The Guitar Club (mark II)

I imagine that I probably told most folk at some point or other about the guitar club at the local pub in Wales, they can be held entirely to blame for the wailing and warbling that my new neighbours now have to suffer.
Anyhow, it was in the Wheatsheaf guitar club that I discovered that after a few pints, it really isn't important if you can sing or not, or even if you make it to the end of the song, as long as you give it a go.
And I am greatly appreciating the late night live sessions which come by telephone link late on a Sunday night, even if they do make me feel strangely homesick.

So when I came here, I wondered what would be the likelihood of coming across another rare treat of a guitar club. And so it came to be... I found the Lochside guitar club. However, I have noticed a few crucial differences:

In Wales, the guitar club starts late on a Sunday night, and carries on until the last person goes home. Which was usually about 2am.

In Scotland, the guitar club starts at 8.30pm on a Wednesday, and you get tutted at if you come late. They are generally packing up at 10.30, when I am just getting warmed up.

In Wales, the more alcohol consumed, the better the performance (generally)

In Scotland, a more sober and sensible approach is adopted. And there is no smoking in the pub.

In Wales, all in attendance would participate in some form or other (singing along, foot stomping, glass clinking etc.)

In Scotland, there are a lot of 'spectators', usually tourists, who do nothing but LOOK at you. Creepy.

In Wales, I learnt a whole big range of random songs, due to the diversity of peoples tastes.

In Scotland, I shall be mostly learning irish folk songs. or maybe scottish. but all very old.

Now, beggers can't be choosers, and I shall be continuing on my mission to widen their musical tastes, and to get them to play some chords other than C, G, and D. They will learn to love Kirsty McColl even if I have to beat it into them!!!
And I shall be teaching myself a few more rowdy anti-tourist songs, which I shall taunt the spectators with, lest I become demented by mind numbing folk songs.