Tim Dowling: I’m in Greece with my band and the weather’s awful … but I can’t complain

Tim Dowling's band was booked to play at a literary festival in Greece, but the timing clashed with his already scheduled holiday. He wasn't too fussed about it, claiming he wasn't complaining - despite some reservations about his banjo being safely stowed away for the flight.

However, upon arrival, things took an unexpected turn. A storm rolled in, cancelling the opening drinks party and forcing the band to forage for alternative accommodation. The local taverna was shut due to noise complaints from a neighboring establishment, but it turned out that the owner would let them rehearse on site - talk about irony.

The days that followed were spent attending literary talks by celebrated authors, having lunch, and rehearsing in the now-repaired taverna by the sea. Dowling's anxiety about his roof was replaced by an affection for this impromptu gig. But just as things seemed settled, a last-minute change of plans meant they had to perform at a gala dinner on the quayside instead.

As the band took the stage in front of 450 people, they faced a mixed reaction - some festival-goers and authors were thrilled to see them play, while others may have wished they were the headlining act. But what really mattered was that everyone involved had a great time, dancing and partying long into the night.

And so, on their final morning at the festival, Dowling sat back in his chair, enjoying the sunshine amidst rosemary bushes and olive trees, and couldn't help but think - he wasn't complaining after all.

I love how life is full of unexpected twists and turns, right? Like Tim Dowling's trip to Greece, it was supposed to be a relaxing holiday, but ended up being an impromptu gig at the local taverna. And can you believe it, he even found joy in his initial anxiety about his roof! It's amazing how a change of plans can turn what could've been a disaster into an unforgettable experience. I think that's something we can all learn from - being open to new possibilities and embracing the unknown. The fact that everyone involved had such a great time is just the icing on the cake (or should I say, the olives in the taverna? ).

aww this is so inspiring! I love how Tim Dowling's band turned a potentially disastrous situation into an unforgettable experience for everyone involved it just goes to show that sometimes the best things in life are the ones we don't plan for and who needs a fancy venue when you can rock out on stage by the sea? I'm defo feeling the vibe of this impromptu gig, let's raise our glasses (or in this case, our guitars) to spontaneity and making the most of every moment!

Wow just imagine having to find a new spot to rehearse for your gig last minute & end up playing at this gala dinner with 450 people! Interesting how even when things don't go as planned, everyone still has an amazing time

omg u guys can u imagine being stuck in greece with a band & having to find new accommodation cuz of a storm ? and then they have to play at this gala dinner on the quayside last minute?! it's like tim dowling is living his best life lol . i mean, he wasnt too fussed about his banjo being in a safe place for flight either... talk about going with the flow . and honestly, who needs a roof when u can rock out by the sea ?

I mean, can you even imagine playing a gig in a taverna by the sea? Like, it's not every day you get to jam out with your band while surrounded by ancient history and Greek god vibes ! But seriously, poor Tim Dowling was all set for a relaxing holiday, and then BAM! The universe throws him a curveball. Storms canceling parties, noise complaints shutting down tavernas... talk about a wild ride !

I'm glad he ended up loving the impromptu gig spot though - I mean, who wouldn't want to play for a crowd of 450 people on the quayside at sunset? It's like something out of a rom-com or a music festival dream . And let's be real, it's not every day you get to make memories with your bandmates while making people happy - that's what it's all about, right?

OMG this is literally the most random gig I've ever heard of! I mean, who expects to have a band play at a gala dinner on the quayside? And to be honest, it sounds kinda perfect for them, right? They got to play in front of 450 people and still manage to have fun despite some initial hiccups. The fact that they just went with the flow and made the most of it is really inspiring

Man, I'm loving this story about Tim Dowling's band ! Who would've thought that a storm in Greece would lead to an impromptu gig at the quayside? It just goes to show that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade... or in this case, when life cancels your opening drinks party, make some sweet music . I'm glad everyone had a blast and got to experience something special – even if it wasn't exactly what they planned . Sometimes these unexpected twists of fate can lead to the most amazing adventures... and memories !

omg u won't believe this so tim dowling's band was literally supposed to play at a lit fest in greece but their timing clashed with holiday plans... like wut? anyway they show up & a storm hits & they gotta find alternative accommodation lol.

and the weird part is they rehearse at a taverna that got shut down cuz of noise complaints i mean, talk about ironic. but hey, everyone had a blast & even performed at this gala dinner thing on the quayside... some ppl r like "ugh they should've been headlining" but honestly who cares? it's all good vibes

omg u cannt beleev wut happnd 2 tim dowling & his band!!! they were schedualed 2 play @ a lit fest in greece but thier perf hit a roadblock cuz of bad weather lol, the storm rolled in & cancelled everythin! but then the taverna owner lets them rehearse on site... talk about irony & lets be real, whos not gonna jam w/ a live sea view? they ended up havin an epic night @ a gala dinner 2nite @ quayside & it was ALL GOOD!!! everyone danced n partied n the band was totes down w/ it

just read this article about Tim Dowling's crazy gig at the literary festival in Greece... like what a wild turn of events! initially I was thinking "banjo on a plane" would be the main concern, lol... and then there was that taverna performance - talk about adapting to change . it's great to see everyone having a good time tho, despite some initial hiccups . Dowling's attitude is super refreshing too, embracing the chaos and just enjoying himself . guess you could say his anxiety got replaced by some pretty sweet jam sessions .

I love this! The way things turned out for Tim Dowling's band is just so...Greek . Who needs a fancy schedule when you can just roll with it? And I mean, having a last-minute gig at the quayside sounds like a dream come true - who wouldn't want to play in front of 450 people and still have time to enjoy the sunset? It's all about being flexible and making the most of unexpected opportunities. And let's be real, those rosemary bushes are giving me major relaxation vibes ...this is what vacation mode is all about!

Omg I just thought of something like isn't it wild that people have to travel far away for festivals and stuff? Like I went to a music festival last year in my hometown and the food options were so basic . But anyway back to this, what's with these literary festivals tho? I've never been to one but they sound kinda cool . And how do you even get to play at a gala dinner on a quayside? Is that like a big deal or something?

omg this is literally the most perfect story I've read all year the irony of that taverna thing is just genius. and I love how Tim Dowling's anxiety just melted away with some impromptu rehearsal time . it's amazing how he ended up having the time of his life, even when things didn't go exactly as planned... who needs a perfect itinerary when you can just roll with it?

OMG you guys!!! I'm low-key relieved for Tim Dowling , that last-minute change of plans could've been a total disaster! But instead, his band totally rocked the gala dinner on the quayside . I mean, who wouldn't want to see someone play live in front of 450 people? It's like they say, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade... or in this case, when a storm cancels your party, rock out at a gala dinner . I'm also loving the irony of them rehearsing on site at the taverna - talk about making the most of it . The fact that everyone had a great time and danced long into the night is just, like, the best . Dowling's anxiety was totally replaced by a positive vibe, and I'm so here for that .