . . . . Share my posts on Facebook and of course always feel free to share my website posts too!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/60526312019-12-31T10:17:55+00:002021-04-21T18:05:01+01:00A YEAR IN REVIEW<p>When I look back at the past year, I always try and think; what was the best stand out show, what was the best tour and were there any particular happenings that were a highlight for me personally? </p>
<p>Sometime in 2018, Smokie members decided that we need to have a little more downtime and basically take the odd weekend out, in order that we get a little more time at home, as well as a chance to recharge the batteries! <br>We put this into practice in 2019 and whilst we remained busy, it turned out to be (In my humble opinion) an absolute great decision.<br>I enjoyed having those few extra days at home especially in the summer months. I also felt that the band, had an extra yard in our performance at times, I’m sure the audiences thought so too? </p>
<p>It’s always nice at the beginning of the year to have something to look forward to and by mid-January, the Australian Tour dates were confirmed and I guess wetting the appetite for all of us, including the crew. </p>
<p>I’d also personally been instrumental, in convincing our Maltese promotor that he should book the band for a mid-week show in Malta, because at the time Smokie already had commitments on the weekend, that he wanted us to play. <br>Luckily, he agreed and the date was confirmed.<br>The show at Gahaxq Fields near Valletta went ahead on a Wednesday night and once again we played to a packed house with well in excess of over 20,000 screaming Maltese fans. </p>
<p>I went to Malta a few days early in the hope of doing some relaxing, and getting some scuba diving on my tour menu! <br>It was certainly one of my favourite trips of the year. Chillin’ round the pool, lots of walking and generally being pampered courtesy of the Maltese tourist board! </p>
<p>It would have also been around this time (in August) that I also committed to traveling a few days earlier than the other guys to Australia in order to get another Scuba trip under my belt.</p>
<p>The early part of 2019, was taken up touring Norway, Sweden and Denmark, Scandinavia as always being our regular stomping ground. Sadly though, this caused the omission of our usual Tour dates in Ireland to be sacrificed, much to our Irish promotors’ annoyance! And much to the disappointment of our Irish faithful too. </p>
<p>Through the summer, I’d started to concentrate once again on my solo stuff. I knew that I needed to get a band together fairly quickly, start rehearsing and get tight in order that I’d have the confidence to put in some solo shows, when time permitted in 2020 </p>
<p>On the 11th of June, I entered Blueberry Studios in Leeds ready to Audition three drummers as well as take a look at my new bass player Lincoln, who I’d given the job to on the sheer basis that he’s a nice guy whom I knew I could get on with. </p>
<p>Anyways; on the morning of the auditions, the first drummer called me to let me know, that he wouldn’t be attending because he’d got another job, yet the day before he was all “Gung Fucking Ho” and telling me how he also knew a bass player, only to offer a no show! . . . . . Never mind, drummer number two was due an hour later. He didn’t show either and he wasn’t answering his phone FFS! . . . . . My solo project felt like a failure before it even started. </p>
<p>It turns out the poor lad was in hospital which is of course acceptable. However; a little more to this story . . . . . . When he did finally get in touch he as much as accused me of not actually holding auditions, because his father had called the studio and told no one was there! <br>Now I’m a nice guy and I also I know that I’m certainly far from perfect, but question my integrity in any shape or form and you will come on the losing end of a very unforgiving Mick McConnell. <br>I even sent him a copy of my studio invoice In order to get my point across! . . . . That was pisser number two I guess? </p>
<p>Luckily for me, Simon from “Freedom Of The City” (remember those guys) had decided he’d like to give it a go! . . . . Simon joined and showed me a level of professionalism that I expect and between Simon and Lincoln I have a tight rhythm section and along with my keyboard player and bestie Dave Major we have the makings of an absolute cracking Blues/Rock band that I am proud of and look forward to sharing a stage in 2020. <br>I also think it would be nice to record some new material with these guys, maybe an EP? 3 or 4 songs to keep original material in the frame . . . why not?</p>
<p><strong><span class="font_large">The Blue Thunder Lads</span></strong></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/8c1ac05830e1cbdaa382c87896bcdd6cd0aca272/original/blue-thunder-lads.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /> </p>
<p>For those of you wondering why I call them the Blue Thunder Brigade? </p>
<p>Blue is a nod to the blues, Thunder is the impact they have when they play and Brigade is a reference to the team that they are!!! </p>
<p>So now; you need to be looking out for “Mick McConnell & The Blue Thunder Brigade” </p>
<p>Of course, we have to work around Smokie’s schedules, but I hope the effort will be worthwhile and I look forward to those solo shows! </p>
<p>Having said that though, It’s quite amazing to play my own songs and hear these guys bring them to life. </p>
<p>Something that was a little strange was the fact that I had to relearn my own songs, remember it’s almost three years since I walked out of that Studio in Nashville at the end of recording! </p>
<p>We continue to rehearse and when we get back in the studio in the New Year, we have most of “Under My Skin” in the can! . . . . It’s sounding really good I hope we can turn a few heads!!! . . . . In fact; I’m sure we will. </p>
<p>So it was off to Australia and a the tour “Down Under” . . . . . . </p>
<p>Our Australian Tour was very good with most of our shows “Sold Out” . . . . . I always kind of feel, that it may well be the last time, but we agreed as a band that we shall Tour Australia again in two years time. </p>
<p>I got out to the reef and did some diving, in fact I had one of the most enjoyable days ever, sharing the fun with Mike and his wife Julie who’d booked a snorkling trip on the same boat along with my best mate from Spain John and his wife Pat.</p>
<p><strong><span class="font_large">Dive Trip On The Reef</span></strong></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/9f018dcbea02a91b79b4bc80b2510b84e62ef22c/original/dive-trip.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>My favourite part of the tour was our three days in Cairns (to think that I once nearly went to live there) I even found a house! <br>As most of you know Alan Silson attended our show in Melbourne. I was delighted to see Alan, I wish him well and hope things work out for him in Australia.</p>
<p>A couple of weeks ago I went to see Slade who played a gig very close to where I live in Yorkshire. <br>I caught up with Dave Hill, a guitarist whom I’ve always admired. Sadly, Don wasn’t present but it was a timely reminder that I have many friends in the music business. <br>Great to see Slade delivering there brand of rock to an enthusiastic audience, on their “Sold Out” show! </p>
<p>I write this blog from Lithuania, where we’re doing three gigs with Suzie Quatro, whom we’ve known for years. Her band has changed many times, but Ray her sax player remains, we had a chat yesterday about years gone by, discussing musicians that have come and gone and this is the type of thing that also reminds me that being in Smokie and despite some ups and downs we have enjoyed a solid rock commitment from all members that have now been there, together for 25 years! </p>
<p>Now; I don’t share much about my private life, but my kids are growing up! <br>Kyrie finished university in the summer and has now entered the workplace and enjoying earning her own money! <br>Nikita has also started University and making her own life in the big city with her friends learning how to party it would seem. </p>
<p><strong><span class="font_large">Graduation Day!</span></strong></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/18e82c21cb63cdd4bc5a2ff3332d481c919d7a0b/original/graduation.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>In the next few days I shall book my annual ski holiday <br>So if you see some mad hooligan doing about 80 K’s down a black run somewhere in the Alps . . . . . It could well be me! </p>
<p>My beloved Leeds United sit at the top of the Championship as we enter the New Year and I live in hope that we'll get promoted at the end of the season?<br> </p>
<p>I look forward to seeing you all in 2020 . . . . . Happy New Year!</p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/60438522019-12-24T10:30:00+00:002021-05-06T16:33:00+01:00MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/4b3a6166830a76c4e7e55a8ff4ab40c774616c8f/original/hatocaster.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I hope your all starting to enjoy your Christmas holidays!<br><br>Another busy year for me, which I will as usual, share in my end of year review! In a few days time.<br>I am always well aware that for most folks Christmas is a happy time, but I always have a thought for those less fortunate.<br>Making a contribution to the Salvation Army is something I do every Christmas, and that simple £20 gift makes me feel a whole lot better let me tell you.</p>
<p>Wherever you are this Christmas? I wish you the best and hope you have a wonderful holiday.</p>
<p>Don't forget my end of year review next week!</p>
<p> </p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/59561762019-11-11T03:05:37+00:002021-06-13T10:49:31+01:00AUSSIE TOUR BLOG<p>For those of you who have a Facebook account why not check out Mick's Tour Blog from Down Under, where he's performing with Smokie on their tour of Australia, that takes place throughout the whole of november.</p>
<p>If you like the Mick McConnell Facebook Page, you can like, share and comment! <a contents=" Here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/Mick-McConnell-148624295233582/"> Here</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em><strong>Mick caught in a moment of reflection whilst out on the Dive boat "Illusion2" Catarmaran </strong></em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/603f81bcbc7ab2c4b4e6ef67257ac315d51d1417/original/sailing.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/59241662019-10-12T10:12:57+01:002021-05-04T17:51:42+01:00TRAVEL CHAOS AND OTHER HAPPENINGS<p>I'm sat in my house in the UK . . . . . . Back early due to travel chaos in Russia!</p>
<p><em>Thank you to <strong>Alexander Sedelnikov</strong> for this photo in Moscow</em></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/39151b029f74e21cbcc7a83a64d0cb1f58b22e89/original/71819797-2515059358560423-7409703692460359680-n.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Smokie played Crocus City Hall in Moscow on Wednesday and all went well, great gig, fun times, but a unusual happening in Ekateringburg Airport meant a cancelled show for Smokie, something that hasn't happened as I recall for about ten years or more!<br>Basically a Russian military transport plane "Belly Flopped" onto the runway in Ekateringburg after a landing gear fail.</p>
<p>I will just add that Smokie band members and crew spent the whole day in Moscow airport waiting to board a flight that would take us to our show, sadly we didn't make it.</p>
<p><strong>SUMMER</strong></p>
<p>I spent all my summer in Spain once again except for a few festivals with Smokie and a couple of rehearsals with the "Blue Thunder Brigade"<br>It's amazing that I can enjoy my Casa in the sun and also carry on working . . . . I know I'm lucky I count my blessings!<br><br>I did a good bit of cycling this summer and discovered a couple of new routes that I really enjoyed. Staying fit and healthy have become the norm for me now, so I watch my alcohol intake and try to eat reasonably healthy. It's fair to say say I'm probably in my best condition sometime in September!</p>
<p>Scuba Diving is also back on the menu!<br>Cabo De Palos is close to where I live in Spain, so not far to get there and easy excuse to get the tanks on my back!<br>Smokie tour Australia in November, I shall get myself out to the Great Barrier Reef!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So what's the <strong>"BLUE THUNDER BRIGADE" </strong> ????</p>
<p>Quite simply the other three guys in my band playing my solo songs!</p>
<p>We've been rehearsing through the summer on the odd occasion I went back to the UK.<br>We have 8 or 9 songs in the can now and let me tell yer! . . . . . It's gonna sound great, I'm really hoping we can turn a few heads!?<br><br>In the coming weeks, I should start getting some videos posted on Facebook, so you can have a listen!</p>
<p>A few days off now from Smokie before heading to Ireland next week and then it's time to pack for Australia I guess.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/58243702019-07-14T21:25:57+01:002021-04-30T12:26:55+01:00MID-SUMMER CATCHUP<p>I seem to be in Scandinavia more than ever! . . . . Of course a big Smokie territory.<br>Last week in Norway I noticed some photographers taking photos of the marvelous fjords and it reminded me just how I take some of this wonderful scenery for granted, although I am always quick to warn myself how lucky I am!</p>
<p>So what else has been happening? . . . . Well . . . . I've started rehearsing with my own band.<br>Dave, Simon and Lincoln have knuckled down to learn my songs and let me tell you . . . . . It really is wonderful to play my songs again, since recording them.</p>
<p>I've ventured back to the UK for rehearsals and I have genuinely enjoyed singing and playing my style of Blues/Rock.<br>There was a couple of moments that really pricked up the hairs on the back of my neck even though we are kind of learning how to play them and going through arrangements.</p>
<p>My keyboard player Dave, brings his personality to rehearsals and his black and white key wizardry seems put the icing on the cake. This is the first time that myself and Dave played together since we were about 17 years old . . . . . that's seems along time ago now!</p>
<p>I shall keep you posted, but I'm hoping to do a few UK gigs in December shortly after Smokie return from our Australia tour!</p>
<p>A few summer festivals ahead now, before we take our summer break, but I'm particularly looking forward to the Ghaxac Festival in Malta, in the first week of August . . . . Hmmm . . . . . Might get but of scuba diving in?</p>
<p>I hope your enjoying the summer, see you somewhere on the road!</p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/57252112019-04-19T08:26:22+01:002021-06-03T05:42:19+01:00THE LEGENDS - UK TOUR <p>Smokie joined "The Legends Live" Tour half way through due to prior commitments.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/b8fb7a364606d09aab9c11a75dbca9ec93d2efa7/original/legends-live.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I arrived early for our first show at the Metro Arena in Newcastle and straight away I realized just how big the production was on this tour.<br>Security arrangements that had been made prior to the tour were slick and the whole thing had a feeling of slick well prepared teams doing their bit to make all the cogs work together.</p>
<p>I went backstage and seeing the three trucks in there I knew the production was top notch, the lighting really was good and the organisation was in full flow with soundchecks being kept to correct timings so that everything would run smooth!<br>During our soundcheck Suzie Quatro came up on stage to say hello, we hadn't seen her for a long time, I think she enjoyed seeing her old competition and of course we all have an immense respect for each other.<br>Suzie also told me she loved my sound and we shared a few words about my Hughes & Kettner amps, she's still interested in gear; I noticed Suzie had moved over to Orange amps for this tour.</p>
<p>Smokie had a good gig in Newcastle, but I could feel the nerves in the band, something that is unusual for Smokie, it also doesn't help when you've joined halfway through the tour!<br>The following night in Nottingham though felt a whole lot different and Smokie did what they do best, we'de settled in and everyone played in a much more settled way. Our crew as always did a sterling job and I looked forward to the rest of the Arena's the following week.</p>
<p>Wembley Arena, is one of those iconic arena, that has been going for years, it's getting old, it's a little tatty, but there's just something about it that I just love!<br>We stormed the night and Smokie were now in full flow doing what we do best.<br>The following morning I sat with Suzie Q's backing band and we shot the shit about old times and had a good catch-up!</p>
<p>Birmingham NEC was another great show, we had many compliments about our sound which is always nice to hear!</p>
<p>I drove to Liverpool with my two daughters, Kyrie and Nikita. On the way home they were both singing "Bye Bye Baby" the Bay City Rollers song . . . . . Then I couldn't get it out of my head either. Liverpool was another performance from the lads that left everyone knowing why we do so well around the rest of the world!</p>
<p>The final gig in Bournemouth went without incident. I sat next to Suzie Quatro at dinner, we reminisced about years gone by and the tours we did together with Rainer our then promoter. Suzie eventually married Rainer and we had a good laugh about how all the bands said it wouldn't last . . . . well fair fucks to the pair of them, they're still going strong!! . . . . It was great to see Suzie, and as per usual, she did her thing faultlessly!</p>
<p>So there you have it . . . . Another UK tour in the bag.<br> </p>
<p>I have a couple of weeks off now and I'm preparing to leave for the summer months in my home in sunny Spain.<br>See you soon!</p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/57096292019-04-06T10:32:54+01:002021-04-22T20:59:27+01:00SWEDEN TOUR ALMOST OVER<p>I wake this morning to another sunny day here in Sweden, In Falkoping to be exact.<br>Quite a small gig last night but sold out nethertheless.</p>
<p>We've been flying in and out of Sweden for the last 5 weeks and it has to be said that we've certainly knocked up a few air-miles as well as road miles!</p>
<p>As most folks are aware Terry wasn't with us most of this tour due to having some medical treatment. He's back now though and no one is more glad to see Terry back on stage than yours truly. Having said that; Martin's son Luke did a sterling job and for once in a long long time I wasn't the youngest on stage!</p>
<p>A couple of standout shows on this tour. Oslo was fantastic!!! . . . . Yes I know Oslo is in Norway, but it just happened to be on this tour, our promoter is Norwegian, so let's not bark too loud at that simple mistake of going foreign on our "Swedish Tour" I really enjoyed the gig in Gothenburg a couple of nights ago as well as the Lokomotive gig in Eskilstuna.</p>
<p>Tonight's show in Trollhaten is a stand up show that I am sure to enjoy, I love the stand up shows! . . . . Let's get back to some Rock N Roll FFS!</p>
<p>Next stop for Smokie is the UK, joining the Legends Live Tour on Tuesday, with Suzie Quatro and David Essex. We start in Newcastle before heading to Nottingham and Wembley Arena on Thursday night. I look forward to the big Arena Tour and hope that Smokie will show everyone what we're capable of on the big stage!</p>
<p>So a big thank you to Sweden, thanks for making this tour a successful one and it goes without saying that, only you the public can truly make it happen!! Although, if I'm being honest we have had a great tour manager and a promoter who totally gets this band, so thanks to everyone involved once again!</p>
<p>PS . . . . . . Leeds United are still doing well and automatic promotion remains in our own hands. Viasat will air the game live in Sweden today, so let's get the fuck on the tour bus and get to the next town so I can get to see the game!!</p>
<p> </p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/56844532019-03-18T19:39:44+00:002021-05-28T07:03:01+01:00FRIENDSHIP SEARCHING<p>I've been a quite busy the last few weeks! . . . . . The last three weekends in Sweden has had it's fair share of travel. Of course Sweden is pretty big!<br>Some great shows though and very enjoyable, still a few to go!</p>
<p>Getting a few days off in the week seems taken up by washing clothes, re-packing and just getting a few house jobs done, this means that those days off are kind of taken care of, and before you know it, it's back at the airport for another stint on the road!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>THE SEARCHERS</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/8c36790cd982b19a0980861ed71510023611a72a/original/searchers.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>A few months ago, I'd seen a Facebook post about the retirement of the the 60's band, The Searchers.<br>Over the years, Smokie have done many shows with the Searchers, especially in Germany, on what was often billed as "Oldie Night" and "Nostalgia Nights"<br>As a result of working together on many of these shows, all the bands who featured, became great friends and had a mutual respect for each other as well as having many a great big drinking night and parties let me tell ya! . . . . . and believe me I could tell some stories!!!</p>
<p>On a personal note; I liked all the members of the Searchers and some years ago whilst living in the South of England, I spent many a day over at Spencer James's recording studio. Like myself, Spencer joined a band that had had, success in previous years and I guess like myself he brought some youth and a small change to the Searchers like I did with Smokie.</p>
<p>Having seen that the Searchers were to retire this year, and on their Final Tour in the UK, I felt it right that I should pay my respects to a band that has offered so much to the business that I love.<br>I wanted to go a gig and basically ,say my goodbye to John, Frank, Spencer and Scott (Although I don't know Scott that well) and wish them well in their new life of retirement. (Although Spencer will still continue to do the odd gig here and there)<br>John and Frank have given so much to this business and to their fans. They have "kept it up" so to speak and in the last couple of years they have even ventured as far as Australia.</p>
<p>So; last week I drove over to Hull where the guys had a show. I couldn't stay for the gig because I had another commitment, but I had a catch up and I noticed that it was totally sold out, like all their shows on their final tour.<br>On my way home I thought to myself they really are legends! . . . . all those great songs, all those hits and they conquered the world especially in their day!</p>
<p>John and Frank have really toured non stop and I take my hat off to them both, as well as Spencer of course who has been with them for over thirty years!<br>I wish them well and thank them for their friendship, which I was lucky enough to have bestowed upon me, many many years ago.</p>
<p>To The Searchers . . . . "Enjoy your retirement lads if anyone deserves it? . . . . . you lot do"</p>
<p>Mick</p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/56361312019-02-10T13:55:41+00:002021-06-09T09:06:17+01:00RUSTY FINGERS . . . . . NOT A CHANCE!<p>As most of you know, Smokie take off the month of January, to recharge the batteries and take a well earned holiday.<br> </p>
<p>So . . . . . I went skiing in France as I always do, but as per usual my guitar is never far away from my side, in the month of January!<br>I sit at home writing songs and doodling on my guitars, especially the ones that I don't use on the road that much, I really enjoy that.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/94f24d2abb9f5752e82442d5684d0293a3a38d5c/original/guitarhome.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Smokie played the Annual Annette Fox Leukemia Charity Ball on Friday, so this week, I had a run through the set at home. We used to say, get the rust off the fingers, but because I'm always playing guitar at home, being rusty is never on the cards!<br>It was nice to get playing again though and obviously a good cause will benefit from the support given to our chosen charity.</p>
<p>I've had a chance to see a few gigs and other bands locally where I live which is quite nice. It's amazing the talent that is present within local bands doing pubs playing covers, but playing them very well.</p>
<p>Next week we start our 2019 touring schedule in Belfast, before heading to Letterkenny, my Dad's place of birth, with a final gig in Dublin next Sunday.<br>The year ahead looks good and I shall remain positive that 2019 will be a successful one!</p>
<p>See you soon!</p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/55750812018-12-31T16:45:43+00:002021-06-09T16:13:15+01:002018 A YEAR IN REVIEW<p>Gig-wise, 2018 started off with the usual Smokie charity dinner in Bradford, before heading to Ireland to play what were three cracking gigs, the highlight being the Dublin gig, a place and venue I particularly enjoy! </p>
<p>However; prior to that, One Sunday afternoon in the New Year of 2018 in my local pub, I’d had one pint too many (I’m not a big drinker) . . . I had a third pint! . . . . . Anyways; our old quizmaster had sadly passed away a few weeks earlier and with a bit of bravado I duly offered my services. So now, I’m the new quizmaster at my local pub every Wednesday (when I’m home that is). I enjoy the banter and learn a thing or two on the way. I even let the band members have a go at MY quiz on some of the longer bus journey’s . . . . good fun! </p>
<p>Smokie tour dates had started to really fill up in the first few weeks of the new year and I knew as early as March that it would be hell of a tough year in terms of travel and days away from home. Believe me when I tell you, southern Spain to northern Norway is a long, long way! </p>
<p>I also have a new hobby . . .in the last couple of years, I’ve really got into road cycling and so I ordered my custom build EVO2MAX all carbon (expensive) bike which arrived in Spain just in time for the summer. It’s great new pastime, that’s good for my health too!<br>Living in Spain has become a big part of my life now and my efforts to gain such a lovely house, meant I made many sacrifices over the years, but I absolutely love the way of life, something I feel is well deserved after all my years of hard work and saving a little.<br>I’ve made lots of new friends in Spain and looking back at the last few years; a move I was apprehensive about, worked out well. </p>
<p>Winding the clock back, in November of 2017, I’d ordered a custom build Gordon Smith guitar. My order was well overdue in terms of how long it took to see it in the flesh! . . . . It was well worth the wait though. Thanks to Gordon Smith Guitars for building my vision, it arrived mid-April of 2018.<br>It basically replaced my Trusty Les Paul “Gold Top” that had suffered a broken neck only a few months earlier </p>
<p>The months of June and July were real killers on the road and I’d started to feel a little battle weary by the time Smokie took their summer break, mid-August. <br>However; having had a look at the second half of the year, I knew that this years’ touring was going to get even harder. <br>Don’t get me wrong, the gigs are easy enough, but the constant travel makes each gig, roll into the next with little remembering what some of the gigs were actually like, with airports being my main place to eat it would seem. <br>I do however, remember really enjoying the festival in Berlin though. Our set was sadly cut short due the thunder storms and safety concerns by our stage manager. Luckily the public full agreed and everyone wandered away in the heaviest of rain I have seen. </p>
<p>It’s fair to say I also had my share of technical difficulties on some of our summer festivals, despite having a lot of new gear. <br>I shall cross my fingers that 2019 will be problem free? </p>
<p>On the 11th of August, I received the news that my best friend, Producer and Mentor, Blue Miller had sadly past away in his home town of Nashville. I was absolutely devastated and even now, I struggle to come to terms with with the fact that Blue is no longer around, I miss him so much, I couldn't help think about his wife Beth this Christmas . . . . I found the time to write a Christmas card, telling her that I hadn't forgot about her and I reminded her just how everyone loved her husband Blue.</p>
<p>During the summer break; My house in the UK had been broken into and my car stolen. Luckily my car has a tracker and was recovered in hours, but it was stressful having to go back to the UK to find out whether my guitars were in fact still around. I’m glad to report they were all there, at home! . . . . . I’ve since put them back in secure storage, but it would seem that thieves only came for one thing . . . . My Jag! </p>
<p>Through the summer, I tend to listen to more music than I generally do the rest of the time. I like to listen to Café Del Mar and all that “Chill out” shit, that you’d probably think is not for a rock musician. <br>I’d also discovered a new artist whom I’d never heard before in Brian Culbertson. <br>he’s a music creator, Artist and Producer. He’s a wonderful piano player . . . check him out. </p>
<p>The summer break passed fairly quickly. I’d no sooner caught my breath when the 1st leg of Smokie’s German Tour kicked off on September 20th. </p>
<p>Ticket sales were great and the first few shows were really quite incredible, I really enjoyed myself and felt that the band’s decision to the do the tour was well and truly justified despite some members reservations of doing such a long tour. </p>
<p>The 1st half of the tour we played theatres and the 2nd half we did some large club gigs, I was in my element on the 2nd half let me tell you! </p>
<p>My favourite gig was the Spectrum in Augsburg . . . . . Mannheim probably a close second! </p>
<p>Before the Mannheim show, I visited my old stomping ground Kaiserslautern on the day off and met up with some old friends. I also discovered that the Kaiserslautern football team had been relegated to the third tier of the Bundesliga. In saying that, I didn’t really give a shit . . . . Leeds United had got off to a flyer back in the UK! </p>
<p>On a personal note I felt I played really well on all those German shows. I need to feel that once in a while, I also think it’s important as a musician to give everything you’ve got with a 100% effort! . . . . I did that as I always do. </p>
<p>I’d also started doing something that I feel is a great benefit. I get my main guitar 40 minutes before showtime to warm up in the changing room. It’s not really surprised me the benefit that it brings, but by the time I hit the stage my fingers are nice and loose. </p>
<p>Whilst on the German Tour, I read the new book by my favourite guitarist Steve Lukather. . . . What a read!!! It’s funny at times, with some sad stories too, but it was uncanny how some of his trials and tribulations are similar to my own. I finished the book in two days, that’s how good it was! . . . . Oh . . . . I forgot; he also swears a lot more than me! </p>
<p>On the second half of the German Tour I received more bad news from America. Another one of my lifelong friends Brian Moore sadly died of Cancer aged 55. It's this kind of news that gets you thinking about your own well being and a need to enjoy life and soak up everything you can? . . . . We just never know do we?</p>
<p>After the German Tour I got an email from a young German musician who told me I was his favourite guitarist and that he was trying to emulate my sound. He’d also bought a similar rig to mine and asked me for my settings, to which I duly obliged. <br>He suggested I share some videos of my solo stuff and how to play those riffs etc. So, I do plan to have a Mick McConnel TV kind of thing that will go on YouTube and on my site . . . . Hopefully quite soon . . . . watch this space! <br>Thank you Marcus for your kind words . . . . I was delighted that I gave someone some inspiration! </p>
<p>After the German Tour we left for Norway and Sweden and with very little time at home, in fact at best I got was 24 hours, that was my lot.<br>I started to feel like I was on a rollercoaster and it began to feel like, Groundhog Day. </p>
<p>Before I knew it? The Smokie Symphony Tour kicked off in Budapest, Hungary in November.<br>I enjoyed the rehearsals and felt that it would be quite enjoyable despite the fact, that the orchestra thing just isn’t my cup of tea. <br>I was pleasantly surprised!<br>The Budapest show for me, was by far the best, but they were all good shows and the numbers in the Arena’s were huge! . . . . . I felt quite proud that Smokie could pack ‘em in! </p>
<p>I enjoyed the Prague show, because they put us in the most civilised wonderful hotel, that served breakfast up to 12.30.<br>I wandered miles around Prague taking in the sights and sounds as well as a stroll through the Christmas market. <br>Our Norwegian Promoter, Kjell had come along to witness the orchestra thing and so myself and Kjell ended up in the Irish pub watching our beloved football teams. <br>I spend most of my Saturdays when I’m on tour hooked up to my computer with football news and games slowly drip feeding my appetite for the game as well as keeping tabs on my beloved Leeds United. </p>
<p>Our last show was on the Symphony Tour was in Riga, I boarded my flight home at 06.20 and I’ve never been as happy to walk into my house. </p>
<p>I had a picked up some mince pies on my way from the airport and devoured two or three with a huge cup of tea! <br>I felt that the tough year was a successful one and as always, I count my blessings, that all tours had gone well for everyone involved.<br>Yours truly was really quite elated to be home though, watching my TV and sleeping in my own bed. </p>
<p>On Christmas eve, I grabbed my credit card and logged on to the Salvation Army website . . . . I gave a small gift like I do every year that will support a homeless person with food and shelter . . . . It makes me feel better and serves to remind me, that I don't have such a bad life!</p>
<p>The last two shows of the year were in Northern Ireland. I was reminded as I went through the Irish border by my satnav, that I had entered the UK . . . . . Brexit has split the UK down the middle and I hate some of the shite I see on Facebook about the whole affair. Sad times, but I genuinely hope all will be well, I have a lot of respect for most politicians, but some of this lot in government and opposition, only think about their parties and themselves as opposed to the what is best for the country? . . . . . I hope Britain will prove that she is more than capable of proving herself, in what possibly looks like, a new era and testing times? </p>
<p>It’s only now as I write this little story that I realize just how fucked I was the last couple of months? . . . . the Christmas break really couldn’t have come soon enough. </p>
<p>Oh . . . . I also bought myself a cracking spinning bike, the real deal, so I can do some cycling exercise at home . . . . I should be like Chris Froome by the time I get back to Spain! </p>
<p>I recently put an advert out for a bass player and drummer, to go out and do a few Mick McConnell shows, playing my own material. I’m quite excited about this and will of course let you know in due course. I’m going to have a rehearsal in January and February. </p>
<p>So as the one year, steers into the next, I shall consider the months ahead once again.<br>I shall look forward to certain aspects of my touring calendar (especially Australia) and try to desperately not wish the time away, as is so easy to do, sometimes. </p>
<p>Anyways; Don’t know about you lot? . . . . But I’m off skiing!!!!!! </p>
<p>Happy New Year my friends! </p>
<p>Mick</p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/53925522018-08-18T12:57:48+01:002021-04-04T05:33:12+01:00R.I.P. BLUE MILLER<p>Last weekend whilst in Norway, I saw a post on Facebook that shocked the ground beneath me. I had to look twice but then the reality hit.<br>My Producer, songwriting partner, mentor and most of all one of my best friends Blue Miller had sadly passed away.</p>
<p>Over the past few months myself and blue often communicated via WhatsApp, with small amounts of banter and just general chit-chat about the his world and mine. Politics seemed to be the main topic, but more often than not it was about music.<br>However; I knew something wasn't quite right when the messages stopped. I phoned several times and eventually his wife Beth answered and informed me that Blue was struggling to recover from his illness, but I did get to have a talk with him. Blue died Nashville on the 11th of August 2018.</p>
<p>I've lost a great friend. He was a great musician who was admired worldwide, He was a great producer and mentor and it's obvious to me, seeing all the recent tributes over the last week, he touched the hearts of many and he was respected by all who knew him.</p>
<p>I first met Blue in 1997 when Smokie recorded our "Wild Horses" album. Myself and Blue sat together in a session, he on the acoustic guitar and me on electric. He knew I was struggling with the Nashville number system and he quickly came to my rescue! We instantly hit it off and he kind of took me under his wing a little bit.<br>Barry Becket who was producing on that session had already warned me about Blue Miller saying "you'll love him Mick"<br>After the session that day Blue gave me a capo which he said was a new design and really good, it was the colour Blue . . . . 23 years on, I still have that capo today. That was the start of a friendship that continued to the very day he died.</p>
<p>Sometime in 2006, Blue was on Tour with India Arie in the UK, We hooked up after the show and myself and some friends introduced Blue to his first Indian food experience . . . . . . We also provided him with a steaming hangover the day after, which he cursed me for! The photo I have here is of that night in Manchester.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/6291b0299e4cb94667af1b7c574f168d88c44676/original/blue-manchester.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>A few years later I was mixing my first solo album in Nashville at the House Of Blues. I called Blue and told him where I was. I also suggested he come on over for a few beers and bring a guitar! . . . . . . When he arrived we were already set up for him to play, although he was totally unaware of this situation I'd put him in. He said "Hey man, what do you want me to play"? I said "anything! . . . I just want you on my album and I ain't paying you" . . . and he did. I never did pay him but we had a few beers and caught up on old times!</p>
<p>In 2016 I'd started to write songs for my second solo album and I sent a couple of songs over to Blue, I was really just looking for a bit of encouragement, I knew that Blue would be constructive and point me where I needed to be. He did a little more than that though! . . . . . . "Jump on a plane man, I'll get the musicians and you get your goddamn Limey arse over here . . . . and so I did!</p>
<p>The very first morning I arrived at Blue's studio, we started the banter! . . . . . I told him Yanks knew jack-shit about making tea . . . . He told me a Brit couldn't play the blues (to which I reminded him about Jeff Beck, Clapton and the likes) That was the foundation for making my new solo album. Lots of fun, great musicians, and of course, tea with milk on a morning!<br>When we had lunch he would suggest where we go. I said it doesn't really matter Yanks can't cook for shit . . . . the slagging never stopped!</p>
<p>On that very first day of writing and recording though, Blue asked me a question. "Do you want me to help you Mick? or do you want me to Produce this album"????<br>I said "I need you to Produce it and get the best out of me" .(I didn't pay him for that either) . . . . He walked out of the room and came back with a freshly printed sheet of paper with my song written out, but ever so slightly different to what I had wrote, yet much better . . . . . "those are you new lyrics" he said, and with that we got started.</p>
<p>We wrote 5 songs together in less than a week and he kept explaining to me the importance of just how the listener has to understand the lyric. He shared his memories of Bob Seger and how Bob had told him the very same thing about lyrics and songwriting when Blue was younger.</p>
<p>When we eventually got around to recording, Blue as promised, got me the best guys for the job!<br>This is when I noticed a more serious side to Blue the Producer (he even wore a jacket in the studio) . . . . I gave him shit about that too!</p>
<p><br>Now; here's what I liked about Blue in the recording studio. He was inclusive and everyone got a chance to have their input, yet he was strong enough to tell you just how wrong you are, but in the nicest possible way . . . . but he also is just a good at telling you how good you were too . . . . he would often say " you can do better"<br>He would also say "man your good, you can play that thing as good as anyone" . . . . simple statements designed to get the best out of you!</p>
<p>Once when we started editing, I stated that I felt the bass guitars were a bit too loud. Blue turned and looked at me and said "Man your too white" and from that day on he started calling me "Casper" (you know, the friendly ghost)</p>
<p>A couple of days later we had lunch in Waffle House and he said "Hey Casper, you got change" . . . . . I gave him some dollar coins and he went to the jukebox and put on some crappy "Waffle House Song" . . . . . when I asked what this shit was? He said "I wrote that song man, didn't make me a million, but I wrote it" . . . I told him at was about as good has is dress sense!</p>
<p>When "Under My Skin" was finally released in March 2017, Myself and Blue spoke about our achievement to deliver a really cool blues/rock album and that the next one would be even better! . . . . . Sadly, that won't happen now.</p>
<p>I was lucky that Blue came into my life all those years ago, we remained friends and my memories of the great man are fond ones.</p>
<p>As India Arie used to say when she introduced him onstage, "He ain't exactly black, and he ain't exactly white" . . . "He's just Blue"</p>
<p> </p>
<p>RIP Blue Miller<br> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/53828242018-08-10T22:33:30+01:002021-02-26T14:53:06+00:00SUMMER CATCHUP<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/0e44d9f6c9f30bbb99d1262f8c4788f124fb4bd5/original/handicap.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Hi everyone</p>
<p>I hope you are enjoying your summer wherever you are!</p>
<p><strong>IT'S HOT!</strong><br>It's been 40+ degrees down here in Spain . . . . . I was getting ready to throw ice cubes in the pool, even my Fitbit melted, can you believe it?<br>I've managed a few good rides on my new road bike too, which is kinda crazy in this heat, but hey at least I'm trying to stay fit.</p>
<p>So what's been happening? . . . . . . It's been a tough old slog this summer, especially last week, where I played 5 shows with Smokie, in Switzerland, Sweden, Noway and Ireland and managed a day off in the UK and of course it's silly season at the airports! So traveling is no fun let me tell yer!</p>
<p>I'm enjoying my new Gorden Smith guitar at the moment, it's a real rock guitar, I think it looks cool too. However; I've had a few technical difficulties this summer, especially in the amp department. It always amazes me that these backline companies who supply backline to all these festivals all over Europe fail to test them before they go out on the road. No footswitches shipped with the amp, and an effects loop not working all adding to a frustration that is compounded by my guitars going missing (it would seem) more often than not! . . . . . KLM seem to love holding my guitars for a few days in Amsterdam.</p>
<p><strong>A DAY AT THE RACES</strong><br>Smokie played a gig yesterday at the Leopardstown racecourse near Dublin where the "Smokie Handicap Chase" was held. We were invited to present the winners trophy and to see the band name on TV as part of a race meeting was a bit wierd I have to say.<br>The gig afterwards attracted just short of 7000 people and most of those turned up just for the concert, It goes down as probably one of the most enjoyable days and gigs I've had in a long long time! . . . .I must do it again sometime!</p>
<p><strong>SUMMER BREAK</strong><br>I'm waiting for my summer break to begin starting this Sunday. A month off that I'm truly ready for. I'm going to relax and enjoy a travel free period.<br>I live close to Cabo De Palos, so I might try and get some scuba diving done, as well as a few long bike rides, when the weather is not ridiculously hot?<br>There's also a chance that I might get some inspiration in the form of songwriting, it always seems to be the case that I pen a few songs in the summer break.</p>
<p>So wherever you are my friends, take care and stay safe! The weather these days plays havoc with our lives and when I see the devastation and destruction in the US with the California wildfires, as well as close by in Portugal, I often think that I have friends who live there and the danger is very real.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/52377592018-05-16T18:35:12+01:002021-04-04T05:45:06+01:0022 YEARS<p>Well first of all, I have to share the news of the neck break on my trusty "Gold Top" . . . . . Yes on opening the guitar case in Norway to find a broken Les Paul was not a good day! It was worse that a Leeds United loss on a Saturday let me tell you!<br>Anyhows, It's in with Shane Haigh the String Surgeon and hopefully will be back on the road fit and healthy in a couple of weeks time? Strange how a guitar can travel so much do in excess of over 2000 shows and on one occasion the dreaded happens!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/5fd7f1b3c017e8d43d082fda341b2ab6be3ba9c7/original/broken-neck.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_none border_" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>Gordon Smith Guitars</strong></span></p>
<p>I suppose quite apt that I have just received my new Custom Built GS1 from Gordon Smith Guitars that I ordered last year, how handy! It's a GS1 in a honeybusrt finish, gold hardware and a single coil tap humbucker . . . . "simplicity at it's best"</p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>22 Years</strong></span></p>
<p>On May 11th, I reached a milestone of 22 years in Smokie . . . . yes I know it's hard to believe sometimes, but time does actually seem to fly by! . . . . It's been a wonderful ride and I sencerley hope that I can notch up a few more years yet before considering any retirement.</p>
<p>I joined Smokie because Alan Silson bowed out with no notice, so I was quite literally thrown in at the deep end with gigs and the completion of the highly successful Christmas Album that Smokie were recording at the time. I've sen some amazing places and I have witnessed the band achieve some real high points and even today we continue to grow and evolve . . . albeit with a few creeky bones!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/66d8cc2d2a636c8ab7966a6d10a4794d276a1164/original/22years.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I have seen crew members come and go, getting married and having their own children. I've seen the band members kids grow up and start their own families and witness to the feelings that band members have becoming Grandfathers!</p>
<p>My solo work has been well received and I've been fortunate to work with some of the best in the business! . . . .I've shared the stage with the likes of Tina Turner, Fleetwood Mac and Rod Stewart, all my dreams, that became a reality.</p>
<p>None of us know what will happen in the future and what destiny is in store for us? However; I'm a great believer in Karma and I think that if I carry on as I do, being a decent human being, who knows . . . . the best, just might be to come?</p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/51737472018-04-10T13:40:20+01:002021-06-07T05:22:02+01:00LEAVE TO TO MAN CALLED SMITH<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/2f2a4210fad63ecefc640cf927d133073604c59a/original/gs1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />"Leave it to a man called Smith"</p>
<p>Many many years ago I owned a Gordon Smith guitar, A GS1 to be exact. After a pub conversation about guitars that I had enjoyed the most and then regretted selling, the story somehow got the attention of James at Gordon Smith Guitars.</p>
<p>I ended up having a conversation with James last November and he suggested that I consider getting another one, but allow them to make a few changes to my liking, so turning the clock back with a guitar I had so much affection for.</p>
<p>That guitar is now in the final stages of construction I am told and should make an appearance on a summer festival or two in the very near future!</p>
<p>Photos will follow soon!</p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/51437642018-03-23T11:59:53+00:002021-04-28T12:12:13+01:00BIRTHDAY WISHES<p>I want to thank all fans who have sent me a birthday greeting to my site and my Facebook page yesterday.</p>
<p>It is truly overwhelming! . . . . Thank you!</p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/50878662018-02-19T22:10:37+00:002021-04-04T05:52:03+01:00 A SUITCASE PACKED AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN!<p>I just love playing live, I love being on the road, I've missed it . . . . . so glad to be back touring let me tell you!</p>
<p>Anyways let's have a quick catch-up. The annual Smokie charity dinner for Leukemia was as always a roaring success, I am happy to give my time to such a wonderful cause, I am also proud that Smokie continue to give " A little bit back" Shame that a particular hotel manager couldn't get into the spirit of the occasion that is all about Charity!</p>
<p>It was nice to go back to Bulgaria, although the shenanigans of a tour promoter left some fans seeking refunds on tickets for a show that had been cancelled weeks earlier. One despairs!</p>
<p>Anois . . . . . . `that's Irish for "Now" . . . . . I've really enjoyed that last three shows in Ireland with Smokie, The Irish really know how to enjoy music and I am quite overwhelmed at the support that we receive in Ireland, I love Vicar Street, what a gig!!!!</p>
<p>GEAR</p>
<p>My TC G-System has been playing up a bit, I've gone through two in ten years, but felt that it was time to move on and have a change. I got myself a Line6 Helix system which is rather cool. I dig the reverbs and chorus sounds, but I've yet to nail the delays, but I'll get there eventually. <br>The Helix is a modelling multi-effects unit but as most gear-heads who know me, are well aware that I go nowhere near all that shit! . . . . . let me have my valves to make those drive sounds (<em>but shh . . . never say never</em>) It's taken me a couple of weeks to get my head round it and I think that I'll be very happy in the long run. Just a matter of persevering and tweaking over a few gigs that's all. I'm also tempted to put a line buffer in the chain, I must consult other gear-heads to gather a bit of info I'm thinking?</p>
<p>I'll share the story soon, but I pick up a new guitar soon down at British guitar builders - Gordon Smith. A GS1 specially made for yours truly, is being made as we speak. Always nice to get a new toy, maybe it'll give me a little inspiration . . . . . that is sometimes needed of course, maybe a killer riff will be born . . . . yes!!</p>
<p>On a lighter note Toblerone has created a new Ice Cream I notice . . . . FFS make no wonder I've gotta do eighty K's each morning on the bike . . . . Oh that reminds me, getting a new bike too!!!</p>
<p> </p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/49986912017-12-29T16:54:58+00:002021-05-15T06:30:04+01:00GOODBYE 2017<p>I enjoy reminiscing and taking a look back and the year that has just passed. 2017 for me was another year of milestones achieved and I continue to live the dream of playing music for a living. </p>
<p>Quite literally on New Years Day of 2017 I got an email from Lurssen mastering to inform me that my new album “Under My Skin” had been mastered, with a link to listen to the actual album, as it would be. This is always an apprehensive moment and I’d got so used to listening to the demos - I’d got the “Demo-itus” bug of getting so used to the rough mixes that the new mixes kinda sounded . . . . Well just not right!</p>
<p>I’ve since learned that the trick is to not analyze them too much and live with it! </p>
<p>Taking care of the business side of things for me was Golly Gallagher at GF Promotions. When he first heard the tracks he called me to say he was blown away and the relief for me was immense. Here I am with a new manager hoping to get my solo career on the move, and not knowing how that would go. </p>
<p>Golly got to work on promoting the album and he delivered his promise to get radio airplay and the some of the best magazine interviews. </p>
<p>Isn’t it ironic that I play in such a successful band yet it was my solo work that gave me the credibility to get in the music magazines that I have always wanted to be featured in? Blues in Britain magazine gave me the coveted center pages . . . how cool. </p>
<p>The Blues/Rock chart is a European chart and is delivered by pulling together airplay and downloads etc. “Under My Skin” achieved a high of number 13 which I have to admit I was delighted with. Two tracks also featured in last weeks Rock-Radio “best newcomers and tracks of the year awards” </p>
<p>Shame that once again I couldn’t do a few gigs to capitalize on the good work that Golly had delivered. </p>
<p>Under My Skin was released on the 20thMarch. It was another achievement in my musical career and another milestone reached. </p>
<p>I’d worked with a Grammy winning producer in Blue Miller, that for me was a great decision and I take those leaning curves away with me in the hope that it will benefit another project in the future! . . . . . . . “Work with the best you can” . . . . . Push yourself to be better” . . . . These are the things that should come naturally, but it’s easy to take the Easy Road, for most part I refuse to do that! </p>
<p>The Smokie charity dinner (February 2017) for the Annette Fox Leukemia Trust was another time that I could stand proud. Dr. Parapia acknowledged the efforts of the band and we were presented with a tankard for 25 years of efforts, it was quite emotional to be honest and it gave me that lump in my throat as I held back a tear. </p>
<p>I have always enjoyed touring the UK and the last one was no different. To tour the UK in the first quarter of the year seems to have been etched in everyone’s diary it would seem. </p>
<p>The Inverness gig was brilliant, a stand up show that was rammed to the rafters, I was pleased for Martin too. His hometown supported him well. </p>
<p>Just in front of me a fight broke out, and I’m always left wondering what’s wrong with these women? </p>
<p>By mid April I’d had enough of the winter weather, so I got my flights booked to what has really become my main home now and ventured to sunny Spain. </p>
<p>I dragged along my eldest daughter Kyrie too, it was really nice to have some quality time together, especially the fact that University takes up most of her time these days. We flew on Monarch Airlines, England’s longest running airline. Sadly it would go into liquidation a few months later and is no more! </p>
<p>Since moving to Spain I’ve really got into riding my mountain bike, almost everyday, but a new friendship with a neighbor and now a close friend the two of us are pretty much addicted to road cycling. </p>
<p>My morning routine has changed by starting with a 50-60 Kilometers bike ride, before anyone else has even surfaced out of bed. What a great way to start my day! I walk a lot more and go to the gym a little less, it seems to work better for me, although the weight is always a struggle, despite the exercise. </p>
<p>I’ve discovered a couple of new places in Spain, one being Cabo De Palos near La Manga, great scuba diving so I think this year I shall get my Jacques Cousteau head on and get back into another sport that I enjoy, but have such little time to participate. </p>
<p>In July my youngest daughter Nikita left school (How time flies) She’s a good bit more academic than her dad, and she now attends A-Level college in her quest to start the building blocks for her grown up life. (makes me realize I'm getting older too)</p>
<p>The Brexit referendum was a surprise to say the least, but I will always question! . . . . “Why couldn’t the EU find a way to promise reform before the vote? And perhaps the UK might just have stayed put”??? </p>
<p>Terrorism again reared its head in Europe and I will always wonder why us human beings can’t just get on? The bomb at the Manchester concert full of kids was truly sickening. I’ve started to say, “Stay safe” when leaving friends, why should I have to do that? </p>
<p>I found the summer travel pretty laborious this year, it’s a long way from southern Spain to the north of Norway let me tell you, and there were times when I was just fed up and it felt like groundhog day, but I do count my blessings always reminded by Annmarie, and I know that I’m lucky and should remember that I do actually enjoy my job. </p>
<p>Smokie played a festival with Tom Jones in Ireland in August and although the rain almost threatened the day, we had a great reaction. I stayed and watched Tom Jones, he is truly brilliant - what a voice! . . . . And a great band too! </p>
<p>After locking up the villa in October, I knew the autumn and winter touring schedule would soon become full throttle. Touring Israel was I have to say, the highlight of the year for me. Great gigs and the weather wasn’t bad ether. </p>
<p>Gigs in Ireland continue to sell out too. The Irish have really supported Smokie, year after year, they are amazing! </p>
<p>A couple of weeks ago when I arrived back in he UK, I had a football week, watching Huddersfield, Chelsea, my beloved Leeds united. I even went to Old Trafford the home of Manchester United, to the annoyance of one or two Leeds United friends. My starvation of football forced me into needing a “Footie Fix” . . . Enjoyable yes, but I think those cold terraces may well have been the thing that my Flu-bug needed to start its intrusion of my body and scuppuring my enjoyment this Christmas! </p>
<p>I’ve had a great Christmas in Ireland, (Yes I got socks) I’m back home now in the UK to get ready for my trip to the Czech Republic tomorrow and I also plan to set up my studio once again in the New Year and hopefully get some inspiration to write some new songs and maybe do a few YouTube videos? . . . . It seems these days every guitar player is performing from home and sharing sounds and guitar riffs . . . . So why not? </p>
<p>Happy New Year friends!</p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/49706712017-12-10T12:46:44+00:002021-04-04T05:54:41+01:00SIGNED CD's . . . . NOT TOO LATE!<p>Anyone who buy a CD from the website over the next week, will get them signed by Mick . . . . Go on! . . . makes a great Christmas present</p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/49706532017-12-10T11:59:02+00:002021-04-28T15:51:56+01:00WINTER HAPPENINGS<p><strong>Winter Happenings</strong></p>
<p>In recent weeks, I've done gigs in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kiev as well as gigs in Romania and Poland. Mild climates not! . . . . but they are currently surprisingly warm for the time of year, with little or no snow. Normally we would have disrupted travel plans and have to wear two pairs of ski socks etc. etc. However; on arrival back to the UK this week I see only what I would describe as, the winter wonderland that only a sprinkling of snow can create . . . . It gets me in that Christmas mood every time . . . . A happy man! . . . Apart from having a bout of un-wellness in the from of a sore throat and a cold that is!</p>
<p><strong>New Guitar</strong></p>
<p>Gordon Smith the UK guitar company have agreed to build me a replacement for my old GS1 that I sadly lost due to a very bad broken neck. Hopefully some pictures to follow. I am hoping that this may well replace my Les Paul "Gold Top" that has been my main live squeeze for many years now and has done well in excess of 1000 live gigs.</p>
<p><strong>New Pedal Board</strong></p>
<p>Another piece of equipment that has come to it's end of shelf life is my trusty TC Electronics G-system, There are times when gear just kind of gives up!</p>
<p>Not sure as yet as to what I plan to do, but I need something that is portable for the amount of fly gigs that we do. It needs to have ease of set up, so that any guitar tech can get to grips with it. Another factor is have something that is versatile that can cover all the bases. . . . . . . Needs to sound good too of course!</p>
<p><strong>One More Show</strong></p>
<p>Smokie have their last show of the year on the 31st of December, so I've a few days off now and can enjoy my Christmas holidays. I shall, as always give a review of the year past gone as I usually do., so please come back next week and check that out!</p>
<p>In the meantime, enjoy your holidays whatever religion you follow . . . . stay safe, be kind . . . . . and have a great time!</p>
<p> </p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/49164062017-11-02T15:02:17+00:002021-04-23T06:56:24+01:00SUN, SEA AND SAND . . . .OH AND A BIT OF CULTURE!<p>I've always enjoyed my travel, whether near or far. This last week in Israel though, was particularly enjoyable, and I think will prove to be quite memorable.</p>
<p>I walk miles each day, not just for the sake of it, but to keep fit and explore my surroundings. Staying in the Sheraton on the beachfront in Tel Aviv for a full week meant that I could get myself a little routine going on. . . . . Breakfast, walk, coffee in the old town of Jaffa, more walking, a jaunt up to the rooftop pool, a couple of chapters of my John Grisham book, a bite to eat, bath and a shave and get ready for the gig! . . . . A day can pass quickly when your having fun.</p>
<p>On our first gig in Be'er Sheva, Israel, I could see the gig from miles away on the highway, when we arrived the big colourful spire was part of the stage, it looked rather cool and I thing the ampi-theatre setting just added to the occasion. Great gigs great vibes, can't wait to go back!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/cab86303c2f7a0a6ead8522c953498fa215de985/original/stage-beer-sheva.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The gig in the Haifa Congress Centre was, as usual a rowdy night, we''ve been here a few times now, so the audience know the deal.</p>
<p>We'de made a huge decision the night before to change the after show rider and Instead of the usual pizza, we opted for Swharmer . . . . to most folks that's a Kebab! . . . . . i don't think anyone of us were shite-ing through the eye of a needle the day after, so we had Kebabs backstage every night after that . . . . . I know my way round a pita bread as good as I know my way round a Les Paul Gold Top let me tell yer!</p>
<p>We played our first ever show in Jerusalem this time, which was rather cool. If you get a chance to go to Jerusalem, take it. Atmosphere is very different to Tel Aviv for obvious reasons, but as a "left footer" (Catholic) There is so much history here. . . . . . Although if I'm being honest I'd rather read a Leeds United match-day programme that the new Testament!</p>
<p>To play in Tel Aviv for two nights at the Cultural Palace was a real coup for the band and we had every reason to feel proud. Also; Playing 15 minutes up the road also meant that I could have breakfast, go for a walk, stop for coffee in old Jaffa, walk a bit more, hop up to the pool . . . . . Yes it's becoming a bit like groundhog day!</p>
<p>When I turned up at the first gig soundcheck in Tel Aviv I was introduced by my tech Brendan to a local Guitar Luthier, Lee Oren from Infinity Guitars who wanted me to have a look at his creations. I checked out his Les Paul-esqe guitar, very nice woods, well made and obviously these guys have a real passion for what they do. They spend weeks and weeks building a single guitar!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/463f447a9b1fe04ec51ed2bef9990a7f722d8852/original/lee-oren.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Lee Oren from Infinity Guitars Israel</p>
<p>Lee Oren very kindly offered me this guitar free of charge (zero bucks) yes a very kind offer I know, but believe it or not? I'm Not the type of person who just takes and I felt that I wouldn't play it enough to give him the benefit that he perhaps needs.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p>My last day in Tel Aviv involved a haggle with a Jewish trader over a Shamaq (Arab Headscarf) . . . . . Guess who won? . . . . yep 15 shekkels bagged me my prize!</p>
<p>Anyways, I've got to go now, I'm looking for a band-aid or bandage for a blister on my big toe that's as big as an Elephants Bollock!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/48987422017-10-19T21:22:24+01:002021-04-04T05:58:40+01:00FREE DOWNLOAD . . . . get the track "Under My Skin"<p>Top of the page just click FREE . . . . . If you like what you hear you can order the full album on the shop page</p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/48133372017-08-14T12:43:31+01:002021-04-07T07:10:43+01:00A NOT SO FINE SUMMER<p>Well folks, I'm finally on a summer break from Smokie gigs. A nice well earned four week break and a chance to recharge the batteries as they say!</p>
<p>I play a lot of festivals in the summer, but the word summer has now come into question. Living in Spain I get to see a lot of sunshine, I wear shorts and a vest most of the time, bottomed off with a pair of Jesus boots, but everytime I seem to have got off a plane, the heavens have opened, I can't remember a summer with so much rain?</p>
<p>I'm glad to say that the gigs are great as always as are, our enthusiastic audiences, but FFS . . . . my Ray Bans have hardly been out of their case!</p>
<p>I was sent a photo by my guitar tech at the weekend and I couldn't help feel that this sums up really well the summer that has nearly passed. Anyways I thought I'd share this with you. Not a nice view from my standpoint let me tell you . . . . I think you see what I mean!!!!!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/a2e8d311d3d7d6752f4883796db1554c946b7eb3/original/wet-pedal.jpg?1502710990" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/48093112017-08-10T11:31:05+01:002021-04-04T06:01:12+01:00A WEEK IN ENGLAND<p>I took time out of the touring schedule to have a week back in the UK . . . . I love going to my own house, sleeping in my own bed, having Fish & Chips a Kebab, an Indian Curry night and attending the quiz at my local pub (My amigos think I'll know all the answers to the music questions) how wrong they are!</p>
<p>Anyhows . . . .I penned and recorded a couple of songs for Smokie whilst in the UK that will be listened to and hopefully make the cut if we can get our shit together and finish off our planned album release (Watch this space) We are constantly talking now about getting on with it.</p>
<p>CAR COVER ESCAPADES</p>
<p>I bought a new car in March of this year, but because I live in Spain, it is not being used at the moment. I decided to buy a Stormforce cover for it, so as to protect my investment from the wind and rain (believe me there's plenty of it) and the sun when ever its shines. However I wish I could have video'd myself trying to put the damn thing on . . . . it was quite windy and at one point it became a parachute . . . . can you imagine "The future of rock guitar could has taken a giant leap forward as another guitar slinger gets blown away whilst holding onto his new car cover"</p>
<p>Last couple of weeks have been quite busy and I will look forward to our mid-summer break after our show in Holstebro in Denmark this weekend.</p>
<p>I am fully aware that my dates on here haven't been updates, I shall do that before we head out back on the road.</p>
<p>Enjoy your summer my friends!</p>
<p>Mick</p>
<p> </p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/47638252017-07-01T19:15:26+01:002021-05-20T08:53:07+01:00AIR MILES<p>After last weekend, something made me think about the last couple of weeks on the road and how many places we had been? I logged on to my KLM account to check if all my flights had been correctly updated (Can't ever get enough air-miles) . . . . . . That was when I noticed just how hard it can be for the touring musician. Denmark, Norway and Germany over a Friday Saturday and Sunday. Then, after having done a gig in Austria and Romania, I decided to go back to the UK for one night only, yes just a few hours in my own bed in the UK and then a flight back to Spain and back home the day after . . . . . make no bloody wonder I've enough air miles for a Round The World Ticket! . . . . Of course you need time on your hands so you can use them? . . . . so for now, it's just a case of keep on adding them!</p>
<p>I'm currently sat in a hotel Room in Mo I Rana, Norway and writing this blog. Norway always amazes me; it's vastness, the cost of infrastructure must be staggering, make no wonder taxes are high in this part of the world. Then there's the stunning scenery that I take for granted sometimes. I have friends who have booked Fjord cruises and here I am getting it all free of charge and getting paid for being here too! (Yes I always count my blessings) Norway has been very kind to Smokie, certainly over the last two or three years, we have a lot of work here and it is always appreciated just how much we are so well looked after on our travels in this amazing country (You can't play football for shit though)</p>
<p>MUSICAL TRIPS</p>
<p>Close to where I live in Spain is a great Jazz and Blues festival (The San Javier Jazz and Blues) I plan to go watch Lee Ritenour who plays next week, Fourplay also have a show along with George Benson and Buddy Whittingham, a guitarist I really enjoy. I shall sit in the outside venue in twenty-five plus degrees in my sandals and maybe have a Cana or two . . . . . now how's that for a week ahead?</p>
<p>The Rolling Stones also play in Barcelona in September, I have a feeling that this will be their last tour (don't ask me why, just a feeling) that's also on the agenda. I love music and I'm happy to go and hopefully learn something new, who knows?</p>
<p>SHE KEEPS LEAVING ME</p>
<p>This weekend, my trustee (or not so trustee) Les Paul "Gold Top" has gone missing again . . . . . WTF! . . . . . How I still have that guitar I don't know? KLM should maybe give me a few more air miles for the inconvenience that they bestow upon me each week, removing my guitar from the luggage bins. Don't these cheese heads realize that Moi, has a Platinum card? . . . . . Hmmmm . . . . . Jeez . . . . . . they can't play football either!!!</p>
<p>Anyways . . . . . I hope your enjoying your summer my friends!</p>
<p>Maybe tomorrow (I'll find my way home) . . . . . what a great song that was - (by the Stereophonics)</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/47322392017-06-03T10:45:03+01:002021-04-04T06:09:37+01:00SUMMER HAPPENINGS<p>Hi All</p>
<p>Summer finally here! . . . . Today I write a blog from a very nice hotel in Dortmund. I thoroughly enjoy the summer festivals and travel is far and wide with what you could call quite diverse gigs. Last weekend we played in Norway, one gig well and truly inside the Arctic Circle and the other in Kristiansand. It couldn't have been any more different, one very cold and one basking in sunshine.</p>
<p>Visiting somewhere like northern Norway gives a reminder of just how remarkable our world is, so I was saddened at the actions of one Donald Trump this week regarding the Paris agreement. He needs to find a balance between fixing his economy in the great US and the impact that is bestowed upon our wonderful planet that is home to ALL of us!</p>
<p><strong>AND POLITICS . . . .</strong></p>
<p>Brexit will be well and truly on the agenda for EU and UK. Negotiators will start the difficult task of trying to hammer out a deal that suits everyone. This week the UK will decide on a new government, to which I will also cast my vote. Unemployment is at it's lowest in many decades and our economy continues to grow in a steady manner. Despite my Irish heritage I will support the UK government on whatever happens and hopefully things will go well. I genuinely believe that the UK has the fundamental structure across all walks of life and a government to succeed, I hope for the best.</p>
<p><strong>LOOKING AHEAD . . .</strong></p>
<p>Many guitarists friends and followers on Facebook have been asking me to post videos of the gear that I use on the road and in the studio, so I plan to do something in that department after the summer, it should be fun too . . . . I shall keep you posted!</p>
<p>Today I shall meet my record company in Germany and I really want to offer a free digital download of a track from "Under My Skin" . . . I am hopeful that I can make that happen . . . We all like a freebiie!!!</p>
<p>Best wishes everyone, enjoy your summer wherever you are!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/46983992017-05-05T21:39:43+01:002021-04-04T06:12:14+01:00SOLAR ENERGYGreetings my friends and followers . . . . greetings from Spain that is . . . . . I was in dire need of some solar energy after what seemed like a cold and long winter!!<br><br>Anyways . . . . . All good with all things "Under My Skin" and still getting radio airplay etc.<br>I did an interview today for a Spanish ex-pats magazine called The Yellow Lemon, I shall post links as soon as I know when the interview will come out, but basically it's an interview about my life in Spain and my life in the music business.<br><br>I decided to have a couple of weeks out and away from this site, so apologies for not much in the way of updates, but what's the point of writing about nowt?<br><br>Last week I was asked if I'd write some music for a biker show that is coming to TV, but I have yet to get all the details, but basically the Producer of that show has heard "Under My Skin" and has asked if I'm up for it? . . . . watch this space!<br><br>My beloved Leeds United didn't make the playoffs, but at least my adopted Real Madrid are doing OK in La Liga . . . so happy days!Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/46603732017-04-06T13:31:39+01:002021-04-04T06:12:45+01:00RADIO AIRPLAYNumber 13 . . . . . Yes Top Twenty on the IBBA radio airplay charts, which I think is really cool and of course very satisfying indeed.<br>Big thanks to Golly Gallagher for attending to this business for me, he's doing a great job.<br>Just to add:<br>I didn't really get just how important these radio podcasts are? . . . . . Lot's of stations playing great music and great DJ's who have a wealth of knowedge about the Blues and beyond!!!Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/46330642017-03-16T22:11:53+00:002021-04-04T06:13:50+01:00ELMORE MAGAZINE USA ALBUM REVIEW<span class="font_xl">I was really pleased with this review from a the great Elmore magazine in the USA.<br><br>Click <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.elmoremagazine.com/category/reviews/albums">here</a> to read</span>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/46185252017-03-06T19:45:09+00:002021-04-04T06:14:58+01:00UNDER MY SKIN PRE-ORDER NOW<span class="font_xl">It is now possible to Pre-Order "Under My Skin"</span><br><span class="font_xl">Click <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mickmcconnell.com/shop" style="">here</a></span><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/ec42a6f5a9f72f2d58c39804a9cc5665f61c3630/medium/cd-cover-on-blue.jpg?1488716948" class="size_m justify_center border_" />Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/46166312017-03-04T19:16:42+00:002017-03-04T19:16:42+00:00ALBUM REVIEW FROM MUSIC REPUBLIC<p><a contents="http://www.musicrepublicmagazine.com/2017/02/mick-mcconnell-skin-stuff-music-records-march-24th/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.musicrepublicmagazine.com/2017/02/mick-mcconnell-skin-stuff-music-records-march-24th/" target="_blank">http://www.musicrepublicmagazine.com/2017/02/mick-mcconnell-skin-stuff-music-records-march-24th/</a></p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/46166152017-03-04T18:51:12+00:002017-03-16T22:13:40+00:00UNDER MY SKIN . . . . COMING SOON (24TH MARCH)<span class="font_xl"><strong>UNDER MY SKIN . . . . COMING SOON (24TH MARCH)</strong></span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/d1d6bf29047aefef9d52818b555d40b5df11bd43/original/advert-mickmcconnell-en-preorder.jpg?1488653277" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><span class="font_large"><strong>Pre-Order</strong></span> available from next week, here at Mick McConnell.com<br><br><span class="font_large"><strong>IMPORTANT:</strong></span> GERMAN, SWISS AND AUSTRIAN ORDERS PLEASE BY DIRECT FROM <a contents="STUFF MUSIC RECORDS" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.stuff-music.de" target="_blank">STUFF MUSIC RECORDS</a>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/45815332017-02-08T16:21:00+00:002021-04-07T07:31:58+01:00GFI PROMOTIONS PRESS RELEASE . . . . <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/f7372bf82fae1b31da4467f063598a54dfcde434/original/under-my-skin-press-release.jpg?1486570828" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/45689832017-01-30T17:20:42+00:002021-04-04T06:16:59+01:00"UNDER MY SKIN PROMO"Please share my friends and help spread the word!!!<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ODkdQ9wqrDc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ODkdQ9wqrDc/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ODkdQ9wqrDc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/45320322016-12-31T17:40:47+00:002021-04-04T06:26:30+01:00A LOOK BACK AT 2016<p>Well there you have it . . . another year gone by, and it’s true what they say; as you get older they seem to go quicker. <br> <br>This year coming I enter my 21st year as lead guitarist of Smokie . . . can you believe that? <br> <br>New Years resolutions have never been my thing but this year I do have one. <br>I plan to practice my craft just a little bit more and make a conscious effort to improve my guitar skills. It’s very easy to just not bother when you have a regular gig, and playing the same songs each night means you never really get to push yourself. <br> <br>So let’s have a look at 2016 . . . . <br> <br>I’d phoned our office when they opened up at the start of the New Year and asked for a date-sheet so I could plan my year ahead. I was a little surprised at such a small amount of touring for Smokie in the diary, especially for the first part of the year. Our tour of Poland in February was cancelled and our gig in Colombo, Sri Lanka was cancelled, although it was re-scheduled later in the year. It would be June before we really kicked off our touring schedule. However it would turn out that that most of our gigs were crammed into the second half of the year.<br> <br>In March my daughter Kyrie passed her driving test, so together we spent hours online looking at cars, in the end she got her new VW Polo and I would worry for the next few months whist she gained some experience on those busy UK roads. <br> <br>Having time off from touring allowed me to reflect on my now long awaited album “Under My Skin” . . . . It was taking a long time and I needed someone on board to push things along and make things happen. The mixing hadn’t gone to plan and costs felt like they were spiraling out of control. (Perhaps, I’d noticed that more because I wasn’t working that much?) Anyway . . . I sent samples of tracks off to various management companies and worked on a new EPK. Results were positive but nothing was concrete. I really wanted to do some solo gigs, but without a finished album the likelihood of anything happening was looking bleak. I did receive one email though, that would give me hope. <br> <br>David Bowie, Glen Frey and Prince had died and let me tell you, it doesn’t half make you think about your own age and the lifestyle you lead yourself! <br> <br>I spent the summer at my villa in Spain. My mountain bike had started to become my best friend and I found myself enjoying much longer rides in the mountains close to where I live. I’d also started doing a lot of walking and generally making a conscious effort to live a healthy lifestyle. I don’t drink much anyway and I have never smoked, but the I always struggle with my weight, too much chocolate maybe? <br> <br>My travel from Spain to gigs was getting pretty tough. We had a lot of gigs in Norway in 2016 so my average flights were four hours plus, as well as a domestic flight tagged on, but par for the course so I have no reason to complain. <br> <br>Smokie had to play a few gigs without Terry because he had to have an operation at very short notice. I managed to secure the services of David Levy who plays on my solo stuff and of course he did a great job and we got through those contracted gigs. If I’m being totally honest, I was very worried about Terry’s health. When you’re in a band for such a long time everyone becomes like family. <br>Luckily Terry’s operation was a success and it was great to see him back in full swing a few weeks later . . . . His stage presence IS seriously infectious. <br> <br>It was nice to work for our old promoters in Denmark once again and one of the most enjoyable stand-out gigs of the summer was in Finland and I really enjoyed a one off Croatia gig, what a lovely place! <br> <br>The Brexit referendum in the UK had started to dominate the news and I was one of those frustrated people who likes Europe and European folks. I live and work there, but I struggled to see a Europe carry on in a manner, that was beneficial to all Europeans. <br>I always felt that the bureaucrats in Brussels were too busy passing laws about straight cucumbers and how much water we should have to flush down the toilet, when in actual fact they should have been dealing with the Syria conflict and the unemployment that is just horrendous for young school leavers in Spain and Portugal. <br>On a personal note; I was genuinely sad in the end that the UK had taken the decision to leave Europe, I just wish that the stupid buggers in Brussels would have taken, the UK a bit more seriously. <br> <br>At the end of the summer, the re-scheduled gig in Colombo went ahead and Terry rejoined the band. I enjoyed my time there. The TUK-TUK ride was a bit hairy though! <br> <br>In October we went to Ireland. <br>Ireland has been very good to Smokie over the years. <br>So; we went and sold out Cork, Dublin, Galway and rammed the Waterfront Hall in Belfast . . . . . We also went and played the longest running TV show on RTE, the Late Late Show . . . . I felt like “We were back” in business on the Emerald Isle once again. <br> <br>Just before leaving for our Australian Tour at the end of October, I’d changed the mix engineer on “Under My Skin” and crossed my fingers. (it was beginning to feel like a chore now) <br> <br>The Australian Tour sold well, but I was bitterly disappointed that we didn’t play Melbourne or Sydney. Of course I totally get the logistics thing and some venues just aren’t available when you need them, but still? <br> <br>In the middle of the OZ Tour I’d started to get mixes from Nashville and “Under My Skin” was finally moving on. I also made contact again with that one person who had been really positive in one of those emails earlier in the year. <br> <br>As the Autumn/Winter touring was coming to a close, I was lucky enough to enjoy the winter-wonderland of Sweden a couple of weeks ago and the snow set me in the mood for Christmas. We also got to witness the northern lights, which was quite spectacular. <br> <br>Smokie were planning a New Years Eve show, but logistics in the end proved to be too much and we couldn’t agree certain aspects of what the promoter wanted, so we sadly had to pull the plug on that idea! <br> <br>All in all, I think 2016 had many positives for Smokie and the year ahead looks good with a UK Tour taking place for the first time in many years. I hope UK fans support these shows, I am looking forward to them. <br> <br>Smokie have made real headway on the social media side of things with Facebook likes increasing daily. I know this is one place that many fans share thoughts and views, but remember Smokie also have a website too! <br>I would also have to admit my disappointed that another year goes by without a new Smokie album (not for the lack of trying on my part . . . let me tell you) <br> <br> <br>So back to “Under My Skin” . . . . . <br>I’d sent the mixes to California and Reuben Cohen got to work on giving me my finished mastered project of the last two years hard work. <br>I burned a couple of CD’s and sent one to the guy who sent me a positive email earlier in the year. <br>The next day he called me and said in his very cockney accent “You’ve just blown me away” . . . . . So there you have it, I now have a new manager!!!! <br>It is my hope that he will take me forward and make things happen on all my solo stuff. <br>“Under My Skin” will definitely be released in March 2017. <br> <br>2016 was certainly the year for the Grim Reaper when it comes to the music business though. <br>Over the years I have toured and shared a stage with the mighty Status Quo. The news at the passing of Rick Parfitt on Christmas Eve saddened me greatly. He was a nice guy and made a contribution to British rock music that needs no introduction. I am glad I had the chance to meet the man and talk to him on several occasions. <br>The Grim Reaper struck again one day later and took from the music world, George Michael. I didn’t know him but he was of course a huge talented singer. <br> <br>I thank all you folks out there who take time to find out what I am doing and following me on social media and here on my website. <br> <br>I hope you support my efforts to bring you some new music once again and you never know maybe “Under My Skin” can make some kind of impact on the blues scene both in the UK and further afield? <br>The plan to do some solo gigs will most certainly happen. <br> <br>I wish you a Happy New Year my friends, and if your 2016 wasn’t a good one may your luck change in 2017.</p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/45243872016-12-24T15:15:33+00:002021-04-04T06:27:25+01:00Merry Christmas Everyone!<p>I’ve already put weight on folks just looking at the food in the shopping bags . . . Yes it’s that time of year again! <br> <br>I will have an end of year blog next week to reflect on 2016 so I won’t ramble on too much about that, check back here next week. <br> <br>I sincerely hope that wherever you are in the World your Christmas will be a happy one. This week the news was dominated by the sickening barbaric act in a Berlin Christmas market and yesterday the hijacking of a Libyan jet that luckily came to an end without any casualties. It would seem we live in a very different world these days. <br> <br>With that in mind, I’m going to wish all of my Family, friends and followers whatever your religion, nationality or race a very Merry Christmas! <br> <br>Be happy and stay safe! <br> <br>Mick</p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/45104602016-12-14T15:07:19+00:002021-04-04T06:28:31+01:00CAR KARAOKEYes indeed . . . . Car Karaoke!<br><br>Last night I got a phone call at 1.15 in the morning and an apology for waking a Brit in the early hours . . . . but Lurssen mastering in LA informed me that my album had been mastered and edited and they wished to inform me personally that my album was officially in the can!<br><br>Wind forward 7 hours, I burned a CD and I have a copy of "Under My Skin" pumping out my Meridian Sound System at a decent level in the Range.<br><br>I'd kind of forgot just how heavy some of these tracks are, it's nice to listen when all the tracks sound consistent in level and the break between songs are correct.<br>My critical view relented and I enjoyed listening and admiring the work of the other musicians that feature. No matter how many records you listen to when it comes to your own, there's a feeling of apprehension as to how it will sound against the idea you have in your head . . . . I think it sounds great, I'm a happy man today . . . By the way, I didn't really sing along . . . jeez there was enough of a racket going on!!!Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/45068332016-12-12T11:22:14+00:002021-04-04T06:37:10+01:00WINTER WONDERLAND AND NORTHERN LIGHTSHaving recouped from the Australian Tour, it was back to the hustle and bustle of daily life and playing catch-up of everything normal, such as paying bills doing bottle runs and changing light bulbs at home . . . . yes we musicians have those jobs to do as well, you know.<br><br>A quick stint in Lithuania was very enjoyable and we had two wonderful days in a boutique hotel in Alyaitus, where we were looked after like kings, experiencing local food (and drink) It snowed for two days and made that upcoming Christmas feeling, feel that little bit nearer. Both gigs in Lithuania sold out, so a great weekend was had by all.<br><br>I'm just back from Sweden, way up north actually "Brrrr" . . . . . Two gigs in Malberget and Lulea and what a wonderful winter wonderland that was! On the first night in Malberget we got a chance t see on a clear crisp night the "Northern Lights". For anyone who hasn't seen this spectacle it really is something quite special.<br>The drive between the cities also felt quite magical and at one point we stopped at the side of the road to drink mulled wine and have those really nice Christmas cookies. Reindeer was also on the menu, but at this time of year, there was something in my conscience that wouldn't allow me to participate in that particular delight.<br><br>Another point of mention this weekend was my old guitar tech Christos. <br>I had not seen him for a long time and he did a great job of course but the level of abuse to each other would have made anyone listening? think we are the worst of enemies, but that is our way of showing each other an affection thatw e hold for a very good friend.<br><br>I had a bit of equipment trouble in Lulea . . . . My TC G-System went down on me, at sound check, so another repair needed before we head back out on our UK Tour in February. I'm also in the market for a new guitar . . . I have one in mind, I shall keep you posted!<br><br>I'm back in the UK again this week, so Christmas shopping is very much on the agenda and I need my fingerprints taken for my Russian visa needed for February's Moscow gig . . . . This little escapade is to do with European sanctions imposed on Russia, so they having a little tit for tat, let's say.<br><br>I shall go watch my beloved Leeds United this week too, It's the one thing I miss about not spending much time in the UK. However yesterday, I was reminded of a nightmare that we call Traffic Congestion" . . . . not cool . . . . especially after a long travel day home taking in three flights.<br><br>So there you have it, my short winter catch-up . . . . . I shall come back next week and wish you all a Happy Christmas . . . so remember this is not my real Christmas greeting . . . . I shall have to make that one a little better.<br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/44898052016-11-30T11:01:13+00:002016-12-03T07:11:59+00:00UNDER MY SKIN - UPDATEMy new album "Under My Skin" is now mixed and goes for mastering tomorrow. I'm excited and can't wait to get my hands on the actual physical CD.<br><br>Lurssen Mastering in California have won several Grammys. They are have mastered the likes of Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa and the Foo Fighters, so my project is in good hands!<br>In terms of release dates, we shall hold off until end of February or early March. What I can disclose is that all major outlets, such as Amazon will take stock. Digital platforms such as iTunes ans Spotify will also be furnished.<br><br>I'm also going to try and convince the record company to offer a free download track, I think that could be quite cool.<br><br>Anyways, I'm on my way to Lithuania now . . . . . with coat scarf and gloves and a thick pair of undies! . . . . Brrr!<br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/44865012016-11-28T12:23:25+00:002021-04-04T06:38:46+01:00HOME AND DRY . . . . . WELL NOT QUITE!I'm finally home and I've enjoyed a weekend off!<br><br>Our Australian Tour went from strength to strength and one gig after another became something to talk about.<br>For my money we somehow saved the best till last? . . . . The gig in Bunbury really was something else, there's always something nice about a sellout gig, the level of expectation seems somewhat higher, and the roar after the first song really was quite loud and I knew then we were in for some night.<br><br>I stayed on an extra day after most of the guys left for their trip back to the UK. I had a few beers with Terry showing him a few areas of Perth he had not seen before in the lovely Australian sunshine.<br><br>Not often do I look out of the window on a plane, but as we left the runway on my way home, I couldn't help but look down at the ground below with a sentimental feeling. Australians had made our tour not only a success, but the Aussies made us really feel appreciated, and let's be honest you are only as good as your last tour, so I'm a happy man.<br>I know full well that plans will soon start for another tour of OZ and yes, we will I'm sure, try to play those cities that we missed this time round.<br><br>I arrived into the UK on a dark and dreary damp morning, but surprisingly quite fresh. I looked at the grey sky and for a few seconds reminded myself that, Australians like what we do and we like Australia . . . . so I guess, in the words of the LA Mayor . . . "We'll be back"<br><br><br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/44725382016-11-18T06:21:48+00:002021-04-04T06:39:11+01:00BEER FOR BREAKFASTI'm writing this blog on this bright and early morning from my hotel room in Perth WA.<br>Perth is my favourite city in Australia, but I like Western Australia in general, I love the heat! . . . . It also seems to me, to be just a little bit more relaxed.<br><br>So where did we leave off? . . . . Yes Adelaide; for me Her Majesty's Theatre in Adelaide was one of the best shows on the tour, the sold out gig was pretty wild for a mid-week show but the folks in SA, didn't let us down! . . . . We also had the longest queue's from the autograph hunters, which stretched out the main entrance of the venue.<br><br>We left Adelaide, for our gig at the Regal in Perth WA. Yours truly didn't realise it was a gig day and I was setting myself up for a day off in Perth (I must read the schedule) Anyways another bouncing gig in Perth, sold out and rammed to the rafters! . . . . . . Much change in Subiaco where the regal theatre stands, and the theatre too had had a little makeover to seats etc, which is a great improvement.<br><br>The day after the Perth gig, was morning travel to Albany . . . . . Heavy rain, lots of storm clouds and guess what? . . . . . I don't do small planes. The regional flight we were taking was on a 20 seater Saab . . . . . The weather didn't look good and at 11 O'clock in the morning I ventured to the bar . . . . yes you read correctly. I ordered a Carlton Dry Lager, followed by another and another and eventually another. I even had a beer on the plane.<br>Well? . . . . Was it a bumpy flight? . . . . . . How the f**k would I know I was half legless!!!!!<br>Now for anyone who knows me, 3 beers would be my total for almost the whole tour, but needless to say I sobered up nicely and and by mid afternoon after a small nap I was ready to go and back in the land of the sober!<br>The day after I drove back to Perth with the support act guy, Michael, leaving early morning . . . . 450 Kilometres later, we pulled up to a sunny hot Perth and I went straight to the hotel pool . . . Happy Days!<br><br>Today is Friday; We have our last show of this 2016 Australian Tour in Bunbury, I usually meet an old school friend here, so that will be nice. Very few tickets left as it stands, so another sell out look's like it's on the cards.<br><br>So . . . . . I best get up for some breakfast . . . . . and no I won't be having alcohol, I'm sticking to coffee today . . . . but once the gig's over tonight? . . . That's a different matter . . . . Beware Perth!<br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/44650722016-11-14T02:08:25+00:002021-04-04T06:39:54+01:00TURNING JAPANESE . . . NAHBrrrrr . . . . . Cold here in Adelaide folks!<br>When we landed in South Australia yesterday we were greeted by a cold wind and with long delays to flights yesterday, it kind of felt like a long day.<br><br>When this Australian Tour was booked, there was negotiations going on to play New Zealand. In the end it never materialised, but we would have been heading over there next week, had that plan come together? So I just want to say that my thoughts are with New Zealander's at this time of Earthquakes and turmoil in their lives, Smokie wish you the best of luck and hope things get back to normal soon . . . . One day we will pay a visit, I promise!<br><br>So; Since my last blog we have seen the Trump claim the White House . . . . . Not a fan, but hey! . . . . This is called democracy and we have to respect it, let's hope he can get the Great US of A back on track . . . . It's a country I love, so fingers crossed!<br><br>So what's been happening you ask? . . . . We played in Tasmania, Hobart and Launceston, two great gigs and I personally enjoyed my time walking the streets of Hobart taking in the sights and sounds that I sometimes take for granted whilst on tour.<br>Lots of sun in Hobart so I was firmly in front of the Lobster Lookalike Competition, feels great to look healthy though!<br>I ventured into the Maritime Museum in Hobart, which is run by charitable donations and Hobart has a huge boating history especially revolving round the Hobart to Sydney yacht Race . . . . There's a yacht in Hobart harbour built in 1942 that won the race twice, a feat never achieved since, being restored once again by charitable donations.<br><br>We played the Derwent Centre in Hobart. What a great venue, and a great crowd, who left their seats a little to quickly for security staff to catch them, in the end Security gave up and let Hobart lot get on with it!<br><br>On Saturday the 12th, Myself Mike and Terry drove up to Launceston, basically from the south of Tasmania back up north . . . . uneventful other than, an emergency wee stop for Terry who had to go round the side of the car after yours truly had missed the real toilets <em>(I should have drove off and let all the tourists see an international rock star taking a piss on the main highway)</em> . . . . just the sort of thing I love to do!<br>Launceston greeted us with grey cloud and rained most of the day . . . . I was seriously tempted to book a sunbed course . . . . Can you imagine going home without a suntan? . . . neither can I. Launceston was a great crowd though, Thank You Tazzy!<br><br>Delayed flight from Launceston on Sunday due to a technical issue on the plane and then storms into Melbourne meant the travel day was starting to drag . . . . I was sat next to a young stewardess who worked for Tigerair on the Melbourne to Adelaide leg and the Virgin Cabin manager came up to me and said "I hope your going to behave yourself" What did she mean? . . . . I must have a mischievous look about me? the meaning of the adjective mischievous is <em>"causing or showing a fondness for causing trouble in a</em> <em>playful way"</em> . . . . Ahh well in that case . . . . that's probably me then!<br><br>Last night I went out with the crew lads, had my maximum three pints and some Japanese food that I was not exactly overwhelmed with. I'm writing this blog from the 13th floor of the Hilton in Adelaide . . . . Time to get out of bed, Time to have some food (Not Japanese) and maybe do a repack of my suitcase for the trip out to WA tomorrow.<br><br>LOTR . . . . . "Life On The Road" . . . . great if you avoid that Japanese shit!<br><br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/44603492016-11-10T12:48:06+00:002021-04-04T06:40:16+01:00NOBBY'S NUTS . . . . They're all the rage!<p>I don’t like to say that one place or an audience is better than another, but sometimes you just have to do so. <br>Mackay entertainment for me has been the show of the tour so far. The crowd, were simply brilliant and the venue itself is really one of the best sounding places in Australia. I left the gig via the back door quite elated and that’s a wonderful feeling any musician can have. <br> <br>Having had a good night sleep and a wholesome healthy “Brekky” we made our way for Mackay Airport, for our flight back to Brisbane. Whilst at the departure gates, a very appreciative women came and introduced herself as the mother of a young boy who was in the gig the night before. We all noticed him and she informed us that he had Autism, but just how much he’d enjoyed himself at his first ever concert. She told us that he can’t stop talking about his night seeing Smokie and that it has made a real difference to his life . . . . . How wonderful it is for us as a band to hear such comments! <br> <br>After our arrival in Brisbane, we transferred to our resort hotel in Caloundra. <br>Caloundra is small town very similar to a UK seaside town, although very quiet it has to be said. The Crew had decided that we should have a BBQ on our night off, so yours truly rose to the occasion . . . as I always do . . . . and I whipped up a menu of, Chicken, Beef and Kangaroo with a side salad of mixed leaves and melon, followed by a mixed cheese board . . . . washed down by 48 cans of XXXX Gold, 7 bottles of red wine and a chilled bottle of white Wolfblass . . . . . When we went shopping, I asked the crew lads who was going to drink all that booze . . . “US” they replied . . . . and you know what? . . . They did. <br> <br>Our second day off in Caloundra consisted of reading round the pool and recovering from our Mid-Tour Barbie. <br>(Someone also informed me, that while I read and am oblivious to what going on around me? . . . .and I scratch my nuts!) <br> <br>Our next show on the 8th was further north up in Maryborough. We decided to change our hotel, because we had an early flight to Darwin the next day, so we felt it better that we stay nearer to Brisbane Airport. <br>With just five hours sleep, we made our way to Darwin, where we played to a packed house again. <br>The Northern territory is home to many Aboriginal folks and they too attended our concerts in large numbers! <br> <br>Today we traveled from Darwin to Hobart, Tasmania. A long flight via Melbourne and we’ve just checked in to our hotel, some tired, some ready for a trip to the bar . . . . . I shall let you guess who that might be? <br> <br>Meanwhile . . . . . I’m off to bed! (After I’ve scratched my nuts of course)</p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/44533602016-11-05T09:27:44+00:002021-04-04T06:40:41+01:00WE'RE IN MACKAY . . . . IT'S HOT!<p>What a great start to our Australian Tour! <br> <br>Our first gig on this tour took place at the prestigious QPAC in Brisbane, needles to say it was rammed to the rafters and it was great to see some familiar faces. <br>There was a small amount of downtime in Brisbane and we made a great decision to rent apartments for the first few days, so everyone could do exactly as they wished and do as they wanted with their time off. <br> <br>Our next stop was to drive to Toowoomba for our first sold out show in the magnificent Empire Theatre. We normally have a driver and a large bus on all our tours, but in Australia, we rent the most luxurious people carrier and I drive with Mike on navigation duties! . . . . . Martin, Steve and Terry, relax and complain about how low I have the air conditioning. However, we feel safe and it allows us to maximize our few hours off in the daytime and if needed we have a vehicle to do as we wish. We can also stop for food and drinks wherever WE like and that’s often entertaining, especially when we stop somewhere a bit rubbish and everyone blames yours truly! <br> <br>On Friday we flew to Rockhampton, an area that was severely hit in the floods three years ago, but great to see those folks back on their feet once again. <br>Myself and Terry hit the pool for a couple of hours and caught some rays! <br>Yet another sold out show, and the Pilbeam Theatre is a great sounding place and I must say really nice to perform there. <br> <br>Today we had a long drive north to Mackay in searing heat, so we had the aircon on full whack. I kept saying to Mike, we’ll stop at the next place and then the next place, in the end we ended up at a roadhouse in the middle of nowhere, I bought sunglasses, Mike and Terry got coffee and then Terry had to relieve himself behind a tree, brave man round these parts let me tell you! <br> <br>After we checked in to the hotel, I went for a walk round Mackay and came across a Crocodile free lagoon . . . I was in swimming and after drying off in 32 degrees, I was back on my walk . . . . I’m enjoying this! <br> <br>Having done our sound-check at the Mackay Convention Centre Myself, Terry and Steve ate Chinese noodles sitting outside in the warm evening dusk, Terry ordering too much food as usual. <br>Should be a great gig tonight! . . . . I’ll be back in a couple of days, so check back here for all our goings on “Down Under”</p>
<p><br> <br> </p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/44446472016-10-31T02:19:37+00:002021-04-04T06:41:07+01:001st DAY IN OZLong Long flight . . . . still, part of the job guess, but it was uneventful and boring. I've arrived a day earlier than everyone else, so caught up on some sleep and I'm glad to say body-clock is fine.<br>I've been out and got myself an Aussie telephone number and had my lashings of morning coffee. Weather nice and warm as you'd expect in Brisbane, so lots of walking, good job I know this city pretty well. The rest of the band arrive in a few hours, so I won't be "Billy-no-mates" tonight!<br><br>Day off tomorrow and then we kick of the tour at the QPAC on Wednesday, which I shall look forward to. Keep posted for more fun and frolics from Down Under!Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/44379012016-10-26T12:28:49+01:002021-04-04T06:41:29+01:00MY "DOWN UNDER BLOG"Great to have a run of shows like we have just had . . . . I love to get my teeth into a bit of hard touring!<br>Gigs in Ireland were especially good and i think recent TV appearances certainly help the profile of Smokie increase. I would also add, sold out shows in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Cookstown were welcomed and efforts of those TV shows felt worthwhile.<br><br>Anyone who got to any shows in Ireland would have noticed my use of my Dad's black Les Paul. I only use it when I feel I can keep it safe . . . It always goes back home with me, a very special instrument that means a lot to me.<br><br>At this moment in time, I'm packing for our tour of Australia. I'm looking forward to this trip as I always do. OZ, is without doubt, a special country and I love the diversity of the place. It's going to be a tough old travel with lots of flights, but that's part of the course and we just get on with it! Perth has become my favourite city . . . . I look forward to many walks at the side of the Swan River!<br><br>Whilst on tour I shall have my "Down Under" Blog going on when I get the chance to write something so keep tuned and join me on a trip Down Under!<br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/44011922016-10-03T11:42:54+01:002021-06-11T11:03:37+01:00"THE CRAIC WAS MIGHTY"I genuinely love gigging . . . . I love traveling . . . . TV shows . . . I can take em or leave em! . . . However . . . .<br><br>It's a long time since that I enjoyed a weekend of gigs in Ireland so much, and when I say I enjoyed it, I really mean I quite loved it . . . . "It was mighty"<br><br>There is no doubt about it, Ireland treats Smokie as one of it's own, they have truly adopted us! The gig in Galway last Thursday was a great night and in true Irish style "The Craic Was Mighty" . . . as they say in the Emerald Isle. Rammed to the rafters they sang and sang and sang.<br>We performed a three song encore adding Whiskey In The Jar and old Irish favourite. Anyways that set us up for and underwhelming TV Show in Dublin on the Friday??? Nope, quite the opposite . . . .<br><br>The Late Late Show on RTE is the longest running TV show in the world. Ryan Tubbrety the presenter mentioned about how Ireland have adopted Smokie and teased the audience with tour dates that were already sold out! This TV show really was great and I have to say very enjoyable, can't wait to go back! Twitter and Facebook shared our moment in numbers and never has so many swear words been shown on TV with the now obligatory "Fuck" in the chorus of Living Next Door To Alice"<br>Saturday's Cork gig at the Opera House had been sold out for weeks, so we knew what to expect, but yet again we needed a three song encore, Great venue, great crowd, great night. . . . . not long and we'll be back in Ireland with a show in Dublin at Vicker Street and two gigs in Northern Ireland in Cookstown and the Waterfront Hall in Belfast. We also have another confirmed TV show The Nolan Show at the end of October.<p>Éire a fheiceann tú go luath</p>Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/43771932016-09-17T17:11:31+01:002021-04-04T06:42:12+01:00UK TOUR DATES WITH SMOKIEI'm really pleased that Smokie have announced some UK tour dates, the first in many years!<br>One thing I love about a doing a UK tour is not having to fly. I enjoy driving and there's no doubt at all, that the UK offers some stunning scenery especially Scotland.<br>I often bring out of retirement guitars I haven't used in a long time and often I give a new amp a run out.<br><br>Meeting fans in the UK is always enjoyable and many stay after a gig to share their feelings and enjoyment of the night, We often see fans taking time out from work to see several UK shows . . . . That's nice!<br><br>I genuinely hope the UK fan-base will support this tour (I'm sure they will) because these tours take a lot of putting together and finding theaters available when needed is not always easy.<br>. . . . . Now; I best book some hotels!<br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/42924172016-07-24T08:42:50+01:002016-08-28T12:57:03+01:00SUMMER UPDATEHi everyone<br>I know things have been a little quiet from the front-line here, but other than the regular gig to gig stuff there's not been a lot to write about.<br><br>For those of you who have seen Smokie in concert recently, you may have noticed a new member onstage due to Terry having the need for a minor operation. I'm glad to report that Terry is now very well and rejoined the band this week at the Convention Centre in Sri Lanka. Trerry has an infectious stage presence and it's great to welcome him back.<br>I personally would like to thank David Levi for his confident and professional contribution on the last few gigs as always he is a pleasure to work with! Anyone who's heard my solo album will be familiar of course with David, he also makes a contribution to my new album "Under My Skin" which I'm hopeful to have some news in the next couple of weeks, in terms of a release date.<br><br>As I look ahead to Autumn, I'm planning my rig for Australia. In Sri Lanka, I've used my <a contents="Hughes &amp; Kettner Grandmeister 36" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://hughes-and-kettner.com/products/grandmeister/grandmeister-36-head/">Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister 36</a> again, so that will also go to Australia. In terms of a spare I've recently latched on to the Bluguitar Amp1 . . . . an unbelievable small 100 watt amp that fits in a gig bag. <a contents="click here for details" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.bluguitar.com/english/AMP1.html">click here for details</a>.<br><br>So don't forget, keep an eye on the date sheet for changes, and get your tickets early if you want good seats in OZ !!!<br><br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/41053792016-03-25T18:06:13+00:002021-04-04T06:42:34+01:00I'M JUST AMAZED. . . . . I'm just amazed at the effort that folks will go to wish someone a Birthday Greeting.<br>In my case on the 22nd of March my personal Facebook page was awash with Birthday Greetings, which reminds me what a lucky guy I truly am.<br>From all corners of the globe, well-wishers sent me personal messages, posted on my wall; I even got an Mp3 email from a family in Australia singing happy birthday dear Mick, which was great, many thanks to the Brice family !!!<br><br>I just want to say a big thanks to all, you made me feel very special . . . I would like now to wish you all a very happy Easter !!!Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/40797282016-03-09T13:20:54+00:002016-03-09T13:27:16+00:00AND THE PRODUCER SAYS . . . . .On the day that the great record producer, <strong>Sir George Martin</strong> has passed, I'd like to share my thoughts on the producers that I have worked with.<br><br>I've been lucky enough to work with several producers now, and that experience has given me the knowledge to make informed decisions whether that be in the studio or songwriting. Record Producers can have a huge influence on how a musician performs and ultimatly how a song will sound and an album will ultimately sound to the listener.<br><br><strong>Simon Humphry</strong> was the first producer that I worked with on my first Smokie album. Simon knew exactly how to deal with each and every member within the band. When I was new on the scene I found him quite strict and daunting, but he taught me a lot about getting the job done, he would have a real influence on my future recordings both in Smokie and elswhere. I still see Simon now and again, I have great admiration of his skills.<br><br><strong>Barry Beckett</strong>, came with a past record that we all held with great admiration. Barry was the keyboard player in the Mussel Shoals setup and in it's heyday Barry played on all those great albums, from Aretha Franklin to Bob Seger and the Stones. Personally I was quite scared to work with the great man when we turned up in Nashville but Barry took me under his wing somewhat, and that apprehension soon disappeared. My first sessions in Nashville were most enjoyable and Barry gave me a free reign to play what I felt was right. He said to me on one occasion "It's your party Mick . . . . Play what you feel, if it's wrong I'll tell you" . . . and of course he did, but in a nice way ! . . . RIP Barry<br><br><strong>Peter Iverson</strong> produced two albums for Smokie when we did the "Uncovered Projects" Peter was a real technician, his knowledge of anything technical was really quite jaw dropping. Peter was also a great musician, both as a gutar player and keyboard player, so when he suggested something he had the experiance to grab the guitar and say "Like This" He knew sound no doubt about it. I had great times working with Peter and had many a fun session, but he was serious about everything he did. Peter also mixed both Uncovered albums, and they can stand tall that's for sure.<br><br><strong>John Parr</strong> is a great songwriter and he learned most of his producing skills by working with the great Mutt Lange and David Foster. Myself and John co-produced a couple of tracks on my first solo album, and he produced the vocals on 'Remember Those Days" . . . . I don't think I sang the song that great, but It was a long hard session and when John says "Again" he means again and again and again and again untill you get it right . . . . he's a task master and his focus is one hundred percent especially when it comes to diction of sung words.<br><br><strong>Stuart McRedie</strong> has produced four tracks on my new forthcoming album and he's another technical genius. He seems to make it a priority to get the drums and bass right before venturing further; for other musicians this can seem tedious, but he totally gets drums . . . . he will spend time making sure that drum fills etc will never interfere with what others are playing. I think he gets a better drum sound than anyone I have worked with. He hates autotune, so if it's going to be a vocal session, prepare for it to be a long one !!!!<br><br><strong>Blue Miller</strong> has won two Grammys and for no other reason than having the talent to deserve it. Unlike Stuart McRedie and Peter Iverson, the technical side of things are almost totally ignored, he will sit with an acoustic guitar stating how bad the lyric is in a certain part of the song and needs to be changed. He works the song so that all is understood for both the musicians who are playing and eventually the listener. Blue somehow gets into your thoughts, he has a mission to make ideas happen in a way that the writer will be happy and comfortable even after he has made changes. When it comes to vocals, all efforts are challenged to make a line or a word better but he keeps it enjoyable. Backing vocals are strict and he takes hours just getting them right. I think my recent recordings with Blue are some of my best ever works.<br><br>There were other Producers around whom I have worked with in the past. I remember working on a session with two prominent producers from Sweden once. I hated every minute of it. They did know their shit and I'm sure they were very good . . . . I guess for them, right place wrong time . . . . That record never materialised, and perhaps at the time the band members didn't give them they effort that they deserved.<br>Another Danish producer for me, just never got it and the album made in ten days sounds like? . . . . well; an album that was made in ten days, with mistakes that should have been taken care of.<br><br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/40457172016-02-17T10:00:32+00:002021-04-04T06:43:06+01:00RUSSIAThe one thing about touring; as the old saying goes . . . . "you get to see the world" (I could have also joined the navy I guess?) Anyways two gigs in Russia in two great cities, St. Petersburg and Moscow. I have to say I enjoyed both !<br><br>First live dates of the year, I generally feel a little rusty, but i'd made a real effort in January to practice somewhat, I had a few days in the UK plugged in my boogie and went for it. I won't say practice makes perfect, but it sure helps! I realise at this point how comfortable I am with a guitar round my neck and I actually enjoy the routine of being back on the road. We have a relatively quiet start to 2016, but dates coming in thick and fast with a summer diary that is almost full, will ensure a rather busy year.<br><br>It's great to be back on the road again !!!!!Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/40004862016-01-21T18:22:14+00:002016-02-06T20:30:49+00:00"MY KINDA HEAVEN" BACK IN STOCK AND READY FOR SHIPPINGAfter lot's of requests to purchase Mick's first solo album, we've finally managed to secure a small number and they're ready for shipping.<br>It's highly unlikely that there will be a re-pressing of this album, so when they're gone. . . They're gone!!<br><br>Paypal is a safe option for your purchase, but remember that a digital version of this album is available on iTunes.Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/39675012015-12-24T18:58:20+00:002016-09-08T19:48:20+01:00MERRY CHRISTMASI would like to wish my friends, fans and followers a very Happy Christmas and a very prosperous New Year.<br>This is the one time that I get a chance to thank you all for your support over the past year and I genuinely appreciete your efforts in getting to our live shows.<br>It is my hope that 2016 will be a busy year for touring and I can't wait to see the release my new album "Under My Skin" which is now finished and getting mixed in Nashville. I can tell you that I will be playing some live shows to support the release, so maybe a few of you can get to see me in the UK !!!Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/39644992015-12-15T10:11:38+00:002021-04-23T01:56:24+01:00RUOKANGAS GUITARS FINLANDTwo great shows in Finland at the weekend with Slade and Nazareth, the final shows in my calander before I take a break for Christmas.<br><br>Last summer I came across a guitar company called Ruokangas based in Finland. A picture of a particular guitar that they make, namely a Mojo made me contact them about an artist deal. Juha the MD and Luthier at the company came straight back to me with loads of info, and we discussed the possibility of hooking up and maybe making an order sometime in the future?<br>When I saw the Finnish dates come onto our tour dates I contacted Juha to invite him along to one of our shows. We instantly got on and he brought along a Mojo to show me his skills . . . . . Wow . . . . When it comes to guitars I take some impressing. I have to be turned on to an instrument in all dimensions, the look of it. the way it plays, and the way it feels. <a contents="Ruokangas Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.ruokangas.com">Ruokangas Guitars</a> are quite special let me tell you. So here goes . . . . My review of the "Mojo" A "Mojo King" to be exact!<br><br>FIRST IMPRESSION<br>The Candy Apple Red colour looks stunning and I have to say Red would not normally be a colour I would go for, but this colour over the solid alder body is very nice.<br>Being based around a Telecaster I expected the guitar to be a little lighter? but it's certainly not heavy either.<br>The one thing that makes you stare at the Mojo is the fact that it looks so different, yet a shape we all recognise? The scratchplate that dominates the front of the guitar is probably the key here, it's shape almost Jazzmaster in a fashion but original too. The scratch plate houses two of the three pickups one being the Mojo P90 and the other a T-type pickup. The Bridge Pickup is housed in a steel case at the bridge position and is somewhat more powerful that a regular T-pickup of which the technical aspects I am a little unsure although I know it has some noise canceling capabilities. I only got to see it just before stage time, so I don't have all the info. A five way switch takes care of grabbing your selection of tones along with a series (Coil Tap) switch in the les paul position. Now I have to admit that I didn't have the time to sit with this guitar and plug it in before the show, but Juha made a suggestion that worked really well and I quickly addapted to the guitar and it's switching of pickups.<br><br>BUILD QUALITY<br>When you know guitars, you know what is good and what is bad . . . . The "Mojo" I had my hands on is top notch, boasting the best materials money can buy. When your looking at guitar that the guy sat next to you has bulit with his own hands, you can't help but accept the efforts that has gone into something that Juha hinges his reputation on. The Mojo oozes quality and he clearly has a passion, that is reflected in his instruments.<br>I was blown away by the feel and look of the neck, I think it was maple with a curly maple fretboard that just looks like marble and gives this guitar that real wow factor. The headstock is remarkbly original yet somehow stays retro to it's influence the Tele. Juha has sculpted the edge of the matching painted headstock with precision and you start to realise that nothing here is accidental, or an after-thought. He tells me that this is one of his trademarks !!<br><br>PLAYABILITY<br>The Mojo had a set of 10's fitted, which normally feel way to heavy for me as I use 9's, but i was surprised at the ease of how it played, It was set up perfectly and I instantly felt at home. It had a great acoustic quality and plenty of "twang" allowing chords to ring out, I was crying out to plug it in in!!!!<br><br>SOUNDS<br>I only used two of the three pickups on the songs I used the guitar on, so I can't make a review of all the sounds and tones on offer. I had intended to play the guitar on one song in the middle of the set, I played it on two and I used it for the encore, two more songs, So I think that tells you how good I thought it sounded. One of the band members looked over when I went into one of my big solos . . . . It got approval right there and then, onstage!!<br><br>VERDICT<br>The "Mojo" isn't cheap but like all things in life, "You get what you pay for" . . . . I'm sure anyone buying a Ruokangas would do so because they want somethng special and out of the ordinary.<br><br>Juha is a great guitar builder and now I'm glad to say, a friend too!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/8c6d57de8d1633688e4afb241d34ff7fa6374dd9/original/ruokangas-guitar-mick.jpg?1450174247" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/7e4cbc5ddf1f1ac5e3cdc658d4bc35d2d6914fbe/original/ruogangas.jpg?1450174278" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/39264682015-11-21T15:55:15+00:002017-01-14T16:02:47+00:00AUTUMN CATCH UP<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/df717c31d8884175d8cbda4960acdff10ae0d441/original/tel-aviv-gig.jpg?1448121363" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I say Autumn catch up, because for the first time yesterday I felt like winter was on it's way. . . . . So what's been happening?<br>Well for one thing the Smokie gigs have been rather good and the recent trip to Israel was pretty awesome let me tell you. Three gigs in a row were totally sold out, One in Haifa and two in Tel Aviv. Great place, wonderful people and great food!, what more could you ask? . . . however I'd also like to add that it's been a long time since I've enjoyed three gigs together like that. I thought the band played really well and the audiences were certainly one of the noisiest in a long long time! Everyting just came together and yes, great memories.<br><br>"LUKE"<br>I'm enjoying my Musicman Luke guitar at the moment, very nice instrument to play and quite inspiring, I might just keep it on the road a little longer.<br><br>MIXING OF UNDER MY SKIN<br>Pete Greene sent me the first three tracks and after a few agreed tweaks, they really do sound amazing, however a Record Company gig took Pete off my album onto another project, but he tells me he'll be back at the faders before Christmas!<br><br>MUSIC STREAMING<br>I was reading about the new Adele release that WILL NOT be available on streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music and I totally agree that bigger artists such as Adele and Taylor Swift stick up for matters that they feel is right? Maybe this stance will allow smaller artists who don't have such clout, to have their opinions heard and possibly allow change that may enhance earnings that a truly deserved, who knows?<br><br>MUSIC I LIKE AT THE MOMENT<br>I've just dropped the latest James Bay album into my music library along with the latest offering from one of my favourite guitar players, David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, I love buying albums and reading the inner sleeve booklets, you can't do that with streaming!!!<br>Now here's one for you to look out for, especially if you like Cross over Country . . . . Chris Stapleton who's based in Nashville has a brand new album out entitled "Taveller" He's a great songwriter whom at last has his own release after penning so many hits' He's written for Brad Paisley and the likes, so quality material on show here.<br><br>Best wishes<br>Mick<br><br><br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/39126002015-11-04T07:18:28+00:002015-11-18T23:10:34+00:00BACK IN THE THICK OF ITGreat to be back on the road let me tell you . . . . . . . Recent gigs in South Africa, Germany, Norway and Israel have been wonderful and a totally off the wall TV show in Norway this week was rather fun, to round off another busy period.<br><br>South Africa is no doubt one of my favouite countries in the World, but on our recent tour there, we were reminded of just how dangerous SA can be. Our longtime friend and Promoter Franz along with his family, were held at gun-point and robbed in broad daylight in their own home, badly shaken; he told me that he thought it was the end of his life and he thought he was going to die. I am glad to say apart from a few bruises Franz looked well, sadly the mental scars will stay much longer.<br><br>Anyone who saw the TV show last Monday in Norway would have seen me sporting a Musicman Luke guitar. I just felt that I needed something a little more versatile in the event that I'm only carrying one guitar around with me, this cuts the mustard and I have to say sounds killer and very comfortable to get along with, so I've no doubt it'll be on the road for a while!<br><br>On the trip to Israel last week I read a book called "Eyes Wide Open" by Andy Powell . . . . . A great read about one of my all time favourite bands Wishbone Ash. Andy talks about the business he's been in for the last fifty years and the band that influenced the likes Iron Maiden and Thin Lizzy, have certainly had their ups and downs. He talks about band bust-ups, that evetually saw original members scrapping in court over the use of the band's name.I do however; have a great admiration for anyone in this business who, like Andy Powell continues to not only play those songs for what he is well known for, but who tries to bring to the fans new ideas that are clearly "Not stuck in the past" . . . . . He's a true road warrior !<br><br>I love buying on Amazon!!! . . . . I bought the new David Gilmour album, "Rattle That Lock" I have it playing in my car at the moment, yes it's a little Floyd-y but only in parts. What a great guitar player! There's also a couple of songs what I'd describe as Folk-y? . . . . . Whilst I'm talking about guitar players . . . . I won't mention names either, so as not to offend, but; There's a few awards been given out at the end of the year especially in the Blues Genre from the magazines that boast their presence. However; when I browse the catergory for which votes are being sought, I notice "Best Gutarist" "Best Newcomer" etc etc . . . . aside from the British Blues awards, there is never an award for "Best Songwriter" or "Best Song" which is a surprise given that that, is what we are ultimatly listening to in the first place is it not? . . . . Great to hear all this new talent, but I like to sing the song long after I've turned off the radio or switched off the CD, but I'm finding that is happening less and less!<br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/38632642015-09-23T03:44:04+01:002015-10-18T12:21:19+01:00IS THAT SUMMER OVER THEN?Is that summer over then? . . . . yes indeed and time to pack yet another case and venture back on the road.<br>I've had a wonderful summer and enjoyed the delights of a new house in sunnny Spain, luckily having time to spend there and enjoy time off that felt well deserved by mid August. It's amazing just how much I miss gigging and life on the road, I always notice that I'm itching to get a guitar round my neck as our summer break nears it's end.<br><br>This weeknd I look forward to gigs in Germany and the Czech Republic, before going to one of my favourite places in the World, South Africa. SA has, and will always be a special place to tour, I always feel more than anywhere else we have a status there that makes me feel very special and the venues we play are truly magnificent. Jo'burg and Cape Town will welcome us this time round, shame that we aren't doing more dates, but I'm excited all the same.<br><br>Gearwise . . . . I have a couple of new additions on order, so a new mandolin and another guitar should make their debut at a stage somewhere near you soon!!<br><br>I've been listening to an album in my car that I bought many years ago, Joe Bonamassa's "Slow Gin" . . . . Wow ! some great songs that I forgot where so good!! . . . . I don't know who looks after him but just recently he's getting more coverage than One Direction it would seem?<br>I also plan to buy the new David Gilmour album, no doubt that will be great too. <br><br>So here goes, "Back To It" . . . . . . Bring It On!!!!<br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/38371612015-08-31T15:53:43+01:002018-04-25T13:14:16+01:00JOHN KEWLEYFurther to my last update on here, it is with great sadness that my good friend and fellow musician John Kewley finally passed a couple of weeks ago.<br><br>I first met John in 1979 when I was a young, gullible, naive schoolboy playing in my first band <strong>‘Driving Sideways Blues Band’</strong>.<br>John stood in for a gig at very late notice.<br>He’d never met any of us before and he didn’t know any of the songs, but John never put a foot wrong that night and he was truly brilliant!<br>At that point I so wished that John would join permanently which he eventually did.<br><br>I knew I’d met a great musician and I also knew I’d made a friend for life.<br><br>Recently, through Facebook. I got in touch with John again and made the efoort to visit him at his home in Yorkshire.<br>He spoke about past bands and it was clear to me that the happiest time of John’s life was when we were touring round Europe in a mucky old van with no money. We didn’t have care in the world and we all felt free.<br> <br>When I left John at his home only a few weeks ago, I had a feeling that I may never see him again due to my own touring commitments. That was sadly the case.<br><br>Rest In Peace my old friend<br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/38133552015-08-10T15:23:45+01:002017-01-14T16:02:47+00:00THE BUSINESS SIDE OF THINGS and A SUMMER BREAK OF COURSE !!Well my new album has finally gone for editing and mixing. Pete Greene picked up the files from Nashville this week, so he will commence his magic in the coming weeks before we head into Masterfonics to do the final mix.<br>I have decided on the cover . . . . Hope you like it?<br><br>Summer has kind of been busy so i'm trying to take care of business from the road. I work tirelessly on the bus and in my hotel room trying to bring everything together. Artwork is being handled by BlackArt in Portugal, so quite often I spend time emailing Ricardo making tweaks to the artwork. Only yesterday I spent hours checking all the lyrics, so that they can be put into the album booklet, believe it or not it's quite painstaiking work, double checking everything.<br><br>I have had to work on a New EPK, and yesterday I made a video in a hotel room, not ideal but these kind of things need to be done. Of course the EPK is only for the invited to look at and folks who plan to help and represent me in the coming months. I keep glancing at the dates Smokie have in the diary just to see where time will allow a trip to Nashville.<br><br>Alicia Michilli who did most of the backing vocals on my album along with Liinda Dawson is still in America's Got Talent . . . . She has a great voice. I so hope she wins!<br><br>I'm currently sat in yet another airport paying a small fortune for the smallest cup of coffee, but let me tell you; I'm now officially on holiday, I can't wait to get back home to my house in Spain. No more flying for several weeks . . . . Just what the doctor ordered!!! I'm going to be quite truthful here, I have never been more tired of travelling, the amount of time spent on planes, busses and in hotel rooms is quite staggering, I must do a diary for a week and let you all know just how boring life can get on the road, I'm sure I could make it fun reading?<br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/1298fdafa92ca0f84983dcbc0a7c3d6325d6cb5c/original/cdfrontblues-half.jpg?1439216487" class="size_l justify_center border_" />My long time friend JOHN KEWLEY<br>Many years ago when I was about 15 years old the band I played with got a new drummer, namely JOHN KEWLEY. Over many more years I shared the same stage with John and we often shared hotel rooms. I played with John for several years in four or five different bands, so I know him well and he has been a long time good friend. In recent months John reveiled that he had terminal cancer, saddened by this new I went to visit him. He was as always very dry and his wit and humour still intact despite his suffering. It is in these instances that I often reflect on my own good luck and fortune and perhaps realize that it's quite easy to take most things for granted in life. Anyway I just want to wish John well and say "My prayers are with you my friend"<br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/37740812015-07-11T10:53:04+01:002015-07-16T09:25:13+01:00SUMMER UPDATEI'm writing this update from Riga Airport in Latvia on my way to Prague. Last night we did a summer festival just over the border in Lithuania, which I have to say was really good and had in excess of over 25000 people cheering us on.<br><br>We've just had one of those silly weeks, were the notion of how the band and crew will actually get some sleep was never thought about? . . . . that's management for you!<br> <br><strong>THE MIDNIGHT SUN FESTIVAL</strong><br>Yes now there's a place . . . . land of the midnight sun in Norway. We shared the stage with Gabrielle and the Stage Dolls, but how wierd when it never gets dark, Norway is a quiite a stunning place, but I always ask the question, why would anyone want to live somewhere so remote?<br><br><strong>SWEDEN</strong><br>A couple of weeks ago, wee were in Sweden with our old friends Slade and Sweet. As always we ahave a great time and we all get on really well. Myself, Pete Lincoln and Andy Scott from Sweet took a walk out to a music shop in Gothenburg. I bought yet another Les Paul, this time a Double Cut and Andy bought an early sixties Burns guitar, not my bag, but Andy wanted it for his evergrowing collection. I suppose the exchange rate meant we were all onto a winner, I've never bought a Gibson Guitar so cheap!<br><br><strong>SPAIN</strong><br>I bought a new house recently, so I'm enjoying the delights of buying coffee machines and plates etc for my new home. However; I have to say I like living in Spain, but travel is much harder now, and quite often I'm taking three flights to get to gigs. I look forward to the break knowing I can have some free time round my new pool !!! I'm going to buy a bike this week, so if your in the Murcia region and see some bloke who doesn't look like a cyclist, with long hair and no shirt on, it's probably me.<br><br><strong>NEW ALBUM</strong><br>Artwork is being completed and . . . .probably today, I will arrange dates for mixing. This album has taken around ten months so far, so yes by the time it's complete the cycle will be around twelve months, start to finish.<br><br><strong>PROFANITY</strong><br>Meaning . . . . .<span>blasphemous or obscene language.<br>Damien the sound engineer and tour manager from the Sweet</span>, informed me he likes my blog and finds it interesting. He also added that he feels I swear a bit too much?<br>So why don't you now, go back to the top of this blog and read again . . . . . I'm waiting . . . . . well? . . . . .Yes; not one single swear word . . . .<em> "I don't what he's talking about for fuck's sake"</em><br><br><em><strong>ENJOY THE SUMMER MY FRIENDS, I WISH YOU WELL !!!</strong></em><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/37269962015-06-03T10:28:42+01:002015-06-03T10:32:28+01:00MY GIBSON LES PAUL'SI get many a question about my main live guitar which is a Les Paul "Gold Top" Is it a vintage guitar? No, it was made around 2001. However the question came up so I might as well write a bit about all my Les Paul's.<br><br>Strangely enough, there is no photo on my site of my Gold Top . . . . because it never goes home, so I've never really taken a close up of that particular guitar.<br>Personally I think it's a great guitar and it plays and sounds fantastic, I just love the feel of my Gold Top, it's my workhorse and it serves me well. The body is in great condition, less so the headstock. Constant removal from it's gig bag has left the headstock looking vintage and gives the guitar that little bit of Mojo.<br><br>My Gold Top is actually a Les Paul "Classic" they came with a slim sixties profile neck and a 1960 stamp on the scratch plate. In my opinion they were the first Gibson Les Paul's that were made after the Norlin period and were truly Classic guitars; they are now well sought after and acknowledged as one of the better peices leaving the Gibson factory at that time. They were also the guitars that probably paved the way for the re-issues that would start coming out of the Custon Shop at a later date.<br><br>I own a late seventies black "Standard" a guitar my Dad bought me for my 18th Birthday, very much my favourite guitar and one that I will never sell, it has real sentimental value. It also plays great and little similar to the "Classic" actually, but build quality wasn't the best.<br><br>I own a "59" VOS from the Custom Shop in Nashville. Killer guitar, great quality, expensive as hell with retail prices in excess of £5000. My guitar is in the popular "Sunrise Tea Burst" looks great under the lights !!! Whether or not these guitars will be good investments has yet to be seen, but I feel thay have made too many and they have less kudos than perhaps they deserve. <br><br>I hve a 1958 Les Paul Junior, with a single P90 in TV Yellow, great for that Keith Richards Riff !!! I used it on my My new Album on at least one track and I used it for the photo session for the cover.Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/37219292015-05-30T12:25:40+01:002021-06-14T17:32:01+01:00NEW ALBUM PHOTO SHOOT Yes, were getting to that time. Photos and artwork for the new album. Many ideas, but no real certain idea of what we actually wanted. Imajination Photography chose some different styles and those are now on their way to "Black Art" in Portugal . . . .can you believe those Metal Heads want to work with me !!!!<br>Here's one photo I particularly like, on location in Paris of course !!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/c95d61d543a86b9b86a90ddf8a7f846646aab8fe/original/paris-window.jpg?1432985103" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/36421052015-04-05T12:33:17+01:002015-09-04T22:54:26+01:00The Final Part of . . .THE MAKING OF AN ALBUM.Having returned from Nashville at the end of January 2015, I really wanted to get the final track in the can, I'd always planned on making a ten track album.<br><br>It really was a case of just getting my guitar out and seeing what I could come up with? I'm a great believer that a song should merit going on an album, and that any old shit just won't do. However; when the ideas aren't coming it can get a bit frustrating. Eventually I came up with an idea which I can only descriibe as a Keith Richards type riff, with lots of jangly open strings. The riff really is good and I knew that the heart of the song had to be based round it. I'd also come up with the line "Under My Skin" . . . perhaps this album had started to get, just that . . . Under My Skin?<br><br>I tend to write lyrics pretty quick and when I entered the studio on the 9th of February I had the song ready to go, although I never invisaged how hard it would be to make this song work.<br>I had the same musicians as before, David Levy, Pete Lincoln, Dave Major and Ross Mcfarlane. David Levy arrived early so we both kind of jammed through the song and i'd said to Ross that I thought a Rolling Stones type vibe would work . . . He laid a groove that complimented what Myself and David where playing. Dave Major and Pete joined in and we got through the song somehow, but it just wasn't working at all.<br><br>David Levy kept requesting that we go to another chord in the chorus and whilst I fought my idea, they all kind of ganged up on me and said he was right, so we went with what David thought was right. . . . . It still didn't work and by late afternoon we didn't seem anywhere fucking nearer to getting this song right or even start the recording of it?<br><br>Cue Stuart . . . This is where a good producer comes in, he suggested that I don't sing the chorus but just play that killer riff (as he called it) over the chorus chords. I said <em>"well then there's no fucking chorus you half wit" </em>to which he said <em>"You can sing over the riff" </em>. . . . he was so right it worked a treat, he also suggested that we kind of half tempo the song until we get to the guitar solo. Stuart is clever, but you have to have the temprement to work with a producer who is happy to tell you what you've written, is shit and not working; good job i had that respect for him !!!!<br><br>I kid you not; "Under My Skin" has become my favourite track on the album, and just for the record . . . . That song would have never have worked had it not being for all the guys and producer, staying put, sticking with it, and making a considerable and unselfish effort to make that song evolve. Session musicians get paid for their time, but the fact that they got involved in the arrangement and the really inner workings of the song (rather than going home quickly) meant that, the hardest song to record became one of the strongest songs and I'm contemplating changing the title of my album to "UNDER MY SKIN" . . . . I like that title.<br><br><strong><em>So to bring you up to date:</em></strong><br>The four tracks recorded in the UK need backing vocals. Blue had already completed most of the BV's on the tracks I recorded in Nashville. Some editing has to be taken care of, and of course the mixing of any album is so important. That decision is being worked on and I have had several discussions, but of course financial constraints really dictate who will mix and who will master the album?<br><br>I've thouroughly enjoyed writing and recording these songs. Yes it's a solo album, but without the major contribution of my fellow musicians, it wouldn't have come to life, so they deserve and get my sincere thanks. As for a release date, probably mid September.<br><br>I hope my music can be heard by music fans far and wide. I hope you share my campaign to promote what I have done, and support the writing of original music, something I have a deep passion for.<br>This is my best effort yet, I feel I have played my instrument as good as I can, and the music that has been created is well worthy of a listen.<br>I hope that the business side of matters goes as smooth as the making of this record. Just maybe . . . . there'll be some sunshine in September, and you can lower the soft top down on your car, turn up the volume and press play to a new Mick McConnell record.<br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/36177562015-03-23T10:28:52+00:002021-05-19T08:18:43+01:00ALAN BARTONToday marks the twentieth anniversary since the death of Alan Barton.<br>I was in the mini bus that fateful day, and the memory will stay with me forever.<br><br>I will always remember what a nice man Alan was, and I was lucky enough to share a friendship with him outside of music. As always, we acknowledege what a huge contribution Alan made in his short time with Smokie.<br><br><strong>"RIP MY FRIEND"</strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/dcd514aac2f59525180127dd1fe3c34f6b0801ca/original/alan-barton.jpg?1427106514" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/35967132015-03-13T07:36:22+00:002015-03-14T08:08:39+00:00MAKING OF AN ALBUM . . . Pt4Having had a busy schedule with Smokie running up to Christmas, It really meant that I needed some down time to recharge the batteries, but on the 26th of December I wandered into my studio with an idea for a chorus to a new song. I quickly put the idea down really rough, and thought i'd come back to it in the New Year. Problem was that started my mind to think about cutting more new tracks, getting a release date and well, just getting the bloody thing finished.<br><br>With six tracks complete It was really taking shape and the album definitly started to make sense and sound like a record, but I was left with a dillema. I'd now recorded three tracks in the UK and three in America, with two very different producers and two sets of Musicians. I'd also thouroughly enjoyed working in both countries and all the guys working with me were friends. I felt a loyalty to everyone involved and I didn't want to have either Blue or Stuart thinking I was picking one over the other, they had both given me immense time, dedication and direction, but it was a call I had to make.<br><br>Financing an album ain't cheap, so I thought well, if I'm going to back to America, I might as well go in January when the flights and hotels are a little cheaper and of course I don't work with Smokie in January anyways. I'll then do another couple of tracks with Stuart at some point in February. So that was the plan I put into action.<br>So here we go again two songs that I wrote at home and the plan to write another song with the Blueman.<br><br>The Idea I had on the 26th of December turned into a song called <em><strong>"She's Got A Spell On Me" </strong></em>. . . . It starts with a really melodic guitar solo, similar to "Rain On Flinders Street" then goes into a heavy twelve bar riff, with a chorus that uses major 7th chord, so it really is kind of Blues, that get's kicked off the rails, when it hits that chord progression. I also decided that I'd go out on that intro solo . . . . Blue loved it . . . of course he said he would kick it into shape and make my average work into something a bit more special . . . . Redneck fucker !!! (I keep calling Blue this . . . . He hates it !!! )<br><br>With flights booked to the States and hotels an all . . . I thought it would be a great idea to go skiing in Italy, leaving me with no time to get aother song done before leaving for America. I clearly wasn't going to write another song whilst doing my Franz Klammer impressions now was I? I got back from skiing and thought fuck !!! . . . pressure is on here, that afternoon I wrote a song called<em><strong> "Holding On" </strong></em>basically a tune about someone who wants to have a go, but is scared to let go, I suppose this is the same for all of us, we want to do something but don't always have the nerve to have a go? . . . anyways I had a chorus, one verse, and the music was good; funky, just like like a Little Feat tune . . . .<br>. . . . . . . Check in, Passport control, take your seat, inflight meal, I wrote the rest of the verses by the time I got to New York . . . take that you Redneck fucker!!!<br><br>So . . . . Masser Blue as I was now begining to call him, changed some of my lyrics again and a couple of chord progressions (for the better may I add) . . . . His stock line is . . . " Hey man you wanna make a record" ? . . . . . . . "Yes I do" . . . ."let's get the fuck on with it then" . . . . We have great banter together!!!<br><br>Myself and Blue wrote a song called <em><strong>"Moods On A Rainy Day"</strong></em> a very jazz/bluesy tune about New York city, and how the folks there, or anywhere for that matter, have bad moods on a rainy day.<br><br>So here I am, back in session in Nashville. Same drummer, same Bass player and John, a Ritchie Sambora "lookalike" but with a CV that would crush Harley; now, I was impressed with Billy Justinau, but the keyboards on the next three tracks played by John really were something, I was knocked out.<br><br>The banter in the studio was great. Doug had begun to recite the "Angry Preacher" sketch so we all went round saying . . . "Congrigation, I just don't give a fuck" and at the begining of each take of a song, we'de hear Doug whispering . . . . "Well I . . . Just don't give a fuck" to a multitude of laughs and more time wasting, he then stopped mid-song, to recite "I Do Declare" . . . I may be or not be your preacher by the end of this gathering . . . . so I said "I do declare" . . . "you may not be getting fuckin paid if you don't . . .get the fuck on with that, theyyyyyyrrrrre sowwwwwng" all in a southern drawl of course.<br>We basically took most of the day to cut those three tracks.<br>I'd already said to Blue that I want to put a resonator intro on the begining of "Holdin On" . . . Anyway, Blue had an old Silvertone guitar that cost sixteen bucks way back in the sixties that his Dad bought at Macy's . . . It played like shit but sounded great, so I just played the idea, quickly but, kind of in time, just one take, with the knowledge that I'd use my expensive National resonator on the track when I get back to the UK . . . . That old peice of shit Silverton is staying !!! . . . . it sounded so good, honest.<br>Whilst on this session I'd also got to hear what a great job Eleisha had done on background vocals, sh'e a 4'6" Italian girl who sings like a Black Gospel Lady<br><br>I recently played "Holding On" and "Spell On Me" to Terry Uttley whilst waiting for a flight in Moscow airport, he said "I'm really, really, impressed Mick"<br><em>That pleased me . . . .immensley. </em><br><br>Part 5. . .coming soon.<br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/35814382015-03-07T02:44:03+00:002015-03-10T22:09:23+00:00 MAKING OF AN ALBUM . . . .Pt 3I'd got the bit between my teeth; I thought If I could get another three tracks in the can before Christmas, I'd be in a great position to have spring release.<br><br>I'd already had a discussion with Blue Miller about using his studio in Nashville, he'd agreed to help out and it really was just that. We decided some dates that were suitable and I went ahead and booked some flights. I headed to Blue's studio and stayed there the first couple of nights so that we could start early in the morning and work late . . . Time was precious and I had to be back on the road with Smokie a week later, so we had to be productive.<br><br>I'd already sent Blue two tracks that were pretty rough demos, "I don't Like Country" and "Man With A Smokin Gun"<br>Myself and Blue had also agreed that we'de write a song together to see how that goes? . . . . We started work on <strong>Monday the 29th September.</strong><br><br>Now . . . . Blue sat in front of me in his control room and asked the question, "Do I want him to help out? . . . or produce these songs"? . . . . I said "Fuck it you produce em, I need all the help I can get" . . . He stood up and said "give me a couple of minutes" and walked out. He came back in and passed me a new lyric sheet for "Don't like Country" and a new arrangement. He said that lyrics were all important and I wasn't getting away with anything that wasn't good enough. Remember Blue is a Grammy winning producer, so who am I to argue. He didn't change the lyrics a huge amount but he made sense out of the song and the he said "The listener has to be in no doubt what the song's about". Having said that I'd gone to Nashville pretty well prepared and I was well rehearsed in what I was going to be playing. Blue had also booked the musicians whom he thought would be right for the project, most Nashville musicians are really great but Blue went "Top Drawer" . . . . I'd only meet them for the first time on the Thursday morning when we'de be ready to cut the tracks.<br><br>On the <strong>Tuesday morning</strong> we were ready to lay down some scratch guitar parts and hopefully some scratch vocals so that the other guys could hear the song when they arrived, later on in the week. Blue was pretty hard on me, but at the same time made very comfortable and I can say right now, this album is the best guitar work that I've ever recorded . . . . I was in the zone !! Blue has an all original 1957 Stratocaster; I think I used that guitar on all the tracks I cut in Nashville that week. I also acheived the sounds that I had in my head, which for a guitar player is a big deal . . . I also sang OK. I don't like my own voice, but Blue kept saying "You've a great voice that is unique, and these tracks are gonna be killer" . . . . so I really felt that he was totally on my side.<br><br>Just to break off here . . . . . We had to eat obviously; so we went to Waffle House for brunch a couple of times. Blue walked over to the jukebox, and put on the Waffle House signature tune, all about frying eggs at waffle time . . . . . . I said "What's this shit you put on" . . . . . He said "That's my song man, I wrote that fucker and sang it" . . . . Now I had a problem, That Grammy winning producer who'd sold millions of records . . . . .had me thinking . . . . .<br><em>Don't make my record sound like the waffle song . . . .for fuck sake !!!</em><br><br>We got back from Waffle House and looked at each other and said, "We best write another song then" . . . . . I had a little chord progression which I played him and I think I sang, "When I get home your gonna get my love" blue said he liked the chords and the idea. I also said I'd like to get a Gary Moore type vibe on it make it really bluesy.<br>I swear this is the truth . . . . . Myself and Blue wrote the lyrics and music to that track in less than 15 minutes, yes they'd have to be tweaked but they were there !!!<br>The music just kind of fell into place, Blue was playing chords I'd never seen or played and we arranged that track there and then. He looked at me and said "That song will be great, I'm telling Ya Man" I left the studio and went to my hotel and the feeling I had was something else . . . . That is the best track I've ever wrote I said to myself, we called it "All My Soul".<br><br><strong>Wednesday morning</strong>, we recorded the scratch track together for "All My Soul", he played all the fancy shit and I played all the lead parts . . . . . those lead guitar parts from that scratch take are what is on the record, it just felt great.<br>That afternoon I met Jim Lightman the guy who would engineer the session . . . . Blue suggested I go to the hotel and get some sleep for the big day ahead.<br><br><strong>Thursday morning</strong> I arrived bright and early and was introduced to my band . . . . . Shawn Fichter, Drums (Peter Frampton) Doug Kahan, Bass (Gibson Miller Band) and Billy Justinau a young keyboard player who was one of the hottest players in town.<br><br>We all sat together in the control room and Blue gave them the chord sheets with arrangement, I think we started with "Smokin Gun" . . . . We had some technical problem and I thought <em>"Shit this ain't gonna happen today"</em>, eventually Billy actually sorted the issue with the mixing desk, but it took a long time to find the glitch. after two or three takes they nailed it, one down two to go. next up "I don't like Country" . . . . A couple of takes and we had it in the can.<br>Blue handed the guys the chord sheets for "All My Soul", he played them the scratch track and when it got to the main guitar solo they all looked over at me, I knew then they were impressed by the track, (Nice feeling), one run through and they had it. When everyone left myself and Blue looked at each other and we knew "All My Soul" was the standout track . . . . .Should I change the name of the album to "All My Soul" ??????<br><br>I burned a CD and listened to that track in my hire car for a couple of days and my mate who came to Nashville with me said . . . ."Sounds like a record already" . . . I think at that point it dawned on me that I had another four tracks to write and could I make them as good as these?<br><br>I went to have a look at a couple of vintage guitars in Gruhn Guitars and the guy asked what I was doing in Nashvile, I said I was making a new album, He asked "who's producing it"? . . . I said Blue Miller . . . . "You picked a good one buddy"<br><br>I walked out that shop thinking <em>"Fuck yeh, There's a new Sheriff in Town"</em><br><br>Part 4 . . . . . Coming soon.<br><br><br><br><br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/35619062015-02-27T07:16:31+00:002020-06-15T10:44:32+01:00THE MAKING OF AN ALBUM . . .Pt 2At the end of August 2014 and with the studio booked, I had to start thinking about Musicians who were going to cut the tracks with me. Stuart had recommended a Drummer whom he had worked with, Ross McFarlane, the drummer with Texas and the also their Bass player, but I personally wanted to use David Levy, the bass player who played on my last album, so I got David. The keyboard player Dave Major, my life long friend was also available so I had the musicians in place.<br><br>I quickly got to work on some rough demos so that the lads could hear the songs and the arrangements. The demos were really rough but it gave them a chance to hear the feel of the songs that we were going to record, and be a little bit more prepared for starting on the eighth of September.<br><br>A few days before we started Pete Lincoln, the singer and bass player from The Sweet called me, and we got talking about the usual stuff and I told him I was starting my album, (Pete was also in the middle of a new solo album) so we swap ideas so to speak. . . . . . Pete had mentioned he'd like to come down and check out the studio and was that OK? . . . . I said sure, bring your guitar . . . . so now I really had a full band, and having Pete meant that I had another guitar player to bounce ideas off and it allowed me to concentrate more on vocals and my lead guitar parts . . . . It turned out to be a great benefit.<br>We all met on Sunday the 7th of September in Castleford, went to the pub and I bought all the lads to a rather fine Indian curry . . . . We had great fun and everyone got to know each other and we had a great lads night out !!!<br><br>On the Monday morning I had to go collect a new amp from Hughes & Kettner so I ended up turning up not late, but the session was ready to go, Ross was sound checking the kit . . . . that was my first hearing of his playing . . . . Wow . . . I was knocked out.<br><br>I said previously that "Lock You Out" was the first track to be recorded, but I now recollect that we kicked off with "Visting Mr J" . . . . I thought this would be the title track, however I'd have a change of heart a couple of months on.<br>The track came together really quickly although we couldn't agree on the the feel, so we played a couple of versions, one straight and one in a swing feel. after much debate we ended up with a straight feel, but we put the swing feel back into the song for the long outro . . . It worked a treat.<br><br>We moved swiftly on to "Cross the line" the simplest of the three planned songs, now if you remember from the last blog, this was the track that felt mediocre to me, and it proved so on that day, we all had to work hard on the arrangement and it took the longest I think to record of all the tracks and it felt a bit of a struggle . . . . not a god sign!!!<br>That Monday felt like a long day . . . . We all went to the pub . . .again.<br><br>On Tuesday 9th September, we all did our overdubs and I worked on some solos, there was great banter around the studio and it just "Felt Alive" . . . we were all buzzing and I knew everyone was really enjoying what were were doing and the effort they all made was really quite inspiring for me, and I was let's say . . ."as proud as punch"<br>We'de had another long day . . . . . We went to the pub . . . . again !!!<br><br>On the third day of recording we started "Lock You Out" . . . . . Ross and David nailed the feel and we all fell into line, halfway through the song Stuart stopped us and said "That's it lads . . . "That's it . . . ."let's go for it !!<br>I think we played it twice, in the end, from what I can recall, we used most of the first take.<br>The rest of the day I think we did a few overdubs and David Levy went back to London, Ross packed away his stuff and prepared to go back to Scotland. That evening I did some vocals again . . . . I think we went to the pub? . . . . . Again !!<br><br>Thursday 11th September . . . It all felt quite lonely, Ross, Pete, and David Levy had all left, we had little banter and myself Stuart and the my trusty engineer James got down to editing, making fixes, overdubbing some guitar parts, Dave Major would work some keyboard parts later on that afternoon, before he would say his goodby's.<br><br>I was pretty drained but I'd made a start on my new album and I was; if I'm being really honest, "buzzing" and quite proud that we'de accomplished what I imagined, only a few weeks earlier on that acoustic guitar in Spain.<br>If my memory serves me right, James the engineer and Stuart went to the pub . . . . . . . I went to bed.<br><br>Pt 3 . . . . . .Coming soon.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/35424012015-02-19T16:35:20+00:002015-02-20T01:22:47+00:00A LOOK BACK . . . AT THE MAKING OF AN ALBUM Pt 1In the spring of 2014 I met up with Stuart McRedie after a gig somewhere in Germany, we got discussing the usual things like guitars and gigs.<br>Stuart asked me when I was doing a new album, I said I didn't know and in fact I have no plans, he suggested I start and he would be happy to help out with production and in his words I should stop "fucking around and go make a killer album" . . . . I had no songs, no ideas . . . . . but it did get me thinking.<br><br>As most of you may know I spend the summer months in Spain, I unpacked my clothes at the villa, sorted the sunbeds out and unpacked my acoustic guitar and put it on a stand at the side of the TV.<br>I enjoyed my first day in the sun, but as soon as the first cloud passed in the afternoon, I made a cup of tea, got the guitar out and started riffing . . . . Da Da Da Da Da Da, daa daa . . . .Da Da Da Da Da Da, dooowww . . . . anyway that's how the riff went in the key of E . . . . . I kept playing it over the next week or so and it stuck; it was good !!!<br>I added the tag line, "I'm gonna lock you out" and the first song was born.<br><br>I was then on the beach somewhere and saw some old guy with a young girl at least 30 years his junior and he was feeling her arse . . . . clearly his little play thing? . . . . I have a line in the song that goes . . . <em>"Run along now my pretty little play thing, come once in a while, but remember, to keep the shape your in" </em> . . . . the song was born about someone not wanting a relationship but . . . I'll have the odd ride as and when I feel like it. . . . if you don't mind?<br>The song was the first song to be recorded in the UK and was called "Lock You Out"<br><br>Having decided to call the album "Visiting Mr. Johnson" quite prematurely in hindsight . . . . I penned the lyrics to "Visiting Mr J" on a 45 minute flight to Barcelona from Alicante. I tweaked the lyrics several times, but the story is about a dream where I met Robert Johnson . . . .<br><br><em>"I make my way to a mid city diner<br>where they don't serve gumbo on fine bone china<br>What you get is what you get, and that's fine by me"<br> ................<br>"I sit below a picture of Marylin the mover<br>On the main wall hangs the great Martin Luther<br>In the land of the Crossroads and the town of make believe</em>"<br><br>I had set the scene for my song and the lyrics came in 10 minutes . . . . Music? . . .well B minor is an OK key, throw in a 7th and a 9th chord for good measure and we have tune!!<br><br>The famous Jimmy Hendrix chord that we all know so well, reared its head on a track called "Cross The Line" a tune about a middle of the road boring man who never does anything out of the ordinary, doesn't drink too much, doesn't smoke too much etc etc and then one day . . . . he says "fuck it" . . . and he's gonna cross the line.<br>The lyrics didn't come easy but the chorus was in the can, although I had a feeling that it was always just a mediocre tune . . . . I had to keep working it and by the time I hit the studio, I still wasn't confident that the song was good enough, keep working it, keep working it . . . . I was now bluffing it and flying by the seat of my pants.<br><br>With the schedule that Smokie had, I knew that if I was going to make an album, I just had to start the bloody thing, I rang Stuart . . . . "How you fixed for making an album"? . . . . . "How you doing you English numpty" ? . . . . "I'm fine you Scottish asshole" . . . . well that's the jist of the conversation. . . . so I went and booked a studio.<br><br>Part 2 coming soon . . . . . . .<br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/35348202015-02-16T21:18:03+00:002015-02-19T11:31:22+00:00BACK ON THE ROADHi Everyone<br>Well as they say here in the UK . . . . "it's back to the grindstone" . . . . . what a great weekend in Ireland !!<br><br>Friday night at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast proved yet again to be a great success with a bumper crowd. The party started the minute we hit the stage, and as usual the people of Belfast showed us how to make a noise.<br>This was the first gig back after the winter break and yours truly had to keep his thinking cap on. We also had a new monitor engineer on our crew and I have to say; JC did a great job and for the first time in two years I went back to my "in ear monitors" . . . . I thoroughly enjoyed that experience again.<br>With a sold out gig on Saturday in Letterkenny (The birthplace of my Dad) and a rammed to the rafters gig in Vicar Street, Dublin on Sunday night ,it was a weekend not just to blow the cob webs off but one to remember and reflect just how loyal the Irish are in supporting the band.<br><br>So there you have it, we're back on the road and that's something I am going to have to get used to very quickly . . . . we have a busy schedule ahead . . . roll on next weekend with a couple of shows in the Czech Republic.Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/35256832015-02-12T18:52:13+00:002021-05-15T12:07:53+01:00NEW ALBUM . . . . UPDATEMick informed me that the last track for his new solo album had been recorded on Monday and Tuesday of this week.<br>A track called "Under My Skin" was recorded at the Chairworks in the UK and the ten song album now goes to the next stage, needing backing vocals and editing.<br><br>I'm sure Mick will inform us in due course as to a future release date, although a late summer release looks likely depending on his commitments with Smokie.<br><br>Mick will start touring with Smokie this weekend, when the band play the Waterfront Hall in Belfast.<br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/34757012015-01-20T14:33:35+00:002020-10-29T10:16:41+00:00FINAL TRACKSWell; After a long journey to Nashville via Atlanta, a failed engine and a huge delay, Mick arrived safely and is now well rested and ready to cut the last few tracks on his new solo album.<br>A couple of tracks are already written and just like last time Mick will pen a new tune with Blue Miller. The last three tracks recorded now have backing vocals on and Mick said he was over the moon at the difference that BV's made.<br>As most of you are aware, Mick love's Nashville and the level of musicianship is incredible in town.<br>Mick will use the same drummer and bass player on these sessions as last time Shawn and Doug, but Billy Justinaeu is in LA recording so couldn't make it, Mick will meet a new keyboard player, whom according to Blue is one of the best.<br><br>A tour round the Custom Shop at the Gibson Factory is on the cards and Mick currently has his eye on a vintage Stratocaster down at Gruhn Guitars.<br>Don't forget updates will be posted on facebook by Mick so you can check on his progress this week.Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/34455432014-12-30T21:30:12+00:002015-05-18T05:25:06+01:00GOODBYE 2014Hi Eveyone<br><br>I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year and I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.<br><br>I did my last two gigs of the year this weekend in Belfast and Dublin with Smokie, thoroughly enjoyable and a great way to end a year of live gigs.<br>2014 has been enjoyable, and it would seem that Smokie fans continue to support the band rain or shine and the enthusiasm you all show night after night is quite heartwarming . . . . Thank you all !!!<br><br>Our gigs in India at the end of this year were quite spectacular and I shall remember those gigs for a long long time to come. I am encouraged to hear that there are ongoing discussions for Smokie to return to India in 2015.<br><br>The last year has shown that the demand for Smokie across the World is; quite staggering and new territories jumping on board means that our travel horizons still broaden.<br><br>I was disappointed that Smokie didn't manage to release the album that is currently in the making. That should be rectified quite soon . . . (Hopefully)<br><br>During the summer months I spent a lot of time round the swimming pool in Spain, but somehow I managed to pen a few ideas that would eventually turn into songs for my new solo album.<br>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Recording started on "VISITING MR. JOHNSON" in September, and I recorded songs in the UK and in the United States. I love cutting tracks live with the other musicians, seeing and hearing those ideas come to life.<br><br>Working with Blue Miller has been a great experience and I can see why he won a Grammy and has the respect of all the musicians in Nashville. I'm really hoping that his experience will help guide my songs in the right direction.<br>Stuart McReedie took care of business in the UK and he got the album of to a flying start . . . he kept us all in check and I think the quality of his work will be clearly heard when the album is finished. He produces a drum sound that is something else !! . . . . Stuart produced the Fratellis and works with Texas and Simple Minds.<br><br>In January I head back to Nashville to record three more tracks with Blue, before finishing the album in the UK in February . . . so we are close to being finished.<br>I'm hoping to get the artwork done and hopefully announce a release date soon.<br><br>Please go onto Facebook and <a contents='"LIKE" the "Visiting Mr. Johnson" ' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/visitingmrjohnson?ref=hl" target="_blank">"LIKE" the "Visiting Mr. Johnson" </a>. . . The brand new album by Mick McConnell page. . . . .here you get all the updates and stories of an album in the making.<br><br>2015 tour dates will also be updated this week.<br><br>Best Wishes and a Happy New Year<br>Mick<br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/33839432014-12-10T21:28:55+00:002017-01-14T16:02:47+00:00My Little Thing . . . . Makes A Big Bang !!A couple of months ago I took delivery of a little beast of an amplifier fro Hughes & Kettner. Being an official endorsee I knew what to expect; I knew that it would be good, I knew it would do what it said on the tin; I knew that it would be fun to use: I knew that it would fill a void in my recording ammunition in the form of a small valve amp. . . .<br>. . . . How wrong I was !!! . . . . . This little beast is quite amazing !!!!<br><br>I bought it to record with and my thoughts were, if we have a tour somewhere (such as India) and my TriAmps can't go, at least I have a sound that will sound something close to what I'm used to. I'll also take to Malysia in the New Year.<br>However . . . . . .<br><br>The Grandmeister has to be one of the best music products that I've ever owned, I really genuinely mean that, honest !!<br>It currently sits above two, four twelve cabs, however it's only driving one of them. It's diminutive size means it looks a tad "toyish" ??? but the sound is amazing, yes amazing; and the 36 watts surprised me. The sheer power and headroom on offer is quite astounding. It's easy to use and linking to my iPad with an iRig interface, I can see what settings and effects I have in my patches, and make small adjustments easily . . . I love it !!!<br><br>Our sound engineer asked if we could bring it along to every show . . . . he said "I'm happy to carry it everywhere" . . . . I'd say that is as good as any endorsement you could possibly get?<br><br>I love my little play thing !!!!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/dee5a14d0283d86864c0264e98dcb82b5ff9de69/original/grandmeister-on-stage.jpg?1418246839" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/33578172014-12-04T03:28:59+00:002014-12-24T12:10:24+00:00India UpdateAfter two days of long travel we finally arrived in Callcutta. We were greeted at the airport by some students and we transferred to our hotel for a good nights sleep.<br>Calcutta seemed in many ways quiet compared to the last time we were here. Traffic seemed way less manic and there appears to be many improvements around the airport and roads leading to and from it.<br><br>The following morning we flew to Dinampur with Air India . . . . . . . I think on the noisiest Airbus I've ever flown on. (The expression on some faces was one of concern)<br>On landing we were greeted by the organizers and had many gifts presented to us.<br>Our entourage consisted of SUV's and a posse of bikers as security for our three hour journey to Kihoma where the gig would take place. . . . . And what a gi !!!!!!!!<br><br>In excess of 20,000 in the audience and most knew all the words to most of the songs, the roar when we took the stage was really quite amazing.<br>This morning as I write this blog, we are getting ready to meet the government officials whom have requested our presence before we leave for Shillong, where the next gig will take place.<br>Our transport today is a helicopter. I'm not keen on these things, so I will have to see how I go?<br><br>I will try to keep you updated on the next gig, but communication is very difficult here and we are all relying heavily on the internet to communicate. We have no phone signal at all, so we are all as the say "Hoggging the bandwidth" . . . . meaning we're trying to share a very limited internet connection.<br>Electricity is always going off too, adding to the frustration !!<br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/32745122014-11-10T10:26:40+00:002014-11-24T22:04:52+00:00Just a little update !I'm back from a pleasant weekend in Denmark, and what a cracking gig in Kvaers ! . . . . . We need to do more of these shows, quite simply; It was a fantastic night with in excess of 2000 Smokie fans, the continuation of support in Denmark is quite staggering.<br><br>I always look at the front row when I seek approval for certain things that we do on stage. The introduction of "Wild Horses" into the set I know is a real winner and on a personal level it is one of my favourite songs, I also feel that the band execute it very well.<br><br>We recently had a gig in Bulgaria that was filmed for TV, so as soon as we know the date we'll try and let you know so you can tune in. We also received the audio from that show which I helped Simon Humphrey mix at the Chairworks.<br>There is no doubt that when getting audio from any gig, problems and mistakes are honed in on, but I have to say, no one could ever fault the energy that is applied to every show that we do and I also take my hat of to Mike who never waivers even after many nights on the trot.<br>There is discussion about a live album, again we'll let you know in due course of any release.<br><br>I've got a couple of weeks off now before we start a rather silly schedule that will take in Austria, India, the Baltic countries and believe it or not a gig in Kiev, after Christmas we have a couple of shows in Ireland.<br><br>Just a quick update on my new solo album "Visiting Mr. Johnson" . . . . I've got six tracks finished already, and I'm just trying to nail Blue Miller down to produce another couple of songs in Nashville. If this happens it means I'm looking to release probably sometime around March next year. Can I just add, I think my album is sounding really good and hopefully turn into something I can be proud of.<br><br>Ps . . . . Feels like Winter is just round the corner? . . . . living in Spain has meant that I've only this last week or so, stopped wearing shorts !!!<br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/32399082014-10-19T20:32:38+01:002021-01-30T10:31:00+00:00What Does It Mean To Have An Endorsement ??????When I first became a musician, I wanted to just play in a band, then I wanted to play in a band that actually did gigs. As time moved on I wanted to have my mugshot on a guitar magazine as well as have some photo telling everyone what strings I got for free and that I endorsed them.<br>But what does an endorsement actually mean?<br><br>I'll try and enlighten you.<br><br>Companies in any business spend a huge amounts of money marketing their products and using whatever means to get their product in all our faces whenever they can.<br>In the music business most companies try and get the musicians that use their products to state, whether that be in magazines or in interviews about how good the gear is that they use, whether that be a guitar, effects pedal or an amplifier? Many years ago companies would give away a lot of gear to players they felt would do justice to their brand, but as time has gone on and profit margins become less, these free deals are pretty much out of the window except for the chosen few at the top of the ladder. Having said that, companies still try and look after their artists by offering a huge price reduction that is way less than a trade price, but it's fair to say the free deals are few and far between.<br><br>So what about my deals? . . . . and more importantly what do I feel an endorsement deal really should mean?<br><br>For me the bottom line is; I want to use a guitar that I love to play and that I like the sound of. If I can get an endorsement then great ! . . . . I'm glad to say that I have an endorsement deal with Gibson Guitars. I have used Les Paul's for years now and I have played them on most of the shows that I have done with Smokie and on many recordings. Any photo that is taken of myself and ends up in a magazine or newspaper will show me with a Gibson Les Paul on most occasions. I recently got a "59" Les Paul that I have in my studio from Gibson and they were glad to endorse me knowing that I do my bit for their brand and equally offer me an instrument at that great artist price, winners all round !!!<br><br>Smokie have had a long association with Rotosound guitar strings and recently signed with them as one of their endorsees.<br>We also have deal with JH. Audio in ear monitors and endorse their great headphones, they do all our repairs free of charge and push us to the front of the queue so we never waiting very long for them to come back, which is a real bonus.<br><br>Many years ago I phoned a small German amplifier company asking if I could get an Artist Price one of their amps, since that day I have had a fantastic relationship with Hughes & Kettner.<br>They have helped me on many occasions, I know their team very well and when I need something they are always there to help out.<br>Maybe this story from this week will highlight what an endorsement deal really is . . . . .<br><br>Smokie had a gig in Sofia, Bulgaria.<br>The promoter and backline company informed me that they couldn't get me the Tri-Amp that I requested. Yes I can use something else but a recording of the show for a new DVD and a TV show meant I really wanted my Hughes & Kettner Tri-Amps.<br>A quick phone call to HK and Two Tri-Amps and two four by twelve cabs were shipped all the way from Germany with the usual German efficiency arriving at the gig in Bulgaria nice and early, and yours truly had a great sound that will hopefully come across on the TV and the DVD.<br>I want to say a big thank you for all at Hughes & Kettner and in particular Frank Urshall for pulling out all the stops . . . . By the way "I love HK Amps" !!!<br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/32179522014-10-05T02:43:37+01:002017-02-18T08:12:36+00:00"WILD HORSES" . . . . REVISITED<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/70857cb706fd92cfa36b2ea947a7f9ef15d5300b/original/220348.jpg?1412473548" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Today I went to visit Jake who runs the old Masterphonics recording studio on Music Row in Nashville.<br><br>Almost 20 years ago Smokie recorded "Wild Horses" The Nashville Album with the great Barry Becket at Masterphonics. The minute I walked through the door it brought back wonderful memories.<br>I remember Barry Becket saying to Myself, Terry and Mike, that we sang like birds when we started the harmonies, . . . . .great days !!!!<br><br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/32178702014-10-05T00:56:46+01:002017-01-14T16:02:46+00:00"VISITING MR. JOHNSON" UPDATE:Sadly for me it's time to leave Nashville after recording three more songs for my new album.<br>I've been working with my good friend Blue Miller who has proven to be nothing less than truly inspirational.<br><br>Grammy winner Blue, was the guitarist for Bob Seger and became one of the best session guitarists in Nashville.<br>Blue was awarded a Grammy for producing the multi-platinum album by India Are, selling in excess of 5 million copies.<br><br>I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the US and it was a great pleasure to co-write a song with Blue titled "All My Soul" . . . . . I knew after the writing just the chorus, that the song would be killer, I'm totally blown away by it and I can't wait for you to hear it !!<br><br>This week l'll be back on the road with Smokie, so a quick turn around when I get back from the States.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/89d502e8aadf404127eb432a39a405581cff6771/original/nostalga.jpg?1412466982" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/31975952014-09-22T12:59:19+01:002014-09-22T13:06:11+01:00Lobau - GermanyI nearly didn't get there !!!<br>My suitcase took almost two hours to come up on the belt at Amsterdam, yes you read correctly . . . . almost two hours!<br><br>There was much frustration round carousel number 6 at Schipol Airport where my suitcase failed to show, along with around a dozen other frustrated and irritated fellow travelers. However; luckily for me I somehow and I mean by the skin of my teeth, I made my connection and arrived safe and sound in Germany for the first gig after the summer holidays that took place in Lobau.<br>To add to my frustration, our crew informed me that my trusty Les Paul had been left behind in the UK, although they are normally very reliable, a recording session the week before had caused a bit of confusion and the whereabouts of my guitar wasn't known, but needles to say I managed fine with my Tom Anderson.<br><br>We hit the stage on time, but it was a late gig, needless to say the die-hard Smokie fans rocked up and showed their enthusiasm into the early hours !!<br>On the way home Lufthansa lost my suitcase in Manchester.<br><br>I wonder if I somehow packed some bad luck in my suitcase this weekend?<br><br>This week it's back to writing for my new album "Visiting Mr. Johnson" don't forget to "LIKE" the page so you can keep up with all the updates,<br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/31722592014-09-05T03:46:35+01:002014-09-05T03:46:35+01:00"Visiting Mr. Johnson" Update:Writing a song is one thing; But watching and hearing it come to life in a recording studio is another !<br>This week I started the making of "Visiting Mr Johnson" at the Chairworks in the UK. Recording started Tuesday morning and by 10 O'clock Tuesday night, we had three tracks completed and ready for overdubs.<br>I was truly overwhelmed by the efforts of all the musicians and I have nothing but praise for their enthusiasm and professionalism. I've worked many times with David Levi (Bass) Dave Major (Keys) although it was a the first time I'd worked with Ross McFarlane. (Drums) I also invited my mate Pete Lincoln (Guitar) to join us so that we had a real full band vibe, and we laid all the tracks down live. I was amazed at the musicianship and I feel quite honored to have these guys working with me.<br><br>So to bring you up to date, we have three tracks cut:<br><em><strong>"Visiting Mr. J"<br>"Lock You Out"<br>"Cross The Line"</strong></em><br><br>I'm really pleased with the results so far and Stuart McReedie has really brought the whole thing up to another level. I'm really confident that we have the platform to make a great album and one that I can be proud of.<br>I'm hoping to cut another three tracks at the end of September and then I'll make plans to record with my dear friend Blue Miller in Nashville, A place I dearly love and will look forward to finishing the album Stateside.<br><br>Don't forget to "Like" the "Visiting Mr. Johnson" Facebook page so you can keep informed of the latest progress.<br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/31569882014-08-26T22:39:30+01:002014-08-26T22:39:30+01:00SOLO ALBUM UPDATEFinally . . . . I can announce that recording of "Visiting Mr. Johnson" . . . My second solo album, will start next week.<br><br>I have set up a facebook page so that I can share all the antics, videos, photos and general blog about the album, so please follow, share and help promote my new album.<br><span class="font_large"><em><strong>https://www.facebook.com/visitingmrjohnson?ref=hl</strong></em></span><br><br>The first three tracks to be recorded will be as follows:<br>"Cross The Line"<br>"Visiting Mr. J"<br>"Lock You Out"<br><br>I have some great musicians yet again helping me out and I'm really excited that this project is kicking off . . . It's gonna be a blast !!!<br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/31565212014-08-26T19:43:40+01:002020-04-20T23:19:48+01:00SO TIME FOR A BREAK THEN !!!Yes, It's that time of year ! . . . . and what a way to finish a 25,000 plus crown in the fantastic city of Linz in Austria.<br>We now have a summer break to re-charge the batteries !!!<br>I've enjoyed the summer, , Myself and Steve were talking about some of the great gigs we have done this year, Linz for me was a standout show and one that I will have great memories of for sometime to come. We've also had some great shows in Germany this year, all were well attended.<br>I will enjoy the sun in Spain now for a few days, before heading to the UK and the recording studio.<br>I'm dissapointed by the postponed tour of Malaysia, but this is life and perfectly understandable, but the shows will now take place in March 2015, as soon as they are resheduled, they'll be added to the tour dates page.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/18735092eb1899bec3b671cf99177306b96a5d43/original/1425784-10154512071355484-5815240743377887197-n.jpg?1409078598" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/31401312014-08-16T06:22:28+01:002014-08-16T06:22:28+01:00SUMMER UPDATEApart from a busy week last week in Sweden, this summer has been what you would call "steady away" ....... I'm enjoying the festival season and I've been lucky enough to play some wonderful places yet again. I particularly enjoyed a festival in Sweden in an old castle, whilst touring with Slade and Sweet. I am currently sat in Riga airport casting my mind back to the last few weeks and whilst we haven't been over hectic, one thing I won't miss when we take our summer break is the hustle and bussle of airports, security checks and running for connecting flights. Living in southern Spain means my travels to Northern Europe are some long days, sometime needing three flights to get to my destination, John Grisham and Lee Child keeps me company.<br>I have a big announcement to make about my new album, so keep on surfing past my blog to find out details.Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/30743092014-07-14T10:06:39+01:002014-08-16T06:36:45+01:00A Summer Weekend and Shopping SpreeWe are now well into the summer months, and life on the road is truly in full swing.<br>This weekend included the usual obligatory traveling between two countries, Germany and Norway. On Friday we played in Pappenburg Germany, what a wonderful town!<br>Very close to the Dutch border it is complete with canal waterway and it would seem the affluent town was in full bloom. The setting was really nice and We had a great show with our good friends The Sweet.<br>Saturday was taken up mostly by traveling, but we arrived in Norway on time, although no time to check into the hotel and had yet again another great show in Sundam, close to Molde.<br>I had a long travel home . . . living in southern Spain is a long way from mid Norway! . . . . tired but enjoyed the world cup !!<br>What else ????? . . . . . Oh yes I bought myself a new guitar this week. A national reso-phonic steel resonator ( Think Brothers In Arms Cover) This is gonna get a lot of use soon . . . . more news on that next month. I also bought a new Mesa Boogie Emerald Bronco Stilletto for the same project . . . . .Exciting times ahead !!!<br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/30069142014-06-10T22:40:01+01:002020-12-29T09:44:40+00:00World Cup RioWorld Cup fever, has finally hit the Smokie camp, not that everyone loves football, but I'm glad to say that the band and crew were keen to join in with the now compulsory, Smokie World Cup sweepstake.<br>As usual Martin will play Banker, ensuring that all dues are paid and the winners receive their winnings in full.<br><br>We decided to make the draw before hitting the stage in Drobak in Norway on Saturday night. Needless to say not everyone was happy with the teams they got, but we seeded the draw so all would get a top flight team.<br><br>Phil our monitor got the favourite for the tournament, by pulling out Brazil. Mike got a good team in Argentina and Terry got Uruguay. Martin who has very little interest in football got himself England, whether he'll show any patriotism or not we shall have to see, after all; in less that one hundred days Scotland may get independence, and with Martin living on the shores of Loch Ness, we may just get a little hint of which way he might vote?? . . . As for Steve he landed Holland and complained !!!<br><br>As some of you may know, I spend my whole summer living in Spain, whom I just happened to get in the sweepstake. I shall be cheering England on, but when Spain do play I will support them too, because I live here. I have a sneak feeling though that a certain monitor engineer might be a couple of hundred quid better off come July.<br><br>I hope you all enjoy the World Cup, I know that it will dominate our discussion wherever we are gigging in the Smokie camp, and no doubt many arguments will take place.<br>C'mon England !!!!<br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/29611052014-05-21T10:34:35+01:002017-01-14T16:02:46+00:00Diversity On ShowLast weekend Smokie enjoyed a wonderful sold out show in the Swiss city of Lucerne. The gig had a great vibe and we were asked if we could do a Q&A session after the gig, little did we know what would take place.<br>In a Letterman type setting, we were interviewed about our roles in Smokie and a slideshow added to information about our private lives, with photos of Smokie members as babies.<br>Interviews with Smokie always talk about Alice and the 70's, so how refreshing it was to discuss the successes of this Smokie line up, A band that has stood together in studio and on stage for near on twenty years. I think that the research gave the audience a real insight into a band that have achieved so much more than perhaps given credit for.<br><br>The interviewer who is a music producer, musician and TV celebrity, had obviously done his homework, he spoke about Terry's new book and introduced the audience to our facebook page and went on to talk about the music that Martin had written and released, he also played a small soundbite from Martin's latest album.<br>To my surprise he had a lot of information on my solo project and with the help of a slideshow he introduced my solo album "My Kinda Heaven"<br>I have to say; It was quite a nice feeling, we spoke about my collaboration with John Parr. All in all, it made me quite proud. It also made me realize that Smokie are not just a band, but a bunch of guys who have other talents outside of our regulars day job. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/73abf5102f8b1d85f93e6847f9474de56fe107c2/original/10268687-10154147819340484-5539144399881727796-n.jpg?1400664855" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/28622722014-04-11T12:20:09+01:002021-06-14T17:31:24+01:00Russian Roulette Russia is without doubt a changing place. I have been many times now and can make a judgement on that change. It's probably right to say it's change for the better in most cases and for the folks who live there, the past is very much the past.<br>Smokie have always enjoyed great popularity in Russia and this is evident when we go to the less well known places. Izvehsk was a totally sold out show and that always a nice way to finish any tour.<br><br>We had a support band with us on this occasion and the "Illegal Eagles" who hail from the UK, not only did a great show but we became friends and that is something I'm sure will continue into the future.<br><br>We have a short period now where band and crew alike, can take a holiday or break before we kick off what will certainly be a very busy year.<br>Check out tour dates here, new dates being added all the time.<br><br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/27176312014-03-10T10:17:28+00:002021-02-16T06:40:26+00:00A reminder of my pastYou'd think that for a guy who travels all the time, it would be the last thing I'd want to do is get on another flight instead of staying at home . . . but a trip to Athens the capital of Greece I couldn't pass it up.<br>Needless to say I enjoyed being a tourist, and enjoyed the sights and sounds of Athens.<br><br>The Acropolis is one of the most known landmarks in the world, but when I went there it took me back 31 years to when I stood there last, with John Kewley an old friend and drummer with "The Blades".<br>All those years ago, we drove in beat up Mercedes truck with PA, lights and guitars in the back, we had no credit cards and relied on gigs before the tour started to pay our way, needless to say we always had to carry loads of cash !! . . . We had very few fancy hotels and getting through customs was more of a bribing game rather than business like affair and sometimes could be quite scary.<br>I tried this time . . . all these years on, to re-create the photo I had with John and it gave me a real reminder of my fun times being a hard working musician in the very early eighties.<br>We played 5 concerts in Athens and 2 concerts in Nea Makri on the mainland, before we caught the ferry to the island of Crete.<br>Great times that I have fond memories of.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/164/902bc32c93e0432687037c69c91b66f4048f5378/original/img-0976.jpg?1394446475" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/26845182014-03-04T13:34:13+00:002021-05-31T14:13:52+01:00Is it me . . . . or is there a buzz about Smokie in Ireland again?Another two show's in Ireland sold out, rammed to the rafters and seriously enjoyable from my point own of view.<br>Limerick University is kind of a mini waterfront hall in Belfast. The acoustics are very good and having a only a few isolated seats meant that the atmosphere was really good before we even struck a note.<br><br>It's been a while since we played Tullamore and perhaps in someways the GAA venue was not our usual type of gig, but the stand up show really was one of those sweaty ones and yet again the crowd really up for what was a truly great night.<br><br>I'm going to be quite honest here, there was a time a few years ago when we were playing the wrong venues in Ireland and I felt personally that a band with so many hits in their repertoire deserved better, but somehow we lost our way.<br>It would seem now that we are back where we should be, selling out great venues and there is no doubt in my mind there is a real buzz about Smokie in Ireland once again . . . . I hope we keep up the momentum !!!<br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/26338822014-02-24T09:46:39+00:002014-03-08T17:19:43+00:00Turkey . . . There "n" BackAntalya, Istanbul and the capital city of Ankara . . . three days, three great shows, and three venues all named the Jolly Joker.<br>Having done two great sell out shows in Belfast and Dublin, and a stop off gig in the Czech Republic, we were all feeling a little jaded by the time we arrived in Antalya.<br>Luckily we had most of the day off and some nice weather would allow the usual suspects in the band some time sunbathing at the hotel pool, fully recouped we were ready for a whistle stop tour of Turkey.<br><br>There is no doubt that there is a buzz about Smokie in Turkey, with crowds growing on each occasion we go there. It's also nice to see many young folks attending our shows.<br>The gig in Istanbul is slowly becoming one of my favourite gigs, it's a small stage and the venue in comparison to what we would normally play is small . . . but the atmosphere is really incredible. I also love the buzz around Istanbul.<br>Thanks to all who attended, I've no doubt we'll be back !!<br><br><br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/26072702014-02-19T15:01:47+00:002021-05-26T11:49:50+01:00Break Over . . . Back To Work !Having taken a break just before Christmas and all of January it's quite nice to get back on the road. I'm currently in Turkey as we do the rounds of the Jolly Joker concert halls in Antalya, Istanbul and the capital Ankara.<br>Turkey is a wonderful place with a mix of cultures where East meets West. We have been here a few times now and it's great to play our music in what is a predominantly a Muslim country.<br>Luckily for me today, the weather was kind and I sat round the hotel pool chilled out and read my book. No doubt I'll win the lobster lookalike competition !!<br>Having time to relax allows me to think about plans for the year etc and somehow get write for my new album, I've no doubt I should get some work done in March before we head off on another Russian Tour.<br><br>Just a quick mention of the gigs in Ireland last week, Belfast was totally sold out and is fast becoming a set date in the calender. Dublin introduced us to the very "Hip-Cool" gig at Vicar Street . . . . quite small but what an atmosphere !!!<br><br>Don't forget anyone who views my site now can make comments and share links to gigs etc . . . go ahead try it !!!Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/21939382013-12-09T10:43:39+00:002014-01-29T02:50:32+00:00Postcard From Down UnderI'm currently sat in Melbourne Airport, waiting for the long flight that will bring me home.<br>This tour has been long !! . . . Sometimes it's just "how it works out" but towards the end I have to admit to feeling a bit jaded.<br>Australia is quite a wonderful place and the folks who live there seem to be proud of their country and all that it has to offer.<br><br>Our tour started in Albany WA, where we were greeted by typical English weather, but a sold out enthusiastic crowd gave us a great welcome and a great start to what was a great tour in OZ.<br>We drive ourselves around in OZ and I enjoyed being the chauffeur for my collegues for the whole month of November, although myself and our new sat-nav didn't axactly agree on the route that we should be taking.<br><br>Once again I enjoyed Perth, it's a great "New City" and I have a feeling that it will continue to grow into something bigger and better in the future.<br><br>We left WA to fly to Cairns in Queensland for another sell out show. On our travels we changed planes in Alice Springs . . . Temprature wise? . . . think of being in an oven, I'd decided to take a break in Alice Springs after the tour, so at least I knew what I was letting myself in for !!<br><br>I really enjoyed driving on the east coast until I got myself 4 demerit points and a $467 fine for speeding, luckily tha band agreed to pay the fine !!<br>By the time we got to Sydney, we really did deserve a few days off and we were lucky enough to have the same hotel for five nights in Coogee Bay, a place we all really enjoy, band and crew alike.<br><br>I was dissapointed that the Band OZ BBQ never materialised, but I think everyone was just wanting to spend time on their own and enjoy the days off that we did have, maybe next time?<br><br>After we played Bendigo our travels took us to another sold out show in Tasmania.<br>Launceston is the large town in the north of the island, although it's more typical of a small UK market town.<br>On the drive to Hobart the capital of TAS I could only describe the place as having a look of Scotland about it, with sheep to match. There is little between Launceston and Hobart, not even a gas station !!!<br>Hobart is rather cool !! . . . once again a totally sold out show.<br><br>Anothet flight yet again took us from TAS to Adalaide. It's a long time since I was in Adelaide in South Australia, but I was pleasantly surprised to what a wonderful city it was. Australia is full of sporting facilities and enjoyed having a walk round the Adalide Oval, where it was highly likely that the England cricket team would probab;y lose the 2nd Ashes Test !<br><br>After flying back yo Melbourne and playing our last gig in Geelong, it was time to say goodbye to my band mates and go to Alice Springs. Ayers Rock is a place I have always wanted to go, it has since changed it's name to "Ullaru" a place sacred to the indigenous people of Australia.<br>It was magical and something I will remember forever, yes it's just a rock in the middle of nowhere, but it felt like the most wonderful place to me in the world . . . on the day I visited.<br><br><br> Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/17917762013-10-06T17:35:55+01:002013-10-06T17:37:45+01:00Farewell South AfricaOur tour of South Africa is finally over. I have thouroughly enjoyed my time here and as usual all our South African fans came in big numbers.<br>It always seems to amaze me how many folks know exactly who I am and call me by my first name and have a real knowledge, of just what I am personally up to.<br>I sighned one of my solo albums last week, and was questioned as to when the next one will arrive . . . . watch this space!!<br><br>I will leave before everyone else tomorrow because I have commitments back home. I will probably have a window seat and as I usually do, I have a look out at the place I have enjoyed so much.<br><br>I am now just going out for our farewell and end of tour dinner, I have no doubt LEFRA Productions will have something up their sleeves<br><br>Thanks to all involved and thank you South Africa !!!Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/17439292013-09-30T17:25:51+01:002021-01-26T07:44:42+00:00South Africa UpdateHi Everyone<br>I think generally, I would be prepared to say my job is quite easy, I enjoy what I do and doing something you enjoy makes life way way easier.<br>However; This trip has so far been quite hectic. I had, this morning my first long sleep without setting my alarm at some unearthly hour to get yet another flight.<br>Going on stage almost half asleep isn't easy, especially when you have to concentrate on singing in tune. Quite simply we have been worked to the bone, with media events taking place before and after our shows, but this is what we do, and if it helps sell tickets and make a prospective audience aware, then so be it.<br><br>We have a great team down here in South Africa in the form of Lefra Productions, Frans, Charl and Sean have mede tremendous efforts to make things run smoothly and I think for the first time last night, they finally got to relax and they broke open the Tequlla bottle . . . . I didn't join in but it was great to see everyone joining in the salt and the lemon !<br><br>Today we have a day off, having done four shows in four days and venturing to Namibia.<br>Port Elizibeth feels somewhat very English especially on the seafront.<br>We have a wonderful hotel, but today I enjoyed doing very little . . . A walk out, cup of tea in my room, a bit of TV and a long soak in the bath. I even had a bitof a practice on my guitar and added another verse to a song I'm currently writng. Tonight I will watch English football on TV and probably have another steak . . . and can they do steaks in SA? . . . you bet your life . . . 500 gram ones !!!<br><br>We have to go back to J'burg on Wednesday to attack some more media work and prepare for two nights at the Big Top Arena.<br><br>Just another little story to share with you. . . . . . On our arrival to SA we had seven pieces of luggage missing including my effects pedal ad wireless systems, but this morning some guys in Namibia rang our tour manager on their satalite to let him know they had our missing items and they will return then to Jo'burg in time for our shows there. How does luggage end up going where it is just not meant to go?Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/15763832013-09-06T06:00:00+01:002014-01-05T06:54:05+00:00Gonna Be A Busy Few Months !!!<span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Check out the live section of the site everyone, lots of gigs coming up, with tours of South Africa, Germany and Australia !!</span><br type="_moz">Mick McConnelltag:mickmcconnell.com,2005:Post/15763842013-09-01T06:00:00+01:002021-04-18T20:27:50+01:00Summer Update<span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Hi Everyone<br>
I know it's been a while since I last did a post here, but needless to say, I've been busy working with Smokie and I moved to Spain to live.<br>
I hope that's a good enough excuse?<br><br>
The last few months with Smokie was pretty busy and as usual we did a load of indoor shows and a few outside festivals as well. We had a couple of memorable shows in Austria, headlining festivals that were really well attended, the last gig of the summer was in Furstenfeld and one of my favourite shows of the year.<br><br>
In the last couple of days, I've had my acoustic guitar out of it's case and I wrote a great chorus for what I hope will be a great song when completed . . . . Hopefully?<br><br>
The next part of the year is gonna be really busy, we have a tour of South Africa, a ten day tour of Germany and a full tour of Australia, that will take us into December, lots of travel and lots of fun hopefully . . . . A lot to look forward to !!!<br><br>
In the meantime, I need to get writing some songs, Smokie have a new album to finish, I'm guessing that we'll have a release in the spring of 2014, so we all need to get our writing heads on !!!!<br><br>
I wish you all the best and hope you had a great summer, back soon . . .<br>
Mick</span><br type="_moz">Mick McConnell