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IN THE SLAMMER

Welcome to the all-new Stirling University Alternative Music Society. For all those who can remember the old Maisies Live Music Society (it seems so many years ago), the story up to date is as follows. A long time ago the society used to be quite good, then it got a little crap and then it was ousted from Maisies and told to play elsewhere. As you will all be glad to hear, however, the society has had a face-lift and now returns younger (except for Drew), fresher (except for Drew) and with a brand new name. The new society name is S.L.A.M.S, which stands for Stirling Live Alternative Music Society. As a few of you may be aware we had originally changed the name to S.U.M.E.S (Stirling University Music and Entertainment Society), but were told by the nice people at S.U.S.A that we couldn’t use this name because roughly 15 years ago a society called M.E.S.S existed (the problem being that they too were a music and entertainment society). So after many hours of contemplation, alcohol, and hard work S.L.A.M.S was born (but not before suggestions such as S.C.U.M, S.L.U.M.S and S.L.A.P were offered - prizes for guessing what they stand for). I hope you are all well and truly confused now, because I certainly am. So let me formally welcome one and all to the new live music society and lets hope this year will bring great new bands, excellent new entertainment and lots of drunken fun.

Before we go any further let me introduce you all to the new committee and if, for any strange reason, you need to talk to them here is a step by step guide to recognising your friendly committee members.

Drew Macnair Drew is our President. Drew has been here longer than most of us would care to remember. He will be recognisable to some of you through the fact that he has probably chatted your girlfriend up at the front entrance to the student union. That’s right, Drew is one of the security guards for the uni, so you had better make sure you bring your membership card to all meetings (otherwise you ain’t coming in). Drew also plays bass for Service 9, Stirling uni’s only hip-hop band (I think ever) and is famous for playing bass with such greats as Barry Manilow and the Krankies. Drew is actively involved in women’s rights.

Phil Stoneman Phil is our treasurer, which means that it’s his round. To be a treasurer you need many qualities, including being a tight arse. Phil has been involved with the music society for the last three years and plays with the band Troma Team. Phil is also responsible for the design and up keep of our official website (http://www.lundwood.u-net.com/sumes/frames.html). If you have any problems at all Phil is probably the man to see, but only because the rest of us haven’t got a clue. By the way, if you have seen the contact the committee page on our web site, Phil isn’t actually the Incredible Hulk, although you wont like him when he’s angry. Phil likes Punk and alternative rock music and he prays everyday for world peace.

Katy Buchanan Katy is our secretary. What exactly that involves I’m not sure, but nethertheless we need one because the Societies and clubs handbook says so. Katy is the only female member of the committee, but we don’t hold that against her. Katy has also been involved with the music society for many years and plays with Troma Team along with Phil. Oh and by the way she plays guitar. Katy loves kids and is deeply concerned about the environment.

Chris Fullwood Well what can I say about myself that hasn’t already been said? I am probably the most talented of the committee and also the most handsome. My official role is publicity officer, so in other words if nobody turns up to see our events you can blame me. I am also a member of Service 9 along with Drew and I am probably the only white boy rapper you’ll see in Stirling (in fact probably the only rapper you’ll see in Stirling). I am concerned about third world debt and like animals.

By the way, if you want to see our ugly mugs you can look up our official website (accept no imitations).

Practise Times I hope you will all be happy to hear that we now have a new practice room, which is situated somewhere up near Alexander court. Practice times can be organised at General meetings or through E-mailing Phil or Chris (you can E-mail us by clicking on our photographs on our website). As far as practice times are concerned we are hoping to have the room available Monday to Saturday from 3 til 6 and from 6 til 9 although we could possibly arrange other times if bands cannot make those slots.

Good News The first live music and entertainment night of the semester is going to be on Monday the 16th of October. If anyone out there thinks that will be ready to perform please let the committee know and we will try our best to put you on. Even if you are not playing please come down and give your support as we want to make these nights as successful as possible. Entrance will be free and the event will take place in the Macrobert foyet from 8 o’clock to 12 o’clock. More news on who will be playing will be E-mailed to those on the distribution list nearer the time.

Our Aim Our aim at SLAMS is to bring together music, comedy, and virtually anything else you want! More than anything else, this society is for you! So whatever you want to do, and whatever you want the society to do for you, just say, and we'll try and get it going. The society has several different sides to it; live nights at different venues, free practise time for SLAMS members, a regular newsletter informing you about all the upcoming gigs, technical advice on equipment and a network of musicians and entertainers. As said earlier, whatever you want from the society, we will try our best to give you.

Fullwood’s final thought This newsletter has taken up way too much of my drinking time, but I hope you enjoyed reading it. There should be a regular update (probably monthly) and I intend to put the newsletter on our website for all those unlucky people who didn’t get a copy. Also, if you have any news or announcements please E-mail and I will include them in the next newsletter. For now that’s about it until the next time. Take care of yourself. and each other.