Went along last night to see Wire at the wonderful Brudenell Social Club. Magic Rock’s “Rapture” ale adding a nice accompaniment to the evenings proceedings.
Support band Xavier appear – Tad mental. 3 blokes, 1 on Roland Sequencer, 1 on Drums and 1 on guitar (no vocals) – They jam for around 40 mins – 2 songs. Dunno how they keep it going for so long, particularly the drummer. First 10 mins prove interesting but I’m kinda bored after that. Some of the crowd seem to really dig it.
Wire appear around 9.30 – We’d already seen them as they did their own onstage final testing 10 mins earlier. They have a new addition to the band – A keyboardist who’s served time in Julian Cope’s band – He adds a much needed melodic layer IMO although at times his glances across the stage remind me of Les from Vic and Bob’s “Big Night Out” – Maybe he’s scared of chives. I’m being too harsh on the chap as he’s certainly adding to proceedings. Colin and co looking quite youthful tonight – Colin has an iPad on a stand in front of him which I think has the setlist on it – There’s a couple of unintended comedy moments this evening. Colin swipes his iPad at the end of every song to see the next track – At one stage he’s playing the ending to one song and rocking out on his guitar – mid strum he swipes the iPad which kinda kills the ending – a bit like shouting “Next!!” at some talent show hopeful. The venue becomes quite warm now. Colin removes his black sweatshirt to reveal another identical black sweatshirt underneath. Maybe it’s the “Rapture” ale but it was pretty comical.
Not bad setlist – Some old classics “Another the Letter”, “Map Ref” and there’s plenty off the new album which sounds much better live. That said the venue’s PA sounds chronic, one of the speakers crackled throughout and the vocals were pretty inaudible. A few interesting encores – One of my fave modern day Wire tracks “23 Years Too Late” doesn’t really work live. Graham’s plum English delivery isn’t really feeling it in this live arena – although Colin’s punk rant chorus is rather splendid.
I’m was already familiar with Ed’s name due to him being the tour manager of the Stranglers when they did their U.S tour in 78’ and Ed’s eventual move to manager in 1980-82. So when I heard he’d written a book I thought I’d take a look. I noticed it was less than a fiver on Amazon so I didn’t think twice about the purchase.
It’s a fantastic read. Ed talks about his first interest with music in the 60s via the coffee houses putting on jazz and folk bands. His break into becoming a roadie “I’m with the band”! Ed talks about experiences with big name bands like it’s just another day at the office. From sharing a joint with Ginger Baker, to working with John and Yoko, leading a 30+ man Stranglers road crew across Europe (and all the adventures that contains!) – It’s all there.
What’s also fascinating is the book’s vibe on the culture (and sometimes choice of drug!) through the 60s,70s and into the 80s.
So for less than the price of a couple of pints if you want to hear some amazing rock n roll stories from someone who was quite often in the right place at the right time then give it a try
Was looking forward to this especially after the previous week’s amazing Sheffield gig.
We booked this one back in Jan and managed to back a Travelodge night near the venue for about £30. After check in we’re sampling a few decent ales in Cambridge Blue, and The Elm Tree (landlord particularly helpful here, talking us through some of his ales and making further pub recommendations).
Burgers in The Brew House and we’re ready to rock!
Back to the Junction we check out the support – Pretty average to be honest. A little later and the band appear. The gig doesn’t really ever get going if I’m honest. Part crowd (who seem younger and more delicate this evening – I’m actually concerned about who I’m near when the rate pogo does occur) and part band – Yan especially seems to be a bit cheesed off and lack lustre this evening. I dunno maybe because we’re spoilt with excellent BSP performances when we get one that’s still fantastic but not as good it really shows.
We both enjoy it though, see a couple of familiar faces in the crowd – I should maybe introduce myself on the forums one day. There’s the usual crowd surfing bear and at the end Nobile throws out cans of beer – I walk away from the crowd – I’m drenched it sweat – I notice a can flying through the air and manage to grab the first one – Becks Vier – Cheers Noble!
I need to check the Buzzcocks anthology book cos I swear the last time I was at the Leadmill was back in 1996 when Buzzcocks was touring their “All Set” album. But the venue seems different in appearance but then almost 20 years have past.
Arriving in Sheffield in the afternoon we grab a couple of cheeky ales in Sheffield Tap where we meet Johnny and Anna. We then check in to the Travelodge to freshen up and then rejoin Johnny and Anna in the excellent Shakespere’s pub (decent selection of ales at very reasonable prices). A quick trip to Pizza Express (needs must) and we’re heading towards the venue via the Rutland Arms (again another quality pub).
In the venue we catch the end of the support (seemed good – wish we’d caught the full set really). Lammy manages to bag a vinyl copy of Open Season on the merch stand – well worth £15 of anyone’s hard earned.
Sometime around 9.30 BSP make their way onto the stage it’s another quality gig – It’s a bit mental down the front but it’s all in good spirits. The usual singing of “Remember Me” with a complete randomer occurs – Bizarrely, whilst pogoing, Cath Aubergine comments on my Stranglers T-shirt.
Friday we’re BSP-ing again – Next up Cambridge.
How many times have I seen this band now? First gig back in 1990 with original singer Hugh Cornwell and now on their 40th year I’m seeing them back at Leeds. This is fast becoming an annual event now. Must be the 6th year they’ve played here in March?
Meeting up with fellow Stranglers buddy Johnny at around 6pm we head to the new and shiny Trinity kitchen. Get some food then we head to Veritas, closely followed by Belgrave Music Hall for some much needed ale.
On entering the venue at around 8.45 the place is rammed – Not sold out I believe but bursting at the seems. Me and Johnny manage to get a decent vantage point at the side near the bar. Band appear at around 9ish and it’s straight into London Lady (strange opener but we’re running through a track off each of their albums over the 40 years).
It’s all good fun, the crowd lap it up. There’s some interesting projection screens behind them showing clips of them throughout the years. It’s a heavy dose of nostalgia served up to a nostalgic crowd and there’s no complaints.
A set that lasts almost 2 hours – We’re treated to some classics. Highlights for me are the Dave Greenfield vocal freak out of Peasant In The Big Shitty, Never To Look Back (nostalgic MKI photos are displayed behind the band), interestingly Coup De Grace warps into Was It You.
Not their best gig but the crowd seem happy and it’s £23 well spent – Yeah I had to buy a ticket!!!