16 May
Little Feat The Sage Gateshead 11th May 2009
Not a lot to say about this one. I saw Little Feat a couple of times in the 70s; once headlining at the City Hall and once supporting The Who at Charlton. I can’t remember much about those performances; nothing stood out I guess. Thought it was time I saw them again. It was OK but nothing outstanding. I recognised Dixie Chicken. Fraid I left during the encore.
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10 May
Bob Dylan Edinburgh Playhouse 3 May 2009
This was Laura’s first Dylan experience and my 14th. David decided to pass this time, and Laura was keen to claim the ticket so she could see the legend in concert and see what he was like for herself. I’d prepared her for the show and told her that he sings the songs somewhat differently to the album versions which she has heard. I even played her a CD of the last Manchester Arena show that David and I went to.
The Edinburgh Playhouse is a lovely venue and the smallest in which I have ever seen Bob. We drive up the A1 (Laura doesn’t like the bumps and turns on the A68) and arrive in time for something to eat in the Slug and Lettuce close to the venue. We say hello to Mike and Maureen who are also in there.
Laura buys her customary t-shirt (a small, but still too large for her) and we take our seat in the circle. Bob comes on stage at aorund7.40 and starts withLeopard Skin Pill Box Hat, and then into Lay Lady Lay and Tangled up in Blue. His voice is strong and he is singing a lot better. Unfortunately, the songs that follow are all in a similar blues vien to me, and not some of his best tracks. Things pick up again towards the end when we get Highway 61 and Like a Rolling Stone. The encores include All Along the Watchtower and Just Like a Woman, with Dylan playing some pretty good guitar. Not the best time I’ve seen Dylan, but by no means the worst. Laura has enjoyed it but is disappointed that he didn’t play I want You which is her favourite. The A1 seems to go on forever on the way back (too many speed cameras) and we get home at 12.30pm; not too late at all.
Set list:
Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat; Lay, Lady, Lay; Tangled Up In Blue; When The Deal Goes Down; Rollin’ And Tumblin’; Tryin’ To Get To Heaven; Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again; Sugar Baby;High Water (For Charley Patton); I Don’t Believe You (She Acts Like We Never Have Met); Po’ Boy; Highway 61 Revisited; Ain’t Talkin’; Summer Days; Like A Rolling Stone
Encores: All Along The Watchtower; Just Like A Woman; Blowin’ In The Wind
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26 Apr
The Zombies Manchester Bridgewater Hall 24 April 2009
Went with David to the magnificent Bridgewater Hall to see the Zombies play their Odessey and Oracle show. David almost didn’t come; he hadn’t heard much by the Zombies; I persuaded him to come along. The drive to Manchester took longer than usual; the traffic was terrible on the M62. However we arrived at around 6.30 with plenty of time to spare.
We took our seats in the second row and the band took the stage shortly after 7.30. The first half was the Zombies touring band, which consists of Colin Blunstone, Rod Argent, Jim Rodford, Steve Rodford and Keith Airey. Keith hails from Sunderland and is an old friend from many years ago. The set consisted of Zombies and Colin Blunstone hits with Argent’s Hold your head up as a closer. All delivered excellently; Colin Blunstone’s voice is as exquisite as ever. I manage to say hello to Keith Airey as the band leave the stage; it must be almost 30 years since we last met.
The second set is what everyone has come for. The remaining members of the original band take the stage along with Keith who takes the guitar parts (the original guitarist died some years ago). This is one of four shows this year in which they are playing their classic Odessey and Oracle album in its entirety, using original instruments in order to recreate the original sound as far as they can. And it doesn’t disappoint. Each track sounds as it did when it was recorded. My own favourites are Rose for Emily and the classic Time of the Season. David declares it possibly the best concert he has ever been to; and I have to agree with him. Musically it can’t be faulted. Keith invites us back stage after the gig, and I have a chat with him about old times and meet Colin Blunstone and the band. We set off for the drive home and get back around 1.30am. A very special concert.
Set list:
First set: Selection of Zombies and Colin Blunstone hits; finishing with Argent’s Hold your head up.
Second set: entire Odessey and Oracle album: Care of Cell 44; A Rose for Emily; Maybe After He’s Gone; Beechwood Park; Brief Candles; Hung up on a Dream; Changes; I Want Her, She Wants Me; This Will Be Our Year; Butcher’s Tale; Friends of Mine; Time of the Season
Encores: Shes not there; Going out of me head; Summertime
Album info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odessey_and_Oracle
Website: http://www.rodargent.com/
flyer
26 Apr
AC/DC Manchester Evening News Arena 21 April 2009
Great show!! Are AC/DC the bext rock band in the world today? They certainly put on a show to rival all other rock bands.
Support came from The Answer who are a Zeppelin-styled band from Ireland. They seem pretty good and go down OK but the sound could be better; gets lost in the cavernous MEN Arena. The atmosphere is pretty electric. Everyone has been waiting a long time to see AC/DC again. For me it must be almost 20 years since I last saw them. For David its the first time.
After a short break the lights go down and the screen shows a video (very non-PC) cartoon of Angus and the band driving a train which comes through onto the stage as the band arrive and start with Rock ‘n’ Roll Train. The set is littered with favourites interspersed with tracks from the new Black Ice album. All the expected elements are there. The bell comes down for Hells Bells. Angus runs round like a mad man. Brian screams the words out like no-one else can. A giant inflatable Rosie comes up in Whole Lotta Rosie. All very predictable and (says David) almost Spinal Tap, but you know what it all works. Are we all mad for screaming at a 50-something man in a school uniform? Probably. Is it good? No its great actually. Are they the best rock band in the world? May be. On Tuesday in Manchester they certainly were.
Setlist:
Rock N’ Roll Train ; Hell Ain’t A Bad Place To Be ; Back in Black ; Big Jack ; Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap ; Shot Down in Flames ; Thunderstruck ; Black Ice ; The Jack ; Hells Bells ; Shoot to Thrill ; War Machine ; Anything Goes ; You Shook Me All Night Long ; T.N.T. ; Whole Lotta Rosie ; Let There Be Rock
Encore: Highway to Hell ; For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)
website : www.acdc.com
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19 Apr
Joe Brown Billingham Forum Theatre April 19th 2009
Will raised the idea of seeing Joe Brown some time ago. We missed him last time he came to the region; so decided we would catch up with him this time at Billingham Forum Theatre. We arrive a little late (around 7.40) and Joe is already on stage. The set is a mixture of old favourites including Joe’s own hits, old rock and roll songs and standards. Highlights are Picture of You, See You in My Dreams, Black Betty, and Hava Nagila. Joe is accompanied by a great band including his son Pete. The show is very good, not surprising I suppose when you consider how long Joe has been in the business. Nice to go to a concert where we are the youngest there ; rather than the oldest!
website: http://www.joebrown.co.uk/
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13 Apr
John Lees’ Barclay James Harvest Salford Lowry Theatre Manchester April 12th 2009 (Easter Sunday)
I guess, although I might not have fully realised it at the time, I was pretty into Barclay James Harvest in the 70s. They were one of the bands who I would go along and see with my mates, and we always enjoyed the show. We sort of took them for granted; they toured a lot, you could always go along and see them; you could rely on them to play well (and they would always finish with Mockingbird). Somewhere along the way I lost touch with them, and I’d almost forgotten them altogether until a couple of years ago when John Lees’ version of the band came to Newcastle. I went along that night not knowing what to expect and was surprised how good they were, and how many of the old songs came back to me after 30 years. Since then, I’ve kept in touch with BJH by visiting their website now and then.
So when I saw that they were planning to perform a special concert for fans on Easter Sunday in Salford I decided I’d go along. Laura had heard me playing Mockingbird and After the Day and was intrigued enough to fancy joining me, so we bought two tickets. That was last November; we’ve been looking forward to the show since then.
We set off early after an Easter lunch with the family, and arrived at the Lowry centre at 6pm, with plenty of time to spare. There was time for a pizza in the Quays before we made our way into the Lowry for the show. The Lowry is a lovely venue overlooking the river just next to the Quays shopping centre.
Fans of the band had travelled from all over the UK for the concert; everyone was looking forward to this; so it was going to be pretty special. A special one-off programme for the concert was included in the ticket price and as a nice touch they had printed the names of everyone in the audience inside. Laura was a little disappointed that the smallest t-shirts available were medium; which would still be like a dress on her; so she decided to pass this time.
First up was support act Claire Hamill, another name from the 70s who seems to have re-emerged recently. She did a few numbers which went down quite well. Then there was a short internal before the main act.
BJH started with For No One and were on great form. The sound was clear and John Lees’ guitar work was as good as ever. Keyboard player Wooley was in a chatty mood, cracking jokes with the crowd and with the bass guitarist in particular. The set was largely well know favourites from the early albums, each one greeted by a great roar from the crowd. The band clearly enjoyed the gig and played with a lot more passion that the last time I saw them. John forgot the opening lines of Mockingbird, but was forgiven by the audience. The show finished at around 10.45pm and we headed off home; got back around 1.15am. Laura’s verdict was that they were OK, but perhaps a little dated nowadays. Me, I thought it was great, and yes it maybe is dated and like going back to the 70s, but I guess thats what I went for anyway!
Set list:
For No One
The Great 1974 Mining Disaster
Poor Wages
Iron Maiden
Child of The Universe
Loving is Easy (X-Rated)
Light at the End of the World
Poor Man’s Moody Blues
Galadriel
Harbour
Suicide?
Medicine Man
In Search of England
H’ors d’oeuvres (someone spell that for me??)
Mocking Bird
The Poet
After the Day
Encores:
She Said
Hymn
website: http://www.bjharvest.co.uk/
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13 Apr
Jackson Browne The Sage Gateshead April 5 2009
Jackson Browne is someone whose music has passed me by over the years. I know that he has connections with the Eagles and other well known US music legends, but to my shame I’m not very familiar with his material. I seem to recall that I saw him play piano with the Eagles at Wembley Stadium in 74, but I’ve never been to see him in concert before. So I decided that I needed to put matters right, and seeing as Jackson was coming to play at the Sage in Gateshead, I bought myself a ticket for the show.
I went along not really knowing what to expect or, indeed, if many people would be at the show; particularly given the rather steep ticket price (£40) and the fact that he was playing two nights at the venue. When I arrived I was pleased to see that the place was full and that there was no support act with Jackson playing two sets with an interval. I ran into quite a few old friends and saw several familiar faces; had a chat with Foss, Ian, and Pete (who had flown over from Spain where he now lives). Also chatted with the guy sitting next to me who had travelled from Brighton. He’d seen the show in Liverpool the previous week, and was also going to see him at the Albert Hall.
The show itself was pretty good, particularly considering that I didn’t know many of the songs. In fact the only one I fully recognised was Doctor My Eyes which closed the first set. No “Take it Easy” tonight, which disappoints me a little. Jackson has a great band with wonderful guitarist.
Pleased I went along. I guess I might go along and see him next time; but I need to listen to more of his music beforehand.
website: www.jacksonbrowne.com
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29 Mar
America The Sage Gateshead 17 March 2009
I’d forgotten how many great songs America had written. I’ve only seen the band once before; at the Odeon in Newcastle on a double bill with Poco in (I think) 1975. They played the Sage a year or so ago but I didn’t make it for some reason. This time the Sgae was less than half full, but those that did turn out to see the band didn’t leave disappointed.
America is now composed of two of its originals: Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell, backed by a group of musicians, some who have been with them for over 30 years. The songs still sound great. Ventura Highway comes early in the set, and I soon realise that there are a lot of America songs which I remember: I Need You, Tin Man, Sandman, You Can Do Magic. They do a pretty good version of Eleanor Rigby too. During Sandman the backdrop shows shots from the Vietnam war; perhaps a bit dated but fits well actually. The encore is (of course) Horse with no name. All sung great.
After the show I line up and say hello to Gerry and Dewey and get some signatures for myself and for my friend John in the states.
website : http://www.venturahighway.com/
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signed flier
15 Mar
The Hollies The Sage Gateshead March 14 2009
I’d persuaded Marie to go to see the Hollies on our wedding anniversary; so was hoping that this would be a good show which we could both enjoy. This is the 5th time I’ve seen them since the “new” singer Peter Howarth joined the band after the sad death of Carl Wayne.
The Sage was full, which was great to see. Its good that some many people remember those great songs and want to turn out and see the band sing them. The set is, as always, in two parts with the hits spread througout the night. The Hollies have just released a new album and play 3 songs from it; all of which sound good. One of the new songs tells the story of history of the band from the early days. It was written by drummer Bobby Elliot and sung by guitarist Tony Hicks; being the only two remaining original members.
They treat us to all the hits, changing the arrangements of some of them; all of them sounding great. Tiny Hicks still looks as young as ever and plays great (and very under rated) guitar. His electric sitar intro to The Baby is excellent, as is his lengthy banjo intro to Stop Stop Stop. Peter is left onstage alone to perform a great version of Can’t Tell the Bottom from the Top.
Marie actually enjoyed the concert ; perhaps there’s a chance she might come to see them again next time.
Website: http://www.hollies.co.uk/
Set list:
First Half
Here I Go Again
Just One Look
Stay
I Would Fly
Bus Stop
On A Carousel
The Baby
Sandy (Acoustic)
Then Now Always (Dolphin Days)
We’re Through
Blowin’ In The Wind
Long Cool Woman
Second Half
I Can’t Let Go
Jennifer Eccles
Sorry Suzanne
Yes I Will
One Way Ticket
I’m Alive
Look Through Any Window
I Can’t Tell The Bottom From The Top (Acoustic Solo)
Listen To Me-Hey Willy-Gasoline Alley Bred
Weakness
Lucille
Carrie Anne
Stop Stop Stop
The Air That I Breathe
Encores
He Ain’t Heavy
Let Love Pass
15 Mar
Hugh Cornwell Gala Theatre Durham 5 March 2009
Norm, Will and I went to see Hugh Cornwell at the Gala Theatre in Durham. It was the first time that any of us had seen him since he left the Straglers. The Gala is a nice little theatre in the centre of Durham which gets many touring shows and tribute acts. First up was a local folk singer (can’t remember his name; I ‘m sure Will can remind me). He was OK, but we decided to retreat to the local Wetherspoons for a swift drink before Hugh took the stage.
Hugh is backed by a two piece band (drummer and bass and himself on Fender Telecaster). The bass player is a young girl who plays some great fuzzy bass licks. He played the whole of his new album Hooverdam before moving onto a few old Stranglers tunes. The Hooverdam songs sound very Stranglerish; its clear that Hugh was the driving force behind writing most of the best Stranglers tunes. Hugh and the band seemed really into it, as was the crowd. A great gig.
Set list: All of Hoverdam, Tank, 24/7, lay back, leave me alone, black hair, walk on by, always the sun, golden brown, no more heroes, down in the sewer.
Website: http://www.hughcornwell.com/
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