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
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