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.
A busy one but all goodies today for my look back down memory lane.
2018, the Sheepdogs, the Lexington, London
First time seeing these Canadian country rockers and enjoyed it so much saw them again soon after at the Borderline. A definite fiver star show and all reviewed here at the time.
2016, Nada Surf, Electric Ballroom, London
Another five star show with these power popsters. Great band, great venue and all reviewed here at the time.
2010, Bad Company, Wembley Arena, London
The three surviving original members Rodgers, Ralphs and Kirke reunite for these series of shows. What a band these guys were and many many years after their heyday they still have. I still maintain that Rodgers has one of if the finest white blues rock voices.
This was an impeccable gig, the set list is spot one and took me back twenty five years when I was listening to loads of these guys. You just can’t beat a classic rock gig and they don’t come much better than this.
2007, Midlake, Shepherds Bush Empire, London
We were up in the gods at the Empire for this one. This would have been the ‘Van Occupanther’ tour I would guess coming just a few months after their classic album was released. It’s all pretty much played too and when you have an album this good why not.
It’s a fine, fine show even from the heights of the Empire but it didn’t matter as once you get wrapped and rapt in their sound they just take you to a land far away. Super stuff.
2006, Drive by Truckers, Koko, London
Isbell was still in the band at this stage and this tour was supporting the fine ‘Dirty South’ album. The band were still at the stage where they would share a bottle of Jack through the gig passing it between them taking a swig and rockin on. And rock they certainly did.
As usual it’s an epic set with over twenty five songs. Looking at it now there’s little they could do to improve it. This was possibly the best set we have seen from them. Sadly they are another casualty of Covid and we are still waiting to see if their scheduled June date takes place. Can’t see it happening though.
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.