Richards on Richards Network Exclusive
May 5th, 2009 by Isabel received 1 Comment »This weekend, I was invited to an exclusive sound check and interview with Sam Bradley before the Richards on Richards show…This is the first instalment of our upcoming Network Sam bonanza. Stay tuned for videos, an interview, and something special we’re keeping under wraps for now!
Richards on Richards
May 2, 2009
It was a little after 5pm and there were already girls in line.
I approached Richards on Richards with a bounce in my step, eager for the excitement to begin. I had been invited to a behind the scenes view of the performer’s sound check for the Pattinson Online Network, as well as record another interview with the talented and hilarious Sam Bradley.
I met up with Michaela, one of Sam’s new managers, outside of the club and was overjoyed that she was as friendly and personable as any of Sam’s people that I’ve previously met. The club was lit up for sound check – The Darcys and The Get Down were present as we approached Sam.
Sam Bradley. This isn’t the first time that I’ve met Sam and as before, his easy, outgoing nature and open friendliness brightened the room. Quite simply, his internal sunshine is infectious. We exchanged greetings, pleasantries, and hugs before moving back stage to begin the interview in one of the dressing rooms.
Without taking away from the interview, it has to be said that Sam is a natural story teller that will have you fooled if you aren’t paying attention! The questions flew by rapidly and before we knew it, staff was knocking on the door to call Sam for sound check. While gathering up our things, I was introduced to more of Sam’s representation. Mark is effortlessly charming and gracious and it was lovely to get to know more of the team that supports Sam and everything that we do.
I took a few photos of the sound check, as well as some video. It was exciting to hear Sam playing again, especially in a place that was practically empty of all but the sound. As he played, I looked around Richards on Richards (which is one of the oldest clubs in Vancouver) and marvelled at how thrilling it must be to play to a crowd of almost 800 people. Sound check didn’t take long, and soon after Sam called me over to admire and take photos of his shirts for sale. They were amazing, quite artistic, especially the one with Sam’s face on it…I’m happy to say there is one in my possession now! At Sam’s request, we were joined by The Band, and we did an impromptu mini photo shoot. Mark (Kerrey), Jeff (Riedlinger) and Dave (Meszaros) were so friendly and genuine, and endearingly, a little shy. I liked them all immensely, especially that really hunky drummer. ;-)
At the conclusion of sound check, my friends and I left Sam and his team of lovely people to iron out last minute details before the show. We left for a quick dinner, only to return to the front of house flabbergasted at the amount of people in line! Though I normally enjoy the fine Vancouver rain, I was delighted when, after placing a call to Michaela, our group was let through as part of the guest list. To be sure to do our part, as it was a charity show, we put the money in the donation bin.
Sam’s charity show was arranged on behalf of The Gewa Project, created in 2001 to support the eldery in eastern Tibet. The charity works to improve the living conditions in rural Tibet, offering food, supplies and assistance, and aids to ensure that the elderly are supported with dignity through the last years of their lives. To read further information about the charity and their successes, and to make a donation to this cause, please visit http://gewaproject.org/.
After briefing my guests as to the core value of the charity concert, we moved on to grab drinks and headed up to the stage to settle into a good spot for the show. The venue soon started to fill, and The Get Down started their set. Good music and their front man is hilarious. Next were The Darcys, who looked uniform in facial hair, suits, vests, and ties. They were also quite good and entertaining to watch. Sam’s band took the stage next and performed an intro for the very first time, while Sam came on after a fabulous Spanish introduction.
It was quite apparent that Sam was excited as a giddy school girl with the way he bounced on stage. The crowd was high energy – I could see that Sam could feel the rush too as I snapped away at my first few photos of the evening. Sam took everyone on a roller coaster ride, offering up the quick riffs of crowd favorite Soho Whores, then setting a mellow pace with Sea Blue. As the show went on, the intensity of the crowd took on a life of its own as Sam launched into his familiar lyrics and everyone in the venue began to sing along. It was an incredible moment to watch Sam onstage as he stepped back from the mic, clearly moved by the number of people mouthing his words.
The crowd loved every moment of the concert, right up until the end.
There was a meet and greet with Sam after the show, but as we had already shared time with Sam, my friends and I thought best leave him for the amazingly long line of people waiting to spend just a few moments with the charismatic musician.
I have nothing but good things to say about Sam Bradley. He is, by far, one of the most talented musicians and lyricists that I have heard. His performances are always upbeat, amazing, and full of energy. We dare you not to dance! In addition, he is also one of the most down to earth, genuine people we’ve met in the business. His humour and smiles are what endear us to him, and his talent keeps us wanting more.
Snap up tickets for his future shows as soon as they go on sale because this is one you will not want to miss!
Isabel del Castillo
Owner, Pattinson Online Network
Oh those shirts are INCREDIBLE! Why couldn’t you have had those shirts in Nashville Sam? *pouts* I’m so glad to hear about your experience and look forward to the continued Sam extravaganza! Thank you for sharing this with the Land of Dreamers! I’ll put a link to this on our web site right now (www.thelandofdreamers.com). Thank you!