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.
Three of the best for today’s trip down memory lane for you down the years.
2018, Robert Plant/Van Morrison, O2 Arena, London
Its London Blue Festival with these two legends who both deliver excellent sets reviewed here at the time.
2017, Peter Bruntnell, the Borderline, London
A nice twist on the usual Pete setup, this time as a trio with the great BJ Cole on pedal steel that was reviewed here at the time.
2015, Sonny Landreth, Under the Bridge, London
Another slide blues masterclass from Sonny reviewed here at the time.
2013, John Mayer, Wembley Arena, London
It’s me and the missus at this arena show for American superstar John Mayer. Known for his off field antics with various attractive film and pop stars he is also massive in his homeland with his slightly MOR recorded fare.
Live, however what you get is a guitar masterclass and a coming alive of his songs. Mayer I think is essentially a blues man at heart but has had to ride the commercial dollar just to make it. Another artist I feel like this is Ellie Goulding. She really is talented but has had to compromise her voice with horrible production and auto tune and is a good musician too.
Back to Mayer and we are treated to twenty odd tracks from across his career and there is plenty of space for extended guitar solos throughout. A couple of nice JJ Cale and Bruce covers complete this great night out.
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.