Carl Baker Guitar Tuition

For a couple of years or so, a number of students have been singing the praises of a local band, and after my last post regarding a few current students bands and adventures, I thought I would give them a shout out!

I often seen the name pop up here and there and it turns out that I taught the two guitarists a long time ago, Chesterfield based indie rockers, The Crooks!

After my previous post about a few of my current younger students, I decided to reconnect with Duncan Couch, who I taught guitar to at Realtime Music - about 17 years ago!! This would have been when the shop was based on Newbold Road, when I had more hair and less body weight!

It was great to catch up with Duncan, who told me I taught the other axe slinger in the band, Christian Stones. I think Duncan would have been around 10/12 years old and Christian a little older, but from what I can remember, Christiann was more into his rock and metal back then!

The Crooks have a gig this Friday at The lower Third in London but tickets are selling fast, so anyone interested will have to contact the lads ASAP!

Also, a band I mentioned in my last post, The Zebedees, now have a couple of vacancies in the band for anyone who might wish to get on board!

They are looking for a Lead Guitarist and a drummer of around the same age, 17-20 years-ish.

Anyone interested can contact them on their page, or give me a shout and I will put you in touch!

Cheers.

https://www.facebook.com/TheCrooksUK
https://www.facebook.com/groups/653699909677821/

Over the years, I've taught countless students who have continued on their musical path in one way or another - in bands locally/globally, by becoming guitar tutors themselves, or going down one of the many musical/guitar related opportunities.

This week, I've been reflecting a little on this as another student has managed to succeed in what can only be described as his dream come true!!

Last Saturday, my guitar student and Indie singer/song writer, Preston Bird, managed to secure himself a support slot with Indie superstars The Reytons at Wembley Arena!

Preston opened the show alongside other artists, including 'The Pigeon Detectives' to a sellout audience of 12,500! Amazing!

Preston has already been playing locally for the past year or so, building his local audience, which is an acheievement itself as Preston is only 16 years of age!

What makes the whole experience even more special, is that Preston is a number one fan of The Reytons, seing them many times and even getting his guitar signed by them the other year. I can only imagine what a 16yr old Carl would have done if I had had that chance to support my fave band!

Not to mention Preston did this by himself with no band, just his acoustic guitar, playing only his original material!!

During the gig, Preston - being the brute he is, managed to snap his A string during his second song in, but managed to keep his composure and continue on to nail his support slot.

Such a great experience and truly an inspiring event for all young musicians - massive respect to The Reytons for making this life changing performance take place and encouraging the younger generation of musicians. Awesome!

You can catch a glimpse of Prestons experience here-
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CgDTGfEYN/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Whilst I am mentioning an up-and-coming star, I would like to take this opportunity to mention another couple of younger bands, whom I also currently have the pleasure of teaching.

Firstly, a band who have been going for probably the last 2/3 years- The Zebedees.

The Zebedees have non-other than local indie rocker, John Tansley, from 'The Cabronitas' helping them navigate through the pubs and clubs around the Chesterfield, Nottingham and Sheffield music scene.

The Zebedees have already done countless gigs and just this week released a new single they have been working for quite a while, 'Lately' which you can check out here -
https://open.spotify.com/album/506ogqML56idOOJQj9CkDc?si=uCu4w7pzQwGjSmJ1xxwKmg

All of the band members are only 17 years of age and have quite a few of their original songs available already! Go check 'em out!

The Zebedees have an headline gig coming up at Sidney And Matilda in Sheffiled on 10th Jan 2026!

Another slightly younger band who I currently teach members of, are 'The Spires'.

These lads have been going strong for probably the last year, writing their own material and performing gigs across Chesterfield. You can check them out here

https://www.facebook.com/share/17HMUYEN55/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?

They have a gig coming up at recently opened Chesterfield venue 'The Bank' on mad Friday December the 19th!

A huge well done to all of my students on their own musical journey this year and a big shout out to the parents, who without thier support, none of this would be possible! From taking to rehearsals/to gigs and of course financially (not to mention the funding of their guitar lessons!)

Apologies if the links dont work but if any of the bands want to attach links to this post or any other promotional material, please do so in the comments below!!
Also, If I have forgotten any of you are currently in a band who would like to be added to this post, just give me a shout and I will sort that out!

Keep up the sterling work guys!!

Cheers,
Carl

This Saturday Towards The Sun will be back at The Loft in Matlock for a night of fine music from the more heavier side of things.

We will be playing material from artists such as AC/DC, Pearl Jam, Muse, Foos, Limp Bizkit, RATM, Killswitch Engage and more.

We play this venue couple times a year, it’s always a decent night and free entry!

This is our last gig for 2025 but watch this space for next year dates.

Cheers- Carl

This Saturday myself and the FirecrackerVida guys will be at The Mile ( old Grouse) in Brampton.

We don’t play many pub gigs these days and probably not been in Brampton for over 5 years, maybe more like 10!

Those of you who have seen us before, you will be treated to the same songs we played last time was in Brampton 😂 - nothing to do with our laziness (🤥) but why change a set that works 😂😂

If not seen us before- where have you been!!

Cheers

Carl

This Saturday myself and FirecrackerVida are back at Hasland club for a night of live music.

Featuring music from The Eagles, Dire Straits, Coldplay, Stereophonics, Creedance Clear Water Revival, Oasis, Chuck Berry and many more.

It’s free entry and all are welcome. If you don’t like any of the music, then theres bingo happening too!

The week after (Sat 27th) we are back in Brampton at The Mile (used to be Grouse).

Cheers
Carl

This Saturday myself and Towards The Sun will be back at Dukeries Brewary in Worksop for a night of heavy tunage!

Played this venue a few times and always look forward to going back! If you’ve never been, it’s well worth a trip out- Impressive in house lighting and PA system, plus it’s free entry!

Cheers
Carl

This Saturday FirecrackerVida are back in Brimington!
Been a few years since we’ve had the opportunity, so it will be nice to be back.

We’ve played a few pubs in brimington over the years but this is a first for us, so we all looking forward to it!

Cheers

This Friday Toward The Sun are back at Clownes Ashlea Club, for a night of rock and metal covers.
We play this venue couple times a year and are always have a good night.

Also, one for your diaries - just had a date come in for Worksops premier live music venue for August 30th! More details soon

Cheers
Carl

This Saturday I will be back at The Loft : Matlock with Towards The Sun for another night of rock and metal madness!
This is a gig we all look forward, always have a great night here.
We play this venue couple times a year and have done for sometime now, so will be back in November.

Cheers

This Saturday FirecrackerVida are back at The hilltop club in Dronfield. I think it’s usual start time of 9.15/9.30.
All are welcome but there’s a £5 charge on the door (£4 for members) .
Cheers

This Friday myself and other fine gents in Towards The Sun will be back at the Ashlea Club in Clowne.

We haven’t got many public gigs in this year at the moment, so if you want to hear our versions of some top tunes then get yourself down!

Covers from the likes of AC/DC, Muse, Foofighters, Rage Against The Machine and many more.

We had a great night when we played there in December, so we are all looking forward to getting back there to make some noise! The fun starts around 9pm
Cheers