The Waterboys The City Hall Newcastle 7 October 2023

WATER0A Stream of Memories: please bear with for this blog entry. The afternoon and the brought back lots of memories. I will ramble through them here.

The Beatles. We started the afternoon by playing old Beatles albums. I used to have a stack of the original LPs. In the 1980s I would go to car boot fairs. Every Saturday and Sunday morning I would get up around 5 AM and drive to a car boot fair to get there really early, in the dark with a torch, to pick up bargains. I would alternate which fair to attend: Sedgefield Racecourse, Redcar Racecourse, Stockton Racecourse, Blaydon Rugby club, Wetherby Racecourse; and many others, I visited them all; sometimes more than one in a morning. I could pick up Beatles albums for 50p or £1.

WATER3I would buy every one I saw and I ended up with multiple copies of each album. So I had 5 copies of Sergeant Pepper, 7 copies of Please Please Me, 6 copies of The White Album, and so on. I gave family members full collections of all the albums and singles. I sold some on eBay. I am busy collecting a full set again on eBay, so that I have a set downstairs to play on my retro record player. I have sets upstairs but I can’t get to them in my wheelchair so I leave them intact and I start again!

WATER2I know this is crazy, but it is the madness of being a hoarder. Anyway, to get the point, Jan my carer and I were playing two albums: Hard Days Night and Beatles For Sale before leaving for the concert. I started thinking; without the Beatles where would we be? Would they be any pop and rock as we know it? Would there be any Waterboys? Anyway we left for the concert with “Babies in Black” and “I’ll Cry Instead” ringing through my head. Magic.

Newcastle City Hall. Returning to a magic place that I used to frequent throughout the 1970s. I remember seeing the Rolling Stones, David Bowie as Ziggy, Pink Floyd, The Who, Led Zeppelin, T Rex, Queen, Mott the Hoople and many others there. Happy days. Great to be back in the old venue. A sentiment I will return to later.

WATER5Newcastle Tiffany’s. The last time I saw the Waterboys was around 1985, when “Whole of the Moon” was in the charts. It was at Newcastle Tiffany’s, an old Mecca nightclub which was a great venue where I witnessed many great concerts: Altered Images when “Happy Birthday” was number 1 in the charts, Cocteau Twins, and many others. Happy days, lots of memories.

Limerick. My friend Ciaran, who I collaborate with at the University of Limerick, reminded me how great the Waterboys are live and encouraged me to go and see them. I have great memories of visiting the University of Limerick and drunken nights with too much Guinness and Irish whiskey at Durty Nellys public house (which I think may be the oldest pub in Ireland?) next to Bunratty Castle. Happy hazy memories.

WATER4The Waterboys. Re-familiarising myself with a classic rock band. I had forgotten how great Mike Scott and his band were and are. They were simply magic. Mike Scott is the consummate front rock man. Cowboy hat, tight jeans and winklepicker boots. So cool. And the influences are clear. Celtic tunes from his home country Scotland. Mythology and songs about his life. The Stones, Bob Dylan, Springsteen and many other classic rockers. Yet Scott draws together all of these influences to produce his own Celtic rock ‘n’ roll. The City Hall was packed, almost full, and everyone was up for it. The show was in two sets, each set was high-energy rock. Scott has changed the lineup of the Waterboys many times over the years. The current line– up is: Mike Scott (Vocals, Guitar, Piano); Brother Paul (Keyboards); James Hallawell (Keyboards); Aongus Ralston (Bass) and Eamon Ferris (Drums).

WATER1Surprisingly, for me anyway, the current band does not include violin which was central to the sound of many of the Waterboys better known songs. Instead, the Waterboys now comprise two keyboard players, who take the lead on many of the songs. One guy to the left of the stage is dressed in tight crushed velvet plum coloured flares (which he changes into tight white/black striped trousers during the interval), with a long coat and long flowing white hair to match. He plays a swirling 1960s style Hammond organ, pushing it backwards and forwards and running his fingers up and down the keyboard. He also comes to front of stage and plays a guitar keyboard (the same sort as Edgar Winter uses). He is a real showman and a great asset to the band. The other keyboard player is dressed in very smart mod gear with a natty hat to match. He concentrates on playing excellent electric piano. And Mike is front stage snarling, spitting out the songs and playing great see-through Perspex guitar, acoustic guitar and a selection of wonderful instruments.

WATER6I said I would return to the subject of loving Newcastle City Hall as a great venue. Mike Scott: “it is great to be back at the old City Hall. I have played the Sage many times, and it is a lovely venue, but it is a long time since I played the City Hall. It is good to be back here and to say “hello Newcastle” (big cheer) again” (or something like that). I don’t know many of the songs, “Fisherman’s Blues” stands out and is fantastic. “Ladbroke Grove” tells the story of Mike’s early years living in London, “It Was Over” relates the tale of an early schoolboy crush, “Piper at the Gates of Dawn” is a spoken word extract from Wind in the Willows and sounds quite mystical, appropriate and magical. Springsteen’s/Patti Smith’s “Because the Night” is mixed with a Scott song “The Pan Within”.

WATER POSTThey return for an encore and finish with “The Whole Of the Moon” and everyone is up on their feet, singing and dancing. Mental note: go and see the Waterboys every time I can in the future. Thank you so much Ciaran for tempting me to go. It was great advice. Happy days. Thanks to Jan for the photos. I bought a lovely signed poster on the way out.

WATER7Setlist (something like this): Set 1: Where the Action Is; Glastonbury Song; How Long Will I Love You; Ladbroke Grove; A Girl Called Johnny; This Is the Sea; All Souls Hill; When Ye Go Away; Blackberry Girl; Because the Night / The Pan Within.

Set 2: A Rock in the Weary Land; Fisherman’s Blues; And a Bang on the Ear; It Was Over; Medicine Bow; Be My Enemy; Piper at the Gates of Dawn; Long Strange Golden Road.

Encore: Medicine Jack; The Whole of the Moon.

Lloyd Cole Tyne Theatre Newcastle 6 October 2023

cole txI have been meaning to go and see Lloyd Cole for some time, ever since the 1980s when he was with the Commotions and had hits such as “Perfect Skin”, which I quite liked at the time. For some reason I had never got round to doing so. Time to put that right. So carer Jan and I went along to the lovely Tyne Theatre to see Lloyd, a new batch of songs, and his band.

cole 3The press release for the new tour announced: “Lloyd Cole will release a new album, ‘On Pain’, on 23rd June ’23 on the earMUSIC label. ‘On Pain’ is Lloyd’s twelfth album as a solo artist and features eight new Lloyd Cole songs, four of which are co-written by Commotions founding members Blair Cowan and Neil Clark, who also perform on the record. The album is produced by Chris Merrick Hughes and was recorded in Lloyd’s attic studio The Establishment.” Lloyd is now based in the USA and this tour is to promote the new album.

cole 5Our friendly taxidriver took us right to the door, which was handy as it was pouring down with rain. We took our seats close to the front with a great view, just in time for the show to begin.
The concert was in two parts. The first was a quieter, more acoustic version of Lloyd and his band. After a short interval the second half was a full electric set. The show started at 8 PM prompt as advertised.

cole 6Set 1. Lloyd took to the stage, dressed very smart, entirely in white, alone with his acoustic guitar. His songs spanned his career, from his days with the Commotions, through to his latest album. This guy has a massive back catalogue and also a massive fan base. The theatre was almost full. Gradually, band members joined him, including a guitarist, keyboard player and a drummer. The keyboard player, Blair Cowan and guitarist Neil Clark have been with Lloyd since the early Commotions days.

cole 1By the end of this set, the full band was on stage and the performance had morphed from acoustic to electric. The songs were unfamiliar to me, but very pleasant. I was trying, in my mind, to categorise his music but found it difficult to do so: melodic, pleasant, perhaps with a smattering of country? Whatever, I enjoyed listening to these songs for the first time. At the end of the set, I was greeted by two former colleagues and we had a good chat about rock music and concerts attended. I also met a new fellow concert goer and her husband. I passed them my card which has the address of this blog. I do hope you have found my blog and can read this. Hello! (I love to find new subscribers). Time for a double Jack Daniels and ginger. Very appropriate and lovely.

cole 2I perused the merchandise stand but there were no T-shirts to buy. There was a tempting lyric sheet which the guy on the stand promised that Lloyd would be signing after the show. I held off buying one, and decided to wait and see when the concert ended and if there was still time to purchase one then.

Set 2. The second set was longer in duration and included the full four piece band throughout. Again, the songs were largely unfamiliar to me although I did recognise “Perfect Skin” and a couple of others. Lloyd closed the performance around 10:30 PM, and then returned for an encore of two songs. By the time he had finished it was 10:45 PM and my taxi was awaiting me in the pouring rain. Sadly I did not have time to purchase and get signed a lyric sheet as I needed to leave and get into the taxi. Thanks to Jan for taking the photos; she was disappointed that he did not play “Lost Weekend”. So was I, come to think of it.

cole 7Set list (something like this): Undressed; Mr. Malcontent; My Other Life; No Blue Skies; Night Sweats; Minor Character; Violins; Blue Like Mars; Mister Wrong; Pay for It; Perfect Skin; Wolves; Perfect Blue; The Flipside; Myrtle and Rose; Like Lovers Do; The Idiot; Brand New Friend; Forest Fire; The Young Idealists; Mainstream

Dame Joan Collins Tyne Theatre Newcastle 1 October 2023

JOAN0The tour publicity announced: “To coincide with the release of her much-anticipated memoir ‘Behind the Shoulder Pads’, global superstar Dame Joan Collins is embarking on a brand new tour for 2023. With her husband, Percy Gibson by her side, they will field your questions, giving audiences the opportunity to have an intimate chat with the world famous actress.

Joan_Collins_1956Featuring seldom told tales, enchanting anecdotes, and rare and fascinating footage from her seven decades in showbusiness, the evening will be full of the usual wit, candour, and of course glamour that we have come to expect from this British born Hollywood legend. As an award-winning actress, author, producer, humanitarian and entrepreneur, Joan Collins’ career places her in the unrivalled ranks of an international icon.”

Joan_Collins_Gregory_Peck_The_Bravados_1958Well, I know it’s not rock ‘n’ roll but I couldn’t resist going to see Dame Joan, now 90 years young, in conversation with her husband at the grand old Tyne Theatre. So, I thought I would also report on the event here on my blog.

Photography was strictly prohibited; thank you Wikimedia Commons for the pictures of Dame Joan. The evening was in two parts the first half Joan discussing her life as an aspiring actress in Hollywood, moving forward to discussing more recent activity including of course Dynasty. Joan led us through her career, showing images of her many film partners and friends including Gene Kelly, Bing Crosby, Gregory Peck, Marlon Brando, Joan Crawford, Elizabeth Taylor and many others.

JOAN2She revealed that she almost landed the part of Cleopatra in the film of the same name as Elizabeth Taylor took very ill . Joan said she was pleased that Elizabeth soon got better and she did not get the part as a result, as Elizabeth was a good friend The lady has certainly had an illustrious career and had the entire audience captivated throughout. She received a standing ovation as soon she came onstage, and quite rightly so.

JoanCollinsDruryAfter a short interval, the second half of the performance was a question and answer session. Unlike many other artists I have seen in a similar type of performance, Joan was not afraid to take questions directly from the audience. A spongy microphone was thrown about the crowd who then asked whatever they wished. Everyone was very nice and no one asked anything remotely cheeky or embarrassing. The picture of Joan in a chair, is from Wikimedia Commons and depicts her at a similar performance in Drury Lane Theatre, London.  Practices There was a strong Scottish contingent in the crowd who had travelled down as, I assume, Joan is not venturing further north on this leg of the tour. This was apparently the 100th performance of the tour, and the first of the current UK shows. Questions I remember included “did you know Diana Dors?” “Yes, I did” replied Joan “and she had some very naughty parties!”, “Who awarded you your Damehood?”, “Prince Charles and he was very nice to me. The Queen awarded me my OBE, and she was lovely. I am a great supporter of the Royal family” and “who was the best on-screen kisser?” Unfortunately (honestly) I cannot remember the answer to that one!

JOAN1A wonderful evening spent with a true icon. I bought a signed book and signed photograph (pictured).

Local paper, the Evening Chronicle reported: “Dame Joan Collins was sent a message of support from another star of stage and screen, Julian Clary, before she kicked off her tour in Newcastle on Sunday evening. Joan, who is now 90, arrived at the Tyne Theatre ready for her Behind The Shoulder Pads show at the famous venue, as a crowd of thrilled and expectant fans got ready to welcome her. And someone else delighted that Joan was on Tyneside, was comic, actor and ex-Celebrity Big Brother winner Julian, who has been at the nearby Theatre Royal in Jesus Christ Superstar.”

The Shining Levels, The Claypath Delicatessen, Durham 30 September 2023

SHIN0The Claypath Delicatessen, or the Deli, as it is often known, is a lovely venue on a street that runs down into Durham City. By day it is a café and, on an evening, it is host to a selection of music artists. Tonight, the band is local group The Shining Levels.

SHIN6They blend folk, world music and roots in a “sprawling soundscape of songs ranging from the orchestral through psychedelic pop and ethereal pastoral ballads and beyond, tipping its hat to a myriad of musical influences and styles. All delivered with the drama and exquisite vocal harmonies The Shining Levels are known for.” The venue is quite intimate and holds 30 people, so Jan and I arrive quite early to ensure a good view of the proceedings. I partake in a lovely large glass of red and a salami wrap. Perfect.

gallows pole coverThe performance is in two parts. First the band play music inspired by local author Benjamin Myers book The Gallows Pole, which I have seen them perform before, and which has recently been televised as a major BBC TV series. After a short interval the content of the music changes to songs to support Pat Barker’s book The Silence of the Girls. Pat Barker is another, quite famous and successful, local author. Both sets combine readings from the book with a selection of songs based around the themes within the story.

Part 1. The Gallows Pole.

SHIN5“Inspired by the real life events of 18th century Yorkshire criminal gang the Cragg Vale Coiners who operate in the Upper Calder Valley in the Pennines, the album’s source material …… has rapidly become a modern cult classic. Drawing on a shared childhood and background with the author (songwriter Dave is best friends with author Benjamin Myers).

 

SHIN4The Shining Levels’ music explores themes from the book: an England divided, the potency and mystery of remote rural landscapes, industrial progress, the changing seasons, shifting fortunes, self-delusion and self-aggrandizement, poverty vs wealth, societal power structures – and strange visions of mythical creatures …… The bucolic meet the technological, and the rural collides with the digital to thrilling effect.” (Piccadilly Records, 2019).

SHIN3As described above, the music is a mix of folk and swirling, meandering songs which tell aspects of the dark days discussed in the book. Vocals are shared between all four: Laura who also makes excellent use of a loop machine, Christina who plays haunting flute, Jenny who accompanies the others with atmospheric violin and singer-songwriter Dave who also provides solid backline with keyboards and guitar.

 

Time for the interval and a Jack Daniels 🙂

pat barker coverPart 2. The Silence of the Girls.

“I do what no man before me has ever done, I kiss the hands of the man who killed my son,” declares Priam when he prostrates himself before Achilles begging for Hector’s body. “And I do what countless women before me have been forced to do,” Briseis thinks bitterly, “I spread my legs for the man who killed my husband and my brothers.” (The Silence of the Girls, Pat Barker, 2018)

SHIN1The book is described as: “The Silence of the Girls is an electrifying revision of The Iliad which for the first time gives voice to the women enslaved by the Greek army headed by the god-like warrior Achilles, through the main character Briseis.” The readings are quite haunting, as is the music, each song focusing on one aspect from the book.

“The eclectic combination of folk music, book readings and mix of flute, violin, a female trio of vocals and male vocals has to be experienced to understand just how beautiful, yet at the same time dark and powerful, their sounds can be.” (Live in London).

SHIN7Of course, I am biased, being the very proud father of one of the members Laura, but the short quotation above also demonstrates just how haunting a combination their music can be. The performance is over far too soon and then we are off into our waiting taxi. Soon we are back home, having met up with Joanne, who helps me back into my bed, the music still swirling around in my head.

SHIN2The Shining Levels are: Laura Smith – Lead vocalists and looper extraordinaire; Christina Cuthbertson – Vocals, flute and percussion; Jenny Clewes – Vocal and violin; Dan Coggins – Songwriter/Producer – bass, guitars, keyboards, weird noises and vocals and Davey J – Songwriter, bass, guitars, keyboards, piano and vocals. Dan was not present this evening, but will perform with the band at their next show (which I will also attend) at Durham Gala Theatre.

Graham Parker The Fire Station Sunderland 26 September 2023

parktxThere was no better band than Graham Parker and the Rumour in the late 70s. They exploded out of pub rock and were part of the scene, and sound, which influenced punk and new wave. Graham Parker was the coolest guy on the planet and rocked and sang white soul and R&B like no-one else (OK maybe that’s a little unfair on Van Morrisson who was clearly a strong influence on Graham). The Rumour came with all the right pub-rock credentials featuring the legendary Brinsley Schwarz (lead guitar) and Bob Andrews (keyboards) (both ex Brinsley Schwarz), Martin Belmont (rhythm guitar, ex-Ducks Deluxe) and Andrew Bodnar (bass) and Steve Goulding (drums).

parker progAnd great songs: “Fool’s Gold”, “White Honey”, and the show-stopping reggae-tinged “(Hey Lord) Don’t Ask Me Questions”; it still makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up just thinking about being at a gig with the entire audience singing along “Hey Lord; Don’t Ask Me Questions”. There was just no-one to touch them on a good night; power, passion, rhythms, rock, dancing, and Graham Parker on fire in terms of his singing and his overall performance. See my programme from the distant past.

park4Graham Parker and the Rumour gigged relentlessly from 1976 on, and I saw them lots of times. My old ticket stubs tell me I was at gigs at Newcastle City Hall on 23rd March 1977 with Southside Johnny as support, 17th November 1977 (my late wife Marie’s birthday, she agreed to come along although she wasn’t a fan, and a drunken guy behind us spilled a bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale all over her head, I was never forgiven for that night), 5th March 1979 and 5th April 1982 (by that point the Rumour had departed and the concert was Parker solo). I also remember a great gig at Newcastle Poly and seeing Parker as part of the supporting bill for Bob Dylan at his massive Blackbushe concert. There were probably others which escape my fading memory.

park1So, it is time to see Graham Parker again. This time at my local venue, The Fire Station, which is hosting many excellent performers. The Fire Station website announced the concert thus: “Graham Parker returns to the UK for 6 exclusive dates with backing band The Goldtops, expect a night of classic Parker songs alongside some newer material.  Stereotyped early in his career as the quintessential angry young man, Graham Parker was one of the most celebrated singer/songwriters to emerge from England’s pub rock scene in the early ’70s. Drawing heavily from Van Morrison and the Rolling Stones, Parker developed a sinewy fusion of driving rock & roll and confessional folk-rock, highlighted by his indignant passion, biting sarcasm, and bristling anger.

park3At the outset of his career, his albums crackled with pub rock energy, snide witticisms, and perceptive insights, earning him a devoted following of fans and critics, who lavished praise on his debut, 1976’s Howlin’ Wind, recorded with the Rumour, his backing band of pub rock all-stars. After delivering Squeezing Out Sparks in 1979, which was a smash with critics and won him a larger audience in the United States, Parker courted a crossover career with solo projects such as 1982’s Another Grey Area and 1985’s Steady Nerves before settling into a cult following in the late ’80s and continuing to garner critical acclaim as his music mellowed but his lyrical perspective stayed sharp.”

park5Today Graham is once again surrounded by excellent musicians including old friend and legendary guitarist Martin Belmont, who I first saw in Ducks Deluxe in the Marquee club, London in 1974. He then became, of course, a member of the Rumour. Graham is no longer the angry young man but he is still a very soulful singer and yes, he still reminds me of Van Morrison. The set comprises songs new and old, many drawn from Parker’s latest album. But we also get treated to “Hey Lord, Don’t Ask Me Questions” and everyone sings along. As part of the lengthy encore Graham performs an exceptional version of Sinatra’s “That’s Life”. He really has mellowed in his later years. Finally, we are back to old favourites “Boogie Shoes” and “Soul Shoes”. Sadly, although someone in the crowd shouts for it, no “Fool’s Gold”. I can’t have everything. Still excellent after all these years.

park6Setlist: Ancient Past; Nothin’s Gonna Pull Us Apart; Under the Mask of Happiness; Last Stretch of the Road; Music of the Devil; It Mattered To Me; If it Ever Stops Raining; Hotel Chambermaid; Black Lincoln Continental; Get Started. Start a Fire; Lost Track of Time; Sun Valley; Back to Schooldays;     (Hey Lord) Don’t Ask Me Questions; Since You Left Me Baby.

Encore: We Did Nothing; You Can’t Be Too Strong; Them Bugs; That’s Life; Boogie Shoes; Soul Shoes.

The Hollies The Glasshouse Gateshead 23 September 2023

“Bus stop, wet day, she’s there, I say “Please, share my umbrella”

Bus stop, bus goes, she stays, love grows under my umbrella” (Graham Gouldman, 1966, performed by The Hollies)

HOLL0It was 1966. I was 9 years old and my parents took me to London for a week, to “see the sights”. It was so exciting to visit the capital as a youngster. We had a full, packed agenda of activities that my dad planned for us. Madame Tussauds, The Planetarium, London Zoo, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Ken Dodd and the Diddymen at the Palladium and a visit to the trendy, fab, gear (using the terminology of the time) clothes shops of Carnaby Street.

HOLL1There were probably others I have forgotten. Running through my head were songs of the time: “She Loves You” by the Beatles, “Satisfaction” by the Rolling Stones, “Dedicated Follower of Fashion” by the Kinks and “Bus Stop” by The Hollies. I had just come across pop music and the groups (not bands in those days) of the day. It was the Beatles and “She Loves You” which really opened my mind to the new music and my favourite bands were as aforementioned the Beatles, the Stones, the Kinks and The Hollies. “Bus Stop” was my favourite song.

HOLL3I have been lucky enough to see The Hollies many times over the years from the Alan Clarke days, through his replacement the Move’s the late Carl Wayne incarnation of the band and for the last 20 years “new boy” Peter Howarth as front man. They remain great to this day. The only original members remaining are drummer Bobby Elliott and guitarist Tony Hicks (a very underrated guitarist in my view). Bobby sits at the back providing the foundation for the music and Tony plays impeccable electric guitar, banjo (particularly on “Stop, Stop, Stop”) and electric sitar.

HOLL6And yes he still looks as young as ever. The rest of the musicians include Ray Styles on bass, formerly of Mud, providing excellent accompaniment to the vocals, led by Peter Howarth who now has gelled to become an integral part of the band. With the Hollies it was always about the harmonies, great songs, and great vocals. And that still remains the case today.

HOLL9So, another encounter with an old favourite who, as expected, delivered an evening of great hits. I knew every song and so many memories, including that visit to London, ran through my head. This group was the soundtrack of my youth and into the early 1970s.

As usual, the concert was in two parts each one comprising hit after hit.

They opened with “King Midas in Reverse” reminding me of seeing Graham Nash in the same venue just over a week before. And then we were off on a carousel (pun intended) of classic songs, each one a favourite. “Gasoline Alley Bred”, “Here I Go Again” and back to the start for “We’re Through” and “Stay”. They also included a more recent track “Weakness”. The first set closed with another catchy melody “Look Through Any Window”.

HOLL4Time for a quick Jack Daniels and back to our seats at the rear of the hall for the second part of the concert. The opener was a lesser-known song, but another favourite of mine “The Day That Curly Billy Shot Down Crazy Sam McGee” followed by more classics “Yes I Will” and here it comes….the one and only “Bus Stop”. My evening was complete already. But the hits kept coming: “I’m Alive” (their only number 1 single), “The Baby” which was recorded during a period when Alan Clarke left the band for a short hiatus and was replaced by singer Mikael Rickfors, the Bruce Springsteen song “Sandy”, the tale about a belly dancer in a nightclub and a drunken evening which precedes “Stop, Stop, Stop” and then onwards to the closing songs “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”, “The Air That I Breathe” and the closest The Hollies ever got to rock ‘n’ roll “Long Cool Woman in A Black Dress”. Another wonderful evening spent in the majestic Glasshouse venue with a group who resonated with my childhood and youth. Marvellous. Thanks to Jan for the photos.

HOLL PROGSetlist: Set A: King Midas in Reverse / I Can’t Let Go; Jennifer Eccles; Sorry Suzanne; On a Carousel;     Gasoline Alley Bred; Magic Woman Touch; Weakness; Here I Go Again; I Can’t Tell the Bottom From the Top; We’re Through; Just One Look; Stay; Look Through Any Window.

Set B: The Day That Curly Billy Shot Down Crazy Sam McGee; Yes I Will; Bus Stop; I’m Alive; The Baby;     4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy); The Very Last Day;  Carrie Anne; Stop Stop Stop; He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother; The Air That I Breathe; Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress

John Grant and Richard Hawley play Patsy Cline The Fire Station Sunderland 21 September 2023

GRANT0Another exciting concert at the local venue, The Fire Station. This place is getting more and more significant acts to come to Sunderland which is good news for the city and me as the venue is very close to my home. The tour advert proclaims: “Two of this generation’s best singer-songwriters come together for a live celebration of the late legendary country star, Patsy Cline. Singer Patsy Cline paved the way for a thousand imitations – bridging pop and country with her unforgettable voice and star quality.

GRANT7In this special performance, modern-day icons John Grant and Richard Hawley pay tribute by taking on her repertoire. Known for his searing wit, tenderness and commanding stage presence, singer-songwriter John Grant lends his enchanting vocals to proceedings, while Richard Hawley and his band bring their sumptuous live sound.

 

GRANT6Drawing from a songbook full of classics like ‘Walkin’ After Midnight’ and ‘Crazy’, you’ll hear the crème de la crème of country pop from some of the finest performers around. With songs spanning romance, heartbreak and drama – with a good dollop of joy – this is set to be a real sonic and visual feast. Cowboy boots optional.” (Drat I forgot to wear my cowboy boots: and I have a pair in the cupboard!)

GRANT3This was an eclectic mix of artists and music. I am a big fan of Richard Hawley having seen him perform at the same venue a few months ago. I have heard of John Grant but I can’t claim to know much about the man or his music. And of course, I am very aware of the legacy of the legendary Patsy Cline and her country songs, many of which are tinged with sadness.

GRANT2The venue was full as is often the case these days, and John Grant took centre stage with Richard Hawley and his band providing the music. Richard played some tremendous twangy, rock ‘n’ roll guitar; reminding me a little of Dick Dale and his surf guitar.

GRANT1John Grant is a truly entertaining front man and did justice to Patsy Cline’s wonderful repertoire. I recognised many of the songs including the well-known “Crazy” which John reminded us was written by Willie Nelson. I had somehow forgotten that fact, but it jogged my memory of witnessing the great Willie perform the song. He also did a heartrending version of Hank Williams’ “Your Cheating Heart”. I also recognised quite a few of the songs, in particular “Blue Moon of Kentucky” and “I Fall to Pieces”. Richard was very much the consummate side kick, effortlessly providing superb guitar accompaniment to the songs. A lovely evening with two true artists in a venue which is rapidly becoming extremely popular.

GRANT8Setlist: (something like this): These Crazy Arms; Never No More; Walking After Midnight; There He Goes; Just Out Of Reach; Loose Talk; I Fall to Pieces; Yes, I Understand; Heartaches; Strange; Sweet Dreams (Of You); You’re Stronger Than Me; So Wrong; Your Cheatin’ Heart; Leavin’ On Your Mind; Crazy; Seven Lonely Days; Blue Moon Of Kentucky.

Encore: Paint the Moon; If I Could Only Stay Asleep.

Wishbone Ash Wylam Brewery Newcastle 19 September 2023

wish0I just checked my blog entries and it tells me that I have seen Wishbone Ash more than 30 times since 1972. To be honest I think that is a somewhat conservative estimate. Anyway, I always enjoy seeing this band so the opportunity to catch them again could not be passed up. The Wylam Brewery is a lovely building situated within Exhibition Park Newcastle. It still operates as a brewery as well as a concert venue and a very successful venue for weddings. You drive up a little road into the park, past a little lake and up to the majestic hall.

wishbonelivedatesThis tour is entitled the Live Dates tour, commemorating 50 years of their live albums of the same name. I run into an old friend and fellow blogger Peter. Lovely to meet you Peter. We chat and realise that we were both at the same concert in 1973 at Newcastle City Hall when the Live Dates album was first recorded. I could not resist going back and reproducing my memories of 50 years ago. See below.

wishbonetix1974Wishbone Ash were back touring the UK in June 1973, and recorded a double live album at concerts in Croydon Fairfield Halls, Reading University, Portsmouth Guildhall and Newcastle City Hall, using The Rolling Stones Mobile Recording Studio. I attended the Newcastle gig, during which three tracks: “Warrior”, “Blowing Free” and “Throw Down the Sword” were recorded for the album. We didn’t know about the recording until we got into the City Hall. We could see a couple of mikes hanging from  the ceiling (aah, such was the technology in those days). Then it was announced over the PA, to a big crowd cheer, that they were going to be recording the show for a future live album. The place was packed and the capacity crowd gave Wishbone Ash a tremendous reception, cheering before and after each song, all of us hoping that our voices might be heard on the lp.
Set list from 1973: The King Will Come, Warrior, Throw Down The Sword, Ballad Of The Beacon, Rock N Roll Widow, Everybody Needs A Friend, The Pilgrim, Blowin’ Free, Jail Bait, Doctor, So Many Things To Say, Baby What You Want Me To Do, Phoenix.
Encores: No Easy Road, Where Were You Tomorrow, Lady Whiskey.

wish 23 1So, roll on 50 years and I am treated to a set which is very similar to that of the momentous 1973 Newcastle City Hall concert. Wishbone Ash start with “Real Guitars Have Wings” before moving swiftly back in time to the Argus album and a particular favourite of mine “The King Will Come”. The rest of the first set is very similar to the original, and even includes the old blues standard, originally by Jimmy Reed, “Baby What You Want Me to Do”.

wish 23 4The second set comprises further classics including another particular favourite “Jail Bait”. They close with the epic “Phoenix” a track which I used to think was too long, but I have grown to love over the years. The encore moves us forward a few years to another favourite of mine “Living Proof”. A great selection of songs.

wish 23 5 As often is the case, there are some omissions from the original 1973 set which would have added to the delight of the evening: “No Easy Road” and a track that is rarely featured in their live shows “Where Were You Tomorrow”. You can’t have everything. Hopefully it won’t be long until they return to the north-east. Happy days and 6 nights of concerts in a row. A night of rest before I start again!

wish 23 6Setlist: Set One: Real Guitars Have Wings; The King Will Come; Warrior; Throw Down the Sword; Rock ‘n Roll Widow; Ballad of the Beacon; Baby What You Want Me to Do.

Set Two: The Pilgrim; Blowin’ Free; Jail Bait; Lady Whiskey; Phoenix

Encore: Living Proof; Persephone.

Public Image Ltd The Fire Station Sunderland 18 September 2023

pil0Evening 5 out of a crazy run of 6 concerts in 6 nights. I haven’t done this since before my accident and it is a marathon and a test of stamina for me and my carers! The final evening is Wishbone Ash and I will report on that very soon 🙂
Anyway this is something I couldn’t miss out on. Another audience with John Lydon and this time in my hometown of Sunderland in the wonderful new venue that is The Fire Station.

PIL6I go back a long way with John, to the days when he was Johnny Rotten and I first saw Sex Pistols in a pub in Whitby in 1976. He was exciting, outspoken, challenging and exhilarating then and he remains so today. That evening in Whitby, and the following year in Scarborough Penthouse club, opened up my eyes to an alternative view of music.

PIL 3Then a few years later I travelled to Manchester Belle Vue to see an early performance of his new band Public Image Ltd. That evening was another revelation and shock to the system. Pistols fans in the audience did not know how to take on this new music that we were presented with that night. John was screaming over what sounded like a discordant noise. This was at the time of the first Public Image single and album.PIL 5
So, John, you have been responsible for opening up my eyes to new music throughout your career. The latest version of Public Image is as uncompromising as ever. The Fire Station is completely sold out and I am sat at the back of the hall looking over a standing crowd in front of me. John stands front centre stage at a lectern, almost preacher – like, delivering his sermon to the masses.

PIL 4The set comprises many familiar and favourite songs: “Albatross”, “Poptones” from the first album; the singles “This Is Not a Love Song” and “Death Disco “, and “Flowers of Romance”. The sound comes across in waves as John and his band weave a strange aural cacophony which reverberates around the hall. For the encore we are treated to the first single “Public Image” and closer “Rise”, to which we all sing along; everyone is dancing in front of me. A great night spent with a familiar face and voice in a lovely new Sunderland venue. One more night to go! Thanks to Chris for the photographs.

PIL 2Setlist: Penge; Albatross; Being Stupid Again; Poptones; This Is Not a Love Song; Death Disco; The Room I Am In; Flowers of Romance; Memories; Car Chase; The Body; Warrior; Shoom.

Encore: Public Image; Open Up; Rise.

Deacon Blue Utilita Arena Newcastle 17 September 2023

decon 0Deacon Blue are a band I have meant to go and see for some time, but to my shame, I have never actually made the effort to do so. When I saw that they were playing at Newcastle Arena I decided It was time to put things right and go along and see what they were like in concert.

From the Newcastle Arena website: “Thirty-five years since their debut single, Dignity, and millions of record sales since, Deacon Blue are digging out all their old 45s – the Top 10s, the favourites, the sing-a-long rarities – and heading on tour, stopping off at Utilita Arena Newcastle.

DEACON1Vocalist and songwriter Ricky Ross is raring to go on this celebration of Deaon Blue’s brilliant and loyal fans, roaring the Caledonian gospel from the South Coast to the Uplands. He said:  “We’ve decided to play a Greatest Hits show with a difference,” he says. “Yes, we intend to play all (or nearly all) the old 45s, but we also want the first half of the evening to be an intimate acoustic performance, the band gathered round the piano with acoustic guitars and whatever Dougie decides to hit. We’ll play some album tracks and reinterpret a few favourites from the back catalogue. We’ll take a short break then come back and make a lot of noise. We hope you can be part of that noise.

DEACON 5Ricky Ross, co-vocalist Lorraine McIntosh, Dougie Vipond (drums), Jim Prime (keyboards), Gregor Philp (guitar) and Lewis Gordon (bass) will breathe new life into well-loved songs.”

The 10,000 capacity arena was 90% full and everyone was in a party mood. Deacon Blue performed two sets; the first acoustic and the second electric with a short interval in between.
I was surprised how many songs I recognised. During the first set they played a great acoustic version of their hit single “Chocolate Girl” which is one of my favourite tracks. They also performed a great version of Burt Bacharach’s “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again”. A great start to the evening.
DEACON 3Time for a quick whiskey before the second half. The second half was a massive singalong for the crowd with everyone joining in with all the songs, many of which I recognised. I had not realised how many hits this band has had. Of course, even I recognised and sang along to “Real Gone Kid” and, during the encore “Dignity”. I really enjoyed the concert.
I was pleased that I finally got to see Deacon Blue. I bought a signed biography of singer Ricky Ross to remind me of a lovely evening. Thanks to Elaine for taking the photographs.

DEACON BOOKSetlist: Set 1: Acoustic: Queen of the New Year; S.H.A.R.O.N.; Chocolate Girl; I Will and I Won’t; Cover From the Sky; A New House; I’ll Never Fall in Love Again; All Over the World.

Set 2: Electric: The Hipsters; Will We Be Lovers; Wages Day; Bethlehem Begins; Your Town; Loaded; Is There No Way Back to You; When Will You (Make My Telephone Ring); City of Love; Real Gone Kid; The Believers; Your Swaying Arms; Raintown; That’s What We Can Do.

DEACON SIGNEDEncore: Peace Will Come; Dignity; Fergus Sings the Blues; Keep Me in Your Heart