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.
Three more and a bit of a mixed bag for today’s trip down memory lane for you down the years.
2016, Stray Birds, Bush Hall, London
A perfect night with these Stray Birds reviewed at the time here.
2015, Yo La Tengo, Shepherds Bush Empire, London
Sadly an instantly forgettable night for me with Yo La Tengo that I reviewed at the time here
2004, Neal Casal & Richmond Fontaine, Mean Fiddler, London
A great double bill tonight with the late Neal Casal supporting Richmond Fontaine. I can’t write any more about the man that was Neal Casal who sadly took his life this year. He was a superb guitarist but so much more than that. His songwriting was often undervalued as was his vocals. He was equally adept as solo acoustic or as tonight rockin it up with a full band. A sad loss who was arguably never more in demand and successful as at the time of his death.
Next up Richmond Fontaine and I believe that this remains the only time I have seen them live, certainly headlining. It was the ‘Post to Wire’ tour arguably their finest album and of course most of the album is played. Fontaine have their mesmerising sound that seems to envelope you and Vlautin’s storybook songs lift you up and take on a journey deep through America introducing you to lovers, misfits and just plain old normal people too. They are a little bit Wilco, a little bit Ryan Adams and a little bit Clem Snide with their quirkiness but put together and they were a mighty fine band.
A lovely double bill for two acts that are no longer with us in their previous guises.
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.