A welcome change...
Sunday, 2 August 2009
When our equipment is set up and it's time to put on my gig clothes, I'm rarely fussy. I've changed in store cupboards, cubicles in the gents' and once, memorably, in the back of my car. Let me just say now, that the designers of the Renalt Megane were clearly not thinking 'dressing room' when they sketched out plans for the interior. It's embarrasing, really. Especially when parked in a lay-by on the A19. Still, as humans have done for thousands of years, you make the best of each situation, adapt to your environment and learn to do up your fly whilst holding a toilet door shut.
Luckily, most venues have a room available that is private, lockable and usually has a mirror. 'Where is this cosy nook?' I hear you ask. Why, the disabled toilet of course! There's nearly always one to be found tucked away somewhere and their oversized nature makes them a perfect changing space. Ah yes, the glamour of showbusiness. They never tell failed X-Factor auditionees that, do they? Simon Cowell is never so cruel as to point that out that within a year, most wannabes will have forgotten red carpet premieres and be trying to tie their shoelaces without toppling over and knocking a hand-dryer on.
By the way, I have just Googled "Is using a disabled toilet illegal" to check whether I'm on shaky ground as regards the law. Apparently it's not, so I'm not likely to get banged up just yet. Certainly not until my fake Dairylea scam gets discovered anyway.
The reason I mention all this is that at last night's venue, I got several pleasant surprises. I was DJing a fantastic wedding at the friendly Heath Cottage Hotel in Dewsbury and the staff were just brilliant. When I first arrived, they offered to help me carry my gear in. I was thrilled at this, but declined anyway. The way I figure, it's my job and not theirs. And it's not as if I helped them wash up at the end of the night!
Once I was in, I asked for directions to the disabled toilet. Noticing my suitbag, they asked if I wanted a room. A real one. In a proper hotel! I felt like Rod Stewart! Resisting the temptation to shower, watch a bit of telly and employ the Corby Trouser Press, I changed and headed back downstairs. Things just got better as it was a fantastic evening and the couple performed their first dance brilliantly. Lisa had choreographed it (more details on our wedding dance lesson page) and the audience went crazy! It really started the night with a bang and set the tone for a great party. Hopefully, we'll have some video footage to put on here soon, so everyone can share the experience!
So, I'd like to share my thanks with Hannah and all the staff at Heath Cottage. I know how delighted the couple were with their big day and all the hard work they'd put in. Hopefully, I'll have the chance to work there again and not just because I can park right by the door and don't have to carry my heavy speakers far!
Of course, I could ask for a room at any venue and most would oblige. But as I've said before (see 1st August's post, Talking the talk...) I think DJs should generally be seen and not always heard! Hotel staff have enough to worry about without helping and clearing up after me. As Tom Cruise said in Mission Impossible: "Zero residual presence." I like to think He was (very loosely) saying: "Get in, do a great job and get out, preferably, without leaving balls of gaffer tape lying around."
And as you may know, I'm similar in many ways to Tom Cruise. Except that he's probably a bit taller and certainly never has to change in his car.
Labels: changing rooms, Heath Cottage Hotel, Renault Megane, Tom Cruise, wedding dance lessons, wedding dj
posted by James McCann @ 14:56,
