We have a date 21st June for normality we hope and the end of socially distancing at a gig. That means another ten or so 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.
Three today and this date has not aged well with two out of the three being completely forgettable for my look back down memory lane.
2011, Rumer, Brighton Dome, Brighton
I never mind nipping down the A23 to Brighton for gigs. It takes as long as the journey into London and so we are looking forward to a laid back soul show with Dusty sound-alike Rumer. Sadly the show lacked any emotion and felt like a real going through the motions event with the performance being dialled in and to be honest bland and samey.
Undoubtedly she has a fine voice but it just didn’t connect with me tonight. The only saving grace was that it was short but that was one of the few positives. It’s fair to say that her career hasn’t kicked on since that debut album which does seem like a waste of her talents. File under instantly forgettable.
1992, Eddi Reader, Clapham Grand, London
From one disappointing gig to a real stinker. Easily in the bottom five gigs I have ever been too. Dull, dull, and dull. Reader fresh from her success with Fairground Attraction was I think on her first solo tour promoting her debut solo album.
I am struggling to come up with any redeeming feature of this hairy fairy nonsense. It certainly wasn’t ‘Perfect’.
1991, Maria McKee, Town and Country, London
At last a decent gig on this day. Known at the time as the lead singer with Lone Justice this was her first foray as a solo artists. Her debut album is right up there as one of the very best in the eighties and certainly would be in my top 100 albums of all time. A beautiful voice coupled with some great songwriting and responsible for one of my favourite lines. ‘She don’t sweat she sours and melts like ice cream in the sun’
The set draws heavily for her eponymous album plus a bunch of Lone Justice songs and some assorted covers too. It’s a beautiful night’s music and McKee’s problem has been how you top a masterpiece that started your solo career.
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.