Sunshine on Bents Park South Shields

With a line up that consisted of Beth Macari, Rod Clements Lindisfarne and The Proclaimers and a day bathed in bright sunshine this promised to be a fun Sunday afternoon and all for FREE!

Arriving early Sheelagh and I got to enjoy the delight that is a long, winding queue to get in. We actually debated whether we should head off and come back later, we no longer feel the need to be 'right at the front', but hearing from others in the queue that the gates were closed for the previous free gig we decided to stick it out.

After close to an hour we began the slow move towards the main gate eventually getting in to the park around 1.30, some 45 minutes later the gates were closed as the capacity of 24,000 was reached.

A quick note on planning, this was pretty much a spur of the moment decision so we were certainly in the minority arriving without portable seats or picnic! Next time we'll make sure we are suitably prepared, the on-site catering and drinks were basic to say the least - limited to Burgers and Fish 'n' Chips and the obligatory sugar rush that is the doughnut stall (not great for a a diabetic!). £4.00 for a pint or glass of wine, pretty standard for this type of event but £7.00 for a glass of Prosecco was a joke.

Any hows we hadn't come to eat and drink, we'd primarily come to see The Proclaimers who we'd recently gained some new appreciation of after watching the movie, Sunshine On Leith (well worth seeing by the way).

Just before 2pm on came Beth Macari, now I'd seen this girl a few years earlier when she played a sound plagued set at Stanley Festival. I'm going to be honest, I don't think the open air gig was the best place to listen to Beth's soulful vocals and sadly she failed to impress, lost in the endless chatter of other people at the gig.

Next up were  Rod Clements Lindisfarne who, to put it mildly, were dreadful. Even though they probably played all the songs you would want to hear they were distinctly lack lustre, the harmonies never meshed and the vocals were flat and disinterested. Yet afterwards, hearing people talk about them, I heard the word 'brilliant' used to describe their performance, I'm left to conclude I need my hearing tested or my definition of 'brilliant' is out of step with the majority of those at the gig!

Finishing off a sunny Sunday afternoon were The Proclaimers, easily the loudest cheer of the day greeting them as brothers, Charlie and Craig Reid, arrived on stage and they played a set full of classics. Best song, probably 'Letter from America' although, not surprisingly the loudest cheer was for 'I'm gonna be (500 miles)'.

The Proclaimers were, tight, on form and proved you cannot beat a good solid live performance to bring a  smile to your face.

To be honest it was The Proclaimers that rescued what was turning in to a rather uninteresting day and left me wondering at what point, if there's only one original member, do the band (Rod Clement's Lindisfarne) effectively become a tribute act!

Sometimes it snows in April

I don't feel I can let 2016 go on any longer without commenting on the sad losses music has had to endure this year. Starting off with Bowie in January, every few weeks it seems someones passed away. Glenn Frey of The Eagles, Paul Kantner of Jefferson Airship, the tragic suicide of Keith Emerson, theres been a couple of country stars too and now just a couple of days ago Prince. It feels like a reaping of the great and good of music.

Bowie was a shock, he did at least almost make it to his three score years and ten, but Prince I still cannot quite believe and at only 57 too. The man had so many years of producing great music in him.

I recall the very first time I became aware of him. Sheelagh and I were full of cold one late winters night, huddled in the small bedroom of my flat in Jesmond, there was to be an Old Grey Whistle Test special, a live concert broadcast from Syracuse. Bursting on to the small (15") screen came this boundless ball of energy and colour, launching in to Let's go Crazy, Prince and The Revolution had arrived. The highlight, a near 20 minute version of Purple Rain, I was hooked!

The output from Prince during the eighties was unmatched and perhaps unsurpassed for pure creative output, albums, tours and movies followed in quick succession, why oh why did I never go see the man? It's now become one of my biggest regrets that I never saw him play live.

I have the music, though Purple Rain is proving a tough listen. Tracks like Raspberry Beret, Little Red Corvette, Cream and Sign o The Times still make me smile and if I were ever to get up and dance, it's going to be to a Prince song!

Musicians come and go, gaining and then losing popularity and sometimes regaining it once more, for me, popular or not, Prince was always going to do something new, something challenging. I didn't like everything he put out.  But what I did like, I REALLY like. I'll be playing many of his albums over the next days and weeks not as some sad remembrance but a celebration of a unique talent.

RIP PRINCE Rogers Nelson 1958 - 2016

The Machine Stops at The Sage

Hawkwind returning to form with a new album and a classic show at the Sage on 18th April 2016.

No support act or onstage dancers/theatrics but a much improved lightshow from last time I saw them and a much better sound, though that's probably down to the excellent acoustics in The Sage.

With a set list that relied heavily on the new album, The Machine Stops, which is based around EP Forster’s dystopian classic,  the band have not sounded this good since their Space Ritual pomp as they take you into their own unique world.

The music they play tonight is mesmerising. Their new bassist is a great find and does all those great Lemmy style bass runs that were so key to the band’s Space Ritual era. Some of the songs stretch out in to long, 10 minute jams, ever changing and evolving with Dave Brock's churning rhyming rhythm guitar at the heart and soul of this performance.

Hawkind 2016 sound like they are on a mission and for a set that is new song heavy and has rare moments of old material like a pulsating Orgone Acculamator and encores, You better Believe It and Silver Machine, this was a very well received playlist from a band that is still pushing the boundaries as well as sounding fresh and relevant.

EM Forsters cult classic is available as a free download if anyone wants an alternative vision of the future!

Lanterns on the Lake

This February brought a very, very special gig. Locals, Lanterns on the Lake performing at The Sage with the Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Before heading to the gig I was to be treated to a birthday meal at River Beat where the food was fabulous, being served in 2 separate platters of a sharing tapas.

On to The Sage and first on stage was Ditte Elly, a voice that was wistful and aching, but far to close to Hazel Wildes to really stand out. Still I'm sure she'll go far.

After a short interval it was time for the main event. The orchestra were already in place when we returned to the hall and a few moments later on trouped the band. Opening strongly with 'Of Dust and Matter' they were on fine form. Playing tracks from new album Beings as well as raiding the back catalogue for some well chosen older songs. You can see the full setlist here.

A real highlight was a wonderful version of Lungs Quicken from debut album Gracious Tide Take Me Home - my personal favourite. Unfortunately pretty much for the entire gig, the guitar was lost in the mix, although it didn't spoil the evening with the Royal Northern Sinfonia providing a real depth of sound.

Like all the best gigs it was over to soon and we wandered on to the concourse to meet up with Lani and Pete. It was quite a surprise to see Simon Raymonde (ex Cocteau Twin) doing a DJ set, We didn't stay to hear his choice of music, instead heading out in to the cold air to grab a couple of drinks before heading home. Little did I realise we'd be visiting a 'secret' bar hidden underneath Bierrex and be sampling a few choice cocktails finally getting home sometime after 2am! A rather good night out.

Last and First

Bit of an apology here as it's been a while now since I updated this and I still have gigs from 1979 onwards to add!

I'm going to jump forward to what was my last gig of 2015, Steven Wilson at The Royal Albert Hall, London, Sept 29th.

Supporting was Matt Berry and his band, sadly they suffered from the fate of many a supporting band in that no-one knew any of their songs. They played an interesting set without really hitting any 'wow' moments.

Of course what a near sell out crowd was waiting for was the main event and what a gig this was, featuring a setlist that pretty much covered his whole career from early Porcupine Tree to songs from his latest solo release Hand. Cannot. Erase. Lots of guest appearances made for a great night and visually it was stunning.

Moving on to 2016 and it's that man Steven Wilson again, this time at Newcastle City Hall on Jan 30th. Two sets, the first being a full performance of Hand. Cannot. Erase. Followed by a mix of Porcupine Tree material and 3 songs from the latest release 4 1/2. You can view the set list here.

Sitting near the back this time, I'd left it late to get the tickets, but at least we had a good view of the projections, which were amazing and fitted the whole tone of the gig perfectly. Opening with First Regret, this was clearly going to be an intense first set. Dave Kilminsters guitar playing was simply superb and the band were really on top form as they played the full album.

The second set was for me the better part of the evening, a much heavier sound as the Porcupine Tree back catalogue was raided as well as early solo work, Index was particularly haunting. The stand out's were Lazarus, dedicated to David Bowie and the encore which included some audience participation... yes audience participation at a sit down 'prog' gig as we all got to our feet and sang the chorus to The Sound of Muzak! The highlight was the last song of the night as we were treated to what's probably the best version of The Raven Who Refused to Sing that I've seen. A great start to 2016's gig going.

I'll leave you with a video of that song, it's well worth watching and listening to.

Theatrics, Jazz and Shoegazing!

The past few weeks has brought a wide range in musical styles, ranging from Alice Cooper theatrics, through 20's and 30's Jazz and ending up with French shoegazing!

First up we had Alice Coopers Nightmare, formed from some long established musicians and bands to initially support the TOMA Fund charity. I got involved by offering to develop the website and produce some promotional material and naturally my wife (Sheelagh) and I would be going along to the gig at The Customs House in South Shields on April 11th.

Took the Metro all the way round from Whitley Bay to South Shields and it didn't take anywhere near as long as we feared it might so we headed to The Steamboat for pre gig drinks. Now I have to say something about this pub, quirky doesn't do it justice, decked out with shipping memorabilia including a rather bizare display cabinet in one of the rooms I can recommend the pub as being well worth a visit. Oh and the choice of ales was excellent too!

A couple of drinks later we headed down to the Customs House, a few people milling around and a pretty good atmosphere as everyone smiled and greeted each other.

We took our seats and waited for the band to appear, typically the start time was delayed so a chance for another drink this time in the Customs House bar. No sooner were the drinks finished than the call was made that the band would be on soon. A fair audience was already seated and we didn't wait long before the band burst on stage. This was everything you would expect from a Alice Cooper tribute band, plus a whole lot more. Every detail, from costumes to props to ghouls and Alice being beheaded, hung, injected and generally 'dealt with' for his misdemeanors. A quick mention must go to Brian Ross of Blitzkrieg and Satan. Not only did he look the part but his vocals were spot on too. In fact the whole band were excellent. It was a great night raising money for a worthy cause.

Just over a week later we were off to see the Vieux Carré Jazzmen celebrating their 60th Anniversary, that's longer than The Rolling Stones!

Okay, I know jazz isn't everyones cup of tea, but these guys can really and I do mean really play. We got a couple of different line ups of the band as they brought in band members old and new. The VCJ ran through three great set of Blues and Jazz standards which not only got the audience swinging along but towards the end of the set most of them were up on their feet dancing or maybe more accuratley 'jiving' away to the sounds from the stage.

Though these two gigs had been good, the one I was really looking forward to was Alcest at the Oran Mór in Glasgow.

Travelling up with Sheelagh, we were meeting my son and his girlfriend to take in this one. A filling meal before hand at the Squid and Whale and we were ready for the gig.

There was a support band, Falloch, they were okay from what I remember but the vocals kind of let everything down a bit. Still I hadn't travelled up to Glasgow to see them so it didn't really matter.

Before long Alcest took to the stage opening with Opale from their latest album and they sounded awesome. Tighter than when I'd last seen them and even a bit audience interaction. the set list took in songs from all their 4 albums but the real highlight for me was the encore, a excellent version of Autre Temps and finishing with Deliverance.

This was another of those classic gigs, audience all 'up for it', band on top form and a small venue where sound and vision were excellent.

If you ever get the chance, go see this band you won't be disappointed.

Not yet morons... wait for it!

So it's off up to Glasgow to see the impressive Amaranthe, their set the previous year was easily one of the best gigs of 2014. This time round they would be playing the O2 Academy on Sauchiehall Street.

I really love the West End of Glasgow, lots of great eating (and drinking) places so met my son Rory, who's up there on a Archaeology degree and we headed off to his flat and find somewhere for some eats. A few drinks later we knew it was time to head to the venue, "We'll just take the overground, it's quick" announces Rory, so we head to the station and jump on the train thats coming in to the station, "Only 4 stops" he announces, so I settle back for the short journey and we begin chatting about Warcraft, another shared obsession. I think obsession is the right word for something we've been playing for over 10 years! Anyway after a little while Rory says "have we missed the station" "No" I reply, "we've not stopped for ages now" "We best get off at the next station and find out where we are" So we get up and wander over to the doors at which point the conductor approaches us " Ya canna get off lads, this train is goin' to Dumbarton, it's the express". Rory looks mortified, "I didn't know there was an express" "Aye there's one a day lads, and you're on it, if ya lucky ya can get tha' 6.15pm train back ta Glasgae" So we arrive in Dumbarton at the allotted time, dash across the platform as the train back to Glasgow comes in and settle down for the journey back, I'm thinking so how much will this cost in fares now, along comes the conductor and we produce our tickets. "Get on the express by mistake lads, dinna worry it happens all the time, ya tickets are good". Now there's an attitude completely lacking here in good old England - why oh why did you not vote for independance!!

Any hows we arrrived in time to catch the last couple of songs from opening support band Santa Cruz, they looked very young and clearly had learnt all the 80's hair metal poses but still had some way to go before they're the finished band. Next up were Engel who had a real Spinal Tap moment as their intro music played, ended and only two band members had arrived on stage, there followed a minutes awkward silence before the rest of the band arrived. They started loud and fast but even though they ran through 8 or 9 songs it was obvious they only knew one way to play and it all became a bit dull.

After a short break on came Amaranthe opening up with Digital World from their new album. Live Amaranthe certainly don't lack energy or presence and they launch straight into their set with little preamble. The guitar, bass and drums provide a meaty backdrop, the samples add that pumping beat and the three singers take turns at the front. Henrick Englund prowls the stage menacingly adding his growls to the sound while Jake E has a strong melodic voice carrying a more melodic vibe.

The most impressive singer of the three is the captivating Elize Ryd who is not only good to look at but has a really impressive, strong vocal talent. This is a strange set up indeed but all the band members are obviously enjoying themselves, especially once they see from second song 'Hunger' onwards that their audience is fully up for a party and totally behind every note.

This is one of those nights where the  audience has decided that this band is for them and they sing, scream, bounce up and down and headbang to everything thrown at them. The band respond in kind and can't really take the big smiles off their faces all night. After a set filled with tracks from all three albums, encores are inevitable and include lead track from their new album 'Drop Dead Cynical'. If you want to hear what Amaranthe's sound is all about this is the track to check out. It's an irresistible slice of bonkers metal meets europop with a great riff matched to thumping big beats. All too quickly it was over, for the obligatory early finish to let the clubbers in, but if thats the price I have to pay to see some good live music, then so be it.

Just a quick footnote, on the second day in Glasgow there was to be an eclipse so Rory, myself and his two flatmates all trooped off to a highpoint behind Glasgow University to witness the event. When we arrived a sizeable crowd had gathered, but as luck would have it the skies were partially cloudy and there was no clear view. The eclipse itself was still some 30 minutes away and everyone was looking to the heavens hoping for that break and as the moment of the eclipse approached, you could feel it getting colder and see it darkening, there was the break in the clouds and the disc of the moon had pretty much covered the sun, a cheer went up and everyone applauded and there were smiles and hugs as the clouds hid it all from sight again. So happy that we'd witnessed the event, we headed back in to Glasgow for a late breakfast and a few drinks before I caught the train back to Newcastle, all in all a great couple of days.