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.
A busy one today with six of the best for today’s trip down memory lane for you down the years.
2019, Striking Matches, the Garage, London
These guys are a must see every time they are over here. They have perfectly blended straight country with hard rockin blues. They are two of the finest guitarists you will see and are equally adept at balls out rock and delicate ballads. Special mention to Sarah Zimmerman who skills on the slide guitar are amazing and she has the best guitar gurn in the business when she hits those high notes. I reviewed the gig in full here at the time.
2013, North Mississippi Allstars, 100 Club, London
I have seen this band live many many times in a mix of slightly different guises to support the ever present Dickinson brothers. Tonight though is with a brass section and boy what a treat this was. Fully embracing this touch of N’awlins we had a full second line parade through the 100 Club at one stage. Brilliant stuff.
Never has the phrase ‘they are much better live than on record’ applied more than to this band. Their recorded output is a bit hit and miss but put them on a stage and they are great. Its hill country blues at its best, Luther Dickinson is one of the best guitarists around and no NMAS would be complete without a washboard solo by brother Cody.
A great night with a nice twist with the brass to supplement their usual raw blues sound.
2008, Peter Bruntnell w David Viner, Luminaire, London
Looking back at my records this is the first time seeing Pete on a headline gig. I am pretty sure that I had seen him in a support role a few times. First up tonight though is man out of time David Viner. He specialises in that very sixties British sound and does it really well. It doesn’t look like I have bought any of his music since this time so no idea if he is still recording but a good opening set.
I have reviewed Pete a number of times and like a good wine he is getting better every year. The quality of songwriting has never been in doubt but is still on an upward trajectory. So tonight is the usual laid back acoustic Americana and mighty fine it is.
2005 John Hiatt w North Mississippi Allstars, Shepherds Bush Empire, London
Another night, another John Hiatt and NMAS show. This time the Allstars are both support act and backing band to Hiatt. They play a good opening set but clearly not many in the audience are aware of who they are.
It’s the ‘Master of Disaster’ tour for Hiatt and whilst not one of his best it’s not too shabby either. Honestly, I can’t remember a lot specifically about this show but when you put two great artists together I am sure it was good.
2002, the Arlenes w Alan Tyler, the Borderline, London
I reviewed the Arlenes a couple of weeks ago and this show was in support of their excellent debut album. Support tonight is fellow North Londoner and Rockingbirds front man Alan Tyler, nuff said.
We get most of the album tonight and those harmonies are just gorgeous. Sadly I think they only recorded one more album and moved to California. They have made the odd visit back and it’s always a treat to see them.
1983, Michael Schenker Group, Hammersmith Odeon, London
A real rave from the grave here back in the early days of gigging where Graham and me would take in all that Heavy Metal had to offer. Our second show with MSG after first seeing them in 81. Little to add on top of my memory from 13th September here but these guys were a brilliant rock band and it was nice to see Rudy Schenker join them on stage for the obligatory encore of Doctor Doctor.
That’s it for today’s trip down memory lane. Here’s hoping we can get to some form of normality soon although I have now had my first gig of 2021 cancelled today so that will take it to a full twelve months at least between gigs.
Support your small local venues and smaller artists in these difficult times, stay safe and keep on rockin y’all.