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Tonight's performance is part of a tour supporting the recent release of Patti Smith's autobiographical book, Just Kids, which focuses on the life and times that she shared with fellow artist and photographer, Robert Mapplethorpe. The evening is a mixture of readings from the book and Smith's music performed in a stripped down, acoustic arrangement with the assistance of Tony Shanahan, on keyboards and guitar, and Lenny Kaye on guitar. |
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I’ve seen Doves a handful of times this year already. Always an event, I’ve watched them fight through a bout of flu that would have felled most bands and turn the electric proms into a Mancunian delight by combining with the London Bulgarian choir, and with Magazine as support. I’d still pay to see Jimi Goodwin in one of the choir outfits but tonight it’s the familiar jeans and shirt, not that you see much of him under low level lighting. |
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If Marillion set out to produce brand new acoustic arrangements of selected highlights of their extensive back catalogue to give Steve “H” Hogarth a rest from writing, as he suggested tongue firmly in cheek, then that would be a shame... |
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The Assembly in Leamington Spa seems like an odd venue to stage a death metal gig, what with its Art Deco ballroom appearance (which the website reliably informs me was designed by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen during its renovation in 2006!). Having previously flicked through up and coming gigs, I can see no other killer death metal line-up like this evenings on the horizon and observing the security staff they certainly appear to be on edge! |
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I was unsure of what to expect from reverend as I have not seen them before but I need not have worried- it was awesome! As we waited for the band to enter and I looked round at the crowd, what stunned me was the sheer age range they draw. Easily teens to mid forties and that’s impressive to reach out to such a myriad of generations. The band hail from Sheffield and since they first came together in 2006 have had tight links with the arctic monkeys (whom they supported back in April 2006) and the infamous ‘plug’ in Sheffield where they previously hosted a monthly club night ‘reverend sound system’. |
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This was a night of the somewhat unexpected, from the pitifully poor turn out to the surprising turn of events during the encores. |
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Johnny Marr is in The Cribs! - a bit of an obvious statement maybe, but true nonetheless. Let me explain: I had the misfortune to see Modest Mouse at the height of Johnny's much publicised involvement with that band. In spite of all the protestations to the contrary he was not a real member of the band.. |
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The Lurkers' 2008 album-opener pokes fun at ageing punks who think that music died in 1979 but tonight was a celebration of all that. Whilst a lot of bands are touring their seminal albums, Buzzcocks have decided to go one better by playing their first two albums Another Music In A Different Kitchen and Love Bites in their entirety, with a few singles at the end just to finish everyone off... |
