View at the Mean Fiddler

[mikearmstrong]

Hi all,

I’m going to the first Mean Fiddler gig next week and was considering taping it. I taped the last dino gig I went to at ‘Birmingham Carling Academy 2’ and also taped Dead Meadow at Bush Hall.

When taping I need to stand back so as not to get jostled around too much and not get too much other shit on the recording however, while at the Bush Hall for Dead Meadow I could still see quite well as the stage was quite high, taping Dino at the Carling 2, the low stage meant that I basically could see just the top of J’s head (occasionally) and caught an occasional glimpse of Lou.

Basically, taping that gig ruined the live experience for me and I don’t want that to happen again. Has anyone here been to the Mean Fiddler before and can comment on the view for someone who is about 5 foot 6 (i.e not very tall!)

Cheers!

[King Tubby]

I saw Jesu and Isis there a couple years ago — or *heard* them there, I should say, as the MF has the oddest floor set-up I’ve encountered. A large rectangular area set in the center of the floor, running from the front of the stage to the back of the room, is raised at least six inches above the floor. If you’re not standing on it, good luck seeing anything (I’m 5’11"). Make sure you get there early. I wonder how many drunks fall off that thing on a regular basis?

[mikearmstrong]

Hi, I can’t quite pictue that! I guess there is no balcony then?

[trensidoh]

Hey Mike,

I’m flying in from Germany to see both London shows and I am planing to record them as well (Minidisc). I’ve been thinking about where I should be standing to get a decent recording as well. It always sounds somewhat muffled when you’re recording while someone is standing in front of you. Maybe I’ll stick around near the PA this time. Anyway, I hope it’s ok to tape at the Mean Fiddler ? I haven’t been there before. I know there’s quite a few recordings from various bands that played the MF(LA2) out there.
BTW: Bardo Pond (amazing band, they openened for Dinosaur at a couple of US dates last year and they’re sort of "friends" with Dead Meadow) are playing in London on Dec. 4th…

[King Tubby]

"mikearmstrong " wrote:

Hi, I can’t quite pictue that! I guess there is no balcony then?

There’s a second floor (where the bars are), but it’s behind glass/plexiglass from what I remember. I could be wrong about that, though.

[mikearmstrong]

Hi trensidoh,

I was thinking when you mentioned that you are also taping the show that maybe I won’t bother but then I thought, maybe we should collude, like me stand to the left, you to the right and then create a matrix of our recordings! What d’ya recon?

[rambleon]

the last time i was there, the upstairs at the back was covered by plexiglass, but the sides weren’t …

[trensidoh]

hey mike, i have sent you a pm

"mikearmstrong " wrote:

Hi trensidoh,

I was thinking when you mentioned that you are also taping the show that maybe I won’t bother but then I thought, maybe we should collude, like me stand to the left, you to the right and then create a matrix of our recordings! What d’ya recon?

[Smallstone]

The Mean Fiddler IS an odd venue indeed.
Aside from the weird raised floor downstairs which does restrict ones view – one side of the upstairs balcony is indeed behind plexi glass (the left hand side) – but the right hand side is not covered at all…. But but but – its almost impossible to see anything if it’s packed (which it’s gonna be:) and you’re not leaning over the balcony. Get there early and as far to the right on this side/grab a stool and you will have a great view. One of my favourite gigs of the last few years was the QOTSA show with Grohl on tubs. We were upstairs on the right – nice seats. Lovely Also saw the Mascis/Watt/Stooges show there – with Lou coming on and singing!Watched that from behin the plexi glass! Ah happy memories….

[Author]

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