Category Archives: Concerts

With camera in hand

Paul Weller: Bath Forum 17.11.21

Leave a reply

Paul Weller and his various incarnations has provided the musical background to my adult life. It’s not to say I enjoy everything he produces, far from it, I just have a deep respect for the manner in which he keeps an authentic approach to music. His integrity and development of his craft makes him a standout artist from the fag end of the 70s. Judging from the fan bash tonight I can see a yearning for the glory hits of the Jam and Style Council, I get that, but he is often at his best when he and his band loosen up with many of his later releases. In my considerations he is simply my generation’s Ray Davies.

16.12.19: The Magic Lantern & Pete Roe

Leave a reply

Properly my last proper gig of the year, but ending on a high note. I realised tonight that I may have overindulged this year on what some may refer to as “difficult music.”   The essence of a beautiful song with its woven lyrics, delivered with real heart and sincerity was in abundance tonight at the Wardrobe Theatre, Bristol. The Magic Lantern and Pete Roe. Beautiful.

 

12.12.19: GIVE A SH*T

Leave a reply

An emotionally conflicted day, yesterday. General election and during the day helping the campaign to hopefully elect a more compassionate government. By the evening attending a fundraising event called Give a Sh*t for local homeless charities. Then leaving the gig after storming performances from Idles, Beak> and Billy No Mates to realise things might not be getting better soon for those much more vulnerable than the most of us. I managed to survive the Thatcher years, and I empathise with those, especially younger people who may be feeling dejected today. It’s exhausting, but remember anything worth struggling for never comes easy.

Beak>

16.05.19: Benjamin Zephaniah, Trinity Centre Bristol

Leave a reply

A highly enjoyable evening with Benjamin, but there is a serious issue of people talking at gigs. I noticed it at the recent Massive Attack shows. A total disregard for artist and audience. Why these people just don’t stay at home, listen to a CD is beyond me. Apart from that Mr Zephaniah was in fine form. The band were tight and a genuinely enjoyable night, which reaffirms my belief that white people can’t dance and we tend not to look cool with dreads.

Lensmen: Mr Wolfs, Bristol 29.10.18

Leave a reply

29.10.18: As I’ve said previously about Lensmen that they are one of the best bands on the independent music circuit at the moment. I finally got to see them perform live Monday evening. A fair collection of vagabonds, strays and inquisitive minds are here tonight to witness them perform which is surprising given its a bitterly cold Monday evening outside. Lensmen are providing the headline set under the SongSmith event, which promotes new and emerging Bristol talent. Its a really solid performance, brooding bass, synths and beats hovering below twisted storytelling that grows in confidence as the set progresses. For those who prefer their music with intelligence then cast your eyes and ears in the direction of Lensmen. You will not be disappointed in my honest and humble opinion. My previous write up with links to the Lensmen’s music, future dates and adventures can be found here.

Glasvagas: The Thekla, Bristol

Leave a reply

17.10.18: Those who don’t know the Thekla venue in Bristol. It can be an uncompromising place for bands to play. There is no hiding place and over the years I’ve seen several a band and artist who’ve ventured out of their bedrooms, garages, and studios to perform at the Thekla and find their abilities stretched and exposed to the elements of this old ship anchored in the Mud Dock, Bristol. Tonight there is an air of anticipation, willing anticipation from the 400 capacity sellout audience to witness Glasvegas perform their 2008 self-titled and platinum-selling debut album. A decade has vanished, but the album still holds as a classic blending guitar feedback that marries the harmonies of the Ronettes with James Allen’s brittle lyrics of loneliness, love, and loss. There no sinking tonight. The first 30 minutes are as near a perfect rock n roll show one could ever envisage and by the end of the night, it is fair to say they Glasvegas had nailed it with 400 people singing word for word the lyrics of each song causing the band to pause their performance, stand back, listen and embrace the feedback and importance many hold their seminal piece of work.