Witney Guitar Club 'Twelve Days Of Fretmas' #12 - Meet Darren
We asked the 12 Guitarists from the Performance Group of Witney Guitar Club some questions. Here's their response
Day #12 of 'The 12 Days of Fretmas'.
Meet Witney Guitar Club Member - Darren - who has been with the Club since it began, in 2024.
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What Instruments Do You Play?
Guitar and Vocals
What’s the best concert you’ve ever attended?
What’s the best concert you’ve ever attended?
Colin Hay just 2 years ago at Cadogan Hall. The front man Of "Men At Work". This was a solo acoustic show: just a guitar and a stream of funny stories and fantastic songs.
Which is the best gig you've ever played?
I performed at the Spa Centre in Leamington Spa in a ‘Battle of the Bands’-style gig. We arrived late and didn’t realize how large the audience was until the curtains opened. Although we didn’t win, our performance went well, and the experience was a lot of fun.
Which is the worse gig you've ever played?
We played a college ball in Oxford, and the band on before us unplugged all our leads and completely messed with our levels. We never really recovered. Trying to pull off a dramatic finale, our lead guitarist kicked a mic stand… which immediately toppled over and took out a string of lights that were worth more than what we were getting paid for the whole show.
Which has been your best Witney Guitar Club gig so far?
A small gig at the Cherry Tree Cafe, Eynsham. A bit cramped, but a very enthusiastic crowd.
Which artist/band/genre(s) do you like to listen to?
Most genres: Rock, Pop, Punk, Hip-Hop, Blues. From Bowie to Sleaford mods / Little simz to Jerry Jeff Walker.
What music styles do you like to play?
Country & pop standards. anything that's not too complex
What is your favourite Witney Guitar Club song that we play?
I've got three or four favourites but I would probably pick "Wide river to cross" (Buddy & Judy Miller)
What do you like most about The Witney Guitar Club?
Having a laugh with a great bunch of guys, learning new songs and improving along the way.
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?
Practice more. It sinks in easier when you are young.
Tell us something about yourself that people may not know
I spent a couple of years studying philosophy once a week at Oxford’s Department for Continuing Education. I’d intended to do a degree, but it’s still in the planning stage, maybe one day.
How will you be spending Christmas?
How will you be spending Christmas?
A traditional family Christmas with games, turkey, cheese and wine, the usual stuff .
Want to join us?
Make a New Year's resolution to start playing your guitar again and start 2026 with some FUN!
