Plinky Plonky Pete

I was interviewed on our local station station, BBC Radio Stoke, about my new music video “Stuck in the Middle of Crewe”.

The interview took place over the Zoom platform as it gives a much better audio signal than using the telephone. Here’s a screenshot taken during the interview with the presenter John Acres. Perhaps you can see a small picture of me at the top of the screen. As a talking point I thought I’d wear the iconic black suit that I wore for the video. John noticed and he joked about me dressing up to wear a suit for the radio. However, it gave me the opportunity of mentioning how the original song features in the film “Reservoir Dogs” and in my video are some visual references to the film.

There was good feedback from family and friends who were listening to the radio and I think it went well. John Acres asked the listeners to phone in their suggestions for other songs I could write about the local area. He said that they’re looking forward to having me on the radio again with another song.

Plinky Plonky Pete has returned and finds himself “Stuck in the Middle of Crewe”.

I’ve just given the classic Stealers Wheel song a local twist in my latest music video. The lyrics were adapted to reflect the local area and the video takes you on a musical tour of some of the well-known landmarks of Crewe.

The original song also features in the Quentin Tarantino film Reservoir Dogs. In the video there are several visual references to the film such as the iconic back suit and dark sunglasses.

I hope you enjoy watching the video.

I’ve just finishing off the final mixing of the song for my latest music video.

This is a screenshot of the software I’m using, Logic Pro X, which is absolutely great. You might be able to see the various audio tracks I’ve recorded – drums, ukuleles, bass and vocals. With the mixer on view it’s great fun adjusting the various levels and adding effects etc. When I’ve finished, or perhaps when I came to the point where I think it’s the best it’s going to get, I’ll “bounce” out the song which will export it as a WAV file. Then the next stage will be to add it to the video that’s already been prepared.

Hopefully I’m aiming to have it finished and uploaded onto YouTube by the end of next month. It’s another parody of a well-known song but with a local twist, more details later when it’s released.

As you may know, a while ago I noticed that there are lots of songs with American place-names but fewer songs about places in the UK. So I thought I’d adapt some popular songs and give them some place-names in the north Midlands. My first music video was a parody of “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” which is entitled “Drive Some More Down the A34” (the A34 being the major trunk road which goes through the Midlands). This was followed up with “Highway to Chell” a parody of the AC/DC song (Chell being a suburb of Stoke-on-Trent). This last video has received over 4,000 views on YouTube which is amazing as it’s only been produced for fun. So I’m wondering if my third video will be as popular.

As part of Christmas in Stafford, All About Uke performed a gig in the bandstand in Victoria Park. Here’s an extract of Felix Navidad and you can hear me playing the bass ukulele.

Despite the cold weather and the wind blowing the music about we all thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity of playing together.

I’ve just finished filming my next music video which is currently being edited and I hope to upload it onto YouTube in the near future.

I’ve written and recorded a parody of a well-know song which includes a local twist. It’s in a similar vein to my previous YouTube videos (“Drive Some More, Down the A34” and “Highway to Chell”). I’d prefer to keep the title of my new video “under wraps” at the moment but the outfit I’m wearing might give you a clue.

After a break caused by the Covid 19 pandemic restrictions, the ukulele group has been able to restart their concerts. During August we performed in a couple of the old folks residential homes in the local area. The residents were really appreciative and when we ended our set with a medley of rock’n’roll numbers, some of them even got up and started to dance.

Here’s a photo of one of the homes. I was playing bass, I’d just finished setting up the bass amp etc and the photo was taken just before the rest of the group came in. On my music stand you might be able to see the tabs of some bass riffs that I often play before the gig just to get my fingers warmed.

As it’s September I wonder if we’ll soon have to start practising our songs for the Christmas gigs.

I went down to Hampshire to perform at my cousin’s special birthday party. At Lymington railway station I was reminded of the song by The Traveling Wilburys “End of the Line”.

My son James and his finance Sally got married on Saturday at Pendrell Hall, Codsall Wood near Wolverhampton. It was an absolutely splendid day, everything went well and was day to remember.

James and Sally invited me to perform a few songs as Plinky Plonky Pete which was indeed an honour. I chose three songs on the theme of love, “L-O-V-E” (by Nat King Cole), “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (with a reggae strum in the style of UB40) and “All You Need is Love” (by The Beatles). I performed on the terrace to the 30 guests which is in line with the current restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Initially I was a bit apprehensive about performing outside since the sound doesn’t seem to travel as well and can tend to get lost. However, I needn’t have worried, my performance went really well with everyone joining in with the singing. The guests thoroughly enjoyed my set and I receive a round of applause with shouts for an encore.

I’ve just noticed that my Highway to Chell video has clocked up 4,000 views on YouTube – an amazing response. Many thanks to all who have viewed it.

The “Highway to Chell” video has achieved 2,000 views in just five days.

When I uploaded the video, I remember thinking if I could get as many views as the “Drive Some More Down the A34” video I’d be well pleased. However, to break the record and get more views in just five days is absolutely amazing and it shows no sign of stopping.

Many thanks to all those who have watched it and I hope it’s cheered you up in these difficult times.