A barman at a live music venue had the shock of his life – after a band emblazoned his face on their new CD as a complete surprise.
Charlie Luck, who works at The Riff Corner in Clevedon, was left open-mouthed after musician and frontman of The Snake Boys, Jonah Hitchens, presented him with a copy of their new ‘bootleg’ album – with his face printed across it
The Snake Boys made the recording at a gig at The Riff Corner last October as a rehearsal for their upcoming album.
The recording – featuring tracks by legends Bill Withers and Jimmy Hendrix as well as the band’s original songs – was turned into a special bootleg ‘limited edition’ CD ahead of the official album being released later this summer.
Jonah and his bandmates decided to use a picture of Charlie on the CD as a thank you to the barman they affectionately call ‘Chuck’
Jonah, 28, a full-time musician, said: “This is a bootleg ‘live at The Riff’ special CD.
“We didn’t ask Charlie’s permission and wanted it to be a complete surprise to put his face on the CD, but we think he’s happy about it. Charlie, or Chuck as we call him, is great. He’s always here to greet us when we perform at The Riff Corner, makes sure all the sound checks are done and gives us beer. He’s a hero to us musicians.”
Charlie, 22, has worked at The Riff Corner since it opened in the autumn of 2022. As well as working the bar, he is also the venue’s on-site sound engineer and is renowned for his cocktail making skills.
“It came as a complete surprise when Jonah came in and handed me a copy of the new CD and asked me to take it out of its sleeve,” said Charlie who lives in the seaside town.
“The last thing I expected to see was my face all over it. Jonah is an amazing musician and it’s a real honour to have my mug shot plastered all over the CD.”
Only 50 copies of the bootleg CD have been produced, with many already being snapped up. Copies of the CD are available at The Riff Corner, priced at £10.
“We’ve already sold quite a few,” said Jonah. “And that’s down to the fact that not only is it a great recording, it’s got Charlie’s face all over it Perhaps one day it will become a real collectors’ item.”
The Riff Corner is owned by musician Steve Treble and his partner – and owner of the Bristol Fringe – Sylvie Dagallier.
Steve said: “Charlie is a fabulous, valued member of The Riff Corner team who is loved by our customers and the many artists who perform here. We are delighted that Jonah and his band decided to celebrate Charlie by featuring him on their new CD – and are sure it will sell like hotcakes.”
The live music and arts space has quickly become a thriving entertainment venue, with bands queuing up to perform there. As well as music, The Riff hosts comedy, salsa and tango dancing lessons, a monthly junior open mic as well as quizzes, poetry and jam nights.
It also has a large function room available to hire.
For more information on what’s coming up at The Riff Corner, visit www.theriffcorner.co.uk.