Posts Tagged ‘concert’

29 Dec

The Who O2 Indigo December 14th 2008

Posted by vintagerock in The Who. Tagged: , , , .

The Who O2 Indigo December 14th 2008

The O2 Indigo is a small, 2000 capacity, venue within the O2 complex. The Who were playing three Christmas shows at the venue; the first two for fan club members only, and the third show for the public. I joined the fanclub specially to get tickets for the show, it seemed a great chance to see the band up close in a small venue.

I’d been suffering all week with a terrible dose of flu, and almost didn’t go to the gig. But I figured that I would regret it later if I missed it so I wrapped myself up well and took the long train journey down to London on the Sunday afternoon. As it turned out I am glad that I did make the effort.  I arrived into London around 4pm, went to my Travelodge room in Kings Cross and than headed across to the O2 around 7pm. The queue for entry to the Indigo was outside curling around the block. The security for getting into the show was quite tight courtesy of Harvey Goldsmith; I had to take along my passport, credit card and booking reference to gain entry.

Got into the gig without any problem after around an hour wait in the cold, and the support act Kinkade were already on stage. They seemed pretty good, obviously influenced by the Kinks, Who, Small Faces. The Indigo is a nice little night-club like venue, and wasn’t too full so I took a place in the crowd near the front at the right of the stage, where Townshend stands. 

After a short break, the Who take the stage without any introductions and launch straight into I Can’t Explain. The set is a mixture of old classics, and includes a couple of surprises: Tattoo for one; don’t think I’ve seen them play that for some time. The Who are on great form tonight, lots of windmill arm twirling from Pete, lots of mike swinging from Roger. Roger’s voice is very strong; sounds much better than the last couple of times I have seen them, and Pete is playing great, really bashing at his guitar. Pete is in a cheeky mood tonight; lots of chat with the crowd; quite a bit of swearing. The guy in front of me is shouting for A Quick One all night; Pete says he could play that on his own! Someone shouts for Bellboy; Pete replies “Keith is F***ing dead; we can’t play that; do you want us to bring him back; wish we could”. They finish with Won’t get fooled again and My Generation. The encores are Pinball Wizard and a Tommy selection, finishing with Tea and Theatre from the recent album.

After the show I cram on to a crowded tube full of Coldplay fans (they were playing in the main O2 arena at the same time: mental note to myself : I must not go to see Coldplay again) and make my way back to Kings Cross. Then up at 6.30 to catch the 7.30 train back home. Was it worth it? Definitely; great to see them again; one of the best times I’ve seen them recently although not the same as seeing them in the 70s. Guess it never will be the same, but its still the Who and they can still rock like no-one else on a good night.

Setlist:

I Can’t Explain
The Seeker
Anyway Anyhow Anywhere
Fragments
Who Are You
Tattoo
Sister Disco
Behind Blue Eyes
Baba O’Reilly
Eminence Front
5:15
Love Reign O’er Me
Won’t Get Fooled Again
My Generation/Cry If You Want
Naked Eye

Encores:
Pinball Wizard
Amazing Journey
Sparks
See Me Feel Me
Tea & Theatre

website: http://www.thewho.com

 

ticket for the gig

ticket for the gig

programme

programme

23 Nov

Uriah Heep Holmfirth Picturedrome Nov 21 2008

Posted by vintagerock in Uriah Heep. Tagged: , , , , .

Uriah Heep Holmfirth Picturedrome November 21 2008

Friday; finish work early; call for my friend Norm and go to see Uriah Heep! What a great start to the weekend. I’d got a couple to tickets cheap on ebay and was really looking forward to seeing Heep again. Uriah Heep were one of the bands that I followed from the early 70s to early 80s and then lost touch with. I went to see them in Carlisle a few years ago and realised that were still on great form. Norm hadn’t seen them since the 70s and had memories of the crush at the front of the City Hall when they played Gypsy and a Rock n Roll medley.

The roads were busy for the drive to Holmfirth but luckily the threatened snow didn’t arrive. We got down there for about 8pm, had some chips from the fish shop and a drink in a pub over the road, and then went into the venue. The Picturedrome was pretty packed, much more full than for Curved Air a couple of weeks ago. We caught the end of the support act Maccara who were OK and then took our places near the front for Heep to arrive.

Around 9pm and Uriah Heep take the stage and go straight into Wake the Sleeper the title track from the new album. The sound is clear and loud (but not deafening; which is a pity; the crush at the City Hall was always accompanied by ringing ears for a few days). The set consists of the entire new album plus old favourites Sunrise, Stealin’, July Morning; Look at Yourself; Gypsy and Easy Livin’. The crowd sing along to just about every song including the new ones. The encore is Lady in Black which seems to be a big favourite now, although I can’t remember it being played much in the 70s ; there again I could be wrong. Uriah Heep are one of the few bands from the 60s and 70s who are still out there and playing as well as ever, if not better in some ways. Great to see them again.

Setlist
Wake The Sleeper
Overload
Tears Of The World
Stealin’
Sunrise
Heaven’s Rain
Book Of Lies
Light Of A Thousand Stars
Gypsy
Look At Yourself
What Kind Of God
Ghost Of The Ocean
War Child
Shadow
Angels Walk With You
July Morning
Easy Livin’
Encore:
Lady In Black

ticket

ticket

programme

programme

Website: http://www.uriah-heep.com/newa/index.php

23 Nov

Paul Weller Newcastle 16 November

Posted by vintagerock in Paul Weller. Tagged: , , , , , .

Paul Weller Newcastle Metro Radio Arena November 15 2009

I bought myself a single standing ticket to see Paul Weller. I guess I decided it was about time I forgave him for the Style Council and went to see him again. I saw the Jam probably every time they came to the North East (around 12 times I think) and did the same for the Style Council, but sort of lost my faith in the mid-80s. So I hadn’t seen Weller for more than 20 years. Laura decided she would like to come, and a search on ebay got us a second standing ticket at less than face value.

Arrived in time to buy a programme; no extra small t-shirts for Laura for this one; her wardbrobe will have to survie without a Weller shirt for now. Support came from the Rifles; the arena was pretty empty at this point. They seemed OK; clearly influenced by the Jam.   We found a couple of empty seats in the first block to the right of the stage. The place filled up ready for Weller to arrive.

Don’t know why I stayed away so long. As soon as he took the stage it was clear that Weller was well into it, strutting around ; his mannerisms sooo reminiscent of Steve Marriot (does he practice copying them from old Small Faces videos?).  I didn’t know that many of the songs but they all sounded familiar; bits of Small Faces, Traffic and 60s Hammondish organ. Great! Great to see him play Butterfly Collector and Thats Entertainment. The encore included a version of the Beatles All You Need is Love and then Town Called Malice (the crowd is going nuts at this point) is the very last number. So Laura and I both enjoyed it; and I promise that I’ll return to the faith and start going to see Weller each time he comes from now on.

Set List: Peacock suit; Out of the sinking; 22 dreams; Changing man; Wild blue yonder; All I wanna do; From the floorboards up; Seaspray; Shout to the top; Eton rifles; Picking up sticks; Wishing on a star; Have you made up your mind; Push it along; You do something to me; One bright star; Empty ring; 111; Why walk; Butterfly collector; Brand new start; wild wood; Thats entertainment; Echoes round the sun; Come on lets go; first encore: Whirlpool, All you need is love: second encore: Town Called Malice.

ticket

ticket

programme

programme

website: http://www.paulweller.com/

5 Nov

Queen and Paul Rodgers Newcastle

Posted by vintagerock in Paul Rodgers, Queen. Tagged: , , , , .

Queen and Paul Rodgers Newcastle Arena November 4th 2008

Almost didn’t go to this. I saw Queen and Paul Rodgers on their previous visit to Newcastle; thought they were OK, but wasn’t sure that I wanted to go again. However, as an old Queen, Free and Bad Company fan I felt I should go along and support them. Glad I did. The set has changed a little since the last tour; however the mix between Queen and Paul Rodgers material and the way in which the show involves all members with video of Freddie is still excellent. You have to give if to them; they have managed to pull off what many thought the impossible, to go out with a new front man and make it work. All credit to Paul Rodgers for the way in which he has approached this. The show is slick, still relevant and a great tribute to Freddie’s legacy.

The Arena was full, and the crowd reaction strong. I was pleased I decided to go along but I did leave during the encores, as I had to be up at 6am for an early train. Will I go next time? Maybe. Will there be a next time?

Set list:

Intro (Cosmos Rocks)
Hammer To Fall
Tie Your Mother Down
Fat Bottomed Girls
Another One Bites The Dust
I Want It All
I Want To Break Free
C-lebrity
Surfs Up…Schools Out
Seagull
Tavszi Szel
Love Of My Life
’39
Bass Solo incl Under Pressure/Another One Bites The Dust
Drum Solo
I’m In Love With My Car
A Kind Of Magic
Say It’s Not True
Bad Company We Believe
Bijou
Last Horizon
Radio GAGA
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
The Show Must Go On
Bohemian Rhapsody
Encores:
Cosmos Rockin’
All Right Now
We Will Rock You
We Are The Champions
God Save The Queen

my ticket

my ticket

queenprog

2 Nov

Curved Air Holmfirth Picturedrome

Posted by vintagerock in Curved Air. Tagged: , , , , .

Curved Air Holmfirth The Picturedrome October 30 2008

Must have seen Curved Air around 10 times in the 70s. They seemed to play all the local dances; seem to recall seeing them at Sunderland Poly, Newcastle Poly, Durham Uni, Teesside Poly as well as Newcastle Mayfair, Sunderland Locarno, the City Hall, the Reading Festival. So when I saw that they had reformed I promised myself that I would go and see them. The nearest date meant a 120 mile drive to the little Yorkshire village of Holmfirth on a freezing cold winter night but, I convinced myself that it would be worth it.

The reformed line up comprises three original members: Sonja Kristina, Darrel Way and Florian Pilkington Miksa. Support came from Claire Hammil, another name from the past. Claire was close to the end of her set when I arrived (Holmfirth isn’t easy to find; must buy a sat nav). The Picturedrome is a lovely old cinema set right in the centre of Holmfirth. The place was respectably full, not packed,  I easily made my way to the front of the stage ready for the band coming on.

They started with an instrumental piece with Darrel Way leading on his violin. He then introduced Sonja who bounced on and straight into It Happened Today, which was great! The set included all the favourites that I wanted to hear: Melinda (more or less); Marie Antoinette; Stretch; Midnight Wire and (of course) Back Street Luv. Sonja left the stage and they finished with Vivaldi, which sounded just as good as it did in the field at Reading 36 years ago. For the encore they came back and gave us Back Street Luv again. Pretty awesome. Drove back up the A1 through sleet with the sound of Sonja’s voice and Darrel’s violin still in my mind.

website : http://www.curvedair.com/

Someone has loaded some great clips from the gig: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KynuCpJj4I

2 Nov

The Last Shadow Puppets Newcastle City Hall

Posted by vintagerock in Last Shadow Puppets, The Last Shadow Puppets. Tagged: , , , , .

The Last Shadow Puppets Newcastle City Hall October 27 2008

Laura and I have both been listening to the Last Shadow Puppets album since it was released. The blend of 60s type pop songs, with Dick Dale type surf guitar, and orchestral arrangements makes it pretty special.  So went along with Laura and her friend Alex to see how it came over live.

Support were Ipso Facto, an all-girl group whose members include the daughter of the Animals Hilton Valentine, so I guess this was a sort of home-coming for her. The hall was pretty empty at this stage; they were OK; reminiscent of Siouxsie; I thought. They are the support for the Magazine dates in February so we will see them again there.

The place filled up for the arrival of the Last Shadow Puppets, who didn’t disappoint. They were accompanied by a full orchestra and the sound was spot-on. Started with the great In my room, and played pretty much all of the album. The set also included some interesting covers: I want you (shes so heavy) (the Beatles); Paris summer (Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra) where they were joined by the singer from Ipso Facto who took the Nancy vocal part; In the Heat of the morning (David Bowie) and Memories (Leonard Cohen).

The crowd gave Alex Turner, Miles Kane and the band a great and well deserved reception for this last gig on the UK tour. A great show; will be interesting to see what (if anythingf?) they do next.

Set list : In my room; the age of the understatement; calm like you; black plant; gas dance; only the truth; seoarate and ever deadly; hang the cyst; I want you (shes so heavy); my mistakes were made for you; Paris summer; in the heat of the morning; I don’t like you anymore; the chamber; the time has come again; the meeting place; encores: memories; standing next to me

Website: http://thelastshadowpuppets.com/

26 Oct

Elbow The Sage Gateshead

Posted by vintagerock in Elbow. Tagged: , , , , .

Elbow The Sage Gateshead Oct 20 2008

Laura and I went along to see Elbow at the Sage on Monday, largely as a result of Laura’s interest in them. She had listened to most of the albums and had been telling me how good they were. We bought the tickets before they had won the Mercury Music prize, and were both looking forward to seeing what they were like. The gig had been sold out for some weeks (since they won the Mercury prize).

Laura was going to a fancy dress party straight after the gig, so was dressed as Snow White under her coat;  and sporting a lovely bright red Snow White headband, which the girl at the merchandise stand complimented her on. The support act (who we missed) was Jesca Hoop.

I was actually pleasantly surprised as to how good Elbow were. The music was quite different to what I had expected; pretty difficult to categorize. They were accompanied by a string section and various other instruments. The crowd came from a mixed age range, and seemed to know all of the songs (unlike me!).  They even managed to get people on their feet, which is quite difficult in the Sage!

Set list was something like :
Starlings
Bones
Leaders Of The Free World
Mirror Ball
Grounds For Divorce
Mexican Standoff
Towercrane
New Born
Great
Weather To Fly
One Day Like This

Encores:
Puncture Repair
Station Approach
Scattered Black And Whites

my ticket

my ticket

26 Oct

Classic Legends of Rock Harrogate

Posted by vintagerock in Focus, Groundhogs, Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash, Wishbone Ash. Tagged: , , , , , .

Classic Legends of Rock Harrogate Royal Hall October 24 2008

This triple bill of classic rock bands (Groundhogs, Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash and Focus) has been playing halls around the country for the past few weeks. The nearest date to us was Harrogate so went along with my friends Norm and Will to see three bands who we all had fond memories of.

The drive to Harrogate was straightforward and we quickly found the Royal Hall which lies in the centre of town. We went straight into the venue as we wanted to be sure to catch the Groundhogs who were first up. The Royal Hall has been recently refurbished and is a lovely old theatre, where greats such as the Beatles have played over the years. After a drink in the (quite expensive) bar we took our seats for the show. I bought a poster (a bargain at £2) and we had a chat with Joanna, who admired my Split t-shirt.

First up was the Groundhogs. We are all long standing fans of Tony McPhee and the band and have seen them many many times over the years. The set was (from memory) : Eccentric Man, Garden, Split 1, Split 2, Split 4, Natchez Burning and Cherry Red. Tony’s guitar playing was pretty on form tonight, but his singing wasn’t so hot to be honest. The drummer looks new, and is adding some backing vocals. It was nice to see them again, and a good start to the show. We then went over the road to the local Wetherspoons for a quick drink between the sets. Norm and Will had a word with Tony; shook his hand and congratulated him on a good gig.

Next up was Martin Turner’s version of Wishbone Ash. This was the first time that we had seen this band, although Will and I had seen Andy Powell’s Wishbone Ash a couple of times lately and we all three had fond memories of seeing the original band in their 70s heyday. The band played a set of classic Ash songs; and did them spot on. Martin looked great; it made us all think how great it would be if the original band were to regroup (probably not likely). The set was : The King Will Come, Warrior, Throw Down the Sword, Phoenix, Living Proof, Blowing Free, Jailbait. Back to Wetherspoons.

Focus closed the show. We all knew less Focus tracks than the other bands, but we were looking forward to hearing Hocus Pocus, Sylvia etc. Thijs Van Leer is a great showman, and a pretty crazy guy; the young guitarist is great and played Jan Akkerman’s guitar part perfectly.
A pretty good set which sent everyone home happy.

After some chips at the local chippy we made the drive up the A1 which was pretty clear all the way. A good gig; all enjoyed it.

Websites
Groundhogs : http://www.thegroundhogs.co.uk/
Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash : http://www.wishboneash.co.uk/
Focus : http://www.focustheband.com/english.html

my ticket

my ticket

18 Oct

Stephen Stills Newcastle October 16

Posted by vintagerock in Stephen Stills. Tagged: , , , .

Stephen Stills Newcastle City Hall October 16 2008

The members of CSN&Y have made quite a few visits to the UK in the past few years including tours by CSN, Crosby and Nash and Neil Young. This time its the turn of Stephen Stills to come over and play for us.

The City Hall was around 3/4 full for this show, but that didn’t detract from the atmosphere. Everyone was here to see someone who has written some of the greatest songs of our lives, and played some great guitar along the way too. The set was split into two halves; the first half was largely acoustic and the second a full electric set.  Stills came on and opened with Helplessly Hoping; his voice was strong, if admittedly not the same as it was 30 years ago! And he looks good. Much much better than last time I saw him with CSN at Manchester a few years ago.  He covers Dylan’s Girl from the North Country , does 4+20 from Deja Vu (joking that he is now 3+60 rather than 4+20) and closes the set with a beautiful version of Suite Judy Blue Eyes.

The second set features his band (who are great) and some wonderful guitar playing from Stills. I’d forgotten just how great his guitar playing is. He ends with For What its Worth and the encore is the inevitable Love the One your With. Manage to score one of Stills plectrums from a roadie at the end. I have a chat with a few friends after the show and get mixed views (from “excellent” to “shocking: his voice is gone”) ; but overall I think we all felt this was pretty good, and a rare opportunity to see a real legend.

Set list :

Helplessly Hoping; Treetop Flyer; North Country Girl; Change Partners; 4+20; Ballad of the Blind Fiddler; Johnny’s Garden; Daylight Again/Find the Cost of Freedom; Suite Judy Blue Eyes 

Isn’t It About Time; Rock & Roll Woman; Wrong Thing To Do; Rocky Mountain Way; I Want To Make Love To You; Bluebird; For What It’s Worth; Love The One Your With; Dark Star

my ticket

my ticket

Stills plectrum

Stills plectrum

website : http://stephenstills.com

12 Oct

Oasis Sheffield Arena 10 October

Posted by vintagerock in Oasis. Tagged: , , , , , .

Oasis Sheffield Hallam Arena Friday 10 October 2008

Oasis are back and on top form. A new album, and a new tour which sold out in the first hour. To the fans who have followed them over the years, Oasis are THE band. So there is an air of heavy anticipation around in the cavernous Sheffield Hallam arena on Friday night.

Laura and I drove down to Sheffield on Friday night; traffic wasn’t too bad given it was a Friday. In fact we arrived there with plenty of time to spare. Laura bought her customary t-shirt and I bought my programme. Then, after a couple of pretty mega size hot dogs, we took our seats which were at the back of the arena, opposite the stage. The support act was a band called Twisted Wheel, who niether of us had heard of before. They were OK I suppose, pretty average actually, sounded like a cross between old school punk (doesn’t everyone nowadays?) and the Arctic Monkeys. After they have finished there’s a short wait before Oasis take the stage to a might roar from the Yorkshire crowd.

The sound is pretty clear from where we are; maybe could be a little louder. Liam’s voice is really strong, and he looks pretty cool on stage. The set is a mixture of old and new. The songs from the new album are very strong, and the old favourites go down well with the crowd. Lots of singing along. Lots of beer flying aroundon the floor and on the lower terraces. Luckily we mostly escape this.

In the encore we get Don’t Look Back in Anger sung largely acoustic by Noel, and a great version of Champagne Supernova. The last song is I am the Walrus which nearly takes the roof off. And then its over, seemed like they had only been on stage 5 minutes, although it had been almost 2 hours in reality.  The drive back to Newcastle is straight forward; road is clear.

So the lads didn’t let us down. They follow in a great line of British rock bands. Just like seeing the Who, the Faces or the Kinks on a good night. Roll on next Summer (now where will the mega gig in Manchester be?) ; can’t wait.  

 

  Set list:  Rock N Roll Star ; Lyla ; The Shock Of The Lightning ;Cigarettes And Alcohol; Meaning Of Soul ;To Be  Where There’s Life;  Waiting For The Rapture; The Masterplan; Songbird; Slide Away; Morning Glory; Ain’t Got Nothing; The Importance Of Being Idle; To Be Where There’s Life; Wonderwall; Supersonic

 

 Encores: Don’t Look Back In Anger (Acoustic); Falling Down; Champagne Supernova; I Am The Walrus

website: www.oasisinet.com

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