Phil Bates

Phil Bates

September 4th, 8:19 pm

Although I have had to take the decision to cut back on the number of solo gigs I planned to do on 2024/25, because of the problems with my hands and fingers, I still have a few in for the remainder of 2024.Solihull Core Theatre on 26th October is the next to come. Come along and hear a few fresh takes on ELO songs, and of course, The Beatles.There will be some of my songs, including one or two newbies, plus a few old favourites of mine from Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, Steve Earle.Would love to see any of you who can make it 😄☯️🙏❤️First though, few more band gigs in Germany, and 2 nights doing my solo thing at Studio 7, Panketal, north of Berlin. Played there twice before with the trio, and had great nights - 20th/21st October.Peace and love to all 😄🙏☯️❤️ ... See MoreSee Less

Phil Bates

August 31st, 4:50 pm

Last night’s gig in Stendal, Germany was noteworthy because it was the first gig for 3 weeks that I have been able to use my diseased finger on the guitar.Still not 100%, and I still have to have a dressing on it, but I managed to get away with it …..I think😂❤️In normal times these days I sound as if I have bandages on ALL my fingers when I am playing, so maybe people won’t notice the difference 😂😂Old age and the influence of early arthritis and all that.Anyway, the other noteworthy thing was that it marked my last ever summer German gig/concert. Been doing this summer/festival/town festival thing for a good while, along with the attendant travelling, and it has taken a toll, especially in recent times. Not helped by the idiotic Brexit situation which has more than doubled the amount of travelling we have to do.An absolute nightmare in summer, especially if Birmingham airport is involved.Just autumn and winter concerts to come now in 2024 and 2025.But the big bonus last week was spending a few days at the lake in Semlin, around an hour from Berlin. The peace, the quiet …..😄☯️❤️🙏OK, we had to swelter through 35 Celsius on Thursday, and the low 30s all week, but it was worth it. Wonderful place with some great memories.Our daughter, Rosie, was proposed to by Dom in a particularly scenic spot by the lake 8/9 years back, and we always pass that place with smile and a glad heart.Jo and I also have a special place we retreat to very often. Wunderbar😄❤️I hope everyone is well and happy ❤️😄☯️🙏 ... See MoreSee Less

Phil Bates

August 19th, 10:29 am

The planets are slightly out of alignment at the moment😂After all the drama with my infected finger - reluctant GPs, fantastic A&E treatment, early morning flights to get to Reutlingen for our gig in the Naturtheater, extreme heat and humidity, awful hotels …… you get the picture.Against the odds, our full-sized band, including the wonderful Berlin String Ensrmble, and Rainer, who graciously joined us on guitar duties, finally got to play our gig on Saturday night …..well, not a whole gig.The heavens opened during our intermission, and the the shortcomings of the stage became apparent. Our strings could not play the second set, Steffen, our long suffering monitor engineer, was waterlogged, and there was a chance of no further action after the break.Still, we eventually got on stage in the rain, and in reduced form to play around 4/5 more songs and then, BANG!!, the power to the whole arena went out permanently. No more show.I want to say a HUGE thank you to our fantastic audience who were so warm and enthusiastic, and who accepted this train of disasters in such good heart.My diseased finger is improving, but in time for our next gig on Saturday??Probably not.Just wish I knew how I picked up this infection that adorned my left index finger with blue, red, purple, black, yellow, and increased it to such a worrying size 😂☯️🙏❤️ ... See MoreSee Less