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 for my trip down memory lane for you down the years
1991, Steve Earle, Mean Fiddler, London
Around this time John and I saw the great Steve Earle a number of times. I think though this remains the only time we have seen him solo acoustic. Arriving at our favourite venue at the time The Mean Fiddler in Harlesden we are greeted by a steaming mass of people in this small room. Barely able to squeeze in the door we find a spot where we could that had just enough room for us to see the stage.
It’s funny how nearly thirty years later I can still remember this gig as if it was last night. With Earle and the dukes you are usually met by a wall of guitars to the side of the stage but not tonight and what was special was hearing those early songs just as he wrote them on his own with just a guitar.
Classics like ‘Guitar Town’, ‘Devils right hand’ and ‘Copperhead Road’ were immense but for me the two highlights were a stunning version of ‘My old friend the blues’ and a highly emotional ‘Little rock n roller’ his tale of life on the road missing his son who calls him one night in the middle of a tour. Not ashamed to say I lost it at that stage with a small son of my own and it just reinforced how special life is and to make the most of every single day.
Stunning stuff and one I won’t forget
On this day 9th August
2018, Nile Rogers, Sandown Park Racecourse, Esher
With the debut Them Crooked Vultures gig on this day already reviewed as part of the Lollapalooza special there’s just one today. Again it must have been a Thursday night as we are back at the races, this time with Nile Rogers. I reviewed it at the time here and nothing really to add. Yes it’s probably the same set they have been peddling for the past few years but when it’s this good you don’t mind. Go see this show if you haven’t already. You will certainly have some ‘Good Times’.
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.