Keep The Faith- Keep Rockin’

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are all doing ok and keeping safe in these strange times.

Not written for a while as not a lot has happened as I am sure you can appreciate.  The band are chomping at the bit to play again albeit in a studio or live but really not sure when either of those things may happen. I am trying to keep things ticking over by recording new demos ready so that we have more than enough material for the new album when we finally get to do it.

Welcome to all new Clan members – we have had  quite a few  recently, I guess people have more time on their hands to look around the internet and see what is out there. We are glad you found us!

We have lost shows already this year but we do have some planned later in the year and some of the cancelled ones are being rescheduled so fingers crossed it all goes ahead eventually.

I do feel for the hospitality/music and entertainment sector though, no income possible at all and still bills to pay for rates/rent and other overheads. I hope we can help out in some way when we get back, it’s not just the venues though it is all the people that are involved, sound engineers, lighting guys, bar staff and numerous others that help the industry work. Obviously a lot of bands and performers are struggling as well with not being able to earn from Live gigs. As many also sell merchandise at gigs that has been lost as well although for us we have actually seen an increase in merchandise sales from our website.

We actually don’t really sell much at gigs due to the logistics of having not someone with us to manage the merch stall.

Perhaps something we need to address when we get back out.

I think I many have mentioned I acquired a new guitar about 6 months ago- A Gibson SG std – 61 reissue. Hardly been out of its case to be honest, I will be using it on the album though alongside my trusty Stratocasters.

There is one track “Sacrifice” I can’t decide whether to use an acoustic in some parts or an electric with Chorus? Probably try both.

Not sure when I  last wrote – was it this year? Every day feels the same so I can’t recall. If it wasn’t then I hope you all made the best of your Christmas and New Year.

Here in the UK we are expecting an announcement tomorrow (Feb 22) as to what is likely to happen over the next couple of months. Holidays probably won’t be part of it.

Anyway – the important thing is that we are all still here, hopefully keeping healthy (you can’t buy health) and staying positive. Remember, we are nearer the end of this thing than we were last week.

So keep the faith, keep smiling and keep Rockin!!

We will be back!

Craig

It’s Christmas – Lets have a good time! We need it.

It’s Christmas – Let’s have a good time – more true this year than ever I think. So given that is only a month until the big day, we thought you may want to add this to your playlists.

Remarkable to think that it is 47 years ago since Slade released what is probably the best Pop/Rock Christmas song ever. A few years ago we decided to pay homage/tribute to it and wrote a song in similar vein. Obviously it will never match up to Noddy and the boys but we think it is a pretty decent effort. Give it a listen- don’t take it too seriously it is only a bit of fun, although actually the middle section is probably quite relevant right now. The video was put together by Dangerous Dave from some behind the scenes footage when we recorded it a Parr street – Liverpool. https://youtu.be/60i9IqEpYq4

Available from http://www.Clan-rock.com plus all usual Download sites, streaming services etc.

Keep rockin’

Craig

Been a while but here you go

Hi everyone,

It’s been a while but that has been deliberate on my part really. Seems to me that everyone has an opinion to give and they do on social media so I thought I would keep to myself.

Hard to remember right now what life was like without Covid restrictions but the band and I are staying safe and  positive  just waiting for the day we can once again “Rock for you”. It can’t come too soon for us really but I suspect the reality is we are looking at another 6 months minimum. We just hope everyone we know is ok, I am not going to bleat on about this we as have all had enough of hearing about it over the last 9 months.

Who knows, by then we might actually have recorded and released our “Rise Up” album. All songs written and demoed we just need a clear week in a studio to make a racket and get them recorded.

We do have gigs in the book for next year so we are keeping our fingers crossed they will happen.

A few people have asked why we haven’t done on-line performances either individually or collectively, however and I think I am speaking for all of us, in reality I don’t think it is our thing. We exist as a band to have fun and this happens for us by either playing live gigs to people who we hope are having a good time or by all three of us  being in a studio together creating new music from scratch. The current alternatives are not very appealing although I do have friends who have followed that route and that is their choice so I wish them well.

The Clan have had quite a few new members join on our Website www.clan-rock.com and also the Facebook page and Facebook Group. We are on Twitter as well of course @theclanrock

Probably time we produced some new merchandise to go alongside our current stock of T-shirts which actually we have sold more of during the last few months, CDs, bottle openers etc. perhaps sew on patches? Feel free to offer suggestions, anything considered.

Speaking of merchandise it’s nearly Christmas so once again we release our It’s Christmas (let’s have a good time) track. Been out a few years now and for those who don’t know it was written as a tribute/homage to Slade’s perennial Christmas cracker. Obviously it is not up to that standard but it’s still a good rockin’ tune with a catchy chorus. Don’t take it too seriously. Having said that the middle section is even more appropriate this year I think. If you are looking for it you may need to put in “The Clan Its Christmas let’s have a good time” in your Spotify, ITunes search fields

As many of you probably know we, along with many other bands support the Mearfest charity and we have been honoured to have played a couple of Mearfest events. Brian and Claire Mear who run this charity are amazing people and I have no idea where they find the time and energy to keep it going but somehow they do. Claire has just recently released a book (Rocker Bye Baby) about her life and it is an emotional roller coaster to read. Harrowing in places but quite light hearted in others it will have you crying and laughing but it will definitely leave you inspired by Claire’s story; it is well worth reading. To order the book or find out more about Mearfest and the charities they support go to www.mearfest.org  

Some of you may have seen my short series of videos where I am talking about my guitars. I thought some of you may have been interested. The beauty of it is that apart from my No1 and No.2 Fender Strats guitars come and go quite frequently in my house so it is likely to be a never ending series. I already have a couple more to do. I quite like making the videos as well so it may be something I will explore a bit further.

Whilst on the subject of media, there is a local radio show (Internet) on www.newbrightonradio.com every Wednesday 7pm-10pm called the Howie and the Dutchman Rock show. Both the guys (Paul & Roland) play in a local band and the show is a good one as they play a wide range of rock unlike some “rock” channels that stick to the usual suspects. They also have a local band slot and through that and interacting with the guys I was offered the chance to have a short segment on the show every week called Craig’s Quarter. Basically I select a different theme of my choosing very week and 3-4 songs that fit into it. It’s called Craig’s Quarter and it is good fun.

Anyway – I will leave it here for now otherwise I will waffle on and on and this will take a week to write,

In conclusion – Stay Safe, stay Positive, there is light at the far end of the tunnel and I am looking forward to the day when I can have a beer at the bar with friends whilst watching a good rockin’ band strut their stuff. Keep the faith, it will happen!

Catch you again soon,

Keep rockin’

Craig

“New” Song released

Hi All,

10 years ago (yes it really was) when I recorded my solo album “Pies, Pasties & Rock ‘n’ Roll” I recorded a number of songs which I had written for and played with my first band Sinner back in 1979.

A couple of them – The Key and Home of the Devil made it to release but some others didn’t. One of these was  a song called Expansion. I am not sure why I didn’t put it on the album, possibly because I got the lyrics wrong I really can’t remember.

Anyway I thought why not put it out there during these troubled times as a free download.

It doesn’t do any harm.

So here it is https://soundcloud.com/craig-mac-14/expansion

it can be downloaded from the audio player on the Clan site www.clan-rock.com

Enjoy

Keep safe and Stay at home if you can.

Craig

Buckley – six bands for a fiver !

Ok so we were supposed to be supporting faster Pussycat on Friday but they like other Tivoli  headliners this weekend DAD and Enuff Z Enuff have all cancelled. This is because they were all playing Hard Rock hell as well and that has been cancelled by the organisers due to Corona Virus  fears.

This left The tiv with the prospect of three dark nights and a number of support acts with no gigs.

The solution:

A Six band mini-fest for a fiver this Saturday night. Show closers  are Bad Dog who were supposed to be playing HRH so good news for them, also  widely lauded Mad Haven  and Shyyne who we have played with before. It will be a great night and we would love to see many of you there.

We are opening the show at 7:00pm to get you all warmed up and in the mood.

If you buy tickets from our website www.clan-rock.com/shop-downloads you get a free download of our 100% Live album.

Tickets will be left on the door in your name or can be posted out F.O.C.

Please support not only us but an  evening of Live original Music by being there, The Tiv is a great venue and there aren’t many left.

Keep rockin’

Craig

New Release – Memories Remain- old demos and early recordings

Hi everyone,

Just some more ramblings again.

When I was 11 and I decided I wanted to be a rock star rather than a professional footballer (Just as well as I was not very good) I decided that writing my own songs was an important factor. As I have mentioned previously this is something that has always been crucial to me in being some form of musician.

I actually wrote my first song at that time even though I couldn’t play an instrument. It was called “Dirty Soap” (hey I was 11) and was obviously it was not very good. No I won’t be recording it anytime soon.

Since then however I have always written songs, most of which I think are ok, otherwise I throw them away. They don’t all fit into specific genres either they are quite mixed and generally fit in with how I feel at the time.

Some will have been heard when I played them to people, some have been given away on cassettes or home burnt CDs and  others haven’t made it past my ears.

Believing that there is no point in recording a song if no-one gets the chance to hear it I decided to put a few of my earlier  songs, some recorded in a studio others on a home 4 track cassette or some other basic equipment out for general release. It’s unlikely they will ever see the light of day again otherwise.

Therefore from  Monday 17^th February you should be able to buy/stream “Memories Remain – A collection of early demos and home recordings” released under my own name – Craig McDonald

I am not expecting this to set the world on fire but it is what it says it is – A collection of early recordings and home demos which otherwise will be lost forever.

Here’s the track list and some notes for those interested.

• Memories Remain. – I wrote and recorded this this circa 1990, recorded in Dead Sound studios Chester. Gavin Gill was the producer/engineer and it was just the two of us doing everything. I recorded the song again later and it has been played live where it proved to be quite popular but this is the original (and to my ears the best version- so far).

 

• Sunrise – An instrumental track in two parts which I was originally going to call Sunrise/Sunset. Recorded by John Oliver circa 2006 I quite like this track even if some bits are derivate. Part 2 has about six layered guitars by the time it reaches the end.

 

• Tears in Your eyes – Another recorded by John Oliver around the same time as Sunrise. John added the keyboards. The lyrics are fairly self-explanatory. If memory serves me correctly and no guarantee of that, the electric guitar solo is quite rare as it was played on my Les Paul which I have since sold?

 

• Seasons – The original demo as recorded on my Fostex X-28 4 track Cassette, early 90s. This was actually played live quite a lot during the 90s when I was with Glassback. The “twelve string” is actually my Strat through the pitch shifter on my Zoom 3030 effects processor.

 

• Slider  – Another instrumental but I can’t remember when I actually recorded it although it sounds like a digital recording and my ovation acoustic so early 2000s perhaps? Just an idea I was trying out and I quite like the end result.

 

• Whispered by the Wind – Not really sure what this is actually about although I am sure I had something in mind when I wrote it. No matter, I quite like some of the guitar work and the tune is not too shabby. The electric guitar is another rare recording for me as once again I was using the Les Paul.

 

• Long Ago – This is definitely from the early 90s and recorded at home on the Fostex. The guitar is quite heavily phased. I suspect I was going for a “Catch the Rainbow” type of feel overall but not sure that is how it turned out.

 

• Electric Dream – This is a just a bit of self-indulgent ad-libbing really. Recorded at home in the early 90s playing my Strat through a Marshall Valve state amp and Zoom 3030 Effects processor. I simply set the drum machine going, found an interesting patch on the zoom and started playing. Later I added a very basic bass guitar. I think there are some quite interesting things on there, well I would wouldn’t I? I am not even sure how I got some of those sounds/effects. I am sure some parts would actually fit in well in a live situation with the Clan.

 

Well there you have it. As the album is only available on download or streaming I didn’t really bother too much with artwork. It’s simply a live photo of me. If it were to be released on CD/Vinyl I would have to do something more involved but that is highly unlikely to be honest.

Next up, hopefully some new Clan recordings, the long awaited “Rise Up” album perhaps or maybe just a couple of individual tracks.

Watch this space,

Keep Rockin’

Craig

Random Ramblings of an older man

Well it’s been a long time so given it’s now 2020 I figured it was time for a quick update and I will try not to ramble on. I have been trying to write this for a few weeks and every time I read it back it sounded so depressing. Hopefully it doesn’t now.

First off The Clan. We had a great year last year and as we move into our 10^th year let’s hope that carries on. It’s not only the band’s 10^th year it’s my 41^st year gigging and you would think it would be easier to get gigs by now. It’s not.

Venues closing, seemingly less people interested in live music, the continuing (increasing) popularity of Tribute bands all mean that trying to play original music is becoming more and more difficult. Yes we play covers as well in with our originals but are they the right ones? Rock fans want newer rock covers which I understand and “standard” pubs really just want the crowd pleasing commercial stuff – (Mr Brightside, I predict a riot, Sweet Child O’ Mine, U2  etc) which isn’t really my bag.

So am I shooting myself in the foot, commercially maybe but  I didn’t take up the guitar to play anything just to get a gig, I still have to enjoy what I play or there is no point in me doing it as I do it for fun! So I will carry on as long as I can and when no-one wants to listen anymore I will concentrate on releasing new recordings for my own pleasure and anyone who does want to listen.

Having said all that we have some good gigs booked already but once again nothing on the local scene. It would have been nice to return to play in some of the local venues but not looking likely right now.

Personally I find it strange how we are good enough to open shows for legends like Rainbow/Alcatrazz Vocalist Graham Bonnet, Ex Scorpions guitarist Uli Jon Roth and the Quireboys but can’t get a gig in our local venues? Don’t ask me I have given up wondering.

We do very well outside our local area so we will just accept that.

Speaking of which

We’ll see you all at The Bath in Morecambe on Jan 18^th.

I think I realised last year that I am now getting old. Not something I am happy to admit to but two things have led me to this depressing conclusion: The first is the number and frequency of people I recognise in the obituaries and RIP notices. The second is that things I take for granted have no meaning or interest to other people as they are completely unaware of them, particularly true when talking about music or events from my life. Why would anyone under 40 year (or maybe older) understand the impact of the TV programs I watched in the 60s/70s or which groups were big then? They won’t, why should they?

Sometimes the two things align as in the sad deaths during 2019 of one of my favourite guitarists Bernie Tormé and also UFO’s Paul Raymond. I really didn’t expect either of those to pass, big musical influences in my life yet unknown to the majority of people.

Sadly I am sure there will be more this year.

Ok, let’s try and lift the depression. Last year we played Mearfest South, the second Mearfest we have done and as always it was superbly organised by Brian Mear and his wife Claire to raise funds for their Mearfest Charity. The theme was celebrating 40 years of NWOBHM , coincidentally my 40^th Year of gigging as well. Perhaps the hottest day of the year but it was a great day and in addition to raising money it was a great day to see and meet others who just love Rock.

August saw us closing the Llandudno Music festival and throughout the year thanks to the unswerving support of Rokib at The Tivoli we supported some great people including; Graham Bonnet, Pete Way, Quireboys, Uli Jon Roth, Kingdom of Madness and VAIN.

It would be nice to play Cambridge Rock Festival again in our tenth year but they do have a limited number of slots and so many bands wanting to fill them. Time will tell.

Time it seems does appear to have become the theme in this blog, it seems to be passing so quickly and nothing can slow it down. Taking that into account I am determined to enjoy life whenever I can during 2020. No more waiting, I think it is all summed up in “Day to Day”. Yes there are boring, mundane and repetitive things that need to be done to keep life ticking over but outside of that?

Family and health are of course very important to me, I generally don’t mention family in my postings etc. as I don’t believe that family matters are for public consumption but I do love all my family.

Health – You really can’t buy this, to be relatively healthy is a bonus and I hope everyone can stay as healthy as possible. Personally I could do a bit more about this – exercise and healthier eating would help I am sure. I can try but I am not going to be obsessive.

Losing (quite) a few pounds is one of my goals though.

Material things I am not as interested in although I could do with buying a new car, My VW is 17 years old and has done 260,000 miles so it is probably time. I say this every year and it keeps going but when the mechanic who fixes it for me tells me I need a new one then it is probably time.

So a mixed bag of positives and negatives. Let’s concentrate on the positives and look forward to good gigs, health, Love and as peaceful a world as we can get.

Keep rockin’

Craig

 

2019 – Last gig of the year – Best saved for last.

Clan Update

Hi all – well it’s nearly the end of the year and we have one more gig to play.

As you know we supported the legendary SWEET last year and we were asked back to open the show at The Tivoli again this year.

Sweet+ Novatines + Clan

Buckley – Tivoli

Wed Dec 11^th

7:00-11:00

 

What can you say about the Sweet?  A Great catalogue of hit singles, which they play – they all sound great live by the way, plus their rockier album tracks and B sides some of which are normally included in the set.

Sadly of course two of the original band are no longer with us and original bassist Steve Priest lives and has his own version of the band in the USA.  In UK and Europe we have Guitarist Andy Scott who has been keeping the Sweet flag flying and being the total professional that he is he has a great band with him.

The Sweet live put on a great show, great playing, great songs and great fun. All makes for a great night.

We of course always try to deliver Good time feel good Rock and Dec 11^th will be no exception. As it is a mixed crowd we will be playing Originals and Covers, we may even throw in our Christmas song?

The Novatines I don’t know but they are doing the whole tour with Sweet and I have heard good things.

What’s stopping you – what else are you doing on a Wednesday night?

As always we have a limited number of tickets at a discounted price on our web site. These can be posted out (free of charge) or collected on the door – under your name.

www.clan-rock.com/shop-downloads

Tickets are available for the usual Tivoli outlets as well of course.

This was pretty much sold out last year so Tickets in advance are advised.

Keep Rockin’

Craig – the Clan

A great end to the year – Clan support The Sweet.

Ok it’s been a while, I am having trouble keeping up.

It’s our final gig of 2018 this Sunday and to me at least it is a great way to finish the year.

Supporting The Sweet- yes The actual Sweet at Buckley Tivoli on Sunday 2^nd December. Hard to believe I used to watch them on Top Of The Pops over 45 years ago. I remember buying Blockbuster and being very surprised at how good/Rocky the B-side was (need a Lot of Lovin’). Probably the first time I heard anyone really use a Tremolo arm (as whammy bars were called back then). That started something off, you really can’t get that sound on an acoustic. Later of course I moved on to enjoy Blackmore, Uli Jon Roth and Bernie Tormé all of whom use the said device extensively but it was probably Andy Scott who sparked my interest. The whammy bar is why I always preferred Fender Stratocasters to Gibson Les Pauls.

The Clan have a had a good year really, less gigs than previously but we have supported Hand of Dimes, Blaze Bayley, Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash and we had a great time last week with top tribute DIIO (A  tribute to  the music of Ronnie James Dio) and also our good friends “The Darker my Horizon”. Why TDmH are not higher profile in the UK (or in Europe) I really do not know, they have brilliant melodies, great vocals and certainly know how to rock. There are far worse bands being hyped and pushed by the media although I suppose it has always been that way.

We have also played a few Pub type gigs throughout the year including a return to local venue The Swinging Arm after a five-year absence. We are booked there twice next year.

Last Saturday we played a short set exclusively for a group of Photography students which was good fun. We should be provided with most of the output so that will be interesting. Can’t vouch for the content but the photo quality should be good haha.

If you want to catch us at our last gig this year or you just fancy seeing the Sweet and why wouldn’t you, then we still have a few tickets available at a discounted price  from www.clan-rock.com/shop-downloads

Probably too late to post out now but we can leave them on the door for you no problem.

The Sweet are well worth seeing, Jim and I saw them earlier this year and they were awesome, totally professional and great fun. All the hits plus some choice album tracks and by the way in a live environment they really rock. As for us, I think at this one we will be doing a 50/50 mix of Clan originals and some well-known covers in order to get everyone warmed up and in a good mood for the main event. As far as I know we are the only support (although these things often throw up surprises) so we may possibly get an hour?

If we don’t see you on Sunday then hopefully we will see you somewhere next year, a few things already lined up and incidentally, 2019 will be 40 years since my first ever gig (Sinner) and it is also the 40^th anniversary of the New Wave of British heavy Metal (NWOBHM) so expect various events based around that which we may be involved in.

Until then, keep rockin’

Craig

Clan Gig info for remainder of 2018

Hi All,

It’s been a while hasn’t it. Ok let’s start with what’s happening for the rest of the year

 

Friday 26^th Oct

The Old Wine Vaults

Eastwood

Notts

Onstage 8:00pm

 

Friday 2^nd Nov

The Overchurch

Royden Road

Wirral

Birthday Party- Not sure if this is a private event or not?

 

Saturday 24^th Nov

The Tivoli – Buckley

** (Three band Line up – The Clan/The Darker my Horizon/DIIO- Ronnie James Dio Tribute)

North Wales

7:00pm

Tickets available from http://www.clan-rock.com/shop-downloads

 

Sunday 2^nd Dec

The Tivoli – Buckley

** (Support to The Sweet)

North Wales

7:00pm

Tickets available from http://www.clan-rock.com/shop-downloads

The gig at The Eastwood this Friday is a special one. This is a new venue which opened two weeks ago and is run by Rob & Lil who used to run the Beeston Greyhound. We loved playing there and recorded “Second Helpings” there due to the great sound and great audience. Hopefully the Old Wine Vaults will be even better – Can’t wait to see.

The Overchurch gig is a Birthday party following our successful gig at the Horse & Jockey in Upton. I will check if it is a private event or whether anyone can attend. Will update when I know.

The gig at the Tivoli on 24^th is a special thank you to everyone who has supported us this year and helped make it a good year for The Clan. We have asked some friends to come and play for you as well, The Darker my Horizon we have known since they were formed out of the ashes of Sacred Heart. One of the UKs best melodic rock bands they really should be seen by all rock fans. Then we have DIIO, a tribute to the music of the much loved and respected Ronnie James Dio. The band has members of well-respected tributes Hi-On-Maiden and Sack Sabbath within its ranks so quality is assured on tracks spanning Rainbow/Black Sabbath and Dio. We are starting the evening off with our Good time Feel good Rock –a good night in prospect and all for £12

Last year we finished the year with a support slot to Uli Jon Roth and this year is another belter. We support the one and only Sweet. Unfortunately Brian and Mick are no longer with us and Steve Priest resides in USA so Andy Scott keeps the band going these days and a crackin’ job he does too. We saw them earlier this year and it was a fantastic night out. You get all the Sweet hits, some of their album rock tracks and usually a short acoustic segment. It’s not simply nostalgia. They are a brilliant live band – this line up with Pete Lincoln on vocals (ex Sailor) has been together for many years now. All great musicians and a very entertaining show.  Really looking forward to finishing the Clan’s year at this one.

 

We already have gigs booked next year but we’ll leave that for now.

Highlights this year – playing gigs with Hand Of Dimes, Blaze Bayley and Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash. All nice friendly guys and also the other support bands on the bills, Wasted Fate and Fugitive. Keeping Original music alive.

Also thanks to Rokib and Kirsty at the Tivoli for continuing to believe in us.

We’ll end there for now but keep an eye on Facebook – The Clan , Twitter @theclanrock and our website www.clan-rock.com for updates

Keep rockin’

Craig – The Clan