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 couple of quick ones today for my look back down memory lane.
2015, the Rails, Bush Hall, London
A great show from husband and wife duo, the Rails in this fine venue. Everything was set up right and they more than delivered. All reviewed here at the time.
2002, Elvis Costello, Astoria, London
Some Elvis shows blur into others as I’ve seen him quite a few times, this was the ‘When I was cruel’ album tour and the band were the Imposters which were essentially the Attractions minus Bruce Thomas. It won’t go down as one of Elvis’ best albums and I can’t actually remember if the gig was good or not. There was a bad one around this time and this could have been it. It was quite a dark and moody set and ending with I Want You doesn’t exactly leave you in the greatest mood although I love the song, it’s far from uplifting.
Costello also had a bee in his bonnet around this time with London and after this tour would sometimes miss London completely. I think this was a three strarrer at best.
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.