The Trojan Eaters' 30th!

I've just done some sums and it seems we actually played our 30th gig last Sunday - and we have to say that we've thoroughly enjoyed (almost) every single one! ;-)

Our 30th gig also happened to be our debut gig at The Clock, Hebburn - which was a nice coincidence.  People have been telling us for a while that we need to play The Clock...and they were right - a great bunch of people made for a top night all round. We're looking forward to some return gigs there next year.

And one final note...I noticed the other day that our facebook page has reached 100 fans (to go with almost 200 already on the facebook group)!  A huge thank you to all of you for all your support since our first gig back in April.  (Maybe we should find out who that 100th person was and send them a t-shirt or something!?)

Video DIDN'T kill the Trojan Eaters...

...we hope!

We've finally joined the YouTube revolution.  You can see some of our videos on our website or go straight to our YouTube Channel.

Let us know what you think.

New shows announced in South Shields

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

February 13, 2010 - South Shields, United Kingdom - The Sand Dancer
Address: Sea Road - Map
Time : 8:30 PM

See Full Details

June 11, 2010 - South Shields, United Kingdom - The Sand Dancer
Address: Sea Road - Map
Time : 8:30 PM

See Full Details

September 25, 2010 - South Shields, United Kingdom - The Sand Dancer
Address: Sea Road - Map
Time : 8:30 PM

See Full Details

New show announced in Durham at The Castle Inn on January 23, 2010

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

January 23, 2010 - Durham, United Kingdom - The Castle Inn
Address: Claypath - Map
Time : 8:30 PM

See Full Details

New show announced in Seaton Delaval at Hastings Arms on November 21, 2009

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

November 21, 2009 - Seaton Delaval, United Kingdom - Hastings Arms
Address: Wheatridge Row - Map
Time : 8:30 PM

See Full Details

The Trojan Eaters + Special Guests

We just wanted to show our appreciation again to everyone at The Arch (aka Oxhill Central WMC) last Thursday - including that very special brand of Stanley humour...telling us in the middle of the first set that Steve's van had been smashed - you guys!  Just kidding...we know it was a genuine mistake & was well-meant ;-)  We always look forward to coming to the Arch and I'm sure we'll be back again, but just to let you know that we're also going to be along the road at The Ox Inn on 2nd January next year...if anyone's got any energy left after their New Year!?

And finally, a very special thank you as well to our two guest vocalists on Thursday:  July for coming on and performing 'Hanging on the Telephone' with us and, of course, our very own Sarah for helping Tom out again on 'Video Killed...'.  You were both amazing - hopefully it won't be the last time we see you on the stage with us?

New shows announced in Newcastle

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

February 28, 2010 - Newcastle, United Kingdom - The Duke Of Wellington
Address: Kenton Lane - Map
Time : 8:30 PM

See Full Details

July 11, 2010 - Newcastle, United Kingdom - The Duke Of Wellington
Address: Kenton Lane - Map
Time : 8:30 PM

See Full Details

New show announced in Hebburn at The Clock Tavern on December 13, 2009

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

December 13, 2009 - Hebburn, United Kingdom - The Clock Tavern
Address: Victoria Road East - Map
Time : 8:00 PM

See Full Details

New show announced in Gateshead at Pelaw Inn on January 30, 2010

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

January 30, 2010 - Gateshead, United Kingdom - Pelaw Inn
Address: Shields Rd - Map
Time : 8:30 PM

See Full Details

Back in The Office

We had a great return gig at The Office in South Shields at the weekend.  Thanks to the staff and everyone who came along for all your continued support.

"Hey - ho!  Hey - ho!"

We also managed to capture some of it on video...

New show announced in Ashington at The Elephant on October 30, 2009

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

October 30, 2009 - Ashington, United Kingdom - The Elephant
Address: Newbiggin Road - Map
Time : 8:30 PM

See Full Details

New show announced in Burnopfield at The Burton House on November 28, 2009

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

November 28, 2009 - Burnopfield, United Kingdom - The Burton House
Address: Busty Bank - Map
Time : 8:30 PM

See Full Details

New show announced in Newcastle at Earl Grey on May 15, 2010

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

May 15, 2010 - Newcastle, United Kingdom - Earl Grey
Address: 182 High Street - Map
Time : 8:00 PM

See Full Details

New show announced in South Shields at Rose & Crown on November 14, 2009

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

November 14, 2009 - South Shields, United Kingdom - Rose & Crown
Address: 491-493 Prince Edward Road - Map
Time : 8:00 PM

See Full Details

Back with a vengeance!

After what felt like a long break due to holidays, etc, The Trojan Eaters were back playing again at the weekend.  It was an excellent gig at The Rose and Crown, South Shields. We were knocked out with the response.

We have to give a very special thank you to everyone there for being such great sports and joining in with us to sing "Happy Birthday, Nelson Mandella" to Dez's dad.  Sorry to disappoint - it was actually his birthday...but he's not the real Nelson Mandella!

We also took the opportunity to try out a few new tunes we'd been working on!  So, now we're looking forward to what's going to be a very busy October.  Come on!

New show announced in Stanley at The Trojan Eaters - Oxhill Central WMC, Stanley on October 29, 2009

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

October 29, 2009 - Stanley, United Kingdom - The Trojan Eaters - Oxhill Central WMC, Stanley
Address: Eden Terrace - Map
Time : 8:00 PM

See Full Details

The Backdrop

After the long-awaited unveiling of the new backdrop (pictured) at the Gold Medal last week, we're now having a few weeks off for holidays and to work on some new tunes.

Our next gig is 26 September at the Rose & Crown in South Shields (more details here), and then October is looking nice & busy - so look out for the new backdrop and some new songs.

New show announced in Seaton Delaval at Hastings Arms on December 31, 2009

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

December 31, 2009 - Seaton Delaval, United Kingdom - Hastings Arms
Address: Wheatridge Row - Map
Time : 8:00 PM

See Full Details

New shows announced in South Shields - Stanley

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

October 2, 2009 - South Shields, United Kingdom - Trimmers Arms
Address: 34 Commercial Road - Map
Time : 8:00 PM

See Full Details

January 2, 2010 - Stanley, United Kingdom - Ox Inn
Address: Oxhill - Map
Time : 8:00 PM

See Full Details

July 3, 2010 - Stanley, United Kingdom - Ox Inn
Address: Oxhill - Map
Time : 8:00 PM

See Full Details

December 4, 2010 - Stanley, United Kingdom - Ox Inn
Address: Oxhill - Map
Time : 8:00 PM

See Full Details

New show announced in South Shields at Trimmers Arms on August 15, 2009

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

August 15, 2009 - South Shields, United Kingdom - Trimmers Arms
Address: 34 Commercial Road - Map
Time : 8:00 PM

See Full Details

New track uploaded

We're hoping to do some more recording soon and update the tracks we currently have on the website & MySpace.

However, we did a rough recording of Time of your life (Green Day) at a rehearsal. We thought it sounded ok so we've uploaded it. (Here and here.)

Let us know what you think.

Down on the farm...

...or should that be 'the ranch'!?

The Trojan Eaters played their first outdoor gig at the weekend - on a farm, with our new friend Bronco Bill (pictured) opening the proceedings with a rodeo competition. We even had fireworks accompanying part of our set...so that's another first for us! :-)

All-in-all we thoroughly enjoyed the gig - a nice break from the usual pub gig. And it certainly seemed as if everyone else enjoyed it as well.  We just hope there weren't too many sore heads down on the farm when the cockerel crowed early the next morning!

There's some more photos here.

New show announced in South Shields at The Office on October 11, 2009

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

October 11, 2009 - South Shields, United Kingdom - The Office
Address: 78 Victoria Road - Map
Time : 5:30 PM

See Full Details

The Trimmers Arms

You may have noticed the new gig we announced recently at the Trimmers Arms this coming Sunday.  Well, we just wanted to mention that this gig is a bit special...

The Trimmers is reopening this week under new management...it's going to be a live music venue and The Trojan Eaters have been asked to be their first band to perform!

So, if you're in the area and wondering what to do on Sunday evening, why not come along and help us get this new venue off to a flying start?

When: Sunday, 26 July, 2009
Where: Trimmers Arms, Commercial Road, South Shields - Map
Time: 6:00 PM

New show announced in South Shields at Rose & Crown on September 26, 2009

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

September 26, 2009 - South Shields, United Kingdom - Rose & Crown
Address: 491-493 Prince Edward Road - Map
Time : 8:00 PM

See Full Details

New show announced in South Shields at Trimmers Arms on July 26, 2009

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

July 26, 2009 - South Shields, United Kingdom - Trimmers Arms
Address: 34 Commercial Road - Map
Time : 6:00 PM

See Full Details

New show announced in Gateshead at The Gold Medal on August 27, 2009

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

August 27, 2009 - Gateshead, United Kingdom - The Gold Medal
Address: Chowdene Bank - Map
Time : 8:00 PM

See Full Details

The Trojan Eaters at The Office

Wow - the Trojan Eaters have had a pretty busy start to the month, with gigs at Duke of Wellington (Kenton), Oxhill WMC (Stanley), Sleepers (East Boldon) and The Office (South Shields).

We were, of course, thrilled to be back at the Oxhill WMC in Stanley.  We had a great night - so thanks again everyone for coming out...we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!

The highlight for us though has to be the gig at The Office.  Even though it was an early evening slot on a Sunday we were excited to be playing there as it has such a renowned reputation as a top venue for bands.

We obviously weren't accustomed to the Office traditions - the chanting between songs is great!  Great crowd - thanks for all the support.  Special thanks to Ian (Tadpole Pie) for getting us in there and appreciation for his genuine enthusiasm and feedback on the band.

So what's next for The Trojan Eaters?  We've got a couple of private parties coming up over the next couple of weeks but we're also getting some good gigs lined up for August and September.  Who knows - we may also get a chance to put together some new tunes for the set!

New show announced in Gateshead at Black Bull on August 7, 2009

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

August 7, 2009 - Gateshead, United Kingdom - Black Bull
Address: Lingey Lane - Map
Time : 8:00 PM

See Full Details

New show announced in Newcastle at The Duke Of Wellington on October 4, 2009

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

October 4, 2009 - Newcastle, United Kingdom - The Duke Of Wellington
Address: Kenton Lane - Map
Time : 8:00 PM

See Full Details

A New Band Member?

It was a set of two halves at the Robin Hood on Friday.  A few "technical hitches" in the first set - resulting in the keyboards not coming through the p.a. for the first 5 or 6 songs (which is not necessarily a bad thing!?) and some annoying feedback that proved particular tricky to track down.

All that seemed to be forgotten in the second set...we had a great time!  'Dignity' went down particularly well...and even 'the suits' standing at the bar started dancing and singing along to 'Sit Down'!

The scary zombie man in the corner enjoyed himself so much I think he fancies himself as the fifth band member.  But what I want to know is which is better?  ...Scary Zombie Man or Crazy Bear?  In the words of Harry Hill - "there's only one way to find out!"

New show announced in South Shields at The Office on July 12, 2009

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

July 12, 2009 - South Shields, United Kingdom - The Office
Address: 78 Victoria Road - Map
Time : 5:30 PM

See Full Details

New show announced in Blyth at Steamboat on October 16, 2009

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

October 16, 2009 - Blyth, United Kingdom - Steamboat
Address: 85 Bridge St - Map
Time : 8:00 PM

See Full Details

Sheep, Kids & Crazy Bears...

...are just 3 of the things The Trojan Eaters had to deal with at their show at Heather View Country & Leisure Park, Stanhope last weekend!

The sheep just seemed to be out for an afternoon stroll along the middle of the road on our way there!?

It seemed strange having kids in during the show. Slightly unnerving when they just stood at the front staring intensely at us when we first started but great to see them getting into it...especially the little girl with her face painted singing along to Chasing Cars. We also got some excellent feedback from some of the grown-ups as well. :-)

But the Crazy Bear takes the biscuit. I think we won him over eventually and he actually gave us a standing ovation at the end of our set. After that, he wouldn't let us leave without a couple of photos with the band!...

Steve & Dez with our No 1 Fan,
Ian & Tom and Crazy Bear.

PS - Could the person taking a video when we totally screwed up in The Cure number, please send in the offending equipment so we can make sure all evidence is destroyed! Thank you.

New show announced in Stanley at Oxhill Central Working Men's Club on July 9, 2009

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

July 9, 2009 - Stanley, United Kingdom - Oxhill Central Working Men's Club
Address: Eden Terrace - Map
Time : 8:00 PM

See Full Details

How rock-n-roll are we?...

So first we get the plug pulled on us by environment health for being too loud in rehearsals, and then we set off smoke alarms in The Mill Tavern at the weekend...Rock & Roll! I know - a pub with smoke alarms!?...how were we to know?

We still had a great night though. A bit quieter than our last 2 gigs (we've probably been quite spoilt there) but it just meant there was more room for the dancing that went on - especially during songs like Sit Down, Human (the second time...without the smoke alarm!), and the new one we stuck on at the end of the night.

[What do you mean, you want to know what new one we did? I already told you in an earlier blog post...you just weren't paying attention! Read it again, and look closely this time!] ;-)

Anyway, we really enjoyed playing at The Mill and we're looking forward to going back sometime.

Finally, I just want to say a HUGE thank you to Michael at the Oxhill Central WMC for his tireless efforts in promoting our gig there last Thursday. Apparently, our faces were posted all over the town - from community centres to doctors surgeries. Well worth the effort, Michael, and much appreciated - the turnout was amazing!

New show announced in Jarrow at Robin Hood on June 26, 2009

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

June 26, 2009 - Jarrow, United Kingdom - Robin Hood
Address: Primrose Hill, Jarrow - Map
Time : 8:00 PM

See Full Details

New show announced in Gateshead at Black Bull on July 24, 2009

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

July 24, 2009 - Gateshead, United Kingdom - Black Bull
Address: Lingey Lane - Map
Time : 8:00 PM

See Full Details

New Tunes?

We spent quite a long time putting together our initial set and I think it was well worth it. Even if I do say so myself - it seems a pretty good set...a good balance between old & new songs, and the older ones we chose are well known and appreciated today.

The challenge now is to keep the set fresh (so we're not just playing the same things over & over) and still keep that good balance - and that's going to be tricky!?

We've also been toying with a couple "tongue-in-cheek" numbers - maybe cover something you might not expect us to do, you know, a bit "Radio 1 Live Lounge" stylee? It's either going to be totally amazing or absolutely rediculous...who knows?

Not sure if we'll be trying any new tunes in any of the gigs this week - depends on how brave we're feeling...and, of course, I can't give anything away about them - the rest of the band would never forgive me... ;-)

New show announced in Seaton Delaval at Hastings Arms on August 21, 2009

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

August 21, 2009 - Seaton Delaval, United Kingdom - Hastings Arms
Address: Wheatridge Row - Map
Time : 8:00 PM

See Full Details

New show announced in Stanley at Oxhill Central Working Men's Club on May 14, 2009

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

May 14, 2009 - Stanley, United Kingdom - Oxhill Central Working Men's Club
Address: Eden Terrace - Map
Time : 8:00 PM

See Full Details

New show announced in Hebburn, NE at Mill Tavern on May 16, 2009

The Trojan Eaters has recently added the following shows.

May 16, 2009 - Hebburn, NE - Mill Tavern
Address: Mill Lane - Map
Time : 8:30 PM

See Full Details

First Gig

After some frayed nerves and potentially dangerous stress levels, the Trojan Eaters got off the ground with their first gig on Friday, 17th April at the Black Bull pub in Wardley. It was quite a young crowd in the Black Bull on the night but they responded well to us, and seemed pretty receptive to both the new and old material in our set.

Full set below, but the highlights were Use Somebody, Kings of Leon (especially as it was "requested" for an encore), Town Called Malice, The Jam (which surprisingly even had the younger crowd rocking), and Sit Down, James (which produced some dancing and impromptu mexican waves from the crowd)!

The manager was seen taking photos around the pub claiming he'd "never seen the place so full"!!!

Thanks again to all the friends & family who turned up to support also. We're still on a high and really looking forward to the next one.

1st Set

1. Message in a bottle - The Police
2. You are all that I have - Snow Patrol
3. Human - The Killers
4. Use Somebody - Kings of Leon
5. Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
6. Crazy - Seal
7. Town Called Malice - The Jam
8. Because the night - Patti Smith
9. Never miss a Beat - Kaiser Chiefs
10. Somewhere only we know - Keane
11. Mr Brightside - The Killers

2nd Set

1. Viva la Vida - Coldplay
2. The Lovers are Losing - Keane
3. I love it when you call - The Feeling
4. Fridays I'm in love - The Cure
5. Down Under - Men at work
6. Last to know - Del Amitri
7. Read My Mind - The Killers
8. I Predict a riot - Kaiser Chiefs
9. Can't Stand Losing - The Police
10. Dignity - Deacon Blue
11. Sit down - James

Encore

+ Use Somebody - Kings of Leon