Went to see Gong + Henge in Liverpool on Saturday. I didn't enjoy Henge so much, but I was definitely in the minority. Gong on the other hand were phenomenal. My mate has previously asked me to go see them a few times but I'm not much of a fan having only listened to Flying Teapot, and although I like it I've never felt the need to investigate further. He recently suggested some songs by the current incarnation plus Master Builder from You and I was converted. The new album (Bright Spirit) is very good, but admittedly I'm approaching with very few preconceptions so if you're a fan of a previous era of the band your viewpoint might be different.

For the past few years I've been to see Soft Machine at Band on the Wall but this year's data coincides with us having a few days in Ambleside. I had a look at the tour dates and coincidentally they are playing Zeffirellis in Ambleside when we are there. My wide firmly declined to accompany me but my 16 year old daughter said she'd come along. I've given her the option of leaving early if she isn't enjoying it but she's already said she'd stay until the end. We'll see...

Also going seeing Hejira, the Joni Mitchel tribute, at BotW on Friday (my birthday ). At least I hope I am - I've dropped enough hints to my wife that it would make a good birthday present!

Kristin Hersh.

Not till October but looking forward to it.

Not really what we expected, an hour of Genesis tunes, a break, then an hour including their own songs, with excessive noodling.

The singer and founder of the band,  Simone Rossetti, has a disconcerting habit of marching off the stage if he isn't singing at that point, like a coke fiend eager for a line. He has two mikes, one at the rear of the stage and one at the front and alternates between them without any visible reason.

His current band consists of Francesco Vaccarezza on drums, Andrea Giustiniani on lead guitars, Valerio De Vittorio on keyboards,  synthesisers & Rossetti's son,  Mattia, on bass, guitars and backing vocals. All extremely competent with Andrea Giustiniani outstanding at times.

Wendy and I would have preferred both halves to be all Genesis songs, we both saw them in the 70s and have happy musical memories.

Try as I might to be fair and even-handed, I can't recommend The Watch.

Sad news. The first band I ever saw in concert  

Showaddywaddy's Trevor Oakes.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/657622-trevor-oakes-of-showaddywaddy-dies-aged-79-leaving-fans-heartbroken

Tonight, a Genesis tribute band at the Pavilion, Llandrindrod Wells.

They're called "The Watch" I believe.

And Hawkwind, Colin!

Next Folkscape gig is Gilmore & Roberts on the 8th of April. It's their 20th anniversary this year and they've a new album of re-recordings of old songs coming out next month.

As for an actual gig Harp & A Monkey are playing an afternoon gig at the Met in Bury on April the 4th.

Also might be tempted to go through to Settle to see one or more of Mikey Kenney, Gigspanner Big Band and Martin Stephenson who are all playing there between the 3rd and 9th April.

I have the expanded Sweet Child 2CD from some years ago, Castle label.  Love it because you get what seems more like a full concert, plus decent bonus studio tracks .