Bass.

What's the first thing a bassist does when they join a band? Buy a bass. I hate to say it but in many cases it's true, including mine.

When I'd just turned 15, I could play a bit of guitar but a band at school needed a bassist for the summer concert later that week, summoning me for the duty. Following a browse on Gumtree, a frantic search in my room for three £20 notes, blisters on my fingertips, watching every 240p John Deacon video I could cram into the two days notice, and a few "turn that down it's shaking the entire house"s from my mum, I completed the gig before the blisters even turned into calluses.

At 19 years old I got summoned to join a band that already had two or three very good guitar players, but no bass player. And of course good luck taking a stage piano on public transport. So time for round two! I jokingly titled myself as "bassist/rejected guitarist".

Being a grown up now I needed a proper bass. I went to Denmark Street and left with a Hofner Violin Bass. My admiration of Macca was an influence, but it was mostly because I needed something lightweight for my hypermobility to endure for 3+ hours at a time.

I bought the entry-level model thinking I would upgrade once I got the hang of it. It wasn't gig ready straight away, but after working relentlessly on it's electronics, intonation, prolapsing pluggy-in-hole and then - most vitally - putting LaBella flats on it - it became so sentimental and treasured that letting it go was no longer an option!

Serving the bottom end for five years in that group was a real apprenticeship in musical arrangements and the cruciality of its role. I think anyone who sincerely believes bass is easy, or is the same as guitar, wouldn't know where to begin if handed one.

I do love playing it nowadays when the opportunity arises. During the lockdown it was daily. But I definitely wouldn't consider or advertise myself as a bassist when there's tons of incredible people who specialise in it.

Plus I like using a pick sometimes which for some reason is a huge deal-breaker even though it's a merely stylistic choice! Imagine gatekeeping Carol Kaye, Chris Squire, Kelly Groucutt or Sir Paul. I like the sound, so did many of my inspirations, it's allowed. Music's about expression, innit?

Anyway, I will be on 4 string duties late Saturday afternoon at the Growler Stop, Dartford.

The debut and retirement appearance of 'Who Are Those Guys', featuring and starring some very special guests who were instrumental to my formative years. Pun unintended.

Music from 1pm, with my very good friends Victor and the Bully on the lineup too.

See you there!