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 today but it’s a corker of a double bill for today’s trip down memory lane for you down the years.
1992, Dwight Yoakham w/the Jayhawks, Hammersmith Odeon, London
What a double bill. Jayhawks first up and our first chance to see them after the masterpiece their debut proper ‘Hollywood Town Hall had just been released. I’d fallen in love with the album and still do to this day and then after this opening set with the band too. It’s a relationship lasting nearly thirty years has had its ups and downs but they are never that far from my thoughts or in these digital ages from my digital turntable.
Next up our first and I think our only time seeing Dwight Yoakham. Wow what an entrance. Resplendent in some kind of mirror/glittered jacket that dazzled as the spotlights hit it, he totally owns the stage as those terrible talent shows would say.
Backed by a superb country band he rattles through fine set of originals and a few fine covers including Presley’s ‘Little Sister’ ,who is clearly a massive influence on Yoakam with his guitar slinging hip swivelling moves across the stage and the Blaster’s rockabilly classic ‘Long White Cadillac’.
It’s probably also my first straight country show and mighty fine it was too. Yoakam stays on the right side of country for me which is essentially without the ‘& Western’ and smaller stetsons although Yoakam certainly pushing the limits on that one.
A superb night with two very fine artists.
That’s it for today’s trip down memory lane. Here’s hoping we can get to some form of normality soon. Support your small local venues and smaller artists in these difficult times, stay safe and keep on rockin y’all.