Witney Guitar Club 'January Jam’ #1 - Meet Richard
We asked the Guitarists from the Tuesday Group of Witney Guitar Club, some questions about themselves. Here's their response
‘January Jam’ #1
Meet Witney Guitar Club Member - Richard - who has been with the club since September 2024.
What Instruments Do You Play?
Acoustic and electric guitar, Vocals - and, I’m learning Harmonica!
What’s the best concert you’ve ever attended?
Bowie 20/6/87 Wembley. Always was my idol so to see him up close was great. However, the real bonus was ‘Big country’ in support who were absolutely incredible.
Have you ever played a live gig?
I’ve played a small mixture from open mics as solo & duo, rhythm guitar in a band and more recently as front man / vocalist for a local ‘punk’ style group. Favourite gig was probably Folly-Fest’, we’ve done 4 years and they’re always a good crowd
Have you ever played a bad gig? What happened?
Sadly there’s competition for this. A rugby club in Littlemore and a family 60th birthday party. Seems not everyone likes punk, who knew? Probably most disappointing though, was Wantage - which is where I live. Earlier in 2025, where sadly they had major sound issues with the PA
Which artist/band/genre(s) do you like to listen to?
Don’t tell anyone but 2 of my favourite pieces are ‘O Fortuna’ from Carmina Burana and ‘The Flower Duet’ from Lakme, by Delibes. Typically though, Bowie, Hendrix, Green day etc.
What music styles do you like to play?
On electric, Hendrix type. Acoustic, Cat Steven’s type
What is your favourite Witney Guitar Club song that we play?
A choice really: ‘The Man Who Sold The World’ (Bowie), Dead Man’s Isle (Dead South), Crooked Tree (Molly Tuttle), The Wild Rover (Anon)
What do you like most about The Witney Guitar Club?
A Friendly, relaxed, atmosphere and someone else (Brian) does all the hard work by arranging the songs
What tips would you tell your younger self, just starting out to play?
What tips would you tell your younger self, just starting out to play?
Don’t run before you can walk. As a youth I learnt a lot of complicated theory and difficult songs but didn’t learn the basics! Practice more - It sinks in easier when you are young.
Tell us something about yourself that people may not know
I I learnt many years ago to appear confident. A very useful tool actually, but underneath lies the usual self doubts. Some people might know that, but most buy into it
Any plans for 2026?
To practice more. I say that every year though! Get back to open mics. Step back from the frontman role in a band and perform more in the background, maybe you’ll see me at a Witney Guitar Club gig?
Want to join us?
Make a New Year's resolution to start playing your guitar again and start 2026 with some FUN!
