You've Been Gigged

28 October 2010 - Elton John, Roundhouse

2010-11-16T21:05:00.001Z

Elton John, originally uploaded by mlamx2.

xxx

22 September 2010 - Bright Light Bright Light, The Lexington

2010-10-15T21:05:00.000+01:00

Ellie Goulding fans are in for a real treat when they pitch up to her autumn tour gigs. Absolutely do not miss the first opener, Bright Light Bright Light - totally amazing!

At The Lexington once more, this time to celebrate the release of his first single 'Love Part II' on the Pop Justice/Virgin label. No expense spared for this special evening - with a full cast of backing singers, guy dancers, James Yuill on keys and heaps of glam and glitz, Bright Light Bright Light dazzled the sold-out gig with a set of fabulous gotta-dance to tunes. This guy has talent oozing from every pore and is a dab hand at lyrics that set you thinking a bit (no cliches here). Have a listen to 'These Things' above - every word about dead-beat partners is spot on. Our man Rod next heads out a nationwide tour with Ellie Goulding (see http://www.brightlightx2.com/). You lucky people.

21/22 August 2010 - Alison Goldfrapp, V Festival

2010-09-22T17:50:00.001+01:00

Alison Goldfrapp, originally uploaded by mlamx2.

xxxxx

27 June 2010 - Paul McCartney, Hard Rock Calling, London

2010-09-22T17:48:00.001+01:00

13a, originally uploaded by mlamx2.

xxxxx

16 June 2010 - Teddy Thompson, Meltdown Festival, RFH

2010-09-22T17:45:00.002+01:00

Teddy Thompson, originally uploaded by mlamx2.

I'm guessing TT would prefer an informal venue, but when his very close relative (Dad Richard) offered him a Meltdown Festival slot at the RFH he couldn't really turn it down. Teddy's compositions are very country-and-western-meets-rockabilly and this showcase for his next album shows him reverting to 1960s territory. Cue string section, supported as always by The Grey Race. Set list: new - The One I Can't Have; Delilah; Only For A Second; Take Care of Yourself; Take Me Back Again; Over and Over; Looking For A Girl; The Next One; Home; Tell Me What You Want; Gotta Have Someone: old - Can't Sing Straight; What Will I Do (Jenni Muldar?); Babyshambles (with Linda and Kami); Down Low (Kami); Don't Know; One Of These Days; What's This: In My Arms.

We're now told the album 'Bella' won't be released until February 2011 - so I guess I'll have to be patient. My favourite was 'Home' but there are plenty of videos on Youtube to choose from. If he ever runs out of inspiration, though, a covers album would be very welcome - all those gems he has sung recently, such as Persuasion, Genesis Hall, Saratoga Summer Song, the Nick Drakes, Neil Youngs etc - heck, why not?

12 June 2010 - A Celebration of Kate McGarrigle, Royal Festival Hall

2010-06-14T22:04:00.002+01:00

McGarrigle/Wainwright/Thompson gang and friends

Good start to the day when I bumped into 'Bright Light Bright Light' in Covent Garden on my way to the Festival Hall - yay for village London!

Opening Richard Thompson's Meltdown Festival at the Royal Festival Hall, this was definitely a very special and moving occasion - fan-folk had come to see their favourites and of course to remember Kate McGarrigle, who died of cancer in January. Some had seen the McGarrigle sisters perform BITD, and even Richard and Linda Thompson on their 'Bright Lights' tour - and of course many were there to see Rufus, Martha and Teddy. The third McGarrigle sister, Jane, was there too. Richard and Linda Thompson made history being on stage alone together for the first time in about 35 years for 'Go Leave'. The Thompson/Wainwright/McGarrigle bedrock was interspersed with guest slots from Nick Cave, Neil Tenant, and the surprising Krystle Warren - among many others: Teddy Thompson shone for 'Saratoga Summer Song'. However, the real treat was to hear Rufus sing his mother's songs such as 'I Eat Dinner' (with Emmylou Harris) and 'The Walking Song'. Sister Martha was absolutely amazing throughout and she and Rufus really teared up during 'Proserpina', one of the last songs Kate wrote.

Anna McGarrigle nailed it when she said "The really great thing about children is that they're there to sing with you when your sister's not. It's different, but it's also wonderful". Quite.

3 June 2010, Bright Light Bright Light - Bush Hall (opening for The Hooziers)

2010-06-09T20:47:00.006+01:00

Here's a clip from the rather wonderful 'Disco Moment' - there's more to come very soon from this amazing talent, a brilliant single in August 'Love Part II', we're told, and then THE ALBUM. Bush Hall was packed to the rafters for The Hooziers, who had the bright idea of opening with a New Orleans-style jazz band entering the room from the back - such style.

19 May 2010 - Randy Newman, Royal Festival Hall

2010-06-03T17:44:00.000+01:00

A rare opportunity to see this American legend and virtual soundtrack of every Pixar movie you have seen (and a few more besides). Delightfully warm and witty, he warmed to his theme as the evening progressed and cast a few spells of magic. I enjoyed his Buzz Lightyear schtick about the musician's craft being drowned out "by some bulldog on the screen" - that's Hollywood for you. The joke about old rock stars never retiring was given a twist of irony when he got the audience to belt out the "you're dead" chorus to one of the songs. Well worth stepping out for, I'd say.

29 April 2010, Rufus Wainwright - Regent Theatre, Ipswich

2010-06-02T13:34:00.001+01:00

An artist indulged. The first half of the show was given over to a run-through of 'Days are nights: songs for Lulu' - a sombre collection, mostly chanelling Rufus' grief at the impending/actual passing of his mother Kate McGarrigle [she died of cancer in January]. He entered silently and slowly crossed the stage to the piano, dragging a 17-foot feathered train behind him - specially designed by his friend Zaldy. Fair enough, and I'm all for artists exploring the further reaches of their creativity. Several songs will no doubt make their way into the regular set-list - 'Who are you New York', 'Martha' and 'Zebulon' perhaps. But what did it for me was the visuals - a background projection of an eye (R's) heavily made up with black greasepaint, slowly opening and closing like a lizard's eye. There were even tears. We'd been warned/politely asked not to interrupt during this section, but it all got too much for the Glaswegian (?) heckler. I quote: "C'mon Rufie, play us yer f*****g songs!" Twice. Quite.

The second half was very much a requests/best-of show, ranging from 'Poses', 'Cigarettes and chocolate milk', 'Art teacher' to 'Going to a town' - which last one seemed seriously under-rehearsed. It's been one hell of a year (literally) for our man, yet he's touring relentlessly and has Kate's tribute concert at Meltdown in June to work up to. Thankfully, there were hints of the old Rufie, telling us of some of the old stuff "bubbling under", to erupt any time now. So, c'mon Rufie, we're waiting for ye.

12 April 2010 - Bright Light Bright Light, The Lexington

2010-04-16T21:55:00.005+01:00

BrightLightx2 treated us to an awesome run-through of (pleeease) soon-to-be-released album, 'Let Me Believe In Hope'. See for yourselves - it's a real treat.

27 October 2009 - Bright Light Bright Light, Shepherd's Bush

2009-11-01T18:36:00.003Z

Bright Light Bright Light shines at the Bush

I've been banging on for ages on this blog about Bright Light Bright Light (aka Rod Thomas) and was lucky enough to get to see him supporting The Noisettes at Shepherd's Bush. OMG - the new set is absolute dynamite - full to bursting of upbeat, multi-layered, shimmering pop hits with vocals to die for. Some old favourites such as 'Blueprint' and 'Good Times' and a stunning new one 'I'm in love'. He won some new fans that night and with an album in the offing surely Bright Light Bright Light is about to make the break he truly deserves. Catch up with him on myspace.com/brightx2.

18 July 2009 - Fairport Convention Reunion, Barbican Hall

2009-09-11T13:10:00.003+01:00

English folk-to-rock pioneers Fairport Convention re-convened at the Barbican Hall to celebrate 40 years of music making. The early numbers were a bit ho-hum as the evening didn't really kick off until they reached the 1970s 'Liege and Lief' era, where the virtuoso fiddle playing of Dave Swarbrick gave the folk music the punch it needed. Trouble was, Mr S didn't show up ("artistic differences" - come on, grow up!) so it was left to Chris Leslie to do the honours. Not to diss the guy - and he was brilliant - but the whole point of a Fairport reunion was to see the original players (family illnesses excused). The glory 'Liege and Lief' tracks were brilliant - silver-haired folkies doing their own headbanging/nodding like mad.

It being a while since the 70s, there were a fair number of "children of the band" taking part, such as Chris While's daughter and of course 'Father of the House' Richard Thompson managing to field a daughter Kami, son Teddy and ex-wife Linda. (No sign of grandson Zac Hobbs, though.) Kami and Teddy duetted delightfully for 'Who Knows Where the Time Goes' and Teddy's 'Genesis Hall' can be seen here on good old Youtube.

It must have been hard to keep a bunch of talented individuals together back in the day, and easy to see why RT and others decided to branch out on their own.

27 June 2009 - Neil Young, Hard Rock Calling, Hyde Park

2009-06-29T22:47:00.007+01:00

My Oh My ..

That's it - that was officially my best festival set ever ... Neil Young rocking out 'Day in the Life' with bonus added Macca!

I love Hyde Park - turn up, get soaked in a storm and then a great gig (see Aerosmith). Neil Young was headling this time, fresh from his assault on Glastonbury - day two of the UK 2009 Springsteen v Young Festival Smackdown. Same stage set as at Glasto (same clothes even) - mind you it was exactly the same as at the Hop Farm last year, down to the "dove from above" (wtf?), the red telephone and the "art guy" dashing off canvasses of each song.

Odd assortment of supporting acts - got there too late for The Pretenders (who deserved to be higher up the bill), puzzled by Nick Harper (who he?) and not entirely wowed by the Fleet Foxes, who seemed a bit foxed by the whole English festival thing. Not that it mattered, there was no doubt the crowd were there to see Neil Young alone - from the kids to the very proper gentlemen. Our man kicked off with 'Hey, Hey, My My' and never let up for a second. No strutting or posing here - it was all about the music, and rocking good it was too. He was on top form and clearly enjoying every minute. Prayers were answered as he ripped through favourites such as 'Heart of Gold', and for my money 'Get Behind the Wheel' (why not 'Just Singing a Song' too?) but the biggie was ' Rocking in theFree World'. If you saw the BBC coverage from Glastonbury, you'll have some idea of what it was like to have the grunge-meister enchant the whole crowd and goad it with endless joyful choruses of "rock, rock rocking in the free world" while he waved his guitar aloft and from side to side like some screaming light-sabre. (At least that's how it seemed to me and you'll have to excuse me if the detail is wonky but by that point I was very possibly under the influence of (ahem) a bit of passive smoking..)

Well, we pretty much knew that the encore would be 'A Day in the Life', but what a blast it was. Before it began, Neil went off to stage right to greet someone at the side - a pal or industry insider, we thought. When he got to the chorus - yes, on came Paul McCartney and the crowd went wild. I can't do justice to the atmosphere, or describe it properly - so you'll have to see the amazing video for yourselves - http://www.thrasherswheat.org/2009/06/hyde-park-london-england-hard-rock.html

Totally everyone came away happy and slightly dazed - strangers talking about it on the Tube on the way home, for heavens sake. Yup, it was sublime - thank you Neil, thank you Paul and thank you Festival Gods.

Footnote: the next night at Hyde Park The Boss was supposed to have his own special guest Bon Jovi, but the show overran (very strict about Sunday night curfews in the UK). So I guess that makes it Neil Young 2 - 1 Bruce Springsteen.

Set List: Hey Hey, My My (Into The Black) / Mansion On The Hill / Are You Ready For The Country? / Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere / Spirit Road / Words / Cinnamon Girl / F*!#in' Up / Mother Earth / The Needle And The Damage Done / Comes A Time / Unknown Legend / Heart Of Gold / Old Man / Down By The River / Get Behind The Wheel / Rockin' In The Free World // A Day In The Life

5 June 2009 - Ralph McTell, Cadogan Hall

2009-06-28T22:14:00.004+01:00

Still with the 70s, I finally get to re-visit Ralph McTell. What a classy joint the Cadogan Hall is - built as a Christian Scientist church, it has been re-fitted as a very high-quality, all seated concert hall - much like Birmingham Symphony Hall but on a more intimate scale. Superb for solo-ing folkies (Thompsons & Wainwrights please take note), Ralph liked it so much he talked of doing a show there every year.

Families and early influences was a thread running through the choice of songs. We didn't get 'Nana's Song' (dedicated to his wife) but instead the charming 'Growing Old with Naomi' about the long-lasting love between his grandparents. For the musical influences Ralph credited a long list of Blind Willys and Blind Jimmys etc and he put on some very intricate blue-grass finger-picking to prove it. His Dylan homage 'Zimmerman Blues' - "Oh Lord I got the Zimmerman blues!" was hugely enjoyable for me. You see, Ralph's voice is still strong and he interacts with his audience in a good-humoured way - unlike his Bobness. I have the utmost respect for Dylan the poet, but I should tell you that I saw Dylan at the O2 in April this year and was so disappointed in the show I couldn't bring myself to post about it. Until now.

Even "that song" got an airing. As he said, 'Streets of London' had made so many things possible in his life, so couldn't really begrudge playing it. 'Oh England' was green and lovely, 'Long way from Clare to here' was poetic - but no 'Ferryman'? Oh well, maybe next time.

28 May 2009 - Cat Stevens, Shepherds Bush

2009-05-31T22:57:00.008+01:00

Cat's still cool

Baaba Maal nearly stole the show, Bono tried to steal it, but the modest man himself came shining through - part of Island Record's 50th birthday events.

Fronting the opening act (Noxshi) was a tall, leggy young fella, face hidden behind a curtain of dark wavy hair - reminded me of a typical 70s singer - you idiot, YGB, that's the main man's son, Yoriyos. Nice touch, a sort of Father and Son reunion. Then like I said, the next act, Senegalese Baaba Maal, played a fantastic French-African set, more Graceland than Paul Simon's and loads of infectious (African) drums - these guys really let rip and BM's voice is something else.

And yet - the audience had been waiting a long time (in some cases, ahem, a very long time) to see Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens. Maybe not quite the Second Coming (ref. Led Zep) but his songs have been humming along in most people's subconscious for ever. Remember that sone you sang in school assembly/church - 'Morning Has Broken'? - yup, that's one of his. Anyway, once Bono had finished his "surprise" guest appearance/encore with Baaba Maal, the show finally got down to business. It was much like seeing Leonard Cohen at the O2 last year - the audience and artist equally delighted to be there and Cat/Yusuf had much the same gentle graciousness at Mr C. Not that it was a "soft" set - we got a couple of 'Yusuf' songs from his latest album "Roadsinger" and a hefty chunk of 'Cat' back catalogue. At one point he paused to tell the story of his recent deportation from the USA when a gung-ho Department of Homeland Security mistook him for a terrorist suspect (similar name, different spelling). He held up a Wanted poster of Cat Stevens, saying "I am not that man .. I am a man of peace". 'Peace Train' rounded off a very special evening - make sure you catch the clips of the show on Youtube.

Setlist:

Welcome Home
Lilywhite
Don't Be Shy
Where Do The Children Play?
Thinking 'Bout You
The Rain
Just Another Night
Miles From Nowhere
To Be What You Must
The Wind
Wild World (dedicated to his granddaughters)
Boots and Sand
Ruins
Roadsinger
Father and Son
Peace Train

10 March 2009 - Rod Thomas with Band, Hoxton Bar

2009-03-11T21:53:00.005Z

'Until Something Fits' tour

Rod again making the very most of having his band in tow, belted out an up-beat set of older favourites - 'Your Love is a Tease', 'You Get Goodbyes', 'Good Coat' etc - while showcasing some of his very latest tunes. 'Blueprint' is a stormer, as before, but the focus was on the new tracks written with Boom Bip - 'Disco Moment' passing my "three plays and it's stuck in my head" test. The crowd lapped it all up and stomped the floor for more - an acoustic version of 'Until Something Fits', sung down among the folks. Check out his Myspace page - www.myspace.com/rodthomasmusic - for the latest offerings.

Next stop New York and then SXSW in Texas - best of luck, Rod!

Rod Thomas off to the USA!

2009-02-27T08:29:00.004Z

From Liverpool Street Underground to New York and SXSW in Texas - wow, what a progression! I shamelessly missed the recent fundraiser gig at the Wilmington, but it's great to see that Rod is on his way to the USA. Busking again any time soon? - I think not, he's far too busy. Anyways, see if you can catch his pre-USA gig at Hoxton on 10 March (and elsewhere). Go see the noise here. Way to go, Rod!

2 February 2009 - Richard Thompson's 1000 Years of Popular Music, Barbican Hall

2009-02-05T21:38:00.003Z

Another Thompson gig, I know, but what the heck - just glad that January's gig-drought is over. This show was a light-hearted - but expertly delivered - "steamroller ride" over 1000 years of popular music: as the man pointed out, the nobs' music was written down, but the peasants' songs were passed down by word of mouth and had to be darned good to survive. So RT began in the 800s, playing a hurdy-gurdy if you please, going by way of protest songs, such as 'Blackleg Miner', via Cole Porter and Abba, finishing up with those 20th Century favourites The Beatles; not a psychedelic medley a la Neil Young, but some kicking early stuff such as 'I wanna hold your hand' to remind us what a breath of fresh air they were in 1960-something.

Mind you, you have to pay close attention to the chat at a Thompson gig, those witty/caustic asides coming thick and fast, and he whisked us through Latin, French, Middle English and Renaissance Italian "colloquial Renaissance Italian", mind you. Bet you didn't know that Richard I was the John Denver of his day. And yay for James Warren's hit with the Korgis, 'Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime', even if RT doubted that Bath was too nice a place for such creativity - "all those teashops".

Am I fixated on Thompsons? Well, you'd think so if you scrolled down this blog, they're a very talented clan. I think Linda's next on my wish list.

17 December 2008 - Thompson Family Christmas, Queen Elizabeth Hall

2008-12-21T21:26:00.006Z

Loads of Thompsons - Teddy, Richard, Zak, Linda, Kamila

Rejoice, people, for I bring you tidings of great joy - for this night another (Thompson) star was born - grandson Zak Hobbs. Teddy Thompson mc'd a Thompson Family Christmas get-together at the QEH in aid of Amnesty International, and a very special occasion it was - not least because Richard and Linda Thompson were reunited on stage after, oh, far too long. Joining the family were an eclectic set of friends, from the likes of Bert Jansch and Bob Davenport to Justin Bond and Shlomo. The full set list below is courtesy of the nice people at the Southbank Centre.

Teddy and Kathryn Williams opened the show with a beautiful duet of 'Silent Night', setting the very high standard of the evening to follow. It was a treat to see such respected folk artists as Bert Jansch and Bob Davenport, whose voice got stronger and stronger as he sang, on the same bill as the fab-u-lous Justin Bond and Jenni Muldaur. Rachel Unthank and the Winterset, the Northumbrian lassies, charmed us with 'Tar Barrel in Dale' about the New Year's Eve Baal burning ceremony in Allendale, while Shlomo beat-boxed his way through a couple of Christmas numbers.

On to the Thompsons. Kami gave a very sassy 'Purple Christmas' and oh wow! see Zak go on 'Run, Run Rudolph' - keep an eye out for this one - good on guitar and vocals. Richard's party piece was the specially composed 'Wrong Presents' - a wickedly funny song about a boy who has to hide from his friends at Christmas because his doting mother has bought him girls' presents. Teddy reggaed-up the show with his Christmas single - 'Christmas' - (of course) - out on download to raise funds for Amnesty. The really special moment for me was when Linda sang 'Shay Fanyan' offstage; a choked-up Teddy dragged her to the front of the stage to take a well-deserved bow.

Verdict - warm cosy glows all round. More, please, next year and do bring all your folks again.

Set List

SILENT NIGHT - Kathryn Williams & Teddy Thompson
PURPLE SNOWFLAKES - Kami Thompson with BAND, backing vocals - Kami Thompson, Linda Thompson and Zak Thompson
FAT AS A FIDDLE - Chris Difford with BAND
BLEAK MID WINTER/ ANGIE - Bert Jansch
CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE - Ed Harcourt with BAND
FAREWELL REGALITY - Rahcel Unthank and The Winterset
WHITE CHRISTMAS - Jenni Muldaur & Teddy with BAND
CHRISTMAS MEDLEY - Shlomo
THE WRONG PRESENTS - Richard Thompson solo
NEW DEPRESSION - Justin Bond with BAND
ALBERT’S ASHES - Brendan Campbell solo
RUN RUN RUDOLPH - Zak Hobbs with BAND
THE HOLY AND THE IVY - Teddy Thompson, Richard Thompson, Linda Thompson and Bob Davenport
CHRISTMAS - Teddy Thompson with BAND with backing vocals - Kami Thompson, Linda Thompson and Zak Thompson
SHAY FANYAN - Linda Thompson
GOOD KING WENCESLAS - Brendan Campbell solo
BRIGHT MORNING STARS - Kathryn Williams, Neil MacColl and Kate St John/Roger Eno
LAST CHRISTMAS - Kamila Thompson with BAND
WHEN THE BALIFFS CAME - Bob Davenport solo
THE LITTLE BOY THAT SANTA CLAUS FORGOT - Bob Davenport
HOLY THURSDAY / JERUSLUM - Bob Davenport
BOYCOTTING CHRISTMAS - Teddy Thompson with BAND
LET’S NOT FIGHT THIS XMAS - Chris Difford with BAND
CUTTY WREN - Richard Thompson with BAND
TAR BARREL IN DALE - Unthanks with BVs
HAVE YOURSELFA VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS - Justin Bond with BAND
MOONSHINE - Bert Jansch
CHRISTMAS WILL BE JUST… - Jenni Muldaur with BAND, backing vocals Kami Thompson, Linda Thompson and Zak Thompson
BACK DOOR SANTA - Ed Harcourt & Shlomo
BLUE CHRISTMAS – Thompsons with BANDWINTER WONDERLAND – BAND with all

2 December 2008 - Tim and Sam's Tim and the Sam Band with Tim and Sam - Pure Groove Records

2008-12-03T22:06:00.004Z

We London workers are lucky to have a new something to do at lunchtimes - the Pure Groove Records in-store sessions in Smithfield. Today was the turn of tongue-twisters 'Tim and Sam's Tim and the Sam Band with Tim and Sam'. This likeable bunch weave a watery dreamscape of gorgeous melodies (no lyrics - yet) - the oboe and clarinet fitting in seamlessly with the acoustic and bass guitar. Others have picked up on this lot as ones to watch out for (check their Myspace) and they've been remixed by Rod Thomas too, so go check them out. Now.

6 November 2008 - Seth Lakeman, Shepherd's Bush

2008-11-07T17:03:00.002Z

Fiddling Fantastic

Went for a look-see - wondering whether London is too cool for Seth Lakeman, or can a Shepherd's Bush crowd hoe-down with the rest (of course it can). Gig not sold out, but those in the know crowded downstairs. Three wild Swedish ladies of bluegrassy folk - Bakery(?) - belted out a sassy set, reminding me of the Dixie Chicks here a while back. Seth audience - a wide range, but mostly 'Folk'. Things didn't really kick off until the fiddle numbers - 'Kitty Jay' was mesmerising and the crowd urged him on. Note to management - get Seth a couple more fiddle players and then he can really let rip for an extended set. Powerful stuff, mind you.

2 October 2008 - Teddy Thompson, Scala - King's Cross

2008-10-09T12:56:00.005+01:00

"What's This?!! .. Oh Shit! .. I'm feeling happy .."

First of all, hats off to the venue - the re-vamped Scala in Kings Cross is a very decent 1000-person auditorium set on several terraces, so good views all round. The VIP room up in the balcony makes it a good choice for showcase gigs too, I guess.

Second, titfers doffed to Jeff Hill and his fellow Grey Race, who played their own set and went on to play as backing for the rest of the bill. Rufus Wainwright fans will recognise Jeff from the Release The Stars tour (among others).

Bravo to the main man, Teddy Thompson, and you really shouldn't need me to tell you that his most famous parents are Richard and Linda Thompson. Thompson/Wainwright gigs often have some family connection - tonight Teddy mentioned that his mother was in the audience, which prompted shout-outs for Linda from the gentlemen who had come along to see "son of Richard". Teddy has also inherited/absorbed his father's dry wit into his act - his mother had brought him "loads of clean underwear" he joked (well, it's what mothers do).

Relaxed and confident, Teddy played an accomplished, rocking set, drawn mostly from his latest album A Piece of What You Need. He used the Motown trick of playing the same song, the brillian 'In My Arms', first and last - and no-one was complaining. Singing with Grey Race as backing, or solo, each song was fantastic - those fans of James Blunt (the first and last time he appears in this blog - ever) are in for a real treat. There's another tour in early 2009 - why not catch him at Shepherd's Bush Empire in February?

29 September 2008 - Rod Thomas with a Band, Brixton Windmill

2008-10-01T13:34:00.003+01:00

Rod Thomas with band

The It Hugs Back/Rod Thomas Tour. Having a backing band in tow for a change, Rod Thomas put together a gloriously up-tempo set, making the most of live beats and bass lines together with his trademark pedals synths and echoing loops. He took some of his recent favourites - 'You Get Goodbyes' and 'Your Love Is A Tease' among them - shook them up and turned out something new. The infectious new single 'Same Old Lines' put up its bid for more airplay but the real surprise was the rousing finale of 'Blueprint'. Formerly a wistful demo on lastfm, Rob grabbed it by the throat, wrestled it to the ground and then booted it into orbit with a kick-ass new treatment. Awesome. Off you go to his Myspace page and see if you can catch a gig.

"prompting commuters to ..... come down to gigs and blog about his music" - noizemakesenemies

Autumn 2008 Schedule - Folkey-Dokey

2008-09-02T20:55:00.003+01:00

Congratulation to the following acts who have made it onto our Autumn gig schedule:

Folk/Rock/Pop - Teddy Thompson, Scala London, 2 October

Folk/Disco - Rod Thomas, The Borderline London, 22 October

Folk/Folk Rock/Acoustic - Seth Lakeman, Shepherd's Bush Empire, 6 November

Better look lively lads, I feel a set of contorted comparisons coming on ....

17 July 2008 - Leonard Cohen, O2

2008-07-24T13:28:00.002+01:00

For much of the audience, this was an "at long last" event and one we had hardly dare dream of. Despite his age, some 74 years young, Mr Cohen nailed it from the very first song - and kept up the good humour and high standards right through. 'Hallelujah' brought the audience to its feet, in every sense reclaiming the song as his own. Having seen Rufus Wainwright perform this at the Hop Farm earlier, there seems to be a special magic attaching to this number - sing it with conviction, whoever you are, and it will win the day. 'A Thousand Kisses Deep' - recited to a silent, rivetted house - was entirely moving. All in all the audience were as delighted to be there as Leonard was - and his graceful good humour and humility was an example to all.

8 July 2008 - Panic at the Disco, London Astoria

2008-07-24T13:20:00.004+01:00

The Astoria

It’s a real shame that this superb little venue is to be torn down to make way for the Crossrail Link. It looks like a seedy Soho dive on the outside but inside it is a seedy dive with just the right size capacity for a medium-level gig.

Security for the 14-17s was really tight, so the message is bring the ‘rents if you want to avoid hassle (if that’s not an oxymoron). Turning up with your big brother or sister really won’t do, and you’ll be forced to produce passport ID on the spot to prove your age. Not that I could see what the fuss was all about once we got inside. There is no way any of the kids would miss a nano-second of front-of-stage bopping and screaming to even consider looking at the bars.

Two supports – Carter Jonas (parental-advisory lyrics), very Remi Nichol; The Golden Silvers – who amazingly to me were joint winners of the Glastonbury New Talent contest this year. Main act – very slick and professional Panic at the Disco. If “Nine in the Afternoon” hasn’t yet hooked itself into your brain, it soon will have.

6 July 2008 - Neil Young, The Hop Farm

2008-07-21T22:00:00.008+01:00

Festival time - that means the great outdoors and fresh air and sunshine and rain. The Hop Farm paddock is a neat enough site - the ground slopes gently up towards the stage and the acoustics were good - but as far as the traffic logistics went - what a nightmare, one entrance and one exit! If they're thinking of holding this event next year, someone should send Kent constabulary over to the V Festival pronto to see how things should be done.

So - arrived too late for the Guillemots - sorry, but you did sound good from the car park. Rufus Wainwright next, sparking in the pouring rain and once I'd got over my bout of brolly rage (you're standing in a field fer chrissake!) The sun burst out from behind the clouds the moment he starting to sing "Hallelujah" - nice touch that, festival gods.

My Morning Jacket began with a seventies throw-back sound - not unlike John Denver's 'Welcome to My Morning' (just imagine what must have seeped into their subconscious minds when they were little dudes) - but soon pulled out the Flying Vs to get on with some serious head banging. Supergrass were engaging and won the audience over, but Primal Scream didn't seem to get it on - at all.

Nearly six hours after arrival, patience and camel-like tactics paid off (thinking don't eat, don't drink, don't even move) and it was time for the man himself, the king of dirty rock guitar, Mister Neil Young, inspiration for a legion of rockers. The two hours was barely enough to sample a career of such length, of wonderful bravura and devil-may-care musicianship - as if declaring "I'm still here, and I'm still up for it!" Ending with an inspiring "Day in the life" - wonderful. Yes kids, the man did play the Beatles. They're good, these oldies, aren't they!

31 May 2008 - Bruce Springsteen, Emirates Stadium

2008-07-15T22:13:00.004+01:00

It was big, it was rugged, it was your down-to-earth purpose-built entertainment - and that's just the venue. Sadly, the sound was lost even though Bruce did his best to get things moving as the light faded and the torches came out. Quite something to come out of a gig and be escorted by police all the way to the tube - just like a real football crowd I guess.

24 May 2008 - Richard Thompson with Mary Gauthier, Royal Festival Hall

2008-05-26T16:45:00.004+01:00

Double Treat - no, make that Triple Treat

It was good to see Mary Gauthier in London again - this time in her classiest UK venue yet, in support of Richard Thompson at the South Bank concert hall. Mary was in fine form as she gave the Thompson audience a "sampler" set from 'I Drink' and 'Camelot Motel' to the most recent 'Last of the Hobo Kings'. After battling courteously with the lack of feedback in the opening number, Mary wrapped us up in her spell of tales from life on the road and the hurt of post-Katrina New Orleans. Her wry tales between songs are a feature of her performances; tonight there was only time for the back-story to 'Hobo Kings' - which raised much laughter. I think Mary won quite a few converts - if the brisk trade around the cd table was anything to go by - and hopefully she'll be back soon.

Richard Thompson put on a masterful solo performance - as ever making light work of sounding like a full band, rather than a lone guitarist. Only a few songs in, he gallantly abandoned his set-list to play requests - 'Cold Kisses', 'Valerie' etc - although he drew the line at 'My Daddy'. 'Dad's Gonna Kill Me' thrilled again, as did 'Vincent' - but 'Bright Lights' is better sung as a duet. And on it went - preaching to the converted. There were no real surprises until the second encore when he introduced his daughter Kamila for a couple of numbers - her voice very reminiscent of her mother's. Rather like the Wainwright/McGarrigles, the talented Thompson clan is clearly another folk/rock dynasty - look them up at a festival near you this summer.

13 May 2008 - Willie Nelson, Hammersmith Apollo

2008-05-26T16:40:00.003+01:00

The gigs this months are a bit like buses - nothing for ages, then along come several at once. Still, it doesn't do to pass up the chance to see the big W. Audience was full of die-hard Brit fans and teary-eyed Texans as Mr Nelson gave a faultless performance - stronger and better than before. If this is what it's like to be 75 then can I have some of what he's on, please - and lots of it.

12 May 2008 - Chess in Concert, Royal Albert Hall

2008-05-25T17:03:00.008+01:00

Taking a Bow - (courtesy of http://www.icethesite.com/)

Tim, Benny and Bjorn have been tinkering with this musical for a quarter of a century now, but they may at last be on to something. Don't be fooled by the "in concert" tag either - this was almost a full-blown musical with orchestra, choir, two sets of dancers, fireworks, the RAH organ and of course the fantastic lead vocals.

This show attracted a wide audience - from the Grobanites (who knew they were in for a treat), to Abba fans and musical afficionados. Knowing they were being filmed (for cd and dvd) the cast and orchestra gave it their all - no doubt the audio problems will be sorted out in the mixing studio. Josh Groban's powerful voice was outstanding - and obviously a pleasant surprise for those unfamiliar with his talents. Idina Menzel's performance was somewhat scratchy in the first half, good support from Adam Pascal, David Bedella and Marti Pellow, but the new discovery for me was Kerry Ellis, whose "I Know Him So Well" has finally blasted Elaine Paige's voice out of my head. 'Quartet' sung by the principals was absolutely thrilling, the choir's 'Merano' was a joy and 'Anthem', with which Josh closed the first half, was perfection. An evening of total delight - and we rewarded the cast with a five-minute standing ovation. Hopefully everyone can enjoy this when it comes out on general release!

3 March, 2008 - Rod Thomas, The Macbeth, Hoxton

2008-03-06T22:08:00.009Z

Launch party for 'You Get Goodbyes'

Packed out night for the launch of Rod's new single 'You Get Goodbyes' - a catchy number which turns the usual end-of-relationship angst on its head, in an upbeat celebration of honesty and moving on. Toe-tapping-tastic. Check out the 'B' side too, for the gorgeous 'Debris' (now that really is a sad break-up song) and multi-layered acoustic versions of two earlier hits 'Good Coat' and 'Your Love is a Tease'.

A brilliant set from the multi-talented Mr Rod, and he even got the audience included in the loop as chorus to his ukulele number 'Same Old Lines'. Check out his Myspace for more gigs and go dance your socks off.

Rod's web-site for music and all links: here

1 February 2008 - Stackridge, 100 Club, Oxford Street W1

2008-03-02T18:29:00.002Z

Lummy, Stackridge are back!

YBG debated long and hard over this one - nostalgia for the Colston Hall, Bristol and all - but, s*d it, everyone deserves a mid-winter treat, so off down to the Dad pit it was. Labelled in the press as 'Prog-rock', the moniker doesn't do this band any favours - they're quirky and unique, dating from the time when the 'Prog' bit applied to just about anyone who wrote a song over 3.5 mins long. To the basic line-up (guitars, keyboard, drums) add violins, flute, trombone and you start to get the idea. Top this with catchy lyrics (famously the student favourite, Syracuse the Elephant) and you're nearly there. But performance and execution is all - and this they had in spades.

It was good to see most of the original line-up too - Andy Davis, James Warren, Mutter Slater and Jim 'Crun' Walters, plus fine contributions from Glen Tommey and Andrew "Codge" Marsden. Sarah Mitchell and Rachel Hall on violin added the essential string section to Stackridge's unique sound. The band seemed reconciled to the fact that the Stackridge brand is bigger than their individual musical careers and are making sure that this is (at long last) their big comeback year. The delighted punters were of the variety who would book Genesis for their school dance BITD and a hero's welcome was given to the die-hard who had flown in from New York for the occasion. Happy in the Lord were we.

A new album is promised for the summer and the band returns to the 100 Club on 23 May - go and see for yourselves - I promise it'll be fun (and it's not that often you can say that these days).

8 December 2007 - Hello Goodbye + Sherwood + Go-Audio, Folkestone

2008-01-27T17:46:00.000Z

Folkestone never fails to please.

Back to the excellent Leas Cliffs Pavillion - on chaperone duties this time. The RW band (see below) noted the place was like a school hall - well this was Folkestone's Christmas high school hop. The place was heaving with kids having a good time - couples snogging in the corridors, girls crying/throwing up in the loos, lads over-moshing in the mosh-pit, girls girly dancing and the queue for the sweet stall longer than the queue for the bar. Still, the view from up in the Mom'n'Dad pit was excellent.

Another four-act gig - can't remember the first, but second-up Go-Audio were really good. A defo for 2008 festivals, please. Third-up Sherwood - ok, but was that soundcheck really part of the act, lads? Hello Goodbye v good indeed - audience thought they were ace and went mental enjoying themselves - which is always the aim of a good evening.

22 November 2007 - Amy Winehouse, Remi Nicole, Brixton Academy

2008-01-01T17:05:00.000Z

Yes, I know this show was ages ago, but I wanted to process my shock before writing anything. I'm glad someone eventually had the guts to pull the rest of Amy's tour - this night did her no favours at all.

The warm-up - the likeable Remi Nicole - played a competent set, but was let down by her material. I mean you soon get bored with lyrics along the lines of "My boyfriend's c**p, I told him so, Oh-oh-oh-oh, Oh-oh-oh-oh.." (my words, not hers, but you get the idea). Anyway, not bad all round but then there was over an hour to wait before the headliner. Management kept the pa music up loud - every time it dipped you could hear the booing. At last Miss Winehouse put in an appearance - of which you will have read plenty elsewhere. Enough to say, that she has enough talent to become truly great - the building blocks are there (such a stunning voice) - let's hope she overcomes her troubles soon.

15 November 2007 – Rod Thomas + si-cut.db, The ICA

2007-11-18T17:32:00.001Z

A Roundhouse/ICA collaboration

Concentrate, because this blog gets a bit art-house now. The proposition, as cooked up by Henry T’s Entertainment and Nick Luscombe, was to hook up two musicians in a roots’n’shoots’ collaboration, to see what they produce – the Anderson principle here being that for every 1000 near-misses, the occasional success will make the whole thing worthwhile. The set – a bit of Doug, a bit of Rod and then the collaboration - the result of 10 weeks rehearsals at the Roundhouse.

Now the keener reader of this blog will have noticed that I know Rod Thomas’ music quite well – from the unplugged sound in the tiled corridors beneath Liverpool Street Station, to noisy bashes in the livelier bars of Hoxton and Shoreditch. This time Rod had a real theatre to play in, with good acoustics and a professional sound system – oh, and the happy accident of seating – focussing the audience’s attention, which performers can struggle with at Indie gigs.

On the other hand, I don’t know a lot about si-cut.db (Doug Benford), but I can see where he’s coming from and he is clearly well-respected in his own circle; back in May he performed in the Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern, so I guess that puts him firmly in the experimental musician category.

So, back to the roots’n’shoots premise – established/emerging musician, old ways in collaboration with new ways. Well, not quite. In fact the whole preconception is turned on its head. The ‘elder’ party being an electronic techno-wizard – his sole set a composition of music files - layered, pulsing, overlapping and echoing; electronica in free-form with no two performances ever the same. That said, I think his style is more suited to recorded cds rather than a live theatre performance. As he sat slaving over a hot lap-top, I found myself wanting to see what was on his computer screen – was he moving files around in time to the music, or was he watching the swirls from Media Player? The projector screen above his head was begging to be filled with pictures - give this man an interactive whiteboard, please!

The counterpoint to si-cut is young Rod, who has gone back to music’s purer roots, using ‘old’ technology to record and loop real sounds as he goes along, so that he too builds a unique performance each time. And – and he sings. Rod showed what he could do with a loop pedal, handclaps, keyboard and guitar, putting in a short set of his beatier tunes, including ‘Your Love is a Tease’, ‘You’re So Disco’, ‘Good Coat’ and ‘As If’ – one man band meets disco/folk – erm, it really is his own niche.

For the joint performance Rod and Doug presented a set which displayed their respective skills, at the same time showing how two individualists can work respectfully together to produce something new and rather special. Someone had the brainwave of adding graphics – step forward Matt Collet, whose themed films worked a treat and were the necessary third element (see Youtube clip here.) Taking the theme of Play Room, they used different combinations of their respective styles to cast an imaginative spell where electronica gave way to pure notes, and back, sometimes both mixing together under a pulsating overhead echo. Laptop, guitar, keyboard, ukulele, piano, melodica, glockenspiel and vocals were all used (what, no stylophone?). There were instrumental pieces and sung melodies too – the heartbreaker ‘Plastic Lullabye’ being one of the highlights.

Dues were paid to each musician’s particular style, but I couldn’t help wondering which of them gained the most from this collaboration. Rod had the edge in terms of vocals and the sheer number of instruments at his command but there is no doubting si-cut’s über-cool technical skills. It added a spark to see him come out from behind that laptop to play the glockenspiel and keyboard – maybe next time he could sing too.

So hats off to the performers and lots of cred to the brains behind the project. Look them up here for more information and pod casts to download. I'm told there will be an i-tunes EP in 2008 also.

30 October 2007 – Rufus Wainwright, Hammersmith Apollo

2007-11-14T21:38:00.000Z

My final date in this fantastic year of Rufus (although DVD of Palladium performance due in early December). Rufus’s audiences are always an interesting mix of young and old, gays, gals and guys and the large circle bar at Hammersmith is a good place to mingle with the (RWMB) fans, the glitterati and the metropolitan crowd. Had a really interesting chat with two Americans who had been fans of Rufus since whenever and one of whom (like yours truly) had seen R’s mother and aunt - Kate and Anna McGarrigle – perform BITD. So missed the support act completely – apologies to Sean Matthews.

Rufus and band were even more “broochilicious” than before and the set has held up well, with more back catalogue material finding its way onto the set list. Thank you, thank you for including ‘Consort’ – such a beautiful song. The dear boy is working his neenies off this year, what with the Judy project, the new album and world tour and all – come back soon, London loves you, honey!

20 October 2007 – Richard Thompson, The Roundhouse

2007-10-24T22:16:00.000+01:00

A circular tale

One of the grand old men of folk-rock, Richard Thompson drew the audience into a neat circular tale at the superb Roundhouse. He would have us believe that he train-spotted there back in 1959, returning for some hi-jinks in the 60s/70s – pointing out the spot where someone set their hair on fire, right up to the present day where he was playing to a mixed bunch of former train-spotting hippie types and showing the young ’uns a thing or two. (Industrial) circle of life in the old turntable shed, or what – I could go on with the metaphors, but I’ll spare you …

Thompson and his three-piece band played a selection from his excellent new album ‘Soldier of Fortune’ and included a few oldies too. There were nods to Maddy Prior and Linda Thompson – ‘Bright Lights’ sounding odd when sung by two male voices. Ever a protest singer, his latest lambast at the Iraq war (Bag) ‘Dad’s Gonna Kill Me’ is a fierce denunciation of the situation the ordinary grunts find themselves in. But folk is not his only strength – this guy can really punish an electric guitar too – as in rock guitar, not thrash rock guitar.

So an excellent night in an excellent venue (Mary Gauthier could fill this house with a proper bit of promotion – see below). Lots of Dad dancing, Dad air guitar and Dad rock – the young ‘uns seemed to like it too.

14 October 2007 – Mary Gauthier, Arts Theatre

2007-10-23T22:26:00.000+01:00

A small West End theatre is not the ideal venue for Mary Gauthier. With an act far better suited to bar-rooms and stand-up venues, this seemed a strange choice for Mary’s only London date on her 2007 tour. Comparing with her Bristol gig at St Bonaventure’s Social Club, I am guessing that this was a showcase for industry-type guests. It seemed that the fans were seated from Row G back, with guests to the front or even upstairs. Not that there’s anything wrong with hearing gems from the back catalogue, ‘Drag Queens and Limousines’, ‘Camelot Motel’ and ‘I Drink’ to name a few, but there are songs from her new album ‘Between Daylight and Dark’ that deserved an outing. So the very moving ‘Thanksgiving’ gave way to ‘Christmas in Paradise’ as a selection from Mary’s repertoire of “miserable holiday songs” and so on. Another surprising omission was ‘Soft Place to Land’. But enough carping – we can all think up our dream gig.

Mary’s stories, like her songs, are full of truth and wit, particularly when explaining why she’s “a freak” in Nashville, as she can’t sing the usual he-loved-me-and-left-me songs – “that wouldn’t be honest”, she said with a wink. Lots of powerful songs too, with ‘Mercy Now’ (Iraq) and ‘Can’t Find The Way’ (Katrina) being the most topical.

If Mary’s playing at a dive near you, then don’t miss out – you’re in for a treat.

05 September 2007 – Rod Thomas, Hoxton Bar and Kitchen

2007-10-21T16:16:00.002+01:00

“Let’s dance”

I wrote earlier about a gig with a snappy 30-minute slot at the Spitz – well this was Rod Thomas headlining for his home crowd. Opening with his current single ‘Your Love Is A Tease’, Rod then stormed his way through a set of superbly-crafted lyrics set to folkie-pop tunes and genuinely grin-making dance-your-socks-off beats. Others have commented that the lack of a band can be a drawback, but Rod was fully the master of his tricky loop system. This talented Welshman’s assured mix of acoustic guitar and/or loop pedal numbers delivered an infectious set of get-up-and-dance delights. Liverpool Street Station’s favourite busker, make sure you catch him live – utterly brilliant.

Check out Rod's web-site for music and all links: here

August 2007 - Barcelona

2007-10-17T22:10:00.000+01:00

Busker in the Barri Gothic

Not much happening in August, unless you fancy yet another festival of all the 'K' bands (Kaiser Chiefs, Kooks, etc) and the obligatory Amy Winehouse no-show. So to Barcelona - which by the way is a good place to spot buskers, too.

04 July 2007 – Rod Thomas, The Spitz, Shoreditch

2007-10-16T22:14:00.003+01:00

Sadly, The Spitz is now no more – it’s Commercial Street site has been given over to the developers – let’s hope it resurfaces someplace else – preferably soonish.

More Rules – Indie Gigs (Shut up, already!)

Your bar tab will be more than the cost of entry.
Given the entry/drinks price ratio, some punters natter away loudly as if in a pub (which they are really) – so be warned.
Up to four acts per show – expect short sets.
Start late, finish late.

Rod Thomas by day is a busker on the London Underground (yes, the one who makes you catch your breath). By night he becomes a one-man-band outfit with guitar, keyboard, loop pedal and handclaps. Buskers’ “sets” last around 30 seconds, the time it takes to walk past them, so turned up out of curiosity to hear the full versions and was glad I did. Using a live loop pedal means that Rod has to enter the various layers (handclaps, backing lines and so on) before the song can get going. This looks tricky, but the end effect is a gorgeous multi-layered sound – something of an art form here. So a short set of up-beat songs – you can catch samples on his Myspace site – with my favourite, As If. Definitely a feel-good experience, a mixture of folk and pop, but not schmaltzy - Rod has a way with words and there’s always a phrase or two to chew on. Go see for yourself. Go soon.

Check out Rod's web-site for music and all links: here

27 June 2007 – Rufus Wainwright, Leas Cliffs Hall, Folkestone

2007-10-10T22:48:00.000+01:00

(Above, Rufus morphing into Loudon?)

This time it’s not so much the show, it’s more to do with the venue. Leas Cliffs Hall is a hidden gem – one of the best-kept secrets on the concert circuit. It must have started life as a regular seaside ballroom. Now it makes for a wonderfully intimate venue for any sort of act with spot-on acoustics. The hall literally perches on the side of a sheer cliff – the entrance is via a small structure at street level, then you descent two flights of stairs to a small but perfectly-formed, wooden-floored hall. The stage was set along one of the long walls with a wide standing area in front and some seating in a small gallery opposite. Bars in ante-rooms at either end completed a perfect set up. Tip – if a band you’re interested in is to play Folkestone, don’t hesitate, pick up the phone or mouse and book – you won’t regret it. My spies tell me the likes of Motorhead play there, even if it means you’re deaf for a week afterwards.

Rufus and band were clearly taken with the place too – lots of quips about it being like playing at a Barmitzva, or “you kinda expect the floor to open up and there’s a swimming pool”. His Rufusness had spent the afternoon “sitting in my room looking at the ocean while listening to opera and playing with my jewels with the door locked.” Ouch – that’s not (quite) as bad as it sounds – fans have been sending in brooches so that Rufus has enough to deck out his whole band. Just picture this – before each show he sits before the huge jewellery box and doles out items as he sees fit .. and collects them all in at the end of the show. Sometime, if they’ve been good, they get to keep one. Yes, I know, mind-boggling isn’t it.

As for the show – because the songs and the band had settled in so well, and because of the very special venue – this really was a wonderful evening. With the stage so close it was possible for Rufus to interact with the audience properly – he could see we were having a rocking time, so that fed back into the performance. For the spoken section of ‘Between My Legs’ Rufus could see several of us evidently knew the words so he decided on the spot to “let you guys” do the piece – nice idea, but we weren’t miked up. Top marks for the thought, though. Yes, I have lost my critical faculties over this one – but many agree that this was a rather special evening. It almost makes you afraid to go to another show for fear of spoiling the memory. (Well, not for too long.) I’d be hard-pressed to pick out the best moment, but I think ‘Macushla’ did it again. Rufus, honey, you were perfect.

24 June 2007 – Aerosmith/Chris Connor/Jet, Hyde Park, London

2007-10-07T22:33:00.000+01:00

To Hyde Park on a very damp Sunday. Festival Rules here, so a quick look at the merchandise then on to the main stage. Crowd very crowded, herding together to shelter from rain – hah!

Jet played a competent set (in a hey-we’re-supporting-the-mighty-Aerosmith-kinda-way), followed by a commendable performance by Chris Connor. Audience were soaked through by that point and getting a bit tetchy about it. However Chris earned muchos respect y kudos by venturing out onto the stage’s apron and getting soaked too. Big “aah” moment when he brought on his own little guys to sing with their Dad.

Aerosmith - So on to the main act. Stage hands sweeping water off the runway, putting out the fairy lights and deckchairs, the whole bit. Just to amuse itself, the crowd alternately booed or cheered two of the sweepers – must have been worrying for the one who got booed. Rain easing up a bit and then, voila! – out comes the sun and the stars. Messrs Tyler, Perry and co ripped their way through a set packed with anthemic standards – this is not the crowd quietly mumbling-alonga-Bob, this is the full-volume, air-punching, audience-louder-than-the-band type experience.

Thanks to the runway (essential – please note, everybody) had the surreal experience of being about 6 feet away from a spot-lit Tyler and Perry while they sang against the backdrop of a darkening stormy sky. The biz, every second of it.

28 May 2007 – Rufus Wainwright, The Old Vic Theatre, London

2007-10-04T21:57:00.000+01:00

Rufus Wainwright – The Old Vic – each one made for the other. A mid-week evening during the week-long residency, the curtain-raiser on RW’s most ambitious tour so far – UK, US, Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia well into 2008. The theme is Stars and Stripes, the stage decorated with a huge black and white star spangled banner, Rufus and band decorated in stars (brooches) and stripes (jazzy, stripey mis-matched suits and shirts). I quote: “It’s great to have a band – they do as I say and I get to dress them like faggots.” Well, you all looked lovely, guys.

Oh yes, the show – mostly the luscious ‘Release The Stars’ collection, but with a few oldies and Garlands thrown in. Obligatory costume change from dazzling suit to lederhosen (oh my) to fedora tux’n’tights for the finale. As an experiment Rufus sang an old Irish folk song, ‘Macushla’, acapella – you could’ve heard a pin drop. Apparently this was at his mother’s request “Whatever Mamma says, Rufus does!” (such a good boy). So it was tear-jerker one moment, then we were ripped along to the full-on Judy Garland finale of “Get Happy” – see various Youtube clips for the full delirious experience. Audience left gagging for more – just as it should be.

25 May 2007 – Josh Groban, Birmingham Symphony Hall

2007-10-03T21:46:00.000+01:00

'Awake' tour.

With only two UK dates, it was a choice between Hampton Court with doubtful weather and the guaranteed acoustics of distant Birmingham – the day trip to Brum won.

This likeable young performer already has a devoted following of ladies (the Grobanites) – the gig trademark being glowsticks (see Dec 2004). Combine a seriously good venue (a modern, wooden-panelled hall with the ultimate design for acoustics and sight lines) with a seriously good artist (with the ultimate voice for depth and reach) and you have pretty much a perfect evening. One fly in the ointment for me - the West-coast banter was a bit cheesy at times, along the lines of “..even the guys here love me because they brought along the ladies who love me, and they’ll be getting their (“thanks”) later …” Cringe.

Enough of the negative, get back to the voice. Josh’s voice is clear and mesmerising – it’s like listening to opera without the difficult bits. Every song is moving, whether sung in English, Spanish or Italian. There was quite a bit of joshing around with the band, particularly the drummer who had been teaching him “a few tricks” – only turned out to be a 5-minute drum solo from JG which shook a few rafters. Also to be mentioned was a fantastic violin solo (Led Zeppelin) from Lucia Micarelli.

I’m thinking New Three Tenors, I’m thinking Josh Groban, I’m thinking Enrique Inglesias, I’m thinking (fill in your own suggestion) but, hey, Harvey Goldsmith – how about it?

09 & 14 May 2007, Rufus Wainwright (in-store appearances)

2007-10-03T09:06:00.000+01:00

At HMV and Virgin Megastore, Central London, to promote ‘Release The Stars’

Ok, this is the UK Year of Rufus. Thought I’d check out the store previews as a bit of fun. Some more rules:

Store appearance rules:

HMV – turn up early and join the scrum at the back of the store while they block of aisles and set up the stage.

Virgin – basement stage . For wrist-band entry queue early in the morning to buy cd and get entry wristband for later show. Tip – if you just roll up on time you can get a pretty good view from the stairs above.

At HMV the chief prop was Rufus’ sequined scarf with a sequined bear attached. Apparently the naughty dangling bear with interfering with said performer’s performance (you fill in the quote ….) Anyways, first of all were the standard warm-ups ‘Pretty Things’ and ‘Vibrate’, followed by two of the newies ‘ Sanssouci’ and the very moving ‘Going To A Town’. Definitely most promising – definitely looking forward to Old Vic later in the month.

Virgin Megastore. Unable to spend all morning in a queue, took a chance and rolled up a lunchtime for a stairwell spot – excellent view (big thank-you to my tipster at HMV). This time Rufus had his band in tow, including the fabulous Hall and Petruzzelli. More of a buzz to this showlet – Rufus genuinely pleased so many had turned out to see him -and a pleasant surprise for passers by. Hubby on phone to wife “I’m in Virgin and guess who’s playing ….?” Never mind what was he doing spending his lunchtime in town while she was stuck at home – you can just picture it - “That’s nice, dear,” wifey thinking “Lucky so-and-so!”

Live UK premieres of ‘Release The Stars’ and ‘Rules and Regulations’, repeat of ‘Sanssouci’, old standard ‘Art Teacher’ and finishing with ‘Going To A Town’. All compelling, kicking band – looking good for the UK tour.

15 April 2007 – Bob Dylan, Wembley Arena

2007-09-13T22:32:00.000+01:00

Overheard: “Daddy, Daddy, which one’s Dylan?” - “The one in the hat, son.”

‘Modern Times’ tour.

Further Rules of Dylan:

Expect to stand in the stalls, even if you happen to have a seat. There still exist people who are outraged when the front audience stand for Dylan.
More accessible Dylan = wider audience. Wider audience = take the kids (Ok, guilty as charged, but it’s a duty, right?)

Bob and his cool dudes returned to Wembley to promote the most ace ‘Modern Times’ album. On top form, Dylan even played a few songs on guitar (a first for me). Very wide audience this time – lots of kids brought to the shrine of Bob by caring parents (it’s an education, after all, to see the greatest living poet since John Keats). Even if the kids couldn’t see much, they were impressed by what they heard. His Bobness was on top form, playing the best of the excellent newies, as well as a hefty selection of Dylan classics. The set enhanced the general mood of laid-back, good-times toe-tapping bluesy-folk, and I think the mighty one was enjoying himself as much as we were. Ace times.

18 February 2007 – Rufus Wainwright, London Palladium

2007-09-11T22:45:00.001+01:00

The ‘Judy Garland’ Show (first night)

The long-awaited Rufus-does-Judy show finally touched down in London for a starry-starry night at the spiritual home of music theatre. As it was a Sunday (Sound of Music’s night off) the theatre was packed with more luvvies and media types than you could shake a stick at – Sian Phillips, Sir Ian McKellen, Richard E Grant, Ray Davies, David Furnish et al ..

The audacious idea was to recreate Judy Garland’s legendary 1961 show (also performed at the Palladium BITD) song by song. This seems to be something of a life-long ambition for Rufus – the programme note by mother Kate tells of a young Rufus listening almost in pain to worthy folk songs but coming alive when she played a Broadway hit – “That’s what I wanna learn!”

This was no camped-up traipse through Judy-land, this was the genuinely felt channelling of a much-loved singer, with Rufus – as he does – “becoming” the song each time. Obviously there had to be some re-arrangements to allow for his vocal range, and a few songs were turned over to Lorna Luft (Garland’s daughter) and his sister Martha Wainwright. Even so, a whole range of styles were covered that night – no surprise really that he can sing jazz as well as he can sing anything else. The most moving of all was ‘Over the Rainbow’, which Rufus sang sitting on the edge of the stage – I swear I saw a tear in his eye at the end.

What else can I say – this was what theatres were built for.

12 November 2006 – Bruce Springsteen, Wembley Arena

2007-09-09T21:53:00.000+01:00

Back to Wembley for a repeat of the storming Seeger Sessions show. This set has been toured for some months now and it has become more polished and, in becoming more polished, has lost some of its spontaneity. Also, the few ‘Springsteen’ songs don'treally suit being ‘Seegerised’. Patti was absent this time – trouble at home apparently. Bruce explained - “Teenagers, you can’t take your eyes off the little b******s" - which struck a chord with many in the crowd. On the plus side - a good-natured audience (lots of Irish in) and Bruce managed to inject some spark into that gloomy hangar of a place (where the ghosts of past performances flit wailing along the rafters) ('scuse the hyperbole, but that ceiling really bothers me and I don't see how it has been"improved" at all).

Overall, a very good evening – ‘Eerie Canal’ my favourite.

So that’s it for 2006 – hoarse and foot-sore, but generally a happy gig bunny.

04 November 2006 – Mary Gauthier, Roundhouse Studio

2007-09-09T21:30:00.001+01:00

You couldn’t have had two more contrasting audiences converging on the Roundhouse that night. On the one hand retro-romantic-glam-punk rockers for the Dresden Dolls, on the other – well, er, could’ve been their “older, but we ain’t dead yet” folks for Mary Gauthier.

Thomm Jutz, Mary’s superbly-talented backing musician, came out and settled down to tuning his guitar. Mary soon. Thomm strums. Management pops out of the back door and goes back in. Thomm strums. Still no Mary. Ladies near me getting worried – “Don’t worry”, say I, (thinking Oh God, she’s had a run-in with the punks). Thomm strums. Finally, Mary – phew! But she’s as wired and spooked as hell by something and it’s a couple of songs before she starts to relax enough to speak to us.

Mary’s from the Deep South and Hurricane Katrina hit her and hers badly, the grief and anger plain to see in ‘Momma Louisiana’. There were more stories from Mary’s life on the road and some more new songs too. Lots of them. New album promised sometime - “it’s in the queue” – but the music business may not be playing straight with her – well, we’ll see. Wonderfully self-deprecating, Mary acknowledges she does a great line in “miserable holiday songs” – one of the latest being “Thanksgiving at the Prison” where the fine details of families queuing up to visit their loved ones includes the dignified grandma who is frisked not once, but twice: “When they’re done she wipes their touch off her dress, stands tall and walks in”.

Mary was delighted so many waited afterwards for a meet’n’greet. If she’s passing through a town near you, drop by, open your ears and listen – you won’t be disappointed. Oh yes, and Bob Dylan rates her ‘Mercy Now’ – that must please her.

20 August 2006 – V Festival (Chelmsford)

2007-09-09T19:31:00.000+01:00

Rufus Wainwright - Beautiful South - Gomez

Festivals are much like theme parks – lots of attractions but too many punters and only enough time (and space) to get round to a few. There being no fast track, this was for me an ‘Operation Rufus’ – this being his ONLY UK date in 2006. So – the signing tent and then on to the JJB stage.

His Rufusness arrived looking tanned and relaxed. He patiently signed, chatted and good-naturedly posed for pictures with everyone. People wanted to know if he was to bring the Judy Garland show to the UK, perhaps to the Palladium, to which he replied “We’re working on it”.. Such a doll. Trek back to the stage and begin to squeeze to the front of the crowd as fans of other bands left after their sets. Getting closer.

Gomez – a real belter of a set (shame the recorded version turned out to be much tamer). A little closer.

Beautiful South (before the split) – who played their socks off. Closer yet. Result – front of stage.

Then out comes the grand piano and lone guitar stand, some anxious prodding of out-of-tune hammers by concert-pianist-looking roadie and several worried managers, then at last we were ready.

(Oh yeah, the other downside to festivals is that they offer ‘taster’ sets – which is fine if you turn up out of curiosity to hear someone and you’re pleasantly surprised. On the other hand, you’ll only get a “best of” set from your main band.)

Rufus Wainwright. Some Rufus is better than no Rufus and there was absolutely nothing to complain about here. Great songs played to rapt attention, regrettably no peek preview of next year’s album. Droll chat and banter in spades, but the funniest moment was when Rufus got his foot caught in a guitar cable – “Hey, this lead’s trying to hit on me”. Lucy Wainwright Roche (a half-sister) ably supporting - Wainwright gigs being usually family affairs. Come back soon, honey.

15 June 2006 – Dixie Chicks, Shepherds Bush Empire

2007-09-09T19:01:00.000+01:00

“Taking The Long Way” tour

Fired up by a great new album, yours truly jumped at the chance to see these gals for the first time. Tickets at the grimy Bush were being released in phases, so took a chance on standing – and a good thing too – as the circle was entirely reserved for friends’n’family. And it was family too, with their little guys waving to their mommies from the balcony.

Film cameras everywhere, fancy(ish) set and expectations high. The gig was being streamed live on the internet (ahem – please release this somewhere) and in every sense was a “we’re still not ready to make nice” comeback after the kerfuffle over something someone said about George Bush on the same spot in 2003. The show was fairly belting along from the start, but when Natalie Maines stepped up to repeat “I’m (still) ashamed to come from Texas” the place just erupted – no friends of Bush (or Blair) in the house that night.

Business over, we all got down to some serious enjoyment with London doing its best to out-stomp, out-sing and out-Dublin everything else. Cracking atmosphere - and to think some nitwits are about to pull the place down. ‘Top of the World’ was ethereal – you could almost see the skylark up in the fly tower. Top night. Come back soon!

08 May 2006 - Bruce Springsteen with Seeger Sessions Band, Hammersmith Apollo

2007-09-03T22:18:00.000+01:00

The first time the Boss payed Hammersmith he literally threw up with nerves - and it was a career-making show. This night the artist was late - again he threw up outside and again it was a career-making show.

Hammersmith with the downstairs seats ripped out makes for a fine wooden-floored dancehall, perfect for a boot-stomping hoedown. The deep-toned boo-ing from the restless crowd in front turned out to be the faithful calling
"Br-oo-oo-ce". The whole evening was a wonderful sweep through American folk history, playing the blue-collar songs of the people in blue-grass/jazz/blues/folksey styles which made the most of every member of the 20-piece band. The audience had a great time too, not caring that we were being "worked" by a master. We sang, we cheered, we stomped along - was this really London? You betcha! For "Pay Me My Money Down" the band exited the stage one by one, leaving us to sing the chorus on our own for a whole ten minutes. Our nerve didn't break and sure enough the Boss came back to reclaim the show as if not quite believing what he'd just heard. Could barely speak for a week after that one.

25 April 2006 - Chris Rea, Hammersmith Apollo

2007-09-02T22:05:00.000+01:00

Chris Rea had been seriously ill before this gig, which was pretty much the last date on a farewell tour before 'retiring' from frontline performing. Audience turned out as a mark of respect/affection for the canny lad from Middlesborough.

The shocker was seeing Chris obviously in pain during the early numbers. Not sure if it was the adrenalin or the pain-killers which kicked in after a while, but you could see him warming to the job and growing more relaxed. Whatever had happened to the frame, the voice was strong and the technique sure, with almost as many guitar changes as there were songs.

At the end, duty done, a lifetime's songbook played through, a raised guitar salute and he was gone. You did it, you were great - goodbye and God bless, Chris.

06 April 2006 - Bill Wyman hosting Lords Taverners "One Generation 4 Another", Royal Albert Hall

2007-09-02T21:36:00.000+01:00

Bill and his band, Bill and his pals - a starry benefit night. Bill doesn't lead the band so much as fade into the background, as ever barely moving a muscle, while he lets his band (plus whoever turned up that night) get on with it. It's never a lucky dip, though, it's all top-notch stuff - the fabulous Fabba, Kiki Dee, Steve Sanchez, Albert Lee, Andy Fairweather Low (he of the long locks, now bald as a coot). Solid performances, tad over-long as these rambling, everyone-gets-to-do-their-thing gigs are. Spine-tingling moment - Midge Ure's pure rendition of "Vienna" as the years rolled back. Great time had by all - respect, Bill.

2005 - Rufus! Rufus! Rufus! etc.

2007-08-29T22:08:00.000+01:00

01 March - Rufus Wainwright, Islington Academy
04 April - Willie Nelson and Family ( + Mary Gauthier), Shepherds Bush Empire
16 April - Rufus Wainwright, Shepherds Bush Empire
21 November - Bob Dylan, Brixton Academy
29 November - Rufus Wainwright, Hammersmith Apollo

Rufus, Islington. Having stupidly missed an earlier gig, I grabbed the chance to see this 'one-off' spot, billed as a special preview of 'Want Two'.

First, the venue - supposedly purpose-built for live music - hah! Take a large-ish shopping mall 'Superdrug', rip out the fixtures, put in a bar and stage - you get the idea.

Second, the Rules of Standing. Tall units - no problem anywhere. Average height units - get there well before the doors open and head straight for the front of stage area. Smaller units - (apart from "forget it") as before x 10, head straight for the front, do not pass Go, do not stop at the bar ...

Third, the act. Fighting jet-lag and a cold, Rufus's pared-down set was spoiled for me by the poor sound quality and by the fact that I could hardly see a thing (refer to 2 above). Luckily, there was Shepherd's Bush and Hammersmith still to come.

Willie Nelson/Mary Gauthier. When you least expect it, along comes something new and rather wonderful.

Went along to pay my respects to Willie Nelson. Not a die-hard fan, but we were both in London, so what the hell. Support act was 'Mary who?' so, seat taken, a trip to the bar was called for. Then the tour guy announced "some racoon-assed country singer". We don't get than many racoon-asses in London, so was intrigued. The singer in question held the audience's attention from the first note, through the Dylan-esque lyrics to the droll, wry stories of a hard life. Was this a joke? Did the Country folks in Nashville realise they had a gay singer on their hands, singing of the ladies she had loved and lost, just like WN? She knew, we all knew, no-one cared and it was grreat. More, please.

Willie Nelson then showed London how to play a mean gee-tar, moving through dozens of songs in a seamless medley of more Country classics than you realized you knew and only stopping to rest to let his amazing sister show us what she could do on the piano. The Family played a blinder and WN was generous enough to let Mary Gauthier join in with the final songs of the set. We all went home talkin' Texan.

Shepherds Bush Empire. Tatty - yes. Smelly - yes. Good atmosphere - yes. Proper acoustics and sight-lines - yes. Pulling it down for "redevelopment" - yes. Really. I know, I know.

Rufus, Shepherds Bush. Whatever. Rufus with full band, horn section and backing singers (Martha Wainwright no less) put on a really good show. This is pop, pop-opera, pantomime, music-hall and a whole lotta fun. The highlight was 'Oh What a World' where his Rufusness stripped off (slowly) to reveal a rather fetching g-stringed fairy costume with wings and sparkly glow stick wand - to the screaming delight of the front row. (You had to be there ...) The audience didn't want to go home .."I'm so naughty" he drawled wickedly before his third encore. Craazy.

Bob Dylan, Brixton Academy. And now the Rules of Dylan:

Bob plays where he pleases, be in Cardiff or London.
Expect set rotation - no promises.
"Those that are first shall be last ..." The die-hards who queue all day to be 'front standing' do not necessarily get plum spots each time. This was a five-day residency and sometime the chosen ones were let in from the back of the queue.
Go to the Bob Links section on http://www.expectingrain.com/ for the complete reviews (and show some respect while you're there, please).
Expect a body-search at Brixton.
Balcony seats at Brixton are rather good.

Music is meant for places like this. Much better atmosphere = much better gig. Appreciative audience and a bit of Cool Dude interaction – he played a snatch of ‘London Calling’ in honour of the Clash-man who was in that night. Much cheering, so he sang the entire song the following night. The Main Man on keyboards and harmonica throughout – seemed pleased with the evening, though.

Rufus Wainwright, Hammersmith Apollo – early panto.

Warning – this one’s a gusher, so look away now if you’re not a fan.

To Hammersmith for an early Christmas treat – front row seats, too. [The Gods must have been smiling on my booking – rant about internet tickets to come later.] Let’s get the downer over with – already a controversial song, ‘Gay Messiah’ was sung with Rufus/Jesus being crucified. Tacky and tackily obvious, but even worse was the moment when they put a painted mask over his face. Sorry – one level of artifice too many. Can’t see that going down well with Middle America.

Onwards - guest appearance by French & Saunders to “spoil” the Christmas song for Mr Lufa Wetwipe. The rest – this was full on best-of-Rufus-so-far, in extravagant knock’em out mode, from mesmeric piano songs to the camped-up vaudeville of ‘Old Whore’s Diet’ with the band sand-dancing along. Yep, a whole lotta fun.

2004 - Rockin' Oldies (and a Newbie)

2007-08-26T21:40:00.000+01:00

07 October - Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, Royal Festival Hall
12 November - Status Quo, Brentwood Centre
22 December - Josh Groban, Hammersmith Apollo

This is what I imagine the Traveling Wilburys would have been like - really good musicians playing really good music and giving everyone a really great time. Bill's band of seriously professional musicians and singers played for the sheer fun of it - I'd have to list all twelve band members to be fair to one and all. Dead-pan and as laid-back as ever, Bill shunned the limelight but you could tell he was in charge. Surprise of the night - Ronnie Wood shambled onto the stage. It was a case of "Hiya Bill, what you want me to do?" - "Stand there and play, stoopid." Nice one all round.

Status Quo. The Brentwood Cenre must be on about the 'D' or 'E' list of tour categories but, what the hell, it was easy enough to get to. Certainly a dedicated audience and lots of faces being picked picked out by their nibses, Rossi'n'Parfitt. Fan gimmick - blow-up air guitars were handed out among the faithful and held aloft with gusto.

This was a rocking gig - quite literally. You see, the Brentwood Centre is a sports hall and the tiers of seats are pulled out from the surrounding walls. Fair enough when you're sitting down, but as soon as the Quo came on everyone stood up and as they rocked along to "Whatever You Want", the whole structure rocked along too.

Josh Groban. Young Josh hasn't been around as long as the gents mentioned above, but even so his fans have developed their own 'gimmick' - the glow sticks. Oh yes. Went to this as a 'surprise' evening out and was, pleasantly. The boy sure can sing - very strong tenor voice - and a lot of thought had gone into the whole show. The Japanese electro-violin lady was riveting, too.

2003 - Never look back

2007-08-23T22:26:00.000+01:00

15 November – Bob Dylan, Wembley Arena
05 December – Elton John, Wembley Arena

You might think it’s a bad idea to revisit the past, “never look back” and all that, but sometimes the “past” is relative.

In Dylan’s case there is no “past” as such – the Bobster’s music is changing all the time and the way the songs are sung depends on his current mood. Never seen Bob live before, thought it about time I did.

Bob Dylan Inc is a serious business. Grown men devote their lives to his every gig, Oxford dons gather in darkened rooms to listen to rare bootlegs and English professors write books about him. Turning up at Wembley was like stepping back in time – or was it? Sure, there were oldsters weeping as his Bobness mangled ‘Tambourine Man’ with the up-ward inflected whine at the end of each line, but just as many beardies were whooping it up – and there was a large and enthusiastic foreign contingent delighting in the ‘Watchtower’ final encore. Yup, mostly men. Brilliant night, though.

Elton John. Just couldn’t roll back the years on this one. Not Elton’s fault but my expectations were a tad high [see ‘Prehistory’]. Even so, and fair do’s he can really rattle those ivories. Lots of my favourites and some heavenly songs from the ‘West Coast’ album. Good on you, Sir!

Prehistory - dare you look?

2007-08-22T22:33:00.001+01:00

Knew you would. Ok, so it's not vast but for me it's a case of getting it down in print for my own records.

The first. You never forget your first time. Lindisfarne playing to their home crowd BITD. Oh yes, a canny neet aalreet.

But your first "hairs-standing-up-on-the-back-of-your-neck"? Early Elton John who had the audience squealing with bliss as he rocked and stomped his way through his early standards, thumping that grand piano with his six-inch platform boots, rainbow collared cape billowing round him. Electrifying - a crowd of us were still wired-up three days later.

And then? An assortment - some of which I really can't remember that well. Ralph McTell; Yes; Camel supported by Genesis (or was it Yes supported by ELO?) (who cares?); the delightfully silly Stackridge; Richard and Linda Thompson; George Melly with his unforgettable "My canary's got circles under his eyes"; Kate (as in mother of Rufus Wainwright) and Anna McGarrigle; John Denver (in the round, if you please) [don't care, the guy was good and had the knack of making Wembley Arena feel like an intimate space]; Simon & Garfunkle; not-too-wrinkly Rolling Stones; Billy Joel; Brian Ferry; Paul Simon ..

Well, you did ask. Can you honestly say your conscience is clean? Thought not.