First gig a great success!

We finally played our first gig! The gig was part of a fundraising evening, organised by Josh Bines to raise money for families impacted by the war in Ukraine. Nearly £800 was raised for people such as Anastasia who lost her fiancé in a battle just weeks before their intended wedding day.

The brilliant Jac’s in Aberdare was the venue for this exciting event in September 2023. The Origin of Machines were part of an interesting and varied line up which included acoustic solo artists Susan Ash, Skye Dunning and “Anouska Ukulele”, alternative 80s covers singer and all-round nutter Mitch Ure and hellraising rock covers band The Counterfits.

The venue was packed with an enthusiastic crowd who loved the fact that chorus words were available for them to sing along to via a flipchart. The band got the crowd onto the dancefloor during their opening song Spiders. They seemed amused and shocked to be pelted by plastic spiders by singer Pixie. Much too was their amusement and enthusiasm for the plasticine contest, the winner of which was the lovely Lynne Edwards. Other highlights included an audience member, Podgey, throwing his boxer shorts at Station during the band’s rendition of Pixie’s Pants.

“I loved it,” said one audience member. “It was so different and enjoyable. It was great to see the audience getting so involved, singing along and catching spiders. I can’t wait for the next gig.”

Another audience member commented “I’ve never heard of the Shwnidygon before. I love Welsh myths so I’ll research this. Thanks.”

The gig wasn’t without its mishaps, however. There were interesting sound problems which included an advert for indigestion tablets and snooker commentary playing over some songs. But we got on with it and had a right old laugh.