Rob with John, the Barley Mow host

Rob with MOT at The Eastcote

I’ve just had a pretty busy weekend gig-wise.   On Friday night I did a solo gig at The Barley Mow in Shepperton.  This was closely followed the following evening, with a Saturday night appearance with ‘MOT’ at the Eastcote in South Harrow, and both gigs seemed to go down quite well with all present.  For those of you who missed either or both gigs, or for those of you who may have come along and want to re-live two marvellous experiences, video and photographic evidence will be appearing on this site shortly, within the next few days – hope you enjoy !

BFN,  Rob.

The Barley Mow, Shepperton

Well, after a bit of a break, I’m back with a long awaited solo gig at The Barley Mow in Shepperton.  For details, see the Gigs page.

For those of you who haven’t visited the Barley Mow before, I can assure you it’s a pub with loads of atmosphere, very oldy world in a cosy sort of way. It’s a venue I’ve not played before, but I have dropped in on many occasions.The staff and locals are all friendly and there are always a number of real ales available.

Hope to see as many of you as possible.

Cheers,   BFN,   Rob.

Ian records the lead vocal

Yes folks, Riff Raff’s very own Ian Andrews recently won a competition on Absolute Radio.

Not sure what the question was. Probably something to do with how to get rid of  rat infestations or wasps nests or something equally as cryptic to the average punter !

But, what was the prize ?  Well, as it happens, there were two parts to the prize up for grabs. The first part of the prize was a shiny new Squier Stratocaster guitar ( by Fender – well, that’s what it says on Squier guitars as far as I’m aware and I thought it best to quote it here to avoid upsetting anyone in the Fender organisation with regard to their copyright regulations … just to be on the safe side you understand ),  followed by the second part of the prize, which was time in a recording studio for a recording session. Not yer usual bog standard Rehearsal session !

Ian records with Paul and his new strat

I think you’ll agree, these prizes certainly beat a Jackanory pencil and a Blue Peter badge – in my book anyway. Not so sure if it’s better than a knee in the temple and a dagger up the … anyway, there’s only one way to find out … ! Ably assisted by his son Paul and Riff Raff John, I’m sure one of Ian’s own compositions would have been a prime consideration to record – or perhaps his favourite Des O’Connor number ? !  ( He doesn’t really do Des O’Connor stuff, I’m just casting aspersions ! )

Ian records with John

So, Ian having got his hands on his new Strat, was whisked off with Paul and John to the studio, presumably at a secret hidden location somewhere in the London area – presumably !

I have to say, I’m looking forward to hearing what they got down on tape. Oh, it’s all digital now isn’it ? !

In the meantime, here are some pictures from the recording session for you to enjoy.

( See also, the Riff Raff page. )

BFN,    Rob.

The Andrews Sisters on backing vocals

Paul runs off with lovely strat !

While my guitar gently cheers !

Well, it finally happened !  No, I’m not going slightly mad – Well not yet anyway. Last Friday, I left Ealing Council and in so doing, have hopefully prolonged the time before I do go slightly mad.

After 21 years, the last 9 working at PM Gallery & House (Pitzhanger Manor) in Walpole Park, I joined the realms of the semi retired, semi pro musician, as my redundancy came to fruition after many months on the horizon – and at times not ! ( No tears though, as I did volunteer ! ) It was a little sad to leave behind the people I had enjoyed working with down the years. However, I was given wonderful send off at The Red Lion in Ealing on Friday night. So, a big thanks to everyone !

So now I’m freed up to loads of other things. These will include many projects of a musical nature. No surprises there. Learning new numbers is on the list, so that I can increase my repertoires with Riff Raff, MOT, Jam Night and of course my Rob ‘Live’ solo set. I also intend to write and record some of my own stuff too, which is something I haven’t had  time to do for a few years now. And I’ll be fiddling about on this website a bit more too !

Anyway, if you click on Photos & Videos above, you will be able to see exclusive coverage from last Friday – only here on RKmusic ! Hope it doesn’t embarrass too many people. But no need to worry, it will only be showing for a limited period !

Until next time … BFN,  Rob.

Andy Locke at The Red Lion, Isleworh

Another eventful weekend has just flown past, despite there being no cricket due to a shortage of available participants. However, the weekend was spent checking out various gigs, two of which were in the company of Andy Locke, superbly performing an impressive selection from his rock and blues repertoire at no less than two venues. Friday night was at the Barley Mow in Shepperton and then on Sunday afternoon at The Red Lion in Isleworth, a venue I hadn’t got round to visiting for some time. Andy provided just the excuse to drop in and it was well worth it for both the ambience of the pub and of course Andy’s music.

Earlier, Sunday lunchtime was reckie time with my Riff Raff chums Ian and John, as we checked out Harrow Museum at Headstone Manor, the venue for our  forthcoming gig on November 29th. Having clarified a few points for the day, like turn up time, where to park, and to bring our own PA ‘cos the on-site council one is broken and the repair budget has all gone until next April, we sat back to be entertained by the Swing Street Band, a good, laid back jazz band. Most enjoyable, despite the fact that’s not really my thing !

Well, the weekend’s nearly over once again. So looking ahead to the week ahead : Monday – Open Mic Night at The Black Horse, Greenford / Tuesday – Back in the studio, rehearsing with the Riff Raff boys / Thursday – A game of 5-a-side footie followed by Jam Night at The Middlesex Arms, South Ruislip.

BFN,    Rob.

Don’t miss “MOT” ( the Jam Night House Band – sort of ) at the Eastcote ( Arms ) on Saturday 5th September ’09 from 9.15pm. See also, the Gigs page !

The Black Horse, Greenford

There’s a new Jam Night starting on Monday 7th September ‘09.  The new weekly Jam Night will be at The Black Horse in Greenford and will start at 8pm finishing at 11pm.

For all you Middlesex Arms punters out there, don’t worry. The usual Thursday Jam Nights there will remain unchanged.

The Black Horse is a really nice pub. I’ve played solo gigs there before. The locals, Dave the landlord and his staff are all friendly and wont bite. The beer’s well kept and you can get some nice food too !

Check out the further details on the Jam Nights page and come on down.  See you there.   Rob.

I’m to become a Self-Righteous Brother for a night ! I’m teaming up with John Heywood, of Self-Righteous Brothers fame, on Saturday 22nd August at The Crown in Farnham Royal. It starts at 9pm. See Gigs page for more details.

Hope to see you there.   BFN,   Rob

MOT at The Eastcote

Last Saturday at The Eastcote in South Harrow, the newly formed MOT took to the stage to entertain the masses from Harrow and the surrounding areas with their unique blend of classic rock. I slightly exagerate the level of attendance but there were quite a few in front of us in the end.

MOT is a local band made up from some of the Thursday Jam Night crew from the Middlesex Arms, just down the road in South Ruislip. For Matthew on drums and Marco on vocals & rhythm guitar, it was their first gigs and they were guided by the more experienced Lenny on guitar, Ted on Bass and me on vocals and guitar. Not that they needed too much help or encouragement from the more experienced members of the band as they both put in impressively confident performances. They passed with flying colours – passed their MOT you might say !

But, for anyone who wants to relive some of the MOT experience from the other night and for those who may not have got there on Saturday,  don’t take my word for it, click on Photos & Videos. The photos were published yesterday – have a look, then scroll down to find the video footage which is hot off the press.

To everyone that came to the gig, a big thanks. The band really appreciated your support.Thanks also to Rosie for taking both the photos and the video. Hope you all enjoyed the music.

Look out for news of a repeat gig … coming soon !     BFN,    Rob.

Riff Raff / Robfest ’09

Riff Raff at Robfest '09

So Robfest is over for another year. It seemed to just whizz past at a rate of knots. Thanks to everyone who came. I hope you had a great afternoon / evening and were suitably entertained !  Was it the biggest and best Robfest yet ?  Well, probably !  It was certainly the biggest as far as the photos are concerned. You’ll find a massive 71 photos – SEVENTY ONE  ( thought I saw smoke coming out of the camera ) now available for viewing on the Photos & Videos page. Have a look – you might even see yourself … hope it’s not too embarassing !

So what will Riff Raff be doing next, you may well ask ?  Having a break !  “What, another one ?”  I hear one or two die-hards cry. Well, yes – until we get another gig basically. Mind you we do have one in November. It’s all go isn’t it ! ?

MOT at The Eastcote Arms

Marco - to front "MOT"

However, I will be straight back into action next Saturday 15th August, playing with the Jam Night Band, aka “MOT” at the Eastcote Arms in South Harrow. The line -up looks like it will be : Me and Lenny on guitars, Me and Marco on vocals, Ted on bass guitar and Matthew on drums. We’re starting at around 9.30 and playing loads of the sort of classic rock you’ve come to expect from us Jam Night chaps. So come down, everyone’s welcome – It promises to be a great night – one to remember ! !

So, see you there !      BFN,     Rob.