We have a date 21st June. That means another ten or so gigs that will either be cancelled or postponed some for the third time. So cautious optimism is the watch word here. Given that the summer months are usually a little quieter the autumn could be crazy for gigs if things get back to normal. So with everything crossed let’s hope there is real light at the end of this horribly long tunnel.
When I first started this little exercise we were a month into lockdown on the 24th April. Like most of you I expected this to last a month or two. The reality now is clear and sadly it will be a full twelve months and probably a lot more between my last gig and the next one. We go again and hopefully this brings back memories for my gig going chums who have joined me on this great musical journey down the years.
Two oldies today for my look back down memory lane.
1984, Marillion, Hammersmith Odeon, London
This is, I think, where my live love affair with Marillion started. Graham and Antony were in tow and it’s the Fugazi tour, the bands second album. It’s the perfect set with it split between their first classic album and this second plus set closer ‘Market Square Heroes’. Of course, there’s no room for the legendary ‘Grendel’ as the band had already stopped playing that live even at this early stage in their career.
Suffice to say I loved every minute and so started a run of seeing this band countless times over the next five years. Great memories of a great band.
1983, Thin Lizzy, Hammersmith Odeon, London
Talking of great bands I am so pleased that Graham and I got to see Lizzy before Phil Lynott died. This also happened to be their farewell tour and a fitting way to end as their last album ‘Thunder and Lightning’ is actually very good and a fine addition to their back catalogue.
All the hits are there, ‘Boys are back in town’, ‘Jailbreak’, ‘Waiting for an alibi’ and my favourite their version of ‘Whiskey in the Jar’. It’s a metal masterclass and what strikes me is how big Phil Lynott was. He looked a giant on stage with his bass hanging low, legs apart firing his guitar in our direction all in black growling at the audience.
Sadly we weren’t at the last night at Hammersmith where all of their old guitarists came on stage at various times which would have been the cherry on the icing on the top of the cake.
That’s it for today so don’t forget, support your small local venues and smaller artists in these difficult times, stay safe and keep on rockin y’all.