Another night spent with another great band. Tonight it is local heroes Lindisfarne. From the Fire Station website: “We’re delighted to welcome the legendary 70’s folk-rock pioneers Lindisfarne to Sunderland, with a classic five-piece line-up of long-time members fronted by founder-member Rod Clements on vocals, mandolin, fiddle and slide guitar. With a repertoire of unforgettable songs like “Meet Me On The Corner”, “Fog On The Tyne”, “Lady Eleanor” and “Run For Home” and a reputation for live performance second to none, Lindisfarne’s power to galvanise festival and concert audiences remains undimmed and is guaranteed to get the crowd on their feet and singing along.”
And apologies for any repetition from a previous blog entry about Lindisfarne. My only excuse is that I have a run of concerts and many blog entries to write this week! “Their first hit, the Clements-penned “Meet Me on the Corner”, paved the way for their classic Fog on the Tyne to become the UK’s top-selling album of 1972. Lindisfarne’s unforgettable songs, powerful live performances and unpretentious style led to worldwide success and an enviable reputation as festival favourites, and the annual Christmas concerts they presented in their native Newcastle became the stuff of legend.
The original band finally called it a day in 2003, but now Lindisfarne are back with a classic five-piece line up of long-time members fronted by original founder-member Rod Clements (vocals, mandolin, fiddle, slide guitar) and Alan Hull’s son-in-law Dave Hull-Denholm (vocals, guitars). “ Other members are: Steve Daggett (vocals, keyboards, acoustic guitar and harmonica) who has been in the band since 1986; Ian Thomson (electric and double bass) a member since 1995 and Paul Smith (drums) who joined more recently in 2021.”
The concert was in two sets with a short interval between them. Lindisfarne play all the old favourites and do them 100% justice. Rod Clements is a quiet yet charismatic front man who introduces many of the songs. Dave Hull-Denholm performs his father-in-law’s songs with the reverence they deserve and his vocals sound very much like Alan Hull. Steve Daggett sings quite a few of the songs and again does justice to the Lindisfarne repertoire. So in the first set we get great tunes such as the enigmatic, melodic early classic “Lady Eleanor”. Other favourites are “Road to Kingdom Come” and “January Song”.
This year’s tour focuses on the album Magic in the Air. This is a live album (see image of my copy) which contains all of the band’s well known songs. So the second set contains many more tunes that I recognise including a wonderful, atmospheric performance of the much underrated “Dingley Dell”. This brings back lovely memories of seeing Lindisfarne at Newcastle City Hall on the Dingley Dell tour. I went both nights as there were different supports each night and I was a fan of each band: Stackridge and Genesis! Happy days.
Then, my particular favourite which still makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck: Dave performing “Winter Song”. Soon we are into the hits: “We can Swing Together”, “Fog on the Tyne” and “Meet me on the Corner”, followed by the massive hit Lindisfarne reunion song “Run for Home”. And the closer, yes it had to be “Clear White Light”. I am transported back to the first time I saw Lindisfarne in the City Hall sandwiched between headliner Van der Graaf Generator and new up-and-coming band Genesis. All for 25p as I recall! Happy days
A great night spent with a great local band. Wonderful.
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by dcmuso on September 20, 2023 at 5:20 pm
Lindisfarne were a tremendous band back in the day – good to know that the band retains its appeal and vigour. We saw the Charisma tour too, an amazing concert with Genesis & Van Der Graaf Generator – but also saw Lindisfarne in a small club and also at big festivals like Weeley in 1971 – they were / are one of the greatest-ever festival bands.
Posted by vintagerock on September 20, 2023 at 5:23 pm
Yes they are still great today. My friend went to the Weeley festival and said it was fantastic. I wish I had gone with him. Happy days. Peter
Posted by TerriersFan on September 20, 2023 at 5:26 pm
“Lindisfarne in the City Hall sandwiched between headliner Van der Graaf Generator and new up-and-coming band Genesis. All for 25p as I recall! Happy days”
Was that the famous “6 Bob Tour”, Peter?
Roger 👍🏻
Posted by vintagerock on September 20, 2023 at 5:31 pm
Not sure Roger. Was it not 5 Bob? Best wishes my friend. Happy days Peter
Posted by John Johnstone on September 20, 2023 at 5:47 pm
Fantastic, great write-up. I’m off to see them in Lytham next week (I live in Kendal) and really can’t wait now that you have whetted my appetite! Happy memories of the Christmas shows at the City Hall
Posted by vintagerock on September 21, 2023 at 12:14 pm
Hi John I am sure you will enjoy them! I am also going to their Christmas show at the City Hall this year. Happy days and happy memories of the great band who are still out there doing it! Peter
Posted by ciarant1step on September 28, 2023 at 8:05 pm
Lindisfarne in Newcastle – recipe for a fantastic show. What a great band with such great songs. It’s incredible to think that you saw them all those years ago. Now that must have been something too!
Posted by vintagerock on September 29, 2023 at 11:27 am
Yes Ciaran Lindisfarne in Newcastle is always special. Happy days Peter