Housegigs !! NB Due to COVID-19 currently not taking on any housegigs !!
In 2010 Henry played his first house concert, and word must have got out (see recommendations below), as in 2016 he played 33 housegigs, and he’s got 21 booked in for 2017 already (booking info/email below).
He still finds these some of the most enjoyable gigs he does, so much so that he filmed the official youtube video for True Believer (click link) – off his latest album – at a genuine housegig (washing up not included!).
Though occasionally a function room is booked (for a charity bash, special occasion, eg wedding, or a 40th/50th/60th, umm even a 75th!), sometimes it’s just Henry stood with his guitar in the corner of someone’s living room, (or kitchen) no mic, no PA….have a whip-round, get a gig in your own front room – no driving, no parking, no hassle – surrounded by your friends…
Since meeting guitarist Les Glover in 2014, they now go out as a duo most of the time, and have developed a wonderfully wry onstage rapport, full of stories and humour…literally anything can happen at a HP housegig.
Henry offers a unique twist to the customary house-gig scenario: so far at almost every house-gig he’s done, he has managed to cajole someone from the party to come up and join him on a song or two (or more…!) on guitar, vocals, tambourine, whatever.
Mp3’s (and guitar tabs) of songs are exchanged prior to the event, and hopefully a quick run-through of the songs (just before the gig) can be facilitated. At one house-gig near Leicester, a whole band was laid on; Henry only met them an hour before the concert and they all quickly ran through a few songs…and as Henry adds, “I thrive on chaos”!
HOW TO BOOK: To enquire about fees, and about a booking for a house concert/function/wedding, either contact Henry through his Facebook site by leaving a message (or posting on his wall, & we’ll get back to you) or email here
A few weeks later we went to Leamington Spa to see Henry “live” for the first time. We enjoyed Henry’s relaxed, informal and very entertaining manner so much, as well as all the great music, that we booked him there and then to sing at the party in June. When the invites went out, with Henry’s permission we sent out a “taster CD” to all the guests who ranged in age from 8-80 (literally). This meant that by the time of the party, most of the guests were familiar with some of Henry’s music.
The event itself took place in a room at the rear of our local pub and was a huge success. Henry not only put on a great show, but he also took the time to mix with many of the guests during the evening. An hour prior to the show he had a very quick rehearsal with a friend’s daughter Becca (who would sing with him on three numbers in the gig), and he effortlessy put a nervous singer at her ease. The evening finished with some of us joining Henry on stage for a rousing reprise of “Old”.
Henry also stayed at our house overnight in the newly decorated “Henry Priestman Suite” which unfortunately is not quite as grand as it sounds. He even “audited” my entire music collection the following morning and insisted that I consign my Victoria Beckham solo album to the Recycle Bin before leaving. This is a free service that he offers !! With all the new found fans and friends that Henry made on the night he has already been booked to return to Hinckley for a second gig in February 2014.”