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.
So with gigs getting cancelled not rearranged, this is now becoming a trend. I have little to no expectations that the seven gigs booked for March, April and May will happen.
Three for today for my look back down memory lane.
2018, Bon Iver, Hammersmith Odeon, London
Whilst you would be hard pushed to top those early Bon Iver gigs in support of ‘For Emma, Forever Ago’ this show from a couple of years is very good indeed. Playing the whole of ‘Bon Iver’ was impressive and then it’s onto the newer stuff auto tune and all. It has its moments but it’s worth the admission price for that first forty five minutes. All reviewed here at the time.
2013, Richard Thompson, Brighton Dome, Brighton
It’s another February Thompson show this one down on the South Coast in support of his ‘Electric’ album released the same year. Taking its lead from the album’s title it’s a power trio and this leaves a lot of room for Thompson to showcase his licks. He is one of the most under rated guitarists around and boy can he rock when he needs to.
He brings it all down for the encore with him solo before being re-joined by drummer and bassist for an epic ‘Tear Stained Letter’ Thompson is always a consistent live act and never disappoints.
2012, Todd Snider, the Borderline, London
Snider is not often seen on these shores and this remains the only time I have seen him. A prolific recording artist who specialises in intelligent slightly left of centre Americana he is a witty raconteur and performer.
The set has nice balance of tracks from his latest offering and across his back catalogue and his between song banter is warm and endearing. A good night from this under rated artist.
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.