A man who loves the 'noisy stuff'
BOURNE Corn Exchange has become a regular venue for touring bands and one of the men behind this resurgence in rock is promoter Simon Bell.
Simon (46), who lives with his wife Joyce and daughters Katie and Hannah-Rose, is bringing Motorkill (a Motorhead tribute act), The Almaboobies, the C'mon Everybody Rock n Roll Show, Livewire (AC/DC tribute act) and lots more "noisy stuff" to Bourne this autumn...
When did you start organising musical entertainment in Bourne and why?
About three years ago. After a discussion with some friends, we thought (rightly) that the people of Bourne would support live music in one of the best venues in south Lincolnshire (the Corn Exchange), so it was a case of putting up the money and giving it a go. Luckily I have some excellent chaps giving me a hand. They know who they are and no doubt they will be tapping me up for a beer after reading this.
Have you always lived in the area?
No, I Was born in Oakham and lived in Exton, Rutland, (I am a true Ruttle). I have moved around the country to avoid redundancy as a train driver before settling in Bourne.
Can you play an instrument or sing and have you ever played in a band?
No, but I have sung (badly) with various bands at soundchecks.
What makes the Corn Exchange the ideal venue for groups?
The crowd at the Corn Exchange are always appreciative and have a great time. The staff are excellent, the entrance is flat from street level (no stairs), the stage size is adequate with the dressing rooms behind the stage; I know it sounds simple but you would be surprised at how many badly planned venues there are.
Also the acoustics are excellent. If you can't get a great sound in the Corn Exchange you need to sack your soundman.
Which act has been your favourite that you have organised to come to the town?
That's really difficult. The Blockheads was musically the best, Limehouse Lizzy always delivers a great set and sends everybody home happy, but my current favourites are U2UK for their sheer professionalism and effort – great people and great show.
Do you have any hobbies?
A bit of fishing now and again, drinking beer and riding my bicycle around Bourne Wood.
What do you like most about Bourne?
The people, the open spaces, Bourne Wood.
Tell us something people might not know about you.
While driving a train from Waterloo to Windsor and Eton Riverside, I was unable to stop at Windsor due to the wheels skidding on leaves and I demolished the station's ornamental garden. I made the LWT evening news. As Andy Warhol would say: "That's your 15 minutes of fame."
What was the last gig you went to and where? How was it?
Roger Chapman and The Shortlist at The Vallemaggia Festival in Switzerland. I was working for Roger Chapman and we had a great gig in a lovely setting, nice people and paid to be there; it doesn't get much better.
What does music mean to you?
That's a difficult one. I listen to music everyday. A life without music would be really dull.
If you could invite any four people from history to dinner, who would they be and why?
Robert Maxwell and three of the pensioners that he defrauded; even if the food wasn't any good then the after dinner punch up would be worth watching.
What habits annoy you?
People continually saying "like", you know like we went out it was kind of like well you know like!
What sort of music do you prefer and who is/are your favourite artists?
Rock, maybe a little bit of Heavy Metal. At the moment I am listening to a bootleg of Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood from Madison Square Gardens 2008. My current favourites are still The Who, Leslie West, Pat Travers and Doyle Bramhall.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what one item would you have as an essential?
A gun, I can't run fast enough to catch my next meal.
Describe yourself in three words.
Persistent, thorough, irritating.
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Weather for Bourne
Friday 10 February 2012
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