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.
Just the one today and goodie for my look back down memory lane.
1999, Wilco, Shepherds Bush Empire, London
It’s not without some trepidation that we approach this show tonight. Last time out was the infamous gig where Tweedy insulted the crowd but more of that next month. This time out it’s the ‘Summerteeth’ tour and like all Wilco albums a progression of their sound. I know I will upset a few here but give me those first two raw albums ‘A.M.’ and ‘Being There’ all day. Don’t get me wrong I like the latter stuff too even with some of the self-indulgences but like those early REM albums they just resonate more and maybe it’s because my early musical influences were rockier.
Still there enough room in the set for a few from both of those to kick it up a notch and there is no repeat of Tweedy’s histrionics so it’s a fine show. There's also a few from their album with Billy Bragg that also went down well.
One oddity I remember is that the start of the encore is faultless with rockers ‘Outtasite, Outta mind’ and ‘Casino Queen’ and then the mood is taken right back down with ‘California Stars’ from the collab album with Billy Bragg. A fine song, bit seemed anticlimactic after such a strong start to the finish.
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.