So we have a date 21st June. 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.
A trio of shows today for my look back down memory lane.
2017, Rod Stewart, O2 Arena, London
Chalk this one up on my ‘never seen legend’ list. Anne has always been a big fan so we bit the bullet and took this one in before he shuffles off of this mortal coil. A great night out full of hits and the voice still seems strong and all reviewed here at the time.
2014, John Murry, Islington Assembly Hall, London
Murry is the finest purveyor of gloomy folk with a voice somewhere between Richard Thompson, Nick Cave, Dylan and Tom Petty. A strange mix I know but it somehow works and I love it. I can see why he’s an acquired taste and his songs do take a few listens to appreciate and he certainly needs some investment in that respect.
So I think I dragged John and Graham along to this show on spec without them hearing a single note before and in retrospect maybe an error on my behalf. I thought it was a great show and really brought the tracks to life but I think that my chums were left a little under whelmed by the affair.
The set takes in most of his mighty fine ‘The Graceless Age’ album along with some nice covers from Dylan and Townes Zandt. A good evening for me and the other fans there.
1992, Ron Kavana, Half Moon, London
Little to add on top of my review of Kavana from the 7th February and the same will be said for tomorrow where there’s another Kavana show. Just a good night of Irish folk.
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.