Recent gigs

[David V B]

My turn for Albert Lee tonight in Lytham. Agree his voice is not that strong but he is in his early 80s after all, and his guitar playing more than makes up for it. I first saw him with Clapton in 1980 and he is still wonderful.

Last night something completely different- the Sound of Springsteen in Blackpool. If there is a better tribute band around, I have yet to hear them. Bruce is unlikely to be over this year so this will do just nicely in the meantime.

[Will S]

I've had an unusual (for me, at least) 3 gigs in 5 days. All good, and quite different.

Steeleye Span in Exeter on Wednesday night were excellent - it's the first time I have seen them with Athena on violin.

On Friday evening we went to see Gilmore & Roberts in the tiny Church House in South Tawton - an ancient stone building with probably no more than 50 of us packed in for a totally acoustic concert. No amps or mics. They did a great job.

And then last night we went to see The Unthanks (4 piece version) in Bude.  Despite a piano that was going out of tune as the concert went on, they were excellent as well.  The first time I've seen them but won't be the last if they make the long trip down here again.

[davidmjs]

I've had an unusual (for me, at least) 3 gigs in 5 days. All good, and quite different.

Steeleye Span in Exeter on Wednesday night were excellent - it's the first time I have seen them with Athena on violin.

On Friday evening we went to see Gilmore & Roberts in the tiny Church House in South Tawton - an ancient stone building with probably no more than 50 of us packed in for a totally acoustic concert. No amps or mics. They did a great job.

And then last night we went to see The Unthanks (4 piece version) in Bude.  Despite a piano that was going out of tune as the concert went on, they were excellent as well.  The first time I've seen them but won't be the last if they make the long trip down here again.

Can't imagine Adrian was very happy about that!

[Will S]

He held it in, but you could tell he wasn't really. They ended up switching out one song because he didn't think the piano could cope with whatever they were planning to play and we got Here's The Tender Coming instead (I wasn't unhappy about that).

[Nick Reg]

I've had an unusual (for me, at least) 3 gigs in 5 days. All good, and quite different.

Steeleye Span in Exeter on Wednesday night were excellent - it's the first time I have seen them with Athena on violin.

On Friday evening we went to see Gilmore & Roberts in the tiny Church House in South Tawton - an ancient stone building with probably no more than 50 of us packed in for a totally acoustic concert. No amps or mics. They did a great job.

And then last night we went to see The Unthanks (4 piece version) in Bude.  Despite a piano that was going out of tune as the concert went on, they were excellent as well.  The first time I've seen them but won't be the last if they make the long trip down here again.

Can't imagine Adrian was very happy about that!

The only time I saw them they were a pretty miserable bunch (from what I could see). They were sat in a semi circle , way back on the stage , and were bathed(not sure if thats the right description!) in a dark blue light and were barely visible. I wont describe the music, i left after about 10 minutes, suffice it to say, never ever again..

[davidmjs]

He held it in, but you could tell he wasn't really. They ended up switching out one song because he didn't think the piano could cope with whatever they were planning to play and we got Here's The Tender Coming instead (I wasn't unhappy about that).

Sounds like a fine result.  I don't understand extreme negative views (like Nick's) of the band.  I've seen them a dozen times or more and I think they're one of the best bands I've ever seen live -in all their formats - 4 piece, 5-piece, 7-piece, 12-piece, with Orchestra etc.  As always, horses for courses, I'm sure.

[SteveT]

I must agree with you David, I have also seen them many times and have never failed to be enthralled.

I will be seeing them this Thursday headlining the Woodland Stage at Bearded Theory Festival and am genuinely excited.
I believe King of Rome is back in the set which could be embarrassing for me as whenever I have seen them play it I have started bawling my eyes out!!