Wasting Time
Ale, music and enjoying life.
Wire @ Wakefield Unity Hall 20th February 2015
Walking into the venue no one checks our tickets – coulda saved £30 there (only joking of course).
One third full at best, the newly revamped Unity Hall looks fantastic but feels a bit empty this evening. The sound mix is horrific. Possibly the worst sound I’ve ever witnessed at a gig (apart from possibly Buzzcocks at Leeds Uni a few years back).
Vocals echo off and bounce around a spacious hall, constant feedback and distortion. I’m dead centre in the hall and it feels like they’re taking the piss a little. That said, always good to see Wire and the setlist (new album heavy) is pretty decent. The new songs sound great “In Manchester” and “Swallow” are particular highlights. “Spent” sounding great this evening as well. The sound does improve towards the end. Booking tickets for Leeds in April.
Julian Cope @ Leeds Brudenell Social Club 6th February 2015
Caught another Cope gig last night at the legendary Brudenell Social club. Another sold out gig and as Lammy said business was booming last night for babysitters.
Not quite as good as the last time he played there (when he had the mellotron) but still an absolute belter and better than the Hebden Bridge gig last year.
Highlights
Out of my mind On Dope and Speed
As the Beer Flows Over Me
Sunspots
and of course Mr Cope’s grotty ass clinging sweat pants.
Le Tigre – Joseph’s Well, Leeds – Thursday, 30th May 2002
Inspired by watching the “The Punk Singer” documentary. Thought I’d post my recollection of this gig.
Well I don’t recall much about it apart from it being a hot fucking day and no air con at a sold out Joseph’s Well. One of mine and Lammy’s first gigs together. Don’t think we were living together at this point.
I remember it being a fun gig. Thankfully Dave Simpson was there and has a review http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2002/jun/03/artsfeatures5
Long Division Festival Wakefield 2013
Recovering from another excellent Long Division festival. The 3rd for me (and for them).
Bagged a £10 Super Early bird ticket – no brainer really. Bit of a weird one. The sun was blazing and I think a lot of people that wouldn’t have bothered were there. Highlights….
“Indie Summer” – Festival’s own ale – very nice too. Although my head doesn’t agree this morning.
Kid Canaveral – Not bad – I think the lead singer is porking Josie Long as she was in attendance – was stood next to her at one point.
Sky Larkin – Fuck me this band are good – Decent Leeds indie band
This Many Boyfriends – Already a fan – Perfect punk pop – if these guys were starting out in 77′ they’d be huge – unlucky for them. Lead singer bounces off stage mid-set – we end up hugging – tad weird!
Ed Tudor Pole – He was playing downstairs in a pub where the patio doors were open and the crowd were spilling out into the courtyard – I’m in said courtyard – can’t see a feckin thing – Sounds alright – Acoustic / protesty style songs.
The Fall – Apparantly they were turning people away from the venue – Typical Fall gig – very hit and miss – That said it’s 10pm – I’ve been drinking for 8 hours – Bump into old forums member McCardigan on the way out – say hello.
Allo Darlin – Can’t remember a thing about this! They came on at 10:45
“Magic Band” York Duchess 14th March 2013
Always been a bit of a Beefheart fan and often toyed with the idea of seeing “The Magic Band” when they’ve toured but never got off me arse. The third part of my 3 different bands in less than a week adventure.
Arriving there half way through “Rory Motion”‘s set I was beginning to wish I’d stayed in the excellent Brigantes but it wasn’t too long until he buggered off and the Magic Band took to the stage. Right from the off they were blisteringly on form. The sound mix was fantastic the venue doing a great job there. I’d never seen a bunch of 60-something blokes bouncing all over the stage so much. One second “Drumbo” is leaning over the “mosh pit” singing into a fans face, the next he’s helping out on the drums, then he’s blasting out some clarinet – Mental.
We’re treated to heavy doses of Trout Mask and Clear Spot mainly. “Circumstances” sounding particularly good. And Rockette Morton’s bass solo was something I’ll never forget. Only downer was that the band didn’t appear onstage until 9.15 and then stopped for a break at 10 – Back on at 10:15 which was a bit of a pain as we had to run for the train at 10.35 so we only saw about 3 tracks of the second set. Itching to see them again !