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BexFest.

Writer's picture: Tom MonksTom Monks

Had an incredible weekend of gigs. Great Dunmow with Nine Below Zero on Saturday evening. The Birds Nest in Deptford with NOVA Halo on Saturday night. And #BEXFEST on my vulnerable larry on prime time Sunday afternoon, battling pollen and imposter syndrome to deliver joy to my local borough. Was absolutely lovely to see and meet so many people and also the comfort of familiar faces at each one too.


#BEXFEST was a truly interesting show as it's extremely rare that I play a full show on my own without the comfort of a band or someone else leading it, and to so do at such a high profile event was daunting. I was so nervous before I couldn't even eat breakfast.


But as soon as I arrived I was immediately welcomed by crew and organisers like an old friend, felt at home, and they turned my morning of fear into an afternoon of joy and honour. The crowd was lovely and the other acts were inspirational.


And when I got through it I demolished a sandwich courtesy of the lovely Nancy.


Musically I'm at a real crossroads regarding my solo career. For instance I've become too sensitive to play covers in pubs on weekends, but to venture into the originals world I really want to do it properly with a committed band and such.


So for the interim when an opportunity arises I make do with what I've got, do my most do-able songs the best I can, pad out the rest with songs everyone knows but nobody else plays, add some obscurities I love and want the world to hear, and a Monty Python grand finale! It's a formula that I find provides the best of both worlds.


And as evident by BEXFEST, it seemed to work quite well! I was seriously humbled and honoured by the reception and the kindness. Even Pat Sharp namechecked me ON MIC which was SURREAL! It's the closest I'll ever get to being on Top of the Pops.


And I guess in some ways it's good to be nervous as it means you care. Dunning-Kruger and all that.


My next show is this Saturday, at the Growler Stop in Dartford, birthplace of my guitar amp and legendary rock pioneers, The Boney Rolls. I'm sharing the stage with some very very special guests; dear friends of mine I shared my musically formative years with. I'll keep it a surprise if so - just come down.


Victor and the Bully are playing too - they're great friends of mine and extraordinarily unique. And by unique I don't mean the Camden definition of "play and write like Oasis and sing like Alex Turner" - I mean the ACTUAL definition of unique! Cabaret, circus, mariachi, metal, classical, and catchy-as-hell, seriously well crafted songs. To liken artists to cocktails, they're the Bloody Mary to my Shandy. These guys are SERIOUSLY exciting.


There's also an act opening called Doubting Thomas. I was tempted to ask to get myself billed as Trusting Thomas - we'd be great bookends for the gig. But I need to build a rapport with them before I even consider stealing and adapting their name. So instead I will encourage you to make it for the start to catch their set.


In the meantime I'm at The Iron Horse in Sidcup tonight for my acoustic-ish do (this month marks my EIGHTH YEAR!), and then at The Pelton Arms in Greenwich on Sunday for Dennis Greaves' legendary blues jam. Come and say hi! Or have a strum yourself. If so, Iron Horse come for the 7:30pm signups, and Pelton stand at the front with your instrument of choice and make your presence known.


Thanks lovelies, ram on x

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