LIVE SHOTS

FROM THE MORTIE

A Picture of Intense Concentration

As best I recall this shot was taken some time in 2002 at the Mortdale Hotel whilst I was performing for the first time live The Band's 'Up on Cripple Creek'. For those that know it, it's a fairly 'wordy' song and clearly I hadn't memorised the words and was caught looking at my 'cheat sheets'. Although the shot looks very static, the passion that comes with a Self Tort performance can be gleaned from the sweat evident on my t-shirt. Either that, or I'd slopped my pre-bracket beer.

Another shot from the same 'Mortie' gig (in case you thought I only owned 1 shirt). Again, the camera-person (who shall remain nameless for the time being at least) chose a moment when I clearly didn't know what I was doing to capture for posterity. I think this was probably the guitar solo in 'Up on Cripple Creek'.

Yet another shot from the same gig but at least this time I knew the words.

I never know whether it's better to obscure the 'big-screen' or the TAB listings

THE OLDEST ROADIES ON THE EARTH

Two mates Jack ('Jack Attack') Ryan (middle)  and Chokoes (right) who help me with the gear delivery and collection at Mortdale gigs.

I've actually written a song about them called 'THE OLDEST ROADIES ON THE EARTH'. Click here if you'd like to hear the version that's posted on mixposure.com.

Both are legends of the Mortdale Hotel. Jack was formerly amongst other things a High School Teacher and for a number of years was the Coach of the CHS Rugby sides.

He and Chokoes (I'd warn you not to ask how Chokoes got his nickname) are both stalwarts of the Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club which is supported by the Hotel. Both can be seen in pictures at the pub as members of the Palms' 'March Past' team, more familiarly referred to as 'The Kegs On Legs'.

The Mortie has a penchant for nicknames. On any given night you can, in addition to Jack Attack and Chokoes, run across 'Upside Down Head', 'Shit Bags', 'Mother', 'The Moth', 'Clubbie', 'Soggy', 'Koala' (sadly no longer with us), 'Groomsky', 'Brother Bruce', 'Armidale Al', 'Tiddles' , 'Crazy', 'Bernie Ballbags' and 'Bruiser', just to name a few.