Dec 16

The Bootleg Beatles @ Birmingham NIA - 16th December 2009

The Bootleg Beatles When I first reached my seat in the NIA to see The Bootleg Beatles, I looked around and wondered whether I was at a pop concert or a night at the bingo. I was by far the youngest person in the audience and I looked around to see a brigade of elderly fans, all of whom seemed to be tucking into their individual dinner trays. This made me wonder about the night which lay in store, as I modestly consider myself to be the biggest Beatles fan in the world, I was unsure whether to expect a faithful rendition or a cheap parody, would it be a hollow spectacle or a true tribute to the greatness of the Beatles?


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Nov 24

Rodrigo Y Gabriela @ Birmingham Academy - 24th November 2009

Rodrigo Y Gabriela A dreary Tuesday night in Birmingham city centre and, while thousands head towards the NIA to witness Lily Allen going through the motions, those in the know are at the Academy to witness one of the most spectacular musical groups on the planet - Rodrigo Y Gabriela.


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Nov 19

Kasabian @ The NIA, Birmingham - 19th November 2009

Kasabian There aren’t many superlatives that haven’t been used to describe Kasabian over the past year, especially when it comes to their live performance. In our last review of them at their De Montfort Hall gig we described them as “an enormous sound and euphoric uplifting performances combining the pomp of the Stone Roses and Primal Scream and the showmanship of Faithless” We were in for a treat.


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May 13

Counting Crows + The Hold Steady + Blind Pilot @ Birmingham NIA - 13th May 2009

Counting Crows Let me just start by saying that if you ever get the chance to see Counting Crows live, no matter what the cost, do it. Anybody reading this hoping to see me write that it was ‘more like counting sheep’ will be disappointed.


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Dec 17

The Bootleg Beatles @ Birmingham NIA - 17th December 2008

The Bootleg Beatles Back up in the 'cheap seats (as John would say)' with a drink or two inside you is the best place to be when The Bootleg Beatles take you on their magical journey through The Beatles' greatest hits. The illusion is so good... from the costumes, back drops, wigs, head bobs and bows the spectacle is quite something, these guys actually do resemble the fab four.


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Nov 20

Cliff Richard @ Birmingham NIA - 20th November 2008

Cliff Richard I know what you are thinking - a Cliff Richard concert; a review of the most mocked man in showbiz. An easy target for criticism, like shooting a big fish in a small barrel. Well, hold on to your hats, I went in an ardent sceptic and came out just a non-believer...


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Nov 19

Elton John + Jamie Lidell @ Birmingham NIA - 19th November 2008

Elton John As the lights went down and the cloth was lifted from Elton's piano, there was a roar of applause. Sir Elton John made an unpretentious appearance on what has to be the most pretentious stage I have ever seen. The floor was marble effect which reflected the giant letters spelling out his name, massive screens at the back of the stage, his red piano was on an illuminated star with his band behind him. The opening track was Bennie and the Jets...


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Oct 28

Al Green + Gabrielle @ Birmingham NIA Academy - 28th October 2008

Al Green Gabrielle opened tonight's show to what was initially 60% of the NIA Academy's capacity. During her set late arrivals continued to pour in, yet this did nothing to deter her performance. A modest supporting band and backing singers who somewhat lacked finesse didn't make for an unforgettable performance, although Gabrielle herself was on form vocally and genuinally excited to be supporting Ali G!


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Oct 13

Oasis + Twisted Wheel @ Birmingham NIA - 13th October 2008

Oasis Oldham trio, Twisted Wheel opened for Oasis with ‘She’s A Weapon’. Their sound is an interesting combination of 80s Sex Pistols type punk, Brit pop and tinny 50s style rock guitars and they clearly have a decent following. The not even half full NIA crowd listened respectfully and Twisted Wheel’s fans enjoyed their performance. They played a nice combination of fast and slow beats that draws upon their many influences giving a good varied set, however the lyrics are quite repetitive at times...


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Oct 04

Stevie Wonder @ Birmingham NIA - 4th October 2008

Stevie Wonder There is no support for tonight's show, it is all about the soul legend that is Stevie Wonder. I couldn't believe I was going to be reviewing the show and then to find out our seats were close to the stage added further to the excitement. The N.I.A is a complete sell out, even the restricted view seats have been sold, and looking around, you can see the wide appeal Stevie Wonder has, with the audience made up of people of all ages...


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