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 stunners today for my look back down memory lane.
2015, St Paul and the Broken Bones, Shepherds Bush Empire, London
Seen this guys a few times now in venues as small as the Jazz Café to as large as the Other Stage at Glasto. Tonight it’s one of the earlier shows, this time at the Bush. Still promoting their most excellent debut album the set is well trodden in but you are still shocked and blown away by Janeaway’s unique voice when he lets rip. It was all reviewed here at the time.
2006, Nada Surf, Shepherds Bush Empire, London
I loved this band at the time and still do. The finest purveyors of power pop I was a little obsessed from, what I believe still is, their career highlight of ‘Let Go’ and that album whilst not their latest dominates the setlist tonight. By a weird turn of fate they are supported by the Feeling who had just scored a top ten hit so on pure record sales the tables should be turned. But they are not and the Feeling's limitations are there to see once the main act come on.
They are faultless as usual and always put a shift in with a long set, even at a recent show at the Electric Ballroom venturing to the merch stand after the gig had finished and performed a few tunes to the handful of people still there.
I can’t help leaving their gigs with a big grin as its feel good power pop at its best. Great little band.
1997, Chuck Prophet, the Monarch, London
An oldie with Chuck in this long room above a pub in Chalk Farm. I think it’s changed its name a few times since. This is the ‘Homemade Blood’ tour and its doesn’t get any rawer than this. It’s a stripped back album for sure but is up there as one of his best.
Chuck is still struggling to make ends meet this early in his career and we saw him and the band before the gig in a pub scratching around trying to pool enough money together to get something to eat. Sadly neither John’s nor mine financial position was probably much better at the time so we couldn’t help them out.
Chuck has always had a hard core cult following, from his Green in Red days and so its a good turn out and tonight we also see a couple of celebs in the audience most notably a certain Sir Bob Geldof.
I have seen Chuck more than any other artist I think and tonight’s shows is in my top 3 of his probably. It’s a raw stripped back proper rock n roll show and the sleazy dive we are in suits the music perfectly. A great night from one of my favourite acts and I’m certainly hoping to see him this year once he rearranges his current dates that are still during our ‘lockdown’.
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.