Video: First gig back after my brother was taken seriously ill last year

[Aled Hughes]

Nearly a year my brother, and our singer, suffered a stroke live on stage at a festival. For a while we wondered if we'd ever get to play a gig again. Luckily, that chance came last friday!

A filmmaker friend brought his camera along, and I arranged to record the set. We put together someof the footage and mixed a brand new song that we played.

It was the hottest day ever, but in my 20 years of being in this band, it's the gig I'm most glad to have been able to do, and I know this video will be something to look back at and cherish as long as I live.

Hope you enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSxWpUqfDAM

[Hugh Robjohns]

No idea what it's about, but I love the song and the arrangement (especially the Nord Hammond parts, obvs). And I'm very pleased that you all got to gig again after what must have been a terrible experience on stage.

Nice moody images, too, but nowhere close to being in sync at any point, which is a massive downer for me, I'm afraid.

[Aled Hughes]

No idea what it's about, but I love the song and the arrangement (especially the Nord Hammond parts, obvs). And I'm very pleased that you all got to gig again after what must have been a terrible experience on stage.

Nice moody images, too, but nowhere close to being in sync at any point, which is a massive downer for me, I'm afraid.

Thanks Hugh. Yes, unfortunately it was just one man and his camera, so most of the footage had to be taken from other songs in the set. We decided it was better for it to be obviously out of sync rather than trying to get close-but-not-close-enough... and that's without getting started on continuity regarding lighting and... erm... sunglasses.

It was only decided on the day that'd bring his camera, so we're just glad we have it!

The only footage that's actually in sync is taken from the back of the room near the start, where it isn't very obvious anyway!

The song itself is about the time in hospital following the stroke.

[IAA]

Yes very poignant. I liked it a lot. I’m glad it worked out for him and you all. He has a lovely voice.

[Drew Stephenson]

Very nice work, and glad things have turned out ok.

[OneWorld]

Good stuff and best of luck and good health to him

[Hugh Robjohns]

Yes, unfortunately it was just one man and his camera, so most of the footage had to be taken from other songs in the set. We decided it was better for it to be obviously out of sync rather than trying to get close-but-not-close-enough...

Understood, and fair enough. And I get the poignancy of the video for you and everyone involved.

[Random Guitarist]

Beautiful song and performance, I love it.
Even without the backstory, it's a wonderful track, and the video is very nice.
Thank you for sharing that, somehow it touched me deeply, although I have no idea what it's about.

[Eddy Deegan]

I also struggle with video and audio being out of sync but understand the reasons why given the explanation above. My workaround was to shut my eyes and enjoy the music

Great to hear your brother is back up and playing again Aled - that's the most important thing of course!

[Martin Walker]

Really enjoyed this heartfelt and poignant performance Aled - braco!

[shufflebeat]

Excellent stuff.

[Aled Hughes]

Thanks all!

Come to think of it, that was the first time we played that song live too! (Though we have done a studio recording that isn't finished yet.)

It was also my first attempt at playing my new fretless in front of an audience!

[amanise]

I enjoyed that! Sorry to hear of your Brothers illness - but happy to hear he's getting back to it now. Some of the views out of the window of that venue really reminded me of looking out across the estuary at Aberdovey. I'd say that was a much better video than I could have made, so well done you.

[Folderol]

That's quite a 'journey'. I'll say more when I've got sorted out here (only just got back from France, and off to the New Forrest Wednesday).

[Arpangel]

Beautiful song, beautifully played, like Eddy I just enjoyed the music, even though I couldn’t understand the lyrics, but that didn’t matter, the music carried all that was needed for me.

[awjoe]

What a lovely tune.

[Folderol]

Well... I don't understand a word, but it's still a lovely song, and clearly sung with feeling.

[Aled Hughes]

For those that have a suitable system, here's a version in 5.1.

I don't think Youtube can do 5.1 in browsers, and is limited to the Youtube app on smart TVs etc. I've just checked it and it plays back in surround on the TV Youtube app here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tp0908ZpXo

[Sam Spoons]

No 5.1 here but I've just watched the first version, brilliant! Lovely arrangement very well played. And you can't beat a bit of pedal steel guitar