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.
Two shows today for my look back down memory lane.
2016, Charles Bradley, the Forum, London
Sadly we lost Charles Bradley the year after this gig and it’s a shame that just after his career was taking off again in its fair to say the autumn of his life he was taken away from us. It was all reviewed here at the time on what was a fine show.
1991, Graham Parker, Town and Country, London
If I remember rightly the tubes were buggered this evening so we made our made via the overground north London loop from Richmond to Kentish Town North or some such station. Scenic it aint and I’m not saying we went really far north before coming back into London but I’m sure I heard bagpipes. It’s also a bit of schlep on foot at the Kentish Town end too.
Anyhoo onto the show. This would have been the ‘Struck by Lightning’ tour a fine solo album at the time I recall which of course dominates the set but there is a good selection from ‘Mona Lisa Sister’ too along with a bunch of GP & the Rumour songs. It was good to hear some of the classics such as ‘White Honey’ but also some lesser known Rumour tracks too. So aside from a full on Rumour show this set was probably the best it could have been.
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.