Thursday, 31st July 2008
Liquid Bread = Beer
I still remember walking into garage No.176 in the infamous Lazy Corner in Sliema. It was Tiara (my first band)’s first rehearsal room and my best friend Jamie welcomed me with a stiff smile.
“Hi Ira, mum told me you could sing a note or two” he said and vividly started relating the story of how his previous band : “The Modules” had suddenly fallen apart, that they were looking for a whole new set up and how I was meant to save the day by becoming their vocalist, as they had the BJ’s marathon to play at the next week!
At the time, it was only a dream for me to perform with a band which played actual live instruments, let alone write their own original songs. Jamie gave me a set list, of the covers he thought Veronique and him could play on Piano and guitar respectively and asked if I was comfortable with the choice of repertoire.
I skimmed through the list. Portishead, Massive Attack, Radiohead and Blur were on it. I was just going to love this. So I started singing, giving it my all. ‘All Mine’ by Portishead was my first attempt, followed by “sing” by Blur and “Guest List” by The Eels. Jamie stood there wide eyed and instantly asked me to stay as the permanent vocalist and “Tiara” was born!
We had great times, gigs were never attended by thousands, not even hundreds, but we did have very dedicated fans that would turn up at our shows. We also had our tragic moments, as is the norm with many bands. Jamie and I had screaming fits, Veronique played on a ‘cheese machine’ cheap keyboard for the entire existence of the band, Michael the bassist never spoke much and Jan our drummer upgraded our rehearsal room by asking us to jam at his place in High Ridge!
However we did have a great time, and meeting all the other bands at the time when we played gigs was something I remember with fondness. Everyone was just out to have a good time and play music, share ideas and grow. “Komokino”, “Clefem Junction”, “Cupid 21” and “The Blunt” were a few names I clearly remember at the Beer Festival we had played at the time when it was still being held in Ta’ Xbiex. Seems like yonks ago!
The night we had to play, we decided to jam before the gig in the garage. Only to discover we were locked inside. Time was definitely an issue and we needed to get to our gig. The story onviously ends with us having gotten out of the garage. Lets face it……if we didn’t Jamie wouldn’t be in London busy doing electronica, Veronique wouldn’t have a PHD in music, Michael wouldn’t be in Brussels, Jan wouldn’t be a lawyer and I wouldn’t be sitting here writing this blog and playing the main stage at the Beer Festival this Friday….Time flies when you’re having fun doesn’t it?
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PS...Long live Rock n'Roll !
You are supposed to comment on the Blog not on the "excitement" of others.
One thing can be said about IRA (le mhux Irish Repbublican Army),she has the qualities of a great female artist,her "concerts" are great and is on par with any great foreign singer. I have followed Local Bands for 30 years ,from TEA(Storace) to RIFFS(Ray),and the energy that IRA's Band create on stage is great.
I loved Tiara's music. Love your present music too. Great new album, btw.
This blog reminds me of the days at the New Lycem, some 22 odd years ago, when a couple of frinds asked me to try (emphasis on try!!) singing for their band. They played heavy & trash metal.
Pity, I was more into bluesy and progressive stuff....
Indeed time did fly.
All the best and wish you continued success, Ira.
John. aka 'Ir-Rainbow'