The Oakwood, Glossop (18.12.2010)

Not an open mic night, but I wanted to say a little about The Oakwood in Glossop because I’ve played there a couple of times with the band Old Man Pie, and on both occasions we were so well looked after, I just wish a lot more venues were like this.  The pub is situated on High Street West and has two rooms downstairs, and an upstairs area where the bands play.

Although it was slow to get going (because of the treacherous icy conditions outside) the people of Glossop eventually emerged from their homes and showed themselves to be a right fun loving crowd.  We played a relaxed first set with a few new songs (that still need work) and a few old songs off the first album.  After a thirty minute booze break we went into a more rocking set, including Beer Monster, Butcher of Banham, Leaky Old Roof and Mackerel Fishing.  People were dancing, heckling and there was general merriment, so you can’t ask for more than that.

For once I could hear my own vocals crystal clear in the mix and was able to emphasise some of the odd words and phrases of those pie songs.  The organisers provided us with free drinks and for some random reason, sunglasses.  Outside was the bleak mid winter and inside we was partying like the summer had returned.

They put on some wonderful music at The Oakwood most Saturday nights and concentrate on original bands and performers who write their own material.  This is in preference to the plethora of covers bands who dominate the live scene in many small towns.  I would thoroughly recommend you take a trip to The Oakwood anytime your near Glossop.

Also of interest:

www.manchesterradioonline.com