Most of my wiped out 2020 gigs have now been rescheduled for 2021. However I’ve just been notified that The Specials will be touring September next year. Tempted but........
Anyone else stuck their neck out and bought tickets since Covid came to town?
The gig we attended on Friday night was awesome, it filled me with everything live music is supposed to provide... ☺
The band played for over 2 hours, in a venue for 300 seated people. The chairs were set in pairs, with the appropriate distance. Entry only for vaccinated, tested, or recovered.
No masks inside. Problem was that 3 songs in, everyone was already standing and moving towards the stage.
Within the next 10 minutes, it was businesses as usual. Security did nothing to prevent this so... I admit liking the closeness of unknown people very much.😇
The best part. After the band had left the stage, BitUSA blasted from the speakers. I couldn't believe it... 🇺🇲🎸
Proof.
The gig we attended on Friday night was awesome, it filled me with everything live music is supposed to provide... ☺ The band played for over 2 hours, in a venue for 300 seated people. The chairs were set in pairs, with the appropriate distance. Entry only for vaccinated, tested, or recovered. No masks inside. Problem was that 3 songs in, everyone was already standing and moving towards the stage. Within the next 10 minutes, it was businesses as usual. Security did nothing to prevent this so... I admit liking the closeness of unknown people very much. 😇 The best part. After the band had left the stage, BitUSA blasted from the speakers. I couldn't believe it... 🇺🇲🎸 Proof.
Emily Barker last night. She and husband were just wonderful. Played pretty much all the Dark Murmuration…… album from last year. If you haven’t heard it you MUST give it a listen. My standout track, Machine, was done virtually acapella, with only finger clicks, claps and thigh slaps, while Lukas added some background atmospherics on double bass. One of those moments when the audience stay silent, stunned, as the song finishes.
Covid arrangements felt OK. A small venue that in normal times might hold perhaps 450 standing had around 50 seated, well spaced out, each pair of seats with a small drinks table adjacent. Masks worn & everyone sanitised on entry. You could sense a bit of awkwardness durning the first set but it loosened up second half and a few muffled whoops slipped out, especially after her most excellent cover of Tougher Than The Rest. You can find it on her Shadowbox compilation - worth a listen.
It felt different for sure, but it was immensely enjoyable to be out sharing a live music experience. Sarah said the one clear benefit of mask wearing was that she had something to soak up the tears during Strange Weather.
I'm going to my first live gig since winter 2019 on Friday!!!!!!
My favorite Slovenian band, Mi2, preforming an acoustic concert in a smallish seated venue. Admission only for tested, vaccinated, or recovered.
I have to admit that I'm a bit nervous. 😊
@whispered secret Dunno if this is your bag, but as you are an habitue of the Town Hall I’d thoroughly recommend a trip to see Percy’s latest project. No bare chested screeching, rather a bluesy Cajun influenced cooperative. Saw them for a second time at the same venue end of ‘19 and they were stunningly good.
https://www.thsh.co.uk/event/saving-grace-featuring-robert-plant-and-suzi-dian-with-support?utm_source=THSH&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12409824_MKT%20-%20NOS%20-%20260521&dm_i=1PCQ,7DZHC,V6ROLS,TZU90,1
Australia's response to and so far good outcome with COVID is seeing a return of live music bookings. Some outdoor festival style gigs are being now sold for March, April around the nation. Most incredibly, Guns & Roses are now advertising a late 2021 stadium tour here. Tickets are either now on sale or selling in the next few weeks.
Should have been seeing Jason Isbell tonight..............🙁
Wilco, Lu Williams and Imelda May all playing the 1st night of the Blackdeer Festival in Kent, late June, C19 permitting. £63 for a day ticket. Giving this some serious thought. Would you?
@Walkerinthesun Did you get a refund yet for Nathaniel Rateliff? We got ours yesterday after emailing the venue. They wanted to keep the money, as they are hoping to reschedule for March, but we asked for a refund as I can't see things changing sufficiently by March.
Well, I wasn't back in half an hour! He wasn't bad, he wasn't great either, but he had a good voice and he wasn't trying to impersonate Bruce, he just sang (mostly) Bruce songs. He had a small band, which I hadn't expected, so it wasn't Acoustic, despite the name!
The venue had worked hard at making it feel safe, one way system, masks when you were moving around and cabaret style tables spread out at a good distance. Drinks were served directly to your table, we had pre-ordered so they were waiting on our table when we arrived (two beers from a local brewery, so keeping up the support of local businesses!) I would guess there were around 50 people in at a venue which holds 300.
What was really good, and I hadn't known this before, is that it was promoted by a man I know who works with local homeless people, encouraging them to write songs, poems and learn to play instruments. He has put on several gigs in our church, for which I often 'forget' to send a bill! I was pleased we had gone to support him and a local arts venue and it was LIVE MUSIC!!
About to head off for Boss Acoustic, which turns out to be tonight not tomorrow.
I might be back in half an hour...
I have just booked tickets for next Saturday for something called Boss Acoustic - I am sure it will be dreadful, but it's only £6 a ticket and it's a five minute walk from home. I am interested to see how the venue handle it as much as anything.
I will report back!
I bought tix for Jason Isbell in NYC for last April. Show cancelled. No makeup announced. Refund......😪😥
Saw The Waterboys live once, half a lifetime ago. Another one of the band's who briefly held me captivated, but with whom I inexplicably lost touch with down the years.
Was supposed to see The Waterboys in April, first visit for Mike and band to SA. It was postponed during lockdown, of course, to November this year. I highly doubt that is going to happen either. Curious to see if a new announcement comes soon.
I have tickets for Brian Fallon with Jesse Malin supporting. It has been put back until 6th December..............................................................
2021 😏
I was really surprised to get a flyer for Stratford Music Festival, which is still happening in November. Nothing I was interested in (all classical stuff) but it did give me some hope that live music might return.
We have tickets for Nathaniel Rateliff at Birmingham Symphony Hall in October - I can't see it happening, but it is still on sale. If it happens we will go, as I have full confidence in Symphony Hall to abide by the rules.
🤔 Hmmmm......
I have.
After the Pet Shop Boys show was postponed earler this year, they released great tickets at a decent price (as opposed to the platinum ones), so I took a punt and bought two. Show isn't until May next year, so we'll see if it happens.
I would have a hard time even springing for Bruce at the moment ....and saying that kills me