Birmingham's Blue Nation had been invited to play a lunchtime acoustic session at the Gibson Garage London followed by a Question & Answer session by Leona Graham from Absolute Radio.
The two lads Neil Murdoch on acoustic guitars (Gibson SJ200 & Dove) and Luke Weston on a borrowed Gibson bass (drummer Nick Sharman was on camera & videoing duties as the acoustic set, as he said it wouldn't work with his powerful drumming style) took to the stage at 2pm to a crowd full of Blue Meanies from around the UK.
The Gibson Garage London was full of guitars (Gibson & Epiphone) as well as amps and accessories like strings and guitar straps. It also had a selection of t-shirts and bags as well as several experts to advise existing and potential customers of their purchase, including the opportunity to try out several guitars (as Arthur Punchard did though his parents baulked at one historic version which was on sale for £20,000!)
The main opportunity for the Blue Meanies (fans of the band) was being able to listen to acoustic versions of the songs from the new EP 'Wisdom for Pennies' being released on 24th July 2026.
So Neil & Luke kicked off with the new songs from the EP starting with the title track 'Wisdom for Pennies' and then 'Tired of Waiting' and 'Watch Me Fly' with its great video. Then we had one of Neil's already favourite songs with 'Comfort' (the other being the classic 'Echoes').
Then the set was finished with Luke giving the important support about mental health and the charity the band supports Ian's Chain, before they kicked into the very powerful 'Echoes' with its brilliant harmonies joined in with by the audience. The last song was the anthemic 'Down By the River' with its powerful vocals from Neil & Luke backed up by the crowds in the room.
Producer of the new EP (and previous albums) Trevor Gibson was in the room to make sure their were no mistakes!!
Then we had the Q&A with Leona Graham who asked the band questions about their influences. first album bought, favourite Blue nation song before Nick Sharman admitted that as a chef for 15 years he used to listen to Leona's show while he worked in a restaurant. So restaurant's loss is to Blue Nation fans benefit as he and the band are looking forward to playing at some festivals (Steelhouse in Ebbw Vale and Cambridge Rock Festival) before their headline tour starts in Glasgow on 10th September 2026. The shows criss-cross Scotland, England and Wales before the finale at The Crossing in Digbeth, Birmingham on 28th November 2026.
