Art Rock

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOgjX0nBAP4

My son and his friends were at the Garage2 on Friday to see Marseille in concert. The Garage2 is a small venue with a bar that can accommodate a couple of hundred people. Tickets were a reasonably priced £7 and if I didn’t have a vital five-a-sides match I would have been there too.

My son heard of the band through an interview with the guitarist on Rock Radio. A selection of their songs was played and the band sounded quite good. The band I would compare them to would be Airbourne, though he disagrees and thinks they’re more like Def Leppard.

He enjoyed the concert and the support band, Exit State, went down a storm as well. It was after the gig that was most memorable. Members of both bands mingled with the audience in the bar. My son said all the musicians’ were very friendly, signed autographs and no photo was too much trouble.

My son had a long conversation with the guitarist of Marseille, an axe player called Neil Buchanan. Yes, the Neil Buchanan. Neil is famous for being the presenter on the children’s TV programme Art Attack. His first love was rock music and he’s gone back to his roots by reforming his band. My son said Neil was very enthusiastic about music and genuinely had time for everybody. Indeed, when he asked for a photo with him, Neil motioned him over to a place with more light. OK, I know Marseille aren’t as big as the Rolling Stones but that is how you win fans. It doesn’t cost anything to be friendly.

If Marseille ever make it to the top, remember where you heard it first. Their album is now available from the record shops or on sale at their concerts.