tag:theyallayallas.com,2005:/blogs/rob-galloway-blog?p=2Rob Galloway Blog2019-03-23T13:06:54+00:00The Yalla Yallasfalsetag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/56905542019-03-23T12:46:32+00:002022-05-19T11:26:16+01:00OUTSIDER ENTRY ELEVEN: THE GOOD, THE DRUNK, AND DISORDERLY – A WEEKEND IN BRUSSELS<p> </p>
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<p><span style="color:var(--color-neutral-600);">This weekend I found myself in Brussels for a short trip. I was there to see Ennio Morricone perform with a two hundred-piece orchestra and choir. I arrived in Brussels just after lunch. I made a swift journey to my hostel and left a jumper on a bed to make a claim for it. All the other beds in the room are empty and hopefully it will remain that way and I’ll have the room to myself tonight. I head straight out and walk towards the city square. On the way I walk past the Manneken Pis. I remember growing up at home with a Manneken Pis brass ashtray in our living room. The small boy in the ashtray was pissing on a Nazi symbol. I believe my Grandfather brought it back from the war, I’m unsure but he may have been stationed in Belgium. I was fascinated with the figure and what it meant. It probably went someway to shaping my political beliefs. So I thought I best stop by the actual statue and take a minute to reflect. I’m a little disappointed that someone has dressed Manneken Pis in some traditional clothing. It may be a kind of traditional gesture however I would’ve liked to observe the statue in its purest form.</span></p>
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<p>I’d arranged to meet my friend Audrey from Nijmegen who is also in the city. I’m instructed to be outside Bours at 4pm. I’m a little early and I kill some time in a very expensive Irish pub. When Audrey arrives she tells me that she knows some better bars than this, which I am more than pleased to hear. I quickly finish my Guinness and we set off in the direction of a bar called Archipel. It is closed but Audrey knocks on the door and talks to the barman who recognises her and he kindly agrees to open and to allow us in. I’m pleased to notice that they have Jupiler on tap. It’s my favourite lager these days and we don’t have much of it back home. We spend the next couple of hours catching up and talking. The last time we had seen each other was on a Yallas tour over a year ago. It was the Zomerfeesten in Nijmegen and we had played a show at De Bijstand. I often find myself talking to Audrey after our Nijmegen shows, she is an interesting woman and she also has the perfect amount of energy. After gigs I am often exhausted and I just want to relax a little. Naturally some people in the audience are pumped full of adrenaline and want to party with us all night and that’s fine but Audrey has a calm aura about her. I feel comfortable just sitting at a bar and talking whilst regaining my composure. I can talk to her all night. I have a feeling that the same might happen again this evening. Around 7pm I start leaving the bar to go to the Ennio Morricone concert and I’m briefly introduced to an American lady called Suki who is working as a tour guide in the city. I tell them both that I might see them in here after the show if they are still around.</p>
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<p>I take the tram to the venue near Heysel stadium. I have time to eat a pulled pork baguette and grab a pint before taking my seat. I’m very near to the front and I have a wonderful view of the stage. The sound of the orchestra takes my breath away. I have never seen an orchestra live before. I’m awestruck. The movements of Ennio Morricone fascinate me. I try to study how his motioning to the musicians affects the sound. Before the show I was skeptical about the role of a conductor. Now I realise and appreciate that he is the heartbeat of the performance. Magical. My emotions are everywhere. I’m smiling, crying, and amazed by the noise. I could not stop scanning the musicians to see who is and who isn’t playing but there are too many to understand it properly. My favourite song ‘Ecstasy of Gold’ doesn’t disappoint me. As soon as the song finishes I need to leave to room to take a minute to myself. I then head to the toilet and grab a beer. Luckily the end of the song had signalled the interval so I didn’t even miss any of the show.</p>
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<p>During the interval I find myself talking to Jim Kenis from The Sick Boys and his partner Pauline. We have played with The Sick Boys a few times and they are one of my favourite bands in Belgium. We talk briefly about the show before returning to our seats for the second half. The second set is equally as brilliant as the first and I easily return to being mesmerised. I decide to leave the show as soon as they finish Ecstasy of Gold for a second time. Something about that song makes me feel like I need some time alone. I only ended up missing the final song as I head for the tram and back into the city beating the rush. I don’t like leaving gigs early but I enjoyed the empty tram carriage back into the city.</p>
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<p>The journey back I am trying to process what I had just witnessed. It was outstanding. I find my way back to the bar Archipel and I’m pleased to see my friend Audrey is still here. Her friend Suki is also here. I’m introduced to more people and I’m instantly made to feel welcome. The next few hours are filled with heavy drinking and lots of dancing. Suki insisted that I danced to Led Zepplin with her and the musical selection meandered through Heavy Rock, Rap, Punk and even stopped off with the monstrous Rednex Cotton Eyed Joe single. Still this didn’t deter us from dancing the night away. In between the dancing, Suki tells stories about her days growing up in the Seattle punk scene. We swap war stories and declare that we’re made out of the same kind of wood and we raise a toast to that. Audrey informs me that I look like I’m having a great time. “I am” I replied. “I’ve not seen you dance like this”, she tells me. “I LOVE TO DANCE” I proudly declare. Sometime around 3am the bar closes and it’s time that I should leave. I think they are preparing for a lock in but I’ve drunk enough. The barman informs me that I was the very first and also the very last person that the bar served today. That is some drinking.</p>
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<p>On my way back to the hostel I order a kebab to walk with and I eat about half of it. I stagger up four flights of stairs and I failed to remember that there might be other people in the room. I crashed through the door and fell over someone’s luggage. “Oh shit, sorry” I yelped. “Just get in to bed Rob” I instruct myself.</p>
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<p>I awake the next morning to an overly aggressive alarm clock. It is my own. I think it also awoke everybody in the room. The man in the next bed doesn’t seem to be too impressed. He angrily gets up, gets dressed, and leaves the room in a hurry. I feel my entrance into the hostel in the early hours may have dictated his mood for the day. In the opposite two beds are two ladies in their early twenties. Their alarms break out just minutes after mine although they are of a much gentler tone. I decide to get out of bed and go to the bathroom. I smash my head into the top bunk and yell out a broad Yorkshire “Argh”, one of the two girls laugh out loud at my injury. I join in with the laughter and respond with “I think I’m still drunk” “Me too” replies a girl but I’m not sure which one until she sits up. I immediately apologise for my loud crashing entrance in the early hours. “Not a problem, I didn’t even hear you, In fact I was about to apologise myself for drunkenly falling into bed” she replied. “That might explain the grumpy guy in the next bed”, I explain. “Where you from?” I asked. “LEEEEEEDS” she proudly declares and our drunken behaviour makes a whole lot more sense now. We chatted a little more before I checked out of the room. Its nice to hear a homely accent on your travels.</p>
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<p>I can feel my brain sliding from side to side as I climb down the four flights of stairs. I find a piece of tomato in my jacket pocket. It must have come from the Kebab I ordered last night. I discard it in the cleaners cart before closing the door behind me. The air is cool and I take in a few nice breaths. That feels so much better. Its only 10am and I’m unsure how best to deal with this hangover. The bars are closed so that rules out the old hair of the dog routine. I’m feeling a little nauseous and I don’t feel like eating just yet. So I’m left with the option of walking until I either get hungry or a bar opens. I open up my news app on my phone and the headline reads, “MAY IN BRUSSELS TO AGREE BREXIT DEAL”. Fuck it! I thought. I’ll head to the EU. Maybe they’ll let me negotiate and I can put a stop to this madness. It takes me about 45 minutes as I meander through the quiet Brussels streets. When I reach the EU I’m left largely unimpressed. It’s just these incredibly large government buildings and all the places I’ve seen on the news are behind security gates and I don’t have any credentials. I could try blag it through but I’m not too fussed. I have a little potter around and I take a really nice walk back through to the city centre.</p>
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<p>On the way I walk past palaces and huge parks filled with sculptures. I’m feeling much more awake now and I’m starting to feel ready for a pint. I make it back to the centre and most of the bars still don’t seem open except the big Irish pub. I thought why not. The bar lady remembers me from the previous night and asks me how my night was. I told her that I spent all the cash back she gave me and now I’m suffering for it. I sit in a quiet corner with a TV screen and slowly drink my Guinness while watching the sports channel. My only plan for today was to meet my friend Katrien in Mechelen at 2pm.</p>
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<p>Katrien picks me up at 2pm and she tells me the restaurant she wanted to take me to was closed and said that instead we should go to her place. I said that’s fine and I apologise for my hangover. I’ve stayed at Katrien’s place before on my last solo tour. She had come to my rescue after I wasn’t too comfortable with my sleeping arrangements organised by the gig promoter. I was due to stay with another act on the bill and I had a real dislike for him.</p>
<p>He was a real over the top American self help guy who was trying to sell a book and diagnose everyone with some kind of disorder. He’d even psycho-analysed my song lyrics and tried to sell me a path back towards the light. I wasn’t going anywhere with this fucker. Let alone socialising with him until 4 or 5am with no means for escape. I’ll forever be grateful for Katrien’s rescue.</p>
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<p>I had met Katrien a couple of times before when The Yalla Yallas had been touring Belgium. She had been the official photographer at two or three of the shows. I really like her photography. The colours are especially vivid. Like Audrey she is great to talk to post show because she is very interesting and sociable and I’m more than happy to listen to her whilst I regain my energy and composure. The same is happening today. My hangover and the long walk have worn me out but I’m really pleased to see Katrien and I find a sociable energy. At home her boyfriend and her son join us. We drink tea and talk before I’m invited to stay for the evening meal and I’m even offered a ride to the airport. Her boyfriend is also hungover and worn out after a heavy weekend with his friends. Katrien’s son is a lovely kid. He tries his very best to speak in English to me and I try my very best to respond in Dutch. After dinner we all watch a science based Dutch TV show aimed at kids, teaching them how to make things or cook meals. I understand most of the language and enjoy trying to make sense of it.</p>
<p>Later in the evening Katrien takes me to the airport and by now I’m dead on my feet. Maybe I can manage an airport beer before my 9pm flight home. My flight is delayed and I’m worried that I’ll miss my connecting train home to Leeds. I arrive in Manchester much later than scheduled and it leaves me 14 minutes to get off the plane, through customs, and to the train station. Can I do it? Yes I can. I used all of my remaining energy to run for the train. I’m tired, grumpy, and I just want to get into bed. The train seems to stop at every single station between Manchester and Leeds. I’ve not been so irritable in a long while. I arrive into Leeds station just as the clock ticks midnight. I take a taxi home. On the way I’m finding that I want to fight the driver. He’s angry that I asked him to take a much shorter route. He tells me that he can’t fix the meter. “No, but you can drive the long way round” I remind him. He informs me “there’s no difference in route” and continues to ramble at me. I ask him “If there’s no difference in the route then why does it matter so much to him?” He then continues to label all uber drivers as rapists. “I’ve had a long day and I don’t give a fuck pal”, I sternly tell him. I finally make it home and I make a cup of tea before going to bed. Another wonderful weekend but I’m exhausted.</p>
<p> </p>The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/56778592019-03-12T19:55:46+00:002022-03-21T07:57:10+00:00OUTSIDER ENTRY TEN: FRIDA KAHLO AND THE KINGS ROAD BAGUETTE<p>I took a trip to London this weekend. While in Berlin last week my friend Anita recommended the Frida Kahlo exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum. There was only one person who came to mind when I thought about whom I should go with. I had text Barbara immediately to see if she would be interested, “Hell Yeah” she replied. I took the National Express from Leeds. I filled the nearly five-hour journey with music. I have recently discovered a band called the Viagra Boys. Upon returning from Berlin I noticed in my wallet a note with unfamiliar handwriting, which simply said ‘VIAGRA BOYS’. Where did that come from? Then I recalled it was from Marie the Norwegian lady that I had met in the Franken bar. I entered the text into my Spotify app and cranked the volume up to full. This is wonderful, a hi-energy punk, rock n roll, disco, funk band. They remind me of lots of CBGB-style bands like Television, Richard Hell, Talking Heads, and even some Brian Ferry/Roxy Music but they have a harder edge. I’m all over this. I drop the Yallas a group message such as the importance of this discovery. Will had already heard of them. Dempsey and Lewis liked them.</p>
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<p>After two hours I switched the music around. After the hi-energy of Viagra Boys I’m wanting something a little smoother. The previous night I had been watching a documentary based upon Primal Scream making their ‘Give Out But Don’t Give Up’ album. They have recently rediscovered and released a lost version of the classic album. This version recorded in Memphis featured the famous Muscle Shoals backline and was recorded at the infamous Ardent studios. Naturally I’m still feeling the story and want to give the record another listen. I like Bobby Gillespie’s vocal. I hear myself in him. Like myself he is not the greatest singer however he does have a lot of soul, a nice groove and energy. I start to think about our album. I hope I can nail the vocals this time. I always feel after an album is released that I could have done better. I genuinely have little confidence in my singing ability. Bobby Gillespie expressed the same sentiment in his documentary. I think most singers have the same experience. You’re really vulnerable in that vocal booth, everyone sat in the control room analysing your performance, emotion, and ability, and there is a lot of pressure as a result.</p>
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<p>The bus reaches London but the traffic is stood still. The roads are never easy here but today there is a huge protest by environmentalists. They have blockaded five major bridges in the city. Great work I think. London is at a standstill. Ironically though all the stationary vehicles are now probably pumping more pollutants into the atmosphere as a result of idling. Barbara is waiting for me at the bus station. I suggest that we walk in the general direction of the museum. A five-hour bus journey really plays havoc with my left knee these days. I feel like I need to walk it off. I’m also a little docile from the journey. I struggle to make a lucid conversation with Barbara. I apologise and tell her that I need wake up a little. She understands and asks me if I’m cold. I didn’t notice that I was freezing until she said anything. After all I’m only wearing a shirt and a suit jacket. “I’m from the north, I’ll survive” I quip. We walk through Kings Road in Chelsea and find a pub where we can talk and catch up.</p>
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<p>After a couple of beers we go to the Victoria and Albert Museum. It is beautiful. We have a membership card so we’re able to have a late night viewing of the exhibition. I express to Barbara that I feel like I’m too poor to enter such a building. A boy from Bramley, Leeds, West Yorkshire shouldn’t be traipsing these hallways. I’m told not to be silly. I love reading the story of Frida, she was a remarkable woman. There was extracts from her diary, items from her jewellery collection, and her vibrant clothing. I’m impressed and inspired by her work. I make some notes regarding her reading habits. She had a copy of Walt Whitman’s poetry, which had been transcribed into Spanish. I must investigate his work when I’m home.</p>
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<p>After the exhibition we again walk through Chelsea and I’m starting to feel a little hungry. I notice a butchers shop and they are selling fresh sandwiches. They look delicious. I’m not eating much meat these days but my god that dead pig looks fucking delicious. I walk in and ask for a Ham and Cheese Baguette. My northern wallet trembles and shakes as they lady announces that the price will be seven quid. I try not to care as the sandwich looks too damn good. Outside the shop I take a huge bite and excitedly declare “OH MY GOD … THAT’S CRACK HAM … GIMME MORE MORE MORE”, Barbara grins and I offer a bite. She takes a more gentle bite and then asks, “How much is a bite worth? Two quid?”, I chuckle “Don’t worry about …eat some more if you like”. We find another pub and wash down the baguette with a Peroni and a Guinness.</p>
<p><span style="color:var(--color-neutral-600);">After the beer we took a tube to Brixton and we walked to the Hootananny, I’ve been here before when The Yallas stayed here in May. I didn’t stay out that night but the rest of the band did. Will had told me that it’s a lively pub with great music and a nice outdoor space serving up Jerk Chicken street food. I drop him a message letting him know where we are. He replies saying that we should do another London trip soon. I agree. Barbara introduces me to her friends and they are all very friendly and sociable, I’m made to feel very welcome. Drinks are flowing and the bands are great. I’m hitting the rum pretty hard. The place is pretty full and the atmosphere here is great. I feel much more at home in Brixton than I did in the pubs of Chelsea. There is such a stark contrast in people in just a couple of miles.</span></p>
<p>Around 2am we leave Hootananny and we find a night shop for more beer and take a bus back to Bromley. We stay up for a little while longer listening to music. I play Barbara the latest recordings of the new Yallas album. I try explaining some of the backing vocals and she sings along. She seems to enjoy these songs and then tells me that she is pleased with the new direction that the band is taking. This fills me with encouragement. I respect her opinion. Barbara is a very honest woman. On one of the songs she laughs at my out of tune singing and says, “we need to work on that”, I agree and I ask her to help me when I’m in the studio.</p>
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<p>The next morning Barbara serves up the most delicious breakfast to set me up for my journey home. I’m instructed to be the DJ whilst she prepares it. I play some music by Lewis and Sam who will both be joining her on backing vocals on the album. She seems to like Lewis’ vocal and comments that it’s similar to mine, “Except its in tune” I reply. Around 2pm I leave and I take a train back to London. On route the train stops at Brixton and I notice an eerie statue of a lady on the platform, she fascinates me. As the train pulls away from the station I search the Internet for articles explaining the statue at Brixton station. I learn that there is actually three statues dotted around the station and they were commissioned in 1980’s and depict three ordinary commuting passengers. Some believe that they are the first bronze statues of black people within the UK.</p>
<p>I make it in good time for my bus home to Leeds, another five-hour journey. I’m not in the mood for music. Which is strange. I’m not even in the mood for thinking. Actually for once in my life I just want to switch off. I load Netflix on my phone and watch some TV all the way home. Never have I done this. I have travelled all around Europe many times on many long journeys and never have I resorted to watching TV on my phone. I’m not sure I like it but it will do for today.</p>
<p> </p>The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/56739112019-03-08T21:39:24+00:002022-03-20T03:25:14+00:00OUTSIDER ENTRY NINE: TWO DECADES OF DEMPSEY<p>I started The Yalla Yallas with Matthew Dempsey in November 2007. I had been a solo artist making some mad techno-punk music. I’d even been doing well with it. I’d done a few decent festivals and was selected as of one of the Leeds Bright Young Things winners alongside Dan Smith of Bastille. The shows we’re hit n miss but they shaped me as the frontman I am today. I have been a mate with Dempsey since I was 16. He used to attend the same college as Sam from King Zepha. I went to school with Sam and when the time came to go to college we got separated when my GCSE results had different ideas for me.</p>
<p>I stayed on at school for a little while. I didn’t like it at all. My business teacher was very neurotic; she would stand and scream at me for not doing my coursework or something. Anyone who knows me at all will know that you won’t get any joy out of me behaving like that. Compare this with my English teacher Kerry Hazlewood. I used to hate poetry. Really hate it. I have a school report in which I’d written “I hate poetry, I will never need poetry, waste of time, teach me something useful”. Kerry who now twenty years later is a friend recognised my love for music and especially lyrics. Instead of sending me home with Seamus Heaney poems for which I had no desire to read. I would be sent home with lyrics to ‘Just Like Heaven’ by The Cure, ‘Loverman’ by Nick Cave, or ‘Rock n Roll Nigger’ by Patti Smith and instructed to explain and analyse the content and emotion of the lyrics, which I happily would. In fact I loved it. I even started to do it for fun on the bus to school with my cassette player and scraps of paper. I would transcribe and handwrite the lyrics to all my favourite songs and then try and decipher the meaning of the song. I went on to get a poor result in English but over time my lyrics have become my strength. Kerry’s recognition in my potential ability helped me to become who I am. I could never thank her enough.</p>
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<p>I didn’t enjoy sixth form and I came up with an ingenious plan, which worked up until I was kicked out and had to get a job. My plan was to attend my school in the morning and simply attend Sam’s college unofficially in the afternoon. I attended the classes, as I didn’t want to be left behind. It worked for months until one of the tutors questioned wether I was actually a student at the college. I was escorted from the premises and told never to return. “I only want to learn” I pleaded. I made lots of friends up there. One of them was Dempsey. We would all meet up at 11am and go to the University where we would sneak in the Old Bar to get drunk. I had a job in a working mans club and would earn £21 per week, and with that wage I would buy a sleeve of imported cigs from one of the customers. I would then sell them up at the university and earn my beer money. The other lads had their own scams. We were never without booze. To be fair it was a lot more affordable in those days.</p>
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<p>Dempsey was one of my favourite of Sam’s college mates. He was really funny. He still is. He’s a little odd too. I like his oddness. I’ll never be able to fully figure him out. He has a similar background to me. Good parents and family. He also worked in a working mans club. He was the master of 101 intros on a guitar. Sam and our friend Cav were the better guitar players. We’d all stand on the corner of St. Marks Avenue. They would all be jamming and I’d have nothing to join in with, only my lyrics. They weren’t the best but I would try and freestyle over little jams that Sam would play. Usually making up silly rhymes about my friends and trying to make the others laugh. It’s probably where I honed my skill in making up lyrics on the fly, which has been my saviour on so many occasions over the years. There are times when I have completely forgotten a verse and I’ve simply written a completely new verse in front of an audience. Whole songs even.</p>
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<p>The next couple of years we would have this routine of drinking, girls, music, parties. Dempsey never went to university, I got a job, Cav went to University in Manchester, and Sam went to Leeds Music College. About the age of twenty I decided to buy a guitar. I was way behind everyone else. Cav was a great rock guitarist, Sam was a jazz musician, and Dempsey could now play 202 intros on guitar. I would have a lot of work to catch up. Within months of buying my guitar I’d learned enough songs to fill a twenty-minute set. I wasn’t any good but I had the bollocks and the desire to get on the stage and learn in public. The audience would heckle me. “Get off, you’re shit”. I couldn’t sing, and I couldn’t play, but I was exactly where I wanted to be. I was expressing myself and writing my own songs. I worked really hard. I even met my first love at one of my gigs. I think she thought I was funny rather than any good.</p>
<p>Eventually with the help of digital technology like fruity loops or reason I was able to start making some backing tracks. I even made some visuals to project behind me and put it in sync with the music. Dempsey would often help me run the show. I started getting gigs in other cities too. I remember we went to London, Manchester, and there was also a night in Liverpool that Dempsey and myself vowed to never talk about again. Returning to Liverpool makes me feel nervous to this day.</p>
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<p>By the end of 2007 Dempsey and myself had been friends for nearly ten years. I was twenty-five and I’d just split up with the woman I loved. I was heartbroken. I reacted by starting a band. I asked Dempsey to be my bass player and we put an advert out for a guitarist, which ended up being Will. We got a drummer called Kev to help us for the first few months until we found Matt. Up until splitting with Clare my lyrics weren’t great. Looking back I needed to have my heartbroken and to be free to write the lyrics without restraint. It was the catalyst I needed. I had a difficult time breaking up but it needed to happen. I fell apart. Clare always cared for me, even afterwards. She was much more emotionally mature than me. We wanted very different lives. Clare moved to London and though it was hard for her at first I’m pretty certain that we’re both extremely happy in the way our lives have turned out. I’m very proud of her and I’ll always have a soft spot for her.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>When The Yalla Yallas played our first gigs Dempsey would be very nervous. He would hide behind curtains or amps. It was funny. I was also nervous but I had much more live experience. I was also enjoying the freedom of playing with a band rather than a pre-recorded backing track. I could conduct the band, I could keep a riff going if I felt that inspiration onstage. There were times where I would write a full song onstage or just minutes before walking onstage. That freedom was glorious. There was this great mix of Will and the drummers being actual musicians with Dempsey and Myself being really raw and primal in our skill. It was dangerous. Songs might fall apart but it was rock n roll. I would preach to the guys that it didn’t matter if things went wrong, as there is an excitement in the chaos. Nobody wants to stand and watch four lads super rehearsed, looking bored, and pissing their pants. Lets get on that stage and cause some chaos … and we did.</p>
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<p>We had various drummers but for just short of ten years it was Dempsey, Will, and myself and we achieved far more than we ever imagined, some wonderful memories and stories.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I miss Dempsey now he’s gone. Vince is a far superior and more capable bass player than Dempsey ever could be, but that was never the point. The point was it was us two talentless fucks getting as far as we could. I think Dempsey recognised or felt during and after the recording of the Medusa album that he had gone as far as he could. My musical skill and writing over the last few years had improved dramatically. Dempsey didn’t improve at the same rate. I would see him struggle with structures and more complicated pieces but he’d always manage it in the end. He’d also found a new passion in powerlifting. Doing well enough to get into to some high profile tournaments. He’s one of those irritating people who is brilliant at whatever he puts his mind to.</p>
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<p>When Dempsey couldn’t make some of our tour dates in Europe we asked Vince to cover him. In order for Vince to be match fit we gave him a few gigs locally to ease him into the band. We would rotate between the Vince and Dempsey. I think it got to a point for Dempsey that he realised that The Yalla Yallas would be a much better band with Vince as bass player. I asked Dempsey to hang on until Rebellion Festival because I wanted to end the band anyway. Lets go out together. It would be strange to have the Yallas without him. Dempsey expressed that he didn’t want the band to end.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The ever-selfless Dempsey left us with a gift in Vince. Though I refuse to accept his resignation. He’s still on the books, he’s still in the group chat, and his opinion does still count. As with any of our previous members the door is always open.</p>The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/56699432019-03-05T20:50:44+00:002021-06-24T11:00:49+01:00OUTSIDER ENTRY EIGHT: BERLIN PART THREE<p>I meet Dave at Berlin Airport and he’s full of beans. His flight was chock full of people attending the IDLES concert at SO36 later in the evening. He’s already full of stories of the various characters onboard. Some are already wasted he informs me. We take the train back to my hotel for a quick pit stop and where we pick up our tickets. We leave as quickly as we entered the building. No time to be messing about. There is beer to be drunk before the show. We call into the night shop next to my hotel and pick up some bottles of Berliner for the twenty-minute walk to vicinity of tonight’s venue.</p>
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<p>Our first stop is at a bar called Milch. I had been here earlier in the summer with Joel and remembered they were playing a healthy selection of punk rock. I order at the bar in German and the lady puts us at ease and explains that we can speak English to her if we wish. The lady who is Italian points out that there are many people in here who are going to see an English band at the SO36 tonight. We tell her that we are here for the same reason. We introduce ourselves and Arianne is super friendly. She explains that she is a drummer in a band and then we naturally swap tour stories. We’ve not even drunk our first beer and contact details are already being swapped. She even pours us a nice shot of liquor to add even more joy into the atmosphere. It feels like we’ve known her all of our lives. Dave turns to me with a huge grin and says, “We can walk in any boozer, anywhere in the world, and make friends, and we’ve done it all our lives”.</p>
<p>Dave goes off to the toilet and upon his return the pint sized rocker loudly proclaims that he loves this bar because he can use the child’s urinal. Arianne is laughing hard at this news. We recount a story of a time in The Netherlands where I had to lift him up to the urinal because he is sometimes too short to reach for a piss. We order more beer. As Arianne finishes her shift she explains that we’re in good hands with her replacement. We thank her for a great welcome.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/img_2456.jpg?w=492" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_2456.jpg" height="369" width="492" /></p>
<p>After Milch we headed to Franken on Oranianstrasse. The bar is filling up with IDLES fans for pre-show beers. Some of the people inside already recognise Dave from the flight and we’re all introduced. I find myself naturally gravitating to a guy called Ollie from Warrington. We have a decent chat and the beers flow. From our view in the bar we can see the doors of the venue. There is a mighty queue waiting to enter the venue. We keep an eye on the line and decide to keep drinking until there is no queue. We enter the tunnel like venue with one song to spare for the support band. The sold out room is full of positive energy. At the merchandise stall is Dev and John from IDLES and we say hello and pose for a couple of photos. The venue is as full as I’ve ever known a venue. Dave leaves me to join the lively crowd near the front. I stay near the back of the room with a full beer in hand. I’m not risking spillage. However, even with my tall stature I cannot see a thing and during Danny Nedelko it was time to bring out the emergency plan. What I did next was something that I’ve not done at a gig for over a decade. I turned to a German man at the side of me and shouted, “I want to go up there … CROWD SURF!!” The guy looks pleased to be asked and he even excitedly asks everyone around us to help. I managed to crowd surf from the very back of the venue right up to the very front … with a full beer in hand! No spillages, like a pro, outstanding work. Now I have a perfect view and I’m right in the thick of the action. I’ve lost Dave. No worries I’ll see him in the bar afterwards. I manage to remain in the boisterous crowd for all but the last fifteen-minutes of the gig and I just ran out of steam. I needed fresh air. On the way out the German guy who had earlier helped me surf stopped me and shouted “Hey, you want to go again???”, I laugh and politely decline. “I need air” I tell him.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/img_2473.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_2473.jpg" /></p>
<p>I walk outside and although I planned to go back into the gig, I’m instead lured to a takeaway where I order a delicious Lamb Pitta. Whilst munching on my food the door opens and its Ollie who I met earlier. He walked in and said “Hello”. I ask why he is also outside and he explains that his friend had been in some altercation with some security. His friend was now in a bit of a state in the street and Ollie thought he better come out and take care of him. “I wouldn’t mind but its normally me who needs looking after” he tells me. He seems like a decent lad. I wish him well for the remainder of the evening.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/img_2482.jpg?w=427" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_2482.jpg" height="320" width="427" /></p>
<p>After refuelling on food I thought best to refuel on the alcohol too. I head back into Franken and order a beer. I couldn’t have timed it any better. The gig had just finished over the road and everyone headed to the nearest bars in search of booze. I find myself talking to a Norwegian lady called Maria. I had seen her in this bar a few nights earlier when I was here with my friend Tim and the group of Serbians. Maria had visited our table to ask for a cigarette but one of the Serbian guys was messing with her and trying to make her beg for a smoke. Maria is the kind of lady that doesn’t put up with such nonsense. In that regard she reminds me of my ex-wife, very beautiful with an alpha type personality. She refused to play the game with the Serb and decided to get a cigarette from elsewhere. On the way back past our table she had a few scornful words for the guys, which put them in their place. I remind Maria of this incident and explain that they were only strangers to me and that I was very impressed with her response. We bond over this story and raise our glasses to standing up to bullshit.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/img_e2486.jpg?w=421" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_E2486.jpg" height="562" width="421" /></p>
<p>A sweating David appears from nowhere with an even more exciting buzz than his arrival at the airport. He tells me he had joined IDLES onstage and was buzzing about it. He excitedly asks if I saw him and I’m disappointed that I had missed the occasion. He tells me that he saw my impressive crowd surfing skills. I introduce him to Maria. The bar is pretty full now and she offers me her seat instructing that she can sit on my knee. Her gold faux-fur lined jacket fascinates me. I had to try it on. I like it so much I even try and buy it from her. It is great to be in a bar with such a friendly atmosphere. People seem to be handing out shots, smokes, and joints. Anything goes. Out of nowhere Dave passes out on the floor. I don’t think he’s eaten. A German lady wants to call an ambulance but I insist that I’ll take care of him. “Are you sure?” she asks. “Yes, I am his doctor, maybe you can help me?” I reply. “Sure, what can I do?” the polite lady offers “He just needs his medication, some Orangensaft, Wasser, und Marijuana”. “Sure thing” as she goes off to find some supplies.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/img_2487.jpg?w=489" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_2487.jpg" height="367" width="489" /></p>
<p>I pinch Dave’s earlobe and he awakens. He’d had a blackout. I whisper “Get up Dave, otherwise you’ll be going home in a German ambulance” The lady arrives back with some orange juice and water as another gentleman hands me a spliff and a lighter. I prop Dave up in the chair and hand him his supplies. We spend most of the night talking to Maria, she is another person who I feel like I’ve known all my life. She describes Dave as possessing a shamanic soul. I would wholeheartedly agree with that. He has guided me for years. He is often full of wisdom. I hope that one day I can inherit or learn enough of that worldly wisdom of his.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The bar starts to calm and empty slightly about 2-3am. Dave is at the back of the room talking to some English guys, Maria is at the bar getting more beer whilst talking to some people. I’m enjoying observing the bar in the meantimes when a German lady joins me at my table with her male friend who happens to be mute. The lady is very beautiful and very polite. She makes some small talk with me and after a while the conversation switches to talk of fetish clubs and group sex. She asked me if I am interested in such things. I explain that I’ve visited a few clubs over the years like Torture Garden in London. I’m single; I’m open-minded, why not? The couple also asks me if Maria would be interested in joining them. I decide to do some much needed due diligence and I ask more about the couple. The lady explains that she only met the guy a couple of hours previous. She had a boyfriend at home. They weren’t willing to come to my hotel room where I felt safe. I’m a modern minded guy who can handle himself but I’m not prepared to put myself in potential danger in a strange city. David walks past my table and stops to ask me if the German lady has her hands in my pants. I grin “I’ll tell you later”. I was having some doubts about the couple and I decline the party. I had also noticed that the mute gentleman was writing the words that he wanted to say, which is perfectly normal but I did then notice he was also writing verbatim the words I was saying, but nothing the lady or anyone else had said. I explain to the lady that I’m uncomfortable with this and asked why he only writes my words? The mute guys demeanour changed and he hurriedly scrawls on his pad “He is uncomfortable with us?” I correct him and say, “No, I’m uncomfortable with you writing my words”. He angrily writes “HE NEEDS TO LEAVE”, I tell him “No, you need to leave the table” He then circles the word “LEAVE”. I explain that they joined me at the table where I was sat with my friends and they propositioned me, after all no means no, and now I’m feeling harassed. My voice is raised and so is David’s attention. I decide to go and see the barman and try to explain the situation. As the barman walks to the table with me the mute guy roughly grabs Maria’s arm which angers me and I go for him. David grabs the hook of my arm and pulls me away. He stresses to me the importance of not getting arrested in Berlin. I loudly explain the situation to the onlookers “They invited me to a sex party, I was interested, then I declined, and now they harass me” one of the English punters tries to defend the mute guy “But he is mute, leave him alone”. “I don’t care if he’s a mute, that’s not the problem, I don’t care about their sexual preferences, they propositioned me, I declined and now they harass me” I explain. The barman is refusing to ask them to move from the table and I in turn point to the sign on the wall which reads something along the lines of “NO SEXISM, NO HOMOPHOBIA, NO RACISM, NO MEANS NO, DON’T BE A DICK”</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/dsc_1921.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="DSC_1921.jpg" /></p>
<p>I’m disappointed with the barman. Though it is nearly 4am and I’ve got a flight to catch in a few hours, it's probably time that I left anyway. I’m saddened that in the confusion that I didn’t get to say goodbye to Maria. David escorts me outside “Come on man, I’m not going home in an ambulance and you’re not going home in a police car” and we head back to the hotel. Dave had absolutely no idea what was going on and we both laugh all the way back to the hotel as I try explain the details of the proposed party. We can't breathe with laughter. We find a night shop and buy more beer and call in for a pizza for good measure. Back at the hotel Dave is quizzing me “You were going to Sex party????” “Yeah until that guy ruined it for himself and everyone else involved … fucking prick”. Dave was laughing so hard that he had to go onto the balcony to be sick down the side of the building. I lock him out there. He brays on the window to let him back in. We advise each other that we need to sleep. We need to be awake shortly for the flight. Every time the room falls silent one us starts chuckling. These are the moments in life that I live for. The humour that can only be fully understood by the people involved.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/dsc_1922.jpg?w=454" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="DSC_1922.jpg" height="304" width="454" /></p>
<p>In what feels like no time at all the alarm goes off. We quickly gather our things and make our way to the train station. We’re still laughing. We cannot stop. Even trying to order a tea in the local café doesn’t contain us. We do manage to keep it together as we walk past the Berlin wall. On the train we laughed as Dave kept whispering the words “Sex Mute” over and over. We laughed and laughed and laughed all the way back to Leeds.</p>
<p>A couple of days later Maria contacts me and said she was talking to the German lady after I had left and that she had felt bad for the situation that occurred. I can believe that. She seemed pleasant throughout.</p>
<p> </p>The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/56646192019-03-01T08:42:01+00:002022-05-11T06:23:07+01:00OUTSIDER ENTRY SEVEN: BERLIN PART TWO<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/dsc_1868.jpg?w=371" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="DSC_1868.JPG" height="248" width="371" /></p>
<p>So my plan to stay in the hotel didn’t last very long. Just after switching off the laptop and settling down for a night in my friend Anita dropped me a message inviting me out for drinks. Of course I agreed. Anita is Canadian and a clothes designer here in Berlin. I first met her about ten years ago in Leeds. She is a friend of some of my favourite people on the planet. Though we’ve all since drifted apart we do still keep in contact from time to time. I’d last seen Anita about three years ago when I was in Berlin for a U2 concert and we had met for a quick beer at Wild At Heart in Kreuzberg. This time we arrange to meet at a bar called Monterey on Danziger Strasse. It is great little place with plenty of atmosphere. The DJ is only playing music from vinyl records and is a great mix of alternative hits. I notice the beer selection, and right at the top of the list is one called Piñata. It is brewed at the North Brewing Company in Leeds. I explained to the barman that I’m from the same city as this beer and he enthusiastically responds with a number of questions about Leeds craft ale. He reels of an impressive list of Leeds breweries and I throw a few Bradford breweries into the mix. We agree that we are living in a golden age of booze.</p>
<p>Anita’s boyfriend Renee joins us and he is a lovely man. I notice Anita is wearing a 'St Paul and the Broken Bones' shirt and she tells me they went to the concert the other night. I’ve seen them twice before. Once at Glastonbury and once at the Irish Centre in Leeds. Great band. Over the course of the evening the conversation switches between crimes and fines in Berlin, to surfing, strange knee injuries, and Frida Kahlo. Anita tells me she had just visited the Frida Kahlo exhibition in London and suggested I pay a visit. I drop a quick a message to Barbara asking if she would like to go with me and she swiftly replies with a “HELL YEAH”, and we arrange to meet the following weekend.</p>
<p>Around midnight we called time and head off home. I'm hoping to be back in Berlin in the spring and hope we can all catch up again. It seems like my routine on this trip is to call in the Pizza store on the way home followed by the night shop for some more beer. There are worse routines I suppose. I return to my room and stand out on the balcony observing the street as I chew on the delicious pepperoni slices and wash them down with a cool bottle of Berliner.</p>
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<p>The next morning I woke up early and went for a walk around Treptower Park, which hosts a huge Soviet War Memorial. It is remembrance weekend back home. It is not hard to forget as I notice my Internet feed is full of people arguing about poppies. I can’t help but think that some of these people don’t understand or respect the act of remembrance anymore. For me it is a private thing. My grand father did fight in the war. I never knew him as he died when I was young. My Aunties like to tell me that I look like him. At home I have a working German Tank Periscope that he brought back with him from the war. In those days if a tank was captured they army would try take the optics in an attempt to decommission the tank. A friend once said “Don’t you find it a little macabre that someone would have been looking through this thing to kill people with?” I replied with “Its in the hands of the good guys now … besides it might come in handy should the bad guys ever show up again”. For me remembrance is daily. We can’t allow anything like that to happen again. It started with politicians, with lies and propaganda. It started with people just routinely doing their jobs and blindly following orders. It started with division. Look how it ended.</p>
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<p>Treptower Park is beautiful, especially in the autumn. The leaves are golden and the air is fresh. I spend a couple of hours taking photographs before walking back along the river to my hotel where I do finally manage to have a lazy evening watching my football team Leeds United. A devastating 4-1 defeat. I walk to the night shop and stock up on some beers to drown my sorrows. I spend the rest of the evening listening to music. I went through Brian Eno, Barbarella’s Bang Bang, and Lykke Li before finally settling on listening to recordings of The Yalla Yallas latest sessions.</p>
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<p>The first few sessions have been a lot of enjoyable hard work. Everyone has been on the ball. Grant played some wonderful drums on the first day. You don’t always notice how good he is at drumming, very solid with a nice groove. Vince also turned up after visiting Chernobyl. We teased him with some jokes like ‘Have you been away? You’ve got a nice glow about you”. Lewis was in the drum seat for the second session. He delivered an incredible drumming performance and is such a great guy to be in the studio with. Grant and Lewis’ humour bounces between each other in a manner that would leave most comedy duo’s trailing in the dust. Mel and Dave also appeared and give us some much-needed energy. Dave with stories aplenty. Mel bringing the sushi. The next two sessions were drum edits and Vince laying down his bass lines. Vince is a reserved fellow and goes about his session with a solid professionalism. No fucking about.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/dsc_1600.jpg?w=534" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="DSC_1600.JPG" height="357" width="534" /></p>
<p>In the final two sessions before I left for Berlin. Will and myself were laying down our guitars. That was an intense session. We worked super hard. Especially on the Tuesday as there was no Grant so I had the role of producer for the day. Everything was all set up the previous evening and all I had to do was press record for Will. We didn’t stop … a full ten-hour session. No lunch breaks. No phone calls. During the recording of my guitar tracks Will turns to me and says “Rob, I know it was disappointing for you with what happened in Blackpool but I’m really glad we got to keep the album” “Me too Will, Me too” I replied with a huge grin on my face. There’s still no sign of Joel but we’ve booked him in for early January. We’ve also spoken to Sammy from King Zepha about some Saxophones and he’s agreed to help us out. Barbara and Lewis have both signed up to do backing vocals alongside Sammy in January. It is shaping up to be a really great album. My favourite songs so far are ‘Walking in the Rain’, ‘Into the Future’, and ‘Blackpool’.</p>
<p>The next sessions will take place in December and will most likely be some mixing of the instruments we’ve recorded so far, plus more lead guitar and then my vocals. The album is already starting to sound dynamite.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/dsc_1622.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="DSC_1622.JPG" /></p>The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/56602962019-02-26T18:36:19+00:002021-04-12T12:53:20+01:00OUTSIDER ENTRY SIX: BERLIN PART ONE<p>I’ve just woken up in Berlin. It’s four in the afternoon. It’s already dark outside and then I remember that it is November after all. I arrived into the city last night. I’m staying at a hotel in Kreuzberg. It is nice to be away. The last few weeks have taken its toll on me. I’ve spent a lot of time in and out of the studio working on the new album. I was working right up until the departure lounge of Manchester Airport. I’ve not even managed to keep a diary of the recording sessions as I have been far too immersed in the songs. I’ve been totally focused on making music. My only relief has come by the way of watching a handful of episodes of ‘Trailer Park Boys’ each night before I go to sleep. I intend to write an entry covering the first few recording sessions once I start to feel myself again.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2019/02/img_2382.jpg?w=382&h=334" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_2382.jpg" height="334" width="382" /></p>
<p>I’ve been nursing a headache today. I can’t decide if it’s a hangover or not … it could be? I only had a few beers though. I haven’t been drinking much of late so maybe it is. The beer out here is great. I love German beer. As soon as I checked into my hotel yesterday I dropped my things and headed out into the cool evening. The weather is lovely and mild. I walked over the river Spree. I like a good river. Most of my favourite cities have a great river. I think of my hometown Leeds, then Nijmegen, Amsterdam, Rome, and even London. I notice that I’m a little hungry so I dive into a mini restaurant chain called ‘Que Pasa’ who seem to have acquired many street corners around this vast city. I’ve frequented a couple of them over the years. It is nothing fancy but they are reliable and the beer/cocktails are pretty cheap. It will do for now until I get my bearings.</p>
<p>On the way I noticed a number of bars that I thought I might check out over the coming days. After eating I headed back over the river to stretch my legs. My knee is hurting after travelling all day. I pass Warschaur Strasse Station and I notice some street sellers and buskers. I am reminded of when I bought a printed vest from a street seller called Jesus a few years ago. That vest went on to inspire the ones that I design to wear on stage. The original vest was great. It was red, white, and black and had some printed symbols. Amongst them was a symbol from the Native American culture which suggested there were more than two genders. Jesus took the time to explain the shirt and symbols behind it. I still have it somewhere. I wonder where he is now. I hope he is well.</p>
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<p>I carry on walking past the S-bahn station where there is a little urban wasteland which I later learn is called Urban Spree, and it is filled with outdoor bars and food stalls. I remember being here a few years ago. I loved it. I remember dancing on a hot summers evening. I did attempt to find this place on my last visit here but it had eluded me. I am pleased to have found it again. Maybe I’ll come back here after the Lykke Li concert tomorrow but for now its pretty desolate at 7pm. With all the walking and the food settling I decide to head back to the vicinity of my hotel and try one of the bars that I had spotted earlier. I notice some pink lighting and cool photography on the wall of this bar called ‘Barbie Deinhoff’. I also hear what sounds like Television pumping out on the stereo inside. I enter the bar and order a drink. I also enquire about the music “This is Talking Heads” the barman informs me. Television-Talking Heads close enough I thought. I inspect the décor as I take a seat. There are some signs on the wall ‘I like penetration’ and ‘Masculinity is Dead’. I’ve been in a few Gay bars over the years but this by far and away the coolest. It is not overtly camp or stereotypical. It’s evidently run on the ethos of just being you. The barman switches the music to some obscure Patti Smith records. This pleases me. I explain to him that I was at her concert at the Zitadelle Spandau in Berlin, he tells me that he was there too and that this playlist is the set list from that night. I order more beer and we talk music for a while. After the fifteen or so Patti Smith songs he switches to some 80’s European electronica, which I learn is a French artist called Martin Dupont. I stay for one more beer.</p>
<p>I call in the night shop on the way back to my hotel to stock up on snacks and another beer. I call Dave when I get back and we talk about Berlin and the plan for when we meet up on Sunday for the IDLES gig. After the phone call I try log into the hotel Wi-Fi on my laptop to see if I can watch an episode of ‘Trailer Park Boys’ but the signal isn’t strong enough. I give it up as a bad job and fall asleep instead.</p>
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<p>I woke early the next morning. About 8am. I feel like I slept well. I had some strange dreams. They were quite vivid in fact. In them I was talking to Patti Smith and Brigitte Bardot. I remember talking to them about the lyrics I had been writing for the new Yallas album. I wonder if Brigitte Bardot or Patti Smith had a dream last night in which they were talking to some drunken Yorkshire man rambling on about his new songs. I have a little chuckle to myself. I get dressed and showered. I have a mission today before I do anything. I need to find a supermarket to buy my toiletries. It’s the first thing I do in any city. I refuse to sign up to the silly airport rules ‘You can only bring 100ml bottles placed in a silly clear bag’. The shops know about this rule and charge you the same amount for a tiny 100ml airplane safe bottle. I’m not fucking doing it. I instead travel without any liquids and buy all my shit upon arrival. Ok I never use all my stuff but I try leaving things behind at the various hostels hoping they will find some weary traveller with little funds or a cleaner wishing to stock up on their toiletries.</p>
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<p>After shopping at LIDL I find a café and order a mint tea with a pain-au-chocolate before walking towards the Berlin wall. I have brought my camera and spend some time taking photographs of the graffiti artwork. I’m equally fascinated with the large art pieces as I am with the simple scrawls of “Jon woz ere 2008”. The weather is lovely and I really enjoy the walk back along the river. I’m suitably worn out and the hangover is kicking in. I most certainly woke up too early. I go back to my hotel room and sleep a little more.</p>
<p>I woke from my afternoon nap, got dressed, and went for something to eat. I found a takeaway near the river. I grab a beer and ordered a pizza. It is such a joy to be able to sit in a takeaway with a bottle of booze. If only we could be trusted with such a privilege back home. I somehow end up talking with a Swedish lady about the joys of tantra. She tells me that I have a wonderful energy. I like the openness of people in this city.</p>
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<p>I finish my pizza and take my beer with me as I walk up to the Astra Kulturhaus to see Lykke Li who is one of my favourite artists right now. The venue is wonderful and it somehow manages to give you a feeling of being at an outdoor festival yet you are indoors. There are many lounge areas where you can sit and enjoy a pre-gig beer. Our O2 Academies back home have a lot to learn. It is rare for me but I am early into the venue and I manage to catch the support act Vacation Forever. The lead singer is Lykke’s little brother and I thoroughly enjoy their four-song set. One song in particular stood out to me ‘Kamikaze Love’. I manage to briefly chat to the singer Zach after the set. He seems like a nice fellow and is extremely proud to be supporting his sister on tour. Lykke Li’s set was outstanding. It’s nice to see a pop act on stage with a beer and even smoking some weed going against the uber-professional convention of the current scene. Despite the pop aesthetic to her songs there is a lot of darkness within them. She is clearly a troubled soul.</p>
<p>After the concert I set off on a thirty-minute walk to the Franken bar. Earlier in the day I had arranged to meet a fellow musician by the name of Tim Holehouse. He was playing a show in the bar but unfortunately I don’t make it in time to see him play. Though I do manage to catch him for some birthday drinks. He turned 42 years old at midnight. Tim ever the gentleman introduces me to his friends and the venue staff. He even recommends that I perform there. I talk with Tim about the music scene and what has happened in our lives since we last bumped into each other in Dublin a couple of years earlier.</p>
<p>Drinks are flowing well at our table and one of the members of the group tells me that they are Serbian but live in a small region of Germany. I drunkenly try to explain where in the world Leeds is. Someone compliments my English and that they prefer my accent to Tim’s southern accent, which gives us a laugh. Later whilst talking to a lady called Stefi about fashion, a magician from Poland interrupts us. The Serbs are skeptical of him and I plead, “Give him a chance”. Most of his tricks are aimed at Stefi and myself. In one of the tricks he puts a single little rabbit figure into my hand and asks me to close my hand. He tapped me with his wand and when I reopened my hand there was two rabbits. How so???? I don’t wish to know. I love that about magicians. I don’t need to know how they did it. I love the wonder. I explain that I am too trusting of others and that I’m always being deceived. Stefi asked, “Who deceives you?” “Beautiful women” I jokingly respond. Drinks keep being brought to the table and it is nearly three am. I am enjoying the company but I do have to factor in a thirty-minute walk back to my hotel in a strange city. Hopefully there is something to eat on the way home.</p>
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<p>As I walk through a very peaceful sleepy Berlin I notice that everywhere is closed. Except for the Pizza store I had visited earlier. I may as well bookend the evening with more Pizza. I also notice that the night shop is still open. I bought another beer, which I never opened, and a huge bag of Doritos that I will hate in the morning.</p>
<p> </p>The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/56552892019-02-22T20:29:10+00:002021-06-24T06:05:37+01:00OUTSIDER ENTRY FIVE: LOST COLOURS, LEWIS, AND A LATE NIGHT FOOT MASSAGE<p>It’s Sunday and I feel rough. I’m in no state for a rehearsal. Get some breakfast I instruct myself. That will sort me out. I walk to the local breakfast café. On the way I bump into our Labour councillor Paul Wray. He stops me and asks to chat. I tell him “Sorry bud I know your name, but right now I haven’t got a clue about my own. I’d love to chat but I really need to cure this hangover, don’t worry I’ll be voting for you at the next election”. I’m assuming there is an upcoming election because I’ve never seen him around these parts before. Come to think of it I’ve never even seen our MP Hilary Benn. My only encounter with Mr Benn was receiving a Christmas card from him on the day he voted to join in the bombing campaign of Syria. I swiftly scrawled “MORE BOMBS??? Shove Your Card Up Yer Arse” and stuffed it back in its envelope and immediately sent it back to his office. At the recent local elections I’ll admit I switched my vote to the Green Party. I regularly see those guys in the area volunteering to clean up down by the river and local alleyways. That Ed Carlisle seems like a nice guy. I make it to the cafe which doubles as a convenience store. I stock up on supplies and return home with a Sausage and Egg sandwich. I make myself a chai tea to wash it down as I try to recall the night before. How did I get into this mess?</p>
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<p>I’d gone out with Pollock, Will, and his friend. We’d arranged to go see Lost Colours at a trendy venue on the outskirts of town on the site of the old Tetley Brewery. Lost Colours is a project that Grant helps with. They are a psychedelic-cinematic-electronica outfit. They remind me of acts like UNKLE or Spacemen 3. They have nice groove, nicely balancing out the need for ambience and energy. The crowd is quite sociable. Chatting whilst grooving to the band and its visuals. Everyone looks particularly colourful. I was planning on wearing my brightly coloured festival jacket but instead I decided to wear a shirt instead, its quite a warm night out and thought I might overheat in a jacket. I spend the night dancing and chatting to anyone who was in my proximity. I’ve not had a night out for a while. I’d even forgot what it’s like to be out flirting and dancing with strangers. I always have fun when I’m out. Pollock, Will, and his friend are happily talking to each other and soaking up the vibes whilst I float about the room.</p>
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<p>Amongst the crowd I find Grant who is helping organise the evening. Although he is a little under the weather he appears to be enjoying himself. We talk for a while and after the gig he introduces me to Martyn from Lost Colours. He is very welcoming and we talk a little about influences, I compliment the show and also the album which has been on heavy rotation in my house. There’s a nice energy coming from him. A creative soul. I hope someday we can work together on a project.</p>
<p>The event closes at 1am and its time to leave. Pollock and myself are always up for more drinks. Its not unusual for us to still be drinking past daybreak. Especially when we’re in the mood for it. We convince the others to join us for some more booze and head back to my house where we listen to the new Underworld and Iggy Pop E.P. it’s a great post-club record. I pour out some rum and instruct my guests that they’ll not be able to mix it with coke, because firstly I don’t have any and secondly this rum is too nice to be mixed with that filth.</p>
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<p>I don’t know why or how but somehow I manage to convince Will of all people to give me a foot massage. He must be drunk. Pollock cannot contain his laughter. We spin more records into the early hours. Primal Scream, Matthew Logan Vasquez, and Brian Jonestown Massacre. I’m dancing in my living room. 5am and Pollock is the last to leave and I head off to bed with a mint tea. I smiled as I fell asleep.</p>
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<p>After finishing my breakfast I go back to bed and I’m awoken at 1.30pm when Will arrives to pick me up for rehearsal. This week we have Lewis coming to play through the album on drums. Lewis has been around the scene for years he is currently fronting a great band called Pleasant Boys. He is an outstanding all round musician. Both Will and myself are huge fans. Will is especially looking forward to it. He even announces that he is a fan boy. Lewis turned up sporting some custom drum sticks with his name carved into them. He explains that these were bought for him as a gift and that he didn’t specifically order the sticks with his name on out of ego. I ask him if he had chance to listen to the demos and he says, “Yeah lets do this”.</p>
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<p>We smash through the album twice. Lewis plays with the kind of ferocity that befits a band like ours. Each song feels badass. We’re all playing with a higher intensity than when we played with Grant or Sylvia. I have to remind the guys that we’ll need to slow some of the songs down as I’m struggling to get the words out. My voice feels weak after the night out but I’m really enjoying sweating the alcohol out of my system. The P.A. in the rehearsal room isn’t the best and my microphone is so sensitive that it keeps on feeding back. I have to reduce all the bass and most of the treble out of the mix, which leaves my voice sounding odd. We can work with it for now though. Vince is playing incredible. It’s nice to have a real bass player in the band. Though I am still missing Dempsey. Actually I did see Dempsey during the week. He helped me take my cat Yowzer to the vet. I asked him if he will be joining us in the studio and he said he hopes to come down when we’re recording. I said I’d like that. Will is on the other side of the room. He is looking ropey. Still knackered from the night before he spends all of the session sat on a stool. His playing is out of this world though. There is a lot of guitar solos on this album. He’s in his element. After three hours we are out of steam. We pack up and head back home where I pass out on the sofa for a few hours.</p>
The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/56490092019-02-18T21:42:18+00:002022-05-11T07:01:21+01:00OUTSIDER ENTRY FOUR: LOVE, ANGER, AND THE BRIXTON SUN<p>Earlier today Will made quite an unusual step of taking to social media to declare his battle against a nervous breakdown. Will wouldn’t normally speak publicly about his life or his emotions; he’s quite a private and level guy. As expected his page was filled with an outpouring of love and support from his friends and family. I imagine that many would be shocked. This wasn’t an attention grabbing exercise. This is real.</p>
<p>It wasn’t a shock for any of The Yallas. We’ve been well aware of his situation for most of the year. Every gig has been a potential cancellation. Each show has been a huge battle for Will. How he got through it I will never know. I think for him the two most difficult ones were the Spring Bank Holiday gigs in Middlesborough and London. The long journeys and being far from home were particularly tormenting. He had been on a decline for a while but these shows were at the peak of it. I’ve been in a band with Will for eleven years and I had never experienced this. I was treading new waters. Normally it would be myself that is falling apart. It would’ve been wise to cancel the gigs but my plan was purely to keep Will occupied, and to play the blues out of his system. Though I was doing my upmost to distract him we would spend most of the journeys talking about medication, therapy, and what comes next. In between our deep conversations I would be answering messages from his worried family all the while trying to keep their minds at ease.</p>
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<p>The Middlesbrough gig was a good show. I noticed that Will was tired. He looked exhausted; he had lost some weight. Still his guitar playing was great, and if anything it had more bite and aggression. Go on lad. Get it out of you. After the show he was spent and slept all the way back to Leeds.</p>
<p>The next morning we arranged to meet at Leeds Bus Station to make the arduous journey via National Express to The Windmill in Brixton. Will was already in tears and spent most of the four-hour journey sobbing and drifting in and out of sleep. Part of me was worried that maybe this would be too much for him but we’re already on our way. I encouraged him that we’ll have a good show and a few beers afterwards. Everything will be all right.</p>
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<p>We arrived in a baking hot London. I was wearing shorts, a vest, a hat, and sunglasses. I had no personal luggage. I was pretty much ready to walk onstage. We made our way to the hostel and the band had a real laugh at me trying to check in. Especially Will, where he jokingly exclaimed something like “Fucking Singers, Have you brought anything at all?” which was in response to me having no I.D. No Money or my glasses. I offered to show the attendant my Facebook profile as an alternative to your usual accepted forms of I.D. and I asked Vince to loan me some money for the room. Success. I wouldn’t mind but after all the hassle I didn’t even end up staying in the hostel anyway. We made our way to the venue, which was hosting an all day Punk Rock BBQ. Between us we watched all of the bands whilst also taking time out to enjoy the sunshine.</p>
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<p>We are the last band on the bill and were told we could play for as long as we wanted as opposed to the events standard twenty-minute slot. We decided to play for over an hour. Will had perked up during the day. I ensured that he ate his lunch to give him some much-needed strength. Poor lad was looking shell-shocked. It was evident that his mind was in a million pieces and he didn’t know where to start rebuilding it. Just before we went on stage my friend Barbara arrived. It was great to see her. I dedicated ‘Mi Corazon 2’ to her. I introduced it by saying “I imagined this song to be sung by a beautiful Italian lady, but instead you’re going to have to make do with a scumbag from Leeds”, which drew a few laughs from the audience. During the show I noticed Will was crying whilst playing. I whispered, “Are you alright?” “Yeah man” as he turned away from the crowd wiping his eyes. After the gig I’m more exhausted than usual but I’m in the mood for drinking with the band and Barbara. I somehow lost my clothes but I managed to find someone else’s other ill-fitting clothes instead, at least they were clean on this hot summers eve.</p>
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<p>Even though I was in party mode I must admit that I’m really drained at this point. I’m not looking forward to the hostel and I could do with some home comfort. I needed some space. I ask Barbara if I could stay with her “Of course” she replied. We drink some more at the Windmill before leaving the guys. On the way to the night bus we walk through Brixton and the energy in that borough is something else. There were boom boxes and drinking in the street. It was like an outdoor nightclub, crazy to witness. It’s been a few years since I’ve been here. We walk past Ray Gange’s old place where I have stayed before. We pick up some beers from the night shop and I thank Barbara for letting me stay with her and I explain a little of Will’s situation, and that I just need time away from him so I could have the energy to support him on the journey home tomorrow.</p>
<p>We made it back to Barbara’s flat in Bromley and it’s a real nice place. I admire her trinkets and we listen to some Yma Sumac and talk about the planets and the stars. I had earlier pointed out that Venus was in the night sky. Barbara asked me if Venus ruled me? I said “I’m a Taurus and I’m probably ruled by Mars but I seem to have a different energy when Venus is in the sky”. “I have a book, let me get it”, she tells me. Barbara reaches for this huge book and hurriedly finds my page and reads aloud my astrological chart. I’m surprised at how accurate it is. It even appears to confirm that I am indeed ruled by Mars however Venus does take over with a strong calming influence. Her home is cozy and her words are soothing, I’m exhausted and I start falling asleep. I could get used to these bedtime stories.</p>
<p>The next morning I awake early in an attempt to make it back to central London to meet with Will. I step out on to the balcony, which overlooks Bromley; I scare away some pigeons and have a cup of tea. Afterwards I take a steady walk to Bromley South Station to take a train to Victoria. The morning air is cool and is suiting my hangover. I’m well rested though. As the train passes Battersea Power Station I can’t help thinking about the austerity this country is currently enduring but then you notice the construction and money being invested in this city. The contrast to the north is quite staggering. I manage to grab some breakfast before meeting with Will and we are in plenty time for our bus to Leeds. On the way home Will is a little more positive than his journey down. I ask him what did he get up to after I left last night. He told me he and Joel went to The Hootenanny which was a venue below our hostel. There was a reggae band on and he was bumming cigarettes from strangers. He said he actually had a good time just talking to random people. He was astounded that nearly everyone in the venue was “on it” and happily talking to us strangers from the North going against the perception that Londoners are quite inward and unsociable. I’m pleased that they had a good night. Will tells me that he didn’t sleep much. He was awake early with his thoughts.</p>
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<p>I try to fall asleep on the coach but I hear Will crying again. My sleep can wait for now. I do my best to talk about his thoughts and also distract him. It’s hard to watch someone in this state. I think of a U2 lyric “They say that a friend is someone that lets you help”. I realise that I’ve known Will for a decade but we’ve never been overly close. It’s only now that I’m realising the importance of our friendship. We’ve always had our own friends and own interests. The common bond has been the band and our friendship has always centred on that. We don’t really socialise outside of The Yallas but I feel like this is all starting to change. We talk about what comes next for the band. We currently only have the Rebellion Festival booked. I suggest only playing only one warm up show and then putting the band to bed until everyone is ready. Will agrees but also offers the line “But I might need this band more than ever”. I’ve been in his shoes. I know what that line means. I’ve walked onstage hours after the death of a family member, or divorcing my wife, or on other life changing events. The band has been my safety net at times. I’m indestructible when I’m on stage. Nothing hurts. “Whatever you need man” I respond.</p>
<p>So to see Will’s social media status today warms me. It’s the sign that the man is on the right path. He’s facing his issues and he’s strong enough to speak out. Another post quickly follows and he’s building a cigar box guitar.</p>
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<p> </p>The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/56462952019-02-16T12:35:35+00:002019-02-16T12:35:45+00:00OUTSIDER ENTRY THREE: THE NO GLASTONBURY BLUES<p>I woke up Sunday morning with the hope of securing Glastonbury tickets. No joy. I’ve never actually ever bought any in a general sale. Whereas all my friends who live in nice areas always seem to be able to get through to the sales page with ease. Maybe the Glastonbury Folk don’t want us rough northern estate types roaming their pastures and they block our IP addresses? Don’t worry Rob it’s just a paranoid thought brought on by failure at 9.30am on a Sunday morning. It’s too early for this kind of setback.</p>
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<p>I’ve had some great Glastonbury moments. The first time I went was in 2008. I had been to see MC5 and Primal Scream in London. At the after show I was drinking with Joe Strummer’s friend and Lily Allen’s godfather Pockets. We had a great night filled with drink, innuendo, and mixing with various music personalities. We agreed to meet the next day in Notting Hill for some more beers. I woke up at Ray Gange’s house in Brixton. Ray was a roadie for The Clash and star of their movie Rude Boy. I’d met him some years earlier and we’ve stayed friends ever since. I left his house pretty early and went to meet Pockets. As I arrived he is on the phone talking to Lily about her upcoming Glastonbury appearance and the logistics of their travel. After the call I make some polite icebreaking conversation about Glastonbury. Pockets asked me if I’d ever been “No, but I’d love to someday” I replied. He calls someone and asks about getting me in. All sorted. “What! When is it?” I ask. “We’re setting off in about an hour”. ”Eh? I don’t have any clothes, tent, beer, nothing”. “You’ll survive,” he instructs. It was like something out of a Hunter S. Thompson novel, some kind of weird depraved mission only undertaken by specially selected warriors. I was the man for the job and the 10% battery life on my phone didn’t phase me. I was going to Glastonbury. On the way we stopped off outside Bridgewater at Joe Strummers house. Pockets had to walk the dog. Fender The Punk Rock War Hound … only one man could have named a dog in such a fashion. I was invited inside the house, only I politely declined. I didn’t want to get too close to my hero; I don’t need to step inside his home I thought. Instead I’ll wait outside and walk Fender in the field by the house. It was then I realised that this was possibly an even closer moment to my hero than I anticipated. What a journey. What was I experiencing? It was a lot to take in for a 25 year old. I don’t often tell this story. It is hard to process sometimes.</p>
<p>We left Joe’s house and Pockets took me to a local bar where he told me the next stage of the plan. He had to go inside the festival and locate the person to get me in. It could be a while he warned. I only had 8% battery life. I waited in the car park. All night. It took until the next morning for him to arrive back. In the mean time I’d befriended a couple of people and had a rave in the car park. I drank their beer and we drained the battery on their car pumping out the music. The sun started to rise and I got tired. I found an old piece of rug and rolled myself up leaving only my feet sticking out. A passerby exclaims, “Someone hasn’t disposed of that body very well”. A short while later I’m in the festival. I couldn’t believe it. The plan worked. I’d never experienced such a thing. I managed to find my friend Meesh who helped me gather the basics to survive at a festival and then we started exploring. That weekend was one of the greatest things I have ever experienced. It was like a dream.</p>
<p>A year later I returned to the festival and I played on the Strummerville stage for the first time. I played three songs. I cried during my set. That has only ever happened a handful of times. Unbelievable. Here I am playing Glastonbury. I might never play here again. Savour it. I have since gone on to play a few times more. Each time I tell myself to savour it and each time it has had its own special impact on me.</p>
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<p>The greatest impact was meeting my friend Barbara from Barbarella’s Bang Bang. They were playing just before me a few years ago. I was drawn to Barbara. I thought she was an incredible artist and performer. I had an incredible urge to talk to her. I did and we clicked. We’re still good friends and she even appeared on my solo album ‘Reflections’. When I’m writing songs I often hear Barbara singing them in my head. She’s a kind of muse I guess. I’ve already invited her to sing on the new Yallas album. It must be said that it’s no coincidence that my singing voice drastically improved once I met Barbara. She showed me how to look after it. She would chastise me if we spoke on the phone and she could hear that I’d lost it. Since I recorded the ‘Reflections’ album with her I have never lost my voice due to performing. I can nearly even sing in tune now and I’ve sort of found my key. I’ll be forever indebted to her for that. Barbara is also great to talk to about life, spirituality, and philosophy. We will talk until the sun comes up then a few days later I’m writing song after song after song. I hope someday I can write an album for her.</p>
<p>With all these thoughts and memories in my head I am nearly late for rehearsal. This week we have Grant on drums. He is our producer and he has stepped in on drums for us before. He knows our style, songs, humour, and its as much a catch up as it is for work. I ask Grant ‘did you get the demos?” “Yes I did” he replies. “Did you listen to them?” “No” “I didn’t think you would, they’re easy anyway”. Grant pretty much nails the album in one take save for a few false starts and endings but nothing major and overall we’re happy with the groove. I notice we’re all playing with smiles on our faces. Will is in especially high spirits. He has had a tough year but he’s starting to see some light in his situation. It’s lovely to hear him laugh at the banter between us. I think Vince is enjoying Grant in the room too. Vince has been recording his 2<sup>nd</sup> solo album with him and I think they’ve become mates in their own right without it being a band or a business thing. Vince and myself are much better this week also. I do think the negative energy between us last time was purely down to tiredness. I don’t express anything to the group but I spend most of the rehearsal worrying about my joints. Maybe Its just playing guitar for three hours but I notice I’m starting to cramp up in my wrists and left hand. I try to think of the last time I played as much guitar, and it is probably never. I’m enjoying it though. I doubt I’ll be playing guitar live with the band anytime soon though. I only play as far of the studio and maybe a handful of shows the other side. I’m a better front man if I’m not tied down with a guitar. Will’s got it covered anyway. I’ll only get in the way.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2019/02/dsc_1340-1.jpg?w=377" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="DSC_1340.JPG" height="252" width="377" /></p>
<p>We pack up and Will drives me home. We laugh most of the journey. I think about the wonderful people that surround us, the close friends. The ones like Grant, Dave, Barbara, Mel, Lewis, and there are many more who are always there to bounce ideas with and to get an honest opinion from. It is very important to me.</p>
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The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/56395542019-02-12T17:21:57+00:002022-02-01T09:52:10+00:00OUTSIDER ENTRY TWO: PHOTOGRAPHY, PARIS, AND PASSIONATE REHEARSALS<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2019/02/img_1990.jpg?w=362&h=242" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_1990.jpg" height="242" width="362" /></p>
<p>I’m carrying my Gretsch, my wireless microphone, and a recent purchase of a Nikon DSLR camera. I’ve always dreamed of owning a nice camera to take a proper photo with. For me photography is a dark art, a good photographer can conjure up some magical work. I’ve always respected photography and I know the effort and hard work it takes. I’m proud to have witnessed some of my friends progress to the highest levels over the years. One friend Claire Morris lives and works in Paris now as a wedding photographer. Recently she was commissioned by the Royal Family to photograph The Queen as she made a state visit to France. I was incredibly proud of her.</p>
<p>I remember the days when Claire first moved to Leeds. I met her when she was working in a bar in the city. We would go out drinking and to go to gigs. In those days she would be working with film and would often need a huge bag containing films, flash, and all kinds of equipment. I would always volunteer to assist her and would often get free passes to shows. I remember Fun Lovin’ Criminals, The Coral, Manic Street Preachers, and Leeds Festival among many others. I remember excitedly waiting for her to develop the photos from each gig. They would often be published in the local newspapers and magazines, and sometimes in the NME. She switched from live music to wedding photography a few years ago. I saw her last when I went out to Paris with our friend Pollock to watch Bran Van 3000. They were world famous in the 90’s for the single ‘Drinking in L.A.’. We all went to the show and Claire brought her camera. It was the old days all over again. Only this time she was working in digital. That night I got silly drunk and my attempts at ordering beer in French were far from impressive. After the show I was talking to James Di Salvio from BV3 and as a result nearly missed our train to the outskirts of the city. I remember having to run through Paris on a belly full of beer to catch the train. It was so much fun. Whilst catching my breath and waiting I noticed all the rats in the subway station. I loved seeing Claire but I really didn’t like Paris. I wrote a song that night. It was called ‘Mental’ and was on the last album ‘Medusa’.</p>
<p><em>“Chasing the last train out of Paris, and all the rats are looking at us, don’t like the subway or the darkness, just get me back to my hometown”.</em></p>
<p>So I guess for me, owning a Nikon D80 will end up being my new little hobby. I don’t expect to be any good especially compared to my super talented friends. I doubt I’ll ever be able to call myself a photographer but I intend to treat the art with some respect. I will learn and experiment, and most of all enjoy it. I plan to document the recording of the album with it. My subjects will be the band and the places that I happen to be within the timeframe of this record. My ultimate goal is that I want to try and find the album cover for ‘Outsider’. I hope I do.</p>
<p>As I walk to the studio with these memories and inspiring thoughts in my head I’m listening to ‘Achtung Baby’ by ‘U2’. I’m admiring the production of ‘Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses’ how the guitars and the synths interlink. Wonderful work.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2019/02/dsc_1355-1.jpg?w=373" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="DSC_1355.JPG" height="250" width="373" /></p>
<p>I get to the studio early and our room is ready. I order a tea and just as I take my first sip Vince arrives. He’s been recording again today with Grant for his 2nd solo album. I show him my camera and take some photos of him. He makes some silly faces for me. Will arrives carrying a selection of vinyl records for me to pass on to Dave. Sylvia arrives and apologises for being late but I point out that she’s two minutes early. We set up and check our levels.</p>
<p>We start out by playing the three songs we didn’t manage to try last week. The first song ‘Murder Baby’ is a dirty rock n roll Cramps style number. Vince and myself are having a disagreement over the bass line. I’m asking Vince to play the line that I wrote on the demo. Vince is having other ideas. There’s some heated to-ing and fro-ing and then the bass guitar ends up in my hands. We start jamming out the song whilst Vince looks on. I give Vince the bass back and he starts to play more of a hybrid of the two versions. Which I think works well. Not the start to the session any of us imagined, but at least strong opinions and ideas show that people care about what’s being played. We play through the song a number of times before moving onto the next song ‘Devil’. This one wasn’t initially one of my favourites when I wrote it. Dave and Vince both highlighted it as one of the better songs. I trust their judgment. Since writing the demo I have added a behemoth of a middle-8 for the guitar solo. We spend a few minutes going through this section. We even consider throwing in a key change too but we think that eleven chords in one song might be a little too much. I loved playing ‘Devil’ and it feels natural with the band on the first run through. We go through it a couple more times to iron out the middle-8.</p>
<p>Next up is a song I’ve been struggling with at my solo acoustic shows. ‘Walking in the Rain’. I love this song. I love the lyrics. It feels like a Johnny Cash song in my head. I just don’t feel like I have the voice for it. I’ve tried it in a number of different keys and I can’t seem to be able to sit within the song. We start off playing it in a Johnny Cash country-punk kind of vibe but I quickly stop it. I’m not feeling it. I ask everyone for some quiet whilst I try find the correct tempo and key to sing it. I play the chords really sparingly and slow the song down whilst I find a place for my voice to sit. Vince speaks up “that’s it”. We have a chat about the arrangement and everyone agrees that I should play it alone with no band. Now we’re starting to hear it as a gospel song. It’s the first time I’ve ever sung it and felt comfortable. Lets keep that idea.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2019/02/img_1887.jpg?w=303&h=203" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_1887.jpg" height="203" width="303" /></p>
<p>Over the two sessions we’ve now covered every song on the album. We decide to spend the remainder of the session going over some songs from the previous session and ironing out some breakdowns and intricate parts. These include ‘Problems’, and ‘Blackpool’. We finish the evening with ‘Murder Baby’ and it’s a much better vibe than when we first walked in the room. It was a very productive rehearsal. We packed our things and actually leave the studio early. Will is heading out into town. We all head home.</p>
<p>My adrenaline is still pumping and my ears are ringing when I get in the house. It is nearly 10pm and maybe a bit late for a bath but I decide to take one anyway. It’s the only way to calm down. I text Vince to say well done today and we talk about the bass line we disagreed upon. We will compromise in the studio and each of us record a take and use whichever one works best. I sign off with a “love you brother x” he replies with “Shove your bromance up your arse”, classic Vince.</p>
<p>Unfortunately we lose Sylvia before the next rehearsal. Which is a huge blow because I really liked her groove. Hopefully we can work together in the future but I don’t have too much time to think about that now because recording starts pretty soon. We hastily arranged some rehearsal time with Grant and we also decided to contact Lewis Burner. Unfortunately Lewis is only available for one of the recording days. However we decide to work with that and share the workload between he and Grant.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/56349832019-02-09T11:41:04+00:002022-05-10T18:46:14+01:00OUTSIDER ENTRY ONE: NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, OR WEST … WHERE DO I GO?<p>I’m sitting at home on my sofa. I’m resting and reflecting on our rehearsal on Friday night. It was the first Yallas rehearsal since early spring. A lot has happened since then. We played our biggest gig to date inside a huge Opera House at Rebellion Festival in Blackpool. I’ve also been busy with my solo acoustic shows. I threatened that the Rebellion show would be our last. I was thinking about ending on a high. I felt like the band was growing apart. Had we achieved what we set out to do? Could I write a better album than our previous ‘Medusa’? Am I too old? I felt like I didn’t belong. I feel like an outsider. What comes next?</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2019/02/img_1360.jpg?w=364&h=285" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_1360.jpg" height="285" width="364" /></p>
<p>Blackpool was a wave of extreme emotions. Some of the highest highs and some of the lowest lows, but I guess things happen for a reason. It is what it is. The strongest emotion of all though was hope. I came away with so much hope and belief in my work that to give up would be foolish. The festival was great. I loved our crowd and I couldn’t be more grateful to Darren and everyone involved in putting us on. We played a flawless show. Probably the best we’d ever played. We proved that we can work the big stages. That our songs can fill huge rooms. It was a fantastic way to end the album cycle of Medusa. In my head it was the end. What comes next? I spent the Saturday of the festival in my hotel room with a bottle of rum hatching up my next plan. Emotionally I was willing to walk off a cliff. Let me fall.</p>
<p>I’ve learned over the years to rely on nobody. I’ve never played the game. It doesn’t interest me. I got close to someone in Blackpool and we talked of working together. I really liked this person. They were interested in the album that I’d just written. Previously I’d felt like the rest of my band we’re largely uninterested in my new songs. I had already considered releasing them as a solo album. I’d much rather record my songs with The Yallas but if there’s an opportunity to work with someone that I really liked then why not? I told the band about my plans. Flights got booked and I’m ready to the give away my songs. I wasn’t in the best frame of mind but sometimes you just need to flirt with the idea of something else.</p>
<p>A week or so later the project falls through and it is largely down to a long-standing feud that I have with another artist. It proved to be impossible for my new collaborator to work with me due to the nature of their friendship. I completely understand the reasons why and I didn’t even try and resolve the issue. I am just disappointed that I was never offered an opportunity to explain myself before a judgement had been made of me. I felt betrayed in that respect. That was my only disappointment … that I’d lost a friend. Disappointed musically? No. Not at all, in fact I was highly delighted. It give me and The Yallas the clarity we needed. I get to keep my songs. There is a sense of relief, joy even. There had been so many scenarios and factors entering my head. Was I even doing the right thing? Would have I been trading who I am? How would it impact The Yallas? I would have been silly to turn down such a project, but the fact the decision was made for me meant that I could avoid being in a scenario that I’m not entirely comfortable with. I managed to remember a few things about myself. I don’t want to do music for money or for a career. I do music because it wakes me up at night. It’s in my blood. It’s in my every thought and heartbeat. I don’t give a fuck about fame. I wholeheartedly give a fuck about a great Rock n Roll guitar solo or a poetic lyric. That shit can stop me in my tracks.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2019/02/img_1673.jpg?w=288&h=271" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_1673.jpg" height="271" width="288" /></p>
<p>So I dealt with all this the only way I know how. Get back to work and write more songs. The Yallas continued with the idea of taking a break after Rebellion and decide to not play any shows for the remainder of 2018. We all needed that break, some more than others. Will went to France. I saw Vince at a gig in Halifax, he then went to Ireland for a bit before recording his solo album. Joel I’ve not seen since he walked off stage in Blackpool. I went into the studio with our producer Grant to record some demos with a singer called Daisy Wardle. Naturally I discussed the next album with Grant. We debated recording techniques and how we can work differently from our last album ‘Medusa’ which was essentially a live recording in the studio with overdubs. I then take our conversation away and discuss with the band.</p>
<p>The Yalla Yallas decided upon a major change this time around. I must say it is not initially my preferred choice but I have to respect the wishes of each band member. It is decided that Joel will not be playing drums on this album but he will remain in the band. We have other ideas for Joel. Myself and Will discuss potential drummers. I put in a strong case for my friend Sylvia. I’ve recently written a song with her and I’m highly impressed with her all round musical ability. Like Joel she can play multiple instruments. I like this in a drummer. I feel like drummers can truly hear the song as a whole if they also play other instruments. Vince has also worked with her in the past and gives high praise. Grant throws his hat into the ring but everyone agrees that he would be of more value behind the desk. Lewis Pugh from Pleasant Boys is also considered as both Will and myself love his recent solo album. That’s some talent pool to choose from.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2019/02/img_1797.jpg?w=309&h=309" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_1797.jpg" height="309" width="309" /></p>
<p>We arranged our first rehearsal with Sylvia for Friday 12<sup>th</sup> September. Will, Vince, and I are all in attendance. I’d sent everybody the demo CD about a week earlier. I’m pleased to see Will had written out notes for all the songs. Vince already had it memorised. This being Sylvia’s first bit of drumming in twelve months I was expecting to maybe work on three new songs. We worked on eight of the eleven tracks. They all came so easily and felt so natural. The only real hindrance was that I kept breaking strings on my Gretsch, I haven’t changed the strings in a while. I was highly impressed with everyone in the room. Especially Sylvia, for such a small frame she has plenty of power and energy in her playing. She also managed to make a real effort at playing some of the more complicated beats, even though we encouraged her to keep it simple if she desired. Our two-hour rehearsal was extended to a third hour. We even managed to work on some new sections and parts, which were formed from ideas in the room. Will recommends that maybe some of the songs would suit Hammond organ, I’m thinking about Gospel Choirs and Saxophones. We’re getting a good feeling from these songs.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2019/02/img_1891.jpg?w=427" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_1891.jpg" height="427" width="427" /></p>
<p>Like any sensible band in rehearsals or gigs we film as much as we can. Especially when were working on new songs. The following day I upload the best takes of the previous nights rehearsal to our group chat and we’re delighted when Joel says that we’re sounding good. We’re pleased when he also suggests using a Hammond on the songs. I can’t wait to hear him playing it. I walk to work listening to Exile on the Main Street. I got a feeling that this album will be used as a point of reference a fair bit over the next few months.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/47902842017-07-24T17:54:17+01:002018-03-22T11:53:03+00:00Last night of the tour<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1483.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1483.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
I woke up at De Graafse Akker with a surprising lack of hangover. I walk downstairs to shower and to make some tea. I’m the first awake and I’m eager to get to the next venue. We’re aiming to leave around midday but first our friends make us some delicious spring rolls for breakfast. We eat them outside in the beautiful sunshine with my tea. Over breakfast people are talking to us about the previous nights show and willing us to stay. I wish I could stay a little longer for the tour is coming to a close. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1422.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1422.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
We leave Graafse Akker and me and Will make a quick stop to the record stores where we leave them some of our records. We are invited to stay for tea or beer. We reluctantly decline but that is something we would really love to do. As I get back on the bus I say to everyone that we must love them because me and Will have just declined the chance to join Valhalla. Someone replies “Fuck that Rob, you don’t love us, you just want to go see Nikki”. They were correct.</p>
<p>We arrive at Zoezel JH in Zoersel which is about 20 minutes from Antwerp at around 3pm. I help load in but I leave at around 3.30pm when Nikki comes to pick me up for a dinner date. We look for a place in Zoersel but there’s not much to choose from so I suggest Zandhoven and we find a nice little Italian place. I order a pizza and Nikki orders Shrimp. This meal was to be my birthday treat for her. After dinner Nikki says she needs to get changed for the gig. So we drive to her place where I meet her Mum. Nikki asks for my opinion on what to wear I pick something out and she looks beautiful but instead she opts for something a little more subtle. She still looks beautiful. Whatever makes you feel comfortable I said. We arrive back at the venue about 8pm and I introduce her everyone. We order some sparkling wine to toast a birthday drink. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1423.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1423.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
The gig was fun. I really enjoyed For I Am especially their Taylor Swift cover. The Sick Boys were excellent again and just like the Beerse show I joined them for a cover of Avenues and Alleways.</p>
<p>I completely missed The Rebel Poet. Bettie Akkemaai delivered what I consider to be her best show of the tour. The crowd really like her.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1478.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1478.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
For our show we were on VERY late: we didn’t start til 1am and lots of people had already left and most of the band was either exhausted or drunk. I made the mistake of pole dancing before the set and I smashed my nuts into the post. As the set wore on I found myself in more pain. One of my favourite moments was Kaassouffle. We were like a supergroup when we were joined by Bettie Akkemaai, Hanne from For I Am and Jef from The Sick Boys.</p>
<p>We finished around 2am and we’re all knackered. I know Will went straight to the van to sleep and Me and Nikki take our drinks upstairs and fashion a bedout of some couches. I bring my blanket in from the van. Not that it’s needed. It was red hot. </p>
<p>The next morning we woke up and drank tea outside in the fresh air whilst wrapped in the blanket it’s nice. Nikki fetches my left over pizza from the previous nights meal we munch on that. It’s a really nice end to such a fun tour. I find it extremely difficult to leave this time.</p>
<p>The journey home was long and I feel very anti-social. I spend most of the journey listening to my headphones. Joel keeps asking me if I’m writing the blog. Not today I keep telling him. I had a lot to think about and process first. I was also feeling quite emotional. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1473.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1473.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
We got home about 2am on Monday morning. I got to sleep about 4am. Yowzer my cat was pleased to see me. </p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1354/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1354/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=1354&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/47886442017-07-22T13:02:38+01:002022-05-23T10:22:36+01:00Den Bosch Party<p>The journey from Aalst in Belgium to Den Bosch in The Netherlands took much longer than expected due to heavy traffic around Antwerp and Breda. The weather is so hot and I’m pretty tired. I wear my headphones on the journey and remain largely anti-social. We arrive in Den Bosch at around 3pm. We say quickly say hello at the venue before me and Will make our getaway. For we know of two incredible record stores in Den Bosch. We spend three hours chatting to the owners whilst browsing records. I make a few purchases. A varied mix of LP’s. Nina Simone at Newport, U.K. Subs – Another Kind of Blue, Skids, and Spear of Destiny. Will picked a few up too. His selections were some obscure Jazz, Blues, and Krautrock. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1416.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1416.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
We make it back to De Graafse Akker in time for the evening meal. As ever here it is delicious. The sun is out and it’s such a joy to sit outside and eating amongst the other 50 or so people. There are families here and it’s a really nice atmosphere. Some of the toddlers are interested in our music gear. It’s real fun try to communicate with a Dutch four year old. Especially when I don’t know many words. After dinner we build the outdoor stage. The sound is odd because it’s such a DIY set up and we’re not used to playing full band outdoors.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1412.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1412.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
Joel will be playing on the stage which is built from old washing machine drums and car wheels. The crowd is quite busy for this small field. David kicks off the show and plays what I consider his best show of the tour. Bettie Akkemaai is also great again. This city used to be her hometown and so many of the crowd know her songs which is nice.<br>
It’s dark when we take to the stage. The only lighting is a spotlight or two and the campfire. We nervously smash through the first four or five songs but people seem to like it. I’m really pleased with the strength of my voice tonight. I dedicate ‘Sound of the Kraken’ to the Knoflook and that really gets people moving. I’m really enjoying playing outside. I can feel the heat of the fire, the moisture of the earth beneath my feet, I can see the stars above me, I feel the breeze on my skin. I feel really alive. We played a much longer set than usual. I just wanted to keep playing. During our last song the Police turn up and talk to the organisers. We’re allowed to finish our show without problems. I find out later that they actually liked us. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1415.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1415.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
A lady in the crowd comes to talk to me after the show and she is crying. She tells me that the lyrics of my songs really spoke to her and that although my lyrics are really personal they become universal. That’s really fitting to be under the stars right now. </p>
<p>For the 4th time on this tour we are told that the bar has run out of beer. Incredible stuff. Our crowd likes to party. I somehow acquire a couple of bottles of wine and also some home made liquor. Some young lady asks me if I will join them in busking some acoustic songs by the fire. As if I hadn’t sang enough tonight. I play some singalong songs like ‘Roots Radicals’ by Rancid, ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go’ by The Clash, and ‘Sympathy for the Devil’ by The Rolling Stones it’s extremely fun. I love places like this. It’s where I feel most at ease. I’m hammering through the wine and expect to be hungover in the morning. I best go to bed otherwise I’ll still be here at sunrise I thought to myself. </p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1347/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1347/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=1347&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/47874062017-07-21T11:17:56+01:002018-04-17T12:56:49+01:00Badminton in Belgium<p>One thing I love about sleeping at a ladies house on tour is that everything is just that little bit nicer. The bed sheets smell of fabric softener and the shampoo is of a higher grade that sort of thing. Last nights host was Ina and her place was the touring equivalent of a 5 star hotel. Luxury. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1378.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1378.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
Yesterday was a longer drive than I imagined. We woke up at the ADM in Amsterdam. My ankle is in agony. It’s done ok so far on the tour but now it was hurting. I also had the joy of picking out some glass from my feet and also my knees. Will is also inspecting his injuries. He had a drunken fall. He fell head first over a parking space for a bicycle. He says he’s just glad he didn’t break a rib. Sounded painful. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1381.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1381.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
We skipped breakfast at ADM in favour of an early start on the road. Experience has taught us that driving past Antwerp can be tricky with the traffic. We reached the venue about 6pm. The owner of De Geniepegen Drauk in Aalst was very welcoming. Such a funny friendly guy. Some of the locals help us load in the equipment. We have dinner around 7pm. Chilli con carne. Beautiful. There’s plenty to go round. We all have at least two bowls of food. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1398.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1398.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
It’s great to see a few friends in the crowd. Pascal, Johan, Christoff, Anders. We met them all on the last tour. After dinner I talk a walk to a quiet spot in a local square where I talk to Nikki on the phone. We try make plans to see each other before I leave. We have to cut the conversation short because she’s a vet and a dog needs to be rebandaged. Also The Rebel Poet is about to take to the stage. He gets everybody’s attention and the crowd are laughing and cheering him on. The bar owner gives me a wink of approval.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1386.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1386.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
Bettie Akkemaai is great again. Though I must admit I was pretty tired and I go sit in a quiet corner. It’s probably just all the food but I couldve sleep right there. The Yalla Yallas all join her for the last song ‘Godforsaken Crown’. I really love playing on this song. Tonight I’m using Lotte’s acoustic guitar. </p>
<p>After her set we take a break for ten minutes. I’m not playing guitar tonight and we opt to start with ‘Stand Up’ and leave ‘Mi Corazon Part 1’ out of tonight’s show. In fact there are a lot of changes tonight. We play ‘Co-Exist’ and ‘County Court’ for the first time on the tour. Yet again the crowd is full. Though they are more reserved than the ADM show. Though I don’t think anyone could get close to those guys. There’s a smoke machine that’s cranked up way past Spinal Taps 11. As I try get used to the smoke the first four songs are really difficult to sing. Later in the set I change the lyric in Credit Card Crunch to “The smoke machine is kicking in and I can’t breathe” Will bursts out laughing and I follow suit whilst singing. We finish on ‘Rock n Roll Kid’ and during the song I sing a medley of ‘Brand New Cadillac’ and ‘Search and Destroy’ instead of requesting the crowd to drop their pants. After the set the crowd are wanting more. I agree to more. Joel walks of stage though and says he can’t play because one of his ear plugs is jammed in his ear. I play a solo version of ‘Mentira’ whilst the guys are trying to help him. Joel eventually returns to the stage and we play ‘Mi Corazon Part 2’ and we finish on another tour debut ‘I want to be loved’.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1400.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1400.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
After the show the more reserved crowd are in a frenzy at the merch table. The sales tonight ensure that we have cleared our debts for the album. We are in the black again. We even start talking about the next album. </p>
<p>I go outside and talk to a lady who had bought me a really nice drink on stage. I say thank you. She invites me to go with her to an Irish bar with her. I politely decline. Instead I somehow end up playing badminton in the street. In just my pants. The guys asked me if I could play. I said “I used to be able to” The guys are impressed with my skills. Especially my positioning. “WOW, you really can play” one of the guys said. I play for about 15 minutes with them but I am exhausted.</p>
<p>I thank the bar owner before leaving. He said he was so impressed with everyone tonight. He even pays an extra 50 Euros on top of our fee. Such a huge compliment. Neils the organiser of tonight’s show is equally impressed with the crowd tonight. He said he expected no one to come because of Gent Feesten and also it’s a Belgian bank holiday. Someone said that all the other bars are empty. Everyone has come to see The Yalla Yallas. Another brilliant.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1392.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1392.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
We grab some supper in the form of some Belgian fries. These guys really do make the best chips on the planet. So far away from the shite in the canteen at work. </p>
<p>We head back to Ina’s. I take a late night shower because I don’t want to dirty her lovely clean house. Joel informs us that we all need to set our alarms in the morning because he needs to be in Den Bosch early to buy some swimming trunks. After rolling on the floor laughing for five minutes we all tell him “No Alarms”. That man is so funny and I don’t think he knows it. I keep chuckling to myself as I try to sleep.</p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1343/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1343/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=1343&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/47858112017-07-20T09:23:46+01:002018-12-17T11:28:43+00:00VIVA ADM<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1355.png"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1355.png?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
I woke up relaxed and smelling of coconut in Antwerp. I’d slept very well. I maybe was a little too relaxed. Nikki drops me off at the bus stop and I set about my journey and rejoining the group. I take the intercity train to Amsterdam. On the journey I listen to some Brian Jonestown Massacre. I lose myself looking out of the train window. I think about the wonderful life I have. How my music and my band means I get to travel so much to wonderful places with so many lovely people. I’m very lucky. I’m feeling quite emotional today.</p>
<p>I get into Amsterdam and take a walk to the Rijks Museum. I consider actually going in it this time but the queue is huge and it’s nearly 20 Euros to enter. I notice that I’m actually a little tired too. The heat is exhausting today. I decide to give it a miss and meet up with Jack and Dave. I get to Jacks place and chat for a bit before I just crash out on his sofa. I think I slept for over an hour. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1374.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1374.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
Everyone agrees to meet at Sloterdijk station at 5.30pm in time for tonight’s show and everyone turns up on time. We all talk about our day off from each other. Dempsey went to Den Haag, Lotte went home to Rotterdam and watched TV. Dave went for a meal in Amsterdam with some money we gave him. Joel had a mild case of stigmata but not so much that he still couldn’t go cheese shopping. Will also tells me that the police was crawling all over the ADM before he came to pick us up.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1361-1.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1361-1.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
As we arrive at the ADM the police had left but there is notice of eviction on the gate. These guys have been here for nearly 20 years. They have tried to fight the eviction lawfully through the courts too. The system seems to have other ideas for the place. </p>
<p>We drop our bags and pretty much immediately Me and Dempsey jump in the sea to cool down from the heat. It’s so hot. A dog even joins us and we play fetch in the water. It’s so much fun. I get out and dry off before dinner. I saw hello to Tim Loud and James Bar Bowen who are also playing tonight. The lineup is very familiar. It’s nice that we’re all playing together. </p>
<p>The show kicks off outdoors where The Rebel Poet, James, and Bettie Akkemaai all play acoustically outdoors. It’s brilliant on this summers evening. I sneak out in the middle of them to speak to Nikki on the phone and to try arrange seeing her again on Friday. I definitely am softening up these days. <br>
<a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1369.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1369.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
It gets dark just in time for the Tim Loud band or Team Loud as he introduced himself on stage. It’s the first time I’ve seen him with his band and they are bloody brilliant. The pretty full crowd love them too. I tell all of the band that we need to be at our best tonight to follow them. Everyone agrees. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1372.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1372.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
We hit the stage around midnight and by the third song the crowd our moving. People seem to be enjoying this. Especially ‘Sound of the Kraken’. ‘Kaassouffle’ started to bring out something extra in the crowd. It was pure joy. When we played ‘Under Attack’ I removed my custom ‘ADM XXX’ shirt that I made for the show and people want it. I told the crowd that it goes to the bar and if they want to buy it then that money can be donated to the legal fund. ‘Retaliation’ got me tonight. In the middle 8 section there’s a bit of a poem I wrote that’s made out of other songs and after the news that the ADM received today there’s a few sad faces. I didn’t realise I did it but I changed one of the lyrics to “The ADM will never be closed down” the cheer we received back was overwhelming. I’ve had all kinds of cheers at shows before but nothing like that. It hit me right in the heart. I fill up and think I’m going to cry. I keep myself together and the rest of the song I sing with even more passion than usual. Our last song was ‘Rock n Roll Kid’ I started the song by crowdsurfing over the intro. The crowd are really giving it some. Then Dempsey goes surfing whilst he plays bass. Incredible scenes. I’m in aww. Will Grinder has surely got to go next and he takes the challenge and plays a guitar solo whilst being carried around the room. Whilst introducing the band I get to crowd to chant “Love your Jorl”. They take the bait. Joel rises from his kit whilst beating his floor tom and passes it to me. I keep the beat going whilst Joel has his turn at crowd surfing. Incredible. Eventually he returns to the stage. By now there’s quite a few fully naked people in the crowd. Men and Women. It’s such a wonderful sight. As if things couldn’t get any more insane someone appears with a big old metal wheelbarrow and goes crowdsurfing in that. Fuck me what a show. As we finish up the song I sing ‘I put a spell on you’ and I adlib “Viva ADM” over the end too. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1371.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1371.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
Afterwards I’m chatting to a guy who said the energy in the room tonight reminded him of the illegal rave scene in England in the late 80’s. Thats some compliment. We all drink and chat until about 4am. The residents of ADM promise to continue to fight the eviction. I promise that The Yallas will come back. “If were still here” someone replies. “You will be”. There’s a different spirit here. People won’t just calmly walk away. A man was telling me he’s been here for 20 years. His children were born and raised here. This is their home. After talking I cry a little more. Best be off to bed.</p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1336/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1336/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=1336&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/47844472017-07-19T09:15:08+01:002018-05-06T19:10:40+01:0048 Hours<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1295.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1295.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
I woke up in Nijmegen on Monday morning feeling pretty refreshed. I walk downstairs and take a shower. Afterwards I drink tea in the living room with Linda who had kindly let me have her room. Will is the next to arise. I said that I’ll make breakfast for everyone. So me and Will headed to the local store to pick up supplies. Some nice bread, Eggs, Bacon, Spring Onion, and some cheese but I forget to bring the Tomatoes. No one notices and everyone enjoys the breakfast. I nominate Joel to wash up. After breakfast we all head into the city centre where we all break up. Me and Dave grab a milkshake and chill out in Kronenburger park. We all meet back at the previous nights venue at 3pm to load up the van. There’s also a little time for some pinball.<br>
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When we arrived at the next venue in Utrecht we are all surprised. There is a dense piece of woodland with a community carved out. It’s amazing. Very pretty and quite magical. Matilda’s Scoundrels who are also playing tonight are equally mesmerised by the surroundings. Those guys have turned up with tents whilst we are shown to our little cabin in the woods. This is so much fun.
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1307.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1307.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
Dempsey and Joel head off into Utrecht Centre as they are sitting out of tonight’s show because it will be just Me and Will playing acoustic. We are served a lovely meal. Onion and Garlic Soep followed by stampot. The stage area is getting pretty busy. Lots of people are turning up. People are in very high spirits. It’s a great turn out for a Monday night. We are playing totally unplugged tonight no microphones no amps. People listen intently while me and Will smash through our set. We start off slow and I’m unsure if the crowd like us. By the end of the set they are all singing along and clapping and very happy. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1316.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1316.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
Next up was Bettie Akkemaai and she played her heart out. I’m standing with Matilda’s Scoundrels and they love her set. Me, Will, and Dave give each other a nod and a wink and decide to go into full on party mode. Let’s break out the good stuff. Whiskey, Rum, whatever let’s go for it tonight. It’s not often you get to party in the woods.<br>
Maltidas Scoundrels were next up and bloody brilliant. Energetic six-piece folk punk. Sea shanty type music that’s well fitting for the makeshift boat stage. Even the captain of the evening brings us some grog made from an old pirate recipe. Incredible. Even the usual reserved Will Grinder is dancing away. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1327.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1327.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
After the gig someone starts a fire and we all sit by it talking. It’s beautiful. There’s definitely a little bond forming between all the musicians tonight. Lots of hugs and lots of love. At around 4am a very nice gentleman approaches me and Will and asks us if we’d like a threesome in the woods. We thank the man for the very kind offer and politely decline. Me and Will had run out of beer hours ago, and Whiskey, and Rum. The captain gives me the last of the grog and asks if I’ll help her at the bar finding more alcohol. There was nothing left apart from a box of Rosè wine. Someone’s gotta drink it I suppose. It’s better than nothing.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1335.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1335.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
I think it was about 6 maybe 7am by the time I climb into bed. It feels like I have the biggest smile on my face. I close my eyes and drift away.</p>
<p>Then next morning is a blur. I stagger about looking for breakfast but instead decide to take a walk along a canal. On the way back I stop for a baguette and something to drink. When I get back to the cabin there’s a message on my phone informing us that tonight’s show is cancelled. Fuck. Although it’s probably a blessing. I’m in no real state to be playing a gig anyway. What are we going to do. The group decides that going to Wednesday venue in Amsterdam a day earlier might be the best option. I decide to go in a different direction. I instead go to Antwerp to have a dinner date with the lady I met in Beerse on Friday. Bettie Akkemaai decides to go home to Rotterdam and joins me on the train. In the band group chat later it appears Dempsey went to Den Haag. Dave pottered around Amsterdam on his own and Joel grazed his knee. Poor Jorl.</p>
<p>I arrived in Antwerp at around 5pm and I take the bus to Beerse. I get picked up by Nikki who takes me to her place to shower before eating. Our table was booked for 7.30pm at a Japanese Restaurant in Turnhout. The food was delicious and I really enjoy her company. We both ate so much food. What a lovely evening. I hope to see her again before the tour ends.</p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1328/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1328/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=1328&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" /><div><a href="https://robgalloway.wordpress.com/2017/07/19/48-hours/"><img src="https://videos.files.wordpress.com/hAdlLHI4/img_1296_std.original.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="img_1296" height="120" width="160" /></a></div>The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/47816452017-07-17T09:03:12+01:002018-05-26T08:12:49+01:00The Yalla Yallas + Friends<p>We woke up in Emmen and had breakfast whilst listening to some uplifting EDM. Will isn’t impressed with the music while I quite enjoy listening to something fresh. After all the only music I’ve heard for the last five days is punk rock n roll. It’s quite nice to hear some epic breakdowns. We load up the van early doors and head to Nijmegen. It’s one of a few gigs I’m particularly excited about.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1270.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1270.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
We arrive into the city around 1pm and it’s much busier than usual because of the summer fest. We quickly unload then set about exploring the city. I know the city pretty well but even I’m disorientated by the amount of people, stages, performers, and food stalls. Every street has something going on. It’s like someone has just dropped a Glastonbury on the city centre. I’d say that I’ve not seen anything quite like it but I have in Gent, Belgium last year. We don’t have anything like it in the U.K. Maybe Notting Hill Carnival. These street festivals here last a week. It’s incredible. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1276.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1276.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
We meander around the streets and stop briefly to watch some of the performances and eventually we reach the riverside. It has sand like a beach. We drink beer and watch some guys on speedboats riding the waves created by the huge tugs. Rain briefly stopped play and we decided to head into the city. Our friend Sid invites us to his flat to drink beer and chill. His balcony also overlooks a stage so we can also enjoy the various Dutch pop acts covering artists like Elvis, Neil Diamond etc… it’s quite fun. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1286.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1286.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
Around 6pm we go back to The Bijstand which is tonight’s venue. We play pinball and await dinner to be served. The show starts at 9pm with Bettie Akkemaai and David Holmes doing their thing. It was quite hot in the venue and I try to spend time near the back or even outside to keep cool. The venue is also filling up. Luckily they had foresight to remove all the furniture in order to fit all the extra people in. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1293.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1293.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
Barleycorn Bastards are up next and as ever they were great. A fun energetic Pogues type band. We played with them on the last tour and we’re also booking UK dates with them in November. Later in the set I’m invited to sing ‘All for my Grog’ with them. It was real fun.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1294.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1294.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
We were up next at 11.45pm and we’re a little behind schedule. We did wish to play our new album in full plus a few favourites but the venue has a curfew at 12.30pm and we don’t wish to get anyone into any unnecessary trouble so we hastily rearrange the set list. We have a lot of fun again. During Mental we are joined by The Rebel Poet and also Sid from Barleycorn Bastards which feels great onstage. Bettie Akkemaai then also joins us for ‘Sound of the Kraken’. Maarten from Barleycorn Bastards then joins in by playing the whistle on ‘Under Attack’. ‘Kaassouffle’ was pretty fun tonight too. At one point I threw the microphone to someone in the crowd to sing whilst I went crowd surfing. Amazing scenes. ‘Retaliation’ was one of my favourites tonight I was joined again by Bettie Akkemaai and also my friend Jazz who was working the bar both joined me on vocals. </p>
<p>We finish our last song ‘Rock n Roll Kid’ I’m dancing on the bar in my pants. Some of the crowd below me are joining in. I’m loving every second of it. Tonight felt like our band was a collective. We had so many guests and someone later said it felt interactive.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1291.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1291.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
Afterwards we have a few drinks with friends and discuss sleeping arrangements. I feel like I’ve won the lottery when I finally see where I’m sleeping. My friend told me that she’s staying with her boyfriend so I can have her room. She warns me that it’s not the best bed and is untidy but at least it will be private away from the band. When I get to her room it feels like a palace. It’s super tidy and the bed is real comfy. I really do not mind being lied to in this way. This is luxury. I’ll sleep well tonight.</p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1321/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1321/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=1321&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/47810142017-07-16T10:22:59+01:002022-03-17T18:15:18+00:00Fuck the barbed wire<p>The first words I heard this morning. “Fuck the barbed wire” You guessed it Dave has been sleep talking again. I’m laid in an old bank vault in Emmen. Last nights gig is going over and over in my head. What a night.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1249.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1249.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>We picked up Lotte in Rotterdam in the afternoon and arrived in Emmen about 3pm. We loaded in and the other guys went for a walk around the city. Will and Joel find a little music festival and watch a Jazz band. Dave rummages in the free show and plays dress up. I instead opted to go for a little sleep before the show. Around half six Lotte came to wake me up for dinner. We all ate the lovely dish called Roti. An old Suriname recipe. After dinner we wash up and prepare for the show. In soundcheck we work with Lotte on one of her songs. Were advised that the show will be a late one because a lot of people are outside enjoying the sun. Around 10.30pm David takes to the stage and again I’m thinking that he’s getting so much better. Smashing out a couple of new poems. ‘1942’ a new one has myself and Will nodding with approval.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1251.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1251.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
Afterwards Lotte in her polkadots and Bettie Akkemaai guise plays her first set of the tour. I’m immediately impressed by her improvement. I’ve not seen her play since I toured with her twelve months ago. She holds the attentive crowd. It’s great to see them laughing and joking with her. She’s become a really confident likeable performer. Catchy tunes too. For her last song she invited The Yallas up to the stage to play ‘Gordforsaken Crown’ with her. It was so much fun and it’s great to see Bettie rocking out as the frontman of a band. It’s also nice for me to play guitar and being allowed to fade into the background a little.</p>
<p>The crowd our nicely revved up for our set. As people arrive we are asked from many people if we will play ‘Kaassouffle’ I teasingly tell them no because this is a vegan squat. Earlier in the day Will noticed on the wall our set list from the last time we played. This comes in handy because I can use it as a reference to mix up the set from the last time.</p>
<p>Whilst in Nijmegen the other day I was bitten on the thumb by a spider and my thumb was swollen which meant I couldn’t play guitar in Belgium. However after a couple of days of antihistamines the swelling has all but gone and tonight I can pick up guitar duties again.</p>
<p>We start by playing Mi Corazon Part 1 and then we break into Venus and the Horse. The room is almost full and people seem to be up for the Saturday night party. The Rebel Poet joins us for Mental and the room is hotting up. By the time we get to Rock n Roll Kid people are already in their pants. It’s such a great sight. Yet again the crowd chant out ‘Love Your Jorl’ during the band introductions. At the end of the song the crowd are chanting for more. We had of course forgotten to play a song. Are you guys hungry I ask. “YEAH!!!!” they roared back. Dempsey demands silence from the crowd so I can whisper the word Smakelijk then we erupt into the much requested ‘Kaassouffle’. Everyone goes wild. After the song the crowd still want more. I feel great. Joel is tired but we agree to play ‘Under Attack’ then we really are finished. Somewhere in the set Will broke a string. Dave passed him my Gretsch. It was great to hear him play it and test its limits. With me owning a guitar like this It’s like your Grandma owning a Porsche to do her Sunday shopping. Then she loans her Porsche to the Stig. Will Grinder is the Stig. He tears my guitar around the track at a million miles per hour. It’s great to see what my guitar can do.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1261-1.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1261-1.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
After the set we mingle with the crowd. I’m exhausted. I drink a few beers. I’m also offered some joints but I decline. Someone passes Will a lovely handwritten note. I sign some records. People want to party but I’m thinking about the next seven shows so I make sure I am first to bed. Before I get there we get offers for more shows in Emmen. One suggestion is for a radio company to record a future show to make a live album. That would be amazing. I think about this whilst laying in bed. Sweet dreams.</p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1308/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1308/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=1308&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/47803892017-07-15T11:01:15+01:002021-10-29T10:59:30+01:00Beery Beerse<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1071.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1071.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
It was the opening night of the tour and we were always going to be up for this gig. Me and Dave had spent the previous few days travelling around The Netherlands seeing friends and watching Guns n Roses. While Dempsey, Joel, and Will drove down from Leeds. We arranged to meet the guys in Antwerp City Centre on the day of the first show. Because it’s of traffic we were a little late to the venue. As we arrived the first band were already in full flow. It was going to be a loud energetic night. We set up the merch stall and start to mingle with people. I’m pleased to see so many familiar faces. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1234.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1234.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
The Sick Boys were the next band up and I was frantically trying to learn the words and the parts to ‘Avenues and Alleyways’ by Rancid. Earlier the guys had asked if I was to join them. I jumped at the chance and it was a great way to close the set. </p>
<p>Our set was hi-energy from the off. Stand Up, followed by ‘Venus’, ‘Asylum’, and ‘Mental’. The crowd are up for it too. Lots of Yalla Yallas shirts are visible. I particularly loved performing ‘Kaassouffle’ tonight. It’s great to bring it back to the continent. Onstage we were all in a great mood. I was feeling particularly mischievous during ‘Rock n Roll Kid’. I managed to get some of the crowd to strip to their pants which was as always hilarious. But our in band highlight was when I got the crowd to chant “Love your Jorl” at Joel. It was so funny. We finished the set and the crowd wanted more. We decided to play ‘Kaassouffle’ again but this time letting the crowd sing it for us whilst I crowd surfed in my underpants.</p>
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After the show we set about watching the other bands. The Rock XXL guys who promoted the show went and got us some food. Sausages and Chips. Lovely. I feel ready for ten more beers. I try watching The All Star Wedding Band but I found myself a little distracted by a real sweet lady. She told me that I remind her of an Alpaca. I even manage to miss Joel singing ‘Country Roads’ with the headline band. I wanted to dance but my heel isn’t holding up too well.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1246.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/img_1246.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
I awoke this morning feeling pretty refreshed. Although I had to find my way back to where the band were staying because I must’ve been led astray at some point. Did anyone notice I was missing? They were all still sleeping when I returned. Could I sneak in unnoticed? Not a chance. Seppe our host had prepared us a lovely breakfast spread. I get stuck in. Then get a shower and the band start to wake up. We get our shit together and now we must pick up Bettie Akkemaai who now joins us for the rest of the tour. Let the good times continue.</p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1305/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1305/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=1305&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/47722612017-07-08T23:55:00+01:002023-12-10T17:01:40+00:00Medusa Launch Party<p>Like any party the nerves are out in force in advance of the event. Will people turn up? Will everyone have a good time? Am I wearing the right clothes? Why did I decide to throw this stupid do in the first place? The self doubt is only natural as the launch party is really important to us. This is where we find out if people warm to the new songs or not. At this gig we are doing something that many bands at our level dare not do. Am I punching above my already self inflated ego? Deciding to schedule ourselves in for a full 1 hour 30 minute set with only a solo acoustic support act and a poet. No other bands. Is it too much?<img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/19956140_833692120113887_533926410874316969_o.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="19956140_833692120113887_533926410874316969_o.jpg" /></p>
<p>We all arrived at Bad Apples in Leeds at 6.30pm straight from work. Just a quick half hour at home to get changed and showered. No time for a meal. We load into the venue and set up. There’s no sound guy or promoter. It’s all down to us. That’s how we like it. During sound check I experience the most horrific headache. I snap at the band and storm out of the room after playing one of our songs. Dave asks if I’m alright. I tell him no. I head off out of the venue and find a local co-op. Where’s this headache come from? Is it nerves? Is it the heat? Is it that I’ve not eaten? I purchase a really healthy looking pre-packaged Salmon, potato salad type thing. I’d much rather one that I’ve prepped myself but I’m desperate here. I also picked up some flavoured water and also some paracetamol. At the counter I spy some almonds and pistachio nuts which I also take. I walk back up the the venue and sit outside on the floor to eat the food. It tastes so good. My headache is still raging. I wait until I’ve finished my food before taking the paracetamol. Whilst eating, some of my friends arrive Cav and Rachael. I feel like I didn’t greet them properly or acknowledge them as I should do and later I apologise to them. They said not to worry but did recognise that I seemed quite unusual. After eating I go back inside the venue only to be greeted with Vince doing his sound check and the most awful squeal of feedback as I enter the room. “For fucks sake” I screamed out. Dempsey laughs and orders me out of the room. I go back upstairs and sit with Neil Vary. Neil is a photographer who has come to cover the show tonight. He has captured some amazing shots of us at previous gigs and so I invited him down. It’s good to see him although I do still feel very unsociable, I’m hoping he doesn’t think I’m being rude but I’m real pain. I explain that I’m not feeling too good.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/19800644_833761096773656_478307347468577969_o.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="19800644_833761096773656_478307347468577969_o.jpg" /></p>
<p>At 8pm I take the position on the door and await people to arrive. I notice that my headache is starting to fade as I munch on my almonds. I’m pleased with the amount of people early doors. I start some music through the P.A. system of a playlist I’d compiled featuring artists that I feel best represent the new album. Bands like Fugazi, Blaggers I.T.A., Nick Cave, Fucked Up, and even some Buena Vista Social Club.</p>
<p>Around 8.45 The Rebel Poet David Holmes takes to the stage. He’s sounding pretty sharp tonight and the crowd seem to love him. He blasts through four or five poems before introducing Vince Cayo. This was one of the best times I’ve seen Vince play. His guitar sounded lovely. He played well and I had a few people coming up to me asking where I had found him. Towards the end of his set the room is pretty much full and people seem to be set for a good night. Vince asks The Yalla Yallas to join him for his last song which is a cover of Social Distortion’s Ball and Chain. I take up Bass duties. Dempsey is wisely paying attention in the crowd to the sound levels and taking notes for when we go onstage in 20 minutes or so.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/19787156_833761433440289_949526214968725441_o1.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="19787156_833761433440289_949526214968725441_o.jpg" /></p>
<p>After Vince there’s a break and people head out for beers, smokes, and pisses. The room is red hot. This is going to be hard work. My headache is long gone and I’ve started drinking my first drink of the night. I’d ordered a Red Stripe, and a rum and coke. I like to have a beer with me on stage for the gig but I like a rum and coke before going on to give me a little sugar and alcohol boost. We prepare the stage and David Holmes jumps back on the mic to read a few more poems. We all stand behind him. I’m trying to acclimatise to the heat on stage. It’s so hot. Everyone is back inside again now and it’s only going to get warmer.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/19787440_833693113447121_1448464142359550289_o.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="19787440_833693113447121_1448464142359550289_o.jpg" /></p>
<p>The Rebel Poet finishes his set with ‘Oxygen’ which is a cover of Blaggers I.T.A. and introduces to the stage. We start as promised by playing the new album ‘Medusa’ in order and in its entirety. This is the first time I’ve played my new guitar in public. I recently purchased a gorgeous Gretsch electromatic in Georgia Green. The sound for the first song 'Mi Corazon Part 1' disappoints me and I remembered that I’d altered my settings for the other songs and forgot to change them back. Too late. Ah well not to worry. No one seems to mind. I’ll put it down after this song anyway. We smash through Venus, Asylum, and Co-Exist. The room is feeling pretty lively. Some people are already singing along. It’s time to pick up the guitar again for ‘Mental’ I love this song. It’s a story of a trip to Paris with my best friend Thomas Pollock. The Rebel Poet joins us towards the end of the song to recite my poem ‘Schroedingers Cat’ over the coda. I manage to snap a string on my guitar. At first I’m not sure which string but this could knacker the next song or two. Whilst playing I notice its the Top E. I’m relieved as I can live without that string. The next song I play solo while the band take a minute to breathe. Its a gentle number called ‘Mentira’ I’m missing a string but it doesn't affect things too much. The crowd are still buzzing from the high energy rock n roll of the previous songs but by the second verse they are very attentive. I’m surprised to hear people singing along to the calmest/most un-Yallas sounding song on the record. I’m amazed. For logistic purposes we briefly go out of sequence with the album. We opt to play the album closer Mi Corazon part 2 next. This is because it’s that last time I will use the guitar tonight. This song has somehow turned into a behemoth. I found on my phone after the show that my friend sent me a message telling me that it made her cry and was truly beautiful. Joel’s drumming was unbelievable. He kept finding more and more space as we lifted the song higher. Near the end of the song I switch into one of my solo songs ‘Burned’. It was such an emotional track and I must admit I got quite lost in it.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/19942942_833692810113818_5225238768837573505_o.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="19942942_833692810113818_5225238768837573505_o.jpg" /></p>
<p>I put the guitar away and then we kick into side 2. Medusa, Sound of the Kraken, County Court all seem to get everybody moving and into fine voice too. I’m overwhelmed and knackered. This is hard work. The temperature is boiling. During ‘I Want to be Loved’ I get cramp in my right leg. I try and stretch it out. After that there is only one song left to do from the album and that is ‘Ik hou van Kaassouffle’ a song that I wrote in Dutch. Vince Cayo joins me on vocals. We encourage the crowd to join in too. I’m amazed at how pretty much everyone joins in with the cries of ‘Lekker, Lekker’. It’s insane. The album was now complete. I ask my friend William in the crowd what his favourite Yallas song was. He replied with ‘Under Attack’ and we play it for him and again I’m chuffed with the crowd singing along. I try and walk around the crowd a bit but because its just so full I find it easier just to remain onstage. Though I do feel pretty caged in. As usual during ‘Credit Card Crunch’ I strip down to my pants. Only this time its so hot in the room that I genuinely can’t get out of them and had to rip them off of me. Maybe I'd left them on too long? People were laughing at my attempts. “Clothes are rubbish anyway, I’m going home naked” I shout out.</p>
<p>The next song is ‘Retaliation’ and I was left stunned. Will Grinder started the song quietly with chugging of the chords and I gently sing the chorus and I couldn't believe it when the crowd in force took over from me. Every single word sung loud and clear. I was just left stunned. I stood there grinning. It was a moment I wish to savour forever. I hope I can remember that until the day I die. The final song is our regular finisher ‘Rock n Roll Kid’ as ever it was energetic, brutal, and so much fun.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/19787503_833694263447006_665150557252896976_o.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="19787503_833694263447006_665150557252896976_o.jpg" /></p>
<p>I genuinely loved every second of it. All the nerves were for nothing. As everyone left the room I stood by the door and shook hands with pretty much everyone that I could. I hope they know what it meant to me. In the hours after the show we joined people for drinks upstairs. I received so many text messages from people who had to run for the bus etc… telling me how much of a good time they had. I manage to find my jeans and I walked round the rest of the night only wearing one leg as the other was torn off during my stripping routine.</p>
<p>What an amazing night. So much love for everyone. Thank you to you all for coming. Let’s do it again.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/19780468_10155447468847359_2032650193853753048_o1.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="19780468_10155447468847359_2032650193853753048_o.jpg" /></p>
<p><br><a href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1214/" rel="nofollow"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1214/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=1214&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" /></p>The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/47654162017-07-03T17:08:36+01:002017-07-03T20:16:59+01:00Tour Rehearsals.<p>It’s that time again. Tim to restart the blog. In a few days time we play the launch party for our new album ‘Medusa’ and I couldn’t be more excited. The launch is going to be some test of our stamina. We’re used to playing 45 minute shows. For this show we will play the new album in full and all our favourites from the previous albums. We’re looking at around 1hr 30mins. I’m going to need to be physically fit. In some ways I’m the fittest I’ve ever been. In other ways I’m falling apart. I’m currently struggling with some kind of ligament damage in my left ankle. My doctors appointment is the day before I travel to Belgium for the opening show on the mainland. In the meantime I’m trying to do as much exercise as I dare whilst learning some physiotherapy techniques via YouTube. I’m equally also trying to rest and elevate my foot as much as I can with cold compress per the Nurses advice but admittedly this is few and far between. </p>
<p>Tonight we head to our final rehearsal. We’ve been rehearsing throughout July save for a week while Joel went to Glastonbury to watch his hero Ed Sheeran. Rehearsals have been productive. We’ve found things in the new songs that we didn’t know were there. Mi Corazon pt.2 is testament to this. The moment when that song came together was incredible. Dempsey uttered “Why didn’t the album version sound like this?” We love the album version but the live version has a different set of balls.</p>
<p>I’ve also spent a lot of time at rehearsals with a guitar in my hand which also brings out a different dynamic. It gives Will a little more freedom to roam whilst reigning me back towards the stage. Whatever happens these next few weeks it’s going to be a whole lot of fun. I can’t wait to see everyone.</p>
<p><img src="https://s0.wp.com/wp-content/mu-plugins/wpcom-smileys/twemoji/2/72x72/1f49a.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="?" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s0.wp.com/wp-content/mu-plugins/wpcom-smileys/twemoji/2/72x72/1f5a4.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="?" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1213/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1213/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=1213&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/46494432017-03-28T22:55:26+01:002022-02-03T12:57:08+00:00Recording Day 4<p>Yet again me and Will arrive at the studio at 10am. Yes, Will has his trusty cafetière with him, and yet again we’re heavily armed with guitars. This will be our second session without Dempsey and Joel. Joel has recorded his drums so he doesn’t need to attend for a while. We will need him in later sessions to record some accordion and piano. Dempsey is away on holiday. So it’s a great opportunity for me and Will to work on the more acoustic type numbers on the album. I’m pleased because when it’s just us two we tend to work really well together. I’ve mentioned it before about how Will has such a calm considered aura around him and we tend to just discuss and work ideas out in a relatively stress free manner. When Dempsey is in the vicinity I instantly feel anxious. It’s a little bit like sibling rivalry. We have this incredible ability to wind each other up. So I always feel much calmer when he’s out of the way. Our plan for today is to record the meat and bones of the four acoustic based tracks so we can get them across the Atlantic for Wills friend to record some trumpets for us. </p>
<p>We start the day in the same vein as the previous session. Grant starts work on editing some of Joel’s drums on a track called ‘Lake of Fire’. Will had previously recorded some guide demo guitar for this track. The lick he is playing will likely end up being played on the mandolin but for now it’s a distorted guitar sound. I joke with him that it reminds me of 80’s hair metallers Skidrow. Will and Grant both initially appear astonished but then hear what I hear and burst out laughing. Wills astonishments turns to borderline embarrassment. Grant capitalises on this and starts singing over the top of the riff in an 80’s cock rock manner. We all fall about laughing. I uploaded a clip to Instagram. We’ve only been in the room 15 minutes. Great start to the day. Such high spirits.</p>
<p>We settle down as Grant works on the track. I nip to the shop for some breakfast and Will is reading ‘Man in the High Castle’ by Phillip Dick. When I return I quietly start writing. I’m looking at writing some extensive liner notes for this album. Telling some extra stories to go with the songs. Today I’m writing about an old work friend called Mick McCool. I’ve written a song about him and I keep getting lost in some wonderful memories.</p>
<p>Grant is pleased to have finished the drums on ‘Lake of Fire’ we think that’s them out of the way now. Let’s get onto the good stuff. Mi Corazon Part 1 is the first song on the table today. I start by recording the bass guitar. It’s a complexed little riff. Me and Will spend a fair while discussing one of the notes in the sequence. We can’t decide wether the bass should play a G# or an A. Both work but convey different moods. The G# would create a cool minor dischord. While the A is the natural option. We agree that I will play the A. Will then claims the G# as part of his solo. After recording the bass Will busts out his Gretsch to lay down some long striking chords. It’s haunting. It’s then my turn to record the acoustic rhythm and some lead guitar. It’s rare that I get to do the licks.</p>
<p>We break for lunch and I take a walk up to Tesco to grab a sandwich, some cashew nuts, and sunflower seeds. After lunch we start work on ‘The End of the World’ now this is the most complexed Yallas song we’ve ever worked on. Once again the Gretsch is out. Grant is happy with my piano playing. We might get Joel to play it later though but for now it works. I record the bass and some acoustic guitar. We scratch our heads and discuss how we’re going to tackle this song. Me and Will want to throw everything at it. Guitars, Drums, Trumpets, Violins, Operatic vocals, layers of atmosphere, we even want to record the sound of the amp just humming. Everything is being considered. We want to record the sound at the end of the world. Grant keeps having to pull me back when I play this song. I keep losing myself in it and get too aggressive towards the end. Eventually I manage to record a take whilst keeping my cool. Will records some beautiful guitar parts. We’ve genuinely never written anything like this. The epic last song.</p>
<p>We finish the session by backing up all the files. We prepare the files we need to send to Chicago. I’m pleased with today. Another hugely productive day. We’re set up and raring to go now. Up next is the punk songs. The next session is a spell of 5 consecutive days the first of which is Dempsey’s day. Followed by me and Will. First though I’m going to head to Amsterdam to finish up the lyrics. I think they’re done but it would be nice if I could improve them further.</p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1212/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1212/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=1212&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/46442112017-03-24T15:47:55+00:002017-03-24T15:49:59+00:00Recording Day 3<p>Me and Will arrive at the studio armed with guitars and Wills cafetière of course. Grant greets us and we immediately set about working on some of the drum arrangements from the previous sessions. Grant spends around 2-3 hours on some minor drum edits whilst me and Will wake up. I have breakfast from the local cafe. I also spend time talking with some guys in The Netherlands about doing an extra show on the tour. After lunch is when the good stuff usually happens. We decided to work on the more acoustic songs on the album as we haven’t laid down any of the bass tracks yet. We load up ‘Mi Corazon Part 2’ first. Will lays down a very basic guitar track on his Gretsch. We even record the sound of the amp just humming for some atmosphere. Then I laid down my acoustic guitar. Afterwards we work on ‘Mentira’ which I would like to keep very minimal and I was going for a very clean sound but my guitar on the demo happened to bleed through and it sounded lovely and it inspired Will to come up with some subsonic layers. The next song is going to be an absolute beast to work on. I’m still stuck on a name for it. It was written after the first two recording sessions. It’s very cinematic and dramatic. It could even be the Epic last song. The working title is ‘Once upon a time in the north’ after the album title but I think it will end up being called something like ‘The End of the World’. The song itself just builds and builds. It has everything. We load up my demo and we set about recording the Acoustic guitar. Will is trying to work out and evolve the lead guitar part I wrote. Grant is enjoying this song a lot. The key to this song will be the arrangement. We decide to sit on this song for a bit and instead work on ‘Mi Corazon Part 1’ we load up Joel’s drums and decide to loop them in order to give us some freedom with ideas we have for this song. It may be decided later that we extend or shorten sections in the song depending on the personnel who we can get to appear. I hear accordions, violin, trumpets, double bass, and broken hearts. The guitar I recorded on this track so far is just a guide to check that the drums fit and they do. Lovely. Not the most exciting day in the studio but very worthwhile. We have laid the foundations today for the next session and we’re raring to go. </p>
<p>Me and Will also discussed other ideas. I said at some point to someone that this album could be our ‘Sandinista’. That thought keeps coming around. We talk about maybe we should collaborate with King Zepha and do something completely different. LSK’s name is also thrown into the pot. I always thought this album should be a double album even before we entered the studio. Now we’re at a crossroads. Soon we will have to make a decision. Do we release the album on LP Vinyl as a single album or do we release a Double CD album? We don’t have the funds to do both. We’re also at a very time critical stage. In order to have a vinyl ready for the tour in July then we must complete by the end of April. It’s looking highly unlikely. If we decide on a Double CD then we must have not only the album proper but the second disk completed by the end of May. Either option is a very difficult challenge. We could miss both deadlines. I’m more in favour of the two CD’s than the vinyl. That also depends on the availability of the people I wish to collaborate with. One thing is for certain. My head is full of ideas and I’m dreaming out aloud.</p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1211/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1211/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=1211&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/46275432017-03-13T12:45:40+00:002017-03-13T12:56:53+00:00Radio Mic in Hersham<p>We travelled down to Hersham after a reckless night in Bradford. I was exhausted and still picking glass out of my feet on the journey down. We made it to the venue in good time. Not a piss stop in sight. On the way we admire at how posh Surrey is. I’ve never been down this part of the world before. Thatched cottages and houses with protruding east and west wings line the road leading to Hersham as we pull off the M25. I joke with the band that I must put my posh voice on for this gig. We arrived at around 5pm and Lead Shot Hazard are already there. We have a little chat. Mick the organiser of the gig has seen some updates about the previous nights gig and asks me how my feet are. “I got most of the glass out” I reply. The venue is quite nice. It reminds of an old Working Mens Club that I used to work in. I get the impression that the P.A. has been hired for the night and there’s a team of people building the stage ready for the show. The sound quality is great. The bar is cheap too. I expected London prices but at £3.20 a pint of Kronenberg then you can’t complain. Dempsey goes off for a walk around Hersham on his own. he likes to do that. I’m struggling to walk. The ligaments in my knee are sore and my hip is also in pain. I instead have a quiet pint and a chat with Will.</p>
<p>The other bands start to arrive as I set up the merch stall. I notice that we’re starting to run light on some stuff. Which is a good sign. The first band Skaciety kick off the show. We all move to the front to watch them. I don’t particularly like Ska-Punk. Well I suppose I do, but I’ve had my lifetimes fix of Snuff, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Less Than Jake, and if I want to listen to Ska-Punk I’ll go back to one of those bands. Saying that Skaciety are very good. Musically they are outstanding. The bass player especially. They’re quite a likeable bunch. I’ll admit I get bored after a few songs of Ska-Punk but they keep me entertained. Joel loves them. They’re not Will’s cup of tea either but we both agree that they are brilliant. The next band Lead Shot Hazard didn’t get my full attention as I was preparing for our show. Like Skaciety they were also Ska-Punk but a little rougher round the edges. I’m enjoying them but the better songs are the cover versions. Especially ‘Little Talks’ I love that song anyway but they beefed it up a bit. Good band. I would’ve probably enjoyed them more if I wasn’t getting my shit together and had already seen another Ska-Punk band that evening.</p>
<p>Yet again we appear to be early setting up the stage which buys us time to put in another song. Whilst the band are setting up Dempsey comes to tell me that instead of giving me an extra long lead for my microphone they are instead giving me a radio mic. Fuck that!! I thought I’m not using a radio mic. Every band of our size I’ve ever seen with a radio mic look like tossers. I’ve had numerous conversations in the past about whether it would be easier, better, whatever for me to have a radio mic and I’ve always been dead against it. I react in the same way as when you ask a drummer to play to a click track. I’m just not doing it. Dempsey tells me they’s already got it out of the box and set it all up. It’s ready to go. Guess I’ll just have to suck it up and get on with it. I go to the bar and order my usual dark spiced rum, and a rum and coke. I like a rum and coke before we start to give me a bit of a sugar boost. The neat rum just warms my throat a little bit. I line my drinks up in the dressing room at the side of the stage so I don’t knock them over. We hit the stage with ‘Stand Up’ back in the set after we left it out in Bradford. It’s nice to have a squad rotation policy. This radio mic sounds great. I notice it’s a sennheiser and it’s very heavy. I like a heavy microphone. It’s weird without a lead though. I like having a lead because it still controls me. It controls my movements. I always have to find my way back. Or I might trip up. However not having a lead meant I could spin round as fast as hell and not have to worry about catching my feet in the wire like a skipping rope which happens from time to time. The first song ends and we’re straight into ‘Venus and the Horse’ the room is filling up again as people finish their cigarettes outside. We get a great applause as we finish. I’m starting to get comfy with this radio mic too and decide to test its limits when Will breaks a string. I had to kill some time. Which is never easy so I decide to go for a walk into the dressing room to get my drink with the mic and talk the crowd at the same time, opening cupboards and drawers pretending to find vintage porn mags. I can hear the crowds laughter. Then I hear Will play a chord in tune and were ready to go. During the next song Dempsey tells me that my interlude was like a piece of stand up comedy he said people we’re crying with laughter in the crowd. I love this mic. We smash through the rest of the set in our usual manner and it’s nothing but a joy. I love it. Yet again I felt like I had more in the tank. I could’ve done another 30 minutes. I feel really fit at the moment. Vocally fit too.</p>
<p>After the set I’m pissed wet through and I get changed at the merch stall rather than the dressing room. People are queuing to buy our cd’s so much so that we sold out of both the bands albums. Amazing. I have loads of lovely conversations with people who loved our show. This one lady I swear looked about 32-35 years old told me she’s been following punk for 30 odd years. I question “Eh, Sorry how old are you?” “51” she replies. “No way, I’m not having that, you look about 30, my age”.I shriek “No I’m 51, honest” I explain “Wow, Sorry I don’t wish to be crude or rude in anyway and I mean this in the up most respectful way … but I would” She takes the compliment as it was intended smiles and thanks me and explains that she’s always looked a lot younger. Amazing. I go to the bar and another lady kindly buys me a drink and tells me that shes so glad to have found a babysitter because she would’ve missed us. Aww. I chat to another guy called Justin. He had been streaming some of our set live out to Facebook and was showing me the comments neither of us can figure out how to tag me in it and in the meantime we have a good chat about music and what not. Lovely bloke. By this time Radical Dance Faction are on and they remind me of the Entering A New Ride era of Big Audio Dynamite. They would be ideal for Unity Day Festival in Leeds in the summer sunshine. They got a really good groove. Me and Will discuss that maybe we should team up with King Zepha and do some Dub versions of our songs. Dempsey and Joel look at us daft. Me and Will are serious. We wait for Radical Dance Faction to finish before leaving.</p>
<p>We are going to miss the final band WitchDokters as we have to make the journey back home. I thank the organisers and stage crew. As we leave we notice Skaciety pulling out of the car park and we wave them down only to tell them that they have two flat tyres on their motor. Poor bastards. We drive out of Hersham and find a take out to eat before driving home. Bonus. This take out sells booze too. Me and Will grab a couple of tins each. Joel goes over the road to KFC. We eat our food before making the long journey home. We chat whilst listening to Whispering Bob Harris on Radio 2. I tweet him and tell him we’re listening in and he replies with a “Thank You”. We instruct Dempsey to take it steady and that we’re in no rush if he wants to stop a service station for a rest or a sleep then we can do it. Me and Will end up nodding off. Joel keeps Dempsey company. I wake up about 4pm and Dempsey is listening to some bat-shit crazy Mary Poppins style music on Radio 2. Who gets up at 4am to listen to vintage american show tunes. I appreciate the technicalities and skill involved of it but its fucking irritating. I get dropped off at home.</p>
<p>I wake up around 9am feeling pretty fresh to be honest. Apart from my hip is knackered. My knee seems to be worse and there is still glass in my feet from Bradford. I won’t be going far today. I receive loads of friend requests and messages from people at the gig. One message enquires about underpant sponsorship. Now there’s an idea!!!!!!!</p>
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<p> </p><br><a href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1155/" rel="nofollow"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1155/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=1155&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/46260322017-03-11T14:47:06+00:002022-05-08T20:20:35+01:00Love, Anger, and The Underground<p>I’m sat in the car with The Yalla Yallas on our way to Hersham to play the Sports and Social Club. We’ve just loaded up and made a quick visit to Morrisons for snacks for the journey. We all offer our snacks up to share except for Joel. He wants all the samosas for himself. Nobody is interested in my snacks. Coconut water, some flatbread and a selection of seeds and nuts. I’m in a lot of pain after last nights gig at The Underground in Bradford. I think the ligament in my left knee have popped again. I also spent an hour this morning removing glass from my feet. I haven’t had time to think or notice my hangover which is hovering as I type this. Every bit of pain is worth it after last nights show. I felt like I was in Guns n Roses. The gig had it all. Rock n Roll. Shades of violence. Beautiful sexual women. Boobs were out in force. It had danger written all over it.</p>
<p>I arrived at the venue a little later than planned with Will. Our friends The Accused were the first up and they were great. They played a selection of obscure punk covers mixed with one or two originals. I was largely distracted as a few friends had started to arrive. Andrew Brown is one of them. He is a great Rock DJ who works largely in the Bradford area at places like Trash. We’re having a lengthy discussion about an exciting new project that he’s trying to get off the ground. I happily bounce ideas and share some tips with him. My friend Jennie arrives with her friends. She is wearing a great anti-body shaming t-shirt which inadvertently highlight her breasts tonight. We have a little chuckle and she points out that her group of friends all have theirs out on display. I take a shine to one of her friends and we have a little flirt. </p>
<p>There’s a band called Partisans on before us. I must admit they are not anyone in our bands cup of tea but they are very good at what they do. I reckon if you’re into bands like Muse, Arcade Fire then you’d probably really like them. I spend most of their set preparing for our set. </p>
<p>The setlist for this gig is a behemoth. I wanted to play for at least an hour so I could test my stage fitness and vocal stamina. We set up the stage and we’re pretty ready to go then one or two of the lads need a wee. I’m ready to go so I start by doing a solo version of a song from the new album ‘Mentira’ and by the time the song is done that band are back and ready to go. We start with a trio of new songs ‘Mi Corazon’, ‘Venus and the Horse’, and ‘Asylum’ the crowd are lively with one guy in particular looking over enthusiastic as he charged around the room in borderline crowdkill fashion. During ‘Medusa’ Jennie’s friend who I had been talking to early came up to me and gave me one of the sweetest kisses. Vince Cayo joined us for a rare UK rendition of ‘Kaassouffle’. Things got a little heated during ‘Credit Card Crunch’ the crowdkiller was charging around the venue again this time though he managed to punch me in the face and in retailation I grabbed him by the throat and threw him across the room. There was a bit of pushing and shoving and the situation quickly sorted itself out. Which leads nicely onto our next song ‘Retaliation’. I don’t know why but I sang something different over the slowed down intro of the song. I found myself singing ‘Million Dollar Love’ by Dub War. It seemed to work. I might revisit that again sometime. Our regular finisher ‘Rock n Roll Kid’ was as primal as ever tonight during the outro I switch to Screaming Jay Hawkins ‘I Put A Spell on You’ I’m crawling on broken glass as I sing the words. I notice the girl who had kissed me earlier singing along I find her and share the mic. Seconds I’m laid on the floor in my pants making out with some girl whose name I don’t even know whilst most of the room are watching on. It was so spontaneous and so fitting. A great end to the set. </p>
<p>After the set I learn the girls name and we sit at the bar and get to know each other a bit. The other lads are all itching to get off but I try steal a bit of extra time by telling them we haven’t been paid yet. I manage to drag it out another hour. Eventually I get home after 2am. I can barely walk. My feet are full of glass. I think that it’s been a long while since I’d hurt myself. I wash my feet in the bath before getting into bed.</p><br><a href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1154/" rel="nofollow"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1154/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=1154&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/46232072017-03-09T13:40:04+00:002017-03-09T16:17:11+00:00Wharf Chambers<p>It’s our second ever gig at Wharf Chambers in Leeds. The previous one was a Sunday afternoon at Pie Race Festival a couple of years ago. I didn’t particularly enjoy that show and I wanted to make that right this time around. We load in the venue at 4pm. I set up the merch stall as Steve the promoter tries the explain the process behind the complicated beer and food tokens. It doesn’t need to be this difficult. Joel isn’t with us as he is doing a gig at The Temple of Boom with his other band Tosserlad. He will hot foot it across town as soon as he finishes his set to join us. Will and Dempsey come up with a plan to take the cars home so one of them can have a drink. In the meantime I go to The Palace pub down the road for a quiet drink on my own and to watch the football results coming in. I like to have a quiet pint before a gig as it helps to get my head straight. </p>
<p>At 6pm we all meet up at the venue. A couple of punk poets are starting the show tonight. We’re onstage at 7.50pm. We sit behind the merch stall and debate wether we should release the forthcoming album on Vinyl. We all agree that it should be on Vinyl but we need to discuss the financial mechanics behind it. At 7.20pm Laura Taylor finishes her set to a full-ish room. The stage manager asks us to be ready on time and that he will instruct us when our time is nearly up. I tell him not to worry. We advise him that we’re planning on starting earlier than our advertised time so we can play some extra songs. I don’t ever feel like 30 minutes is the full show. I like at least 40 minutes. So we hastily add new song ‘Asylum’ to the setlist and we opt to bring back ‘Stand Up’ after a few gigs on the subs bench. </p>
<p>I’m pleased with how the new songs are sounding. We’re pretty comfortable with them now after spending the previous weekend recording them in the studio. The crowd was rowdy. I’m barefoot, I feel the glass beneath my feet. We’re getting pushed about all over. I love it. Afterwards a long time Yallas fan excitedly tells me that he loves the new songs and he can’t wait for the album. We sell a few t-shirts, programmes, and CD’s. Eastfield are the next band up and they are great. Hagar the Womb also. Then last up was Oi Polloi. Everyone in the room was up for it. We had shared a bill with them before but I was knackered and drunk that time and didn’t appreciate how good they were. This time I was much more into it. Afterwards at the merch table I notice that Oi Polloi have some custom Skateboards for sale they look quality and as if the planets aligned Matty from Manifest Skateboards approaches me and complimented the band and explains that he’d wish to work with us. He explains all sorts of technical stuff that I have no idea about. Of course we agree to think about it. As the room empties out we pack up our gear and load the car. On our way home we discuss Skateboard designs and if it would be worth doing. The next morning I place the order.</p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1153/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1153/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=1153&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/46085902017-02-27T13:10:11+00:002022-02-26T21:31:37+00:00Recording Day Two <p>I’m picked up at 9.30am by Will and Dempsey and head to Joels house to pick him up. On the way we drive past Eiger studios and notice our friends The Accused unloading. That’s dedication for you. Band rehearsals at 9.30am on a Sunday. We arrive at Loom Studios at 10am. The room is as we left it the previous day. I notice the album track listing on the table and I analyse the previous days progress. We make some tea and coffee. Will has brought his own cafetière. I jokingly accuse him of being a privileged punk whilst I stir my Twinings Indian Spiced chai tea. We gather back in the control room and immediately start listening to the previous days work. Overall we are very pleased. We put a question mark at the side of ‘Mental’ because we think we can do it better so we’ll come back to it later. We still have four songs to do today. ‘Lake of Fire’ is the most difficult of them so we start with that one first. We manage to capture it easier than anticipated. ‘County Court’ and ‘Medusa’ are also recorded without hiccup. ‘The Sound of the Kraken’ was alright after a few false starts. Dempsey’s bass kept falling out of tune and become quite off putting. Before one of the takes I frustratingly ask him if he is ready for a take he says “Yes” I reply with “It’s just that you’ve got a screwdriver in your hand” Grant pisses himself and lightens the mood. We then manage to record a brilliant take. </p>
<p>We decide to break for lunch. I set up a Facebook live stream with Grant to do a q+a type thing but it didn’t quite go as planned with complaints of poor connections. We decide to end it and I go out to grab a sandwich. </p>
<p>After lunch we decide to revisit ‘Mental’. My thoughts are that it is too fast and too similar to two other songs on the album and it is a long way away from the song that I wrote. We load up my original demo and decide to try a version more akin to that. The new version would be much slower than the version we recorded the previous day. Giving it a more post-punk feel. We all agree that this version works better and adds a different dynamic to the album. I mess around with my vocal and I try mimic Ian Curtis and Glenn Danzig. <br>
After working on ‘Mental’ Grant feels as though he has all the drum takes he needs and starts to analyse and edit each song from the weekend. Me and Will start working on an idea for the album cover. We also start thinking about an album title. </p>
<p>We leave the studio at 6pm and we head home. I continue working on the album sleeve whilst listening to the studio recordings on my home system. Later in the evening I send Will a design and he’s really pleased with it. We both like the sound of the album title too. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_4720.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_4720.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a></p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1152/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1152/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=1152&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/46065992017-02-25T19:23:40+00:002017-02-25T19:29:49+00:00The lovely horse<p>So last night we did a secret gig in Leeds. So secret in fact there was only like ten people in the room. We decided to call ourselves ‘Lovely Horse’ to pay tribute to popular TV Show Father Ted. We changed a few things around. First I left the traditional Green and Black jumper at home, I wore shoes and socks, and I also played guitar throughout. Knowing we were due in the studio Saturday morning to start work on our new album we decided to book a low-key Friday night gig in order to road test our new material. So we played nine new songs. Mi Corazon, Venus and the Horse, Asylum, Mick McCool, Lake of Fire, Mental, I Want to be Loved, CoExist, and Medusa. The gig went well. It was weird playing guitar. I couldn’t be the usual frontman. We couldn’t even all fit onstage. We were all pretty pleased with the new songs and agreed that they’re all ready to record. After the gig the band decide to get an early night. I opted to stay out and have a few drinks with a girl I know and ended up having a bit of a boogie to the Indie Rock n Roll music being played in the upstairs bar. I got home about midnight and realise that I hadn’t eaten properly all day so I take a pasta bake to bed with me.</p>
<p>I woke up feeling pretty good at around 7am. The band picked me up at around 9. We head to Loom Studios in Birstall where we recorded our second album ‘Diamond in Dirt’. I also recorded my solo album here. I’ve also been here a fair bit recently helping Vince Cayo record his debut album. We load in and set up. Today’s focus is the drums. We can’t do anything until we’ve got the drums sounding top. I write out the track list for the album and we decide that we should aim to track six songs today. There’s quite a discussion about wether we use a click track for the drums or do we play it live. We opt for the live feel. We somehow manage to nail each song within three takes. We easily passed our target of 6 songs. In the end we hit 10 leaving 4 or 5 songs for tomorrow. I can’t believe at how well things have gone. We couldn’t have hoped for a better start. </p>
<p>I think today we went through</p>
<p>Mi Corazon pt.1, Mi Corazon pt.2, Mentira, Asylum, Mental, Mick McCool, Kaassouffle, CoExist, I Want To Be Loved, Venus and the Horse.</p>
<p>Our hard work at rehearsals had really paid off. Anyway I’m exhausted now and I’m back in the studio in the morning for round 2. Another update tomorrow.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_4714.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_4714.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a></p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1150/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1150/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=1150&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/45975872017-02-19T13:35:14+00:002017-02-22T19:54:46+00:00Ride out to London<p>Friday night I send Will a message. “I got funny feeling about the journey tomorrow”he responded with “Don’t worry there’s plenty of time to get there”. Saturday morning I wake up early and get ready for our first show in London for 12 months. I meet our photographer Pete at Leeds Bus Station at 8.30am. He’s just finished his night shift and plans to sleep all the way to London. We even bump into our guitarist Will who is taking the same route but via National Express. We get on the insanely full Megabus and get on our way. I even have cheeky look at Google Maps and it predicts our arrival at 1pm. Loads of time. Pete’s watching a TV show on his phone and falls asleep. I’m listening to some Spanish music by Cesaria Evoria. The sun even appears to be shining. Halfway down the motorway the driver makes an announcement that warning lights appear on his dashboard and that we’ll be pulling into Watford Gap services to let the bus cool down and see what happens. Wills National Express also pulls into the same services but their stop is scheduled. I tell him what’s going on with our bus and the driver isn’t filling me with confidence. I ask him if there is any spaces on his bus he said it’s also insanely full and also smells of rotting swede. His bus departs and we’re left waiting. Eventually we set off again. I’m counting the miles to London and keeping an eye on where we are on the map. 57 miles to go. The driver announces that the bus is failing again. I wake Pete up. You find taxi numbers I instruct. I found train times. We were at Newport Pagnell. 4 miles from Milton Keynes. I ask the driver if I can get my guitar from the luggage hold and he refuses. I tell him that we’re getting off now. We can’t afford to be late. He said a replacement bus has been despatched. I’m past caring. Taxi is ordered. Give me my guitar. Two other passengers get wind of our plans and opt to join us. The woman was pleasant. Her boyfriend was a prick. Overly stressed and impatient. We take a taxi to Milton Keynes station where his girlfriend starts flirting with me. He’s getting increasingly agitated. Me and Pete are openly laughing at them. There’s plenty of trains to London and we get on the first one. As it turns out we’re now ahead of schedule. Problem solved. Then a flurry of messages appear in my inbox. Dempsey has arrived in London. Joel’s just got off his bus and is greeted by paparazzi which confuses him. It turns out some shit rapper was also on his bus. Will texts me to say the National Express driver has just announced that the M1 is closed and that there are major delays and are being diverted. He congratulates me on my decision making in abandoning the Megabus because I would’ve never had made it. </p>
<p>I arrive at the venue on time and relieved. I’m also surprised to learn that only Joel had beat me to the venue. On the way there Pete is shocked at how fast paced London is. It’s his first visit and the poor bastard hadn’t slept much. His head must’ve been spinning. Dempsey arrives shortly after us and we’re shown the to our dressing room. We stock up on loads of happy hour beers from the bar and start planning for the show. We’d made it just in time for sound check. Will had yet to arrive. We manage to stall and delay our set up and buy a few vital minutes. In the mean time I get in the shower with my guitar and record a live version of our new song ‘Mi Corazon Part One’. Just as we finish Will walks in and is confused as to what we’re up to. Some guy fills up the fridge with beer. We assume it’s for us so we drink it all. Turns out it was for the other bands too **Sorry**. </p>
<p>We barely have time to get ready or collect our thoughts. We need to set up the stage and we’re straight on. The room is pretty full. In facts it’s the fullest gig room I’ve ever seen at 3.50pm and it’s no small room. We made a huge change to our setlist. For the first time possibly ever we dropped ‘Stand Up’ as well as regular songs like ‘SBHC’ and we even shortened ‘Retaliation’ so we could play two brand new songs. ‘Mi Corazon Part One’ and ‘Venus and the Horse’ I’m so glad we made that decision. I absolutely loved playing that stage. The sound was amazing. My only gripe about bigger venues is that there is less things to climb on. I do manage to reach the bar though. At one point it felt like I was crawling over broken glass. I’ll do it forever for the band. I was so proud of us. We brought our A game. Afterwards we mingled with the crowd and watched the other bands. Pete was exhausted and decided to get an early bus home. can’t blame him he must be delirious by now. To be honest I’m flagging too. I’ve drank heavily all day. I manage to watch Hard Skin then I decide to leave. After the earlier journey I can’t face another bus trip today so I go to stay with Barbara who I duetted with on my solo album. We stay up late getting more drunk and chatting with her cousin Francis. Eventually they make me up a bed with the promise of breakfast. It’s been a long but wonderful day. I want to cherish it forever. </p>
<p>I woke up this morning and as promised I’m served up a full English to help me on my way. Fantastic. As I type this I’m on the National Express to Leeds and I’m listening to Big Audio Dynamite and I’m catching up on all the photos, videos, and reviews of yesterday. I’m so full of joy <img src="https://s0.wp.com/wp-content/mu-plugins/wpcom-smileys/twemoji/2/72x72/1f49a.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="?" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s0.wp.com/wp-content/mu-plugins/wpcom-smileys/twemoji/2/72x72/1f5a4.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="?" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1148/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1148/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=1148&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/45570042017-01-19T21:45:00+00:002017-01-20T03:06:44+00:00Update<p>Hey,</p>
<p>Long time, no speak. I’ve not been writing these blogs for a few weeks. I started up these blog posts to focus me on the art of writing. Maybe to see me through a kind of writers block, to help me absorb my experiences of the previous twelve months, to help me remember what happens on tour. It appears to be working. Although I’ve not been writing the blogs. I have been writing songs. A lot of songs. I think in my last post I talked about finalising the track listing to the forthcoming album. You can scrap that list. Whilst on tour in November me and Will picked out 11 or 12 song that would become the next record, We aimed to start work immediately. We was all good to go. Then I wrote a new song, and then another, fifteen or twenty songs later I am here writing to you. We’ve spent the last few weeks learning these new songs and trying them on for size. We even played a brand new song at our recent show in Sowerby Bridge. We called it ‘Venus’. I think six or seven of the brand new songs will fit straight onto the album. The first draft of songs would’ve seen the new release placed firmly into the punk genre. However … these even newer songs take us elsewhere. To places we’ve previously dare not visit. It’s got me thinking about when punks used to like people like Lou Reed, Patti Smith, David Bowie, Joy Division. It wasn’t always about distorted guitars and mohicans. Punk was a mindset, an attitude, an expression and freedom to create. You’re going to get the album that we want to release. I’m not comfortable with simply picking out 12 punk songs. It’s too easy. It’s been done to death. I want to explore. We explored on the Diamond In Dirt album. We think we can deliver something better this time. Something more cohesive. There’s a calm confidence this time around. A belief in the songs. There’s unity. A team spirit. The lads are pushing some of my more braver out there songs to the forefront of the album. I’m trusting their judgement. We’re leaving some big songs behind in favour of these new ideas. I’m nervous but filled with excitement. When we recorded Diamond in Dirt we learnt the songs as we recorded them. This time we are going in fully prepared. We’ve done our research. We’re looking to bands like Bad Brains, Teardrop Explodes, Manu Chao, Fugazi, Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Clash, Guns n Roses. We got the heart and the soul of the record. Yet I don’t know how it’s going to sound. There are no walls and barriers this time.</p>
<p>We head in to the studio in February with no idea what will be Track 1, what will even be the single, whether the single will even be on the album. In truth if we had the budget it could be a double or maybe even a triple album. Anyone feel like sending a couple of grand in our direction?</p>
<p>Keep your eye on this blog for developments. I’ll try and keep you updated as we go along.</p>
<p>Rob x</p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1058/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/1058/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=1058&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/44905552016-11-30T22:31:45+00:002016-12-01T19:21:32+00:00Looking to the future.<p>I’ve been home from tour for just about over a week. I was ill for a few days coupled with exhaustion. I’ve had no time to relax. I was straight back to work. The weekend wasn’t even available to recharge my batteries. I was in the recording studio with Vince Cayo. We we’re recording some demos for his solo album. The kid was full of energy and inspiration after the tour. We had to capture it with a live recording session. Whilst in the studio I was arranging with Grant Henderson the plan for the next Yallas album. We start rehearsals for the album in the next couple of weeks. I would like the album to be released in the summer. I guess we need to start the sessions in the new year. Whilst on tour I was talking to Will about the track listing. We’ve already been playing some of the new songs live. County Court, Medusa, Kaassouffle, Kraken. We’ve also had stabs at Co-Exist, I Want to be Loved, and Stockholm Syndrome. Dempsey likes one of my demos called Kick Down the Walls. I also have songs called Slave, Mental, Money, and Mantra that I’d particularly like to work on. All in all there is about thirty songs written for this next album. There’s still time to write some more. I’m thinking about how we record this album. I want to record it in a similar manner to our first album. Play it live in the studio and overdub. I think it will suit the songs more. I also want to play guitar again on this album. I played it on the first album and very little on the second. It will also be our first album with Joel. It will be nice to get him on an album.</p>
<p>The album won’t be the only thing that we release next year. I’ve been editing some footage of our recent tour. I’m hoping to make some little documentary type film. I’m not sure what will happen with it yet. Do we simply stream it on YouTube, give the exclusive to a local film festival, Download from our website or do a DVD release or put it out with the new album. The Yalla Yallas don’t have PR or Management, we don’t have industry analysts advising us on trends and spreadsheets about the best tactical approach. We usually just release stuff as and when we see fit or when we can afford it. Our only aim on anything we do is that we don’t lose money. We’ve no desire to earn money from the band. We just like to keep afloat. The recent tour we broke even. We are delighted with that. Driving around two amazing countries. Performing. Drinking. Eating beautiful food. Meeting wonderful people. A safe place to stay every night. What more could anyone ask for? I could live that life for months at a time. I felt nothing but love. I feel lost now I’m home. I just want to go and do it all again. I’m already planning it.</p>
<p>Next year is looking like it will be our busiest yet. Recording and playing shows will take up most of our weekends for the first half of next year. We all have day jobs. I’m already turning down shows for next year. Which is sad but it’s also kind of a good position to be in. Personally I’ve had an extremely busy 2016. I’d like some downtime soon. Every week of my annual leave over the last two years I’ve used to either tour or to perform at music festivals. I could do with a holiday. I need some time to figure out the lyrics for the next album. The first album I tidied up much of the lyrics in Las Vegas and London. The second album I finished in Finland. My solo album I finished up in Barcelona. This time I’m going to try steal a weekend in Berlin. I need to get Xmas out of the way first. I’m asking Santa for some William Blake, Bukowski, and Patti Smith. I wish to explore the world of poetry more. I don’t actually like the character Bukowski. I do love his writing style though. It’s very easy to read. I like to read it in a Tom Waits voice. I also love to read Hunter S Thompson. I’m interested in reading some William Blake or William Burroughs. Patti Smith takes her inspiration from those guys. I want to try and see what she sees in their work and see if I can spot it in any of her work. I’m always looking at ways to improve my writing. This blog is also part of that challenge. I figure that the more I write then the words will come. I also hope that it will help me remember things. The other thing I take from this is that it forces me one or two evenings a week to reflect on the life I live. To stop. To absorb. To think and to get to know myself. It’s easy just to smash through all this brilliant stuff. I think about the things I have done in this last twelve months. Finishing my solo album. Releasing a vinyl record. Performing at Glastonbury. Making music videos. Touring in Europe twice. It’s everything I ever dreamed of as a kid. Listening to Guns n Roses in my bedroom. Imagining I was Axl Rose and I fronted a great Rock n Roll band. It’s mental when you think about it.</p>
<p>There is a compromise though. That is that I don’t get to do a lot of the normal stuff. Like visiting the Xmas market in my home city. Or going to other bands gigs. Having a normal relationship with a girlfriend. Watching shite TV and understanding what a Honey G is. I miss going to watch Leeds United at Elland Road. I could take three-six months out of music. I probably need to. I dare not. The only thing that I have to work on is momentum. I live in a mindset that I always need to strike when the iron is hot. Creativity, Art, Performance is all about being in the moment. I don’t feel like I’m ever allowed to be complacent. I always feel like it could be taken away at any moment. I always feel like it’s the last album, the last tour, the last gig, you never know when it will end. I treat it as such. That’s why I give it everything I’ve got. Because it’s all I’ve got.</p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/992/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/992/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=992&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/44770502016-11-21T12:03:18+00:002016-11-21T12:04:48+00:00…and home<p>We set off early from Emmen. Alarms were set for 8am. Plan was to leave at 9am. Storms are predicted. So far we’re on schedule. The traffic out of Emmen was non existent. It’s a lowly populated place out on the east side of The Netherlands. We head on a long straight road for 90 miles. Will is driving. We instruct Dave to sleep more in the back as he will be needed to drive later once we hit Dover. I’m riding up front writing the previous blog. I’m also DJ. I start by playing some Neu. Later I switch to Matthew Logan Vasquez. We all agree on the quality of the album. I tell the guys that I saw him in Dublin earlier in the year supporting Nathanial Rateliffe and the Nightsweats. Logan Vazquez was the better act. I bought the LP and I can’t stop playing it. The van rocks as the wind blasts into the side of it. We struggle to hit 40mph. I’m reading news reports of the storms hitting Britain last night. A ship had to be rescued in the English Channel. This is going to be a tough ride. Things are not helped much when we pull over for some diesel and we can’t restart the van. The indicator doesn’t show it but it appears we somehow have a flat battery. We all scratch our heads. We decide to give it a push though there isn’t much room to get it started. I’m relieved when I hear the engine kick in. Every stop along the way is treated with trepidation. To lighten the mood and worry I start to test everyone’s punk rock knowledge by playing a random playlist of punk songs. Vince, Dave, and Will actively join in naming the bands. I think we declared Vince the winner. Aside from the weather the journey is pretty smooth. It feels like we make it to Belgium in no time. We attempt to buy booze in Oostende but everywhere appears to be closed.</p>
<p>The next leg is a little bit more anxious. I’m saddened as we drive past the migrants trying to hitch a ride to the UK. I would personally let them all in. I fucking hate borders. As we approach the ferry terminal in Dunkirk some of us talk about our border experiences. I recount my story of pissing in a plant pot in a security guards office in Manchester Airport, and also my encounter with the British Border Force when I was heavily questioned because my previous travel history appeared suspicious. Dave talks about the time the time the French Police searched him. We expect to be targeted this time around. Six lads on tour in a camper van. We we’re right. The first guard wants to talk to us. Dave questions if we should get out of the van. Me and Will retort with “Fuck that, let them come to us”, Dave then asks to put a light on, “Nah fuck it, don’t make it easy for them”. After all we had nothing to worry about. We’re good lads. We’re questioned as to how we know each other and where we had been. We dismissively answer the questions and we’re allowed to pass. At the next barrier we are pulled over again. This time it’s an armed military guard. They get on the bus with their guns and want to look inside all of our equipment. He questions us in French. We have a French national, and a French speaking Englishman on board. Everyone plays dumb. Let the bastards earn their wage. Eventually we’re allowed to pass. Me and Will agree that we hate situations like that. We all knew 100% that we’ve done nothing wrong yet we’re treat like criminals because we dare to re-enter our homeland.</p>
<p>We line up in our dedicated space and go into the ferry port building for the toilet. I’m disappointed when I’m sat on the toilet and there’s an announcement that I subsequently misunderstand. The announcement advised all passengers to return to their vehicles for immediate evacuation. I took this as a security announcement. I cut short my visit, hastily wipe my arse, and pull up my trousers. I’m not satisfied.</p>
<p>We get on the ferry and find a spot. We show each other tour footage from our phones. Whilst crossing the channel I start to feel groggy and I sneeze a few times. Here comes the cold/flu. We dock at Dover. I feel depressed and exhausted. I get in the back of the van and sleep most of the way back to Leeds. I barely say a word. I give everyone a signed copy of my album thanking the guys for the tour. Joel gets the guys to sign his broken cymbal. He gives that to me.</p>
<p>I arrive home at 2am. I instantly feel alone. It’s been an intense few days that will take me a day or two to absorb. It’s nice to see my cat and to get into my own bed.</p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/945/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/945/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=945&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/44759042016-11-20T10:17:28+00:002022-02-21T11:27:39+00:00Last night in Emmen<p>I slept all the way from Nijmegen to Emmen but still feel really sleepy upon arrival. Food was just about ready to be served. The soup and the main were delicious. We load in for the final time of this tour. Both me and Vince claim to have another weeks worth of energy in us. I don’t know about Vince but I think I’m kidding myself. I was looking forward to completing the final show and having a good drink. News comes in from the UK that storms are forecast for the journey home. We agree to be leaving the venue at 9am. Alarms are set. Whilst waiting for the show to start we talk with some of the people from the squat. This is my third visit to Emmen so there are a few familiar faces. We watch a live stream of protests from Den Haag. We also get news of the street rave in Nijmegen that we had tried to perform at in the afternoon. Just after we left the police evicted everyone. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_4033.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_4033.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
Someone in the venue is having a birthday so it’s filled with balloons by the time Dave takes the stage. He’s a lot more direct with his words tonight. A lot more bite. Probably his best performance of the tour. It’s a shame we couldn’t record for the film. Vince also plays a solid set and reminds us all that tour is coming to a close. Surely there’s three more shows. </p>
<p>The Yallas take to the stage about 11pm. It’s quite hot in the room. The wood stove is burning. My voice was weak but I only need to do this one more time. People were asking about Kaassouffle before we’d even played a note. Someone else said that everyone is talking about that song. We smash through our set again. I am quickly running out of steam. Mid song I mouth to Dave “I’m fucked” then tear into the next line of the song. People are dancing and singing along. We lose a bit of momentum when Will snaps two strings and is forced to change both strings. Me, Vince, and Joel attempt to cover it with an unrehearsed jam freestyle of The Clash’s Magnificent Seven. Normal service resumes with Retaliation. Rock n Roll Kid was especially brutal tonight. I had no worries about losing my voice anymore. I give more than I’ve got. I was lost in my own darkness again at the end. My screams are pure horror. Yet again the crowd want more. We play Kaassouffle for the last time on tour. We get everyone to crouch down during the Middle 8. When everyone jumps up its pure bedlam. What a way to end the tour.</p>
<p>After the show everyone is offering us everything they’ve got beer, rum, homebrews, and local versions of Jäger. We drink and talk with people for a while but we all really need a good nights sleep before the journey home. We go to our rooms. Will goes to find some water. “Did you find any?” I ask upon my return. He replies with “No, it doesn’t matter because someone is playing Maggot Brain by Funkadelic” Will looks pretty pleased with that. Me and Dave piss ourselves laughing. We get into our beds and its lights out. I wonder what Dave will sleep talk about tonight.</p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/944/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/944/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=944&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/44749622016-11-19T15:13:20+00:002020-10-07T08:38:11+01:00Den Bosch -Nijmegen<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3973.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3973.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
Before every show I play in the Knoflook in Den Bosch I pay a visit to this little statue. I’m not sure who he is but it must be maritime related. Anyway I quite like the guy. We get to the venue. Vince goes to sleep. Me, Will, and Dave listen to some Black Flag, Traffic, and Butthole Surfers in the newly redecorated living room. Tonight’s show at Knoflook will be different for me as I will be playing in the brand new venue downstairs with full P.A. System. On Fridays at Knoflook they have a kitchen and people are served a beautiful three course vegan meal for a couple of euros. Diners are expected to wash their own dishes and also help with the kitchen pots and pans. Will and David offer to clean the kitchen pots. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_4003.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_4003.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_4005.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_4005.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
At dinner I sit with my friend Lotte a.k.a. Bettie Akkemaai. I toured with Lotte in July. We have a good chat and a catch up. She even helps me finish my meal. I was struggling with the spices in the main course. It was based on an Indonesian recipe. Inbetween courses a guy called Ivo who was dressed in traditional Dutch clogs, a red boiler suit, and some shades asked me if I would like to play his violin. I struggle to even hold it. People around the table are laughing at my struggles. I ask Ivo to join The Yallas later when we play. He agrees. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_4015.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_4015.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
After the meal the bar closes and we all move downstairs to the venue. I must admit it’s pretty cold. I’m not looking forward to playing barefoot on the cold tiled floor. Vince and Dave go about their sets and the crowd are enjoying both and the room begins to warm up. I get behind the stage curtain as Dave recites the Keith Moon poem. I take off my shows and socks. The floor is so cold that I can feel the tendons cramp a little in my feet. I take a swig of rum and honey. Bam They drums, bass, and guitar kick in. I burst to life and charge through the curtains. I’m impressed with the sound. During Kaassouffle I somehow manage to get everyone in the room to crouch down and jump up to the chorus. Insane. A Finnish girl in the crowd hears me talk Finnish at the end of SBHC. She shouts out “Ma rakastan sua” which means I love you. During The Sound of the Kraken I climb over the bar to Lotte who is working. She sings along the chorus with me. I accidentally smash my head on a light above the bar and they all go out. Ivo joins us during Credit Card Cunch to play some really dirty violin over the top. It’s just how I like it. I invite Lotte to join us for Retaliation. She belts out the chorus with her beautiful voice. She adds in little bits of support in the verses. I somehow end up wearing Ivo’s traditional Dutch clogs. Dancing around wearing only my pants and clogs is possibly the most bizarre thing I’ve ever done. The room is no longer cold and we drink in the venue for about two hours before we move back up to the main bar. I only have one more beer. I mainly spend the time talking to this girl about languages. She also talks to me about the show. Telling me that she found it to be a very personal performance. <a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_4020.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_4020.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
I finish my beer and go to my room. Will has the same idea. Will gets the bed on the floor. I get the top bunk. I wake up in the middle of the night for a piss. When I return I have to step over Will to get to the ladder. I misjudge everything and end up falling off the ladder and taking the ladder with me. I narrowly avoid Will. A short time later a man enters our room and lays next to Will before getting out and leaving. Somehow the Knoflook cat also got into our room and slept at the side of me. Which I don’t mind, but when it climb off the ladder it jumped on Will. Poor fella had it all last night.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_4024.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_4024.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
Today we got up early to head to Nijmegen. We have breakfast at a cafe in the centre. We were due to perform at a street rave, carnival type demonstration. At the time we were due to start the organisers are arguing with the Police. The police say we can only perform if we are acoustic. That would’ve been ideal however all our acoustic equipment was on the other side of the city. We were also running out of time with our schedule. We decide to leave the organisers and other bands to argue with the authorities while we get on our way to Emmen. We have time to sneak a very quick drink in the Bijstand. I’m now laid in the back of the camper resting up for our final show tonight. I’ll be sad when it’s over.</p>
<p>On a positive note though. Last night Me and Will sat and wrote a list of songs that could be our next album. </p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/942/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/942/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=942&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/44732442016-11-18T12:43:03+00:002020-10-07T05:45:24+01:00Back to Belgium<p>After the fantastic show in Nijmegen it was always going to be difficult to carry that energy and excitement into the next show. Somehow we find the energy to keep the momentum going. We had a lovely morning in Nijmegen. Eating breakfast. Talking with some of our new friends who seemed to be carrying on the previous nights party. We pack up and leave about 1pm to head to our next destination Gent in Belgium. It was a more difficult drive than we had anticipated. We hit major traffic in both Antwerp and Gent. Also a few other places along the way. We’re all a little tired and restless as we reach Cafe Molotov in Gent. As we enter the venue Joel, Vince, and David think it might be best to do a Yallas acoustic show. I strongly disagree. I want to give the full show. We set up accordingly. This room is tiny. Seppe from Zoersel has come to see us again. I ask him to help with the sound. The show wasn’t as wild as the Nijmegen show but it was equally as special. A Deliveroo man walked in the bar during Rock n Roll Kid. I write a new verse live on stage.</p>
<p>“He rides around on his bicycle delivering food.</p>
<p>He’s the man, he’s the man from Deliveroo”</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3949.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3949.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3944.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3944.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>Afterwards there is a frenzy of people buying T Shirts and CD’s from us. Including the bar manager. He buys the CD and plays it in the bar start to finish. I talk to him at length at the bar and pours me plenty of his homebrew rum and honey. Lovely stuff. When we leave the venue we head to the promoters house and eat pasta whilst watching Logan’s Run. We decide to drive through the night to Den Bosch because we wanted to wake up there to explore the city.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3955.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3955.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3959.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3959.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
We park up about 4am at De Graafse Akker. A piece of urban squatted farmland just outside the city centre. I had stayed here during my tour in July. Around 10am one of the guys behind the project knocks on our van and invites us in for coffee. I show the guys around the grounds. They are all impressed.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3963.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3963.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
We finish our coffees and make a move. News comes in that we have been invited back to Nijmegen to perform in a Street Rave tomorrow. We will play on the back of a truck and be driven around the city. We accept the invite. In the meantime Dave and Vince take the van to tonight’s venue Knoflook. I take the rest of the guys into Den Bosch. Me and Will buy some records. We actually leave Will in the store. He could be a while. I take Joel and Pete to the Bosch Exhibition. I have seen it before so I head to my friends vegan cafe Hap. Along the way I have a little catch up with my friends Annet and Sven. They are food shopping with their newborn baby Ole. He is lovely. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3970.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3970.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
<span id="selectionBoundary_1479462003295_13845509383827448" class="rangySelectionBoundary" style="line-height:0;display:none;"></span></p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/935/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/935/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=935&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/44714132016-11-17T12:05:04+00:002016-11-17T17:12:55+00:00Dreams are Made<p>I’ve just made breakfast for Joel and Vince. Bacon and scrambled egg. It was delicious. I was up early this morning chatting about last nights show with Jazz’s housemates. I’ve only had a few hours sleep after partying until the early hours.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3880.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3880.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
Yesterday we left Bajesdorp around 2pm. Before leaving me and Joel record a lovely version of ‘Medusa’ we set up some cameras and I hope to make a nice video out of it. Vince had told us the previous night that he had seen a guitar that he wanted to buy in Amsterdam. We devise a plan to get to the guitar shop and fill up at a nearby petrol station to avoid parking charges. Vince returns with a beautiful Tanglewood acoustic guitar. It’s about time he bought a decent sounding guitar. I have been loaning him mine over the last few months. Now we’re all set for the two hour journey to Nijmegen. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3896.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3896.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
We arrive around 4.30pm. We head to one of my favourite bars Kafe Bijstand. I have played here a number of times previously. We all grab a drink and play some pinball until the guys from Barleycorn Bastards finish their shifts. When we played together in Amsterdam on Sunday we decided to make a reservation to eat at Cafe Funkenstein. It was lovely for both bands to sit around a huge table and eat the delicious food. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3893.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3893.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
We barely have time to let the food settle because we have to load in at the venue. De Onderbroek. Not only do we bring in the amped etc… but we also help the staff load in the many crates of beer. I set up our merch stall whilst the lads set up the stage. Then we sound check. I’m in pure agony with my throat. I feel like crying. I don’t know how I will perform. I decide to tell everyone in the band to try not talk to me and to let me rest. I pull up my hoodie, take some painkillers, and try to sleep. </p>
<p>The room is filling up in time for David’s performance. They love him. Vince goes on straight after him. As we have been doing all tour The Yallas join him for his closing song. A cover of Social Distortions Ball and Chain. I’m on bass guitar duties. I have fun swinging it around the stage try to recreate Paul Simonon poses.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3904.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3904.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
David enters to stage to perform another couple of poems before introducing Barleycorn Bastards. The room is electric. The Bastards are even better than they were in Amsterdam. This is their hometown. The crowd are going wild. Our friend Jazz joins them to sing a song. She is amazing. Because the crowd are in full on party mode I instruct my band and David to get onstage as quick as we can after The Bastards as not to lose the momentum of the crowd. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3906.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3906.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
David introduces The Yallas with The Spirit of Keith Moon. As I enter the stage I look at the crowd and we captured them in an instant. My voice had somehow returned. It was like my body knew I needed to do it. Our third song of the night was ‘Kaassouffle’ the crowd go fucking wild. Joining us for shouts of “Lekker, Lekker” they love it. We love it. Insane. We smash through the rest of the set. I invite Jazz to sing Retaliation with us. She joins me in showing the crowd her pants. We played our last song Rock n Roll Kid and I’m still full of energy. We decided to give one more song. We had decided to drop Under Attack from tonight’s show. However we put it back in as an encore. We invite Maarten from Barleycorn Bastards to come and play the bagpipes with us. The crowd are going mental. Mosh pits. Nakedness. Mental. I’m amazed that throughout our set people knew the words to all the songs. We finish Under Attack and the crowd still want more. We decide to play Kaassouffle again and this time the crowd are even more wild and loud than the first time. Everything I’ve ever wanted to do in music I achieved last night. I found it nearly impossible to get out of the building. Everyone wanted to talk. I was buzzing.</p>
<p>After the show we decided to go to the Bijstand again for post-gig drinks. Me and Will are ordering Black Russians. I sit at the bar and chat to my friend Audrey. Whilst doing so Maarten had brought me a gift. A Kaassouffle. Good man. We start singing the Kaassouffle song whilst I munch on it. I’m having such a brilliant time. I don’t want the night to end. We end up back at Jazz’s house. We have another beer or two before calling it a night.</p>
<p>Tonight’s show is in Gent. I’m already excited though I don’t wish to leave Nijmegen. I wish I could stay another day or two.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3900-1.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3900-1.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a></p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/928/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/928/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=928&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/44693392016-11-16T09:47:18+00:002016-11-16T10:46:04+00:00Full house in Bajesdorp <p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3865.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3865.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a>I awake this morning with this guy laid on top of me. He’s been there all night. I feel pretty refreshed this morning. My throat is still bothering me. Saying that it held up well last night. </p>
<p>Yesterday I had quite a lazy day. I stayed in bed until midday. We had a band breakfast and then me and Will go to pick up the van from the car park which was a few miles out of town. We return to Jacks house where we had being staying the last couple of days to pack for the final time. We load up the van and say our goodbyes. I love Jack. He lives and breathes punk rock. He doesn’t just buy the albums and t-shirts. He houses the bands and musicians. He knows all the venues, promoters, and staff. His knowledge of the Amsterdam punk scene is second to none. I love listening to his stories and as we drive away the band are echoing my sentiments. </p>
<p>We arrive at the venue about 5pm. We are greeted by H. A very friendly Finnish lady who shows us around the complex. I try talk some Finnish with her but I am very rusty and it is a very difficult language. The venue is amongst a former prison complex on the outskirts of Amsterdam. It’s lovely. Like a little community. We take one look at the venue and we’re all impressed. If this place was in Leeds it would be wall to wall with hipsters massaging their moustaches and paying £7 a pint. Instead it will be wall to wall with Anarchists, Migrants, Punks, and Travellers eating quality vegan food paid for by a donation. </p>
<p>We take a look at the room and decide to do something different tonight. It would be lunacy to put a full bloodied Yallas gig in this room. We notice a piano in the corner. Joel’s little face lights up with excitement. “I’ll play piano” he calls. Vince on Accordion, Will on Banjo, and myself of acoustic guitar and vocal. We have a quick little practice before food is served and people start arriving.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3866.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3866.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>The food is delicious. I haven’t got a clue what the soup was but it was rivalling the soup I had at The Headshop in Nijmegen in July. Lovely stuff. The main was equally delicious. The room is full now and it looks like more people are arriving. I missed dessert as I was setting the stage. Dave Holmes is on first. He was on form again. The room was so full people were standing in the hallways. Vince was once again captivating.. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3863.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3863.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>After Vince’s set we start by thanking the venue for their hospitality. I also explain that the show we’re about to perform has never been done in this style. Earlier in practice we had the idea to re-arrange the songs into a hybrid of country/honky tonk/cocktail lounge hybrid. It was brilliant. I found myself missing lyrics or allowing the music to run through because I was creased with laughing. The crowd love it, they laugh and sing along. We majorly reworked ‘Medusa’ and afterwards we talk about recording this new version. This show we were getting paid by donations and I’m amazed at the healthy looking donation tin. WOW. They loved us. </p>
<p>Afterwards we join the friendly folk for drinks and many cannot believe that we don’t play shows in that style. I try explain that we’re a blistering balls out punk rock band. The venue closed about 1am and me and the band stay up late drinking, listening to Manu Chao, Nick Cave, and Pissed Jeans whilst talking art and photography. There was a genuine buzz around that table about what we had done. We start thinking of venues in Leeds with pianos and expanding this idea further. It’s nights like tonight we’re ideas are born, bam there was the spark, you can pinpoint that moment and it looks beautiful. It genuinely was one of my top 5 Yallas gigs of all time. </p>
<p>I’m excited about the show in Nijmegen later. Nijmegen feels like home. Here’s a picture of Will looking cool as fuck on a Metro yesterday.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3850.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3850.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a></p><br><a href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/920/" rel="nofollow"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/920/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=920&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/44674362016-11-15T11:12:20+00:002022-04-20T08:18:41+01:00From Leeds with Love<p>Yesterday was a fun day in Amsterdam. Will and Dempsey had gone to park the van in a secure parking spot. So me and rest of the boys went for breakfast and a little walk through the city. It was pretty damp and threatened further downpours so we didn’t venture too far. We ate pizza at a little take out place near Liedesplein. Whilst eating Will called to say he’d abandoned Dempsey on his shopping trip and could we meet him. We finish our pizzas and head to the ‘I Amsterdam’ sign. Along the way we pass through the Rijks museum. I love that building. I love to walk through the tunnel as there is often someone busking. The acoustics are delightful. Yesterday there was someone playing some classical music on a cello. We meet Will at the agreed place and decide to go for some coffee. Joel went to buy some cheese. On our way back to Jacks I show Will a little record store. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3803.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3803.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
The show was at Checkpoint Charlie. We arrive at the venue via tram about 7pm. I advise the boys on how to get a free tram journey back. I have a soft spot for Checkpoint Charlie. It’s my third time here. They have a soft spot for Leeds music. Other Leeds artists like Tim Loud, Troy Faid, and Miranda Arieh are also playing there this week. Jaro discusses with me about maybe a Leeds Festival in Amsterdam sometime. That would be amazing! Because of difficulties with the music license we have to play the show acoustically and without percussion. I take vocals and guitar, Will is on Banjo, and Vince is on accordion. Joel has to sit out. Dempsey left us in the afternoon to fly home. Before the music kicks off Myself, Vince, Joel, and David have a pinball competition. Which I won.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3817.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3817.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
David plays possibly his best show of the tour. Vince Cayo was great also. He adjusted his set because he had left his harmonicas on the tour bus and were locked away. There is no gap between sets so myself and Will join Vince as soon as his last song finished. It was nice to play Death Shoes and to play alternative versions of Yallas songs after two nights of blistering punk rock. We are asked for more songs at the end. Will and Vince sit down whilst I play solo versions of Bitter End and Burned. I’m particularly pleased with Burned. Will and Vince rejoin me to finish on Retaliation. We’re well received by the people in the room. <a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3825.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3825.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>After the show we take the tram back to Jacks. David is knackered I reckon he only had two hours sleep the previous night. He sleeps most of this journey. We order food from a takeaway and we buy a cheap case of 8.5% beer from the night shop. I eat my Kaassouffle and fries and manage a bottle of beer before heading off to bed.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3830.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3830.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
Tonight’s show is in Bajesdorp which is an old squatted prison complex. I’ve never been here before and I’m excited to play another new venue on the tour. We will also play this show acoustically. I can hear Will in the next room practising on his banjo.</p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/915/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/915/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=915&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/44654612016-11-14T10:49:13+00:002021-09-25T08:01:02+01:00Penguin Squad<p>It’s 11am I’m laid in bed at our hosts house in Amsterdam. I’m sharing a room with Dave. He’s just turned to me and yelled “Rob, What’s Penguin Squad?” I don’t know. One thing I do know for sure that he’s sleep talking again. I’ve already been up for breakfast this morning. Me and Will had the task of getting up at 8am to move the van to a cheaper parking place. Afterwards I went to an Albert Heijn store to pick up some things, and then to HEMA where I bought some Apple juice and warm cheese bread. I eat it as I’m walking back to Jacks and I’m back in bed for 9.30am. I’m making it my mission to rest tonight ahead of our acoustic show at Checkpoint Charlie. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3777.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3777.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
Last nights show was at the OCCII. What a lovely venue. We arrive about an hour early at 4pm and killed time at a bar near the venue. I put 50 cents in a fruit machine and win 22 Euros. Bonus. We unload and sound check before having dinner at 7pm. The guys have conjured up a wonderful Spaghetti with Mushroom sauce. We sing happy birthday to Pete. Afterwards me and Dempsey do the dishes.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3778.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3778.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
Doors open at the venue at 8pm and people start to arrive. The DJ is playing a song by Spirit of John, that pricks my ears and I go talk to the DJ. I tell him that I know them. The DJ tells me he loves King Zepha. King Zepha aka Sam Thornton is my best friend from school. Small word. David Holmes kicks off tonight’s show followed by Vince Cayo. Both are brilliant. Barleycorn Bastards are the main support act tonight. Maarten the whistle player is a friend of mine from Nijmegen. They were brilliant. Irish folk punk songs. If you like The Pogues you will love them. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3791.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3791.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
I’m pleased to see my friends Monty and Debs from Selby in the crowd. They are in Amsterdam for a birthday party. I was in a band with Monty. They also happened to be in Barcelona when I was there last year also. I jokingly accuse them of stalking me. The Yallas enter the stage at 11.15 and though it’s not too busy I’m still pleased with the turn out for our debut Amsterdam show. We play the same set as the previous night plus also an encore of Get Down and Get With It. ‘Rock n Roll Kid’ haunted me tonight. It was brilliant but I felt possessed, by the end of the song I found myself beating the floor with my fists screaming “I love you, I love you, I love you” it was primal. I do t know where it came from. I finish the song breathing heavily into the mic whilst in the foetal position. I’d given everything I’d got. So I thought. Shouts of more rang out.</p>
<p>After the show the DJ resumed his role. I drink beers and chat with Barleycorn Bastards. We arrange a meal before our next show with them on Wednesday in Nijmegen. That show will be mental. It feels like home turf for both bands. I cannot wait.</p>
<p>We go back to Jacks place. Me and Will decide to go the sleep early. Through the walls I hear Jack telling his stories of Punk Rock in the 80’s and the other bands he helps. I drift away.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3775.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3775.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a></p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/910/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/910/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=910&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/44643482016-11-13T10:19:20+00:002022-05-31T08:47:00+01:00The Mighty Zoezel <p>Oh my. Where to begin. The start I guess. We arrived at last nights venue at around 2pm. Our friend and tonight’s promoter Seppe is waiting for us and preparing the venue. We load in and prepare for the night ahead. Dempsey sends a message letting us know he’s made it to Antwerp and will be at the venue in time for our meal at 5pm. We set up and sound check our new songs ‘Kaassouffle’ and ‘Medusa’. Seppe nips out of the building and returns with a massive pot pan. His dear Mum had made us all Spaghetti Bolognese. There was loads we were still eating it at 4am. After dinner we start to question where Dempsey is. Seppe then asks if he can film us doing some acoustic sessions outside the venue. Of course we agree.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3732.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3732.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
After filming it was dark and It was nearly 8pm. We get a call from Dempsey. He was lost. Somehow he ended up in another town called Zandhoven. Me and Seppe set out to try find him. We found him lurking by some Pizza shop looking fed up but also relieved. As we return to the venue the other bands started arriving. The Sick Boys and Libery Valance. Both bands were outstanding. Sick Boys earned the man of the match performance though. Absolutely brilliant. Jef is an amazing frontman. It was like Eugene Hutz fronting Social Distortion.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3730.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3730.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
Around midnight we take to the stage. David Holmes introduced us whilst I was backstage. I noticed a set of casters used for lugging amps about. I decide that when the band burst on stage that I would run out and do a Klinsmann dive on the casters and skate across the room. It worked and felt ace. We smash through our set. The new songs go down a treat especially ‘Kaassouffle’. Normally I TRY get the crowd to strip to their pants during the final song. Not tonight. They just did it anyway about halfway through the set. Amazing. After we finish the gig the crowd start chanting the chorus of ‘Kaassouffle’. The smile on my face must’ve been huge.</p>
<p>I take some time to sell some merch and talk to crowd before joining everyone at the bar. This is where things get blurry. Pete our photographer is already smashed. Joel is on some of the finest beer Belgium has to offer. Westmalle. Somehow me and Dempsey get roped into some never ending darts drinking game. I don’t think anyone won that contest. Pete passes out. Will and Dave decided to have an early night. Myself, Joel, and Dempsey stay up til the early hours playing table football, pole dancing, and listening to some euro-techno music. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3760.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3760.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
I awake this morning and the flashbacks of last night just fill me with laughter and joy. We’re going to Amsterdam today. It’s Peters birthday. This could get messy. My voice? I have no voice. I just have to hit and hope that it returns at stage time. Dave walks into the room as I type this singing “Ain’t no party like a Yalla Yalla party”.</p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/905/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/905/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=905&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/44633962016-11-12T08:44:03+00:002016-11-12T09:47:01+00:00Good Morning Antwerp<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3712.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3712.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
It’s 9am and we’re parked in a truck lay-by just outside the Belgian city of Antwerp. We spent about an hour earlier rearranging the campervan so our crew of six people could lay down and sleep. I was docile in these proceedings as I had slept the last few hours quite comfortably after leaving the ferry. Luckily I’d had foresight of bringing a quilt with me. I’d managed to contort myself around amps and drum kits and get myself covered up. It’s backfired a little now because all the boys are sound asleep and I’m wide awake. I do get some quiet time I suppose. </p>
<p>It was quite funny on the ferry crossing. Joel had ordered a baguette and every time he went to take a bite I’d interrupt him with “Jorl … Can I have a bite of your baguette?” I kept it up for ages and we were in stitches. Joel got his revenge later when back on the bus by pestering me to share my quilt with him. </p>
<p>I’m thinking about the last time I crossed the channel with Dave. It was a nightmare. We ended up being involved in a search and rescue situation. I hate being on ferries and I usually go to Dover because of the shorter crossing time. Last time we ended up being at sea for six hours. I remember the captain declaring that there is a man overboard and continues to quote some old maritime laws. The staff proceed to do a headcount and role call. Twice. Everyone is accounted for twice. Strange. There are reports that one of the crew saw a person dressed all in black on the deck, downing their drink, and jumping off the back of the boat. I could imagine that a few people would go about this way to end their life. Whilst I and everyone else was concerned for the individual, we did have a show to perform and we were running late. Expecting this to be a regular occurrence I asked a member of staff in a considerate manner how long the search would last, so I could update the concert promoters. I was surprised to learn that the staff member had over twenty years of seniority and had never encountered such an event. A friend at home then also sent me a message explaining that it had made the national news. Eventually the search is called off and we’re on our way. I often wonder about that person. Did someone really go overboard? Did the crew imagine it? Was it a stowaway? I guess I’ll never know. Whoever was is often in my thoughts.</p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3710.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3710.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><br>
On a lighter note we also found time on the ferry to pull some funny faces. I’m torn between Joel or Will for winning that contest. Dave thought Will should win. Pete just pulled his normal face.</p>
<p>We’re going to stay in this lay-by til about midday. The venue said it would let us in early. That’s good. I might be able to sleep better then.</p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/901/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/901/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=901&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/44627452016-11-11T21:30:44+00:002016-11-11T21:40:12+00:00On the Road<p>I’m laid in the back of the tour van. Beer in hand. Snuggled up next to an accordion case. Comfy. Comfier than a Megabus. Will is driving. Dave is co-pilot. Vince and Joel are talking about Cocksparrer. Our photographer Pete is just chilling out. We’re halfway down the A1 and we’ve just had a piss stop. The journey so far has been pleasant. Plenty of jokes and stories. We’ve managed to get the fridge working … cold beer galore. We’re in good time for the ferry. We’ve discussed ideas for the tour film. We’ve decided to just keep it natural. I’m feeling so positive about this tour. There’s a good dynamic here. We’ve all toured before except for Pete. He’s set his go-pro up to the dashboard as to capture a time lapse of the journey to Antwerp. We decided that driving through the sunrise would look cool. I’m missing Dempsey a little. He’s took a flight to Brussels and we’ve agreed to pick him up in Antwerp tomorrow. I’m concerned about my voice, it’s not recovered how I would’ve liked after Tuesday’s chaotic gig in Bradford. </p>
<p>I’m amazed at the amount of well wishes we’ve had from our friends. It’s really comforting. It’s always hard to describe touring but hopefully over the next week or so I’ll be able to leave you all with a little insight into the world of an unsigned punk band from Leeds on our first tour of Europe. I’m looking forward to meeting friends in Antwerp, Nijmegen, and Den Bosch. People like Annet and Lotte spring to mind. I met them on my first tour of The Netherlands. The first time I toured Annet was single. The next time she had just met Sven. The third time they were expecting a baby, and now we have Ole. You step into people’s lives for a brief moment. You keep in contact. It’s fascinating to capture those snapshots. </p>
<p>Each time I visit I seem to make more friendships. People who are sometimes more important to me than those in my everyday life. I’m looking forward to touring with The Yallas so they can also meet the beautiful people that I’ve met. I look out the window and the moon is nearly whole. I predict Monday for a full moon. </p>
<p>I need another piss. We can’t be stopping every ten miles. I wish I had a bucket. </p>
<p><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3686.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3686.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a><a href="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3685.jpg"><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_3685.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a></p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/895/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/895/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=895&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/44595912016-11-09T21:58:40+00:002021-12-23T08:20:51+00:00Yalla Y-Al’s Dime Bar<p>I’ve no voice, I’m exhausted, and I’m a little worried. Not to worry. I’m resting up on the sofa after a long days work and last nights show in Bradford. I’m trying to make sense of it all. It was reckless. I know that. I arrived into Bradford about 5.30pm after finishing work. I head to the City Vaults for a Beer and a Panini for £4.99. Well worth it. I then notice that my friend Kate has tagged me in a post on Facebook. She’s waiting for me at tonight’s venue Al’s Dime Bar. I best go and meet her. I was hoping to meet her elsewhere. If I’m meeting a friend before a show I usually arrange to meet somewhere else close by. We have a little chat and a catch up. We get disturbed when Will arrives in the Yalla-Mobile. It’s our first outing in the behemoth of a vehicle. All of us are impressed with it. So much easier for us to unload and transport the band gear. Not so easy to drive and park though. We load in and set up. Tonight there is no Dempsey. Vince Cayo is standing in for the tour. So we give him the gig as a warm up.</p>
<p>There’s quite a few people in for a Tuesday night. Vince is doubling up as the support act and so he kicks off the show. He’s using my acoustic guitar. There’s something not quite right with the P.A. the vocals are distorting. It works pretty well for Vince. It adds a little rawness to his voice. I’m impressed with his cover of Tim Barry’s Wait at Milano. He is getting better and better. Tonight he invites The Yalla Yallas onstage to back him up for his final song. I take up the bass guitar. We do a cover of Social Distortion’s Ball and Chain. It’s quite nice just to play bass guitar from time to time and let someone else do the singing. I try and throw some shapes.</p>
<p>We take a break and enter the stage at 10pm. I’m concerned about the Vocal P.A. and the lack of monitors. There is nothing I can do about it now. We kick off with the first three tracks from our debut album Act of Defiance. The band are rocking but I’m not hearing any vocals. Will is also struggling to hear me. I battle through and do my best. The crowd seem to be enjoying it though. It took until Love, Anger, and the Credit Card Crunch for me to feel comfortable.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/15027401_10208695861694281_6643923794372785517_n.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="15027401_10208695861694281_6643923794372785517_n.jpg" /></p>
<p>I notice that my friend Jennie is in the crowd. Jennie used to play in a popular Bradford punk band called The Drastics. We ask her to join us for our penultimate song Retaliation. Vince took up the mic to play some harmonica and sing the chorus with me. I’m grateful for that as by this time my voice is getting weaker and weaker. During the middle 8 another friend of mine Chris Dover asks me if I’m at work in the morning. I tell him yeah and question why. He said “how fucked up do you fancy getting tonight?” and passed me a bottle of Old J Tiki-Fire. That shit is 151 proof, so with the whole room looking at me I had no choice but to accept the challenge and neck about 4-5 shots worth. It felt like my eyes were popping out of my head. Though it does soothe my throat a little</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/15036359_10210742325611397_3548433808412640283_n.jpg?w=341&h=192" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="15036359_10210742325611397_3548433808412640283_n.jpg" height="192" width="341" /></p>
<p>Our scheduled last song was our usual finisher Rock n Roll Kid. I manage to get some guy in the crowd to strip off to his pants. The room loves it. Somehow I end up behind the bar in my underwear, where all the bar staff were in their pants. A barmaid melts some ice on my chest. A barman puts some ice in my undies. Another barman pours more rum down my throat. This shit is crazy … but I like it. We finish the song and conclude the set. The crowd are demanding more. My voice is shot but I’m having so much fun. It’s Tuesday night. It feels more like a Saturday. Smiles on everyone’s faces. We end up doing two more songs.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/14947972_10208695862334297_3492015597963259781_n.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="14947972_10208695862334297_3492015597963259781_n.jpg" /></p>
<p>Afterwards we pack up our gear and load up our camper. I’d love to stay but it’s getting late. I sneak out a pint of beer and take it on the van. Me and Joel are sitting in the back admiring the comfort. Normally there’s four of us with our instruments squashed into a Nissan Micra. To be in a massive American Hymer is just a luxury. Will drops us all home. I try to sleep. My ears are ringing. I put on the TV as usual. The American election results are coming through. Clinton is in the lead. I fall asleep.</p>
<p>I woke up this morning to the news of Donald Trump being declared president. I’ve no voice. I’m Hungover. I’ve got to go to work. But last night was fucking brilliant. Worth all the pain of today. Thank you to everyone at Al's Dime Bar. Gail, Steve, Josh, and all the staff. Especially the cleaners.</p>
<p>SETLIST</p>
<p>Intro</p>
<p>Big Idea</p>
<p>Stand Up</p>
<p>Under Attack</p>
<p>Ik van hou Kaassouffle</p>
<p>The Sound of the Kraken</p>
<p>Medusa</p>
<p>County Court</p>
<p>Love, Anger, and the Credit Card Crunch</p>
<p>Retaliation</p>
<p>Rock n Roll Kid</p>
<p>***Encore***</p>
<p>Get Down and Get With It</p>
<p>S.B.H.C.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/14938352_10154635090072359_6541220508454186385_n.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="14938352_10154635090072359_6541220508454186385_n.jpg" /></p><br><a href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/820/" rel="nofollow"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/820/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=820&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/44553852016-11-07T12:07:12+00:002016-11-08T08:41:27+00:00Nine years of Yallas!<p>It’s Monday morning. I’m a little tired. I had quite a long day yesterday. Will came around early doors to take the tour van for a spin. What a vehicle. Then in the afternoon I joined my friend Pollock for a pint in Leeds to watch the football, we we’re joined by a few more of our friends, including Ben who had survived a fire in his apartment block on Saturday. He was extremely lucky that Pollock’s girlfriend had witnessed it and called him to see if he was ok. He was in a deep sleep as the fire raged. Allegedly the buildings alarms didn’t work. Scary stuff. Luckily everyone’s ok. We eat, drink, and listen to his story, we do the thing that all good friends would do in this situation and try drop as many fire jokes as we can. I’m wondering if he will have a house warming when he finally moves back home. After the football we go back to Pollock’s house where the boys watch the NFL. I vent my anger at such a ridiculous sport, the amount of stoppages and adverts is ridiculous. I decide to play Trivial Pursuit with the girls instead. Much more fun. About 10pm a little drunk I decide to head home. On the way I received a text message from a Leeds gig promoter. Doc.</p>
<p>Doc has been promoting gigs in Leeds for years. He hosts regular charity all day events called Docstoc. These events are usually held at The Primrose Pub on Meanwood Road. They are borderline legendary. There is usually an impossible amount of bands on each line up. Some of the bands have the most ridiculous names. So much so that there is a bit of a Yallas tour game where we try to invent imaginary bands that could play a Docstoc event. One day I hope ‘Concrete Slab’ or ‘Grass Verge’ are the headliners. The posters are usually designed in Microsoft Word using clip art for added effect. Every band in Leeds has a DocStoc story. Ours is that our very first gig as The Yalla Yallas was for Doc. I was reminded of this last night with his cryptic message.</p>
<p>“Ten years next year” he wrote.</p>
<p>“Ten years of what?” I replied</p>
<p>“Yallas, you played my 40th in January 2008”.</p>
<p>That is correct. We did indeed play his 40th at The Brudenell but that was not our first gig. Our very first gig was only a few weeks before at a venue called The Primrose. Doc booked us that night too but it was not one of his all day events. It was Saturday 22nd December and it fell on the fifth anniversary of Joe Strummer’s death. We called our band The Yalla Yallas after one of his songs. We didn’t have enough songs to fill the set so I started the gig acoustically. Then as a full band I think we played ‘Stand Up’ ‘Girls are Meaner than Boys’ ‘Rock n Roll Kid’ and a cover of Rancid’s ‘Roots Radicals’. This would’ve been Dempsey’s first ever gig. He borrowed a bass amp from our friend Pollock. He still hasn’t give him it back. It would’ve been the first time that I had played live with a band. Our original drummer was a guy called Kev Bellwood. I think he lasted about eight months in the band. He was an amazing drummer. I believed we we’re alright that night and I believe that we’ve got better every gig since.</p>
<p>That first gig also set the rules for the band. Fuck rehearsing endlessly. Just gig. 22nd December first gig. I only had the idea to form the band on or around the 16th November. What is that 5-6 weeks from the idea to stage?. I was in Amsterdam with Pollock. It was my girlfriends birthday. I bought her a scarf. We were having a rough time at that point and by Christmas we would be separated. I was heartbroken in Amsterdam I knew the end was coming. I decided that I wanted to form a punk band. I put all my anger and energy into The Yalla Yallas. I remember turning up to the two or three rehearsals with tears in my eyes and then turning the heartache into songs. I felt like I was gaining strength from the music. I wouldn’t say that any of the early songs are particularly about her, but she was certainly the spark that generated the energy and anger.</p>
<p>So anyway I’m in Amsterdam. I call Dempsey first and he agrees to play bass if I show him what to play – I didn’t think that deal would stand for the lifetime of the band. I still have to show him to this day. I can’t read music, but I know chords and notes. He doesn’t even know notes. Still to this day if I shout out A or D he just shrugs his shoulders and I have to physically show him. Tosser. Learn the bastard notes at least. I then ask Kev from 4 Letter Holiday if he will help out on drums. I would play guitar in those days. I also put an advert on Leeds Music Scene for another guitarist. We only got one response. Will Grinder. Cool name I thought. The advert was asking for a guitarist to join a band whose influences we’re The Clash, Iggy Pop, Guns n Roses, Dead Boys. Will writes back saying that sounds like his sort of band and directs me to his previous bands MySpace page. I take a listen and thought I’m not having him in my band, I didn’t even reply to his message. I decide to re-post the advert. Yet again, No response except for Will Grinder politely asking if I had received his previous message. This time he includes the words “I have a van”. Hired. We arrange a rehearsal and he tells us that he’s sold his van. Still to this day I don’t believe there ever was a van. Will plugs in and I quickly realise how close we we’re to missing out on one of the best guitarists in town. From day one Will has managed to take the songs I write and turn them into something else. He just brings them alive. Now I don’t ever write a song without imagining what Will could do with it.</p>
<p>So while we’re away on tour next week. I’ll be in the very city. Amsterdam. Nine years to the day from when I had the idea to form the band. Truthfully like most other bands that play Docstoc I never imagined that we would see out a full year. We have had our wobbles, and I get restless sometimes, but The Yalla Yallas right now are in a very good place. We’ve got a new album written, a tour to complete, and bookings into next year, and also the year after. Doc sent me another text message. It read “Keep Jan 2018 free, It’s my 50th”. Wouldn’t miss it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/703/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/703/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=703&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/44453052016-10-31T15:04:17+00:002020-06-13T12:58:53+01:00Medusa + Kaassouffle<p>The Yalla Yallas are not a band that is associated with rehearsals. If we’re rehearsing then we’re probably up to something. Last night we were booked in at Eiger Studios in Leeds. This is our regular place to practise. Before the practise I arranged to meet Vince Cayo our new substitute bass player. Vince is stepping in for Dempsey for some of the upcoming tour. I arrange to meet Vince near The Grove Inn at about 7.30pm. I thought I’ll get to The Grove earlier than arranged so I could have a pint before he arrives. I’m surprised to find Vince is already there. He is sitting with Kieran O’Malley. Kieran is a friend of mine who plays a mean violin. He played on my solo record. He had been performing earlier in the day with his band The Sea Whores. I ask Vince why he is so early. He said “I forgot about the fucking clocks”. Ah yes, the clocks. They went back last night signalling the arrival of what feels like an eternal darkness. I actually like this time of year. Sitting at home with the curtains closed, candles lit, and hiding from the cold and rain. I can be anti-social and not feel like I’m being judged. I love it. Kieran tells me to check out an album he made with our friend Nick Wallace. He plays me his favourite track. I forget the name of the song but I ask him to send me the band name. Death Valley Boys Club. I’ll listen to that on Monday evening I thought. We finish our drinks and head off to Eiger leaving Kieran behind.</p>
<p>As we arrive Will is already loaded in and set up. I notice his new Orange cab. It sounds really crisp. I notice another guitar amp. “Is that Dempsey’s? has he brought it for me? he doesn’t need that”. Dempsey had decided that rather than sit about for 2 hours whilst Vince played bass that he would join in and play some rhythm guitar. Will is playing about with some chords. They sound like the chords for ‘Medusa’ one of the new songs I’ve written, but elongated and more arena sized chords. I ask Will to keep playing and I sing over the top. The rhythm is wrong but it sort of works. We decide to work on this idea and end up coming up with a whole new intro to the song. About twenty minutes in we realise that our drummer is missing. We all tried calling Joel. We eventually make contact and Dempsey goes to pick him up. It turns out that he was so engrossed in watching the movie ‘Titanic’ that he forgot about the rehearsal. We decide to add an extra hour of rehearsal to make up for the lost time.</p>
<p>Joel takes about five minutes to set up and we set about working on ‘Medusa’. Joel had convinced me to use this song for The Yallas. I didn’t think it would work. I was wrong. It works as an acoustic-folk anti-love song. It works as a punk song. It’ll probably work as a techno song if someone dare try it. It’s just one of them songs. I love the lyrics. I wrote it as an explanation to a girl I was dating in the summer. She was falling in love, I was still heartbroken “don’t come closer you have been warned, my heart was stolen long ago”. I must admit, I’ve been a little lost for most of this year. After breaking up with my girlfriend in March I’ve been different. Unsettled maybe. I feel cold and heartless at times. Like I’m left with a curse over me. Writing songs is how I fight back. It helps me make sense of the universe. Music gives me strength. It helps me move forward. It helps me understand myself. Medusa is one of those songs.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/large593_pr_20110630_kaassouffle_los_open_72dpi.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="large593_pr_20110630_KAASSOUFFLE_LOS_OPEN_72dpi.jpg" /></p>
<p>We also worked on another new song. This one is less personal. It’s super fun and super catchy. All the words are in Dutch. It’s called ‘Ik hou van Kaassouffle’. It translates as I love Cheese Souffle. When I was on tour with Vince in The Netherlands in July we pretty much lived off Kaassouffle’s. They are like melted cheese in breadcrumbs that are deep fried. We don’t really have anything like it in the UK. Oh man, they are good. I remember being in a train station in Den Bosch joking to our friends Lotte and Sannie that I was going to write a song about Kaassouffle’s, I didn’t think I actually would. A few days ago I got this great little riff in my head and I wrote some words. I wrote a quite a political lyric. It felt too easy. I scrapped them and thought about writing something for the upcoming tour, maybe something in Dutch? It pretty much wrote itself. I thought the band were going to hate it, certainly complain or laugh about it. It turns out they love the song. We filmed a live video of the rehearsal on my iPhone and uploaded it to Facebook. Instantly our friends on the mainland were sending us nice messages back. Result.</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="N5SEJv_IPGY" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/N5SEJv_IPGY/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N5SEJv_IPGY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><br>We go through each of the new songs 5 or 6 times and also have a run through some not so regular songs like Intro/Big Idea, and Last Laugh. We would like to have the option of rotating the set list on tour to keep each show different. It’s safe to say that we’re all excited about playing in Europe. There was a lot of energy in the room last night.</p>
<p>Later I get home. My ears are buzzing. I already have tinnitus. A three hour rehearsal doesn’t help. I put on the TV and watch a documentary about the history of Skinhead’s presented by Don Letts. I remember the time I met him in London. I was at an after party at a gig and he was the DJ. He noticed my T-Shirt and confronted me. He was very assertive, you can tell he takes no shit. The shirt in question was a limited edition and he wanted to know where I got it from. In his words only certain people had this tee, including himself. I explained that it was my friend who designed it. We relaxed and had a chat and it turns out we have a fair few friends in common.</p>
<p>I wake up on the sofa about 2am, I must’ve fallen asleep. I notice a message on my phone. It’s from the girl I split up with back in March. It’s the first time she’s explained anything to me. Is it the universe in action again. Do you think it heard The Yalla Yallas rocking out a punked up version of Medusa and decided to give her a nudge? I’d like to think so. I instantly feel more at peace. I decide to remain on the sofa for the rest of the night.</p>
<p> </p><br><a href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/552/" rel="nofollow"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/552/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=552&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/44388622016-10-26T22:09:20+01:002022-03-11T11:00:24+00:00Efa’s Super-fanzine<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/14859675_10154588679407359_7536607550216973182_o.jpg?w=376&h=376" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="14859675_10154588679407359_7536607550216973182_o.jpg" height="376" width="376" /></p>
<p>So… the other day I was browsing Facebook. A post appears which grabs my interest. Efa Supertramp is plugging her tour fanzine which is for sale. Efa is an acoustic singer songwriter who I have never met nor heard her music. Still I decided to add her on Facebook a couple of months ago. She kindly accepted my request. I rarely request friendship from people who I have never met. Efa is different though. I’ve more than heard her name in passing. I’ve toured The Netherlands twice with Johnny Campbell and once with Bettie Akkemaai. Efa has also toured with these two troubadours. Now, when you spend time on tour with just one or two people you tend to talk. A lot. Not in a gossiping bitchy manner. More just about experiences. A good chunk of the time you tend to talk about other musicians you have toured or played shows with, funny stories, weird quirks, moments of excess. That sort of thing. On my last tour with Bettie she was talking about her tour with Efa. She would tell me stories about the venues they played together or how they hitchhiked across The Netherlands from one show to the next. Bettie had nothing but kind words for her. We also talked about Johnny. When you talk about Johnny there are many tales to tell, I’ll keep the best stories offline. For example Johnny had recently toured with Efa in Scandanavia. As usual with Johnny I was following his tour through Facebook. He tends to keep an interesting blog. One of the best posts he made was when he returned home from the tour. It read something along the lines of. Thanks to everyone in Copenhagen (I think he said Copenhagen, I could be wrong) for the show last night, does anyone know whose shoes these are? and does anyone know where my shoes are? I’d like to have them back please. It turns out he had woken up after a show and accidentally put someone else’s shoes on and left to go catch his flight home. He didn’t realise until he got to Manchester. The next time I saw him was a few weeks later in Huddersfield where I was playing a show. Naturally I asked him about his tour. He told me lots of great stories about his adventures with Efa. He asked me if I knew her, I said no. He said I should look her up. Taking his advice I dropped her a message and we become online friends.</p>
<p>So anyway. I like reading Punk/D.I.Y. Fanzines. Sometimes they are educational, sometimes hilarious, but more often than not I just appreciate the art. Each one has their own identity. So for a mere £2 plus postage and packaging I take a punt on Efa’s tour fanzine. A few days later it arrived. ‘Give Me Space’ a 56 page booklet covering her six week tour through eight countries. I read every page. I grinned from ear to ear whilst doing so. Especially the first section which covers The Netherlands. Nearly every squat she talks about I have either played in or am playing on my next tour. I often try explain the squat scene to fellow folk punk musicians in the UK. Even to my own band. This fanzine does it with such accuracy that I’m thinking of purchasing extra copies that I can dish out to friends to educate them on the subject. It’s also great to hear that Efa and her tour buddies behave in a similar manner to the people I’ve toured with. Things like washing own dishes, helping prepare food, rotating the order in which everyone performs to give everyone a chance to go on first and last, sharing instruments and looking out for each other. After all we’re all equal.</p>
<p>The fanzine is not just about tour stories. It’s also a guide. There’s tips on how to get around cheaper, recommendations of Vegan cafes, recipes, and a basic introduction into the legalities of squats, social centres throughout different regions. The but the main thing for me is how inspirational it is. I’m even thinking of doing my own zine or something similar sometime next year. Maybe I’ll use some of these blog posts as content.</p>
<p>At the start of this post I mention that I have never heard any of Efa’s music before. Whilst writing this blog tonight her album has been playing in the background. I’m very impressed. She’s the real deal. Buy her magazine and listen to her music. The links to everyone mentioned in this post are below. Enjoy.</p>
<p>Pick up your copy of ‘Give Me Space’ from here <a href="http://efasupertramp.bigcartel.com/product/give-me-space-a-tour-zine-by-efa-supertramp" target="_blank">http://efasupertramp.bigcartel.com/product/give-me-space-a-tour-zine-by-efa-supertramp</a></p>
<p>Check out here music here <a href="https://afiach.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">https://afiach.bandcamp.com/</a></p>
<p>Johnny Campbell’s latest album is here <a href="https://johnnycampbell.bandcamp.com/album/hook-line-and-sinker" target="_blank">https://johnnycampbell.bandcamp.com/album/hook-line-and-sinker </a></p>
<p>and Bettie Akkemaai’s website is here <a href="http://bettieakkemaai.nl/" target="_blank">http://bettieakkemaai.nl/</a></p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/14859675_10154588679407359_7536607550216973182_o.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="14859675_10154588679407359_7536607550216973182_o.jpg" /></p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/482/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/482/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=482&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/44351062016-10-24T23:22:58+01:002017-01-14T00:31:44+00:00Making friends and being influenced<p>I love my life. This evening I was laid on the sofa with my cat Yowzer watching the season seven premiere of The Walking Dead, which was quite unsettling. Then I switched on Netflix and was excited to see the new series of Black Mirror. The first episode was entirely believable. That is the way the world is heading. The amount of people I can attribute to that episode is ridiculous. I’m texting my friend Jennie about the show when I’m suddenly tagged in a post by the singer of one of my favourite ever bands Terrorvision.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/r-3487443-1332337133-jpeg.jpg?w=676" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="R-3487443-1332337133.jpeg.jpg" /></p>
<p>Now let me explain my love for Terrorvision. I first heard them on a Now compilation CD or something similar. I was only about 12. I liked the song about the Whales and Dolphins. I had also heard a song called ‘Alice, Whats the Matter?’ which I liked, my granny is called Alice. I don’t think I even knew they were songs by the same band. Come 1998 I was fifteen years old and I was working as a glass collector at a working mans club. I used to get paid about £1.85 an hour, and I’d typically work around ten hours a week and earn about £18.50 … rough maths. I’d spend that £18.50 on a sleeve of cigarettes from a guy in the club and in turn I would sell at school to teachers and class mates. I’d double my money easily. Sometimes I would skive off from school in the afternoons and buy a case of Starberg beer for £5 from Netto with my best friend Sam Thornton. I’d also buy some music magazines like Metal Hammer, Rocksound, and Kerrang. Usually whichever ones had free CD’s. Kerrang had one free cd in particular that really did shape my musical tastes for years to come. It had songs by Garbage, Nashville Pussy, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Everlast, and Terrorvision. The Terrorvision song was a song called ‘Josephine’ from their album ‘Shaving Peaches’. It’s a story about a guy whose best friend called Joe had a sex change, and in losing a best friend, he got himself a new girlfriend called ‘Josephine’. I seem to remember the band playing it on CD:UK which was ITV’s Saturday morning version of Top of the Pops. It must have been the first single of that album. I loved it. I rushed out into Leeds to buy a copy of the album. I seem to have two versions of that album. I think it got re-released because a remix of the follow up single Tequila went to number 2 in the charts. I loved that album. I still do. The lyrics are brilliant throughout. They announced a tour to go with the album and I went along with a load of my school friends to see them at the Town and Country Club in Leeds. It was amazing. I knew that I wanted to be in a band. It was my first proper gig. Beer in hand. I remember the security I.D. check.</p>
<p>“How old are you?”</p>
<p>“18?”</p>
<p>“No your not”</p>
<p>“Ok I’m sixteen” I was fifteen but you had to be sixteen to get in the gig.</p>
<p>“Ok, what hand do you write with?”</p>
<p>Now I’m awkward when I want to be so I said “Left” and he draws a big red cross on my left hand and says “If I catch a beer in that hand tonight you’re out”. We run inside and scrub the big red cross off our hands before it dries and get to the bar and order the cheapest shit they sell.</p>
<p>As years go by I catch Terrorvision live about fifteen times until they first split. I went to the final show at Penningtons in Bradford. That place was mad. It had goldfish in a fountain in the toilet. That’s got trouble written all over it. They released a CD of that gig and I’m on the sleeve. Please note that on that cover Tony is wearing a striped jumper. I thought it looked cool so I bought myself a striped jumper. A green and black one. You might have seen me wear it.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/10605993_10152684895992359_1161969750613010917_n.jpg?w=381&h=508" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="10605993_10152684895992359_1161969750613010917_n.jpg" height="508" width="381" /></p>
<p>Somehow in that time I met the band. I used to hang around with a girl called Leona who is still a very dear friend to me. She was also a huge fan. I got nearly everything of theirs signed. I remember Leona getting a toilet seat signed. This was fandom before fandom was a word.</p>
<p>After Terrorvision split I lost track but they did the odd reunion most of which I missed . I had also ventured into music myself and had my own band The Yalla Yallas – Our very first gig was with one of the guitarist’s from Terrorvision’s new band. We had split up ourselves in 2011. It was at one of these reunion shows when I caught Terrorvision at The Cockpit in Leeds. It was October 2012. I hadn’t seen them live for about a decade. I was watching them and thinking Tony is doing all my moves. He’s saying all the things I say. I realised then that he wasn’t copying me. I realised in that moment how heavily influenced I had been by him as a front man. My mate Rob tapped me on the shoulder and asked when The Yallas were reforming. I said never. Inside I knew I had to reform. I walked out of that gig that night buzzing and sent a message to all of my former band. Will replied straight away saying yes. Matt the drummer was already busy with another band. I never got a reply from Dempsey. We eventually reform with a new drummer. Dempsey turned up somewhere.</p>
<p>Anyway a few weeks ago I get asked to do a solo acoustic show supporting Tony Wright in Halifax. I jumped at the chance to support one of my musical heroes. It was such a privilege. After the show we we’re talking and exchanging pleasantry’s. We swapped LP’s and admired each others artwork. I wake up the next day and give his records a blast. Good albums.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/14796078_10154586476042359_184999323_o.jpg?w=273&h=485" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="14796078_10154586476042359_184999323_o.jpg" height="485" width="273" /></p>
<p>So back to tonight. One of my near life long musical heroes has tagged me in a photo. As you can see Tony is posing with my record in his van. He advises that it’s a great record to help you avoid speeding tickets. He goes on to praise the album saying that he’s took it to work with him and he loves it. If you’d have told that to the fifteen year old Rob Galloway, who is bouncing up and down in the town and country club idolising a fucking brilliant rock band he’d have never have believed you.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/14372362_10154470664782359_2349143658168708967_o.jpg?w=349&h=349" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="14372362_10154470664782359_2349143658168708967_o.jpg" height="349" width="349" /></p>
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<p> </p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/356/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/356/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=356&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/44329182016-10-23T11:55:47+01:002017-01-14T00:31:44+00:00The Fear and Something Strange<p>So tonight I have agreed to do a last minute acoustic gig at Verve in Leeds. I like doing acoustic gigs, I usually enjoy the Verve gigs a little more. They are always last minute for me. Hayley who runs the night is a good friend of mine, we’ve known each other a lot of years, and when we party, we party hard. Normally she asks her mailing list well in advance who would like to play and when, I never respond. I usually wait until I have something important coming up. I never treat ANY gig as a rehearsal, but the Verve gigs are usually my rehearsal. It’s hard practising songs as a solo artist. You can write a new song at home and think it’s great but then you go to play it live, you find yourself cringing at the lyrics and re-writing them onstage. Sunday nights at Verve have seen many of those nights from me. Every time I play there I usually stick in a new song or two and gauge the reaction from the audience. Hayley has a good ear for a song also, she usually has a few words for me afterwards.</p>
<p>Tonight I am thinking about my upcoming tour with The Yalla Yallas. I’m conscious that I need to keep my voice gig fit. I was pleased with my voice for last weeks Yallas gigs, and I looked at the calendar and noticed that my next gig was 8th November, that’s a long time to not sing properly. So I thought If I can play Verve on the 23rd October and then maybe find somewhere for the 30th October and maybe book a band rehearsal for the 5th or 6th November then that’ll do just nicely.</p>
<p>I am also toying with the idea of playing some new songs. That is all down to confidence. What I usually do when I’m thinking of playing new songs is to write two set lists. The first is the set list that I am planning on playing. The second is the set list I play when the fear sets in. The fear. It visits me every show. Whether it’s a Yallas gig, a solo gig, small crowd, big crowd, drunk, sober, the fear visits me at every single one in some capacity. The fear is different to nerves. I will discuss nerves another time. The fear hits me on stage. It’s random. Everything will be going smooth and then boom it hits me. I start thinking everyone in the room hates me. This gig is dying. Maybe I should retire. I’m not playing the next song. I need to play something else. My acoustic gigs usually end up with different set lists to the ones I walk on stage with. It’s rare we change the set list with The Yallas, we might have to do an encore sometimes but maybe it’s easier to overcome the fear with a band. Or maybe I deal with the fear a different way. With The Yallas I can climb on tables, or dance with someone in the crowd, I can move about, and if I move maybe they can’t see me. Acoustic shows I am pretty much tied to the stage with my guitar and a mic stand. I feel like people can see me, I feel naked, not naked in the usual sense. I feel like people can see my heart and soul, my blood and bones. I sing a lot of deeply personal lyrics. With the Yallas sometimes the lyrics are hidden by the loudness of the band. Acoustically you can hear every word. I feel vulnerable. And I guess if I am feeling vulnerable I will change the set around and maybe play less personal songs, or songs I can detach from, songs that I have sung a thousand times before.</p>
<p>Another factor in last minute changes to the set list is the audience. My latest album is an acoustic album and it’s mainly made up of gentle love songs. My aim is to do more of these songs live. However I do still like to play a couple of songs by The Yallas. I can’t ignore songs like Retaliation or Credit Card Crunch, they also make brilliant acoustic songs. Every now and then I see some familiar faces in the crowd who come to The Yallas shows. This can distract me and exaggerate the fear. Naturally I start thinking that they want to hear more Yallas songs. So the new songs can often go ignored. The opening track off my album ‘For No Good Reason’ is probably the biggest victim. Ironically It’s probably one of the most Yallas-like songs on the record but I’m not sure if I’ve ever played it live. It’s been written on many set lists but I never end up playing it.’The Girl I’m Dreaming Of’ is often written down and then left out on stage. This is usually down to confidence. It’s quite a complex guitar pattern for me to play – as you’ll know I’m not the worlds greatest guitar player. Sitting down it’s piss easy to play but to stand in front of a room full of people there is too much that can go wrong.</p>
<p>So anyway I’d like to play one or two new songs tonight. ‘Medusa’ is still new and I want to bed that into my set as a regular song. It feels good playing that song live, Joel the Yallas drummer wants us to do it full band, and a band from Bradford called Hoodoo Operators wish to cover it. There’s song called ‘A Place to Fall’ which I wrote in The Netherlands in the summer, I did play it one night in Nijmegen, and maybe once when I came back. ‘Something Strange’ is a song I’m still figuring out, I’m not sure who it’s about, I think I do but I’m not certain. This one has the potential to be re-written on stage.</p>
<p>“I look up to the stars tonight and all I can see,</p>
<p>is a thousand pictures that remind me of you,</p>
<p>and I know you are here with an eye over me,</p>
<p>guiding me in some kind of way.</p>
<p>I told her, I wish I could love her with every beat of my heart</p>
<p>but there’s something here holding me back</p>
<p>my mother, she told me that I should love her and leave her</p>
<p>she’s always right and that is a fact”</p>
<p>I’m not sure when or how I wrote this but I think it’s a conversation with a dead relative about a girl I’m in love with and I’m telling her what my mother thinks. It comes clearer in the next verse that I’m obviously in love with some that I shouldn’t be, I’ve been in some destructive relationships. There’s one or two candidates for who this lyric is about.</p>
<p>“You are my ruin, my weakness within,</p>
<p>some kind of curse of that I am sure</p>
<p>some kind of addiction, or is affliction</p>
<p>I’ll work it our some day I suppose</p>
<p>but right now I’m tortured, tormented and scarred</p>
<p>tears on my page, a shot through the heart</p>
<p>they say you’re not open until you’ve been broken</p>
<p>but that don’t mean you can tear me apart”</p>
<p>Hopefully I will wrestle with the fear tonight and have a bash at this song … Let’s see how it turns out.</p>
<p>Rob</p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/269/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/269/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=269&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/44214032016-10-16T15:44:19+01:002022-05-21T15:56:22+01:00Another Winter of Discontent 2017<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/14691921_1633122870319829_9218191044360370179_o.jpg?w=309&h=437" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="14691921_1633122870319829_9218191044360370179_o.jpg" height="437" width="309" /></p>
<p>Ooooh look at this lovely poster for a festival we’re doing in London in February. Another Winter of Discontent is held at The Dome in Tufnell Park, North London and it’s a cracking little punk festival. I’m chuffed as hell to be playing it again. Last year was such a pleasure.</p>
<p>Right now I feel like I’ve got to thank Steve for giving us his support. I’ve seen a few bands complaining on his page that the same bands are playing two years in a row and alluding to a clique. We are one of those bands playing again this year and in fact it’s our third AWOD in a row, as we also did the northern leg. Now let me explain our position. In all honesty I don’t know Steve, We’ve met twice and kept in touch online. We asked to play his inaugural AWOD North event in August 2015, and he kindly agreed to let us play the Sunday Afternoon, he didn’t know much about us and we we’re happy to have a ride out to Derby. The bill that day was great. We already knew about Los Fastidios, Oi Polloi, and Eddie Tenpole Tudor, and the rest of the bill was made up of bands much like ourselves. We we’re one of the first bands on that day, it was fairly quiet, and it felt like only a handful of people in the room plus the previous band The Featherz was watching us. Other bands could have thrown their toys out of the pram. Not us. We’re made of much tougher stuff. In fact we thrive off smaller crowds. Besides The Featherz who had just left the stage had been thoroughly entertaining.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/12321593_979938352089283_2663832445447747186_n.jpg?w=405&h=269" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="12321593_979938352089283_2663832445447747186_n.jpg" height="269" width="405" /></p>
<p>We went onstage and did our thing with as much energy and passion as we normally would do, and to be honest all of us in the band felt like we we’re poor, I remember saying to Dempsey “Fuck it, let’s just write that one off, it’s Sunday no one gives a fuck about us here, let’s get pissed”. We ended up getting drunk, dancing to Los Fastidios and Oi Polloi, and being the last guys in the building. The daft thing is I fancied an early night as I was meant to be going in the studio the next morning to start work on my debut solo album. All the way back to Leeds I was threatening to be sick out of the car window whilst texting Janice Long on Radio 2, she read out some of the messages. We cheered each one. The next morning I headed into the studio and set about my album and told Grant my long time producer that I thought we were rubbish at the AWOD North gig. Then this happened!</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/14724001_10154557860267359_326250186_o-1.jpg?w=362&h=644" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="14724001_10154557860267359_326250186_o (1).jpg" height="644" width="362" /></p>
<p>I screen shot the message as you can see and sent it out to the band, responses of “What the fuck?, we were rubbish, great review though” start hurling back in my direction. Steve also gets in touch and offers us a slot at the main AWOD Fest in London for the following February. Yes, of course was my response.</p>
<p>February 2016 arrives, Me , Dempsey, and our girlfriends arrive in London. It was the night before the show and we hit a few bars in Camden, and then Big Red on Holloway Road, I had forgot but I had taken Dempsey and Emma in there before, I also reminded myself that I had spent New Years Eve there a few years earlier with my ex wife. We play some table football and leave for our hotels. I walk out of Big Red onto Holloway Road and I fall on my arse in front of oncoming traffic … but I wasn’t drunk, was it my shoes? Who knows. Further down the road I fall down again. Like a sniper had shot me. Lila starts heckling me asking if I’m drunk or just an idiot? Dempsey defends me to a degree by agreeing that I’m not drunk therefore I must be an idiot. Me and Lila we’re staying in the EasyHotel on Old Street, it was awful, no windows, and the air con was broken and stuck on the hot hot hot setting, I ended up sleeping on the bathroom floor to absorb some cold. Lila somehow slept in the bed. The next day we go for some drinks in Kentish Town and wait for Joel and Will to arrive. Will tells me a funny story about how some guy wouldn’t go buy his girlfriend a coffee on the train. So Will being Will was going to buy a drink anyway offers to buy her a coffee and causes an argument between the couple. The girl prodding her boyfriend with comments like “That’s what a real, kind gentleman does”. Will is a quiet man but at times he can cause the universe the shift with a simple comment or a simple guitar riff.</p>
<p>Dempsey joins us a little later he had been shopping. We head to The Dome, this place is huge. The gig is in full swing, our friends Autopsy Boys also from Leeds are already on stage and we’re being shown to the dressing room. I’m hungover and feel rotten after a shite nights sleep. And as is often the case with me I was losing my voice. I notice a bottle of honey backstage, Fuck drugs, this is my shit … GIVE ME THAT HONEY!!! I neck a bit of it … neat. This stuff is too good to mix. I do another shot before I go on stage and I neck some rum.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/12496338_1024866417535781_300864200612101331_o.jpg?w=313&h=313" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="12496338_1024866417535781_300864200612101331_o.jpg" height="313" width="313" /></p>
<p>I was impressed with the stage and the room. Except that stage is REALLY high. I like to jump off stages. This gig could hurt. There’s a stage manager and he reminds us that we’ve got 40 minutes. I tell him not to worry. We go on and we’re on fire, and unlike the Sunday afternoon in Derby, the Sunday afternoon in London was very well attended and the crowd seem to be really into us. We give everything we’ve got. Unexpectedly I fall over twice onstage, I’m now starting to worry if there is something wrong with me. We finish on a cover of Little Richard/Slade’s ‘Get Down and Get With It’. The stage manager greets us as we walk offstage “How was that for time?” I ask. “Bang on time mate, can’t believe it”, “That’s how we operate” I grab my rum and walk off like some diva, some lady from Belfast asks me for a set list and compliments me on my handwriting. After the gig Steve greets us and explains that he would’ve liked to have given us a later slot, he offers us a slot for 2017 and we bite his hand off. After the gig we take my very first uber taxi ride to Kings Cross and we have some beers and burritos before heading back to Leeds. Dempsey heads down to Brixton to watch Austin Lucas.</p>
<p>The next day I am in the studio again. I was absolutely exhausted from the gig. Previously I had been working on a song called ‘Burned’ with Barbara Pugliese from Barbarella’s Bang Bang. My voice was shot. I could barely talk. I sounded like Tom Waits. Lila had recently got me into him, she was a big fan, maybe I could give a little nod to Tom Waits for her. Will was meant to be recording some additional guitars and then the album was complete. I rush in to the studio. Grant wants to chat. I felt rude. “Grant, set a mic up and load up burned, I got an idea”. I go into the vocal booth and re-record my vocal. I ask for Will and Grant’s verdict “That’s the one, you sound like Tom Waits” I was pleased. Now I could rest. Whilst Will is recording I receive this message and yet again it’s another sterling review. I sent it out to the band and we’re all pleased.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/12822886_10153936546942359_707753979_o-1.jpg?w=382&h=679" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="12822886_10153936546942359_707753979_o (1).jpg" height="679" width="382" /></p>
<p>As you can see AWOD is something that’s important to me and this year’s AWOD festival is something I’m personally looking forward to. We’ve got a Saturday slot, the line up is amazing, and I don’t have to be in the studio the next day. Steve and the guys have made us all feel so welcome, and shown us such warmth. We want to give them the best performance yet. We want to up our game even more, and we don’t think they have seen our best performance. The Yalla Yallas are fans of Los Fastiodios, Brassick, Hard Skin, Bolshy.</p>
<p>Get your tickets now from <a href="http://www.wegottickets.com/f/9803" target="_blank">http://www.wegottickets.com/f/9803</a></p>
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<p> </p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/150/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/150/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=150&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/44207712016-10-15T18:38:42+01:002017-01-14T00:31:44+00:00An Empty Page and some Barb Wire Dolls<p>It’s Saturday morning, I’m at work, and I’m munching on the remains of last nights pizza. I’m trying to absorb and make sense of last nights escapades but I keep getting interrupted by quite possibly the most boring man in the universe. Right now I’m as far from Rock n Roll as I could possibly imagine.</p>
<p>Last night The Yalla Yallas played a show at The Temple of Boom in Leeds with the infamous Barb Wire Dolls, and Manchester band The Empty Page. I’ve never visited this venue before, and as I clamber into the venue with a bass guitar in each hand I imagined CBGB’s and if this is what it would have been like in its prime. I find it fitting that the lyrics to Iggy and the Stooges ‘Search and Destroy’ are painted on the ceiling. The toilet never stops flushing and it’s like a maze to find the bar. The Clash are on the record player. This feels like home.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/14657434_10154550122557359_3643186174513829637_n.jpg?w=299&h=374" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="14657434_10154550122557359_3643186174513829637_n.jpg" height="374" width="299" /></p>
<p>I spent most of the evening being anti-social behind the merch stall. Though I was having intermittent conversations with the Barb Wire Dolls tour manager. She offered me her leftover food as the first band The Empty Page kicked off the show. WOW. I was blown away, They reminded me of various 90’s Post-Punk/Grunge/Riot Girl bands. I loved the singer Kelii’s voice and presence. Very endearing. Our bass player Dempsey was in love with her short scale squire bass, and he was even more envious tonight because he had to borrow my bass guitar as his had broken the previous night, and attempts to fix his in the hours leading up to the show had failed.</p>
<p>While the band are being well received to an ever growing crowd I start to psyche myself up, I’m hoping to at least match the brilliance of the opening band. I’m looking forward to this one. I tell The Yallas to set up quick so we can steal an extra few minutes and that means we could squeeze another song in. Earlier we sound checked and I wasn’t impressed with the sound onstage. However now the room had filled up things sounded much better. The room is about three quarters full and we kick things off with ‘Stand Up’. Earlier in the evening myself and our drummer Joel had been talking to a disabled man in a wheelchair, I noticed that he was parked up at the front. During ‘Stand Up’ he leaped from his wheelchair and joined in the action. I realised he was a little too drunk. Never mind, we like drunk people I thought. We smash through the set and felt like we were on fire. Photographers seemed to be in an abundance tonight and they appeared to be having fun.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/14708302_10154554322322359_8086531693735839519_n.jpg?w=328&h=328" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="14708302_10154554322322359_8086531693735839519_n.jpg" height="328" width="328" /></p>
<p>I could see them trying to figure out my next move. Things took a turn during ‘Retaliation’. The drunk disabled guy who was out of his wheelchair and on his feet dancing in a chaotic manner decided for some reason to grab me by my throat with both hands and squeeze. Now I’m used to being manhandled at gigs, you expect it to a degree, one thing I don’t expect nor do I accept is anyone grabbing me by the throat with both hands. Naturally I wanted to hit him. Newspaper headlines appeared in my head “YALLAS FRONTMAN BEATS UP DISABLED MAN” I decide to not hit him for this reason, he does fall over though. I drop the mic and tell him quite clearly to not touch me again, and probably even to fuck off. Some brilliant people in the crowd create a little barrier and I resume singing the song, afterwards I’m made aware that the band didn’t notice what happened. Our last song is our usual finisher. ‘Rock n Roll Kid’, I was angered by now, and I’d lost a little focused and midway through the song the man grabbed me again and I asked for him to be removed from the crowd. I HATED doing this but I felt like he was distracting everyone including myself from the show. We finish with a flurry of energy and anger. I remember beating the floor as if I was King Kong over the closing notes and singing ‘I Put a Spell on You’ over the feedback, It was chaotic, destructive, and brutal. That’s the way I like it.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/14729164_1114964455248274_6949782425495640052_n.jpg?w=233&h=335" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="14729164_1114964455248274_6949782425495640052_n.jpg" height="335" width="233" /></p>
<p>After the set I was approached by a few friends asking me if I was ok, I was ok, just a little annoyed that I let someone wind me up. A drink is passed to me and I rejoin the Merch stall and flog a few CD’s. I remained there for the rest of the night chatting with the singer from The Empty Page whilst watching the Barb Wire Dolls. I’m still undecided as to what I think about their show. I loved the energy, I think Isis is an incredible front woman, and the band are tight. I just think the songs are weak … Maybe? Is it possible that they rely too much on their image? I don’t know. I notice that the guy I had removed was allowed back in for the Barb Wire Dolls show, and three songs in he is once again ejected by the crowd. I don’t know why but it did please me to know that it wasn’t only me who had a problem with him. I had been questioning if I had been a little over the top in my reaction.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/14591761_10154553195632359_8404754975460873238_n.jpg?w=255&h=255" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="14591761_10154553195632359_8404754975460873238_n.jpg" height="255" width="255" /><br>After the show people came up to the stall for Barb Wire Dolls merch and photos with Isis, whilst waiting people were complimenting Kelii and myself that they enjoyed both our bands, it’s always good to hear. We wait for everyone to leave, me and Dempsey pack up our merch and pose for a few photos with Barb Wire Dolls before leaving the venue with Joel.<br>We headed up to Bad Apples rock bar for a drink, and then went for a pizza. On the way whilst crossing the road, I noticed a man walking in our direction and he was<br>masturbating another man whilst walking down the street, I grin and say “Skillz … have a nice night boys” they looked shocked and embarrassed and the guy retrieved his hand from the other gentleman’s pants. Me and Dempsey have a little giggle before ordering our takeaway.</p>
<p><img src="https://robgalloway.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/14731236_10154552251647359_6202287552777844786_n.jpg?w=253&h=253" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="14731236_10154552251647359_6202287552777844786_n.jpg" height="253" width="253" /><br><br>Overall it was a cracking night and I can’t wait for the next gig.</p>
<p>Setlist: Temple of Boom, Leeds 14/10/2016</p>
<p>Stand Up</p>
<p>Under Attack</p>
<p>S.B.H.C.</p>
<p>The Sound of the Kraken</p>
<p>County Court</p>
<p>Love, Anger, and the Credit Card Crunch</p>
<p>Retaliation</p>
<p>Rock n Roll Kid</p>
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<p> </p><br><a href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/62/" rel="nofollow"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/62/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=62&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/44192192016-10-14T17:00:47+01:002017-01-14T00:31:44+00:00Last Night at the Belgrave<p>I never thought I’d ever play at the Belgrave. Trendy, hipster central, and a historical disagreement with management filled me with a lack of enthusiasm for the show. However, it turned out to be a nice venue and the crowd were great. Dancing, singing, and stripping off on an autumnal Thursday night is always something to enjoy. I thought we played well and we helped raise some cash for the Crisis sponsored Musicians Against Homelessness event – SUCCESS. Earlier I managed to secure some tickets for the guys who had volunteered at Leeds Tent City recently. About ten of them attended the show and it was a pleasure to meet them. For those of you unfamiliar with Leeds Tent City. It was a direct action protest run by a collective of volunteers who took it upon themselves to take on the Council in a bid to provide safe/secure accommodation to the cities rough sleepers, and they were successful. Amazing work. I hope they enjoyed the show.</p>
<p>Right now I ache all over and I’m readying myself for tonight’s show at Temple of Boom. Another new venue for me. We’re supporting a group called Barb Wire Dolls, I’ll report back tomorrow.</p>
<p>Rob x</p>
<p>SETLIST: Belgrave, Leeds 13/10/2016</p>
<p>Stand Up</p>
<p>Under Attack</p>
<p>Sound of the Kraken</p>
<p>County Court</p>
<p>Love, Anger, and the Credit Card Crunch</p>
<p>Retaliation</p>
<p>Rock n Roll Kid</p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/61/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/61/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=61&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/44159752016-10-12T18:39:49+01:002017-01-14T00:31:44+00:00Two gigs in Leeds<p>So it’s Wednesday evening. I’ve just got home from work. I’m answering emails relating to the upcoming tour in The Netherlands. I’ve yet to make and eat my dinner, have a bath, before I think about going to bed. Do you think Bruce Springsteen or Billy Bragg have to do this? They are musicians who represent the working man or so they say? When was the last time they did a full week on a factory floor? Finish their day and then think about doing a rehearsal or doing another show? I’m thinking about tomorrow and Friday, I get up at 7.30am I’ve got to get ready for the gig before I go to work, do my shift til 5pm, come home, shower, eat dinner, and get to the venue for 6.30pm (load in time is 4pm). We’re not onstage until 10.30pm and to be honest at that time of night I’d love to be in my dressing gown and thinking about going to bed. However I’ll be shaking with nerves, ready to walk on and give every bit of energy I can find until I collapse in a crumpled heap at the end of the set. People will naturally want to have a drink with me after the show – which I love, the band will be packing up and we’ll be thinking about getting home, with a bit of luck it’ll be before 1am and I won’t be too drunk. Will I have any voice left? I’ll worry about that in the morning. Morning comes 7.30am no voice, gig tonight again, work today again, better drink some Hot, honey, lemon, and ginger, hopefully that’ll rescue me, here comes the hang over, I’ll get through work and hopefully I’ll be fit enough to do the show.</p>
<p>Back to tonight … It’s Wednesday and Friday is a long way off. I shall answer these Emails and then have a bath, by the time I’m done I’m hoping the mince meat is defrosted as I’m planning to make enough spaghetti bolognese that can be re-heated for the next few days as I wont have time to make anything fresh. I also need to do some press ups and some planking, this is good for my core and to strengthen the stomach muscles. I’m not really a fitness man but I’ve figured that my voice lasts longer and is stronger if I do about 50 press ups and a minute of two of planking.</p>
<p>I’ll go into more detail about my fitness and diet techniques another time haha.</p>
<p>Rob x</p>
<p> </p><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/38/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/robgalloway.wordpress.com/38/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=robgalloway.wordpress.com&blog=69403812&post=38&subd=robgalloway&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />The Yalla Yallastag:theyallayallas.com,2005:Post/44119982016-10-10T12:01:27+01:002016-10-10T12:01:27+01:0010th OctoberHi Guys,<br><br>Well it's been a very busy year so far, One which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I have played band/solo gigs up and down the country, performed at Glastonbury Festival again, and completed yet another solo acoustic tour in Europe. I've released my solo debut album 'Reflections', filmed a couple of videos, and there is still two months of the year left to go.<br><br>I am starting up this blog in principle to cover the upcoming tour of Belgium/The Netherlands with The Yalla Yallas. I thought it would be great to document my thoughts, feelings, and experiences in the time leading up to, during, and after the tour. There are lot's of emotions. This tour is going to be different for me this time around. Usually it's just me and a guitar and one or two other artists travelling around by train. This time it's my band, support acts, and a photographer travelling around in a Hymer camper van. We are looking at the idea of filming and photographing the whole tour. The idea has been floated about documenting everything and putting together a film when we return. The target is for the film to be broadcast exclusively at a film festival some time in 2017 with a possible DVD release. I'm hoping this blog will help me create/find some kind of narrative for the film. It's an ambitious project, although it's something that I think will be worth the time and effort. Last year I decided to take a break from performing live during December/January (except for filming a TV special) and I aim to do the same again this year. I'm hoping to spend this time editing the film. <br><br>Right now I am busy finalising the dates of the tour. It's quite difficult booking everything yourself, we're not in a position to book dates on an efficient route. We will be going back and forth over the Belgium/Netherlands border more time than we would like. We basically have to take shows based on availability, We can't be choosy at this stage. We have to be prepared to play anywhere on any day of the week. Then of course our shows are not bound by big contracts so sometimes we might think that the tour is booked and finalised and then a show gets cancelled or re-arranged. It can be frustrating but then it's quite rewarding when you manage to find a replacement show. <br><br>Anyway ... I hope you like the new design of the website. <br><br>See you soon<br><br>Rob<br> The Yalla Yallas