"Old News"

On October 14th, 2005 Straight Shooter played their last gig at the Bridge Bar in Galashiels. There was a brilliant crowd who sensed the finale was going to be something of a special occasion and they were not disappointed! The extra long second set included some of the old favourites such as Smoke on the Water and completely unrehearsed version of Purple Haze.

They were treated to two drum solos from Mike (the first was impromptu when the bass rig hit technical problems!). The numerous encores included Zep's Rock'n'Roll, the Guns'n'Roses version of Knockin' on Heaven's Door, Whisky in the Jar and we think we finished on Highway to Hell!  We have to thank the extremely enthusiastic audience (and bar staff) for a great send-off.

The last recording of the band was at their penultimate gig. We have a video of 'Mr Crowley' and 'I hate everything' from  the Red Lion from our last gig which you can play under Setlist/MP3's if you have broadband.

The band are still mates but decided to pursue new directions after two years together. Andy Mitchell (the artist formerly known as Zander !)  has recently taken on other commitments, including a teaching post and starting the band 'She' with 'Mike.

Mike will continue with Andy, Kirsty Jamieson and Mark in 'She' and is also active in teaching student drummers.

John is looking to go it alone as solo artist. Although he is famed for his strong rock vocals he's a bit of a crooner too so look out for him in a different guise in the North East!

Bill is giving more time to helping his son's band, The Sexy Young Assassins, who following a very credible performance at Peebles' Battle of the Bands, are securing their first gig in Edinburgh. He is also looking to start another rock band in the Lothians and Borders area, so if there's anyone out there looking for an experienced rock bassist then drop him  a line on b.brotherstone@o2.co.uk

Finally, thanks to our many audiences out there who came along to support live rock over the two years and to the spouses who put up with us! Rock On!

September: Thanks to all at the Bebside in Blyth for a great night there. Please to see some faces from the last gig at the Royal Tavern. It was our first gig there and the way the decor is done shouts that this is a devoted music venue! From the double bass on the ceiling incorporating the spotlights over the stage, the guitars on the wall and the B&W prints of stars of yester year.

We'd have to say its one of the best audiences we have had this year. 'Dancing room only' in front of the band and we almost ran out of encores. To top it off there's a burger van open outside still open at midnight. We thought we'd died and gone to heaven.

August: After six weeks off for holidays (the band can't get organised to take them at the same time!), we got back together for a return to The Office in South Shields on 13th August. It was our third time there but first time in the Saturday night slot. It's always good to play in front of an audience who are out to rock!

Zander's latest addition to his axe collection is a Gibson custom shop, 'Slash' signature Les Paul. This one features an additional acoustic pickup under the bridge, which is excellent for those numbers that start off quiet and build up, like 'Love walked in'. He's also dropped his Marshall in favour of a Cornford head and 4x12 cab. More about that shortly, when we update his 'gear' page.

Bill has dropped his Rickenbacker for the time being in favour an Ibanez 5-string. Its a Soundgear 885 model which was sold to the U.S market by their Japanese factory. It has EMG active electrics and gives a tighter, more compressed sound. Also saves all that 'drop-D' tuning.

July: Straight Shooter have moved their practise venue to the studio of PFL Ltd on Tweedbank Industrial Estate, Berwick. PFL sell a huge variety of equipment to the music industry as well as providing fully staffed PA and lighting rigs for hire. Their rehearsal rooms are second to none in the Borders! Due to the above move we no longer have storage for our "big" PA system, i.e. 2 x Peavey XT4 columns. These have 2 x15 drivers each, one mounted facing down and porting through the bass port and a horn for top end. Ideally they need 2 to 4K to drive them. If you are interested then contact us!

June: June was busy for Straight Shooter! Two gigs in one weekend at Berwick and East Bolden for us. Sadly, the two-band event with the Sexy Young Assassins at Stampers in Hawick  had to be cancelled due to Stampers double-booking the venue. We are particularly sorry for 'the Sexys' who are a fast developing young band and need the experience. Look out for other Borders gigs soon at other venues on these pages!!

May:  Ian got his first outing with us as sound engineer when we played at the Royal Tavern in Blyth. The Royal is probably the smallest venue we've played in so far. Despite two other music venues close by the place filled up very quickly! A first rate rock audience - very enthusiastic!!

Apr: We're pleased to bring on board Ian Ballantyne as our sound tech. Ian ran the 'Golden Promise' sound hire business and has extensive experience in the industry. He has worked with Mike and Bill previously.

Being a fairly heavy, loud band, it is really important we get a good, well balanced sound. Now we have an experienced pair of ears on the team, we free up Zander and Mike to concentrate on their own performances. As venues fill up the accoustics will change. We are surrounded by monitoring so 'on stage' isn't the best position to judge what it sounds like front of house. Having Ian with us ensures the balance stays 100% for the audience.

Mar: The Bridge Bar in Galashiels proved to be a fun night.  Bands play until midnight at the Bridge so we aired some of the older numbers to extend our second set; All Right Now, Smoke, Can't Get Enough and Whisky in the Jar all got an airing. Leaving the fastest until last, we finished off with Sammy Hagar's 'This Planet's on Fire' ensuring Mike was reduced to a sweaty blob before he went home!

We have confirmed another Bridge date in Galashiels on 14th October with Lucille.

Mar: Berwick Pool League have asked us to play their dance at the Berwick Rangers club, Black and Gold on the bank holiday weekend. Check gigs for change of dates!

Mar: Zander's been splashing the cash and bought a new Marshall rig..  Mike's got his second Ludwig 26" bass drum and some other bits'n'pieces.. more on gear to follow (all they both need now is bigger vehicles to lug it around)!Feb. In response to several requests we now have our Set List up to view, though we seem to be changing it all the time so no guarantees!

Feb: The Red Lion in Berwick was a first for us. Zander's description of "a small but enthusiastic crowd" hardly does justice to the astonishing 'air guitar' virtuosos on the floor!! We really enjoyed doing the gig - check out the gig guide for a further two dates coming your way!

Feb: We had another great night at the Office in South Shields on 18th Feb, despite the regulars being "all rocked out" from two nights of Tsunami appeal gigs on the Wednesday and Thursday! With sponsors, they raised a total of £10,000. Look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Feb: The gig at Selkirk which featured two new bands in support, The Reckoning and Sexy Young Assassins was a big success with a sell-out crowd. Click on Reviews to read Lawrence Reid's account of the night's proceedings! We've got some pics there too.

Many thanks to Will and Trond at the County Hotel, Der Anderson for his kit and transport, Lisa and Michelle for 'manning' the door and all of you who came along to support the gig!