So, Friday night (and some afternoon) was spent in Manchester. Despite my attempt to guide us to the wrong venue, after checking tickets in the Temple Bar, we set off for the correct destination.
Anyway, I did mention the Temple Bar.
There were other bars, but I took no pictures. While the band were astounding, the important thing to me was spending time with my kids (OK, and Ian). We agreed to do this again, possibly without a gig, because this did create a time pressure.
Some pictures I stole from my youngest offspring took on the evening.
It was good to see that Mr Hannon drinks Becks.
One unplanned aspect of the evening was an underground view from under the stage. One needed to stoop, because the Albert Hall is quite old.
Our local, the Three Tuns, did something different last night (different for this pub, anyway), showing that good live music will always attract people.
The place was as busy as it used to be a decade ago, with the gig room full and a busy bar. The style of music wasn’t the norm for the Tuns, but maybe it was time for change.
The Loft Boys and Big Red & the Grinners.
I’ve missed having a jukebox ever since I sold our old one following its death. Regrettably, my attempted repair was a failure and it was taking up a lot of space in a small house.
After a few years, I found a suitable replacement, several weeks ago. Due to impending decorating, the new jukebox was stored in the spare room. Unfortunately, decorating was delayed by the need to work on the van.
But, now, decorating progress has been made, allowing the jukebox to be mounted on the living room wall.
It’s actually older than the old jukebox, early 70s rather than mid 90s, but it’s a lot smaller and has passable built-in speakers.
Best of all, it has had a hard drive fitted.
After seeing Holy Moly and the Crackers at a festival earlier this year, we simply had to buy tickets for last Friday’s gig at the Sage. Well, it was just down the road, after all.
A great night, with solid live band at a cool venue.
Well worth checking out if you have a chance.
The Eventim (previously Hammersmith) Apollo was bouncing last night. Eels.
The Skids. I loved them in the late 70s, but never saw them live. So, they’re back together again and I saw them, in the company of gentlemen, this evening.
And they were stupidly good.
The front man, Richard Jobson, is older than me, but he moves like a twenty year-old. I’m not jealous.
This is probably my best ever purchase. Made in the UK in 1967 and still works as intended. Which isn’t exactly great.
Interestingly, The original owner’s name and address is still in the manual. Courtesy of Google, this was where they lived.
And this is where they bought the record player (although the music shop is long gone).
Before a few months ago, I’d never heard of the Flamin’ Groovies, even though they’ve been around since I was four years old before I was born.
They’ve often been described as the best band you’ve never heard of. I saw them last night for the first, and probably last, time, but had been listening to their stuff in the weeks leading up to the gig. They’re definitely worth checking out.
They were actually minus their front man, due to his being hospitalised following a head injury, so I didn’t see them at their best. However, opening with Shake Some Action, they set the scene for a great night. And it was.
Two amazing new purchases …
Both were released when I was eight.