After an amazing experience last year, writing and performing a piece for the ‘Follow the Vikings’ roadshow, a huge 6 year project spear headed by The Jorvik Viking Centre in York,, we were delighted to be invited back to be a part of their 2020 Viking Festival.
And a double exciting moment for seven of our new players as it was to be their first gig.
Check out this video of the day... Watch til the end. We instigated a massive dance party and it was EPIC!
We had two jobs:
First was to head the march of 300 Vikings through the centre of York.
We lead off, smashing out our relentless techno monsters to keep it moving as quickly as possible, with the roar of (literally) an army behind us.
So many people on the street facing up to the fierce wind and cold. All of them cheering both band and warriors as we passed by.
The parade ended with a huge bottle neck of parade watchers, shoppers, drummers and vikings.
It was a sight to behold.
After which, we thought it only fitting that we all go to the nearest ale sale establishment and also the biggest, as there was 30 odd of us, and sample the mede….. or something similar.
Once we were settled in, my 7yr old daughter, Ume, set about doing her 1 minute portraits of the band, (for a small contribution of course.) This one is of Joe, one of our snare players. I think she nailed him.
Our second job, was to be a part of the finale of the 2 week festival.
A 10 scene outdoor presentation, with all 300 of the Vikings, acting out a particular part of Viking history, finishing with a burning boat burial, a huge battle, (obviously) and 35 Drum Machiners laying down the grooves…… but alas, the viscous Yorkshire weather had different plans and much to lots of peoples misery, the event had to be cancelled. So we were then 35 players ready to gig, with no gig…..
So we decided that rather than pack up and go home, we would stay, brave the weather and push on to play.
We found a great spot in the city centre with the help of the Jorvik team, (who were brilliant the whole day) and started playing.
We very quickly drew a large crowd that circled us. We did a killer set for about half an hour. With about 10 mins to go, I decided we needed a ‘party’ so I started to invite people out the audience to come and dance……
There were not many takers, until one lady stepped forward.
It only needed one and then the rest followed.
We ended up with at least 30 odd people jumping and dancing, turning it into an outdoor dancefloor and we played on.
All finished with a thunderous ending and thunderous applause.
The new players were immediately hooked on the vibe of, performance energy and were suitably congratulated by us old timers.
Great day. Great gigs.
Thanks you York and the Jorvik Viking Centre, especially Gareth and Emily and the guys at Dig.
Hopefully see you all next year!
AND ONE MORE THING...
If you would like to experience our mammoth grooves on the inside, come and join our upcoming 6 week course
There may be an opportunity to join the band at the end or you can just do it for fun
No previous experience necessary although if you've played before, you may have a head start.
For more information or to book your place, email aid@drummachine.org.uk