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Captain Rock



Last Updated: 11/22/2009

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Status: Single
Country: UK
Signup Date: 1/8/2007

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January 11, 2008 - Friday 

Current mood:  breezy
Category: Travel and Places

Hi Folks!

Captain Rock will be taking a break after the gig in The Mill House, Crook on the 19th Jan!

Steve will be going on tour with Tygers Of Pan Tang as their soundman/Tour Manager!

We would like to wish Steve and the Tygers all the very best and hope they have a great tour!!

Cheers

Sue xXx

10:49 AM 
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January 1, 2008 - Tuesday 

Current mood:  ecstatic
Category: Music
Has too be said think we saw poss our best nite at nikhs in our short infancy with the captain and crew!! ;D ;D ;D

absolute dynamite!! ;) ;) so nice ta hear they thought poss there fave venue this year, and from watching them last nite can understand why steve and gang don't need ta chase giggs, venues should be tripping over themselves for this lot!! :-* :-*

it's nites like this ya heed can be turned dizzy with choice, with stickies, maiden and the captain fa choice, makes crackin reading in the morn, who enjoyed what, and who went where, wonder if bands can start doing 3 sets so with a quick driver and a fookin map get round them all?? :o :o :o ha ha, gotta ask eh??

great ta see some of xxxx over, don't know how ya's managed ta sneak oot of maiden, but always welcome and along with the rest of the crowd seemed ta all have a big wide smiles on ya faces!! ;D ;D

so the mystery goes on...... what is under the kilt big man?? :o :o
steve ya know how ta nail that sound and can see why off with tygers ta italy in new year, not sure how kilt will be looked upon, ya'l hav them chockin on tha pizza!! ;) rock n roll on 08, next up DOYLE
and yes, the captain will be returning next year so if ya missed this time, ya won't wanna next!!
4:50 PM 
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December 23, 2007 - Sunday 

Current mood:  rockin
Category: Music
Decided to take it easy and drive to the Turbinia in Newton Ayecliffe last night to watch Steve, Lewthy, Al and Mikey aka Captain Rock.
After being out Wednesday, Thursday and Friday it was a bit like 'The Colditz Story' getting out of our house past Reischmarshall Von Lynne, but I jumped the neighbours garden fences on Laura's Raleigh Chopper ala Steve Mcqueen and went to the pub via the Swiss border (major crawling today I'm afraid).
Anyway, I missed most of the first half....what I did see I'll come back to 'cos it's the best bit.
The second half was a typical CR performance.
Steve's a good sound engineer and he had the mix pretty much spot on with it not being too loud and everything cutting through well.
The pub was pretty full and the crowd up for some Christmas shennanigans...shennanigans are a Captain Rock thing as well.
Lots of wandering into the crowd, guest appearances galore, standing on chairs, playing the other guitarists guitar with your own baldy heed (Steve looked like Kojak with string marks on his dome at half time)..Steve has this thing called a 'Terrapin' (I thought that was a small turtle but never mind) and he did all sorts of weird and wonderful effects with it....ask him what it does cos I'd never seen one before to be honest.
They even did a couple of Christmas songs at the end getting the crowd to participate.
And at last, with the crowd all demanding it and every camera in the house poised, Wrighty revealed what is under that kilt....see pics later.
It was proper daft stuff but...and this is where we get back to the first set.
Despite all the carry on and showmanship that gets the crowd going, Captain Rock are four very good musicians, playing some very good music.
Al and Mikey are solid as a rock at the back, Steve's got a great voice and Lewthy's playing is getting better all the time.
To prove the point, I'd have to describe 'astronomy' by Blue Oyser Cult which is always the last song of the first set.
It has everything in it. It's a long song but it keeps your interest from start to finish with it's highs and lows. Brilliantly executed by the band and undoubtably the best song of the night.
That's it til after Christmas now for me....I'm getting old.
4:22 PM 
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May 29, 2007 - Tuesday 
Monday 28th May 2007.


I first caught Captain Rock at Rocket fest in February 2007. They headlined the Sunday evening and had the perfect audience and venue to show off their mixture of heavy rock covers and bags of personality on stage.
I thoroughly enjoyed them.
I caught them again at The Caroline in Hetton a couple of months ago and at this time they'd undergone a line up change, with a brand new bassist, and although he did very well, he wasn't the finished article at the time.
So I took this opportunity to catch the boys with the new line up after the new fella had a few gigs under his belt.
I arrived at The Greenbank straight from a gig of my own. I was knackered but determined to see and review a band that aint a regular feature of Riffs but have made enough noise to warrant a bit attention.
The Greenbank is a wonderful venue and Mondays is regular heavy rock nights. It was a fair size 'club' room with a high but narrow stage. The seating is typically working men's club with tables all in a row and a dance area at the front near the stage.
There were plenty bods in , aging between 20 and 50 and these were all proper rockers.
It was a bit like the Mayfair to be honest which can only be a good thing.
Captain Rock have absolutely hods of gear.
A huge PA and mixing desk and a marvellous laser driven light show.
I wish I could take a decent picture as the stage itself looked awesome from a way back.
So , onto the performance.
The band opened up with a thumping version of 'Livewire' and carried on with some Thin Lizzy, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple.
Singer/guitarist Steve is a sight to behold.
He's well over 6' tall with a pirates headscarf . Beard, leather waistcoat and Scottish kilt to go with his Gibson flying V.
There's nothing laid back about his appearance or performance. His guitar playing is solid but it's his voice that I like a lot.
Now, by his own admission, he'd belted out a set the night before and was a bit worse for wear. So as the set went on , he was struggling. I know exactly what this is like and have to say that on top form, as he was at Rocketfest , his range is great.
The 'off the wall' song the band do is 'Astronomy by Blue Oyster Cult. It's played well and last night, that was the song where Steve's voice came across with a nice mix of tone and 'grit'. he sang it great.
'War Pigs' saw the cracks appear but I have to say ….the guy has balls of steel , because he didn't bottle the set at all and the band are the first band to even attempt 'Speed King' by Deep Purple.
I will have to catch this song again as I know Steve at full strength will do it justice and musically it was well executed.
This brings me on to Lewthy the lead guitarist who seemed to have the lion's share of the solo's.
He's the other 'front man' and it's him and Steve that do the posing and showing off.
He's the exact opposite in appearance to the 'kilted one'. he's as slim as a rake (bastard) with geet lang hair and has that proper 'hippy' image that never grows old.
I've seen him playing 3 times now and I was impressed at Rockefest. However, he has improved a lot since then.
His soloing on 'All Along The watch tower' by Hendrix showed how far he has progressed of late.
His contribution to 'Astronomy' was also superb. He lifts his guitar about and puts his foot on the monitor (these two need a good photographer when they're on a decent stage).
Going Back to 'War Pigs' I have to say, I love their version. They've added just a touch of 'grunge' to their version and it's more like the 'Faith No More' version than the 'Sabbath' original.

Captain Rocks rhythm section is Mike Curry on bass (the new bloke) and Alan Thompson on drums. Alan is a powerful drummer that likes to get around the kit and belt everything on it. He is not a drummer that would buy a cymbal for show when it's meant to be beaten up.
Mike has settled in well and the songs are now second nature. He's very laid back on stage and I don't know whether this is his natural style or whether it's because he's still relatively new to the band. Nevertheless, his playing is fine and the band don't really need him to go mental 'cos Steve and Lewthy do.
So was this gig all wonderful and fault free.
Well, to be honest, I would've preferred a sound mix without that much bottom end. At times the bass 'boomed' and the top end didn't cut through enough.
But what do I know.
By the end of the night, the bank holiday crowd were on the floor and the band were too putting on a show the rockers loved. Check out the pics as Steve and Lewthy let the music take over .
I can totally empathise with that cos when I'm playing songs I love it gets me and turns me into a 16 year old again.
It was a great crowd and despite a few minor points I raised (well, Steve asked me for a brutally honest opinion) the crowd went away well happy.
High points for me were Steve's vocals on 'Astronomy' and Lewthy's playing throughout.
I took the time to catch up with Steve and ask a few questions that needed to be answered.

1. So, how long have Captain Rock been on the go and how did it all start off?

Lewthy and me had been talking about getting a band together for some time during drunken nights at the Greenbank club in Chester (about 5 years I think). I had always wanted to play bass and stand at the back thumping away with the drummer. Occasionally I would play some bass too. I wanted to get a singer in so I could have a bit less pressure on me but they are hard to come by. Well, good ones are anyway.
As far as drummers go, I had a chat with a contractor at work and he said he played drums and agreed to audition. A couple of days before the audition date he phoned me and said he didn't wanna do it anymore. But, he knew this dead canny lad from down the street who might be interested. I rang him and we met up shortly before Christmas of 2000 (I think I might be a year out but with my sense of rhythm that's quite close) and agreed to play a couple of rehearsals. I couldn't find anyone interested in singing so said I'd do it for now. Our first gig was at the Blue Boar in Stanley. I had received a call after the second practise for a gig that Saturday and I said we'd play. The gig went down really well with a fantastic response so I knew we were onto something good.
The band was borne.

2. Who thought of the name Captain Rock and where does it come from?

We had to think of a name really quickly as I'd taken the Blue Boar gig and they needed something to advertise. Lewthy came up with the name as it's the name Pat, from the Caroline calls him when he comes into the pub.

"Aahh. It's Captain Rock"

Pat has led a sheltered life. Bless him. So when folk call me the Cap'n it's really Lewthy's name but he doesn't mind cos he thinks it's silly.

3. Who is in the current line up and what's their role?

Ian Lewthwaite – Huge Fan and hair blowing poses. (Guitar / Back Vox / Long tabs)
Alan Thompson – Mid sized fan and incredibly loud dustbin lids that knack my ears. (Drums / Back Vox / Rests in between songs)
Mikey Curry – No fan and impersonations of music store personnel (Bass / Tabs / Driving until he learns!!)
Stevie Wright – Share Lewthy's fan and irritate Alan with the smoke machine (Guitar / Synth / Vox / PA / Lights / Smoke Machine / Snakebite)

4. What music influences you? Who are your favourites?

My main musical influence is any guitar based driven stuff. (surprisingly) Doesn't have to be rock but that's where you normally find it. However, I listen to any music that is good. In the car at the moment I've got some Rush, Philip Glass, UFO, Motorhead, Iron Maiden, Blackfoot, Steve Hillage, Mike Oldfield, etc.
My original influence was a long haired yeti who came round our house with me big sister one time. He played like a demon and made me want to play too. I was about 12 at the time and pestered me Mam and Dad for a guitar. He is Paul Rose. I thank you for that. I still haven't seen you since. That must be 26 years ago.


5. What would you say was the bands greatest achievement to date and what are your ambitions for the band in the future?

Staying together and staying together for some more time.

Seriously, I think our highlight has been finishing off Rocketfest this year. It was a rock roaring 45 minutes or so. It's the main thing that sticks in my mind. That was a marvellous gig and I don't think we've ever played better. It was an honour to do. I can't actually remember many other gigs but we've always enjoyed bike rallies and the like.

Ambitions are to keep on playing and entertaining while we can and are still enjoying it. Everything is finite.

6. You always turn out with a large entourage of friends and colleagues. One of them is Zippoman and I was just wondering, which of the crew ensure he takes his medication and if....sorry when , he gets picked up by the police, will you stick by him or say to the officer in charge 'Who? Never heard of him.'

It all depends who is the least pissed really. If the driver can still see it's normally him. Zippo has his uses and these diminish as the hand of Guinness moves round the evening of sobriety. Medication is normally administered anally but that's normally left to his carer at home. Mind you, I did have him do a couple of rallies recently and the lack of his normal linctus was obvious. Ooooh. Scary. (Shudders at the thought) This man washes his mouth out with stale Snakebite on a morning after brushing his teeth.
Mrs Rock does carry an emergency "punch in the face" if ever required but has only had to use it once.

As far as the police go we normally drop him off at the station door anyway. It saves the already overstretched resources.

7. If you had to take one album into a space shuttle on a 5 year mission, what would it be?

Probably "Rush – Exit Stage Left" or "Steve Hillage – Live Herald". I don't doubt that I'll prefer listening to my own farts after about 3 months but that's what has stuck around for the longest up to now.

8. What's with the kilt?

Just a bit of a gimmick really. Everyone needs something for the audience to identify you with. At least people will remember us for the 6'5" Flying "V" playing transvestite.
I originally got it for the Captain Rock's Hogmania at the Mill House in Crook and it sort of stuck. It may last. I don't know. It gets people talking anyway. (Thanks for restraining the missus at the Caroline BTW). The bright red huge flares lasted about a year. They may come out of retirement.
Oh. Have Gambit and Magic Marty recovered yet or are they still seeing the counsellor?

9. You've recently bought a dog after presure from your wife. I believe it's a black labrador, which by all accounts is a bit of a 'girlie' choice for a rock star. Didn't you fancy getting a rottweiller, or better yet a staffy and calling it 'Diablo' or 'Satan' or something?

Hoo yee. She's FUCKin' mental. All these so called "hard" dogs run a mile when they see her. She frightens me man. She's got more bark than a Canadian Redwood.
You named her Tess Mr Lunn. It turned out to be rather good because I had a thought at work one day. Here goes. If I stroke her tummy and she starts twitching her leg then that act is what's known as a Tesstickle. I nearly fell off me poly box.
Her name is actually an acronym for Tchew, Eat, Shit, Sleep. (Nearly anyway. Couldn't call her Cess. That's a bloke's name.)

10. And finally...you're knocking on a bit now and these antics can't last forever...what will you do when you finally hang up your sporran?

I am 38 (at time of writing). I may look a bliddy sight younger but no, I am that old.
When I retire I think I'll get an Arran jumper and sit in the corner of a pub in Whitby sipping me ale and sucking on me pipe that went out about two years previously stroking me dog.
Seriously though, if I ever can't play no more then I'll probably go out as a sound engineer with lots of people to lift gear 'cos I've got lots to lift.


So, I would urge you to go see this band.
It's always a great atmosphere and the guys always put on a show that gets the audience going.
You'll know most , if not all the songs and realise the lads have put their own stamp on it.
Check them out.


Dave 29/05/07
9:16 PM 
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April 30, 2007 - Monday 

Current mood:  rejuvenated

Here is a little reveiw of the Captain from a couple of the punters on Saturday night, Cheers Rodger & Icon

 

What a great gig! A didn't get me hand/eye co-ordination back until it was time tih gaan tih work on Sunda' neet!! Captain Rock ALWAYS deliver!! A cannit gaan into the intricacies of the musicianship, cos am not a muso, all i know is that from a punter's point of view, they played great choons, and they played them well!! The icing on the cake with these lads is how much they enjoy themselves when they play, and that enjoyment and enthusiasm runs through the crowd and fires them up as well. There was a fella standin' next to me, who always comes in for the second set when there's a band on, if he's not keen, he just leaves! If he likes the band, he just stands there and ROARS! 'ee cannit help himself!, and on Satda neet, 'ee just stood there an' ROAAAARED 'ee's heed off!! (always a good commendation!) And how cool was Steve, when during Jeff's guest-spot , he took the pick off Lewthy and started playing the bottom half, while Lewthy continued playing the top half of his geetar, and all while neckin' a pint of beor!!! It was nice to see so many board member there as well, there seemed to be loads! It's funny tih think, that if it wasn't for this board, what was a room full of familiar faces, would have been a room full of strangers! It mek's yi think!! A thoroughly enjoyed the post gig chat-come-drinky session as weell. Mrs Rock is a jewel! The band are laid-back and easy tih chat to! And the infamous Zippo is great company, with a great sense of humour! (A towld 'im a wouldn't tell anybody, but aaaa, what the hell!) A better just clear up a couple of things that have been mentioned aboot cuddle-time! (A) A wasn't hangin' on tih the Cap cos a fancied 'im! It was cos one of them dangley things on ees sporran had got caught on me zip! (B) A wasn't feelin' Zippo's bollocks! a was tryin' tih steal ee's smaall change!! All in all a brill neet! Roll on the 3rd of November!!

What a stonkin' gig! ;D The Cap'n & his crew were on top form tonight..... ;D Not exactly a full house, but the joint was jumpin'! :o New bass-man Mikey earned his stipes (this boy can play!) Played all the good stuff (AC/DC, Metallica, Pearl Jam, Peter Green.........& Ian's fave - Quo!) Even got Jeff Oddball up to guest on 'All along the Watchtower' (tremendous!! ;D 8-))
Good forum turnout too......(at one point, I heard the comment 'there's even some non-board members in!' ;D)
We left 1.45am..................as far as I know, Cap'n & crew are still there.....! ;D ;D

Great night - HUGE thanks to Captain Rock & the lads ;D (special thanks to Daz for his hotdogs & 'strang Conchie beer'............no doubt there'll be a few sore heads tomorrow to verify it!! ;D ;D)

 

 

I have posted up some  new pics, more to follow from both gigs

Thanks again Rodger  & Icon we canna wait for Novembers gig

2:05 PM 
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April 18, 2007 - Wednesday 

Current mood:  impressed

It is with great joy that I can now announce (as I have finally remembered the name of) the new thick string twanger in Captain Rock.

 

He has played along with the best over the years – AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Magnum, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, etc. to name but a few.

 

He's been practising with us now for what seems like thirty years and has demonstrated the appropriate image and humour to fit in admirably. He does need some more practice on the copious drinking front but is getting there slowly. A full weekend training session over Easter proved reasonably successful but he had to desist at the final hurdle of the Monday evening due to muscle spasms. More sessions are planned at every opportunity.

I'll keep you informed on his lager/kebab/spew ratio as it develops.

 

On the down side, he did manage to play a whole song last night without making a mistake so we'll have to beat that out of him before being launched at: -

 

The Caroline, Hetton – Friday, 27th April

The Conchie, Ashington – Saturday, 28th April

 

He will normally be found at gigs slouching over a speaker stack trying to focus on the floor without being sick.

 

Ladies and gentlemen – Please give your support and a warm welcome to

 

MIKEY CURRY

2:59 PM 
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March 23, 2007 - Friday 

Current mood:  hopeful
Stop Press

It has been released that Captain Rock have signed a new player from
Crook Town MC (Musicians' Collective). The mystery name has not yet been
released but The Captain was seen staggering away from Crook after
talking to a strange blurk in a frock at a bus stop in the market place
late last night.

The fee has not been officially disclosed but is believed to be in the
region of 4 pints of lager, 1 chicken fried rice with noodles and a new
plectrum holder.

Sources close to the band have said that the new signing is "a capable
middle back with some canny tricks like, and will probably be able to
drink the lead singer under the mixing desk" although this is most
unlikely. They would not release his name but a friend of The Captain's
said he probably couldn't remember anyway as he'll have been a "bit
under the weather" when he left Crook.

The new signing attended a training session last night and demonstrated
his skills and capabilities as a member of a rock band. He also played a
bit of bass guitar.

As soon as Cap remembers his name we will let you know.

Start Press Again
8:47 AM 
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March 22, 2007 - Thursday 

Current mood:  sad
Category: Music
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is with a tinge of sadness that I have to announce that Captain Rock line up will be changing over the next few weeks.

Tony, my brother, will not be playing bass guitar with Captain Rock any more. It is purely for personal reasons and there has been no falling out or problem. Tony just needs some space to get stuff sorted.

As such we are now auditioning for a new bass player. We're not working until the end of April so someone will have a busy time learning the sets.

I'll keep you informed as and when I have more info.

We want to take this opportunity to thank Tony (the handsome one in the band) for the last two years and hope he gets back into the music business soon.

Hopefully we'll be launching our new line up at the Caroline on 27th and the Conchie on 28th April.

TTFN

Stevie
8:20 AM 
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February 21, 2007 - Wednesday 

Current mood:  high

A little 'reveiw' from Mr Dave Lunn (frontman with Sabbatica) from Rocketfest 3

"Captain Rock...perfect choice for the end of the weekend.
What a showman Steve is. Nowt under his kilt and he lifted his leg on the scaffold to show Gam, Marty and me why Mrs Rock always smiles...disgusting.
He drinks a whole pint when soloing, plays his guitar behind his head and chased the camera man all night shoiting 'take another of me I'm lush'.
Great grungey sound and good song choice...marvellous"

"Was well impressed with Captain Rock by the way...can you believe its the first time I've seen 'em.
The mega deep and grungey sound made them very, very heavy...and loud
Both guitarists are tasty players and Steve's got a good voice.
The rhythm section is very meaty with the bassist getting that lush 'clicking ' ala Geezer Butler.
Song choice is not dead cheesy but well known enough to get everyone on their feet.
The showmanship from the 'wh*re' is second to none.
I may have to venture out and check oot the full repetoire soon".

 

Cheers Dave

 

The weekend for Rocketfest 3 raised was  4,880quid fantastic well done to everyone concerned

Bring on Rocketfest 4

7:39 PM 
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January 28, 2007 - Sunday 

Current mood:  tired

A big Thank You to all who attended the gig at The Bonny Moor Hen last nite.

We were privileged to be the last band to perform there, the place was chokka, great gig, with some possible interesting video to follow!

Geordie and Margi are leaving after several years of loyal service, they will be a huge miss, we would like to wish them all the very best for whatever they do in the future

 A big Thank You to all who turned up last night and for your continued support

Cheers

Stevie

6:24 PM 
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