concerts

And on cowbell: you!

26/07/2022 by Captain Darling 46 Comments

A propos of nothing, I have just discovered that I have the power to transport you to any gig in history so that you can perform on stage as part of the main act. As if by magic, you can play any instrument (and/or sing, if you like). Which group/singer would you like to join, and when?

To start things off, I will be joining Taylor Swift’s band for the gig that is hopefully linked here, which was part of her 1989 world tour. I could play the triangle, tambourine, or anything, as long as I can be part of what looks like the most joyous time anybody has had on stage (or on a huge revolving platform).

Next I will be off to the Pasadena Rose Bowl for Depeche Mode’s 101 show. I will stand alongside Dave Gahan and get everybody’s arms waving for Never Let Me Down, and discover what it feels like to be in a band at the moment they realise they have really, really made it.

Finally, I will join the Beatles at Shea Stadium. It doesn’t matter what instrument I play as nobody will hear it anyway, but I’d like to find out » Continue Reading.

Gig audiences as social groups

19/02/2018 by Vincent 9 Comments

I was at a Damned concert the other day – great fun. My feeling about concerts by heritage acts these days is that the audiences are becoming warmer with each other, and it’s becoming like we are a regimental reunion for our grandfathers. There is the shared experience, the passing of time, the continued love of a particular act, the recognition of particular moments, the characters who emerge (Jonno, who has seen The Damned over 1000 times)… Hawkwind gigs are similarly communal as are ‘Ver Maiden. Is it that people have given up on cool at last? Not that it is easy to be cool without without a trendy barnett, carrying at least 30 spare lbs of lovingly acquired gut, and a slight wish for the gig to be over by a time which means you can be in bed by midnight.

Advice sought: Cadogan Hall

11/10/2017 by dwightstrut 6 Comments

Anyone with experience of going to the Cadogan Hall? It’s a new one for me and I’ve got tickets to see Richard Thompson there on the 23rd (£50 each!). The tickets say doors 7:30. Anyone who has been there before and might be able to give me an idea of when RT is likely to take the stage?

How is your gig diary shaping up for 2017?

21/02/2017 by Gatz 47 Comments

Now that there is just a hint of spring in the air, and those of us who work office hours are leaving work in daylight, the dormant gig-goer shuffles uneasily from his hibernation and raises his snout to sniff the air. Yes, he thinks, it may be time to think about ‘going out’ again.

I can see that my booked events fall into three chronological groups. March is all about spoken word with front row tickets for Ross Noble on his Brain Dump tour (which will be the third time we have seen him in about 12 months), and favourite author Christopher Priest making a rare public appearance for an interview at the local book festival. I’ve loved Priest’s work since discovering The Prestige on a second hand bookstall more than 30 years ago, but have never met him. We also have an application in for a recording with David Sedaris for the BBC. We’ve applied before but been unlucky, so fingers crossed on that one.

Things then take a folky hue as spring turns into summer with Kathryn Williams at Canada Water in April, The Unthanks at Deptford in May, Fairport’s 50th birthday bash at Union Chapel, also in » Continue Reading.

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