Firefest VI 2009

Merv Goldsworthy

First of all it was nice to be working with Kieran and Bruce again, the banter sorting out the gig with Kieran was priceless.  For those of you who don't already know, this dude puts his heart and soul into this event, along with a great crew and that is the reason why it works.

Soundcheck went as well as a soundcheck can go at 10.00am, a bonus being a brand new £250.000 PA system that had recently been installed in the venue.  We ran through 'Grapevine' and the sax solo in 'Hard Day In Hell'.

Made my way to front of house sound desk with Richard Lloyd (FM soundman), who was also mixing the sound for Romeo's Daughter.  Richard was brilliant, RD sounded and played the best I've ever seen them play, the place was rocking, they went down a storm and Leigh....... pure class, I was bloody proud!!

Meet and greet was a lot of fun, a special mention here should go to Dave and Tiff Thomas, they did an amazing job.  We met fans from Australia, USA, Canada, Germany, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Brazil, Italy, Portugal, Greece and from all over the UK.

Gig - I enjoyed it even more than Firefest 4, once we got the bass working, it was touch and go there for a minute!!

Special mention here to Mr. Jim Kirkpatrick, it was only his second gig with us.  I'm so impressed....... well done Jim!!

Also Chris for saxophone on 'Hard Day In Hell'.

Thanks to........... Ant and all the film crew, Josh (Jim & Steve's guitar tech), Richard - awesome job on the sound, Warren - total enthusiasm (drum tech), the legendary Steve Church who was only 50% fit due to knee surgery, what a battler!!  Last but definitely not least, he stepped up to the plate and made the whole thing run smoothly - our very own Smudge Smith.

But most of all I'd like to thank the fans, who on the night, I think even out-sang 'The Voice'...... amazing!!!!

Cheers

Merv.