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THE WAITING IS OVER AS DR KARL RETURNS TO MANDELA HALL
AUSTRALIAN band, Waiting Room, with frontman Alan Fletcher, better known to Neighbours fans as Dr Karl Kennedy, will be returning to Mandela Hall in Belfast on Tuesday November 27.
Taking time out from a busy schedule, Alan (let's resist the urge to call him Dr Karl), spoke to the Ulster Star about Waiting Room, Neighbours and a return to "party in Belfast".
Reminiscing on the early days of Waiting Room, Alan said: "My wife and I were enjoying a Valentine Day dinner at a restaurant in Melbourne in 2004 with acoustic entertainment being supplied by Tommy Random and Chris Hawker. I got up to sing a few songs with the boys and we decided there and then to start working together as a band - and the rest is history.
"And as for the name, actors and musicians spend an enormous amount of their time waiting for work to commence. It is an old actors adage that, when asked to reminisce about their career they reply "I only remember the waiting." Hence Waiting Room. Fair to say that the band's name has the bonus of being a tip of the hat to my alter ego Dr Karl as well."
Waiting Room has developed a strong fan base over the years with their widely varied music and energising live shows.With many bands reluctant to define themselves and their music, when Alan was put on the spot, how did he describe Waiting Rooms music and what exactly inspires the Australian rockers?
"Our first album is quite eclectic with power ballads, rock songs and slightly folk influenced ballads," explained Alan. "However, the songs we play in gigs are all indie rock orientated with a generous helping of classic rock pieces as well.
"These days I am greatly influenced by British Indie rock/pop bands like Kaiser Chiefs, The Feeling, the Fratellis, Plain White T's. The songs I write tend to be quirky and quite light hearted takes on life with a slightly punky edge."
Following the band's last appearance in Belfast, there is eager anticipation surrounding their return, and Alan is guaranteeing a good time will be had by all.
"Our gigs are designed to get the audience jumping and singing. We also throw in some material with a Neighbours theme to give the audience a good laugh. Basically our gigs are party time and a good craic.
"The last Belfast gig at Mandela Hall remains the best in my memory. The venue is awesome and the gig was rammed with fans out for a great time - and we had one!
"Can't wait to get back to Belfast and party with you all," added Alan.
With history made and the present looking after itself, Alan and the rest of the band are now looking forward to the future. "For this tour we are releasing a CD of our live gig in Melbourne. Concurrent with the tour will be the release of our new single on iTunes, with a follow up single early in the New Year. "We will also be releasing some more songs for download through the web from our website in mid-November - www.alanfletcher/waitingroom."
Tickets for Waiting Room at Mandela Hall are on sale now from all usual Ticketmaster outlets.
To book tickets for Waiting Room click here
For more info on Waiting Room log onto www.alanfletcher.net/waitingroom
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Weather for Lisburn
Friday 25 May 2012
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