Gaz leaves the green room

I think I may have met that Gaz guy at the Monsters of Rock last night. He didn’t look like he was sick of it at all.

Bring on http://www.the-riotseaside.com!

So what does this mean for the Green Room? Will they be getting a new band booking bloke, or are they closing?
(Never been there, but I can hear the drums from my house on a Saturday night.)

Having only recently met Gaz, this news is a little disappointing; he had a strong reputation for promoting excellence in the scene. I was personally looking forward to working with him further at the GR. A really nice fella.

As for Bill Arnett, aka the Hippy (Fat) Fairy, my best wishes go out to him. Bill was a bit of a character in the folk scene, he was very encouraging and enthusiastic, and also a very real ally to my little band. A top bloke all round. He worked tirelessly not only to keep the Muse afloat, but also to promote new acts and expand Canberra’s acceptance of ‘folk’ music.

I remember the first Muse gig I played, when it was at the Tuner Bowlo’ a few years back. When the muse moved up the road to the Polo’, Bill was there, booking acts, greeting guests and still encouraging everyone to ‘get up and meet someone new’ in the set breaks.

Most will agree that his cheery attitude, if not his corny jokes, was quite infectious.

As I stated he really gave me/us some great opportunities that we would otherwise be still scrounging for in this old town. I’m sure there are more than a few other musos that will have similar experiences.

I hope that the new committee taking over the Muse will continue Bill’s fine form. I also hope that with the change the Muse will continue its booking policy, and provide Canberra with a viable folk venue that challenges the notion that all folk music is just ‘riddly diddly’ music.

Thanks for your patience & indulgence on this one.

Blair.
The Wedded Bliss.

We are considering it (both the send off and the invite list). Stay tuned.

Incidentally, is there going to be an official “bugger off, Johnboy” function to mark your disappearance from these environs?

And will friends of Riotact, like Troy Takiri, Samuel Gordon-Stewart and, well, anybody who’s ever served in Canberra’s Judiciary or Legislative arms, be invited?