Ale, music and enjoying life.
Brudenell fairly recently turned up the Northern social club vibe by selling pie and mash. Not just any old pie of course but a Pieminister pie. It’s not that unbelievable then when I enter the venue, walk into the lounge to grab a pint I spot the whole band sat around one of the tables getting stuck into a round of pies. There’s a few looks amongst the crowd of “is that Wire eating pie?” and yeah it is. So what. Anyway, I look across a little later and noticed the band apart from Graham have left and the support is on. I decide to check out the support…
Went along to the Saturday of a 3 day Drill Festival in Leeds which celebrated Wire’s 40th anniversary but looking forward rather than back.
Tickets were around mid-20s mark for the day which was great value considering all the bands you had access to. Checked out a few others including JoeyFat who was very entertaining (watched on by Wire’s rhythm section in the crowd). Lead singer resplendent in what appeared to be a kiddies matador outfit.
Never seen Clinic live but I’ve always had a soft spot for them. They were very good and played a lot of their first album to the delight of the crowd. Will be checking them out live in their own right.
Wire appeared at around 10pm. I think it’s fair to say the crowd were waning by now but they put on a blinding performance. Despite the look back bores “Three Girl Rhumba” got an airing. They continue to release quality albums and put on great live shows. I look forward to their 50th anniversary as there’s no signs of them slowing down.
OK I’ll admit it, I’m not a massive Dears fan. I appreciate their work but I don’t listen to them much or have all their albums or anything. However, to have not seen them in Leeds at less than £20 a ticket would’ve been criminal.
Murray Lightburn’s voice is just as powerful and glorious live as it is on record (obvious comparisons to Albarn and Morrissey avoided). A great performance. The sound mix started a little muddy but half way in it was perfect.
Was looking forward to this for a few months and I wasn’t disappointed.
Into the beautiful Leeds gig mecca that is the Brudenell Social Club, a couple of pints of Three Swords ordered and we’re down the front. The venue isn’t rammed but there’s a healthy turnout.
The opening clicks on Hit The North bellow out of the PA and Brix and Co take to the stage. From there on in it’s a fantastic onslaught (Brix really going for it!) of 80s Fall classics. “Leave the Capitol”, “CREEP”, “Dead Beat Descendent” , “Cruisers Creek”, “Mr Pharmacist” it’s all good. Booked tickets for the next one at Hebden Bridge. Can’t wait.
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.