Cover, CREEP Acoustic Ukuklele / vocal

I belong to a fairy small ukulele club, "UKULELE CENTRAL Shirley". I first heard this song at one of our meetings in a new song book. It has become a favourite of mine. I just wanted to have a go and find how how it worked on an acoustic ukulele. A little rough in the vocal but that's me.

Ukulele Central, are group of friends who meet twice a month, on average, to enjoy a little convivial company and to partake of a little strumming to exercise our right arms (it's what your R arm is for). We jam for a couple of hours playing hits from the present day back to the 1950's, at The Shirley Club, Solihull.

Whilst we recognize the skills and expertise of one G. Formby, we prefer to work out on covers of more modern songs. But are always open to suggestions!

If you play the uke, live in the Solihull or South Birmingham area and are free on Wednesday evenings, why not think about joining us for some fun from 8.00pm (most of us are there from around 7.30) to 10.30pm (or sometimes until we get kicked out if we are enjoying ourselves)

We are always looking for new players at all levels, enthusiasm and a desire to improve is all that we ask. We are a very friendly crowd.

We perform at a few regular during the year year: we do mostly charity gigs, large and small, so you will be able to showcase your skills in public at whatever level you play. Many of Central's members played with Pudselele, a Ukulele band set up to support Children in Need. They played at both CarFest North and South two years ago and also the BBC (Birmingham) raising money for Children in Need.

Join our Face Book group or email us at, ukulelecentral14@gmail.com for further information.

Mr Brightside, a cover of The Killers hit on ukulele

Seems like getting involved in playing the Uke, is taking up more of my time than writing the blog these days. But I hope to be getting myself sorted and  getting back to writing up what is happening in my musical life. Of course now I am into my seventh decade, I really should have plenty of time for everything - but being retired isn't the easy ride it's cracked up to be.

Here is a video from a recent gig in aid of St Alphages Church in Solihull, would you believe the event was a Beer Festival which appears to be quite a fund raiser for them. This is the second year we have played this event and looks like we have been asked back again.




My first attempt at playing a lead for the group - scary. The question is why do we all look so worried when we are thoroughly enjoying ourselves.

If you are in awe of our performance, and would like join us on our club nights at UKULELE Central UK. Find us on FaceBook and Twitter, all skill levels are welcome, help for beginners available. We meet in Solihull on the first and third Wednesday of each month

Severn Valley Railway Gig for UKULELE-CENTRAL-UK

Wow what a day!

We started early at Kidderminster station and before we had finished the group had split into two bands and played 10 sets at three of the stations on this famous volunteer run railway. Pardon my taking the opportunity but I thought that you might like to see the tall guy, me, in more detail. So here I am:-

BTW Phil, our leader, was trying to encourage a little audience participation when the photo was taken.

The group settled down at Kidderminster and played a set of half-a-dozen well-loved songs, mainly from the sixties although a couple had a lesser vintage. We then split into two bands and went our separate ways. More music at Bridgenorth at the other end of the line and at Highley, where there is a new purpose built visitor centre and museum.

At Bridgenorth, our official photographer (Kath?) seems to have been more interested in the audience in this shot:-

BTW, I am third from the camera in this photo, that's me wearing the dark glasses!

And in the museum, we set up a stage between two steam engines, perhaps a comment on our music. Who Knows?

There I am again in the middle of the action, You would think that being a tall guy, I should be on the back line, where I might be able to take it a little easier at times.

Anyway, everybody had a very enjoyable, if "wearying" time. thanks to all at The Severn Vally Railway.

Hope to be back with news of more gigs in the next few weeks.