The National must be one of the best live acts around right now.
They are your archetypal Indie Geeks but by the cringe they bring it.
Not pointing any fingers but reasonably priced tickets (in context), set list varying by four to six songs per gig, twenty-seven song, two hours twenty minute set....
By some distance the best show I'll see this year and that's no disrespect to the two Bruce shows I've seen.
So many highlights but the show closing, un-miked "Vanderlyle cry-baby geeks" was life affirming.
Heading off to Glasgow tomorrow for The National at the Ovo Hydro or whatever corporate nom de plume the new exhibition centre goes by.
Looking forward to it, but I'm wondering what the turnouts going to like.
Seen them four times already, always in venues 2-2.5k capacity.
They always been solid, solid sell outs (and latterly two night stands) but a leap to a 14k arena, even with the "Taylor Swift factor", is maybe optimistic.
Also, I follow them on a myriad of ticket sites and emails pushing tickets have been flying out.
Hopefully im wrong and there will be enough in to generate an atmosphere.
Well this weekend, like Manchester City I completed the treble, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Lucinda Williams kicked it off in January and on Sunday the wonderful Bonnie Raitt completed that trio of great ladies. Being lazy I stole this write up from another source and it sums up the evening very well : -
Just attended another delightful Bonnie Raitt gig in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. She is such an emotive, honest artist and delivers genuine heartfelt performances of all her material. There were the de rigueur covers of John Hiatt, John Prine’s “Angel of Montgomery” and a surprising version of INXS’ “Need You Tonight”. A lot of old classics but the songs from her most recent album were the most poignant; beautifully delivered. Her band, has a new guitarist and keyboard player who fitted in seamlessly and, are as tight as ever. Guest appearance by Phil Cunninghame on accordion for an atmospheric “I Can’t Make You Love Me” which brought the house down. She commented on the venue early on, in particular the acoustics and thanked the audience for being so respectful. Until the end when it became a typical raucous, expressive and appreciative Glasgow audience.
First one is a bucket list show... I've waited over 30 years to see Deacon Blue. Still can't believe they are finally coming here. I might even do Joburg and Cape Town.
Second one depends on ticket prices. Dave Matthews Band have been once before, almost exactly 10 years ago. Saw them on the 3rd of December 2013.
This is turning into an expensive year - silly money for Diana Ross at the Albert Hall! Had to be done though, The Supremes performed the first concert we saw together back in 1968!
Josh Ritter was great. Lovely, intimate venue, 150 people who knew his music and were really enthusiastic. He was on excellent form just him and his guitar and his personality. Set list was a mix of stuff from his new album, which I wasn't very familiar with and old favourites.
I know I am not comparing apples with apples, but Bruce is going to have to go some for this not to be my gig of the year!
Sadly the one photo I took is crap, so not going to post it.
Saw Suede at Birmingham Symphony hall on Tuesday and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it! High energy 90 minute set. We usually sit in the circle at SH but, as we were going with our son, we booked ground floor seats. On the way there Adam told us that Brett gets everyone standing, which I wasn't too keen on as I have a dodgy knee at the moment! However, it was fine - the joys if aging!
I cant quite believe we have just done this, but we have booked to see Josh Ritter in Copenhagen in April! Never previously travelled outside of the UK to see any artist other than Bruce.
Had this mornings porridge and did my ironing to Hello Starling. Impressed. 1st listen, but Snow Is Gone immediately jumped out. One of those songs that reminds me of someone else, but just can’t retrieve it at the moment. It’ll pop into my head at some point!
Also found Gospel of Mary which, while simple in concept, is beautifully executed and hits hard.
Big thumbs up from me.
While I was searching for the latter Google told me it was first played at a Tiny Desks session with Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires so as a JI fan I’m going to have to find that too. Another rabbit hole to disappear down.
@walkerinthesun wasn't aware of further dates in May?
I'll need to rein it in then, I have tge Bruce shows and also a trip to Brighton for my mates 60th (at which Prowesy/Amsterdam/Pele.......some version thereof are playing).
I remember my first gig after covid... I never knew how much I missed live music until the band walked onstage and the audience started cheering. The adrenalin rush of a special kind....
In the overall scheme of things, I've not been to that many gigs in that London.
Outside of many,many Bruce gigs (and I'd have to say, the Empire Pool in 02 and the Millennium Dome in 07 are both in my top 5 Bruce gigs) from memory, the only other gigs I've been at in London were Marillion half a lifetime ago and Runrig at The Greyhound (I believe a legendary pub rock venue, no longer with us)....1989 I think.
I'd say Glasgow usually have the "best" audience vibes, but I possibly say that as my favourite venues are therein.
Much preferred the show in Brum. Smaller venue, relaxed good-natured banter back and forward, less headcases. Really good vibe, which makes all the difference. Some folks on here might even suggest it’s cos the people are nicer……🤔
I remember the evening we spent with Lucinda, after one of her shows in Perth, her exact words were "the further North you come,the better the crowds get".
Wouldn’t disagree. Over the years I’ve seen various performers in that there London and ’the provinces’, as some would term them, on the same tour. Without exception the further away from that place the better the night.
Went to see Bruce many times in London, not the same, and after two nights at Crystal Palace many years ago swore I would never again see him in London, and I have not.
The Selecter were pretty good tbf. Last time I saw them was 1979 down Tiffany’s, on the 2-Tone tour with The Specials & Madness. Great night once you got through the massive ruck outside. I think you mean Brian has ‘filled out’ a bit.
GA don’t seem to translate the quality of the records into the live show imho, which may well be what you were hinting at in your previous comment. Not bad, but not as great as you’d hope. Maybe if I’d got into the mosh pit……..
What a wonderful, wonderful gig Sunday night.
The National must be one of the best live acts around right now.
They are your archetypal Indie Geeks but by the cringe they bring it.
Not pointing any fingers but reasonably priced tickets (in context), set list varying by four to six songs per gig, twenty-seven song, two hours twenty minute set....
By some distance the best show I'll see this year and that's no disrespect to the two Bruce shows I've seen.
So many highlights but the show closing, un-miked "Vanderlyle cry-baby geeks" was life affirming.
Not my video but gives a flavour.......
Heading off to Glasgow tomorrow for The National at the Ovo Hydro or whatever corporate nom de plume the new exhibition centre goes by.
Looking forward to it, but I'm wondering what the turnouts going to like.
Seen them four times already, always in venues 2-2.5k capacity.
They always been solid, solid sell outs (and latterly two night stands) but a leap to a 14k arena, even with the "Taylor Swift factor", is maybe optimistic.
Also, I follow them on a myriad of ticket sites and emails pushing tickets have been flying out.
Hopefully im wrong and there will be enough in to generate an atmosphere.
Well this weekend, like Manchester City I completed the treble, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Lucinda Williams kicked it off in January and on Sunday the wonderful Bonnie Raitt completed that trio of great ladies. Being lazy I stole this write up from another source and it sums up the evening very well : -
Just attended another delightful Bonnie Raitt gig in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. She is such an emotive, honest artist and delivers genuine heartfelt performances of all her material. There were the de rigueur covers of John Hiatt, John Prine’s “Angel of Montgomery” and a surprising version of INXS’ “Need You Tonight”. A lot of old classics but the songs from her most recent album were the most poignant; beautifully delivered. Her band, has a new guitarist and keyboard player who fitted in seamlessly and, are as tight as ever. Guest appearance by Phil Cunninghame on accordion for an atmospheric “I Can’t Make You Love Me” which brought the house down. She commented on the venue early on, in particular the acoustics and thanked the audience for being so respectful. Until the end when it became a typical raucous, expressive and appreciative Glasgow audience.
(Stolen fron Kolossus, thank you).
First one is a bucket list show... I've waited over 30 years to see Deacon Blue. Still can't believe they are finally coming here. I might even do Joburg and Cape Town.
Second one depends on ticket prices. Dave Matthews Band have been once before, almost exactly 10 years ago. Saw them on the 3rd of December 2013.
This is turning into an expensive year - silly money for Diana Ross at the Albert Hall! Had to be done though, The Supremes performed the first concert we saw together back in 1968!
Josh Ritter was great. Lovely, intimate venue, 150 people who knew his music and were really enthusiastic. He was on excellent form just him and his guitar and his personality. Set list was a mix of stuff from his new album, which I wasn't very familiar with and old favourites.
I know I am not comparing apples with apples, but Bruce is going to have to go some for this not to be my gig of the year!
Sadly the one photo I took is crap, so not going to post it.
You’ve got 3 months to get pit-fit!
Didn’t get to the Bath show as had to go to a funeral…..
Saw Suede at Birmingham Symphony hall on Tuesday and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it! High energy 90 minute set. We usually sit in the circle at SH but, as we were going with our son, we booked ground floor seats. On the way there Adam told us that Brett gets everyone standing, which I wasn't too keen on as I have a dodgy knee at the moment! However, it was fine - the joys if aging!
I cant quite believe we have just done this, but we have booked to see Josh Ritter in Copenhagen in April! Never previously travelled outside of the UK to see any artist other than Bruce.
Most recent gig - not the greatest show tbh. Introduced me to a new venue tho’: Thekla in Brizzle. Around 400 capacity I’d estimate,
on a boat on the waterfront.
@louisa blinding night and awesome gig.
@walkerinthesun wasn't aware of further dates in May?
I'll need to rein it in then, I have tge Bruce shows and also a trip to Brighton for my mates 60th (at which Prowesy/Amsterdam/Pele.......some version thereof are playing).
I'll probably need to skip May on that basis.
First gig in nearly three years last night.
Saw the previous night and can confirm he plays a belter of a gig. But then he’s been doing that for a while now…..
https://americana-uk.com/live-review-jason-isbell-the-400-unit-his-lordship-o2-apollo-manchester-18th-november-2022
Right, this is a tough one. Band name and, for an extra point, the guitar player?
In the overall scheme of things, I've not been to that many gigs in that London.
Outside of many,many Bruce gigs (and I'd have to say, the Empire Pool in 02 and the Millennium Dome in 07 are both in my top 5 Bruce gigs) from memory, the only other gigs I've been at in London were Marillion half a lifetime ago and Runrig at The Greyhound (I believe a legendary pub rock venue, no longer with us)....1989 I think.
I'd say Glasgow usually have the "best" audience vibes, but I possibly say that as my favourite venues are therein.
Much preferred the show in Brum. Smaller venue, relaxed good-natured banter back and forward, less headcases. Really good vibe, which makes all the difference. Some folks on here might even suggest it’s cos the people are nicer……🤔
The Selecter were pretty good tbf. Last time I saw them was 1979 down Tiffany’s, on the 2-Tone tour with The Specials & Madness. Great night once you got through the massive ruck outside. I think you mean Brian has ‘filled out’ a bit.
GA don’t seem to translate the quality of the records into the live show imho, which may well be what you were hinting at in your previous comment. Not bad, but not as great as you’d hope. Maybe if I’d got into the mosh pit……..