With the country still in the midst of lockdown and no sign of any live music in the foreseeable future if at all this year I thought I would take the opportunity to look back in the archives, sounds posh I know but it’s just an spreadsheet, and revisit gigs I attended on this day down the years. I will keep this going until I can attend my first gig again in person so hopefully this also brings back memories for my gig going chums who have joined me on this great musical journey down the years.
A busy day back down the years for my trip down memory lane for you down the years.
1993, Big Star, Clapham Grand, London
This was a reunion gig of sorts with Chilton and Stephens joined by the Posies' Stringfellow and Auer in the band. It was a packed show and a few celebrity spots including cricketer Derek Pringle, most of Teenage Fanclub and The Waterboys’ Mike Scott to name a few.
Tonight, its Graham, John and myself and we are treated to the set dominated by their two classic albums Radio City and #1 Record and assorted covers. What can you say, a great band, some great songs, perfect.
2004, Blanche, the Borderline, London
Blanche were a short lived husband and wife Americana band whose harmonies were gorgeous. I don’t know what happened to them after their second album in 07 but for those few short years they were brilliant.
2006, Rocco Deluca and the Burden, the Borderline, London
Deluca was the first signing of Kiefer Sutherland’s record label and his debut is still one of my favourite albums of that time. It’s a superb show of bluesy rock numbers and the backing band, The Burden, are excellent. Whilst still recording his latter output has been a little esoteric to say the least with a recent collaboration of ambient noises with Daniel Lanois. Fine stuff tonight though.
2016, Avett Brothers, Shepherds Bush Empire, London
I reviewed this gig here at the time and as always it was a great show from the Avetts. They are definitely a band that is so much better live than their recorded output. It’s no to say their albums aren’t good it’s just that in the flesh the songs really come to life with the on stage performances.
That’s it for today’s trip down memory lane. Here’s hoping we can get to some form of normality soon. Support your small local venues and smaller artists in these difficult times, stay safe and keep on rockin y’all.