Got myself down to the Boston Arms, Tuffnell Park, for an hour or so. Just wanted to swing by and check it, get the low down, see what was on offer.
...and there was a fair bit actually... in the shape of a Carl, Kyle and Mick hole. Along with Mongrel filling the gaps.
Pretty packed crowd, not bad for a Tuesday probably with it being close to Christmas the giveaway of free festive cheer tuned by a jamming session.
Carlos, Drew and Kyle performed an impromptu Libertines set, only a couple of tracks but more than enough to whet anyone’s appetite. They played ‘Don’t Look Back into the Sun’ and ‘Can’t Stand Me Now’. More than lovely.
Twenty minutes later Mongrel filled their gap playing hits off their forthcoming album. Seemed a lot tighter this time round, not so aggressive or preachy. Jon the reverend rapping it out in a puffa jacket whilst the venue had the heating on...wasn’t just the music making everyone sweaty. The brrrrap girls were their causing a few whistles and ‘here here’ chants. Not sure what they were saying though so I just kept schtum and played nodding-tap-dancer-dog-girl.
Played:
Lies- The Menace- Julian
Following their set, Jon invited guys, girls and fellow musicians out of the audience to join in a jamming session. Mick Whitnall obliged. That was pleasant.
Starting to like this venue. Small enough for the intimacy but large enough for the atmosphere. Toilets are rank though the Irish men with no teeth make up for it i suppose. Just for the comedy value.
The night I had a fag with Carl Barat. Wasn’t worth it, don’t even smoke. One to tell the kids though is s’pose.
Thursday, 18 December 2008
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Beardyman @ Proud 4.12.08
Not many people could get me ravin' on a Wednesday night but if anyone can it's Beardyman (real name Darren Foreman)
And what a lovely bearded man he still is and what an amazing set. The things this guy can do with his voice are out of this world, absolutely incredible. I have no idea how to even attempt a beat box let alone do it for an hour or so rolling out a whole array of tunes. Some kind of human jukebox.
Other than his usual sounds, he did the whole layering and mixing of the different ‘voices’ using equipment and building up songs...that was enough for me right there. But no, he went a step further each time, beating out tunes to the name of....
Bobby McFerrin 'Don't Worry, Be Happy' - 'Popcorn' - Prodigy 'Out of Space' (crowd request) - Nina Simone 'Feeling Good' - Kanye West 'Goldigga' - Jay Z '99 Problems' - Fatboy Slim 'Renegade Master' - Massive Attack 'Unfinished Sympathy'- Bob Marley - Take That 'Never Forget'
Providing the ecstatic crowd ( a mixture of students, music bods and beautiful people) with a melody of soulful singing, trumpets and drums all at the same time, it's the least you would expect from a three piece band, but Beardyman manages to do it all. Alone- one man and his voice. Dazza continues to amaze me.
The night was for Clash magazine’s end of year Revue party – celebrating music and fashion in 2008, with Proud Galleries in Camden accommodating the couple- hundred people. Xbox Rock Band going on in one room, artists performances in the next (ft: Simian Mobile Disco, XX Teens and Baddies) and then each of the stables was occupied by a different activity- from Disco pole dancing (for those who fancied providing a small audience with some 70’s leg action), Bed Head makeovers and a ‘cosy’ barn for chill out. Not to mention the three bars providing refreshments, but at £5 for a bottle of Kopperberg perhaps I should re-consider my choice of drink on my next visit.
And what a lovely bearded man he still is and what an amazing set. The things this guy can do with his voice are out of this world, absolutely incredible. I have no idea how to even attempt a beat box let alone do it for an hour or so rolling out a whole array of tunes. Some kind of human jukebox.
Other than his usual sounds, he did the whole layering and mixing of the different ‘voices’ using equipment and building up songs...that was enough for me right there. But no, he went a step further each time, beating out tunes to the name of....
Bobby McFerrin 'Don't Worry, Be Happy' - 'Popcorn' - Prodigy 'Out of Space' (crowd request) - Nina Simone 'Feeling Good' - Kanye West 'Goldigga' - Jay Z '99 Problems' - Fatboy Slim 'Renegade Master' - Massive Attack 'Unfinished Sympathy'- Bob Marley - Take That 'Never Forget'
Providing the ecstatic crowd ( a mixture of students, music bods and beautiful people) with a melody of soulful singing, trumpets and drums all at the same time, it's the least you would expect from a three piece band, but Beardyman manages to do it all. Alone- one man and his voice. Dazza continues to amaze me.
The night was for Clash magazine’s end of year Revue party – celebrating music and fashion in 2008, with Proud Galleries in Camden accommodating the couple- hundred people. Xbox Rock Band going on in one room, artists performances in the next (ft: Simian Mobile Disco, XX Teens and Baddies) and then each of the stables was occupied by a different activity- from Disco pole dancing (for those who fancied providing a small audience with some 70’s leg action), Bed Head makeovers and a ‘cosy’ barn for chill out. Not to mention the three bars providing refreshments, but at £5 for a bottle of Kopperberg perhaps I should re-consider my choice of drink on my next visit.
Monday, 1 December 2008
Clash night thing @ a North London institution 30.11.08
To shy away from my Sunday Blues I rocked up to the Lock Tavern last night with beans-and-cheese in tow. What a lovely evening was had. Our night was split into three phases.
Phase 1 - Arrived just in time to get a pint of the good stuff and to watch Sam Isaac perform. Very pleasant on my ears. Very Get-Cape-Wear-Cape-Fly-esque...singing tracks on his own with help of some backing vocals by a striking looking girl. Followed by the help from some friends on keyboard, tambourine and a rice shaker thing. Very easy Sunday night listening. Sam also enlisted the hands of the audience, by requesting we clap like the Gypsy King’s at a certain point in one track. I did this and it felt good...
Phase 2- ventured outside for a good ol’ knees up and a sit down to rest my drunk legs. When we went back in, there were balloons everywhere! Whole ceiling was covered, it was a lovely site but also slightly annoying at the same time as I felt someone was tickling my hair - it was in fact just the ribbon. Roses Kings Castles were on next. Bit more of a crowd than Sam had pulled in. Still they (the crowd) got on my tits as a lot of them chose to talk amongst themselves throughout the set. Really riles me. Still Adam performed well, if not a touch sulky. But as discussed last night, if you’re gunna sulk, do it properly and do it big. The end of phase two was met by spending some time with Adam – a business meeting, with family and Virginia and Leicester cheese, which just turned in to a piss take. Standard.
Phase 3- we ventured back inside for headliners Department of Eagles. In keeping with the artist theme for the night, very slow, mellow, pretty, folky type music. Gentle on the ear, pleasant listening. A touch of banter with the crowd, not much though. Was all over quite quickly. Rach tried to make friends with them but they didn’t have much to say for themselves- miserable little fuckers I guess.
And so I ended my day wrapped up in bed with a lovely young lady. Beans and cheese babe, me and you- beans and cheese. x
Phase 1 - Arrived just in time to get a pint of the good stuff and to watch Sam Isaac perform. Very pleasant on my ears. Very Get-Cape-Wear-Cape-Fly-esque...singing tracks on his own with help of some backing vocals by a striking looking girl. Followed by the help from some friends on keyboard, tambourine and a rice shaker thing. Very easy Sunday night listening. Sam also enlisted the hands of the audience, by requesting we clap like the Gypsy King’s at a certain point in one track. I did this and it felt good...
Phase 2- ventured outside for a good ol’ knees up and a sit down to rest my drunk legs. When we went back in, there were balloons everywhere! Whole ceiling was covered, it was a lovely site but also slightly annoying at the same time as I felt someone was tickling my hair - it was in fact just the ribbon. Roses Kings Castles were on next. Bit more of a crowd than Sam had pulled in. Still they (the crowd) got on my tits as a lot of them chose to talk amongst themselves throughout the set. Really riles me. Still Adam performed well, if not a touch sulky. But as discussed last night, if you’re gunna sulk, do it properly and do it big. The end of phase two was met by spending some time with Adam – a business meeting, with family and Virginia and Leicester cheese, which just turned in to a piss take. Standard.
Phase 3- we ventured back inside for headliners Department of Eagles. In keeping with the artist theme for the night, very slow, mellow, pretty, folky type music. Gentle on the ear, pleasant listening. A touch of banter with the crowd, not much though. Was all over quite quickly. Rach tried to make friends with them but they didn’t have much to say for themselves- miserable little fuckers I guess.
And so I ended my day wrapped up in bed with a lovely young lady. Beans and cheese babe, me and you- beans and cheese. x
Thursday, 27 November 2008
The Enemy at The Prince, Brixton
The NME awards launch party was last night (26.11.08) and a mate had managed to win tickets. Expecting some kind of bash it was clear when I got there it was a competition winners thing- lots of kids and Enemy followers, not to brand fans but, well they can't be described anything but a touch chavvy.
We were there pretty earlier to soak up the erm, atmosphere. I just took it as an excuse to perv. summit to do aint it? Didn't last long though, nothing to look at. nice Chandeliers though.
NME editor, whatshisface, introduced the band "that write real anthems and we've been following them since day one" Good for you. They came out to a bit of a roar - took me suprise, was near the front so didnt' notice that many people in there. Still, to be honest The Enemy do have some good tracks. Very Jam and Paul Wellar-esque. I like. Good set list to get the crowd going, of course dedicating (my favourite) We'll Live and Die in these Towns, to Coventry- lucky for them i'm sure.
Still a pleasant evening bumping in to friends and sporting a new haircut. not bad. tucked up in bed by 11pm.
Oh, and the free can o' red stripe was a nice gesture. Reluctantly paid £4 for my a second beverage though...bastards, did they not know there's a credit crunch!
Set list:
Away From Here -40 Days And 40 Nights' -Pressure' -Technodanceaphobic' -Had Enough' -Aggro' -We'll Live And Die In These Towns' -This Song' -It's Not OK' -You're Not Alone'
We were there pretty earlier to soak up the erm, atmosphere. I just took it as an excuse to perv. summit to do aint it? Didn't last long though, nothing to look at. nice Chandeliers though.
NME editor, whatshisface, introduced the band "that write real anthems and we've been following them since day one" Good for you. They came out to a bit of a roar - took me suprise, was near the front so didnt' notice that many people in there. Still, to be honest The Enemy do have some good tracks. Very Jam and Paul Wellar-esque. I like. Good set list to get the crowd going, of course dedicating (my favourite) We'll Live and Die in these Towns, to Coventry- lucky for them i'm sure.
Still a pleasant evening bumping in to friends and sporting a new haircut. not bad. tucked up in bed by 11pm.
Oh, and the free can o' red stripe was a nice gesture. Reluctantly paid £4 for my a second beverage though...bastards, did they not know there's a credit crunch!
Set list:
Away From Here -40 Days And 40 Nights' -Pressure' -Technodanceaphobic' -Had Enough' -Aggro' -We'll Live And Die In These Towns' -This Song' -It's Not OK' -You're Not Alone'
Friday, 14 November 2008
RAZORLIGHT @ Brixton Academy 13.11.08
I’ve had to wait a while but Christ was it worth it. Johnny et al descended on Brixton last night, “the best venue in the world” as quite rightly described by JB himself. I hadn’t got my hopes up too much for a breath taking performance, but I should have done. In my opinion this was one of THE best Razorlight gigs I have been to (and as many of you know I’ve been to a fair few).
Started off with a simple backdrop of the red curtain and a few strategically hung light bulbs. Simple stage set, also looking pretty budget...the band came on and flung themselves straight in to Golden Touch and the crowd orchestrated the backing vocals. Johnny in black jeans, white shirt and black blazer, a side step from the infamous white number he wore for so many years. A sign of maturity? I reckon so. A good one though. (Or word to V’s cousin (their stylist)). Then as if the gig was just for me, the broke out in to (my second favourite track of theirs) Dalston. Genius. Johnny skipped around the stage like a little puppy- you could tell he was excited to be here.
After newbie Burberry Blue Eyes and “new fan classic” In the Morning, the lead thanked us for coming and he waltzed off stage with Andy and Carl. Bjorn hung around playing a solo rift or two. We knew what was up next through. Suddenly the curtains parted and the full stage was revealed. Panels of mirror/lights hung scattered throughout the air. There were still elements of their old stage set though- the lamps/roses/old school piano. It was a nice touch which made me feel I had come to see my family play or something.
Johnny, in my eyes, was on top form. If you haven’t seen the band before (as I’m sure thousands of my fellow gig goers hadn’t) you were in for a real treat, I’m just glad they delivered- although I didn’t expect them not to. Did i? He was really theatrical, which makes a difference to when I saw them at this venue four years ago. He was really singing for the audience rather than for himself (this is how he used to come across all those years ago). I like it though. Saying thanks to the crowd at the end of the gig is also a rarity so to have it two or three times throughout made it that bit more special.
In the past, they had always finished on Somewhere Else and I was interested to see if they were sticking to this or ripping it up for something new. Nah, I was right, course they finished with it. I’ve only listened to Slipway Fires a couple of times, I have my favourites and the ones I think are shit (sorry). Johnny performed a handful of solo numbers, on the piano, Andy on background ‘noise’. Not something I want to see more of as they have their classics in my eyes but it did show Johnny off as this turned (kind of)wholesome man. I like it. No, shut up, I LOVE it.
I couldn’t have written a better set list myself. The fact it had Up all Night and In the City in there just made it for me. (Quite distorted) Set list was:
Golden Touch – Dalston – Burberry blue eyes – In the Morning- In The City – Fall to pieces – Vice – America – Hostage of Love – North London Trash – Stumble and Fall – Can’t stop this feeling – Tabloid Lover – Wire to Wire (loads of stuff in between) Somewhere Else
Just to add – I HATE new fans. I mean I’m glad they like the music but it really gets on my wick when people come down, call themselves fans, think they own the space you’re standing in and then have no idea what over half the set list is... I guess that’s what happens though. You find a ‘new’ band, support them all the way, really pine for them to make it big and then when they do you get a host of bastard “fans”.
I’ve got your backs though kids.
(and thanks to son and Brad for sharing the moment, until next year) x
Started off with a simple backdrop of the red curtain and a few strategically hung light bulbs. Simple stage set, also looking pretty budget...the band came on and flung themselves straight in to Golden Touch and the crowd orchestrated the backing vocals. Johnny in black jeans, white shirt and black blazer, a side step from the infamous white number he wore for so many years. A sign of maturity? I reckon so. A good one though. (Or word to V’s cousin (their stylist)). Then as if the gig was just for me, the broke out in to (my second favourite track of theirs) Dalston. Genius. Johnny skipped around the stage like a little puppy- you could tell he was excited to be here.
After newbie Burberry Blue Eyes and “new fan classic” In the Morning, the lead thanked us for coming and he waltzed off stage with Andy and Carl. Bjorn hung around playing a solo rift or two. We knew what was up next through. Suddenly the curtains parted and the full stage was revealed. Panels of mirror/lights hung scattered throughout the air. There were still elements of their old stage set though- the lamps/roses/old school piano. It was a nice touch which made me feel I had come to see my family play or something.
Johnny, in my eyes, was on top form. If you haven’t seen the band before (as I’m sure thousands of my fellow gig goers hadn’t) you were in for a real treat, I’m just glad they delivered- although I didn’t expect them not to. Did i? He was really theatrical, which makes a difference to when I saw them at this venue four years ago. He was really singing for the audience rather than for himself (this is how he used to come across all those years ago). I like it though. Saying thanks to the crowd at the end of the gig is also a rarity so to have it two or three times throughout made it that bit more special.
In the past, they had always finished on Somewhere Else and I was interested to see if they were sticking to this or ripping it up for something new. Nah, I was right, course they finished with it. I’ve only listened to Slipway Fires a couple of times, I have my favourites and the ones I think are shit (sorry). Johnny performed a handful of solo numbers, on the piano, Andy on background ‘noise’. Not something I want to see more of as they have their classics in my eyes but it did show Johnny off as this turned (kind of)wholesome man. I like it. No, shut up, I LOVE it.
I couldn’t have written a better set list myself. The fact it had Up all Night and In the City in there just made it for me. (Quite distorted) Set list was:
Golden Touch – Dalston – Burberry blue eyes – In the Morning- In The City – Fall to pieces – Vice – America – Hostage of Love – North London Trash – Stumble and Fall – Can’t stop this feeling – Tabloid Lover – Wire to Wire (loads of stuff in between) Somewhere Else
Just to add – I HATE new fans. I mean I’m glad they like the music but it really gets on my wick when people come down, call themselves fans, think they own the space you’re standing in and then have no idea what over half the set list is... I guess that’s what happens though. You find a ‘new’ band, support them all the way, really pine for them to make it big and then when they do you get a host of bastard “fans”.
I’ve got your backs though kids.
(and thanks to son and Brad for sharing the moment, until next year) x
Sunday, 9 November 2008
Cold War Kids @Astoria 7.11.08
Last minute decisions took me to the Astoria to catch Cold War Kids with Jimmy and Andy. Got there just in time to grab a can of cider and find position to the left of the stage. I've been wanting to see CWK for about 2 years now so this had come as a bit of a shock but i was very excited.
They were on for about an hour (i left before the encore) and in this time they played some of their new stuff which i wasn't too familiar with, but sounded great. Still maintaining that strong drum and base with some moving lyrics I didn't think the audience were enjoying it but think they just took some warming up. Hospital Beds came on and the crowd went crazy- although it was an older, more mature audience- no mosh pits, there was a real sense of unity as everyone sang along. makes a change from the younger gigs iv'e been to. Noone shoving around or tredding on your toes, and ppl helpfully moving out the way when trying to get through. yep- i like the CWK audience. My favourite track... hang me up to dry came on. A classic in my eyes, simple and believable and live it's even better. It sent shivers down my spine. An interesting back drop of a skeleton, and some great lighting. At one point the lights were all off and in the pitch black the band just sang and used a couple of torches on the audience. different yet again, simple and affective.
I look forward getting home and listening to their new stuff. Not before I go and see Pete, of course, at The Woodberry Tavern. Got there about half ten in time to chat to a few guys and an american girl who was also there on her own. Alan Wass was up first and I felt I'd been thrown back to the 60's, Forrest Gump and Jimi Hendrix (yes I did just say them in the same sentence). It was wicked though. Real rock out guitar rifts and amazing persona on stage. Also somewhat under the influence, shock. Then came on Cal Roberts, saw him last night, again was really good, and a friendly guy. gets the crowd going, it's obvious that this comes completely natural to him. He went down well. Then we wait for Pete, and wait and wait and wait. And we continue to wait untill it gets to 1am and we just know he's not coming. The General gets up on stage with a real hillbilly band but seems to come together nicely. Have no idea what he's singing but he then breaks into Pentonville and the crowd are all over it. yep, all 30 of us were lapping it up. Gets to 2am and i have to leave, having no idea how i'm getting home, make it eventually though and now i'm suffering from flu. great.
Oh forgot to metion an instrumental band called 52 commercial road. they met at a squat party and this was their first gig or something. they were alright. not as good as the trumpet band the other night. seems to be a new fashion for instrumental bands though....
They were on for about an hour (i left before the encore) and in this time they played some of their new stuff which i wasn't too familiar with, but sounded great. Still maintaining that strong drum and base with some moving lyrics I didn't think the audience were enjoying it but think they just took some warming up. Hospital Beds came on and the crowd went crazy- although it was an older, more mature audience- no mosh pits, there was a real sense of unity as everyone sang along. makes a change from the younger gigs iv'e been to. Noone shoving around or tredding on your toes, and ppl helpfully moving out the way when trying to get through. yep- i like the CWK audience. My favourite track... hang me up to dry came on. A classic in my eyes, simple and believable and live it's even better. It sent shivers down my spine. An interesting back drop of a skeleton, and some great lighting. At one point the lights were all off and in the pitch black the band just sang and used a couple of torches on the audience. different yet again, simple and affective.
I look forward getting home and listening to their new stuff. Not before I go and see Pete, of course, at The Woodberry Tavern. Got there about half ten in time to chat to a few guys and an american girl who was also there on her own. Alan Wass was up first and I felt I'd been thrown back to the 60's, Forrest Gump and Jimi Hendrix (yes I did just say them in the same sentence). It was wicked though. Real rock out guitar rifts and amazing persona on stage. Also somewhat under the influence, shock. Then came on Cal Roberts, saw him last night, again was really good, and a friendly guy. gets the crowd going, it's obvious that this comes completely natural to him. He went down well. Then we wait for Pete, and wait and wait and wait. And we continue to wait untill it gets to 1am and we just know he's not coming. The General gets up on stage with a real hillbilly band but seems to come together nicely. Have no idea what he's singing but he then breaks into Pentonville and the crowd are all over it. yep, all 30 of us were lapping it up. Gets to 2am and i have to leave, having no idea how i'm getting home, make it eventually though and now i'm suffering from flu. great.
Oh forgot to metion an instrumental band called 52 commercial road. they met at a squat party and this was their first gig or something. they were alright. not as good as the trumpet band the other night. seems to be a new fashion for instrumental bands though....
Friday, 7 November 2008
Pete @ The Monarch 6.11.08
So near on a week since I last saw himat that flat, tonight saw the return of Peter at The Monarch. Of course I’m biased- it was great. I’d say he was on top form- banter with crowd, funny one liners, handing out drinks...all in that soft manner which pulled on a few heart strings. A true gent some might say. Before I go off on one though, I’ll digress…
Carl Roberts-support man band thing. Alright. Upbeat, bit folky. I’d compare him to Get Cape Wear Cape Fly- that’s a good thing though, just in my eyes, not overly original. Still, I’ll give credit where it’s due, the northerners efforts to get ‘Pete’s crowd’ going, takes some big kahunas. And he delivered. Next up were The Vaults, and more or less the reason for the whole evening. Let’s see how they deliver.... Not bad actually. Not bad at all. I’d say a cross between The Maccabees (affftttt) and maybe a touch of the wombats? (no, really) however in spite of this they were good and had my foot tapping. I would be interested in seeing them again.
So, back to the real reason we chose to venture to The Monarch...Peter...and what a worthwhile reason it was.
He came in (on time!) and went straight in to The Last of the English Roses and the crowd all took that annoying step forward, at least it got me out the way of the Chinese woman and her looooong gray hair (looked like Gandalf). Pete was really softly spoken placing some great crowd pleasers in between he had the crowd as putty in his hands. It’s weird how one person can cause such emotion amongst a real mix of people- I northern chavs, 18 yr old girls, men, Gandalf and one of the lads.
I didn’t know Wolfman was going to be there so that was a nice surprise, even though he really isn’t an attractive guy - just too skinny. Stop the crack mate and eat a burger. Makes the world a better place, trust me. Still his performance was a hell of a lot better than that at Hackney Empire last month. This time he walked on the stage by himself, could get the words out and in tune. Well done that man.
(You could clearly see the bond between the two of them though- which was warming to see. Pete always looking over at him and then a little hug and kiss as wolfman departed the stage.ahhh)
Pete played some of the classics, which was refreshing to hear since I’ve been rinsing Albion and Shotters Nation on my iPod. Set list moved on to pipey magraw - what a waster - dilly boys – (obligatory sing along) Kilamanjiro – Albion (which tonight ladies and gents went all the way to Twyford, Barking, Watford not Woking though) – Cyclops everyone’s favourite B-Side, isn’t that right Steve?) - Tell the king - Lost art of murder - for lovers (with Wolfman) - Broken love song (with Wolfman) - Salome - a cover / new / rare song?
Finally ending on Time for Heroes and yes there was that smell in the air that Carl might turn up, but he didn’t. Not to the fact that he is on tour somewhere. Still something is coming...and I canny wait.
It all ended a bit abruptly with Pete launching his guitar into the crowd and the bouncers clambering on to get him, the guitar and the crowds all out of there. Pete didn’t give up without a battle though as he stretched back to get his Mac and charger, bless. And I thought he was running back to get me. haha. Still, he bowed down and took his hat off like a gentleman thanked the crowd and was on his way. All seemed a bit staged as it came out of nowhere, leaving my belief in him being so unpredictable a little knocked - nothing to worry about though.
And so I reminisce. Something might be going on tonight but it’s looking unlikely...fingers crossed though ay lads...
x
Carl Roberts-support man band thing. Alright. Upbeat, bit folky. I’d compare him to Get Cape Wear Cape Fly- that’s a good thing though, just in my eyes, not overly original. Still, I’ll give credit where it’s due, the northerners efforts to get ‘Pete’s crowd’ going, takes some big kahunas. And he delivered. Next up were The Vaults, and more or less the reason for the whole evening. Let’s see how they deliver.... Not bad actually. Not bad at all. I’d say a cross between The Maccabees (affftttt) and maybe a touch of the wombats? (no, really) however in spite of this they were good and had my foot tapping. I would be interested in seeing them again.
So, back to the real reason we chose to venture to The Monarch...Peter...and what a worthwhile reason it was.
He came in (on time!) and went straight in to The Last of the English Roses and the crowd all took that annoying step forward, at least it got me out the way of the Chinese woman and her looooong gray hair (looked like Gandalf). Pete was really softly spoken placing some great crowd pleasers in between he had the crowd as putty in his hands. It’s weird how one person can cause such emotion amongst a real mix of people- I northern chavs, 18 yr old girls, men, Gandalf and one of the lads.
I didn’t know Wolfman was going to be there so that was a nice surprise, even though he really isn’t an attractive guy - just too skinny. Stop the crack mate and eat a burger. Makes the world a better place, trust me. Still his performance was a hell of a lot better than that at Hackney Empire last month. This time he walked on the stage by himself, could get the words out and in tune. Well done that man.
(You could clearly see the bond between the two of them though- which was warming to see. Pete always looking over at him and then a little hug and kiss as wolfman departed the stage.ahhh)
Pete played some of the classics, which was refreshing to hear since I’ve been rinsing Albion and Shotters Nation on my iPod. Set list moved on to pipey magraw - what a waster - dilly boys – (obligatory sing along) Kilamanjiro – Albion (which tonight ladies and gents went all the way to Twyford, Barking, Watford not Woking though) – Cyclops everyone’s favourite B-Side, isn’t that right Steve?) - Tell the king - Lost art of murder - for lovers (with Wolfman) - Broken love song (with Wolfman) - Salome - a cover / new / rare song?
Finally ending on Time for Heroes and yes there was that smell in the air that Carl might turn up, but he didn’t. Not to the fact that he is on tour somewhere. Still something is coming...and I canny wait.
It all ended a bit abruptly with Pete launching his guitar into the crowd and the bouncers clambering on to get him, the guitar and the crowds all out of there. Pete didn’t give up without a battle though as he stretched back to get his Mac and charger, bless. And I thought he was running back to get me. haha. Still, he bowed down and took his hat off like a gentleman thanked the crowd and was on his way. All seemed a bit staged as it came out of nowhere, leaving my belief in him being so unpredictable a little knocked - nothing to worry about though.
And so I reminisce. Something might be going on tonight but it’s looking unlikely...fingers crossed though ay lads...
x
Wednesday, 5 November 2008
Mongrel 5.10.08
So...Nik and I descended on some pub called the Boston Arms, similar to the boston matrix, just not as much interest in business. Had a few pints of cider, watched some football- had a go at doing what real lads do. it was alright. little did we know what was in store for us.
We shuffled 
next door to the 'Boston Music Room'. yep...and continued to mingle with mongrel fans who included...Lesley Ash (lips) boy from th Enemy (rat) thingy from Shameless (Lip) boy from Galsvegas (miserable) and of course...Drew (see attached photo).
next door to the 'Boston Music Room'. yep...and continued to mingle with mongrel fans who included...Lesley Ash (lips) boy from th Enemy (rat) thingy from Shameless (Lip) boy from Galsvegas (miserable) and of course...Drew (see attached photo).So the night kicked off about 10.30pm with a lovely little boy band who didnt really have much to say for themselves other than playing el trumpeto (the trumpet). A collaboartion of various types of brass instruments set the flow for a great evening. The band, who were called, death ray protege (at least thats what i made out from Drew shoutin' in my ear 'ole) were amazing. no really, they were. A kind of mix between cuban and french noir film, very prowly, modern, extremely different and worth every second of my attention. the fact they wore Clash and A-Team t-shirts proved they were on trend in the fashion fronts, playing stuff that could have been the soundtrack to Dick Tracey, but werent to be missed. nice.
Following this, a set of around 6 people came one...all looking like they'd just met up in a local library or something, they didn't look like they belonged together at all (hence Mongrel), the expectation was that this wasn''t going to work. So started the beat of the drums, a shake of the tambourine, twang on the base and lashings of weird preachy rap. They loved it though, so the crowd did and what you thought had no way of working, actually did. it was interesting to say the least. Although this wasnt really my thing or something i could get over excited about, I could understand the hype. It's nothing i've heard live before. a complete mish mash of artists all churning out one neat package. Not a sound i'd argue with, just take it for what it is, definitely something I won't forget in a hurry.
Other things to add...
Banter with Drew- check
Weird northern white man, goes by the name of Reverend saying "wagwan blood blood"- check
Collaboration of MC's from "the audience" - check
beat boxer playing drums and trumpet at the same time- check
amongst other things this turned into a freestyling night. not something ive been to before, but something i enjoyed and would go back to. who would have ever imagined Drew playing guitar to some hyperactive girls mc-ing their way through a wednesday night.
untill tomorrow....
Saturday, 1 November 2008
Pete last night 31.10.08
So took little mole with me to see Pete last night at some random flat/games room in Whitechapel. We got there and was told it would be about half hour untill we we could come in. Got talking to a scottish girl called Angelica who was nice, she had come on her own so we took her under our wing. I needed the loo and managed to getth
e guys who owned the flat to let four of us in (we also took on a french girl aswll). We managed to get the asian guys to let us stay, but not before I parted with £20 of my hard earned cashish.
e guys who owned the flat to let four of us in (we also took on a french girl aswll). We managed to get the asian guys to let us stay, but not before I parted with £20 of my hard earned cashish. We sat at the bar and was just chatting to Chris (some kinda bruiser) and Blow (who turned out to be the owner). Not sure who they thought I was but i wasn't the air conditioning man they thought I might have been. I still fixed it when I was asked though. weird. I asked for some music and they put on some lovely drum and base. Not sure how i'm supposed to dance to that at 9pm in the evening but i gave it a go. we were in there for ages before pete turned up, literally about 2 hours. Not sure time it was when Pete turned up but it took me well by suprise. Mole must have thought I was a right weirdo as i literally froze. I think i proceeded to through my arms round Pete as he gave me a little peck on the cheek. that's nice. and no he is not dirty, he's suprisingly clean, apart from the finger tips and flipping tall. I then got Blow (handy) to take me through to the back room and meet him properly. that was just wonderful. was sat in there for what must have been only 5 or 10 minutes but felt like ages. not sure what we were all chatting about but there was some sort of comotion going on.
So before he came out to play there was a lot of quick appearances from Pete. geting drinks from the bar, singing random shit into the mike, all i could make out was "no photos no photos" whatever. He finally came on with a batman mask and nearly knocked me out with his guitar arm thing. didnt mind though, course not. to be honest i didnt know much of the material he played..he was on for about an hour with mik whitnall and alan wass on drums and guitar. (these two charmers proceeded to play a few shambles hits and oasis cigarettes and alcohol after pete's departure. ) The whole thing was quite mellow, and people just seemed to be mesmerised by the boy. it was good though, nice not to be caught up in a mosh pit for once. i wouldnt say he was on top form, he was actually quite scatty, to be expected though really.
so pete vacated to the back room and i was put on door duty by blow. again, weird.
so pete vacated to the back room and i was put on door duty by blow. again, weird.
and now ive just found out he is playing on thursday so untill then...
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