BB Blackdog - with all kit - at Hallowsteam
As many people will know, BB Blackdog are a UK-based steampunk style band. They play psychedelic heavy rock music, performed on two bass guitars and a custom pink drumkit. That’s right, no lead guitar in sight. And they are usually accompanied by Madame Demolitia Tribal, who performs a steampunk belly dance burlesque routine to go alongside.
Lots of people, me included, like their music. Not everyone does, but if we all liked the same thing, things would get a little dull…
You may also know that on Friday 21st December, BB Blackdog had all, and yes I mean all, of their kit stolen from the band van when in Sheffield, England. That’s two custom bass guitars, two custom drum kits, all the associated mics, wires, and wireless systems; outfits; all of Demolitia Tribal’s stage performance gear; all the flight cases, absolutely everything. This stuff is unique. It’s never going to be replaced – and we all know how insurance is going to treat custom gear. The guys will get something back – but it will in no way cover what they’ve lost.
You MAY also know that unlike many of the bands on the UK steampunk circuit, BB Blackdog are professional – so while it would hurt Crimson Clocks to lose all our stuff – hurt us a lot! – it wouldn’t be the end of the world. We have day jobs, so we’ll keep on paying the bills. For BB Blackdog, music IS their day job. What they’ve lost is actually their entire livelihoods. What these people have casually stolen is BB Blackdog’s ability to pay the rent.
Here’s some things you may not know about BB Blackdog. They’re not only a band; they’re a band that supports other bands, and provides opportunities for others to play. Crimson Clocks got our first and second gigs courtesy of Dale taking a chance on us, unheard at the time. He’s still offering us gigs now. I’m sure Gladstone and other bands would say the same thing.
They’re a band that looks after their fans; it’s one reason why they have a loyal following. They’re willing to talk to people, and to give them what they want.
They’re a band that joins in with other events, and puts on events that are about more than just the music. I first met Dale and former bassist John Ferguson at a steampunk trip to Alton Towers, a theme park in Staffordshire. I’d already been discussing science fiction with Dale via facebook. It’s not all about pushing for gigs for these guys, it’s about being part of, and supporting, a community.
Now – they need support from that community. They need help to replace their kit. They’re soldiering on with borrowed stuff at the moment, but they’re losing revenue as they are having to cancel, and long-term, it just isn’t sustainable.
It’s also not their full act. The look of surprise on people’s faces at the Roadhouse when Puppy Dog Mike appeared in the bar while he was playing was priceless – his wireless kit allows him to wander around and adds a completely different dimension to the act. Without it, the Puppy Dog is being kept on the leash. Without the gimp masks (yes, really) that Demolitia uses on people, without that pink drumkit tailored to size for drummer Axel (who is a little on the tall side), without those lovingly customised instruments… they still sound great. But it’s not... quite...them.
So what’s to be done about it? Well, the lovely Cas, in conjunction with Lord Montague Jacques Fromage III has set up a kickstarter fundraiser. If you’re a fan of their music, or just a fan of what they’ve done for the steampunk community, then please consider donating. If you can’t donate – then please share details of the fundraiser – and of the loss. Please help if you can, however you can.
Here's the details of the indeigogo fundraiser: http://www.indiegogo.com/bbblackdog
And here's the details of the stolen items: https://www.facebook.com/events/528541237170674/ (This is a facebook page)
Thanks for reading!
Lots of people, me included, like their music. Not everyone does, but if we all liked the same thing, things would get a little dull…
You may also know that on Friday 21st December, BB Blackdog had all, and yes I mean all, of their kit stolen from the band van when in Sheffield, England. That’s two custom bass guitars, two custom drum kits, all the associated mics, wires, and wireless systems; outfits; all of Demolitia Tribal’s stage performance gear; all the flight cases, absolutely everything. This stuff is unique. It’s never going to be replaced – and we all know how insurance is going to treat custom gear. The guys will get something back – but it will in no way cover what they’ve lost.
You MAY also know that unlike many of the bands on the UK steampunk circuit, BB Blackdog are professional – so while it would hurt Crimson Clocks to lose all our stuff – hurt us a lot! – it wouldn’t be the end of the world. We have day jobs, so we’ll keep on paying the bills. For BB Blackdog, music IS their day job. What they’ve lost is actually their entire livelihoods. What these people have casually stolen is BB Blackdog’s ability to pay the rent.
Here’s some things you may not know about BB Blackdog. They’re not only a band; they’re a band that supports other bands, and provides opportunities for others to play. Crimson Clocks got our first and second gigs courtesy of Dale taking a chance on us, unheard at the time. He’s still offering us gigs now. I’m sure Gladstone and other bands would say the same thing.
They’re a band that looks after their fans; it’s one reason why they have a loyal following. They’re willing to talk to people, and to give them what they want.
They’re a band that joins in with other events, and puts on events that are about more than just the music. I first met Dale and former bassist John Ferguson at a steampunk trip to Alton Towers, a theme park in Staffordshire. I’d already been discussing science fiction with Dale via facebook. It’s not all about pushing for gigs for these guys, it’s about being part of, and supporting, a community.
Now – they need support from that community. They need help to replace their kit. They’re soldiering on with borrowed stuff at the moment, but they’re losing revenue as they are having to cancel, and long-term, it just isn’t sustainable.
It’s also not their full act. The look of surprise on people’s faces at the Roadhouse when Puppy Dog Mike appeared in the bar while he was playing was priceless – his wireless kit allows him to wander around and adds a completely different dimension to the act. Without it, the Puppy Dog is being kept on the leash. Without the gimp masks (yes, really) that Demolitia uses on people, without that pink drumkit tailored to size for drummer Axel (who is a little on the tall side), without those lovingly customised instruments… they still sound great. But it’s not... quite...them.
So what’s to be done about it? Well, the lovely Cas, in conjunction with Lord Montague Jacques Fromage III has set up a kickstarter fundraiser. If you’re a fan of their music, or just a fan of what they’ve done for the steampunk community, then please consider donating. If you can’t donate – then please share details of the fundraiser – and of the loss. Please help if you can, however you can.
Here's the details of the indeigogo fundraiser: http://www.indiegogo.com/bbblackdog
And here's the details of the stolen items: https://www.facebook.com/events/528541237170674/ (This is a facebook page)
Thanks for reading!
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