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.
Three of the best today for my look back down memory lane.
2002, Thea Gilmore, the Borderline, London
First time out for us to see Thea Gilmore one of our finest folk singer songwriters. She’s out supporting her excellent debut album ‘Rules for Jokers’. I can’t give her higher praise than she is a female Richard Thompson with her quirky intelligent songs.
Fine stuff and nothing new to add over my previous review from her 4th November gig.
2000, Chris Whitley, the Borderline, London
The late great Chris Whitley who we saw several times before his early death. I have reviewed him many times and this was the ‘Dirt Floor’ tour which I think was a return to form after a couple of indifferent albums before that. This time I think it’s just him and a guitar but he has that presence that you can’t keep your eyes and ears off of him.
1987, Magnum, Hammersmith Odeon, London
Graham and I loved these Brummie metalers seeing them four times in less than two years. This was the ‘Vigilante’ tour, their follow up to their classic ‘On a Storytellers Night’ album a few years before. It has a terrible cover and doesn’t come close to their high point but a sound enough effort.
Luckily tracks from that classic are still front and centre in the set with the new stuff still playing second fiddle to a degree. Not quite hitting the heights from a year or so back there’s enough here for us to enjoy it.
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.