Following a fall from the stage at a gig in Sweden last month which resulted in a broken leg and then surgery in London and six pins to put it all back together Foo Fighters' front man Dave Grohl was determined to perform on 4^th July in Washington to celebrate the 20^th Anniversary of their debut album and of course American Independence Day. This he did from a “throne” to keep his leg imobilised and elevated, inspired by the fantasy drama Game of Thrones. Grohl thought up his Foo Fighters' Throne when recovering from surgery and sketched out his idea resulting in an amazing centre stage seat with lasers around the back and guitar necks as arms.

Grohl is a seasoned artist and performer but nonetheless it takes guts and determination to do what he did and none more so than from the artists and performers who turn up at Open Mic at the Royal Naval Association in Bellmans' Yard, Newport  on a Tuesday night taking centre stage on the Open Mic "Throne"......bought, with no expense spared from Brettells Auctioneers, several years ago.

There was an impromptu soundcheck from Natalie Lewis who recently had the lead role in Shrewsbury Operatic Society's performance of Sister Act as Doloris Van Cartier and Sister Mary Clarence. Just a flying visit from Natalie however so first under the spotlight and in the chair on Tuesday was John Minor and some favourites of his from Oasis.

 Richard Heywood is becoming a regular face on a Tuesday night and after joining John on his final song opened his set with Muse's "Plug in Baby". Feet were tapping however to "Pinball Wizard" and "Help" with some lovely finger picking guitar from this young man.

Always nice to see Harry Woolley amongst some of us Open Mic veterans and with his 70th birthday this Sunday his scratchband comprising Mark Langford,  Jon Newton and the ever smiling Andy Clark was named The 69ers. Slow blues in E was the order of the night and with great lead breaks from Mark included Slim Harpo's "I'm a King Bee", JJ Cale's "Call Me the Breeze" and of course the song he has made his own "Diggin' My Potatoes" recorded when Harry was just 10 by the King of Skiffle, Lonnie Donegan.

Recently returned from his travels in India Hayden Lee took to the Open Mic Throne and played an amazing instrumental version of Led Zeppelin's "Rain Song" from the album "Houses of the Holy". Only one song this week but delightful nonetheless and the promise of more to come from Lee as he likes to be known.

A diverse evening  of music and song so far and Alex Ash was next on stage singing acapella. He was recently an entrant in BBC's The Voice and hushed the room with Spandau Ballet's "Though the Barricades". No chairs spinning round in the Navy Club but Alex held us all spellbound. Meatloaf's "Bat Out of Hell" was the surprise choice of the evening and I can't imagine it has been heard acapella before but it worked splendidly.

The 10/20 Scratchband  had Mark Langford back on stage with Jon Newton and Andy Clark. Great to see Mark back at Open Mic for the second week running and if he can get the rest of his band Bang to Rights we would be in for a rockin' good night.  "Knocking on Heaven's Door" and "Johnny B Goode" brought Tuesday's Open Mic to a close in fine style.

Thanks as ever to all those who turn up early to set up and to those who stay late to put everything away and of course we couldn't do without all of you who turn up in the middle as well!!......KEEPING MUSIC LIVE in Newport.