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.
After an epic 11th July and just one yesterday we are back with a bang with five of the best for my trip down memory lane for you down the years
1991, INXS, Wembley Stadium, London
Just five years after supporting Queen down the bill INXS return to the stadium as headliners. What a line up though (well maybe not Jesus Jones so much) supported by Hothouse Flowers, Roachford, Debbie Harry, Jesus Jones and Jellyfish. Special mention to Hothouse Flowers and of course Jellyfish on the day who were excellent. Sadly the end was in sight for Jellyfish not long after this. Faulkner left the band and the two songwriters fell out recorded one more album and that was it. But their psych pop certainly brought a smile on the day. As did Debbie Harry, first schoolboy crush and who didn’t have ‘that’ poster up in their bedroom.
After the success of ‘Kick’ INXS were one of the biggest bands in the world at that time and they built on that with ‘X’ which was OK. Me and Graham for this one. Ms Micallef was here too with other friends who while also appreciating the music had even more of a crush on a certain Mr Hutchence at the time.
Speaking of which he was one of the finest showmen and a perfect front man to the talented Farriss brothers and Gary Beers excellent musicianship. The set is hits heavy from the last two albums and sadly just the one from my favourite album ‘Listen like Thieves’. It’s still as superb concert and a brilliant day and everything was captured by David Mamet and released as a live film.
1994, Jackson Browne, Royal Albert Hall, London
Long term fan of Jackson Browne so when my step father in law suggested going I was right up for this. Luckily we had decent tickets down on the floor as I do not like this venue much and will only go if I can get stalls tickets.
It’s an epic 29 song set (previous RAH set below) that encompasses the whole of his back catalogue. Personal favourites such as ‘Lives in the Balance’, ‘Running on Empty’ and ‘Nothing but Time’ are all played out and if you want some laid back California sunshine pop rock then Mr Browne is your man.
1995, Aimee Mann, Mean Fiddler, London
We and by that I mean John, Graham and myself saw Aimee Mann four times in two years at around this time. This one would have been after second album ‘I’m with Stupid’ came out and it’s the iconic Mean Fiddler in Harlesden. As a venue it was great it was just the getting to and from it that was the hairy part. Harlesden being more known at this time as the capital of drive by shootings rather than great music.
Given this is so early on in her career the set is split between the two first albums which is no bad thing as they are both great. Mann has such a unique voice and in the intimate surrounds of the Fiddler it’s beautiful. Another great show in the list of Mann great shows
2005, Los Lobos, Somerset House, London
From a classic Los Lobos show reviewed the other day to this. Whilst Somerset House is a stunning back drop for music tonight I think it barely half full. It’s a lack lustre performance, felt like they were going through the motions and will not live long in the memory.
2017, Will Hoge, the Garage, London
I reviewed the gig at the time here and there’s little to add. Great show from one man and a guitar.
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.