July 1, 2010

Burn have just been booked at short notice to play at the Offley Bike Show on Saturday July 10, in Offley near Luton.

The band take to the stage at 1pm until 2:30pm

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June 6, 2010

A great review from Gary of kmdstudio.co.uk which appeared in the local Your Chesham magazine. Click HERE

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May 5, 2010

The band are now in a period of inactivity whilst Rob has his annual extended jaunt to Spain where he will be playing some gigs and John visits the USA to play at the prestigious annual Beatles festival with his band. Garry meanwhile, will be criss-crossing the country in his white van for his employer...... Very rock and roll all round.

The band will reconvene for a rehearsal in early June when its threatened that a couple of Burnular songs will be added to the set.

The next gig is on June 11 at The Four Horseshoes in Stokenchurch.

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March 22, 2010

Finally after several months, six songs from the band's live recording at the Belle Vue in High Wycombe last November are available for download HERE.

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March 1, 2010

The band are pleased to announce that Garry Randall is the new drummer. His debut is on March 12 at Oddfellows in Hemel Hempstead. Things will take a couple of months to settle down whilst Garry fulfils obligations with other bands so a couple of deps are in place to help out in the interim.

Garry has worked in cover bands for many years and like John and Rob, is a big Deep Purple fan. His style of playing is very much in the vein of Ian Paice and he cites Paice and Bonham as his major influences which will stand him in good stead with the band.

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February 18, 2010

Moving forward into a new era for Burn, the band will have Garry Randall from 24 Carat Purple on drums at Oddfellows in Apsley, Hemel Hempstead on March 12 and Paul Mallyon at The Roundabout in Sandy on March 27, who is no stranger to depping for the band.

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February 8, 2010

It is with immense sadness, that today it is announced that Ross has handed in his immediate resignation from the band.

It is hoped that this is a temporary situation but it looks unlikely, Ross has not been happy for some while and so the band are in the process of talking to other drummers.

Rob had this to say....... "I'm very unhappy and sad about Ross' decision but he obviously has his reasons for it and I understand them. His shoes will be very difficult, if not impossible to fill but the band will carry on, that's for sure. No matter what, we will always be the very best of friends, nothing can change that and I wish him well in whatever he chooses to do next."

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January 13, 2010

Last night the Burn boys started work with studio owner and engineer Les Payne, mixing the results of the live recording made in November at the Belle Vue in High Wycombe.

By the end of the evening the boys declared themselves happy with the results of the evenings work.

Ross had this to say.... "It was a long night and its taking a while to mix but its sounding great and the results are sounding rather good". Coming from the man at the back, this is rather impressive!!

It is clear that at least another session or two will be required to mix enough material for a CD.

Another mixing session is planned shortly and with luck, the live CD should be out fairly soon.

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December 3, 2009

The recording on November 21 went well, the band were certainly much more relaxed. Presently the boys are considering the rough mix of the gig to decide what songs to use for the CD. The next step will be to mix the songs properly and then start churning out CD's. The new album will be available for sale in the next few weeks or so. Anyone wishing to reserve a copy, please email HERE.

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October 26, 2009

The band will be once again recording their gig at the Belle Vue in High Wycombe on Saturday November 21. Unfortunately during the last recording in August, gremlins affected the recording equipment rendering every song useless with skips and jumps all over the place. Les Payne who is overseeing the recording says that everything has been fixed up and the band look forward to better results the next time. In fact, they may even be a little more relaxed about it on this occasion, as Ross and Rob both surprisingly suffered with some recording nerves! 

The band has several gigs lined up between now and the end of the year, one or two at new venues, which makes a nice change these days. Although gigs are still down generally, its nice to see the band doing a little more just now. On Boxing night, the band will be playing at the Belle Vue once again. Ross has recently joined another band which is keeping him busy and so Burn will play with a variety of dep drummers for the dates Ross is unable to do and its inevitable that the highly talented Paul Mallyon will be called upon to step in whenever he can. 

Rob recently completed his second solo CD which should be ready quite soon and John continues to record his solo album as well as work on his Wings tribute band.  

Other than that........... Its heads down till Christmas!!

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September 11, 2009

At somewhat short notice, the band are playing this Saturday September 12 at the Marsworth music festival, held by the canal at the White Lion, Marsworth, near Tring. They hit the stage at about 4pm. This is a very welcome gig otherwise the band would be on an enforced layoff until October.

A note for your diary... The Belle Vue, November 21 is take 2 of the bands live recording. Many of you turned out to help create a brilliant atmosphere for the live CD the band are recording and now, they are doing it all again, so please do make a note of the date and be there to support the band. Between the two recordings, the band will choose the best songs for the forthcoming CD.

Talking of songs, the band are still in heated discussions about what to add to their set. Rob maintains his "everything is shite" stance which up till now has stood him in good stead but now, even he has to concede to some different material! If anyone has any reasonable suggestions as to what songs they would like the band to play, email the band HERE.

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August 27, 2009

Happy birthday to Burn! 16 years old today!

Unfortunately, the band will be out of action until October. It is hoped that by then the band will have a few new songs to play. Ross and John are busy torturing Rob with medieval devices that inflict the most amount of pain possible, in an attempt to get him to play something different, rather than songs related to Rainbow or his favourite colours of black or purple!!!

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July 22, 2009

This year, from a gigging point of view, is turning out to be the worst ever known in terms of venues closing and gigs being cancelled. Just yesterday, the Fleur de Lis in Stokenchurch cancelled our gig there on July 31. Exactly why is a mystery but the rumour is that the landlord won’t be in attendance at the pub that night. Just what this has to do with anything is anyone’s guess! 

The good news though, is that the following night on Saturday August 1, the band will be at their favourite venue, the Belle Vue in High Wycombe where the gig will be recorded and if it turns out well, will be available for sale. This venue usually brings out the best in the band with regular brilliant performances, so confidence is high for a great gig and recording.  In charge of the recording end of things is well known local musician Les Payne, who’s studio is only five minutes or so away from the venue.  

The gig will start a little earlier at 8:45pm which will enable the band to play a few more songs. Please try to come and see the band and be part of the making of this recording.

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March 17, 2009

The credit crunch is certainly taking its toll on the gig circuit with venues closing at a rate of approximately 39 a month nation wide. The band had secured numerous new venues to play at the start of this year only to find almost all had closed, been demolished or had abandoned music altogether. Still, despite that and other calamities, the band soldier on.

The band met up for a social evening last night and drummer Ross was full of bright, almost genius ideas…… The best one being that the band should record a live CD which both John and Rob agreed would be a great idea, so on Saturday August 1, the band will be recording their gig at the Belle Vue in High Wycombe with the help of well known local musician and studio owner Les Payne. The band all agree it is their favourite venue to play. “I always get a great guitar sound there”, stated Rob who was then ridiculed by the other two asking if he actually listened to anything else. Gestures and profanities were exchanged all round!

A few new songs for the bands set are being discussed but as usual, guitarist Rob is blinkered in his opinions which left Ross and John aghast when Rob claimed not to have heard of or even knew some of the songs suggested. The battles rages on, in that department - pun intended!

More news on the live recording nearer the date.

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November 4, 2008

The big news for this month is that Burn’s regular Boxing Day gig at the Crown in Lechlade which they have played annually for the last ten years (except for the year the band had split up), has been cancelled by the venue because of pub finances and a solo artist who offered his services for almost nothing. Regular readers and Lechlade locals will remember that last years gig was also cancelled by the landlady at the time, only to be reinstated later thanks to the efforts of the population of Lechlade who made the gig happen.

“What a bummer… I look forward to that gig every year”, was John’s quote. Ross merely shook his head in disbelief and Rob uttered words not repeatable here. And so it appears that another regular gig and something of an annual institution bites the dust. 

But the good news is that the boys will instead be playing at the Belle Vue in High Wycombe that night!  

More good news is that in January and February, the band will play at numerous new venues which will no doubt lead to more gigs coming in through the year. They have been hard at work nurturing these new venues and so have lots to prove. Take a look HERE to see the gig guide.

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August 12, 2008

It was announced today with some sadness that Tom, the band's former keyboard player will be unable to join Rob, Ross and John for the 15th anniversary gig at the Belle Vue on August 30.

"A big shame", ventured Rob. "I was looking forward to trading lead licks with Tom.... It would have been big fun."

Ross simply had this to say. "What a pity but never mind, we will just have to work harder and kick more arse on the night. We'll have a great night whatever."

Meanwhile, Ross and Rob are about to rehearse their set with Rob Goss who will take over bass duties for the Ley Hill Music and Beer Festival on August 24. The band hit the stage at 4pm.

All that's required is for the weather to calm down and make it a glorious weekend.

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June 24, 2008

The summer months are with us, even if the weather isn’t quite playing ball and the Burn boys have several interesting and different gigs coming up over the next few months, including some new venues. 

There will be an outdoor gig at the Prince of Wales in Little Kingshill on Sunday June 29, starting at 4pm with landlord Gary putting on one of his famous BBQ’s! 

July 5 will see the band onstage at 2 pm for an hour for the Wycombe Motorcycle Action Group in Chinnor for a charity gig in aid of an air ambulance. Click here for more information about the event. 

There will be a return to the Nags Head in High Wycombe on August 8, which the boys are looking forward to.

August Bank Holiday weekend is Ley Hill Music and Beer Festival time and once again, Burn is set to appear on Sunday August 24 at 4pm. This will be a gig with a difference…..  John is unavailable and so it will take two people to cover his job! On bass will be Rob Goss (formally with local band Bridgefield) who both Rob and Ross know well and worked with some years ago in local bands So What and Bad Sneekers.

“Rob is a great guy and bassist. I’m looking forward to working with him”, said a smiling Ross. “Great bassist and it’s a huge pleasure to have him on board”, was Rob’s quote. On vocals for that gig will be Ian Grant from 24 Carat Purple who Burn supported at the Elgiva Theatre in Chesham last year. Rob and Ian also gigged together in Spain earlier this year. Ian’s powerful voice and huge range should make this a very memorable gig.

August 30 is Burn’s 15^th anniversary gig at the Belle Vue in High Wycombe. This is a small but intimate venue which the band considers home. Appearing especially for the night will be the bands former keyboard player Tom Dussek, who is making a special journey from Brighton for the occasion. 

“This should be great fun”, Rob quipped. “We haven’t had keyboards in the band for over ten years! We did look for someone to replace Tom after he left but never found the right person and so we stayed a three piece.”

A couple of old favourite songs are bound to put into the set for the night and Tom’s presence on favourites like Highway Star and Burn should set the band alight! (Pun intended) A gig not to be missed. 

Summer is here and the boys are back in town!

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March 5, 2008

Available for download HERE is the A3 sized promotional poster for the forthcoming Deep Purple 40th anniversary convention.

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February 21, 2008

In commemoration of Deep Purple’s 40^th anniversary, Burn will be playing at Esquires Nightclub in Bedford on Saturday May 3. The event is the brainchild of Jerry Bloom and is the second time the band have played at his conventions, the last time being in Crewe at the Ritchie Blackmore convention back in 2004. That event was an extremely successful and well attended night, so this forthcoming event should be just as spectacular at the very least… A must for every Purple fan!

Glenn Hughes will be making a personal appearance with a Q and A session as well as doing a unique acoustic performance of classic MKIII and IV songs.

Original Purple bassist Nick Simper will be performing with his band the Good Old Boys.

Rounding off the live music will be a set of Purple classics performed by Burn, with Nick Simper joining them for some MKI numbers!

In addition to this there will be guest speakers including Ian Hansford (Purple roadie from 1968-73) and Ritchie Blackmore’s former personal assistant, Rob Fodder.

During the day there will be video screenings of rare material, plus competitions, trade stalls and of course topping it all off, the live music (as listed above) in the evening, finishing around midnight.

A splendid day is guaranteed for all Purple fans so come along, meet other like-minded fans and join in the fun. The Esquires club is an intimate venue and tickets are limited so order now to avoid disappointment.

Tickets can be ordered online from the MBTP Store.

For more information on the event check out the following link: http://moreblackthanpurple.co.uk/convention.htm

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February 18, 2008

It was announced this morning that Rob has decided he will be able to play at the Belle Vue this Saturday February 23. This is just three weeks since the accident that broke his collar bone and therefore may seem a little premature!

"I'll be there come hell or high water" Rob said comically. "The first week after the injury was the worst but I seem to be recovering much quicker than I expected", said Rob. "I still can't drive a car or lift anything but funnily enough, I can still play guitar!" So with that, Rob will be seen with a roadie to do the driving and lifting while Rob plays, albeit seated for a few weeks. "I could get used to someone else doing all the legwork for me!", he said with a menacing smile.

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February 4, 2008

Rob has done it again..... He appears to have damaged himself so dramatically this time that he might not be able to play guitar for the next month or so, which will affect Burn's forthcoming Belle Vue gig later this month as well as all the other gigs he has.

X-rays have confirmed that on Saturday, Rob had broken his left collar bone. He had an appointment today with the fracture clinic to find out the full extent of this latest injury, with surgery discussed to pin the broken bone together but apparently not an option before twelve weeks. What is clear is that Rob will need several weeks off to recover, at best.

"I really didn't need this", said a sad Rob. "Previously when I've broken bones, I've been able to carry on but not this time.... Its just one break too far. I've suggested to the boys that they ask Cliff to stand in for me at the Belle Vue in a few weeks time."

How did this happen? Another case of getting his feet in a knot in the privacy of his home.... Another bizarre bedroom accident then, but at least this time it was during the day!! "Is that meant to make me feel any better?", asked an irritated and clearly pain ridden Rob.

More news about the Belle Vue gig on these pages as it arrives...

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January 29, 2008

2008 sees the bands fifteenth anniversary year. Over these years, Burn has played more gigs than they can remember, both in this country and in Europe, particularity Denmark. The occasion will be marked with a gig at the Belle Vue in High Wycombe on Saturday August 30. The boys are planning a little something for the evening but are being secretive about it.

Rob had this to say. “Who’d have thought we would make it to fifteen years together? When the band was formed all those years ago, we didn’t really see past the handful of gigs we had at the time, so it’s something of a surprise to be staring fifteen years together full in the face”. 

“It’s a great band and I’m very glad to be part of it”, said Ross who was the original choice of drummer for the band but declined at its birth, only later to push his way in after sitting in as a dep for one night!

Typically, John’s statement was slightly different…… “After all these years, even though our playing abilities have improved, Rob still manages to mess up the ending to Black Night!!”

In contrast to fifteen years ago when waistlines were slimmer, hair more readily available and rock gigs were plentiful, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to get gigs where bands specialising in classic hard rock can play.  Many venues have closed down and just in the last year alone, some places have stopped having live bands altogether.

“When I think back to when I was about eighteen”, said Rob, “There were music venues on almost every street corner but nowadays, how are musicians meant to ply their trade with fewer venues?”

The band are soldiering on and chasing a few new venues which they hope will provide us all with some more regular gigs.

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November 23, 2007

Thanks to people power involving the fine folk of Lechlade and delicate discussions with Julie of The Crown in Lechlade, Burn's annual Boxing Night gig has been reinstated! The boys always look forward to this event and were as saddened as the population of Lechlade when it was cancelled by the venue. After receiving numerous telephone calls and texts from locals, Rob was able to negotiate a way for the the band to play. "Yes indeed. We will be taking our small rigs and Ross will be playing the tambourine so we can keep the volume down........ Well, something like that!"

So normal Boxing Night service is resumed and the boys pronounced themselves happy.

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October 15, 2007

This website has a new guestbook which is now up and running. The people maintaining the old guestbook have decided to call it a day, though  entries made there will still be able to be read. Please do visit the guestbook and feel free to make an entry!

On the gig front, we have a return date at the Wheatsheaf in Leighton Buzzard coming up on October 27, which is a great venue. Also of interest is our first gig at the Nags Head in High Wycombe on December 29. Bearing in mind all the well known political issues surrounding this venue, please try to come and support us.

As usual, all our gigs are put on the gig guide as soon as they become known.

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August 7, 2007

Burn have been invited to be Special Guests by Deep Purple tribute band, 24 CARAT PURPLE at the Elgiva Theatre, Chesham on November 9th 2007. One of the best tribute bands around, 24 Carat Purple perform music from all of Deep Purple's era's in the most accurate and exciting way possible.

Singer Ian Grant, with a scream that outshines even Ian Gillan at his peak, attended Burn's recent gig at The Swiss Chalet in Swindon, after some months of discussion about this event with Rob. Burn will be onstage at 8pm and obviously not feature any Deep Purple numbers in their set, though a smattering of Catch The Rainbow and Still I’m Sad are bound to appear.

It promises to be a great night.

For tickets, contact the Elgiva Theatre box office on 01494 582900.

 

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July 15,, 2007

 With the Ley Hill Music and Beer Festival just a few weeks away, Burn’s appearance and start time has been confirmed for that day. 

On August 26, Will Kalleen will start proceedings at 1pm. He is a great solo acoustic guitarist and singer. Burn will hit the stage at approximately 2pm until about 4pm, followed by the well known charismatic figure of Paul Green and his band, Finishing the night at about 6pm will be Burn’s friends, The Good Old Boys who are headlining that day.

This event was very well attended last year and so should be even greater this year. Such festivals, which The Crown and Swan in Ley Hill put on jointly with free admission, should be well supported by us all. Without such events, there would be a shortage of live music in the area. Please try to support this local festival that runs on August 26 and 27, starting at 1pm on both days.

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April 25, 2007

Plans for Burn's gig at the Wye Valley School in Bourne End are in advanced stages.

Support band on the night is from Self Titled.

Tickets are now for sale for the event. £5 in advance or £7 on the door. Click HERE to reserve your ticket.

The last event a couple of years ago was very well attended and a good fun night.

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April 2, 2007

With spring upon us and the warmer months coming soon, there are just two more Burn gigs during April before a month’s inactivity. The band will reconvene in mid June.

“I can’t wait to get away for a nice long break!” said Rob. “I’m going to Spain, chill out, do some chores, keep in touch with my business, get away from music and totally relax!” Despite saying this, Rob’s services are required for a handful of gigs in Spain whilst there for the month, including a repeat gig at the prestigious Puente Romano Hotel Blues and Jazz Club in Marbella. “Oh bloody hell”, said Rob. “More gigs! Actually, I love playing in Spain. It’s quite a different experience, everyone is up for it and it’s just so different from playing in England.”

Ross has reasons to be cheerful, too. He has seen his school drum teaching status change which means he has much more time to himself from now on. He is indeed one very happy chappie and the difference in his demeanour is obvious. “Apart from preparing timetables, all the admin stuff I used to do is now done for me by slaves employed at the County Council, so all I need do is turn up at schools and teach. I couldn’t be happier, unless I won the lottery… Which in a manner of speaking, I have!” Great news, Ross!

Ross has also been threatening to unleash a new drum kit on the band for some time but it hasn’t been seen yet.  Maybe now that he has some time available, he might get around to making it happen.

John has some news himself. His wife Sarah is expecting a baby in the next few months and we wait with baited breath to find out if the child will be a multi instrumentalist in future years. John was recently seen showing pictures of the baby in the womb on his mobile telephone but no one wanted to ask how the pictures were taken on a phone!! Apparently the baby will be a boy, as appendages have been seen in scans but final confirmation will have to wait till the baby is unleashed on this planet!

“I’m delighted at being a dad”, said John. “And so late in my life. By the time my child is 18, I will be… er… 66 and just about ready to produce another one!”

Burn highlights for the next couple of months are The Belle Vue in High Wycombe on April 21 which is always a cracking night and a gig at the Wye Valley School in Bourne End on June 23 with two support bands. More news about that when it becomes available. Tickets are for sale. Visit the gig page HERE for more information.

The band is actively looking for more venues to play but sadly because of the lack of local venues, they are looking outside the local area. It just gets harder to do gigs these days.

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January 19, 2007

Burn have recently been confirmed as one of the acts appearing at the second Ley Hill Music Festival taking place over the August Bank holiday weekend of August 26 and 27, hosted by The Crown and Swan pubs jointly. The band will share the outdoor stage on August 26 with the Paul Green Band and good friends, The Good Old Boys who will be headlining that day. Burn and The Good Old Boys have played many gigs together and the combination of hard rock and rock & roll seems to work well between the two bands.

"I'm really looking forward to it", declared Rob. "I am a regular at both pubs, so I haven't got far to get home!"

Ross was more concerned with his diet. "Great BBQ last year! I intend to really go for it this year and sample many delights from both the pubs BBQ's. I suppose I better wait till after we play our set, or I'll be burping my way through our gig from both ends!"

More news on the festival nearer the time.

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December 12, 2006

It’s been a very busy year musically speaking, with the boys playing in various projects in addition to Burn. A highlight of the year has to be an opportunity seized upon by drummer Ross back in January that led to the reformation of the classic Burn line up. The band easily fell back into their gigging routine and also managed to introduce some new songs to their growing repertoire. There have been some great gigs, some interesting gigs for whatever reason and some that have lent themselves to a good story or two.

 “Yes, it’s been a great year with lots of good gigs”, confirmed Rob. “One vivid memory was the sight of some drunken fat bitch falling backwards over John’s vocal monitor and straight onto my midi pedal, destroying it totally. To say I wasn’t happy is to understate it dramatically!” John’s take on the same incident was “We’ve seen it all before from Rob… He’s famous for his tart attacks but for once, he had a point.”

Funnily enough, this month Burn will be returning to the venue where this all happened… The Rising Sun in Slough on December 22nd. From Ross came this terse statement. “We will be watching out for the drunken idiot and her band of merry men. If they turn up, we’ll get them removed immediately. We don’t want a repetition, or worse still for the bitch to throw herself on my drums!”

On Boxing Day evening, the band will be playing their annual gig at The Crown in Lechlade which is a bash they always look forward to. The band then wraps up 2006 with a gig at the Red Lion in Twickenham on December 30^th where last time, they were very well received.

The Burn boys wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy, rocking new year!

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October 22, 2006

This month is seeing the band play more gigs in a month than they have for some time, which is great news and something they are all enjoying. Last night's excellent Belle Vue gig was likened by drummer Ross to "playing at Wembley", such was the reaction of the audience to their performance. This was the band's first appearance here since the reformation earlier this year and so perhaps expectations were high. The band certainly played very well indeed. Even better was the fact that the landlord smiled broadly as he handed them their money last night!!! Without doubt, the Belle Vue has witnessed some of Burn's best performances over the last few years and the place is always packed.

Next weekend, Burn play the Gordon Arms in High Wycombe, which used to be a serious stronghold for them during the 1990's, then on  Sunday from 5pm  they play at The Oaks in West Hyde near Denham, which rounds October up quite nicely.

Meanwhile, Rob and John are hard at work with their solo albums. Rob had this to say about his own project....  "I hate recording at the best of times but when it comes to recording with a computer, its just pants! The program I use on my PC has decided not to play fair anymore and all my work to date is almost worthless, so I'm having to have a rethink. Do I ditch the lot and say to hell with it, or try to make it happen elsewhere? Although I have four songs done and ready, I've been persuaded, as is often the case with me, to keep at it and a friend has given me studio time and we will reconstruct what I have left to do in his studio.  I still might have to re-record a couple of songs but that shouldn't be too harsh an ordeal".

John on the other hand, simply said this...... "Ha! I know what I'm doing and this is easy for me.... I don't know why Rob always has this problem with computer recording!"

On hearing this, a fracas occurred between the bassist and guitarist, the police and an ambulance called but its not quite clear for whom! It is feared both of them suffered!

Evidence of what Rob has been up to can be seen on the now famous youtube website. The direct link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC6GMEOZFdM Please do cast your vote and pass it on to friends!

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October 2, 2006

With the summer months and outdoor gigs over for another year, we look towards the colder, darker months where everyone packs into music pubs for some sweaty rock!  

October sees the band playing two High Wycombe gigs at the Bel Vue on October 21 and The Gordon Arms on October 28, in addition to other gigs during the month. See the gig page HERE. The boys have had some quite interesting gigs just lately, the most dramatic of which saw Rob’s gear broken and John’s teeth almost knocked out in one gig alone at the Rising Sun in Slough! Tempers reached boiling point, harsh words spoken and idiot “music fans” ejected from the venue. What the band really need is an electric fence at certain venues to deter the lunatic element! 

In addition to Burn, the boys have been kept busy with other musical projects. Ross recently played with local band Bridgefield which went down a storm and he together with Rob played in Elliot’s band. Rob continues gigging heavily with Back 2 Back but with Louise emigrating to the USA in January, he is still searching for a replacement female singer. Meanwhile, there is the occasional gig with the Elliot and Rob duo but more recently Rob has been working with singer Jonnie Hawkins, who a couple of years ago made it to Sharon Osborne’s X-Factor boot camp. John meanwhile has been working with Wingspan, The New Mud, The Self Righteous Brothers and anyone else who offers him a gig! John and Rob are also working on their new solo albums, so it’s all go one way or another.

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August 14, 2006

This weekend on August 20 from 1 pm, Burn return to the Prince of Wales in Little Kingshill for a repeat performance of last months BBQ. The following week is the Ley Hill Blues Festival at the Crown in Ley Hill on August 26 and 27. Fingers are crossed that the weather will improve as it’s an outdoor event over two days with many fine bands appearing over the weekend. “A lot of work has gone into this festival and it would be a shame for the weather to interfere with it. It’s Reading festival weekend too so anything can and probably will happen”, said Rob.

Burn will be appearing from 6pm on August 26 with support from Inertia and The Good Old Boys. News from The Good Old Boys camp is that ex Deep Purple bassist Nic Simper has impressively broken his ankle and at this stage it’s not clear if Nic will be playing or if they will have a dep bassist. We wish Nic all the best and a speedy recovery. 

Rob and Burn recently entered a contest on the Gillans Inn website. Rob recorded a solo to Smoke On The Water especially for the competition and Burn sent in their live performance of the song from their Ritchie Blackmore convention gig they played at almost two years ago. 

Sadly, Rob didn’t dare fare very well as there was lots of competition in the guitarists category but Burn have managed to win in the band category for that week putting them in with other weeks finalists which means they are still in the running. At then end of the competition in a few weeks time, Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan personally will chose the winner from each category and the prize is equipment for the winning band. Votes can still be cast so please visit the site HERE and vote for Burn!       

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June 19, 2006

The band have a few interesting gigs coming up over the next couple of months worthy of mentioning.

Firstly on June 30, the band play at The Wheatsheaf in Leighton Buzzard, which is a well known music venue they have been trying to get into for a while…a small, intimate and lively gig is promised. 

July 9 sees Burn playing at an outdoor BBQ on World Cup final day from 2 to 4 pm at the Prince of Wales in Little Kingshill near Great Missenden. This should be great fun, especially as the pub is in a residential area, so bets are on as to how long it will take the police to show up!

August 12 is the return of Burn for a one off gig at the Gordon Arms in High Wycombe which was previously mentioned in these news pages. A gig not to be missed! The following week on August 19 the band play the Belle Vue, just around the corner. 

August 26 sees the band playing outdoors again at the Ley Hill Blues Festival in Ley Hill, near Chesham from 6 to 8pm. On the bill supporting Burn that day will be a young and talented band called Inertia and from 4 to 5:30pm The Good Old Boys who are good friends of Burn. The Burn boys and The Good Old Boys have played many gigs together and Rob also engineered a studio album they did some twelve years ago. In addition to the bands, there will be activities and events throughout the day, so why not come and spend the whole day, relax and enjoy the fine music on offer. The event will be held over two days with lots of excellent bands to choose from on August 26 and 27.

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May 16, 2006

A date for your diary. Burn will be playing a one-off gig at the Gordon Arms in High Wycombe on Saturday August 12. Long time followers of the band will know that we used to play there very regularly some years ago and always had a good time. As some of you may know, Pete (the landlord) suffered a major stroke at the end of last year and will not be returning to the pub. This has left his wife Annie to look after things but she has sadly called it a day and put the pub up for sale. It is at her request that we will play this gig, for old time’s sake............... and to seriously upset the neighbours who used to complain about us before!!! Please do try to come to that gig, it should be a special night.

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May 1, 2006

Shock horror! It has been recently disclosed that perennial bachelor John Heywood has announced his hand in marriage to Sarah! Its not yet clear if this is some sort of publicity stunt, timed to coincide with a tour that a tribute band he plays with is undertaking. If this is indeed the case, would that make a clear cut case of Oh no... Yoko?!

The taming of John is a huge event, the full repercussions of which he doesn't fully realise himself yet! His Burn band mates are aghast at the news and happily chuckle and chortle at this monumental announcement, which by the way, he failed to do himself!

Rob and Ross's reaction to the news was pretty much unanimous..... Why should John have all the fun? Its time for him to join the ranks of the married man and suffer like the rest of us.

Out will go his flamboyant and free lifestyle, his regular flying jaunts, the multiple bands he works with, the never ending gigs and perhaps most shockingly, his vast collection of guitars and basses. In fact, there are those that eagerly await the sale of the century.

In will come domesticity, weekend visits to B&Q and garden centres, DIY projects, little Heywood's crawling about, nappies, screaming brats, a baby car seat for his Skoda, sleep deprivation, a nagging and demanding wife, higher bills and all the trappings that come with wedded bliss!

RESPECT!!

On a more musical note, the reformed Burn have just completed their first month of gigs and report that all is going really well.  The band are playing to their usual high standard and its business as usual. Apart from a rather interesting gig at The Swiss Chalet in Swindon that the band described as "challenging", thanks to a new sound level meter that cut off the power supply when the band got too loud (only three times during the first number!), the boys have been really kicking. The band hope no one starts selling that sound meter device, it could be the death of loud music as we know it...what next? Fitting it to car stereo systems?  Fitting it to wives mouths? Now, there's a concept.

During May there are only two gigs due to John's touring commitments and Rob spending most of the month in Spain where he will work on his tan and gig with Halcyon Dayz on the Costa del Sol. Ross is going to have a well deserved rest! It is not true that the Rest Home has bars in the windows.....that's a cruel rumour!

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March 27, 2006

With the classic Burn line-up reformed, the boys felt that it might be an idea to try out a couple of new songs. So for the first time in several years, they are in rehearsals for this Sunday’s gig at the Black Horse in Kidlington which marks the band’s return to regular gigging activity. The boys are certainly looking forward to being back together and doing what they do best.

Ross had this to say… “I knew this day would come. All I had to do was bide my time and now my patience has been rewarded. It was my idea to rehearse. We all hate doing it but I think it’s not such a bad idea now and again, especially when we have some new songs to do. Normally we just wing it…Sometimes we even succeed.”     

Rob agreed. “I hate it when Ross is right! I could do with the practice, I have to admit. So I’ll be there enjoying the camaraderie and trying to remember how the numbers go.” 

John had a slightly different slant on things…. “I don’t need the practice because playing bass is easy….. Any one of Rob’s daughters could do it! However, I have felt recently that my voice has been underused with other bands so I’ll go along just to shout at the other two when they get their parts wrong! That’s the only rehearsal I need.” 

As well as playing many of their usual haunts, Burn have some new venues to play over the next few months which is always a challenge they relish. With several months of inactivity behind them, this should see a rejuvenated band ready to take no prisoners. We shall wait and see!

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February 6, 2006

It had to happen and perhaps it was written in the stars.... After Rob was persuaded by Ross to fill in on guitar for a Fire In The Hole gig recently, talks are now underway to reform the classic Burn line-up. Many people think this is the original band however, the Ross, John and Rob line-up is actually Burn Mk3. Who cares?!

Rob had this to say. "Christ, I can scarcely believe it! Didn't I say I will never do this? And don't I always say never say never?!" Ross just smiled knowingly and happy... he's been after this for some time. John is quoted as saying "Does this mean I have to be trapped onstage with that guitarist again?!" So it might appear that it could be business as usual.

So what of the other guys who were lined up to play with Rob and Ross in Burn? It would appear that Rob has put them on ice whilst delicate negotiations are ongoing. Rob again... "I'd prefer to work with the devil I know than the devil I don't, if you know what I mean... bloody good devils they are too. If we can get this sorted and get back on the road, well then I'm happy because the three of us really are a tried and tested formula with a chemistry that cannot be ignored. We kick some mega arse, too!"

The next few gigs look set to be on whatever happens. See the GIG DATES page to see when Burn are appearing near you. More dates will be added in the coming weeks.

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