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 today for today’s trip down memory lane for you down the years.
2016, Danny and the Champions of the World, the Boileroom, Guildford
Another fine show from Danny George Wilson this time under his own name with his fabulous band that I reviewed here at the time. He remains one of Britain’s finest singer songwriters and it was nice to see them in this small venue just down the road.
2013, the Strypes, Electric Ballroom, London
Another great band but who are no longer with us after splitting up just a few years into their careers but I am sure though this talented group of youngsters will excel in whatever new guise they come back as. John and I have seen this band a few times and they never fail to deliver an energetic set of sixties rock n roll with their own songs holding up well against some of the more famous covers from the likes of Bo Diddley that they perform. Great stuff from these Elton approved band of Irish youngsters.
2012, Howlin Rain, the Garage, London
Still I think the only time I have seen Howlin Rain and tonight I am joined by Graham and John. These San Franciscan noise licks deliver a barnstorming set of the finest heavy rock. They manage to still retain great songwriting in amongst the guitars and this is what sets them apart from some of their peers who just go flat out noise. This would have been the ‘Russian Wilds’ tour, a fine album and the gig matches that quality. Super stuff and let’s hope we can get to see them again real soon.
That’s it for today’s trip down memory lane. Here’s hoping we can get to some form of normality soon. Support your small local venues and smaller artists in these difficult times, stay safe and keep on rockin y’all.