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.
Just the one and a truly special evening with the Alvins for today’s trip down memory lane for you down the years.
2014, Dave Alvin and Phil Alvin, Islington Assembly Hall, London
This was a very special night with the Alvin brothers who had swallowed their differences to come together on this emotional night. I reviewed the gig here in the early days of the blog and it probably sums everything up perfectly. Whilst I love Dave Alvin solo stuff when he hooks up with his brother they create something very special indeed. My thoughts go back to a hot and sweaty night at Dingwalls to see the Blasters perform a masterclass in rockabilly.
There’s of course some Blasters songs tonight but their new stuff together more than holds its own. It’s a wonderful night of wonderful songs executed perfectly. This was one of those transcendental live experiences and I’m no ashamed to say it moved me to tears in places.
A truly magical night that I could share with my special mates John and Graham.
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.