Golden Boulder came by The Swan at Woolston through a strange set of events. Back in 2008 Chris and his dad went there to see a band who's bass player was a tutor at Chichester College. That guy had allowed 'GB' to record the original Campaign album tracks as a pay back for recording 14 tracks for students to use for their exams.

On arrival at The Swan we were immediately questioned about Chris's age - he was still 14yrs at the time. Eventually we were given 'special permission' to stay... and there was definitely no opportunity to discuss potential gigs for Golden Boulder... indeed they were "booked up for the next 12 months"

Some months later there was a call from a guy called Dan who was setting up a Battle of The Bands to run at... The Swan Woolston. Did Golden Boulder want to enter it? Now we're not into BOTB they're usually very subjective, and a rip off to sell tickets for a five minute spot or the like! But this was different. It was purely the punters voting, and there were no entry fees - for anyone! Good business for the pub which is fine of course! It also gave 'GB' a chance to get seen ...maybe break into the gig diary  ...certainly enough to say "YES!" Golden Boulder never thought of winning - out of their territory, youngest band in the contest - and all that, they just wanted to convince them to book some proper gigs at this great venue!

The showcase started February 2009, running to a final end July 2009. The majority of entries were established bands so any wannabees were sifted out along the way. The rounds were managed by Dan and Dave from Showcase, with bands grouped appropriate to genre and style, then going into later rounds to go up against previous stage winners.

The first bands 'GB' met were very established - Bad Dog and Shoestring Blues, but somehow Golden Boulder managed to come out on top despite having no-one specifically at the pub to support them. Before the night was over, Debs the owner had given them two official gig bookings for July and September - so they'd achieved the goal already!

One band asked Chris how he cue'd up the backing track when playing "Won't get fooled again", of course there isn't one, and Van Halen uses a delay unit traditionally, but Chris doesn't have one... so it it's just his fingers, and it's quite fast and subtle so you might well wonder if he's doing anything so fair question! (See video below) No keyboard recordings or backing tracks here guys...

The rounds went on, and by July they were up against Get Your Ass to Mars and Jenna'a Revenge - in a three way semi-final! Again, the nice thing about this contest was the camaraderie between bands. It was all in good fun even if everyone wanted to win!

By now specific band supporters were in attendance - this, the first of two semi-finals - so they were feeling daunted as many of the people that know Golden Boulder were either too young to go there, or didn't fancy a trip all the way to Southampton. With just three members the family presence was also by nature smaller than many other bands. However a great bunch of friends that went to France the previous month did come along so they had a small band of supporters this time. Looking around the pub there were a few tables full of one bands tee-shirts, and they thought "this is it, so let's just go out and have some fun!"

Here's an update from the Showcase Organisers after the First Semi Final:

-------------------- Subject: SHOWCASE UPDATE

The Swan Showcase: Semi Final 1 Thursday 2nd July 2009

After the quarter finals we were left with five bands, three of which played on this fine evening at the Swan. They were: The Golden Boulder Anthology, Jenna’s Revenge and Get Your Ass to Mars. Each band had 30 minutes to wow the audience and attempt to convert the other band’s fans to their cause. And be cooled by the world’s largest electric fan.

First up was Get Your Ass to Mars, playing straight pop-punk originals with a cover of Cheap Trick’s ‘I Want You to Want Me’ thrown in for good measure. You did see me crying chaps, but they were tears of joy. A great start, thank you very much.

Next up we had The Golden Boulder Anthology, with a combined age that is lower than many of the Swan’s hardy locals, belied their age by rocking the socks off the place with covers and an original. The pace was fast, the covers were well chosen and they seemed to enjoy themselves. Well done.

Closing the night was Jenna’s Revenge, a band whose sound sits somewhere between The Osmonds and Iron Maiden. I heartily recommend them. Their live show is something to behold with frontman Sic’s antics sure to cause a stir anywhere they play.

The night was a close run thing with scoring very tight, but after the votes had been counted and checked it was The Golden Boulder Anthology who came out on top. They’ll be joining us for the final on Friday 24th July. Both Get Your Ass to Mars and Jenna’s Revenge win £50 of My Badges merchandise vouchers for getting this far. Once again, a huge thank you to all bands for making Showcase a success!

Golden Boulder did a full 2hr gig at The Swan 2 days later on the 4th July to much acclaim and many of the showcase crowd came along including the guys from Get Your Ass to Mars - who by now were talking about doing reciprocal joint gigs into the future starting with a Portsmouth Christmas Gig at The Joiners...

Here's the second update from the Showcase Organisers after the Second Semi Final:

-------------------- Subject: SHOWCASE UPDATE

The Swan Showcase: Semi Final 2 Sunday 19th July 2009

The second semi final played host to two more bands vying for a place in the final: Manti and SO 16. Another excellent afternoon of music ensued and the frantic start set the scene for a blistering show to remember. In a slight departure from standard Showcase decorum each band played two alternating sets of half an hour each.

Out of the gates first was Manti who got straight into an ear meltingly pleasant selection of original material and cover versions, including particularly pleasing renditions of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘The Chain’ and a couple of Pink Floyd tunes that let guitarist and singer David push buttons and stomp on pedals to his heart’s content.

Hot on their heels was SO16, another young band who seem to gain extra members every time we see them. They’ll have a gospel choir and a philharmonic orchestra next. Their sets were an awe-inspiring mixture of old and new, including excellent versions of The Gossip’s ‘Standing in the Way of Control’ and Lady Gaga’s ‘Just Dance’, stopping off at Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5 along the way.

After some serious voting from the massive crowd, SO16 came out on top with one of the biggest scores yet seen at Showcase. I must mention the huge number of people that turned out in support of the bands and the event itself. Your support is invaluable and it keeps Deb’s in business. Thank you thank you thank you!!!

P.S. A special mention to the dancers. You know who you are!

So, just five days before the final 'GB' learned who they were up against for the final. SO 16 weren't actually listed on the original list of bands so there was no profile for them to look at. Anyway if SO16 beat Manti (a very respected Sussex based band) they must be amazing and by all accounts have an amazing number of friends and family! The write up from the second semi-final (above) did give the everyone a taste of what was to come!

Golden Boulder got there around 7pm, to find at least 60 people in attendance already... they didn't recognise anyone as being local punters or their own supporters. So the spirit of the semi-finals came back into play but the prospect was pretty well taken for granted. Undaunted, they decided to have a damn good time regardless of the outcome for themselves, the pub should have a night to remember after all!

Those that could make it from the France trip did came along in time to support (bless 'em), and they even had a couple of mates and staunch supporters to add to the family group from Bognor Regis. Golden Boulder played first, with a mix of own material and covers for their 40 minute set which went down really well - especially when Chris did a very cramped tour of the venue on wireless guitar during one number, it was like parting the sea as he worked around - so they certainly gave it their all.  The five piece band SO16 went on last to an instant mosh-pit reception, and did an extremely creditable 40 minute set of covers.

In the end - as everyone thought - there was no way they could muster the number of votes to topple the local band, the venue was totally packed which is great for the pub's business - and quite rightly much of the purpose of the contest. We're told there was only 10 votes in it in the end - which frankly is amazing, but of course that wasn't enough to make Golden Boulder the Grand Final winners!
No matter - you seriously wouldn't find a happier bunch of runners up!

As in previous rounds the bands chatted after the gig, and swapped ideas and contacts. Well done to SO16, they were very worthy competitors, put on a great show, and good luck for the future. Golden Boulder aim to make their mark in the area, broadening the base for gigging while developing own material for recording projects into the future. Year nine for Golden Boulder could be very interesting - they'll be 16 years old by then - simply enjoying performing and entertaining (as anyone who seen them already knows).

Both finalists won studio time in Mayfair Studios in Surrey, plus vouchers for marketing tools, badges etc which was a great bonus. Golden Boulder had achieved the aim, and enjoyed themselves immensely into the bargain.