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.
Four on the floor for today’s trip down memory lane for you down the years.
2012, Revival tour with Rocky Votolato, Chuck Ragan and Cory Branan, Islington Academy, London
It’s a triple bill of top American singer songwriters. I’m a big fan of Rocky and have seen him a few times and he’s excellent. Tonight he’s joined by Chuck Ragan who I didn’t know and he was OK but I mainly came tonight for a first time seeing Cory Branan who had just released the brilliant Mutt. He was a real treat but I’m not sure if he has come back over this side of the pond which is a shame.
A good night of acoustic American folk country Americana whatever that genre is.
2010, Steve Winwood, Roundhouse, London
First time out for us to see Steve Winwood for Graham, John and myself. I’ll admit the Roundhouse is not one of my favourite venues. I think the sound can be a bit all over the place and you must get there early to see anything of the stage and to avoid being under the balcony.
Winwood over here promoting a best of played most of the hits and his voice and the band were excellent but sadly he had a percussionist playing tom toms throughout the night which overwhelmed a lot of the songs and for me was completely unnecessary for the vast majority. Yes of course for ‘Higher Love’ but not everything else and it was also so high in the mix. It’s a short set and for the money felt like a bit if a rip off. I can at least tick him off the list of acts I want to see but sadly won’t live long in the memory for the show itself
2005, Magic Numbers, Shepherds Bush Empire, London
The Magic Number were riding high on their debut tour and off the back of a couple of minor hits. The harmonies here are perfect as are most of the songs. Of course nearly if not all of the album was played and its was a lovely evening. I am not sure if they have split up but I don’t think they release any music anymore but I know the siblings often still tour and I’ve certainly seen Romeo at a few gigs in the audience down the years.
1992, the Rockingbirds, Kingston Polytechnic, London
Anyone that knows me knows that I love North London finest country band, the Rockingbirds. They are a rag tag bunch but put them all together led by Alan Tyler’s songs and deep voice they make it work brilliantly. My records are a bit patchy around this time but this might have been the first time we saw them.
We blagged our way in with a couple of girls in the queue as it was students only gig. What a treat this was. We drank, we sang and we danced the night away with the best of them. That first hearing of ‘Jonathan’ live will still be one of my gig highlights and we have blasted that one out from the crowd countless time since.
I got the set list too and even got it autographed by a few of the band. I have seen them live many times too numerous to mention but I always come back to this one and is still one of the best nights I have had with John.
That’s it for today’s trip down memory lane. Here’s hoping we can get to some form of normality soon although I have now had my first gig of 2021 cancelled today so that will take it to a full twelve months at least between gigs.
Support your small local venues and smaller artists in these difficult times, stay safe and keep on rockin y’all.