Recent gigs

[Lubiloo (Lorna)]

Josh Tillman aka Father John Misty at The Glasshouse. Brilliant, musically, showcasing his new album, Mahashmashana and some more classic numbers, too….Sadly,it was too loud, for me, in such a small venue (Sage One)  to the point that I could barely hear!

That said, a packed venue and many people were clearly having the best time, especially those in the ‘mosh pit’ with whom he engaged through eye contact and gestures…whereas he admitted ( in the encore) his preference not to do a repetitive spiel, a few words would have been welcome here and there to engage the rest of the crowd, but the music did the talking for most.

When he did a few songs more acoustically, it was a dream come true to hear his voice live. I shall listen to my LPs again, to hear the beautiful songs properly.

The support act, Loren Kramar, was brilliant…just him and a guitarist, quite a unique stage presence and a most beautiful voice.

[David V B]

The wonderful Stevie Wonder at Lytham Festival. Totally joyous and a tremendous backing band. Few people can match him for the quality of his back catalogue and we got loads of great songs, including two Sly Stone songs in tribute. Corinne Bailey Rae was a very good support act. Now for Simple Minds and Texas on Sunday.

[Adam]

Duran Duran, Exeter. I honestly think that they are in my top 3 live acts of all time (REM are unlikely to ever be dethroned). Amazing setlist, combining all the big hits and a couple of very deep cuts (track from Red Carpet Massacre, anyone?). Le Bon’s voice was incredible, and as I’ve said before, John Taylor is a seriously good bass player. I left feeling euphoric, grateful for having shared the night with my wife and daughter, and the fun friendly people around us. That’s how it should be.

[David V B]

Lytham Festival has had a mixed year with Kings of Leon cancelling through injury and then high winds causing another night to be cancelled. (High winds off the Irish Sea, whatever next?) Th final night more than made up for it though. Enjoyed Cast who I didn’t previously know whilst Simple Minds put on a great show. When they were good they were very good indeed. Perhaps some of the lesser known tracks got a bit samey, but am glad I have seen them at last.

I might be being a little down on them because they were preceded by Texas who were sensational. Didn’t expect that - I recognised far more of their hits than I had remembered and Sharleen Spiteri was sensational. Engaged brilliantly with the audience, funny, and a great voice. I would hurry back to see them.

[davidmjs]

Lytham Festival has had a mixed year with Kings of Leon cancelling through injury and then high winds causing another night to be cancelled. (High winds off the Irish Sea, whatever next?) Th final night more than made up for it though. Enjoyed Cast who I didn’t previously know whilst Simple Minds put on a great show. When they were good they were very good indeed. Perhaps some of the lesser known tracks got a bit samey, but am glad I have seen them at last.

I might be being a little down on them because they were preceded by Texas who were sensational. Didn’t expect that - I recognised far more of their hits than I had remembered and Sharleen Spiteri was sensational. Engaged brilliantly with the audience, funny, and a great voice. I would hurry back to see them.

Was there an 'Alarm' set by the late Mike Peters' lad?

[GubGub (Al)]

Home Service at The Ropetackle in Shoreham on Saturday night. I had been struggling all day with various aches and pains and their knock on effect on my mood. I had to force myself to go to the gig. I could easily not have done. All of this melted away early during the first set. They were quite magnificent.

I did think Bob Fox was struggling slightly vocally early on. Nothing major. It just sounded as though his voice needed a few days off but it improved quickly as his vocal cords warmed up to the point where The Old Man's Song about half way through the first set was unbearably moving. Look Up, Snow Falls, Scarecrow, Peatbog Soldiers, Alright Jack all absolutely fantastic and proof positive of the restorative qualities of great music.

No Michael Gregory on drums though. Not sure why as he was on the recent live album.

[David V B]

Yes, he was on first. They changed the running order so I didn’t see him. It’s why I caught half of the set by Cast.

Sadly, one of the (several) flaws of the Festival is that they don’t allow chairs so I don’t go for the full day. Feet still hurting 24 hours on.

Lytham Festival has had a mixed year with Kings of Leon cancelling through injury and then high winds causing another night to be cancelled. (High winds off the Irish Sea, whatever next?) Th final night more than made up for it though. Enjoyed Cast who I didn’t previously know whilst Simple Minds put on a great show. When they were good they were very good indeed. Perhaps some of the lesser known tracks got a bit samey, but am glad I have seen them at last.

I might be being a little down on them because they were preceded by Texas who were sensational. Didn’t expect that - I recognised far more of their hits than I had remembered and Sharleen Spiteri was sensational. Engaged brilliantly with the audience, funny, and a great voice. I would hurry back to see them.

Was there an 'Alarm' set by the late Mike Peters' lad?

[David V B]

Friends went to see ELO at Manchester Co-op last night. Having paid the extortionate food prices, they were in their seats at 8.15 when it was announced that Jeff Lynne was ill and the concert was cancelled. Needless to say they - and many others- were not impressed.

[ColinB]

Paul Zervas and Kathryn Pepper doing their Joni Mitchell tribute show at Lancaster Grand. Kathryn has certainly nailed Joni's voice and their backing band were all very good. I'm not the biggest JM fan but knew a fair few of the songs, especially those from the early albums.

The encore was the inevitable Big Yellow Taxi followed by a lovely rendition of River. The final song was Both Sides Now which I must admit made me a bit tearful what with is being the 5th anniversary of our Jude's passing tomorrow.

I don't go to see many tribute acts but this was excellent. They've got a few more dates coming up this month and are playing at Shrewsbury Folk Fest on the Friday and Saturday.

https://www.zervaspepperjonitribute.com/

[davidmjs]

Paul Zervas and Kathryn Pepper doing their Joni Mitchell tribute show at Lancaster Grand. Kathryn has certainly nailed Joni's voice and their backing band were all very good. I'm not the biggest JM fan but knew a fair few of the songs, especially those from the early albums.

The encore was the inevitable Big Yellow Taxi followed by a lovely rendition of River. The final song was Both Sides Now which I must admit made me a bit tearful what with is being the 5th anniversary of our Jude's passing tomorrow.

I don't go to see many tribute acts but this was excellent. They've got a few more dates coming up this month and are playing at Shrewsbury Folk Fest on the Friday and Saturday.

https://www.zervaspepperjonitribute.com/

Their own (non-tribute) work is also well worth checking out.