Ginger Wildheart ,Heck, Dirtbox Disco, Scaramanga Six, Tropical Contact, Birthday Bash, o2 Forum, London 1-4-16
Wolf Alice , Spring King, Fish, o2 Forum, London 27-3-16
Wonder Stuff , The Wedding Present, The Lottery Winners, o2 academy, Leeds 26-3-16
Got to Leeds in good time. Found the cheap car park easily. Top tip; it’s Trafalgar street car park. Only £6 all day (cheaper if have Leeds Arena ticket). So much better than the rip off “The Light” etc prices. Went to the pub, had some grub.I was falling asleep in the pub,so thought a bit of fresh air would help, went to venue about 4pm. Typically, i was first person there. Had a lass ask where the box office was. She came back & said it was closed. So i suggested looking for a phone number or going round back of venue & trying to have a word with the scurity to see if they could help. She then said ” Oh! Do you not work here?”. (Damn, it’s been a while since thats happened lol.In the past i’ve even had people wanting to give their tickets to me for entry!) Me: ” No luv, i’m here for the gig myself & i’m just a nice person who likes to try help”. Girl : ” Oh thank you very much. That’s real nice of you!” *Job done, my good deed for the day!*
During the time in the queue i also saw : A very understated Mr McCarthy going into town. The lovely Katharine taking photos of the venue. She wasn’t quite so happy on her return when it was pissing it down…even under cover, the rain conspired against her when she sat to have a quick fag ; “What?! fuck you !” 😉 Oh yes, the RAIN. It wasn’t for long, but it totally chucked it down. Yup, i got a bit drenched. Amazingly, i was the ONLY person in the O2 priority queue tonight. That was funny in itself. Still, i got the spot on front row that i’d put the effort into to get 🙂
Miles had been plugging “The Lottery Winners” & quite a few made the effort to get in early to see them. They were great. Some great pop/rock. The main guy,Thomas Rylance, was a very funny chap(in a nice way). I dunno if it’s because of where they come from,but, he kind of reminded me of Johnny Vegas or Peter Kay. Brilliant when he posed for the face book photos as well. 
Was also great to see Digby side stage singing along to all their songs. Miles even came onstage to present them with champagne 🙂
I love the way The Wedding Present start their show : Katharine playing the great bass intro,very heavily, to “You Should Always Keep in Touch With Your Friends”. She rocks! 
It’s strange, but somehow “back in the day” i totally missed TWP. It was at the “Indie Daze”festival in 2015 that i first saw them live. I was surprised how many of their songs i knew. So tonight is a nice bonus. There’s a bunch of classics with a couple of new songs for good measure. I particularly liked the newbie “Rachel”. The crowd loved them & when they finished off with “Brassneck” it just erupted. Bloody loved the show.
Finally the Stuffies. To think they’ve been on the go for 30 ‘kin years! Well done for keeping it together through the think n thin. I guess it’s suitably apt they kicked off with “30 years in the Bathroom”. The intro was extended with various audio snippets from their history over the years. Slow & brooding build up before the audience is full on rockin out. Only first song in & all the smiles & dancin (both off & on stage) are so inspirational. I dunno if it’s because i’d not listened to it for ages or what,but, next song “Play” i’d almost describe as a heavy metal version! It just seemed so fast! The hits just keep on coming with “On The Ropes” followed by the early days classic “Red Berry Joy Town”. Inevitably, there’s the “…words the audience are not looking forward too…time for a NEW song…”. But hey, when it’s this good as “For The Broken Hearted”, it just fits in greatly. I’m not gonna list all the songs,but, you can be sure so many of the classics were played. Something like a 25 (?) song set, your faves are gonna be in there!
I honestly don’t think there’s another band ive seen over the years where i’m always happy at their gigs jumping around etc. From first seeing them open a couple of times for “Zodiac Mindwarp” (& blowing them off stage) i just knew they’d go far. Reminiscing about it all, so many great memories came back to me during this gig. In fact, it got so damn emotional i got a bit teary…i don’t care, i just felt it all. I reckon that this is the definitive line up of The Wonder Stuff. It’s so obvious that everyone is on the same page & just bloody enjoying themselves up there. As for the audience? Not many acts can get so many 40+ year olds to dance around for a full show like The Stuffies always manage to. Roll on the next gig i’ll see in Norwich 🙂
Wolf Alice, rock city, Nottingham 23-3-16
I was really looking forward to seeing WA at my fave venue, Rock City. I had high expectations. Traffic was really busy tonight so i didn’t park at the park n ride, trying to save a few extra minutes.I arrived about 5pm & there were about 15 kids in front of me. Pretty obvious where they’d be heading for.Whilst waiting, a camera crew set up across the road & filmed us all. Once inside,as expected, everyone dashed to the barrier & yours truly went to the balcony. First person up there so got my usual perfect spot. The kids loved “Bloody Knees”. They got a circle pit going 2nd song in. Once again, they did their job of warming up everyone.
When i saw “Swim Deep” in Leeds, i was quite impressed with their “quirkiness”, so was looking forward to rock city. They got a fantastic reaction, almost like a “heroes return”. There was one song, where a very large percentage of the audience seemed to be singing along. I think the great thing about this band is you just cannot pigeon hole them. They have so much stuff mixed in their sound.
WA hit the stage the same way as they seem to be doing everywhere on this tour : intro/Loves whore/ germ. It’s a full on great opening. The crowd just loves them & i’m pretty sure WA love the crowd 🙂
My concerns, erm no, my questions i had about the performance in Leeds (with relation to band/crowd interaction) were answered : Yes, they are more about just getting on with the show! However, if anything, i’d say there was more interaction at RC. “Bros” is a killer song as always. Hell, the whole night is great. Just a shame it’s all over so quickly. Something like 17 songs in just over an hour!
Funny moment was during “Turn To Dust” when Ellie messed up. But she took it with a smile. Everyones only human. Oh, i never did find out what the filming of the gig was for. I saw 3 pro cameras in the gig, so it must be something worthwhile…but what ??
Wolf Alice, bloody knees, swim deep, O2 Academy, Leeds 19-3-16
I’ve really being looking forward to seeing Wolf Alice. I’m a little late getting into them, but, i just love the album so decided to see them live a few times. Nowadays i’m trying to go more gigs on weekends as we’re only in March & already i’ve used a lot of holidays! My journey was very smooth & i found car park easily.Then searched out another car park i’d seen online (as it’s WAY cheaper than where i was staying). Went to the “usual”, the “Cuthbert Broderick” for lunch. Then later met Lorah back there. It was 3 years since we’d had that crazy drunken night after Skunk Anansie gig there. Next there was a freaky coincidence at the gig : As ever, i got talking to the chap next to me. Cannot imagine our surprise when we both realised we’d traveled from Boston & kind of knew each other ! (We’d never previously met) So we had a bit of a laugh. The first band ” Bloody Knees” really try hard. Think Nirvana & that’s a pretty good description. They are full of energy & they get a great reaction from the crowd. Seen it all before, but, good on them for making a fist of things.
Next up it’s ” Swim Deep “. These are different & interesting. During the first song the singer managed to make his ear bleed & he couldn’t seem to understand how. I loved the freaky little keyboards & the main keyboardist was so funny. I say that in a nice way. He was very entertaining. I think in some ways i enjoyed SD more than BK, but, i enjoyed both acts. They did what was intended; warming up the crowd for the main event.
As soon as Wolf Alice came on stage, the audience went crazy. All around, people were jumping around & pushing. Singing the songs & generally having a great time. Was quite funny seeing the security getting annoyed at the members of the crowd on friends shoulders. No sooner had they told someone to get down than someone else was up! It seems that WA have played the same set every night on this tour,but, it’s one hell of a show! Everything comes over great live. Joff is a great visual guitarist. Damn, can he play!
They had a nice light show which complemented the sounds. Particularly loved it when they slowed things down & Joel (drums) sang ” Swallowtail”. Just beautiful. Talking of beauty, yes, of course Ellie is great. She’s a natural. She did seem a little withdrawn at times, but, it was all good.
If there was one thing i’d criticize about the show, it would be the lack of interaction with the crowd.Maybe they are a “heads down & rocking” sort of act & they just let the music do the talking? For me personally, i think what really draws me to WA is their balance of pop & rock. An old indie style which rocks out big time. On this tour they’re doing 4 nights at Londons Forum & most of the other dates are selling out. That’s an indication of how their popularity is growing. I really hope they can keep things together & progress well without the pressures ruining them. I’m already interested to think where they will go with the next album release !
Reckless Love, Santa Cruz, rock city, Nottingham 12-3-16
I’d been looking forward to this gig for some time,yet,when the day arrived, i just couldn’t get motivated for it. Lots of crap going around my head & generally confused about situations. Eventually, i decided on the old adage of ” It’ll get better once there” so i zipped off to Nottingham. Upon arrival there were about 10+ peeps in the queue, so i decided to wait for next hour & half +. Had a nice laugh/chat with a Czech girl from Leeds who had followed a few shows (Hi Barbara). Took a while for queue to grow, but eventually it got as far as the car park. Once inside, again i was disappointed as they didn’t open the balcony. Oh well, back to position number 2 under the stairs 😉
After a while my mate Steve rolled in…with the 2pint of beer..Had a little chat & then they wandered off into the crowd.
The first band, “Santa Cruz”, i’d seen before. They’re quite a “trashy” band. Went down well with the crowd.
As always, Reckless Love delivered. They’re such a fun live band & the quality of songs has always been consistent. Of course, to many of us, Rock City is paradise, so Reckless Love came back to paradise 😉
And then they set the night on fire…
After the gig, i met up with Ady & we had a natter about some stuff that had gone down & also considered the possibility of Download festival. Still nothing definite yet.
Theory Of A Deadman , Royal Republic, Forever Never, waterfront, Norwich 6-3-16
When it was announced that Royal Republic would open for TOAD, i was a bit pissed off as i couldn’t make any of the dates. However, they added a date in Norwich, on a Sunday, so that was perfect for me! I think i’ve not seen the Royals since 2012, so well overdue. First band up tonight are the typical Essex lads Forever Never. I’ve seen them before, maybe in the same venue? opening for someone. They’re all about having “Fun” (like on his t-shirt 😉 ) They’re decent enough, it’s just that their top song is a cover of John Farnams “The Voice”. It’s a great version & always gets crowd interaction, but after that i feel they cannot top it. Either way, they’re a good support act, no denying it.
Next, as far as i’m concerned, it’s tonights headline act ; Royal Republic ! It’s gonna be a short set, of mainly new songs, but i know i’ll love it 🙂 They start with ” When i See You Dance With Another” & then pretty much straight into ” Walk”. Fantastic full energy stuff as always. During ” Make Love Not War “, Adam has a laugh with someone in the crowd, who is now named “Bob”. He has to look into his eyes as he sings the lyrics with heartfelt emotion 😉
Before “Baby” we hear the story of how Jonas has had surgery on his knee. Respect to you for carrying on with the tour dude!
After “Kung Foo Lovin”, they finish with the old classic ” Full Steam Spacemachine”. Damn did that 30min set go quickly !
Next up it’s Theory Of a Deadman. I’ve seen them open for a couple of bands in the past. Must confess, i wonder if i’ll be able to stay for all their set 😉 All i can say is they were good at what they do, but none of it is really groundbreaking stuff for me. Funniest thing during their set was some woman kept shouting at Tyler. Dunno if she was drunk or just in looove 😉 Overall, a good night out & the 2 hour drive was worth it 🙂
Machine Head, Rock City, Nottingham 3-3-16
If you like Machine Head, you NEED to see them at Rock City. Their shows there are always amazing. The one previous to tonights, December 2014, was electric. They just have a connection with the Rock City crowd. It’s always crazy. Btw, their first headline show in the UK/Europe was Nottingham Rock City back in the day 😉 Tonight they have moved the doors till 6pm. Fortunately, my boss let me have extra time off, so my day worked out perfectly : Parked at Forest park n ride, cost £2 for parking & tram into town. Went to multistory car park next to RC, scanned the app towards free parking voucher 😉 Yes, i know, it’s wrong but the last time i went, because of B.S. surrounding the day, i forgot to scan the app. So this makes it even . Saw there was only about 10 peeps queuing at RC, so decide i have time for a curry ! Bloody lovely it was as well. Nice n relaxed in my 2nd fave place in Nottingham. Go join the queue & see my mate Jason is there. He’s doing the M&G. We have a good old natter 😉 Then later Jase points out something behind me it’s Richard (who again i first met at a MH gig) we have a chat & he tells me he’s going to see MH up in Glasgow ! Cool. Once inside, we have an hour & half waiting for MH to hit the stage. After the intro of Ozzy Osbournes ” Diary Of a Madman”, it’s straight into “Clenching the fists of dissent”. The audience is kicking off already ! Great circle pit !
Tonights “Evening with Machine Head” certainly covers all bases of their career. During the course of about 21 (?) songs, we get all the classics such as “Locust”, ” Ten Ton Hammer”, ” The Blood, The Sweat, The BEERS” 😉
Apparently, when they had the idea of ” A night with…”, loads of people told them it was a mistake. Well, they proved them wrong, with sold out gigs & a fantastic connection with their audience. Also good to see the security having to work a little, due to all the crowd surfers 😉 Roll on Machine Heads next return to Rock City. It certainly seems to be their home from home nowadays 🙂
( Updated 13-7-16 with addition of 2 cam mix video clip )
Lissie, The Travelling Band, O2 Forum , London 15-2-16
Due to structural problems at SBE, this is another gig that was moved to The O2 Forum. There was a bunch of people waiting quite early & it turned out they were doing the M & G with Lissie. I asked security where the O2 Priority queue was & it was where i’d already stood. Interestingly, unlike other O2 venues, at this one both the “normal” queue & O2 queue go in at the same time. Kinda defeats the point of priority. No wonder the cool security chap said they’d had a few complaints about that. Whilst i do see the argument that if someone has queued for hours in the normal queue & then someone turns up for priority queue, they could get in quicker & it’s not exactly fair, i’m the kinda guy who likes to have his cake & eat it! 😉 So, for time being, if you wanna be sure of front row, get there early & see how many people are in the queues & join the one with the least…
Turns out that tonights opening act “The Travelling Band” are also going to be playing with Lissie, so they have their work cut out. Must confess, they didn’t really do anything for me 🙁 Though it’s obvious they’re great musicians, especially when Lissie says they’ve learnt about 20 of her songs in under a week! Actually, i thought they also looked like they were enjoying things more when playing for Lissie. Tonights set was pretty varied & obviously there was a bunch of songs off the latest album ” My Wild West “. The opening salvo of ” Hero, Sleepwalking, Shameless, They All Want you” totally pulled me in. I just knew this would be a special gig.
I found Lissies interaction with the crowd to be both funny & sincere. ” Some people don’t like my hairy armpits” (or words to that effect lol). She’s a bit of a hippy i guess. Told us stories of buying a lot of land as she wants to turn it over & help the environment. She seems such a warm & genuine person. 
It was a great night & certainly won’t be the last time i see Lissie. Afterwards, i briefly met my friends Julia & Nadine. Quite funny we’d not seen each other for ages & yet within the space of a couple of weeks we’d reconnected twice (Skunk Anansie night was great fun). When i got back to Cockfosters my car was iced over quite hard. Still, didn’t take long to clear it. Got home around 02.15 am.
Skunk Anansie , O2 Forum, London , 5-2-16
The O2 Academy priority can be useful,but, they need to make everyone aware of it, or rather in this case which door its at! I’ve used it here a few times & we always queued at the side & then the queue gets split at the front. So you can imagine my annoyance after queuing for hours to find out they’d change the door they’re using now which is usually for guest passes etc. But luck was on my side as we still managed front row 😉 Already the best thing about tonight is i’ll get to meet some of my friends from the old Skunk Board days. In the queue i met Audrey, Faizal, & Alex. 
Tonight we also get the support act ” Bones”. I really enjoyed their set & had to video a song :
Skunks set was the same as in Manchester. Everything seemed to flow a LOT better tonight. The crowd was pretty damn loud.
After the gig we went to a local bar & got nice group photo 
Following that we went to somewhere else with the Dutch guys drinking late. Tonight was the first time i’ve known Rob to be “lost” in London. Google Maps is your friend though 😉