In the two years we’ve been bringing you the feel-good community news that Tenterden deserves in the form of this little free magazine, we’ve often included local acts and performers but never has a name demanded column inches like Budgie and the Smugglers.
We’re not the only ones to succumb to the comic charms of the name as the band tell CommunityAd “we recall taking to the landlady of The Bull Inn (West Malling) and after asking for the name of our band, she immediately opened her diary to book us in, saying ‘I’ve got to book the band just because of the fabulous name’.”
CommunityAd had the pleasure of speaking to Budgie and the Smugglers who revealed their name was chosen to encourage fun amongst an audience as well as to pay homage to the smuggling gangs of Kent. Nigel Dawson, who is the band’s drummer, did the answering and did it well. The rest of the merry men consist of Richard Hunter (guitar and backing vocals), Jez Druce (lead vocals, percussion and frontman), Colin Duce (bass guitar) as well as Tenterden’s very own Glyn Roberts (keyboard, piano, sax and backing vocals).
How have you coped as a band with the last twelve months?
To be honest, probably like most bands, not only have we missed the music, playing live and entertaining (you get a lot of enjoyment from that interaction), we’ve also missed the comradery, friendship and banter. Having been together for over 5 years now, we really get on well and so it has been tough not being able to get together. We tried working remotely to rehearse but you really cannot replace the spontaneity and spark that comes from being in the same studio together, plus taking the mick out of Jez all the time!
You’ve performed in an array of venues, any favourite gigs stand out?
Having asked around the rest of Budgie and the Smugglers for this question, headlining at The Milkfest 2019 and NYE party at Bell & Jorrocks 2018 were outstanding, but we all agree on one standout gig which happened in August 2016. We were invited to host a private function in Kirkby Lonsdale, (pronounced Kirby) Cumbria and to contribute to costs, were offered a gig at the local pub on the Friday night. The Orange Tree is a fabulous traditional pub and hotel in the heart of Kirkby Lonsdale and do not often have live “bands” being of a compact size. The place was rammed to the rafters and we had the place pumping, especially when Jez changed the lyrics on the fly of Sweet Home Alabama to “Sweet Home Kirkby Lonsdale”… inspired! We were humbled to get such a warm feedback and comments from all the locals in the street the next morning and especially from the landlady who said “One of the best bands they’d heard in a long time – absolutely brilliant”. Being away together, with our partners and with such friendly people, made it a very special weekend.
Kent’s music scene is a diverse one, isn’t it? Why is it important that when we can we as a community enjoy local live music and support the venues and the bands within them?
We are extremely fortunate to have access to such a diverse music culture in Kent and believe the proximity of London is a big influence on this. Live music has a positive impact on a wide aspect of our communities, from revenues for our venues, pubs and clubs, bringing a sense of community and togetherness (good for mental health issues right now), to opportunities for artists to showcase their material and cover bands to improve their performance and playing ability.
Easily accessible live music and local music festivals, resonates in our soul (something in our DNA I recall), makes you happy and will encourage others to pick up an instrument, microphone, or drumstick. Also, hopefully they inspire the young to be creative and become the next Ed Sheeran or Adele.
“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” Victor Hugo
Having live music venues is desperately important therefore but sadly far too many are disappearing. We need them to help our potential artists and bands develop, help showcase new music plus inspire the young and our new talent to flourish. Supporting venues and cover bands is vital to allow this to continue by keeping them open and providing a wide range of platforms and outlets for live music. Once it is practical and safe to do so, we will be supporting our local community venues through charity events and hope to reboot “TN Live Festival”. The festival was founded by our drummer Nige, and support by the rest of band, to raise money for charity and local causes, plus provide a festival style platform to showcase the music of Kent.
Anything else to add at all?
We would just like to take this opportunity to pass on our best to the family of our close friend and singer, Stuart Charlesworth (Charlie), who sadly lost his battle with COVID in March 2020, plus all those that have suffered a loss or from isolation during the pandemic.
Music and especially live music brings people together and helps introduce you to new friends you’ve not met yet. Music collaboration can literally be a live saver, mentally and financial. Music Minds Matter, part of Helpmusicians.org.uk, is Britain’s independent music charity and one that we will be activity supporting this year.