Cocteau Twins Newcastle Tiffanys 1984
Support Felt
I went along to this gig with my mate Dave. We weren’t that familiar with the band’s music other than the exquisite “Pearly-Dewdrops’ Drops” single. I recall that the place was absolutely packed to the rafters, to the extent that you could hardly move at all. We were surprised just how popular the band were. I’m afraid I don’t recall whether or not we saw support act Felt. I remember being impressed by vocalist Elizabeth Fraser, whose “distinctive singing earned much critical praise. She was once described as “the voice of God.” (from Wiki). This band has somewhat legendary status these days, so I’m pleased I got to see them. I had a t-shirt from the gig, which was worn out and thrown away some years ago. I’ve just checked their gigography and now realise that I also saw The Cocteau Twins a year earlier in 1983, supporting Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark. A recording exists of the Tiffanys gig, featuring the tracks: “Hitherto”, “Kookaburra”, “Sugar Hiccup”, and “Pearly Dewdrops Drops”. A review of the recording says: “the gig itself is a bit of an oddity. It might be due to the sound quality but Liz Fraser’s voice sounds much more upfront in the front, and she’s throwing out strange vocal inflections into nearly every line, oversinging almost everything to the point of almost showing off.”
Posts Tagged ‘psych’
30 Jul
Cocteau Twins Newcastle Tiffanys 1984
23 Jul
Dr John The Sage Gateshead 22 July 2012
SummerTyne Americana Festival 2012
Dr. John and The Lower 911 featuring Jon Cleary
Plus support Phantom Limb
Dr John took to the stage around 8.45pm last night to close the SummerTyne Americana Festival 2012 at the Sage Gateshead. The Sage was buzzing with crowds who were taking in the music which was taking place in all three halls, and on the concourse. Dr John’s concert was the highlight of the weekend (for me anyway!) and took place in the larger Hall 1. I had been preparing myself for the gig by playing my old vinyl copy of his 1969 debut lp, Gris Gris, which introduced Malcolm John “Mac” Rebennack, Jr to the world as Dr John The Night Tripper. Gris Gris combines voodoo rhtyhms with psychedelic rock and New Orleans R&B, and features the song I Walk on Guilded Splinters which had been covered by many artists including Humble Pie and Marsha Hunt. Today Dr John retains some of that image, taking to the stage with his voodoo walking stick, dressed in a sharp blue suit, wearing a cap and his hair hanging in a plat at the back. 
His six piece band featured Jon Cleary, who is a New Orleans style R&B headliner in his own right, on keyboards and occasional guitar. The rest of the band included saxophone, trombone, bass, guitar, and drums. The stage was set with Dr John’s organ and grand piano taking centre stage alongside each other, a stool between them, allowing the Dr to quickly switch between keyboards, and to play both at the same time, which he did once or twice. The set was much more R&B and blues, than voodoo, although flashes of the latter crept in at times, as did New Orleans Mardi Gras. Dr John’s band is just excellent, with each musician great in their own right, and each getting the chance to solo. 
The lady trombone player was particularly outstanding. I recognised some, but my no means all of the songs, and was impressed by Dr John whose singing and playing were just superb. The Dr is a real cool dude, who led his band through a set of songs which would be at home as much in a smokey New Orleans bar, as in a concert hall. The set included his “hit” song Right Place, Wrong Time, and a series of standards, for example: St James Infirmary, Let the Good Times Roll, Making Whoopee. A great set, although I was disappointed that he didn’t play I Walk on Guilded Splinters. I had to leave during the encore to pick Laura up. Setlist included (I have missed a few that I didn’t recognise): Locked down; Down the road; I been Hoodood; Right place wrong time; Let the good times roll (Dr John on guitar); St James Infirmary; Jon Cleary song; Ice Age; Big shot; Making whoopee; Now that you got me; That’s life?; Revolution; Goin’ back to new Orleans; Mardi Gras day. Encore: Such a Night
13 Jul
John Cale The Sage Gateshead 2006
John Cale The Sage Gateshead 2006
John Cale strikes me as a pretty cool and sorted guy. Musically he crosses several genres and gives the impression that his music is very much his art. I never saw the original Velvet Underground in concert, which I deeply regret, although I have seen Lou Reed in concert several times. I did go to see a later version of the Velvet Underground at Sunderland Locarno in the early 70s, but I have a feeling the band didn’t turn up that night. This, however, was the first and only time that I have seen John Cale. I went along to this gig with David, and we had standing tickets at the front of the hall. The atmosphere in the small standing section was great, with a small number of die hard fans going totally crazy. The set was quite long, and consisted of a mix of songs from throughout John’s career, including some Velvet Underground classics. I seem to remember that he has a single out at the time which was very punky. A great gig which David and I both enjoyed. I couldn’t find a setlist for the Gateshead gig, but did manage to find one from Glasgow on the same tour: Venus In Furs; Walkin’ The Dog; Evidence; Woman; Helen Of Troy; Dancing Undercover; Femme Fatale > Rosegarden Funeral of Sores;
Hush;Dirty Ass Rock ‘n’ Roll; Guts; Look Horizon; Magritte; Cable Hogue; Set Me Free; Things; Ship Of Fools; Sold Motel; Perfect; Leaving It Up To You; Gravel Drive; Heartbreak Hotel. Band: Dustin Boyer: lead guitar; Michael Jerome: drums; Joseph Karnes: bass
5 Jul
Eric Clapton Sheffield Arena 2006
Eric Clapton Sheffield Arena 2006
Support: Robert Cray
I spent hours in the late 60s and early 70s listening to the John Mayall Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton (Beano) lp, marvelling at Clapton’s bluesy guitar, and trying to learn some of the licks. In particular, I practiced and practiced “Steppin’ Out”, which was Clapton signature guitar solo number in the 60s. I always dreamed of seeing him play it live. I bought a ticket for this gig a few days before on ebay, managing to score a good seat at half the face value! I drove down to Sheffield after work and arrived in time to see Robert Cray, who delivered a pretty fine set. 
Clapton was great that night, I think his playing is actually getting better as the years go by. His band was: Doyle Bramhall II – guitar; Derek Trucks – guitar; stalwart Chris Stainton – keyboards; Tim Carmon – keyboards; Willie Weeks – bass; Steve Jordan – drums; Michelle John & Sharon White – backing vocals; and The Kick Horns. The set featured an a few acoustic blues at the mid point. 
Setlist: Pretending; So Tired; Got To Get Better In A Little While; Lost and Found; I Shot the Sheriff; Anyday; Back Home; I Am Yours; Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out; Milkcow’s Calf Blues; Running On Faith; After Midnight; Little Queen of Spades; Everybody Oughta Make a Change; Motherless Children; Wonderful Tonight; Layla; Cocaine. Encore: Crossroads. John saw him in the US on this tour and sent me the US programme which is different from the UK version (thanks John). I still haven’t seen Eric play Steppin’ Out….guess there is still time.
2 Jul
The Stone Roses Heaton Park Manchester July 1st 2012
The Stone Roses Heaton Park Manchester July 1st 2012
I never saw The Stone Roses fist time round; they were around during a period where I wasn’t seeing quite as many gigs as usual, focussing on family and work. In recent years Laura has become heavily into the band, so when they announced this series of reunion gigs in their hometown we decided we should go along. Laura is singing at a friends wedding in a couple of weeks with a group of mates from university who are scattered around the country at the moment, and they were rehearsing at a studio in Wakefield on Sunday afternoon. So my first task was to drive to Wakefield, pick her up and drive across to Manchester for the gig. Picked Laura up about 5pm in Wakefield and then we drove across to Manchester, arriving at Heaton Park, around 6.30pm. We got straight into the disabled parking, and it was a short walk to the nearest entrance to the park, and then up to the disabled platform, which was at the back of the park, facing directly onto the stage. Full marks to everyone for the organisation. The place was rammed by the time we got to the platform, but we got there without any problem at all, and everyone was very helpful. Laura had brought her white cane, and everyone made room, and we got through the crowds no problem at all. The Wailers were on as we arrived, playing a selection of old Bob Marley classics. They were pretty good, but the crowd din’t seem to be taking a lot of notice of them. Next up was Plan B. His current act is a mixture of a 60s soul revue and hip hop / rap. I thought he pretty good, much better than I had expected and the crowd gave him a good reception. But everyone was there for the main event. Around 9.10pm the Supremes “Stoned Love” boomed across the PA, and then the heroes of the night took to the stage, starting with “I wanna be adored”. Not being a fan and feeling quite old; I did feel a bit like an intruder at a stranger’s party at times. This band means so much to everyone there. Everyone knew every word, and the atmosphere was just great. 
The Stone Roses played all of the first album and a few tracks from the second. John Squire was just astounding on guitar. I hadn’t realised how good he was, and how much of a guitar band The Roses were. Ian sang ok, and was in 100% control of the crowd. Mani had a smile right across his face. Reni kept the rhythm at the back. I heard lots of the 60s in the music: Jefferson AirPlane, Love, The Byrds, The Doors, The Floyd, there were all there in Squire’s guitar and in the visuals. We were chatting to a guy called Eddie on the platform, who kindly explained all the visuals (which were also impressive) to Laura. We left during the instrumental jam part of “I am the Resurrection” but could hear all of it as we walked to the car. Just as we got to the car park we saw the fireworks light up the sky. Our plan of leaving during the last song worked well; we were straight out of the car park just after 11pm, and straight onto the motorway, which was amazing. Back home at 1.15am. Have been reflecting on what I experienced last night. The vibe of the day was like no other gig I can remember. This was much much more than a concert. It was a generation celebrating their youth, and reaffirming their belief in four guys that took them on a journey which was all too brief and stopped short; and for three special nights everyone in the park were at one with those guys on the stage again. It was something special to be part of. Support acts: Justice Tonight Band, The Wailers, Plan B, The Stone Roses.
Setlist: I Wanna Be Adored; Mersey Paradise; (Song For My) Sugar Spun Sister’; Sally Cinnamon; Where Angels Play; Shoot You Down; Bye Bye Badman; Ten Storey Love Song; Standing Here; Fools Gold; Something’s Burning; Waterfall; Don’t Stop; Love Spreads; Made Of Stone; This Is The One; She Bangs The Drums; Elizabeth My Dear; I Am The Resurrection.
1 Jul
Eric Clapton Newcastle City Hall April 1983
For this tour Eric’s band were: Albert Lee on guitar and vocals; Chris Stainton on keyboards; Donald “Duck” Dunn on bass; and Jamie Oldaker on drums. I can’t recall who the support was for this tour, or if indeed there was a support act (although the ticket lists a support). Duck Dunn is the legendary bass play who played with Booker T and Steve Cropper on all those MG classics. This tour was to promote the album: “Cigarettes and Money”. 
Setlist: Tulsa Time; I Shot The Sheriff; I’ve Got A Rock N Roll Heart; Worried Life Blues; Ain’t Goin’ Down; Let It Rain; Double Trouble; Pink Bedroom; Key To The Highway; After Midnight; The Shape You’re In; Wonderful Tonight; Blues Power; Ramblin’ on my Mind; Have You Ever Loved A Woman; Cocaine; Layla; Further On Up The Road. It would be some 7 years until I saw Clapton again, at the Knewbworth Silver Clef show.
Laura and I are going to see Stone Roses tonight on the last night of their three night run at Heaton Park, Manchester and we’re really looking forward to it. Will report back some time tomorrow.
30 Jun
Eric Clapton Newcastle City Hall 1980
Eric Clapton Newcastle City Hall 1980
Support: Chas and Dave
I saw Clapton twice in 1978. Once was at Newcastle City Hall, which I posted on yesterday, and once with Bob Dylan at Blackbushe (I’ll post on that concert when I cover the times I have seen Dylan). Eric was back at the City Hall in 1980, this time with support from Chas and Dave, who were in the charts at the time with “Rabbit”, and were good fun. EC’s band for this tour was: Henry Spinetti on Drums; Chris Stainton on Keyboards (from Joe Cocker’s band); Albert Lee on Guitar (Albert is a superb guitarist who I’d seen with Heads, Hands and Feet, and have since seen many times over the years); Dave Markee on Bass; and Gary Brooker on Keyboards (Procol Harum). 
Setlist: Tulsa Time; Early in the Morning; Lay Down Sally; Wonderful Tonight; Country Boy (this song is Albert Lee’s showcase); Thunder and Lightning; Blues Power; All Our Past Times; Setting Me Up; Leave The Candle; If I Don’t Be There by Morning; Ramblin’ on My Mind; Mean Old World; Have You Ever Loved a Woman; Home Lovin’; After Midnight; Cocaine; Further On Up The Road. I’ve just realised that Chas Hodges of Chas and Dave was drummer in Head, Hands and Feet alongside Albert Lee on guitar. Head, Hnds and Feet are long forgotten, and were a great live act. If you get the chance, hunt out their track Warming Up The Band (its on YouTube) which is excellent.
29 Jun
Eric Clapton Newcastle City Hall 1978
Eric Clapton Newcastle City Hall 1978
Support from Muddy Waters
Clapton was back in Newcastle one year from his last visit, this time with the legendary Muddy Waters as special guest. I was excited about seeing Clapton, but was perhaps even more excited about seeing Muddy Waters, who had truly legendary status. Muddy Waters seemed an old guy to me at the time, although he was actually only 63, which is not much that much older than I am now. I remember him singing his classic songs, including “Hoochie Coochie Man”. Clapton released a clutch of albums during the mid 70s, and new songs like “Wonderful Tonight” were becoming part of the set. 
He was still playing a lot of blues, which is what he is best at. Looking at set lists for the tour it seems he was opening with “Layla” on most nights, which was an interesting choice for a first song. A recording exists of the concert which shows the setlist as: Layla; Worried Life Blues; Wonderful Tonight; If I Don’t Be There By Morning; Double Trouble; I’ll Make Love to You Any Time; Badge; Key to the Highway; Cocaine; Blues Jam #1 (Tore Down); Blues Jam #2 (Standing Around Crying, Long Distance Call). Clapton’s band for this tour were a small tight unit of Dick Sims – Keyboard; Carl Radle – Bass; and Jamie Oldaker – Drums.
28 Jun
Eric Clapton Newcastle City Hall April 1977
Eric Clapton Newcastle City Hall April 1977
Support from Ronnie Lane and Slim Chance
Eric Clapton returned to Newcastle City Hall a year later, this time with Ronnie Lane and his band Slim Chance as special guests. We were spoilt for Clapton shows from the mid 70s onwards. Eric moved from a period of a few years where he hardly played at all, to a position of touring the Uk every year. I took every opportunity to see Eric, going to every show that he performed at the City Hall, and never left disappointed. 
Looking at set lists from 1977, it seems that Clapton varied some of the set, but that it was focussed largely on the blues. A recording from Hammersmith gives the set as :Hello Old Friend; Sign Language; Alberta; All Our Past Times; Tell The Truth; Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door; Can’t Find My Way Home; Crossroads; I Shot The Sheriff; Nobody Knows You; Further On Up The Road; Stormy Monday; Willie and the hand jive; Layla; Dream, Dream, Dream. 
Ronnie Lane was a great choice of support act, especially after 1976’s support act Mr Pugh’s Puppet Theatre. I’d seen Ronnie in the Faces and once before with Slim Chance when they brought their Passing Show to Newcastle Town Moor (I’ll post on that gig another time). Ronnie came over to me as laid back, unassuming, friendly and authentic on stage. His set was good fun, and a good reason to stay upstairs and watch the support act, rather than retreat to the bar.
27 Jun
Eric Clapton Newcastle City Hall 12 August 1976
Eric Clapton Newcastle City Hall 12 August 1976
Two weeks after seeing Eric Clapton at The Crystal Palace Bowl, I saw him again at Newcastle City Hall. My strongest memory of this gig isof the bizarre support act, which was Mr Pugh’s Puppet Theatre, which was exactly as it suggests on the tin, a guy with a set of puppets in a seaside “punch and judy” like booth. This seemed an almost surreal choice as a support act at the time, and looking back still seems strange today. Clapton’s set was somewhat similar to what he played at Crystal Palace, quite short and a mix of blues, and Clapton standards. Not earth shattering, but good, as always, to see him. This gig was the first of quite a few national tours for Clapton, and as part of these he called at the City Hall several times over the next few years. I will blog on each of those shows over the coming days.
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