We have a date 21st June for normality we hope and the end of socially distancing at a gig. I have my first gig pencilled in for 7th June a seated affair at the Jazz Café to hopefully set up the rest of the year. I have still have about half a dozen 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.
Just the one and it’s a birthday gig with my good lady today for my look back down memory lane.
2013, Emeli Sande, Hammersmith Odeon, London
This was I think the most packed show I have been to at the Odeon. We got there early or so we thought with support act still on. We couldn’t even get in through the front entrance of the stalls as people were crushed against them. So venturing round the side we snuck in a side door and wormed our way towards the centre.
Sande, still flogging the horse that was her debut album released a year or so ago it’s fair to say that this is her time. This was the last of a three night stint at the Odeon. There’s no denying she has a fine set of pipes and is a good songwriter too. When she combines the two it’s a joy to behold but maybe she doesn’t reach those heights consistently enough.
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.