Dave Fielding HD live footage

Here are some videos I edited from former guitarist of The Chameleons UK Dave Fielding on their last tour in England last summer 2012 with his current band Coconut DF.  The High definition footage is from the recordings I did on their Manchester gig at the  Star&Garter, Pinxton and Huddersfield.
Soundtracks are from Dave other 90s project The Reegs.
Enjoy!

CDF Star and Garter Manchester June 2011

Dave Fielding

Here is a top review from our Cath Aubergine from Manchester of the show Dave Fielding performed with his current band Coconut Dogfuck:


It's hardly the fanfared homecoming worthy of a local musical legend, but then it's always been this way: if you're an elder statesman of rock then you'll always do better doing what you've always done. Scrape the barnacles off your youthful glories and sell them one last time to those who wish only to be reminded, over and over and over until the last glimmers of beauty have been washed out to grey. Ridiculous, isn't it? How did the Post-Punk generation, the Anything Goes generation, the generation that gave us not just new styles of music but whole new approaches formed in its wide-open minds, become the Groundhog Gig generation?

Dave Fielding gave the world sounds which still reverberate today. Sure, there were others who took advantage of the newly affordable echo and delay pedals in the early 80s, and in the early '00s the Interpol-led revival once again made those sounds commonplace - but somehow Fielding was a level above them all - and somewhere between the fluid echoes which see out The Chameleons' first album and the waves of synth shimmer that start their second, he basically invented shoegaze or dreampop or whatever you want to call it. From where it's not a million miles to the rich psychedelic stew of Krautrock (again, a rather shit word for rather wonderful music); up the beats just a little and we're into the kind of deep pulsating drone-trance which is (in Manchester, at least, but probably anywhere) best exemplified by GNOD. And this, in 2011, is also where you will find Dave Fielding. Look at it this way and it's no wilder or longer a leap from his much-loved old band than song-based semi-acoustic strum-alongs of oldies more commonly associated with men of his vintage. Sometimes a snatch of a riff familiar from his Chameleons days will find its way into the whirlpool - we recognise a sliver of "Second Skin" - but he uses it as a decent sample artist would, out of its original context and expertly placed in a new one.

Coconut Dogfuck started in 2004, but outside of Lincoln where they're based (and even in Lincoln, for that matter) live appearances are somewhat sporadic. Early versions of the band featured a didgeridoo which gave them something of a tribal / festival trance feel to them, and while the basic themes on his backing tracks are much the same (his only live accompaniments are a couple of percussionists) CDF 2011 has shifted away from the face-painted campfire and into some underground post-industrial space with colours dripping from the walls. And he still doesn't play tunes, not for the most part: Dave Fielding is all about sound, and his sounds make shapes in the air, just like the lasers that slice through the dry ice around him. They float and loop and twist and dance, flicker and grow and fade and die away. It's a bit progressive, a bit techno, a bit motorik, a bit space-rock - and as such, amazingly, would fit right alongside the aforementioned GNOD and their contemporaries in Manchester's present-day psychedelic underground. Dave has only ever made the music that he feels inside himself and has not lived in Manchester for years - he just somehow found his way home.

It's a shame that there aren't a few more people here - although it has to be said that somehow Manchester's live music scene has conspired to split the rather niche "former members of legendary local bands who have actually moved on a bit as opposed to pretending it's still 1985" market, what with Martin Bramah's Factory Star playing across town tonight; Martin still lives locally, plays more, has started to build something away from his Fall / Blue Orchids legacy. There's no reason however why Dave Fielding and the still gloriously named Coconut Dogfuck couldn't do likewise.

Cath Aubergine

Source:

http://www.music-dash.co.uk/live/live.asp?item=2228

Dave Fielding -Coconut DF 2011 Tour

We are pleased to announce legendary guitarist Dave Fielding (formerly member of The Chameleons&The Reegs) live shows with his current band Coconut DF:

07th May 2011 Coconut DF Live@ Soundhouse Bolton
13th May 2011 Coconut DF Live@1:22 Bar Huddersfield
09th June 2011 Coconut DF Live @Star & Garter Manchester
10th June 2011 Coconut DF Live@ The Suninn , Pinxton [Nottingham]
24th June 2011 Coconut DF Live@The Stereo YORK
13th Aug 2011 Coconut DF Live@ Star Festival Rotherham

More info in the CDF Facebook group:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=107630044405&ref=ts

Coconut DF are:

Dave Fielding: Guitars&ebow&Hammered Dulcimer
Josh Jackson: Percussion
Daniel 'Bongoman' Heard: Percussion
Ralph Harris: Percussion and Keyboards

other former members:

Paul Didge

Dave Fielding's Coconut DF new release and 2011 live shows

Dave Fielding's [Formerly known as the guitarist of the now defunct legendary 80's band The Chameleons] new band Coconut Dog Fuck is on the process of recording a new cd which will see the light on the new year. We'll keep you informed when we get more details about it [distribution etc...]. The band is also looking forward to play some gigs in Spain.

If there is any promoter interested contact me on the address below:

pedro_spaceout@yahoo.com

Dave Fielding ex guitarrista de Chameleons esta buscando promotores para tocar con su nuevo grupo 'Coconut Dog Fuck' en España.
Si hay algun promotor interesado que contacte conmigo.

We are also pleased to announce the fantastic The Reegs cover version of The Velvet Underground 'All Tomorrow Parties' will be included on a new compilation on Ozit Morpheus Records. The Reegs were Reg Smithies, Dave Fielding solo band. Gary Lavery joined a bit after.
Here are the contact details to order it:

Mail order Address:

Ozit Morpheus Records

Billy Fury Ltd
P.O.Box 116
Northwich
Cheshire
CW9 5UG

Tel: 01565 734066 or 07970 219701

ozritrecords@which.net

site: http://www.tractor-ozit.com/


More info in The Reegs un-official website:

http://www.freewebs.com/thereegs/

Coconut DF Live@Library Bar 5th Dec 2009 Lincoln UK
Part 2

Dead Baby Parade was the first full band on the stage. How did Simon, Deli, Josh, Anais and Sarah did fit on the stage is a miracle. But they delivered again like in Pats memorial last September a fantastic show with their stunning indie-psychedelic folk.

Dead Baby Parade&Diamond El Fonsbrook

I really hope the guys release a full album soon can't wait to hear it. Apparently there are rumors that Dave Fielding might produce them something on the near future but nothing is confirmed yet.
Meanwhile you've got their Myspace:

http://www.myspace.com/dbparade

'Take my home' and 'Keep it hidden' are amongst my favorites. Not sure about the set list but 'Pretty' and 'Bleed Away' were deffo played.

It was then time for Helium 3. I was really hoping they were as good as they were the morning before on the rehearsals were I could hear two new songs and also the mint cover of The Cure '10:15'

Josh&Mark

Helium 3

Helium 3 Set list :

-Feels like
-Never Stop
-This Time
-Bad stuff
-10:15 [Cure cover]
-I wish

Great show and the best openers indeed for Coconut DF. A mint set of spacey trippy alt punk rock.

Helium 3: Josh&Mark&Dave Jackson

Ever seen a Cat on a gig?

Ooshka enjoyed the gig

Ooshka enjoying on the backstage. She even did catch some mice outside on the canal while Dave was playing the show, so lucky night for her!

Its raining again

This is reality

Has anyone seen Ooshka?-Dave asked the crowd.

Mr. Fielding legendary ebow didn't disappoint a bit with that ethereal sound over a trancey backdrop. One step beyond.

Dan Bongoman and Josh played both the percussion.
Fielding is also considering to play some gigs abroad. Germany and perhaps Spain is on the cards probably on the dance circuit. Also its possible we will see a new release of Coconut DF on the new year so we will post about it as soon as we have more confirmed news.
The night ended about 2am with another dj dance set 'Undertone'. It made everybody dance around.

Also special mention to the sound engineer too. I forgot his name but he mentioned he was involved on the recording of Bosnia in the studio for new The Reegs double remastered cd.
Nice one.

So a great night was had by all like I said and a nice gathering of some of the Lincoln finest crew. We hope to have more on the near future. Perhaps a live 'on the boat' Coconut DF show along Lincolnshire canals?

More photos on the Coconut DF Facebook group link below:

Coconut DF Facebook group

All photos by Pedro Vila.

Coconut DF Live@Library Bar 5th Dec 2009 Lincoln UK
Part 1

This is reality

So here we go with another excellent night with live bands from the Lincoln music underground scene.
I traveled over from Spain for the weekend to see the show as I didn't want to miss it. I did attend Coconut DF gig on Pats memorial do in Lincoln as well last September but this time it was also our Gaz [Gary Topliss] birthday Party and his band Helium 3 was playing supporting Coconut DF too so it was a perfect excuse to visit Lincoln again [Currently most probably my favorite city in England] and also to stay away of this Christmas non sense.

The venue was The Library Bar located in the Brayford University area of Lincoln which is mostly surrounded by lakes and water.

Brayford Lincoln

I have visited the Shed before [Which is the next bigger pub-bar] and had a pint or two with Dave there, but didn't noticed the Library Bar so I was a bit curious about the venue. The place has a huge canal and also loads of narrow boats parked there. Swans, ducks and other birds are easily seen on the water. Dave Fielding owns a large narrow boat and he lives there with his Cat 'Ooshka' [Queen of the night] .
Apparently its possible to travel all over England with one of those fuckers as all the north and the south is well connected by the canals. They are very well prepared and you can get all facilities you can find in a normal house.
Maybe he will take us one day for a ride?

Ethereal ebow

The view at night from the bar is stunning with the lights of the Cathedral and other old buildings from the city. Lincoln has a special feeling very medieval I would say. The weather was cold though but the whole place has a class atmosphere that reminds me some posh sailing clubs here in Spain. And Guinness was very good!

Those were the bands lined up for the night:

Coconut Dog F*@k
Helium 3
Diamond el Fonsbrok and The Dead Baby Parade
Lab Rat&Trouble Djs
Undertone club closed the night.

So around noon I brought some of the equipment from Gaz shed to the venue and also helped a bit to unload the van and set the band gear on the stage. I really enjoyed doing that, it was my first time ever as a stage hand employee! so I hope I didn't bother much.

our Gaz a Happy man

A pint here and there and most of the drums and boxes were placed and I could see how people started to gather outside the venue. All Lincoln wanted to be there!
Dead Baby Parade and Helium 3 did their usual sound check.

Del-Dead Baby Parade

The day before I saw Helium 3 rehearsing two new tracks . 'Bad Stuff' [?] and 'Angels and Demons'. They both sounded ace to me. ' Josh [Dave Jackson son] deserves a special mention as he joined again with 3 of the bands that played on the night. Drums, bongos and a rather good work with the guitar. Sterling job mate.

Simon-Dead Baby Parade

Helium 3 rehersals in Gaz freezing shed

Dave Jackson used to play in the legendary Lincoln cult band AReprisal [Top man, very experienced bass player..and always smiling!] along with his brother Martin and Pete Clayton [Who was there that night too]. Those were the 80s!

AReprisal-Lincoln Left to right: Dave Jackson, Pete Clayton, ?, Simon Cox

AReprisal-Lincoln Left to right: Pete Clayton, Simon Cox, Dave Jackson, ?

Dave soundcheck

So Dave Fielding did sound check at the end of the afternoon. The ebow seemed on top form and sounded as good as ever. The first chords had that special feeling that instantly filled the [not for so long] empty room.

McGinty

Dj LabRat was the dj opener. Which place better than England to hear the new trends on techno-dance beats? Mc Ginty blasted a top set.

More soon in Part 2

Coconut DF show in Pat's Memorial event. Jolly Brewer 26th September 2009 Lincoln UK [Part 2]

Dave Fielding Coconut DF sound check

Dave Fielding: Coconut DF

So after Helium 3 supporting act it was time for Dave Fielding to join the stage. The place was rammed as it was the main music act of the night so no one wanted to miss it.
Dave told me minutes before the show that he was very nervous. I couldn't believe at first how someone with such a long music career can still get that previous stage fright but suddenly I realized it was a very very special night for him and he wanted everything to work as perfect as possible. On the last minute Ralph the original Coconut DF drummer couldn't make it to the gig, so Daniel 'Bongoman' Heard and Josh Jackson [again] joined on the last minute. And they both did a perfect job I have to say.

If I had to play along an 80s guitar legend like Dave Fielding I would be anything but relaxed!

Pure ecstasy

There was a fast connection with the crowd gathered there. All the show set list was improvised [Like all Coconut Dog Fuck shows on the past], they jam the songs on the most natural way and never rehearsed it before hand.
To me it doesn't sounds unrehearsed at all to be honest.

That's me taking pics btw. Photo Courtesy of Cath Aubergine

The good mood and the positive energy started to flow . Dave was wild, he was literally on fire. He is undoubtedly very skilled and has a long wide experience. That is why he makes it work!.
I can guarantee you that you have never heard or experienced anything like this sound before.
Mr. Fielding takes music experimentation to the next level. Basically he managed to shake his glorious past and moved on. Which is to me the right thing to do. If you add that its not easy to play Dave's well known unique trademark delayed echoed guitar effects on a high uptempo dark psychedelic Trance-Dance Beats.

Dave on trance

Dave's emotional speech for Pat

Dave is a professional. He has played all along all his musical career on the main major venues around the world, America, Europe etc....and on the early 80s days supported and shared stage with some of the major acts of the time like The Cure, U2, Echo&Bunnymen, The Cult, Simple Minds, The Sisters Of Mercy, Talk Talk [You name it...] and a long long etc.... Its countless the amount of guitarists Dave [And Reg!] have influenced on a whole generation [Bands like Editors, Interpol, etc..]., its all out there proved and quoted in the music journalism. They were the pioneers and they well deserve the recognition.
He is been around with his very different musical projects since Years [Pre-Chameleons] in 1979 and you can tell as soon he joins the stage.

Dave took everybody to an unknown [but very pleasant] strange sonic landscape.

Clockwise: Daniel Heard, Dave Fielding and Josh Jackson

The show was about 3 or 4 long improvised songs. Highlights were 'Bosnia ' [Surprisingly not played at the end of the set this time due to the crowd request of an encore] and also some nice 'The Shadows' chords filled the room at the middle of the 2nd or 3rd set.
A nice surprise indeed!

I had the infinite pleasure to hear Bosnia several times on the past, and that night was probably the best one. I am very happy it was finally included it on the last The Reegs double cd compilation released last July, as it never was recorded in studio with lyrics before. Although I have to say I always personally enjoyed it to the max when he played with The Reegs on the late 90s.with Reg Smithies there backing [Can you imagine??!!].
There are some recordings of The Reegs last shows in 1998. They are brilliant, I really hope they decide it to release them some day, and more particulary The Duchess of York in Leeds which was their last show ever. day, and more particulary The Duchess of York in Leeds which was their last show ever.

Dave Fielding taking off!

Wild!

But back to Coconut Dog Fuck show, Dave feelings were very very intense like I said. He was jumping around and dancing like a...... possessed Shaman?. I recall he even almost felt over the drums once!
At some point I think he was in some sort of trance for his sadly missed friend .....and we all were there to join his mystic experience.

For a very few moments I had the sensation that Pat was somewhere watching everything and giving us all his distinctive and very own warm [always[ honest smile.

Dave Fielding: Coconut Dog Fuck

Dave played his legendary Microfret guitar his ebow on a way that anyone else cant. Quoting my friend Cath's Aubergine from Manchester [The person I know has seen more live bands ever, literally hundreds per year!]:

' .....ask me how I would rather spend a Saturday night - purely on a MUSICAL level - and give me darkly psychedelic techno over rehashing history; present over past; every time. This is just how it is for me. Dave Fielding can do things with a guitar that nobody else in this world can, and the rest of the band provide a quite brilliant foundation on which he can do so.'

Double 12" string guitar. Last Dave adquisition. Shame it wasnt used.

People dance, people had fun. Happiness isn't a crime!

Dave Fielding brought also a double fret twelve string guitar but its a shame he couldnt tune it on time. I personally would love to see him playing that on the most 'Jimmy Page style'!
At the end of the night about midnight Pat Sister Bernardette gave a little speech to thank everyone for turning up to the gig. Also some money was raised for Pat's family who were there, his mum, Dad and brothers&sisters which I had the pleasure and honor to speak briefly with.

Coconut DF The real thing!

For Pat, sadly missed but not forgotten!

They all were very happy and proud. We all gather backstage at the end of the night , and the feedback was so positive by those who turned up. Everybody smiled and was satisfied. I personally had a fantastic and very memorable night and some [Actually several!] Guinness where raised on Pat's memory. Proper Irish wake.

Pat sister Bernadette gives the final thank you speech

Special mention to the show for the lightning too [Gaz Top personal equipment ] as it gave a great atmosphere to the show. Many thanks again mate for such a great job organizing everything, you nailed it!. And also thanks everyone who got involved on the event helping or just turning up. My most sincere apologizes as well if I forget to mention anyone [So many people to say hello there!]. You know who you are.
To me it was well worth the quick trip from Spain. Despite I lost a few days before my best friend Antonio Blanco Rodriguez who was brutally murdered in El Salvador the 11th September and therefore been very very difficult times for me, there was no way I was going to miss Pat's memorial tribute.
Personally It was like a two in one occasion.

That goes for you too Tony !

I am pretty sure Pat would be very proud with all of us.

Pat's memorial will go down in history for ever, and quoting Dave 'It was our best Coconut DF gig!!'.

Like I use to say....... Nobody dies if we keep his memory alive.

Pat Taylor

R.I.P. Pat.

Hasta siempre amigo!.

Ps: I managed to take a couple of video shots from Coconut DF with my pocket camera, although sounds is compresed and obviously isn't very good [Soundwise], it shows quite well the spirit of the night [I recall some other guys with proper video cameras so hopefully more stuff will surface one day.] I will upload them when I have a bit of time off.
Also more photos were taken on the night. If you want to see them join our Facebook groups for The Reegs and Coconut Dog Fuck. or Pats memorial event.

Ta

Pedro Vila