Buddy Holly - Jason Shaw Q & A
How does it feel finally being back on tour?
I’m overjoyed. It’s been very difficult having to be separated from live music so I’m just relieved beyond belief to be going again.
How have you coped during the pandemic did you learn any new skills, musical instruments, take up any new hobbies during the lockdowns?
I think we all assumed that’s how we’d use our time, but looking back I’m pretty sure I just hibernated through.
What process did you have to go through to get into the band?
A two stage, nerve racking audition at our rehearsal studios where I was introduced to both our wonderful musical director Rob Maskell, and our show runner, and director Simon Fielder. The both of whom were very kind and shortly after my recall audition asked me if I would like the job, to which my answer was of course, yes.
What's it like going on tour as Buddy H and the C's
An absolute pleasure.
What's your musical background have you performed with any other similar bands?
I’m a self taught musician who trained as an actor, so I suppose my musical experience is mostly home-grown. Although I was once in a metal/screamo outfit by the name of Medical Attention, which, I suppose, wasn’t quite the same.
What does it take to be a successful tour musician?
Maintaining your instruments. In my case my voice and my lovely guitars. For both it can be a lot of work if steps aren’t taken to manage inevitable wear and tear.
Did you have a keen interest in BH before joining the band?
Especially so, and a particularly close to home interest as well given that my it was my father who first introduced me to the man and his works. Many of my memories of this music are shared with my old man which makes it an even greater honour to play it as much as I do.
How do you think today's music compares to BH?
I think Buddy’s influence can be traced directly into the Beatles works and by extension glanced occasionally in contemporary music. It’s one of the reasons why I think he’s still the focus of many a TV documentary, and considered a primary driver in any comprehensive look at pop music history, and thus to those who like or dislike today’s or tomorrow’s top 40 - with the exemption of maybe, rap - he probably had a hand in shaping it.
What's the audience reaction to your performances?
The jitterbug. The twist. The odd jive. This music was built to get people moving and most of the time it still works.
Do you have a favourite part of the country to perform in?
Scotland. Beautiful place.
What's your most memorable moment on tour with BH and C?
Performing at Boisdales restaurant in London. We met Jodie Marsh, a long time Rock ‘n’ Roll fan, and the venue and crowd were respectively splendid. Plus the haggis was very nice
Who is the joker in the band?
Oh, we’re all as bad as each other. If someone sets up a joke or messes up their sentence on tour, be ready for five unique punchlines.
Who is the messy one?
I’m not sure. Which suggests that it’s probably me.
Whose the bossy one?
The one in charge of driving. You’ve got to channel your inner shepherd if you’ve got five musicians and one van.
Have you had any funny experiences with fans?
All the time. But one thing that can be quite amusing is when occasionally the hotel staff has a guess at which one of us plays Buddy in the show. And they never pick me.
Which is your favourite buddy song and is there a reason why?
Reminiscing. Absolutely amazing record. Vocals, arrangement, all perfect.
What sort of things do you have to do to maintain your voice? Honey? Warm tea?
Tea Pigs Lemon and Ginger Tea. Brew for about five minutes gently journeying the bag through the water. Don’t squeeze the tea as you remove it or it will taste acidic. Perfect pre-show tea.
Do you get nervous before going on stage? If so how do you deal with that?
Yes. And at this point I just accept that it’s going to be that way. Best thing to do is joke around with the lads and try and calm down. Have another tea.
What advice would you give to someone new starting out in the business?
Go for it! It’s aphoristic advice but I think the more you unpack the idea of a career in the arts the less complicated I think it begins to look. Do what you love, and do as much of it as possible, those around you may wish you were more pragmatic about it but I don’t think that’s the best mindset.
How much practice do you have to do to keep on form?
Leading up to the tour I’ll run the show entire on a daily basis.
Is it easy learning all the songs?
Noooooooope. But it’s fun to take your ear to a track you know well and try to dissect it into two parts.