Some years ago, I had the pleasure of teaching a young man named Robbie Cavanagh how to play the guitar. He still calls me for an occasional lesson even now, regardless of the fact that he's currently the frontman, main songwriter, and guitarist for the band 'This Devastated Fan' who are about to embark on a UK tour, and working towards their 3rd album! Robbie developed an astounding skill as a songwriter, and has crafted some music which I find absolutely stunning. Predictably, the band have gathered themselves a strong following, and look well set to develop this further as they play more gigs and take their music to new places as Robbie continues to develop his songwriting skills, and share his work with growing appreciative audiences.
From their beginnings in 2005/6, This Devastated Fan have released two albums, played countless gigs, toured in Europe, and undergone a couple of line-up changes which have all made for an interesting and colourful journey. In recent times, I've met up with them regularly and as they asked for my opinion on different aspects of what they were doing, I offered whatever advice I had to give them about being in a band, let them know about the mistakes I made, and the pitfalls I fell into when I was in a working band which toured.
So what really interesting thing happened one very recent evening?
I went to meet the band, was asked to bring an instrument with me to 'jam', and I was asked: "Would I join them onstage and play with them for their upcoming tour?"
What a question!
I've never gigged with one of my ex-students before. I've played with a few of my old teachers, but never played with one of my students. I guess that as time presses on hard, this was going to be something which may have happened "one day in the future". but I didn't predict that it would be now, and This Devastated Fan!
With virtually no hesitation, I said yes.
I haven't really been out and played like this for a long time because I've been focussed very much on teaching, so to say I'm looking forward to going out and playing live with TDF is an understatement! To anyone who wants a very, very good night out with a top band in the last week of February and the first week in March, you won't go far wrong checking out This Devastated Fan in any of the following venues on the following dates:
| Patriot | Crumlin, Wales | ||
| New Angel | Bridgend, Wales | ||
| The Duke | Neath | ||
| The venue | Ilfracombe | ||
| Mambo’s | Minehead | ||
| Asylum 2 | Birmingham | ||
| The Sal | Nottingham | ||
| Three Tuns | Gateshead |
Check out the hard working bald guy backing up the charismatic rock star at the front!
More dates will be added as they are confirmed.
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