MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
Saw Future Islands in Brighton last night. Was worth it just for his moves during Seasons!
Just back from that London, Symposium aren't the best band in the world but that was one of the best shows I've ever seen. Close to perfect setlist, band smashed it (even though I think they're all gym teachers now), crowd was magnificent- never stopped, sang every word, caught every crowdsurfer, cardio levels unheard of post-covid...
I did my first ever crowdsurf to them covering Hard Day's Night, in 97 I think at the Edinburgh venue (it's abolutely impossible to google "symposium" "a" and "venue"), maybe I just did my last ever one in 2022 to the same 🙂
Live music is just the absolute ****ing best isn't it.
Saw Future Islands in Brighton last night. Was worth it just for his moves during Seasons!
I like that when being likened to dancing like no-one's watching, Samuel says that they're wrong. That's how he dances when he knows he's being watched, when no-one's watching he lets himself go.
And yet when I try to recreate even a fraction my kids just look at me with a WTF - please stop.
Anyone going to see Electric Callboy in Notts tomorrow night?
No, but seeing Tom McGuire and the Brassholes at the Bodega, Nottingham on Tuesday. Can't wait!
Just back from MASH in Macclesfield where THR33 were playing. Most excellent. 2nd gig in 4 days for me!
Marlowe in Glasgow tonight, yaaassss!
Tyred Jr coming with me - only problem is he hasn't done his driving test yet, so not properly useful just yet.
Saw Biffy Clyro last week at the BIC in Bournemouth. My god, what a venue! I am used to Birmingham Arena and was expecting something of similar size considering the other venues that they played on this tour and what a treat that was. I would consider travelling the 4 hours it took me to get there to see an artist on an arena tour it was that good.
2tyred
Marlowe in Glasgow tonight, yaaassss!
You in for a treat. Solemn such a showman! And the beats! 😀
Saw Aussie Pink Floyd in Harrogate on Friday - I know it's not the real thing, but they are a great set of musicians and the sets/lighting are great. Just over two weeks until The Cure – I am soooooo looking forward to that one!
Bellowhead tomorrow at Newcastle City Hall - had tickets booked since November last year. It's child1's first proper gig. He doesn't know he's going yet so he's in for a surprise tomorrow when we pick him up from school.
Was at that Symposium show too, amazing to see one of my favourite bands again. Mid 40s band and crowd still acting like teenagers, in the best possible way.
Actually been a good year for seeing my teenage faves - managed to see Ash (supporting Supergrass), Feeder, NIN and Tool, all were excellent. Great to have live music back.
Saw a young lad with an acoustic guitar at Snow Goose in Macc last night. Was a fun evening. Off to see the Jazz Defenders at MASH Macc tonight if I can face the walk down there in the rain!
After seeing the Lemonheads last month, taking my daughter to the Vamps tomorrow.
Saw Placebo in Brighton last week. Excellent night.
Next stop - First Aid Kit in December
Saw Craig Charles at the Foundry in Sheffield last night, was great until I slipped and split my chin open in the security barrier and spent 6 hours in A & E on Friday night with a £20 taxi fair home 🙁
Elvana (Elvis fronted Nirvana) at Rock City in Nottingham last weekend, what an amazingly random gig
Belatedly have to report our epic weekend last weekend. Thursday: Squeeze at the new Arena Abertawe; Saturday: The Lancashire Hotpots Big Bash in Manchester (including Black Lace, an oompah band and a Queen tribute band); Sunday: Therapy? at Sin City in Swansea. A lot of driving and the wrong way round in terms of intensity, but awesome nonetheless.
Both being ill since may remind us that a) we're not used to 'city germs' and b) we're not as young as we were :-/
The Lancashire Hotpots Big Bash in Manchester (including Black Lace, an oompah band and a Queen tribute band)
That sound more like a form of torture than a gig!
Just got back from Frost* at KKs Steelmill in Wolverhampton.
Absolutely superb. It’s a great venue too. Proper rock venue.
Last night was bellowhead at Sheffield city hall. Excellent fun even if it’s not the type of music I usually listen to. Must be about 10 years so nice last saw them at the same venue and the crowd last night was really up for it. Dancing in the aisles was permitted!
Saw Jane Weaver in York (The Crescent) last week. Went not sure, left convinced.
Also AA Williams in the Brudenell a couple of weeks ago was ace...
Looking forward to (a bit different to either of the above) Hania Rani at the Sage Gateshead this week.
Elvana
I saw him/them at a festival a few years ago - was a definite highlight!
Was meant to see Belle & Sebastien at the weekend but has been postponed to next July. Have really got out of the habit of going to gigs in the last few years, apart from the one festival we go to each year, but have Idlewild booked for next month and Suede in March.
Leftfield next week is postponed. I was looking forward to going out for the first time in ages.
Stereolab tomorrow night in Glasgow - they were magic last time I saw them.
Sorry to hear Mister-P.
@IdleJon , Eels have added an additional date in Bath, not sure if that is closer to you, just came out today.
Went to see Squeeze last Monday and they were really good. Difford was a little ropey on vocals but Tilbrook was still good. The star of the show for me though was the keyboard player, he was fantastic. Only downside was it was a fully seated venue. Now I am not a dancer, I don't get the urge to boogie like the ladies I was with but everytime anyone showed a slight move to dance in the aisles security were on them. This was until Difford made an announcement along the lines of "Just a point to security. This isn't a care home, they won't injure themselves if they are allowed to dance, and they don't scare us" After that there were a few down the front including me, and you had an uninterupted view of the band at close quarters. Made a change from not being blocked by a 6 foot monster 🙂
Well, last gig of the year just done and finding it difficult to come down from that. Clipping. again, this time in Brighton and though the atmosphere wasnt up there with Fabric the other week, the sound was far better. I've never felt bass like it, tingling through my whole body. Absolutely amazing. I don't think I need another gig for a while! Waited years to see them, now seen twice and 2 of the best gigs ever.
Buzzing.
This was until Difford made an announcement along the lines of “Just a point to security. This isn’t a care home, they won’t injure themselves if they are allowed to dance, and they don’t scare us”
Just after Band Aid - Feed The World came out (but before Live Aid) I saw The Boomtown Rats live at York University and there was a no standing rule (apparently because the concert hall was slowly sinking into the marshy ground it was built on)! Anyway, Bob Geldof, in the way only he can say it, said 'As far as I know, people weigh the same when they are standing as when they are sat down, so get up off your ****ing arses and get down the the ****ing front. The security didn't stand a chance of restoring order LOL!
Saw Gideon Conn play at MASH in Macc (I appear to be going there a lot!) last night. Fun gig 🙂
@IdleJon , Eels have added an additional date in Bath, not sure if that is closer to you, just came out today.
Thanks John, that is much closer. Tickets out today apparently, and weirdly I've been singing 'Goddam right, it's a beautiful day, aha' all day. Just that line. 😀
New model army in Manchester last night were brilliant, moshpit was lively as always, great set list too... only downsides were £6.25 pints(glad I was driving) and £4 to leave jacket in cloaks... expected it to be dry cleaned for that😉 combination of gig and 5 hour gravel ride yesterday means I'm feeling pleasantly battered this morning
The Reytons in Brighton this Friday. Just been watching a bit of YouTube footage from their gigs last week and 3 things occurred to me.
1. I am going to be one of the oldest people at the gig, possibly only beaten by my wife
2. I think we might have to stay near the back, the crowd get very raucous and I don't want to risk a broken hip
3. It's going to be ace
The cure tonight in Leeds. Last time I saw them was during the last World Cup. Saw England win against Sweden in the quarterfinals in the afternoon before the gig.
A good omen all round…
https://open.spotify.com/album/3rK1q79KbTporCJVvbMNUX?si=M3qjubvJQyW1kh56exEyMw
@docrobster - I was there last night too. Just wow - they were amazing. It's the first time I have seen them and I loved every minute of it. Hauntingly beautiful throughout. That song about his dead brother (I Can Never Say Goodbye) - it was just beautiful. I have seen literally hundreds of bands over the last 40+ years and it was definitely up there in the top 5 for me.
I was at The Cure in Leeds last night, too. My second visit to the arena and it's a good 'big' venue, although £15 for two pints seems a bit steep. The Cure were fantastic, the main set was mostly slower, darker stuff and I think a lot of people would have been happy just to hear the final encore. The new songs all sound reliably cure-y, I hope they hurry up and release the album.
although £15 for two pints seems a bit steep.
It was, but at least they had some halfway decent beet (Moretti) rather than the usual fayre expected at venues. For novelty factor alone I got one of the two-pint glasses plastics. And TBF I had a couple of San Miguels in The Beerhouse (at the train station) before the gig and they were £5.70 each anyway - beer is just silly money in pubs and venues alike these days.
Yeah I thought for an arena it was a good venue. Certainly better than others I’ve been to- Sheffield, Manchester, Nottingham, Wembley. Designed for music not sport so wide and short instead of long and thin. Great view and sound.
My third time seeing the cure but with a pal who’s seen them 8-10 times and he thought it was one of the best ones.
Next for us is Kate Rusby in York this Sunday. A tradition in our family to see her round Xmas. Then Hawley at the leadmill again the week after.
But late to the party, but saw Bicep at Ally Pally. First gig in years. I was amazed that so many people were intent on recording it on their phone, rather than watching it with their actual eyes!
Not my photo but gives you an idea.
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</b>But overall a great gig, my ears were ringing for 24 hours after
I was amazed that so many people were intent on recording it on their phone
Baffling isn't it? I think people just have the idea that that is what you do at gigs. So they do it. **** em, long as their phone doesn't get it my way.
This is my favourite photo of stupity - Anna Calvi right there! in front of you! So you erm watch her on your phone screen. 😆
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One positive, people intent on phone-filming a gig are less likely to talk through it.
I was amazed that so many people were intent on recording it on their phone
It was very nice when I went to see Tedeschi Trucks last month, that absolutely no one had their phones out. Doubt there were many in the crowd under 40 though
Just been to a local improv gig. Was okay, a smidge too nice for my tastes.
This is my favourite photo of stupity
Wouldn’t the photos from their phones show you doing exactly the same!
That Cure gig in Leeds was really good. It was more than one gig though really, wasn't it?! Loved it.
Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbot tonight in Birmingham. 60th birthday treat from Mrs Sandwich. (On a side note, 60! What? How?)
It was very nice when I went to see Tedeschi Trucks last month, that absolutely no one had their phones out.
Same with clipping., but that's because everyone was going nuts. Well, I guess there was probably people at the back taking pics, but more fool them. I did see one bloke take his phone into the mosh-pit, that would've been a fun video (for 5 seconds) 😛
Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbot tonight in Birmingham.
@Sandwich, Is Jacqui back to fighting fit? She didn't appear at Portsmouth but still a cracking gig I hear. We couldn't go this time but seem them a few times before and they are ace, top gig.
No Jacqui last night either 😩 We’ll have to go again 😎
Billy Bragg was a man in charge and on top of his game. Worth the ticket price just for his short set.
Paul Heaton was pleased to be in front of a crowd not as assured as Billy Bragg but equally on top of his game.
Prettiest Eyes resonated with its 60 25th of Decembers and my lovely wife alongside.
Blimey, Billy Bragg! Saw him in 1984... that's 38 years ago! 😆
Another local one for me last night, Pete Churchman at MASH. Very good indeed. Didn't finish until 0015 though so I'm a bit sleepy this morning!
Would love to see Billy Bragg again.
Not been to a gig for some time, but it was recenyly pointed out to me that there are MANY live concerts available online, often for free. I have 2 monitors and a laptop, so I'm now using the laptop screen to play gigs - bit of background music while I'm working, and I can check the action when it seems interesting without needing to focus on it as you would a documentary etc,
Found LOADS already including a Xentrix gig at Bradford Queen's Hall in 1989 that i was at. Should keep me buisy for a long time when I start exploring old blues gigs and so on. Currently enoying Rammstein live in Paris, 2012
Yes, youtube is chock full of live performances. (Some are great to watch but it's nothing like being at a gig.)
During Covid they were actually charging to watch things live online, can't get my head around why you would pay for such a thing!
Just on the way home from Paul Heaton at Sheffield arena.
A friend’s wife was poorly so he offered me her ticket this afternoon. Rude not too.
Billy was indeed on top form.
Paul looks a bit lost and lonely without Jackie on stage with him
During Covid they were actually charging to watch things live online, can’t get my head around why you would pay for such a thing!
To support musicians and tech/crew who suddenly had to cancel tours and generally make no money selling records these days.
During Covid they were actually charging to watch things live online, can’t get my head around why you would pay for such a thing!
Miles Hunt from the wonderstuff did a load of free streams during the first COVID lockdown, they were actually really good to watch. He did a tour of his house!!
I bought a poster to put in the kitchen
Introduced Sandwich Jr to Mr Bragg on the way home. He pointed out that Francis Turner Esq has a large influence from him. Mr Turner is Thursday's treat this coming week.
Shooglenifty at Ardgour village hall last night. It was an absolute belter homecoming gig for many of the band.Limited amount filming limited seating. Maximum dancing even by old gits like me.
The Reytons last night it Brighton. Well, that was good! Interesting to learn they are a self funded band, so no big label, do their own videos, and I think produce the songs themselves, quite refreshing.
Gig itself was mad, I stayed just on the periphery of the mosh madness but close enough for a 50yr old to get a bit of vicarious buzz. Go see them if you get chance, they will either be playing bigger venues next time around or disappear, so grab the chance now.
@sandwich, where are you seeing Frank? I didn’t think his tour started until the new year.
@johnjn2000 We're off to sunny Berlin. He's support for Billy Talent. Sandwich Jr is happier than a pig in muck as Billy Talent have been on the to see list for a while.
Saw First Aid Kit on the last night of their tour in Hammersmith last night. Just amazing. They're so in tune with each other it's like they sing as one person if that makes sense. So beautiful to listen to.
Some idiot didn’t make sure the tickets were on their phone. Due to the scramble we got in just as 4 Simple Words was finishing and Frank left the stage. To say I’m upset is slightly underselling it. Billy Talent have the worst PA ever, the kids are having fun though (mine and the audience).
For the avoidance of doubt I am the fool mentioned in the first sentence. Berlin has been fun and sobering in equal parts.
Richard Hawley in Edinburgh on Saturday - cannae wait! 😀
More local goodness for me this evening. Sinead Una followed by Mountain Ash at MASH in Macclesfield 🙂
@sandwich, that isn't good. If it helps at all we are missing Peter Kay tonight due to an invasion of Covid. Feel free to buy my tickets and have yourself a laugh 🙂
I never ever go out on NYE but heard good things about Horse Meat Disco and grabbed tickets earlier
During Covid they were actually charging to watch things live online, can’t get my head around why you would pay for such a thing!
Because it's good to support people in a time of need. Most artists seemed to be doing a pay what you can afford & pushing money onto crew & venues that were in desperate need. Without the generosity of those people paying to watch something online, we might not have venues left to keep this thread going.
He pointed out that Francis Turner Esq has a large influence from him. Mr Turner is Thursday’s treat this coming week.
I'm sulking with Frank after he cancelled his tour exactly this time last year. He was due to play locally (really locally!) on Feb 14th at a tiny venue and tickets were maybe £20ish. My wife bought me some tickets for Xmas. Cancelling 7 days before Xmas meant that not only did the gig go out of the window but my Xmas present did as well. 🙁 (Yes, I'm very childish for a 50+ man. 😀 ). Then, to add insult to injury he announced a tour which goes nowhere near where I live and is significantly more expensive. I hope he knows how unhappy I am with him. 😀
Superb gig with Michael Head and Red Elastic Band (lead singer from the Pale Fountains) last night. Certainly more, erm, sober than last time when he needed to be helped to his guitar...
@IdleJon, I have a feeling I had the same with Franks cancellations earlier this year. I did manage to get an outstore gig instead though so that kinda made up for it as it was in a pub which was cool. Where was yours supposed to be?
Saw Therapy? supported by Rews at Colchester Arts Centre on Weds night, both were excellent. It's a cracking venue too, not been there in ages.
Saw First Aid Kit on the last night of their tour in Hammersmith last night. Just amazing. They’re so in tune with each other it’s like they sing as one person if that makes sense. So beautiful to listen to.
We were there for that too. The acoustic renditions of Songbird and Ghost Town were very special. The crowd were very respectful too, in quietening down especially for those two songs.
@IdleJon, I have a feeling I had the same with Franks cancellations earlier this year. I did manage to get an outstore gig instead though so that kinda made up for it as it was in a pub which was cool. Where was yours supposed to be?
Somewhere here in Swansea. Sin City maybe?
Superb gig with Michael Head and Red Elastic Band (lead singer from the Pale Fountains) last night.
I love his last album, and some of the older stuff, especially Shack. He doesn’t seem to tour very often.
Andrew Wasylyk in Glasgow tonight - very much looking forward to it, not least because it will mean a well-timed exit from my work Christmas party (after the dinner, before too many drinks!)
@johnjn2000. Thanks for the offer but we were flying back (late) with lyin'air.
@idlejohn If it helps we ignored the gig in Ipswich as we were seeing him in Berlin, Ha! Sold out now and the Corn Exchange is not big venue either. TBF we did see him on consecutive nights earlier this year.
Few booked in for next year now
Marcus King
The Teskey Brothers
The Black Keys
The War On Drugs
Young Fathers, Brighton; Jockstrap, Oxford; Goat, Brighton; Foals, Southampton and Rival Consoles, London booked. Good start to the year, will have to go some to beat 2022, saw more gigs than any other year since ‘79 ☺️
Clutch at The Roundhouse in Camden tonight supported by Tigerclub and Green Lung.
I've never listened to any of them, so it's a bit of a mystery tour 🙂