tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54705106718246374752024-03-19T03:15:40.921+00:00The Glass Walking-StickThe Glass Walking-StickSimon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.comBlogger1063125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-35060532118214362492024-02-18T22:21:00.002+00:002024-02-18T22:25:30.986+00:00Steranko Sunday: X-Men 51<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7AhQIIIBXovgP9AML1r8M5oVTRKi0dpkRMTKhJKkntIYa3xGOBBmS5mViqsLtdPiilLbEnUuxc-mf_tYs5pCxzkWvJVdoGc23LD8I1U8OYvs3vCM7DpJ_kQzhMWRF_8B3eaCeIO6N7r6ZD7VCcbY0M4C_kAP_jWMSoOVsf0fG0D2-v1QttpshCks_Vuk/s3792/X-Men%2051.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3792" data-original-width="2596" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7AhQIIIBXovgP9AML1r8M5oVTRKi0dpkRMTKhJKkntIYa3xGOBBmS5mViqsLtdPiilLbEnUuxc-mf_tYs5pCxzkWvJVdoGc23LD8I1U8OYvs3vCM7DpJ_kQzhMWRF_8B3eaCeIO6N7r6ZD7VCcbY0M4C_kAP_jWMSoOVsf0fG0D2-v1QttpshCks_Vuk/w438-h640/X-Men%2051.jpg" width="438" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Long-time readers of this 'ere blog ( pauses for hysterical laughter at the thought of such mythical creatures ) may remember I used to produce a semi-regular feature here called <a href="https://glasswalking-stick.blogspot.com/2011/01/steranko-saturdays-nick-fury-agent-of.html" target="_blank">Steranko Saturdays</a>, devoted to the works of that comic book maverick, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Steranko" target="_blank">Jim Steranko</a>. In the spirit of that long-lost series, I thought I'd do a quick post about a recent acquisition: X-Men 51 ( December 1969 ), the second issue of the Jaunty One's brief, two-part stint on the mag. So, it's Steranko. On a Sunday.<br />To be honest, this comic was never going to win any awards. The lead strip, a 15-page story featuring the X-Men facing off against their mortal enemy, Magneto, and his army of henchmen, is a bit of a mess. Arnold Drake's script features a lot of "down with the kids", late-1960s groovy dialogue, which is often painfully over the top, but also has much heavy lifting to do as Steranko's story-telling powers seem to have deserted him, frequently leaving the dialogue and captions to fill in the blanks. This is the continuation of the previous issue's introduction of Lorna Dane's alter-ego, Polaris, who starred on the iconic cover of issue <a href="https://www.comics.org/issue/22339/" target="_blank">no. 50</a> but gets lost in the mix this time. There's a lot of mutant-on-mutant action ( spicy! ) and a minimum of coherence. Steranko's artwork itself has its moments ( he draws a foxy Marvel Girl! ) but the scratchy inking by John Tartaglione lessens its impact.<div>The back-up strip is another in the series of untold origins of our merry mutants, this time a Beast story by Drake, Tartaglione and long-term X-Men penciller Werner Roth. Average super hero fare which looks staid when up against the Steranko work, even if it's one of Steranko's weaker efforts for Marvel.</div><div>I've not been too complimentary about this comic, but it's still good fun and the cover is wonderful: this is what most attracted me, as I've always loved it, and I used to have a black and white copy of it stuck on my bedroom wall when I was a kid. Typically for a Marvel comic, the cover depicts a scene that doesn't actually happen in the issue, but it's a terrifically moody and atmospheric slice of Steranko goodness.<br /><div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MGGpC3CNLTecXc6KFR3iDgYac6kmnT0R_Ea7f0DD9GjHyp_1u_RvxNsQ74xT7aI9BsIrdKNb10vrRYa7cb2WJyrQu0pRyMpJ5-MRjzNs8pF8T7jB7w9JxFr9ZEm3Fk0o27ApDTgRHlesEMn9WqAB8TI368oi6fKOcic3TiijBUK6GPuEMhWuyMgjv5iF/s3578/X-Men%2051%20interior.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2770" data-original-width="3578" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MGGpC3CNLTecXc6KFR3iDgYac6kmnT0R_Ea7f0DD9GjHyp_1u_RvxNsQ74xT7aI9BsIrdKNb10vrRYa7cb2WJyrQu0pRyMpJ5-MRjzNs8pF8T7jB7w9JxFr9ZEm3Fk0o27ApDTgRHlesEMn9WqAB8TI368oi6fKOcic3TiijBUK6GPuEMhWuyMgjv5iF/w400-h310/X-Men%2051%20interior.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p></div></div></div><div>I bought this issue ( graded at VG, cost £20 ) from the amazing <a href="https://www.comicshopsnearme.co.uk/comic-shops/out-of-this-world" target="_blank">Out Of This World</a> in the fair city of Worcester. I'd meant to visit this shop for quite some time and finally got round to it last weekend. The shop is a real Aladdin's cave of Silver and Bronze Age treasures and I could have easily spent hundreds of pounds in there... luckily, I reigned it in and just picked up this one comic, but I'll have to get back there for another look when funds allow. The owner, Gary, is a friendly guy, very knowledgeable about comics, and we had a lovely long chat, until Sarah arrived and reminded me I should have met her in Costa 10 minutes ago. Oops! Comic fans, eh?</div>Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-8840643303333296892024-02-08T23:29:00.003+00:002024-02-08T23:30:40.097+00:00Christopher Priest<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpJjasyLY8PUfsgdctU3pBADJyE-mt-jgxHJxhv3b6Pw91gMahoknyKdUyBRPKt6hKDIi7ri1FHbiBJzLRM2UBOelnMQfsH__znhaxocwpOuwKVEESIy9l6a3VNLqi_dtjXLzHu4tjCevlF6tdveryzsEUyfsx-XlthpYOli8glSMz56wpxK6Xzh2__1X/s1024/Christopher%20Priest.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpJjasyLY8PUfsgdctU3pBADJyE-mt-jgxHJxhv3b6Pw91gMahoknyKdUyBRPKt6hKDIi7ri1FHbiBJzLRM2UBOelnMQfsH__znhaxocwpOuwKVEESIy9l6a3VNLqi_dtjXLzHu4tjCevlF6tdveryzsEUyfsx-XlthpYOli8glSMz56wpxK6Xzh2__1X/w400-h266/Christopher%20Priest.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was sad </span>to hear recently that the great science fiction author, <a href="https://christopher-priest.co.uk/" target="_blank">Christopher Priest</a>, has passed away at the age of 80. Priest was one of my favourite writers and his haunting, deceptively complex novels had a profound impact on me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVxtKUiperLEX4UuXsNe_3mwZ_w70u75ANeg3S9KOqTvLCm5Zyqmg5qfaDixuVRmqXtcnDFoKquoO_dU-TYbpjGgJR_-6dDpNt4NAsmxEUEXCO2m_4bIwKY3w4d_xkZbR7yEl7ulIy9dCSOAaBJhZRKxjjHx_Y-E6_R4IuwFsFA1HluBD1da0KMU9bW93/s680/Christopher%20Priest%20novels.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="680" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVxtKUiperLEX4UuXsNe_3mwZ_w70u75ANeg3S9KOqTvLCm5Zyqmg5qfaDixuVRmqXtcnDFoKquoO_dU-TYbpjGgJR_-6dDpNt4NAsmxEUEXCO2m_4bIwKY3w4d_xkZbR7yEl7ulIy9dCSOAaBJhZRKxjjHx_Y-E6_R4IuwFsFA1HluBD1da0KMU9bW93/w400-h348/Christopher%20Priest%20novels.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); color: #0f1419; font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;">His novels were disturbing, chilly views into unreliable realities: always technically brilliant, always thought-provoking. Priest made his name as a science fiction author with such novels as Fugue For A Darkening Island and Inverted World, but his fiction quickly moved on to become uncategorisable, nearer to the "mainstream" ( whatever that is ) but, paradoxically, further away from standard literary fiction with its seemingly-endless supply of navel-gazing. Priest's characters always seemed trapped in hostile landscapes, puzzles and mental mazes, always searching for meaning which proved to be slippery and contradictory.</span><p></p><div><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); color: #0f1419; font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;">While this all sounds a bit dry, Priest's coolly deliberate prose allowed his characters' emotional states to slowly work out on the page, especially more so in recent novels like The Separation and The Adjacent. Recurring themes of magic, illusions, split / double personalities and, above all, the unreliability of perception gave his stories an eerie, fable-like quality. At the same time, he was unafraid to tackle such current issues as terrorism, climate change and xenophobia, grounding the fantastic in our own uncertain world. The term <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slipstream_genre" target="_blank">"slipstream"</a> could almost have been coined specifically for his illusive, allusive work.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); color: #0f1419; font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); color: #0f1419; font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I don't think Christopher Priest has ever received the praise and attention he really deserved, probably because of the very nature of his work, but there are certainly a lot of fans who have enjoyed puzzling over his intriguing fiction. His passing is a great loss to the literary world, but I'll leave the last words to his partner, Nina Allan:</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); color: #0f1419; font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); color: #0f1419; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; margin-bottom: 1.75em; margin-top: 0px; white-space-collapse: collapse;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chris’s physical presence may have left us, but as readers we are lucky: a writer’s soul is immortal, instantly present and accessible through the stories, essays, criticism and novels they have left for us to find. As I said to Chris many times these past weeks and months, in this most important and essential of ways, he will always be with us. The work goes on.</span></p><div style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></div></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); color: #0f1419; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div>Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-12747388436279189772024-01-26T00:14:00.002+00:002024-01-26T06:41:46.771+00:00First gig of 2024: Dub Catalyst in Bristol <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptoriYZLTAWXMwtUt1pXGemcFicn_OBBRjFXgEPACIK6OIEWCMLEf3MBthPoEo49Yltvz_GJRhOKo-J_aGFBCZXEXiR054FKDTnyKySer6Pyj40e5jl9huoyPUmZUn_mQR2V7Z4KmYdZEWUny0KkcSLZZ7N7BiyPnz5Y7AwwPDa9z6SbqCBIlmPF8McTW/s1600/IMG-20240113-WA0006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptoriYZLTAWXMwtUt1pXGemcFicn_OBBRjFXgEPACIK6OIEWCMLEf3MBthPoEo49Yltvz_GJRhOKo-J_aGFBCZXEXiR054FKDTnyKySer6Pyj40e5jl9huoyPUmZUn_mQR2V7Z4KmYdZEWUny0KkcSLZZ7N7BiyPnz5Y7AwwPDa9z6SbqCBIlmPF8McTW/s320/IMG-20240113-WA0006.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Three weeks ago ( this blog is nothing, if not current! ), Sarah and I went to our first gig of the year, and it was a belter! Our good friend Caz plays trombone for Gloucester's premier Reggae / Dub / Hip Hop outfit Dub Catalyst and we surprised her by turning up at this hot, sweaty gig in good ol' Bristol. ( Hopefully it was a nice surprise! ) The venue was <a href="https://www.mrwolfs.com/" target="_blank">Mr. Wolf's</a>, a very hip 'n' groovy pub / nightclub in the St Nicholas area of the city. Support came from Yuzu Coulis, a Jazz / Soul three-piece who seemed very talented but whose music was just a little too laid back for my liking. I'd probably see them again but Sarah wasn't bothered. As they weren't the most exciting band to watch, we spent a bit of time catching up with Cazbo before she had to take to the ( extremely tiny ) stage...</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhap_dI4vR0hykc1x1efn8GAZdNsNbYOK8EIV1bBgiKNsmmi7IXjCPTzDiAJbC-_I1aO7JM0TSJLwZeJK3TK4I4jl1RGZj7CqsvP5ywgUFl2ilFZW9p2oOSYc62AzeQ8RL7SML7imsOZcxH870UufwiJ_CFEj3Xeb7Qno2O_a_sTlBRB_bmI-xaxQ4jz2FI/s1600/IMG-20240113-WA0001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhap_dI4vR0hykc1x1efn8GAZdNsNbYOK8EIV1bBgiKNsmmi7IXjCPTzDiAJbC-_I1aO7JM0TSJLwZeJK3TK4I4jl1RGZj7CqsvP5ywgUFl2ilFZW9p2oOSYc62AzeQ8RL7SML7imsOZcxH870UufwiJ_CFEj3Xeb7Qno2O_a_sTlBRB_bmI-xaxQ4jz2FI/s320/IMG-20240113-WA0001.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Dub Catalyst somehow squeeeezed all ten band members ( including the probably superfluous tambourine player ) into the narrow space allotted them and proceeded to blow the roof off the gaff.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeUZKW5WG9fGmMQiQaU4mzo1TKMBoVb4C97Vw9yxygMngKoGx0goSeiUEv9G7urRQx9S2lPT_rHov9KVC8nwdn0RCRzzA10hMImCO22NwXeUO-GegYGLiXdwP39-nAOhqoRCWnFfP_EHjVTT1ihpYKXLaX6zqoopw3uPOigScDiEdU5b-crna-FW5kZvF/s1600/IMG-20240113-WA0002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeUZKW5WG9fGmMQiQaU4mzo1TKMBoVb4C97Vw9yxygMngKoGx0goSeiUEv9G7urRQx9S2lPT_rHov9KVC8nwdn0RCRzzA10hMImCO22NwXeUO-GegYGLiXdwP39-nAOhqoRCWnFfP_EHjVTT1ihpYKXLaX6zqoopw3uPOigScDiEdU5b-crna-FW5kZvF/s320/IMG-20240113-WA0002.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTNnFS6j6SIYhnXphm4MWYZ3y9IVv38UfxUZY2C8sVWzoPbvPGd7Ca35sAsqwdqn5UgkkVdc0OeBnxCLI-k4EpgYGzagky7qwCtWazkFlHDAFsIFQ69e09uZvEECE77JqKz58G3BO5b_Bi5xlls2GW1ZC8gCJPQPOHRIekv8iqI55vO-gZuvqCsvoLevv/s1600/IMG-20240113-WA0000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTNnFS6j6SIYhnXphm4MWYZ3y9IVv38UfxUZY2C8sVWzoPbvPGd7Ca35sAsqwdqn5UgkkVdc0OeBnxCLI-k4EpgYGzagky7qwCtWazkFlHDAFsIFQ69e09uZvEECE77JqKz58G3BO5b_Bi5xlls2GW1ZC8gCJPQPOHRIekv8iqI55vO-gZuvqCsvoLevv/s320/IMG-20240113-WA0000.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Their music is a red-hot gumbo of reggae/dub/hip hop/jazz groovyness, with positive vibes just beaming out of them. All incredibly talented musicians who clearly love what they do, Dub Catalyst instantly won over Mr. Wolf's clientele with their good-time dance music and mellow energy. Highlights were Coffee ( a hymn to staying caffeinated ) and the epic Return Of The Samurai, with some wonderful "rhyme saying" from rappin' / toastin' frontman JPDL. ( No, I don't know his real name, although Caz just calls him Dave. ) Pretty soon everyone was dancing, with Sarah and I bagging a spot at the front, until it got too hot for her and she had to duck out.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFa0rwJH1FSlzeVYBq05gMLf1379cCrS0zV91fYmmo9_i7HVYNEFdKCYSyAObAtOYgqxxfm3tPFTh-uosrGFj1b09l2kuDe3CnluE7kcCOjC_wZSkBzZ0jzLSZr2fxdUS968aQ8xvDo6OcE81A3aanjAo-IbqWGL6ryTq6W15yBibERpTPB-imNEVf7hy/s1600/IMG-20240113-WA0003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFa0rwJH1FSlzeVYBq05gMLf1379cCrS0zV91fYmmo9_i7HVYNEFdKCYSyAObAtOYgqxxfm3tPFTh-uosrGFj1b09l2kuDe3CnluE7kcCOjC_wZSkBzZ0jzLSZr2fxdUS968aQ8xvDo6OcE81A3aanjAo-IbqWGL6ryTq6W15yBibERpTPB-imNEVf7hy/s320/IMG-20240113-WA0003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It was a fantastic gig to start the year and we're hoping to see the band again as soon as we can. In fact, only tonight the first bands were announced for this year's <a href="https://wychwoodfestival.com/" target="_blank">Wychwood Festival</a> ( where we had such a great weekend last year ) and Dub Catalyst will be playing at that cool event in the Summer. Get your tickets now!<br /> <p></p>Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-54035676308410946322024-01-09T23:22:00.000+00:002024-01-09T23:22:23.482+00:00Things I didn't blog about in 2023: Awesome Artwork<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t9S9KCVJNv_hmU3yy5J9-K-aL8BcUd5mqnqFEAwCHI5jSnxXf1EgAwUIQDrAN_E5tuM0Oc9IBlbPPkkv5ilrAQttldeiyfJeYEgMnTgMWjCb3xg4aabzBuF8PpvMYFcKaEDUJKLLbjgYW-jA7fJCIMxqTQkXMbnKtHNTIIbS0snRD5wdMDOnBLp-Zo4y/s2821/20231015_155636.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2821" data-original-width="2734" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t9S9KCVJNv_hmU3yy5J9-K-aL8BcUd5mqnqFEAwCHI5jSnxXf1EgAwUIQDrAN_E5tuM0Oc9IBlbPPkkv5ilrAQttldeiyfJeYEgMnTgMWjCb3xg4aabzBuF8PpvMYFcKaEDUJKLLbjgYW-jA7fJCIMxqTQkXMbnKtHNTIIbS0snRD5wdMDOnBLp-Zo4y/w388-h400/20231015_155636.jpg" width="388" /></a></div><br />It's apparently a new year, so of course that means I'll start posting all the stuff I was too lazy or disorganised to post in the last year. I'll start with ( as the blog title implies ) some amazingly awesome artwork. First of all, here's a Pulp-inspired piece by the hugely-talented Mark Reynolds, whose work can be found at <a href="https://www.stuffbymark.co.uk/" target="_blank">Stuff By Mark</a>. He produces some cracking Pop art, drawing on influences from old movie posters and classic songs. And, unlike, many chancers who basically steal "vintage" artwork and reproduce it as their own, Mark is an imaginative, accomplished artist with a keen eye and a dry wit. After the phenomenal Pulp gig in Manchester last Summer, it was a no-brainer for me to buy this limited-edition print and give it to Sarah for her birthday. She loves the song Common People ( and Pulp songs in general ) so she was more than happy with this representation of what is possibly Jarvis Cocker's greatest line. I don't own the artwork below ( unfortunately ) but it's another of Mark's pieces, a cheeky interpretation of Pulp's Disco 2000 as an Archie comic. Isn't it great?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahyqAsATufdTXNtacDBAMwOyub8seVlNbQJOdrpnYGJRxU_N2h7-pH3WJnXeiRyFsv71WOcUJYJo_ZezjqiAD8HlOUSB_Bx7JVPzR3fNBuO9Cj7E-dLU6p6UmYFBr0UIvO8SogjZQhVN2FpFP3c_Sdo0GQoJ6SxzM0n4dMev7rxl__eQ9emwXb1nq1vDt/s1063/Pulp%20Comic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahyqAsATufdTXNtacDBAMwOyub8seVlNbQJOdrpnYGJRxU_N2h7-pH3WJnXeiRyFsv71WOcUJYJo_ZezjqiAD8HlOUSB_Bx7JVPzR3fNBuO9Cj7E-dLU6p6UmYFBr0UIvO8SogjZQhVN2FpFP3c_Sdo0GQoJ6SxzM0n4dMev7rxl__eQ9emwXb1nq1vDt/w453-h640/Pulp%20Comic.png" width="453" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Casting my ancient and twisted mind further back in time, I find myself in balmy Bedford back in September 2023. Here, at the awesome <a href="https://glasswalking-stick.blogspot.com/2023/10/nice-con-bedford-2023.html" target="_blank">NICE</a> comics con, I bought the lovely warrior woman print below from the equally lovely Liam Sharp...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXxD6mNzD0XqePsQQDHMq6BD-y0LzjyvhA4tIX_g63RLliVlZdP_fzOz1c7fm2A7aii5FNwO8WBKosxlIu4HQnAr6M6vMODA8c5VP92KoaN3ARwdqVC4bEmuD-MpNdLBLtqBwo5-tFUXVb-ASRNBNAwVAWr18JvVsZsP5ZyQMh84GQqdI-JlVnaAuIAJU/s4000/20230903_072135.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXxD6mNzD0XqePsQQDHMq6BD-y0LzjyvhA4tIX_g63RLliVlZdP_fzOz1c7fm2A7aii5FNwO8WBKosxlIu4HQnAr6M6vMODA8c5VP92KoaN3ARwdqVC4bEmuD-MpNdLBLtqBwo5-tFUXVb-ASRNBNAwVAWr18JvVsZsP5ZyQMh84GQqdI-JlVnaAuIAJU/w480-h640/20230903_072135.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLIXNfSf2bgwV3wsyzwxK68KfmSzkBvrbcsFVyT9h4lsR7cuJyr53WbE65LLwai7Lz9zCZjeLnsw2bFJOqv2a4v1xe1tQJNo06Cp0GF8BHZrlYdzXgum1eTyICMEKCs5xHesDsgjO-5lEScRc_UTWI_U41D9hLAtuhjQGmeTgw9KncQSdXS7TJTTu6HLC/s4000/20230903_072123.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLIXNfSf2bgwV3wsyzwxK68KfmSzkBvrbcsFVyT9h4lsR7cuJyr53WbE65LLwai7Lz9zCZjeLnsw2bFJOqv2a4v1xe1tQJNo06Cp0GF8BHZrlYdzXgum1eTyICMEKCs5xHesDsgjO-5lEScRc_UTWI_U41D9hLAtuhjQGmeTgw9KncQSdXS7TJTTu6HLC/w480-h640/20230903_072123.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I bent Liam's ear at some length about his stupendous <a href="https://imagecomics.com/comics/series/starhenge" target="_blank">Starhenge</a> comic, and how I thought it was one of the most fab, groovy and cosmically-aware mags I'd read since the halcyon days of Heavy Metal. He seemed suitably happy with that and we also chatted about his recent move back to Brexit Island after years in the States, and about his old mucker, the late, lamented Steve Dillon...<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfj22tWz7C8IZfqV7dNrWPYuUX0m77i3V1fFE4l-_-jcZBjv9VyNLtL8CKg1k5HtuNqBdOI19golPUmzMJEtsalXzIcEZA9jOUv9T2icVl5xQPUOCvY3MpjBLBcmoaz_55J2L-jXHHBrWaLOkZwLuJlF6qNLJ14q94bgsSuHwpCA98hgxWvTHy4177NMTK/s4000/20230902_154847.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfj22tWz7C8IZfqV7dNrWPYuUX0m77i3V1fFE4l-_-jcZBjv9VyNLtL8CKg1k5HtuNqBdOI19golPUmzMJEtsalXzIcEZA9jOUv9T2icVl5xQPUOCvY3MpjBLBcmoaz_55J2L-jXHHBrWaLOkZwLuJlF6qNLJ14q94bgsSuHwpCA98hgxWvTHy4177NMTK/w400-h300/20230902_154847.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVf5gHlBCL2NxqKRNs8sry2gjfPu613_0PnuXzQFTmTz1CnX3G4XoZR7sM2zgAljLm_5x6mWAeBb7IWgz1B4EHYqunYrQ0uHoYfmZzwm0iJHq9t1jjQnqpyPwn2VgX6JluNiEli4K8JRvkFIGeecJp6KPY2hUPVZH_SPE-UlRvRFYANai1okjhI2Xmtzth/s4000/20230902_154835.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVf5gHlBCL2NxqKRNs8sry2gjfPu613_0PnuXzQFTmTz1CnX3G4XoZR7sM2zgAljLm_5x6mWAeBb7IWgz1B4EHYqunYrQ0uHoYfmZzwm0iJHq9t1jjQnqpyPwn2VgX6JluNiEli4K8JRvkFIGeecJp6KPY2hUPVZH_SPE-UlRvRFYANai1okjhI2Xmtzth/w400-h300/20230902_154835.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Bedford's premier comic shop, <a href="https://www.closeencounters.co.uk/" target="_blank">Close Encounters</a>, was showcasing some of Dillon's original artwork, to coincide with NICE con, which they organise. After leaving the con, I literally had half an hour to spare before meeting Sarah so I hot-footed it ( as best I could at the time, with a dodgy back ) to Close Encounters to check out the awesome artwork. ( Hey! Good name for a blog post! ) The gallery was a real treasure-trove of wonders, featuring iconic pages from 2000 AD, Warrior, Preacher, Doctor Who Weekly ( as was ) plus many more pulsatin' publications. It really showed what a loss to the world the passing of the great Steve Dillon was...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXxOgmzjHg9s8eA8M_BDKE2U6ebOClx898wOQ4ziPZIVfIkjDwM9lV0tC2V8Q66uHWtiWvdGIaA6QFYSdnFT9wbPmXaFplLTcHcOTU6gbaiupKkwjxM7eL80zcFy8Et3QXezkCw0LEdC3zZ6lycIweqrblIZnjHEE7PhUi55B_H37SorKGRrKVqgSlqV2/s4000/20230902_154730.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXxOgmzjHg9s8eA8M_BDKE2U6ebOClx898wOQ4ziPZIVfIkjDwM9lV0tC2V8Q66uHWtiWvdGIaA6QFYSdnFT9wbPmXaFplLTcHcOTU6gbaiupKkwjxM7eL80zcFy8Et3QXezkCw0LEdC3zZ6lycIweqrblIZnjHEE7PhUi55B_H37SorKGRrKVqgSlqV2/w480-h640/20230902_154730.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvomwnQ1pbbPHFlu0qvluv4uBuJbiTizxgXGeaYhTZcZLzoa_tGuWQDZDkHj1N3hkTeMsg-tuWojbDXDNK2aSYL8M637whZtoErUlQt4Qu42VhBGKXtX21ukeiHTfnvQFp-qVIMNxQlV7vNeqdnqy32qohcs3Uh5kBRAI-pi9AwQTtCn3zBZYTsxZFKzeK/s3367/20230902_154701.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3367" data-original-width="2290" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvomwnQ1pbbPHFlu0qvluv4uBuJbiTizxgXGeaYhTZcZLzoa_tGuWQDZDkHj1N3hkTeMsg-tuWojbDXDNK2aSYL8M637whZtoErUlQt4Qu42VhBGKXtX21ukeiHTfnvQFp-qVIMNxQlV7vNeqdnqy32qohcs3Uh5kBRAI-pi9AwQTtCn3zBZYTsxZFKzeK/w437-h640/20230902_154701.jpg" width="437" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7l9lq-GniP7ogKElhWecHi1wYTKoE7CQn3vx5SRvniuZx05SbxgyAU7Ryfg55rvIeYnQvzocBIJzHCgwdoHnd6dMBbT_vXse_nOC1CGb-VEe3C6jGvQ9q6CtbStIrY6IK3cEsS_oS-thK3j_2JYeWsF4-5luE2ATsJBmJJ7gwKYgjDq_GnZoHBUFFnOE0/s3824/20230902_154650.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3824" data-original-width="2679" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7l9lq-GniP7ogKElhWecHi1wYTKoE7CQn3vx5SRvniuZx05SbxgyAU7Ryfg55rvIeYnQvzocBIJzHCgwdoHnd6dMBbT_vXse_nOC1CGb-VEe3C6jGvQ9q6CtbStIrY6IK3cEsS_oS-thK3j_2JYeWsF4-5luE2ATsJBmJJ7gwKYgjDq_GnZoHBUFFnOE0/w448-h640/20230902_154650.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZZNf_gI_R0QM95djBu0KrhyphenhyphentKZNMRuGWLButWFVQqZaT8ALQH5Y5RU4fIRooeA5IQuyy6nv0tLatRgn0Mn2Mo0kQOxR1B6pDcwDgx-Y2N8cC3xPd-1xDekaBrqHBJasfnTVxhyphenhyphenWZxfWr9Hmmzhyphenhyphen_ZXRvpNFW92V0_O4GcyCVEyD_B3GCkha6WtruvLqq/s4000/20230902_154616.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZZNf_gI_R0QM95djBu0KrhyphenhyphentKZNMRuGWLButWFVQqZaT8ALQH5Y5RU4fIRooeA5IQuyy6nv0tLatRgn0Mn2Mo0kQOxR1B6pDcwDgx-Y2N8cC3xPd-1xDekaBrqHBJasfnTVxhyphenhyphenWZxfWr9Hmmzhyphenhyphen_ZXRvpNFW92V0_O4GcyCVEyD_B3GCkha6WtruvLqq/w480-h640/20230902_154616.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFG5AQVTcOIp-t13e71oTzml2Vgu_X4YUuaTk5NiP6jRDCBe4hmrATD1mzyFmiB6fhK5kyeKoYPs-tePuWaOQVNuPHH3hRhNzs27o8cZFmvj_5F2ruYpQFJ8xhvGem3pcEmAe6FBQ723mCFUEYlFx4alwcblANmBAFDfvGj2ZPFvy63n-BM6oyKntXmO5/s3824/20230902_154557.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3824" data-original-width="2868" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFG5AQVTcOIp-t13e71oTzml2Vgu_X4YUuaTk5NiP6jRDCBe4hmrATD1mzyFmiB6fhK5kyeKoYPs-tePuWaOQVNuPHH3hRhNzs27o8cZFmvj_5F2ruYpQFJ8xhvGem3pcEmAe6FBQ723mCFUEYlFx4alwcblANmBAFDfvGj2ZPFvy63n-BM6oyKntXmO5/w480-h640/20230902_154557.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4AqEDoRLrKuv9wM_STH2qAp3xDqOmdoH5beTWikr6KJb52dQP-PL_00USLymE1a9_YPD6MIvg_Lf1pQHyRIra3nNdPOzF_aPI1kIjJ_96EjR0HllG4vVflUtFSVn2Nue2iMUrQ42U4IrclWp_0q3XYuLybS5Ye6-liAIz63IeV51kpsXoHvNgHt8RqvS/s4000/20230902_154536.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4AqEDoRLrKuv9wM_STH2qAp3xDqOmdoH5beTWikr6KJb52dQP-PL_00USLymE1a9_YPD6MIvg_Lf1pQHyRIra3nNdPOzF_aPI1kIjJ_96EjR0HllG4vVflUtFSVn2Nue2iMUrQ42U4IrclWp_0q3XYuLybS5Ye6-liAIz63IeV51kpsXoHvNgHt8RqvS/w480-h640/20230902_154536.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89k1IswlXAoB_mQKRsakE7gPbfCySw3_Qjusv9RnNFU6pNw3pOLDDCERex2u01JERVEXqeY4_XCbyGkFDtyH7UZtdDfeCB8iDQ15VUMm9QjWnFbnFncdZN4ik9q1BqwHVOY5QLWONitm0R_k0LVN_gnxoVjYdJ8Mf0eNY1iAVcts-xaeuKpBmme-F2mZx/s4000/20230902_154526.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89k1IswlXAoB_mQKRsakE7gPbfCySw3_Qjusv9RnNFU6pNw3pOLDDCERex2u01JERVEXqeY4_XCbyGkFDtyH7UZtdDfeCB8iDQ15VUMm9QjWnFbnFncdZN4ik9q1BqwHVOY5QLWONitm0R_k0LVN_gnxoVjYdJ8Mf0eNY1iAVcts-xaeuKpBmme-F2mZx/w480-h640/20230902_154526.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Finally, a completely different style of artwork: a beautiful, <a href="https://www.aardman.com/" target="_blank">Aardman</a>-inspired mural in Bristol, the home of Wallace and Gromit, Morph, Shaun the Sheep etc. etc.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnTk_xDQbUz7wI6NqhHvtBXHsJ74Lv_t5nNL_cGyK9PdnPbmzo5DqQZwNmrkdLtsSLFEdlnt_A1NQrSafdYRiCFkIEvNVFtiqSaEQTT_Hdd-52JjUNJybnGP8VYyAiAfaWsH8_pZI5BCwMOIgtGvoVHz7cL2MPK7a0stluYLUsfrOF5Gx5rt9zlvIUfs6/s4000/20231119_140045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnTk_xDQbUz7wI6NqhHvtBXHsJ74Lv_t5nNL_cGyK9PdnPbmzo5DqQZwNmrkdLtsSLFEdlnt_A1NQrSafdYRiCFkIEvNVFtiqSaEQTT_Hdd-52JjUNJybnGP8VYyAiAfaWsH8_pZI5BCwMOIgtGvoVHz7cL2MPK7a0stluYLUsfrOF5Gx5rt9zlvIUfs6/w400-h300/20231119_140045.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvr4oO7aHRXmzwhVH8N1n2b1HTz3dmlRmM5O2BehlRTFabV30qLtpY6hNyKDqEZkC-p1lNqJUxNFm408SSg7x6F5wOr3rLauV_6tGJIr90SSXuDD7ovyEro5TnO0XNpVJEciwH_nC4SBI2FYQU7O2EAhquepvCk0ACfr0Cyicam1NirFW5YcCoHeRSRAv/s4000/20231119_140002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvr4oO7aHRXmzwhVH8N1n2b1HTz3dmlRmM5O2BehlRTFabV30qLtpY6hNyKDqEZkC-p1lNqJUxNFm408SSg7x6F5wOr3rLauV_6tGJIr90SSXuDD7ovyEro5TnO0XNpVJEciwH_nC4SBI2FYQU7O2EAhquepvCk0ACfr0Cyicam1NirFW5YcCoHeRSRAv/w400-h300/20231119_140002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Cracking cheese, Gromit!</p></div>Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-86309772331188159782024-01-01T00:18:00.001+00:002024-01-01T00:18:19.889+00:00Happy New Year from The Glass Walking-Stick<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KE_IcKkv_q2UAcMVBl1pQNq3g2mkwFZfxjZQAC-VTviZHaA_vIWiCdTR7SQWwvaVL7tvEeDILMPlN7z6GRC9pWN5l-o_hafte_8jX0t9Jyl-vHG2GKJ1qFoHdvc_nC1n5h-XaGGd4MXpA5fn6PQpgpZiqPobxLdwz1Zv0LjOnmY-xJB0RZmu3ASVuCuh/s679/Judge%20Dredd%20New%20Year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="570" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KE_IcKkv_q2UAcMVBl1pQNq3g2mkwFZfxjZQAC-VTviZHaA_vIWiCdTR7SQWwvaVL7tvEeDILMPlN7z6GRC9pWN5l-o_hafte_8jX0t9Jyl-vHG2GKJ1qFoHdvc_nC1n5h-XaGGd4MXpA5fn6PQpgpZiqPobxLdwz1Zv0LjOnmY-xJB0RZmu3ASVuCuh/w336-h400/Judge%20Dredd%20New%20Year.jpg" width="336" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's wishing you lovely people in the Blogosphere a 2024 filled with peace, love and light x</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DNCkYZXCLsCwt-XXf3D5meMbRW1utAB7QTDAwehHRA2UFA4I8Jfzuj834VfR6aTMBKVBTCd-AjyhElt8Tj9zSWrMAfSMWNizD3s08uAjT9GMCa0t_l-zJScBTrsu8zWy4YNbbL3MtIyT0tAyBh5BbChhbnhT7TW_iOH_Ixf_bG53Gy8tqHKK40pf7vgw/s679/Amazing%20Spider-Man%20700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div>Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-36606846546305228002023-12-30T22:46:00.001+00:002023-12-31T10:30:24.825+00:00The Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Specials <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXxG-43H0mC82XfkvLg71tapqN_MCA-LRaYRiMHusjC3zxTIPquG1Gd9AxDzsv5UFPnn2fWpLTPEQ0Tgt99qP0gOD0sTDJTbLPeMhL-iK2A_kjsln-R9HCSx2jCoGJ68zPNLzAO7YJL7m8Tukq8VgAe4IieHGO0qMx3jqOAYN36uDiQOpV6dZDgJggjhx/s1620/Doctor%2015%20and%20Ruby%20in%20Tardis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXxG-43H0mC82XfkvLg71tapqN_MCA-LRaYRiMHusjC3zxTIPquG1Gd9AxDzsv5UFPnn2fWpLTPEQ0Tgt99qP0gOD0sTDJTbLPeMhL-iK2A_kjsln-R9HCSx2jCoGJ68zPNLzAO7YJL7m8Tukq8VgAe4IieHGO0qMx3jqOAYN36uDiQOpV6dZDgJggjhx/w400-h266/Doctor%2015%20and%20Ruby%20in%20Tardis.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Doesn't time fly? Well, it certainly does when you're a chronologically challenged, quantum-entangled mysterious traveller with an uncertain future and ever-changing past. But, enough about me. It's, er, time to talk about the Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Specials and the long-awaited appearance of the 14th AND 15th Doctors... ( Spoilers lurk ahead, obviously )<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCABiaFrrYDQxJbXe0WllPD0G1K_ZbDg9MZrx3f7NKC6DFieBwxpqFr4uwnKOe1irhPsuR9Qk1Z4lf2UfG7yoRhtkwVhDmkby-pO-lr_SK_v5v_ghOmD7SxF7uVGss9Gyjc_vXx1y6mkHSoX2g2n-HvXht4JiJ8AMmnPOZvIu9QgnxywIGVNlqznsOO1US/s1200/Doctor%20Who%20Star%20Beast.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCABiaFrrYDQxJbXe0WllPD0G1K_ZbDg9MZrx3f7NKC6DFieBwxpqFr4uwnKOe1irhPsuR9Qk1Z4lf2UfG7yoRhtkwVhDmkby-pO-lr_SK_v5v_ghOmD7SxF7uVGss9Gyjc_vXx1y6mkHSoX2g2n-HvXht4JiJ8AMmnPOZvIu9QgnxywIGVNlqznsOO1US/w400-h225/Doctor%20Who%20Star%20Beast.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Star Beast</b></div></b><div><b><br /></b><div>I'd been dubious about the return of Russell T Davies, David Tennant and co. ever since hearing the news. I always think going backwards, in art or in life, is a bad move and this return of the Who old guard seemed a regressive nostalgia-grab to me. As it turned out, I enjoyed the 14th Doctor stories more than I'd expected, and I was never the biggest fan of Ten / Tennant. </div><div>Based on a well-loved Doctor Who Weekly comic strip by graphic storytelling titans Pat Mills and Dave Gibbons, this first Special was a breezy, full-tilt romp, deftly reintroducing Donna Noble and her now-extended family, as well as The Meep ( cutesy action-figure-in-waiting turned intergalactic villain voiced by Miriam Margoyles ) and the pleasingly panelogical Wrarth Warriors. It was good to see appearances by the wonderful Ruth Madeley and British TV legend the late Bernard Cribbins in his final role. Lots of colour, action and spectacle, with hints at the ongoing storyline to come. All of RTD's expected strengths and weaknesses were on display, but it certainly gave the show the kick up the arse it probably needed.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUQRL-uWUgp5Pf6X6hXMla7nB9WuySKrQc9XZrCwnzAtRNAaE6tPwejAApjZv6DZnOyD3D6U3-uQAZsko-mzF5MlqYVCMREDjhZLlhlEuNCidj9RKBMCZUEccwSlQZttRDB2_QtYxTGGOJaS4leehyphenhyphenPbWd458S3IKuMPkygZZM88kW-Ouj3k43bfXiMR1/s980/Doctor%20Who%20Wild%20Blue%20Yonder.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="980" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUQRL-uWUgp5Pf6X6hXMla7nB9WuySKrQc9XZrCwnzAtRNAaE6tPwejAApjZv6DZnOyD3D6U3-uQAZsko-mzF5MlqYVCMREDjhZLlhlEuNCidj9RKBMCZUEccwSlQZttRDB2_QtYxTGGOJaS4leehyphenhyphenPbWd458S3IKuMPkygZZM88kW-Ouj3k43bfXiMR1/w400-h268/Doctor%20Who%20Wild%20Blue%20Yonder.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Wild Blue Yonder </b></p><p style="text-align: left;">After doing a splashy "Earth in danger" story, the second Special flipped to science fiction weirdness. Trapped on a giant spaceship at the very edge of the universe, Donna and the Doctor found themselves alone, without the Tardis, and up against a uniquely terrifying enemy. More or less a two-hander, this episode gave the stars a chance to bounce off each other and act their socks off, as the characters faced distorted versions of themselves. A cool concept, some very unsettling tea-time body horror, and plenty of chewy dialogue for Tennant & Tate to get their teeth into. "My arms are too long!"</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4Rho9t7gnifHk0nI0C_-dKVYtBxbOi1BXwvgHjmvQYe209wIsjBclF0_bCNTcLtMRuzWXb9EyLtc6VUmaKNWO3XD4zng3Tcs8bGuDF522odANUmVYvqR-MdG2ghnPlVZY9YPdHv0_O67_rsO_TP6-2nq3ZvcLM0GAjdKkcnGmc9b82ObpWgXC0nNyTXj/s1200/Doctor%20Who%20The%20Giggle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4Rho9t7gnifHk0nI0C_-dKVYtBxbOi1BXwvgHjmvQYe209wIsjBclF0_bCNTcLtMRuzWXb9EyLtc6VUmaKNWO3XD4zng3Tcs8bGuDF522odANUmVYvqR-MdG2ghnPlVZY9YPdHv0_O67_rsO_TP6-2nq3ZvcLM0GAjdKkcnGmc9b82ObpWgXC0nNyTXj/w400-h225/Doctor%20Who%20The%20Giggle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The Giggle</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The finale ( or was it? ) of the 14th Doctor era, this third Special finally saw the arrival of The Toymaker, the ancient foe of the First Doctor, now regenerated into Doogie Howser. This was a suitably crazy episode, taking in creepy puppets, John Logie Baird, dance routines to the Spice Girls and, oh yeah, the end of the world again. Neil Patrick Harris was great fun as the immortal, games-obsessed villain, while there was some satisfying closure to the "lonely alien" aspect of the 10th / 14th Doctors' personalities. Easter Eggs abounded throughout the episode and, for all those fans constantly harping on about a multi-Doctor story for the 60th, this came about in a roundabout fashion as the Doc "bi-generated", with the 15th Doctor splitting away from his predecessor. This was a canny move as it opened up the chance of Tennant's Doctor returning yet again someday ( and, surprisingly, I wouldn't be too upset if he did ) and also gave some proper screen time to Ncuti Gatwa, making a big impression ( in his boxers! ) as the next Doctor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqrRU9wGBB-X-ta7ajNbxGLNnR18V95ni1sW5xXO1hUxADmVGKIQZo0KcxtGwboRU3DLxJ5vnPv-0ZQrHX5o6gSeZ5hHF5YpL61wn5AjLXO7x0heS3BWHQ2CyexEbO0xzFssnEefw5xF5ZjqhP0zBiw_e-Hbm4RUS2bL-BwF49DdVsoD2hWY645uJHCKX/s2048/Doctor%20Who%20Church%20on%20Ruby%20Road.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqrRU9wGBB-X-ta7ajNbxGLNnR18V95ni1sW5xXO1hUxADmVGKIQZo0KcxtGwboRU3DLxJ5vnPv-0ZQrHX5o6gSeZ5hHF5YpL61wn5AjLXO7x0heS3BWHQ2CyexEbO0xzFssnEefw5xF5ZjqhP0zBiw_e-Hbm4RUS2bL-BwF49DdVsoD2hWY645uJHCKX/w400-h266/Doctor%20Who%20Church%20on%20Ruby%20Road.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzoFDBUr4hQ9QMF_nFXOiFqcfWa7DrAJ4AXlIhItUNv1j7mnv6qaHGOrhpT2TonfF-Xyzk3XxD0gW-uxBFBLjCH3d_s0FNGmGrB7YABJ3me4_jDymlNsr5BrSrIaKlfvK5EUJm0YZxGVO-p1KhWnwPDpxzLPkvWCkuQUedhjwKBQl1eTDFpryqskVQZMP/s1920/Doctor%20Who%20Church%20on%20Ruby%20Road%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzoFDBUr4hQ9QMF_nFXOiFqcfWa7DrAJ4AXlIhItUNv1j7mnv6qaHGOrhpT2TonfF-Xyzk3XxD0gW-uxBFBLjCH3d_s0FNGmGrB7YABJ3me4_jDymlNsr5BrSrIaKlfvK5EUJm0YZxGVO-p1KhWnwPDpxzLPkvWCkuQUedhjwKBQl1eTDFpryqskVQZMP/w400-h225/Doctor%20Who%20Church%20on%20Ruby%20Road%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;">The Church On Ruby Road</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></div><div>And so this is Christmas / And what have you done? / Another Doc over / A new one just begun</div><div>( Sorry. ) </div><div>Christmas Day saw the ol' blue box show returned to its rightful place in the festive TV schedules with the proper, full-length debut of the 15th Doctor. ( Yeah, the whole Timeless Child storyline ensures this numbering is irrelevant but we still seem to be calling him the fifteenth, so I'll go with it. ) And, what a debut! Fizzing with energy, colour and vigour, this "soft reboot" of the show saw the newly-regenerated Doctor meeting up with new companion Ruby Sunday and her family, some hungry goblins and... Davina McCall? </div><div>From the first glimpse of Gatwa's Doctor, spinning deliriously around on a dancefloor, he was a whirlwind of charisma and style, with a grinning, positive energy that pumped an injection of sheer exuberance into this 60-year old show. Equally adept at the quieter, more reflective moments ( although there weren't many of those! ), he more than lived up to the promise of The Giggle. Millie Gibson's Ruby was a sparky, warm character, with an underlying melancholy due to her "foundling" status. Ruby's mysterious past will obviously play into future stories and RTD instantly connected her rootlessness with the Doctor's own recent discovery of her / his own uncertain origins. The Church On Ruby Road was hugely entertaining and firmly placed Doctor Who back in the mainstream with its unabashed Labyrinth - meets - It's A Wonderful Life vibe, and with all that Disney money up on the screen in the form of a huge goblin ship floating over London, and a full-on musical number for Ruby, the Doctor and those pesky goblins. ( A lot of fans hated that, but I thought it was a blast. )</div><div>After my misgivings about the RTD2 era, these Specials turned out to be a lot of fun and I'm really excited for the next season. May can't come soon enough...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicq_b5nNRDShOYsRR3uBHIaQFMXvQzccr0MCQ4xQB79Or0UIbH_843CLwdIKp4pDS-CDtsV1ffl-gnhyphenhyphenLEJyOPu5R1kK0tOtJ2Di21KYvXW37TPrfDJo81G5HW1bT0As59nqZdYI3rwXrVa6YklTn_WyCwGeAlKJ5xLzO88Ks553vJJCtzkVCC0bh9HhOz/s1024/doctor-who-xmas-special-1024x576.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicq_b5nNRDShOYsRR3uBHIaQFMXvQzccr0MCQ4xQB79Or0UIbH_843CLwdIKp4pDS-CDtsV1ffl-gnhyphenhyphenLEJyOPu5R1kK0tOtJ2Di21KYvXW37TPrfDJo81G5HW1bT0As59nqZdYI3rwXrVa6YklTn_WyCwGeAlKJ5xLzO88Ks553vJJCtzkVCC0bh9HhOz/w400-h225/doctor-who-xmas-special-1024x576.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p></div></div>Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-31666416066040303292023-12-25T10:50:00.003+00:002023-12-25T10:50:53.175+00:00Merry Christmas from The Glass Walking-Stick<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxBugAsEyOv61k31kRgQxOYg_QeeSyKMJCwpOCiWaVKp-RfGgwaAwqMyu6-v_obLQ0aggZCLQc_pjyFglXI4O4M6Vo06RdPPKW46ztJoFt36yv27zNdUVamIncGqr93lbAlvyFf7IsJuKfNdDabuM_Q7CtH2nzlJSqeTo67csIoE5lWc7dEAH2TY6vZim/s1050/Rupert%20annual.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="736" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxBugAsEyOv61k31kRgQxOYg_QeeSyKMJCwpOCiWaVKp-RfGgwaAwqMyu6-v_obLQ0aggZCLQc_pjyFglXI4O4M6Vo06RdPPKW46ztJoFt36yv27zNdUVamIncGqr93lbAlvyFf7IsJuKfNdDabuM_Q7CtH2nzlJSqeTo67csIoE5lWc7dEAH2TY6vZim/w280-h400/Rupert%20annual.jpg" width="280" /></a></div> <div>Wishing peace, love and light to all you gorgeous people out in the Blogoverse. Have a cool Yule!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pd_E0Sqzdo_paGQNUvZ3lhd8WXlGU9jvgoRJKp0uWKmuFE3oDIoYJ4nft4E_-YVdkCWHADiOblARR4iJjMVbujLaE1tLbEKu_nQb5OyxBk-Dx667NGbxq6q0V7AJ3kxi7TMWCNUeL8KRAz54NT4h78dHn-aLR1Jl5KQdx2HmbyrnlFLry4uFiKE-_Mg4/s1042/Eagle%20Dec%201950.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="772" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pd_E0Sqzdo_paGQNUvZ3lhd8WXlGU9jvgoRJKp0uWKmuFE3oDIoYJ4nft4E_-YVdkCWHADiOblARR4iJjMVbujLaE1tLbEKu_nQb5OyxBk-Dx667NGbxq6q0V7AJ3kxi7TMWCNUeL8KRAz54NT4h78dHn-aLR1Jl5KQdx2HmbyrnlFLry4uFiKE-_Mg4/w296-h400/Eagle%20Dec%201950.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQ5jgaHHG6U0SCTnfepFKV0Y5Kf5lQj3gdtknxS8ai1mXGHG5RZQ47diplGah3Yw2Ia9e7cktwINik8Xq62AgxnPibVcn6p6cOgKh3a1IoiMmFCJT4UJngX7DJ5TK7KjxAZ99xC67oEnoEdnd12u8Y5Prosd3ZA9A0y9ZqNVIuZlZW1qX3X7kbu-5XZSk/s2048/200AD%201977.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="454" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZz-xyARwHguHJuAJTAYY_VVqVBa9CULnDH9KG3ipRzSZc0j3HK3xRTByrW95S4Msx5uoimeibUWfzHzohMh3bytkXMUSXVqOEGqGos4EoksvRwYi-dPTRS4Gy8k2e-bjJRV8NpKvoBbGY_9pb3BUqinJOPICAIFikT5MHne4u7ESdexUHkGeO5gM5TaKi/w268-h400/GCJhd-tXwAAdaqL.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Okgi5w2Z9vuw-cb-MOq6fXsFljjdk0gNRHK8A3tD4yAmYqpkL81FJVDGXZJ4Txb0vVYJy2Iz3ALtbvBgX4QQKzN-c5M6XOlecrLROkC91hsIcPii2hzpVIcJSoX7fkPYfLcN8pOag6GsSJ-5YGLMT5rJSYMFN3ZrdLWvs6jY8b7YI7rf5MqwGJGFJdxF/s680/Carry%20On%20Christmas.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Okgi5w2Z9vuw-cb-MOq6fXsFljjdk0gNRHK8A3tD4yAmYqpkL81FJVDGXZJ4Txb0vVYJy2Iz3ALtbvBgX4QQKzN-c5M6XOlecrLROkC91hsIcPii2hzpVIcJSoX7fkPYfLcN8pOag6GsSJ-5YGLMT5rJSYMFN3ZrdLWvs6jY8b7YI7rf5MqwGJGFJdxF/s320/Carry%20On%20Christmas.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><br /></div>Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-10493335295077700612023-12-24T17:44:00.001+00:002023-12-24T17:45:58.678+00:00End of year gigs: The Unthanks in Winter and a bunch of old punks<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-l8hGhZTcCecABT3hr9dr91OD-OHPnB92T4Rd3ODWsdA7EQP2Y4O5RUn9G8jJXJZMbOQ2wK98XVNm6D4knmSUzu0bCXLKsIrBx-zlW4KwakvRVp1dfD9Bt6X20knPIfVKAhZWF-x4nZfugmtTUWwkjr6LWrc0I43OlFSom3FJAfLjZqUZnfGbJ6Sctd7/s2048/Unthanks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2025" data-original-width="2048" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-l8hGhZTcCecABT3hr9dr91OD-OHPnB92T4Rd3ODWsdA7EQP2Y4O5RUn9G8jJXJZMbOQ2wK98XVNm6D4knmSUzu0bCXLKsIrBx-zlW4KwakvRVp1dfD9Bt6X20knPIfVKAhZWF-x4nZfugmtTUWwkjr6LWrc0I43OlFSom3FJAfLjZqUZnfGbJ6Sctd7/w400-h395/Unthanks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">A couple of Wednesdays ago, Sarah and I met up with our good friend Tom in the People's Republic of Stroud (TM) for a very seasonal concert from Northumberland's finest, The Unthanks. The venue was The Sub Rooms ( formerly and formally The Subscription Rooms ), where I'd previously seen the likes of Tenpole Tudor, Buzzcocks and the Poison Girls. This time, however, the recently-restored ballroom wasn't hosting crusty Punk rockers ( more of them later! ) but some good old folkin' folk music. It was a very civilised affair: an all-seated venue with signs forbidding us from taking photos or filming the concert. At least this means you're spared more of my blurry gig photos...</span></div><p></p><p>Support came from Katherine Priddy, a young folk singer / guitarist with a gorgeous voice ( and face! ) and some gently confessional songs. Apparently, her recorded work features more instrumentation but, for this tour, it was just her and a guitar. She said the song Does She Hold You Like I Did? should feature some mariachi-type horns, but we'd just have to imagine them. Songs like that one and First House on the Left were quietly lovely and showcased Katherine's virtuoso guitar-playing, which really was something special to witness. Her set was a short, sweet treat and expertly set the scene for the main event.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXoiv_xqqzun8LCL5p1PDeJ0QcLGWkJ0DKdXzFBlIuSYZzCNGYEBN3ZSdozYrHtRVUlqKc_xMIpj4rJGS24R5a4TRJl7Y-pcuAa8pvObHthkIDay4_ULJIi_4Dv6RVIrDtQ9CK0U21LNSnG_fyofqrtdzTHvd0PRxME4eClsfrS_gsdw6qxPWY-MMb2qft/s1571/Unthanks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1571" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXoiv_xqqzun8LCL5p1PDeJ0QcLGWkJ0DKdXzFBlIuSYZzCNGYEBN3ZSdozYrHtRVUlqKc_xMIpj4rJGS24R5a4TRJl7Y-pcuAa8pvObHthkIDay4_ULJIi_4Dv6RVIrDtQ9CK0U21LNSnG_fyofqrtdzTHvd0PRxME4eClsfrS_gsdw6qxPWY-MMb2qft/w400-h275/Unthanks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The show was billed as "The Unthanks In Winter" and that was exactly what they delivered as all the songs were themed around Winter and Christmas, with familiar tunes and carols expertly weaved into the folk music, old and contemporary. The band's instruments included saxophone, fiddle and vibraphone, and many of the 8-piece ensemble swapped instruments throughout the evening. The music ebbed and flowed, from joyous to melancholy, taking in echoes of jazz and classical, always impeccably played and with a lovely, counterintuitively warm sound. Of course, the main feature of the show was the gorgeous sound of Rachel and Becky Unthank's voices. Their Tyneside burr brings a naturalistic, conversational tone to their songs of love, work, family and history, and it was also a pleasure to hear them talk candidly about themselves, their music and their father, who is a huge influence on their career. <div>At times they encouraged the audience to sing along, which many did with gusto, especially the woman sitting next to me who is apparently part of a choir. ( I kept quiet. ) Those more connected to the folk world would probably know which songs were new and which traditional, but I'm ignorant of such things, and thought they all sounded wonderful anyway. The sisters told us how cool they thought Stroud was, which obviously delighted the ageing-hipster "Stroudie" audience, as they're always up for some back-slapping. It was a lovely evening, with some fantastic, emotionally-charged music, only slightly marred by the bloody uncomfortable "school chairs" we had to sit on...</div><div>After the show, the sisters stood and talked to the punters as we filed out of the venue. Sarah spoke to Rachel, telling her they were "beautiful girls with beautiful voices" - can't argue with that. Sarah, Tom and I sloped off to The Lord John, Stroud's cheap 'n' cheerful Wetherspoons, for a post-gig catch-up and then we all headed for home. It was, after all, a school night...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj468BDzX55VIX5kWYYO3V_CfY6xBqU3IB4MxAAmVPLz_izqgiinVMjD483DwsRHEjv8_jqwFVCsW4so-76dEQsAcXp4XNCORxlFARzF6XlDNFg2OXUFStfASnGPJ5xM3g051F3OIsSfBl5i2vsEsV9vb2ax5SAoiypthBuXJjMPJE6IlrYPUa91wLpOF_m/s720/Demob%20poster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="510" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj468BDzX55VIX5kWYYO3V_CfY6xBqU3IB4MxAAmVPLz_izqgiinVMjD483DwsRHEjv8_jqwFVCsW4so-76dEQsAcXp4XNCORxlFARzF6XlDNFg2OXUFStfASnGPJ5xM3g051F3OIsSfBl5i2vsEsV9vb2ax5SAoiypthBuXJjMPJE6IlrYPUa91wLpOF_m/w284-h400/Demob%20poster.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><div><div><p>As a total change of pace, we went to our beloved Gloucester Guildhall on Friday night to see legendary Gloucester punks Demob play their 45th anniversary celebration show. Lead "singer" Andy K came back from California for this one, and a load of old punks turned up in support. We picked up our friend Caz and roared into town for some rock 'n' roll action...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatJiz2jm9JG3WCkd5SbuYE0wcVmuRN1XIpBxea6K_iDiPN9D347MLnU_qiFReWvTcr0IXsVqeN55-plrXQUNcx2mghpRFwsKmWwvQcQE1_6RPVJBoj0YPzVsten8M-ujnlekoXtoGnk8OfvNUpd5SftJ4eyBwsXG9Re9nwHmnKx79p-NKvFPdu_cCXT2i/s2048/Chinese%20Burn%20Guildhall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatJiz2jm9JG3WCkd5SbuYE0wcVmuRN1XIpBxea6K_iDiPN9D347MLnU_qiFReWvTcr0IXsVqeN55-plrXQUNcx2mghpRFwsKmWwvQcQE1_6RPVJBoj0YPzVsten8M-ujnlekoXtoGnk8OfvNUpd5SftJ4eyBwsXG9Re9nwHmnKx79p-NKvFPdu_cCXT2i/w400-h300/Chinese%20Burn%20Guildhall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>We missed the first band, The Youth Within, ( probably no great loss ) but were of course down the front dead on time for Stroud Disco Punks (TM), Chinese Burn! Ed from the Burn had got me in on the guest list, so it was the least we could do ;-)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNbc6xDDDnh3bm6PYdDY9M5IASEehDFb9PsXZE-pN0Tx2PMAaCQkIKy-5K_8lhDc2fz7sSFIwGZ7x4mvrfnDJVNeR1Bq3xqlw3S8FQpzVqbwwHVMD27puXAaygEYusFdIxla34xtRh6vFc5J9TjpMSpLR2lF4vB2up9XjtuJeDk4ntl9B5MuiVUvbwCEA/s960/Chinese%20Burn%20Ben.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNbc6xDDDnh3bm6PYdDY9M5IASEehDFb9PsXZE-pN0Tx2PMAaCQkIKy-5K_8lhDc2fz7sSFIwGZ7x4mvrfnDJVNeR1Bq3xqlw3S8FQpzVqbwwHVMD27puXAaygEYusFdIxla34xtRh6vFc5J9TjpMSpLR2lF4vB2up9XjtuJeDk4ntl9B5MuiVUvbwCEA/w300-h400/Chinese%20Burn%20Ben.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Chinese Burn surprised absolutely no-one by being the best band of the night. Their melodic R&B-inflected Pop Punk was as fun as ever, and the short set meant they played ( most of ) their best songs with a minimum of fuss. I hadn't seen them for a few years so it was an absolute pleasure to catch them yet again. Ben emotionally dedicated the set to the late, great Shane MacGowan who passed away recently, which was a lovely touch. They closed with the epic Defending Stalingrad, which I still think has one of the greatest lyrics I've ever heard from a Punk band, famous or otherwise.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OXhlDgQhabM" width="320" youtube-src-id="OXhlDgQhabM"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2Vp3iH2vu4N6aru3hmNtDr6r9cBtjAWYZPYlOOjSBVs4Fxx2CFLGrLJCGeG0gKaShj3YbJNE8l7NRLBXmhE-5_c-UI5UjMzJ_GyuM6oOQIWneeps-6LPdRgIm5Gvv9dbeGIUXt8z5kUmUMV3xQyf1lTIN6Nm15dCjfTxWGT-7eX9Sqcw0VPqwyv8_QVC/s2048/Screaming%20Dead.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2Vp3iH2vu4N6aru3hmNtDr6r9cBtjAWYZPYlOOjSBVs4Fxx2CFLGrLJCGeG0gKaShj3YbJNE8l7NRLBXmhE-5_c-UI5UjMzJ_GyuM6oOQIWneeps-6LPdRgIm5Gvv9dbeGIUXt8z5kUmUMV3xQyf1lTIN6Nm15dCjfTxWGT-7eX9Sqcw0VPqwyv8_QVC/w300-h400/Screaming%20Dead.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><p>Next up were Cheltenham "Horror Punks" The Screaming Dead, a local band who've seemingly been going forever but whom I've strangely never seen. They were average Goth fare, entertaining enough but not too memorable. I did remark to Sarah that the singer looked like Alice Cooper if he'd been dead in a river for a couple of weeks... which was probably a bit harsh.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ucjGlL7xvmE0ZcpUTi0Rk4sU8IaHmqC1TXt6wtTsyYAnOnlR2-sdIROjN9oIYDV3h8sIKgEMcIaGJVyQb49TTZhUX_vL4D1MK9j5yYZObyzaVMisphceQAxblRl-00-0udLh21WnjBXtUJj3qFNDKLWCuYTTOjjPzPWziElI6VIIcgvjknLJl16pJLf_/s2048/Demob.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ucjGlL7xvmE0ZcpUTi0Rk4sU8IaHmqC1TXt6wtTsyYAnOnlR2-sdIROjN9oIYDV3h8sIKgEMcIaGJVyQb49TTZhUX_vL4D1MK9j5yYZObyzaVMisphceQAxblRl-00-0udLh21WnjBXtUJj3qFNDKLWCuYTTOjjPzPWziElI6VIIcgvjknLJl16pJLf_/w400-h300/Demob.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>At last, Demob themselves hit the stage, following a video about the band by my mate Glenn, which was sadly a failure as one of the Guildhall techies had turned the sound off. Oops! Demob kicked off in true Street Punk style with early-80s anthem Anti-Police, its lyrics about police brutality still sadly relevant. They pounded out their meat 'n' potatoes, no frills Punk with a surprisingly ferocious energy for a band who hadn't played together for a couple of years and had had only one practice. Never the most subtle of bands, Demob can still be relied on for some raw, angry music, and certainly got the crowd going nuts down the front. I definitely enjoyed this kind of thing more when I was about 16, but it was fun to relive the days of Teenage Adolescence, to quote another Demob song title. After their best song No Room For You, the set kind of fizzled out but I think Andy and the boys ( including half of Borrowed Time ) did themselves proud and certainly pulled the biggest crowd I can remember them having. After the gig I asked Andy how his California accent was coming along - he said he's still a Gloucester boy at heart: "You can take the boy out of the Shire, but you can't take the Shire out of the boy."</p><p>It was a good night out with some great music, and some half-decent music, but mostly it was lovely to catch up with a whole load of people I hadn't seen in ages. A great evening to round out what has been an outstanding year for live gigs.</p><p><br /></p></div></div>Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-64997400079561010812023-12-10T11:22:00.001+00:002023-12-10T15:46:58.442+00:00A Swift in Time<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiGKHqjyLkLg-u1-jsKB8LQPQngbdWUmKcDcIaRhOpT86BUQ4RbsemDYQT36SeVr52sCWY9pIwj3gBZq40WTObxn6eNPDy1acNhZTko9qQRjHf_Op1BT6wgQXq7Mq3p-mL_VSXPKwLhmgoCVa0NnmRhgBRxW4gHFec7DsDNbimVedStZe9vVle0aK_mZA/s1103/Taylor%20Time%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1103" data-original-width="828" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiGKHqjyLkLg-u1-jsKB8LQPQngbdWUmKcDcIaRhOpT86BUQ4RbsemDYQT36SeVr52sCWY9pIwj3gBZq40WTObxn6eNPDy1acNhZTko9qQRjHf_Op1BT6wgQXq7Mq3p-mL_VSXPKwLhmgoCVa0NnmRhgBRxW4gHFec7DsDNbimVedStZe9vVle0aK_mZA/w300-h400/Taylor%20Time%201.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>A couple of days ago, Time magazine named Taylor Swift as their Person Of The Year, so what better, er, time to post some gorgeous photos of the beautiful and super-talented Ms Swift ( and, of course, her cat Benjamin Button. )</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pt0C2-fsUF3shyphenhyphenvlR-JXVe_kJJzHgYyLxzWFDv2Vml-2WMrQUFJHy9l8483tY2LoT0aEVfM2NLNb_n1H_hqcFq3UbYeJBFkRSkUQRSauFRyJ5-OdGWlb8WLxC8EZ5s4zT8qCvWU43VoVgdodYFmVlFF2yzHb0sYLTbSqf6WeC91MOpUvQLQpybzG3q1j/s1000/Taylor%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1000" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pt0C2-fsUF3shyphenhyphenvlR-JXVe_kJJzHgYyLxzWFDv2Vml-2WMrQUFJHy9l8483tY2LoT0aEVfM2NLNb_n1H_hqcFq3UbYeJBFkRSkUQRSauFRyJ5-OdGWlb8WLxC8EZ5s4zT8qCvWU43VoVgdodYFmVlFF2yzHb0sYLTbSqf6WeC91MOpUvQLQpybzG3q1j/w400-h375/Taylor%202.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hJznBETXthljtF2Q9TKKANuDYjVsMxgpKXcZXyW7ARYGSeZZRNdBG4golzp1uTG6AS3kaqYApLLkh-hJnC7Sjv_2AEjQf6uBjwmOFR4fIOK9QrYmQ1bgLKGh9RrKTauxpnym6UowrtMxwnKr4ocLMKf16dsv-a-QnszVQxct-DEOONUA7QqjmLlXMJMM/s1124/Taylor%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="1124" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hJznBETXthljtF2Q9TKKANuDYjVsMxgpKXcZXyW7ARYGSeZZRNdBG4golzp1uTG6AS3kaqYApLLkh-hJnC7Sjv_2AEjQf6uBjwmOFR4fIOK9QrYmQ1bgLKGh9RrKTauxpnym6UowrtMxwnKr4ocLMKf16dsv-a-QnszVQxct-DEOONUA7QqjmLlXMJMM/w400-h225/Taylor%204.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9eodBz0hECd8SxpTkUW7S3vuNIFqn23dZKTCKIHyAGqYBY1Vm7zv2VsWV5-tE2aySG63z6WmJmMjPuqJdtsSEi3Oyj2m1Wzv9DarMaAycPRbxGWGV0uNu6yLwONUMAx4dpAmOJagl0zqKp0Z8S1KAwE0N1BfoukCo-3CPoR95zB4OlDZ6GKO6lyVvkOB/s2100/Taylor%20Time%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9eodBz0hECd8SxpTkUW7S3vuNIFqn23dZKTCKIHyAGqYBY1Vm7zv2VsWV5-tE2aySG63z6WmJmMjPuqJdtsSEi3Oyj2m1Wzv9DarMaAycPRbxGWGV0uNu6yLwONUMAx4dpAmOJagl0zqKp0Z8S1KAwE0N1BfoukCo-3CPoR95zB4OlDZ6GKO6lyVvkOB/w305-h400/Taylor%20Time%203.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><p>( Photos copyright Time / Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin )</p><p><br /></p><br />Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-39676093327796000212023-12-09T11:19:00.001+00:002023-12-09T11:39:38.105+00:00The Wedding Present at the Gloucester Guildhall<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxThuUJkxlA2hMiWjz-WuqB7mO-qsH5VZ5xzCR7RnjrL7MZeHiqY9JCpU-HUJYIsF1XoQbfjtqRfNSlGcgcNoFVno6AMbnQYPsgfgYV9xA1_vlbQHm6LIOoGCcZ5mT9Bpyo89DiW-m5mByseSZRbWviPhbmS2PRTgpt36VwUW0TmuAXZGimowhSe8a0RV/s2016/Wedding%20Present.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxThuUJkxlA2hMiWjz-WuqB7mO-qsH5VZ5xzCR7RnjrL7MZeHiqY9JCpU-HUJYIsF1XoQbfjtqRfNSlGcgcNoFVno6AMbnQYPsgfgYV9xA1_vlbQHm6LIOoGCcZ5mT9Bpyo89DiW-m5mByseSZRbWviPhbmS2PRTgpt36VwUW0TmuAXZGimowhSe8a0RV/w400-h300/Wedding%20Present.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />( Just over ) a week ago ( trust this blog to always be current ), Sarah and I returned to our favourite venue, Gloucester's Guildhall, to catch indie legends The Wedding Present on their 24 Songs Tour. We hadn't seen TWP since they'd supported The Cure at The Great British Music Weekend at Wembley Arena, waaaaay back in 1991, so it was a long-overdue catch-up. ( In fact, it was so long ago that Sarah couldn't even remember seeing them before. ) This was a last-minute decision, with me managing to buy tickets on the day, which turned out to be a great decision...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4HB1SPgCnKKST5AzjgPZ2lgELuWMbrgZp0ynYa8OwSBIRG_nf2xL2ewg6bBSNdd_IHnfWQRNoBB0SjkMmmxACjdX97NaWu7iR07fVIKL8pI1M9JXeLPnnX2nrXIE0VsYFgPWM8rN_ktdcjm1iEnijCVQF76ojorygnmKlCCCL2rfqisHUv6_6_-pjZr7/s640/Wedding%20Present%20line%20up.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4HB1SPgCnKKST5AzjgPZ2lgELuWMbrgZp0ynYa8OwSBIRG_nf2xL2ewg6bBSNdd_IHnfWQRNoBB0SjkMmmxACjdX97NaWu7iR07fVIKL8pI1M9JXeLPnnX2nrXIE0VsYFgPWM8rN_ktdcjm1iEnijCVQF76ojorygnmKlCCCL2rfqisHUv6_6_-pjZr7/s320/Wedding%20Present%20line%20up.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p>First of all, we had to <strike>enjoy</strike> endure support band West Wickhams. A Gothic synth / guitar duo who came across as mature students playing navel-gazing whinge-pop they'd written thirty years ago but had only just got round to performing, they were embarrassing in the extreme. The singer's Emo Phillips - cosplaying- as- Robert Smith persona turned the venue into one big cringe, while the keyboard player's dominatrix death stare was about as convincing as Skeletor's. ( On a purely superficial note, though, she was wearing a <i>very</i> short dress with fishnet stockings, which gave me something to look at whilst waiting for the set to end. That sexist interlude was brought to you by the 1970s. ) It was surprising that a band as successful as The Weddoes ( yes, people really call them that ) had taken such a hopeless group on tour with them... but maybe it was just charity.</p><p>It wasn't long, however, for the main event as David Gedge and the latest iteration of The Wedding Present came out to blast our ears off. ( TWP's ever-changing lineups reminds me of the late Mark E Smith's comment about The Fall - something like "If it's just me and yer granny on the bongos, it's still The Fall." ) ( Oh yeah... more brackets required here... the photos above are nicked from The Weddoes' Twitter page and the blurry ones below are, of course, mine. Curse you, Samsung! )</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKM0fHsPpNxIsWRqCOIzu_UfRDpQnRM-0UhXQMQxskSAteNuo37RYBWCw46oSDWWw620zcKGHozQI951TnMO6BnOZ8SKBlXh2Y8Ufq2Q6hGssd89Q-Rq5JGL45K6gKpte7INHCN_Xydd8KBeQ1i4SYIdtjHDGpJk2qoc3K8AqMHHFCjPMDnRuPhmdR_JX/s4000/20231130_205739.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKM0fHsPpNxIsWRqCOIzu_UfRDpQnRM-0UhXQMQxskSAteNuo37RYBWCw46oSDWWw620zcKGHozQI951TnMO6BnOZ8SKBlXh2Y8Ufq2Q6hGssd89Q-Rq5JGL45K6gKpte7INHCN_Xydd8KBeQ1i4SYIdtjHDGpJk2qoc3K8AqMHHFCjPMDnRuPhmdR_JX/w400-h300/20231130_205739.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Gedge first of all said how glad he was to be back in Gloucester after many years ( TBH I didn't realise they'd been here before ) then they powered into opening song, Broken Bow. Like many of their songs this shot past in a blur and then David was telling us that they'd just come back from touring in Spain where they'd been wearing shorts in 25 degree heat but now they were back in chilly England feeling the cold and this next song's title should be in kilometres but it isn't but you might get the reference anyway let's go...</div><div>Phew! Yes, it almost felt like an indie Ramones set as TWP then hit us with a couple of early-career bangers in the form of A Million Miles and You Should Always Keep In Touch With Your Friends. Gedge and co-guitarist Rachel thrashed their way through these songs, seemingly unconcerned at the possibility of shredding their fingers as they pummelled their guitar strings, and set the full-on tone for the night's musical pyrotechnics. Introducing amorous anthem Loveslave, Gedge implored us not to watch the video for the song, and I can confirm his horror, because it shouldn't be watched under any circumstances. No... really... don't watch it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5iHWNIW4GZM2sSpuXlc-YgbcTgiDq6ZikjhBJyGH5y84btWeJ-5cDxuqeq9EascGeAz9Pds1-xeIsKcvUHYCZs2Y_i9f_HraeczLpF40s420gtxxEyHRJUAS2DdW7p-X6Ap5p_2j334bRwTxk14nAToEOJ0rNCPMbzko95stsKvfV4sDgStErZlU0lfXO/s4000/20231130_205738.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5iHWNIW4GZM2sSpuXlc-YgbcTgiDq6ZikjhBJyGH5y84btWeJ-5cDxuqeq9EascGeAz9Pds1-xeIsKcvUHYCZs2Y_i9f_HraeczLpF40s420gtxxEyHRJUAS2DdW7p-X6Ap5p_2j334bRwTxk14nAToEOJ0rNCPMbzko95stsKvfV4sDgStErZlU0lfXO/w400-h300/20231130_205738.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I must admit to not being overly familiar with TWP's output but I was impressed with the quality of songs and how tight the band were - super tight and super fast. The energy and power they displayed would put many punk bands to shame but, of course, most "punks" ( and I know a few of the sort ) wouldn't touch an indie band with a bargepole. If they had a bargepole. Seriously, though, who actually owns bargepoles? People with barges I suppose. I clearly haven't thought this through. Anyway, the point is, they were frakking great! I was also very taken by Mr. Gedge's vocals. I remember the early Wedding Present songs as being very conversational, with the vocals almost spoken rather than sung, but Gedge now sings with an increased a range, which certainly suits some of the slower material. Yes, occasionally they slowed down the frenetic pace and the likes of Palisades ( an "intense song" in the words of Mr. G ) benefited from this approach, as the band and singer could stretch out more and let the music breathe.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMZOzZQ_y3g7PH3mofPexwfhl6TS1CXcuwgOV-r-e8ZPFihavA02iNUiR6RvAriMooy0k7ED2_LoAu656qyjyMjFCnkETAAMlNvalktXAb8Sj-WPeFSjj7OJiJN-VbDzIOuNqzHU3pW-Qa06_Juy8HuXvcDuIIydGXLleVm7CebWi4OuyMUJmjPc8f5sY/s4000/20231130_205041.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMZOzZQ_y3g7PH3mofPexwfhl6TS1CXcuwgOV-r-e8ZPFihavA02iNUiR6RvAriMooy0k7ED2_LoAu656qyjyMjFCnkETAAMlNvalktXAb8Sj-WPeFSjj7OJiJN-VbDzIOuNqzHU3pW-Qa06_Juy8HuXvcDuIIydGXLleVm7CebWi4OuyMUJmjPc8f5sY/w300-h400/20231130_205041.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Set highlight for me was the epic, emotional Science Fiction, a break-up song ( and TWP have a few of those! ) which uses alien invasions and suchlike as a metaphor for relationships crashing, and sees Gedge in vulnerable form as he casts his mind back to happier days. A wonderful, gorgeous song which has swiftly become a fave for me. This was followed by Everyone Thinks He Looks Daft, another ( you guessed it! ) break-up song. Sarah thought the 1980s-style school lingo of Gedge's introduction to this song was hilarious, as he described being "packed in" by somebody and, as if that wasn't bad enough, being replaced by someone who "looked ridiculous", hence the title.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZtNzqseBgZmEiLoULdIUD2_K1xVXhN3sySra7WRe8GjTp1X389ABy1vyZ1CE-mf0NmKxeR4DTBBRQ21XfnkqvmxXuY7OsnxjV5k2IWVts0KWK-q44OtmJU5MQFpRtPgONOq0MZFBY7RZChr9ADFJpTOLAqi6zpvxJggbsOxprM6Zhri1hS4CPMzPU6kT/s4000/20231130_205035.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZtNzqseBgZmEiLoULdIUD2_K1xVXhN3sySra7WRe8GjTp1X389ABy1vyZ1CE-mf0NmKxeR4DTBBRQ21XfnkqvmxXuY7OsnxjV5k2IWVts0KWK-q44OtmJU5MQFpRtPgONOq0MZFBY7RZChr9ADFJpTOLAqi6zpvxJggbsOxprM6Zhri1hS4CPMzPU6kT/s320/20231130_205035.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Another late set instant classic was I'm Not Going To Fall In Love With You, a beautifully poppy song about denying reality as you slide down the slippery slope into romance. Or something. Anyway, it's gorgeous, and prompted me to buy the 24 Songs CD after the gig from Mr. Gedge himself.<div> After this song, David asked "Any questions?" and a couple of women in the crowd called out for My Favourite Dress. His response, with a sly smile, was: "We don't do requests. What do you think I am? A jukebox? Anyway, here's My Favourite Dress..."</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDCsYzmwv_lFyciCx0LbJShMfyI3oRUQ353G0Jg74oSxPdfVgI9MdNAONBINyprs0Eisy6Cxvl0H-0XkKrGGNrWJuuwEU0TYxpB_fsjmrOSmVQ6if6mmW3xwTo8alqspaWz6MaUNqzIkeUFq6tEB7kmIpEbTFZBXFvqKXRTzmyfU0sp8N3US4YZFTMLc2/s4000/20231130_205027.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDCsYzmwv_lFyciCx0LbJShMfyI3oRUQ353G0Jg74oSxPdfVgI9MdNAONBINyprs0Eisy6Cxvl0H-0XkKrGGNrWJuuwEU0TYxpB_fsjmrOSmVQ6if6mmW3xwTo8alqspaWz6MaUNqzIkeUFq6tEB7kmIpEbTFZBXFvqKXRTzmyfU0sp8N3US4YZFTMLc2/w400-h300/20231130_205027.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>They finished the set with a ferocious cover of Come Up And See Me ( Make Me Smile ) and a fan-pleasing duo of Kennedy ( "Too much apple pie!" ) and Granadaland. No encores, as they'd warned us, but still a rousing finish to a frenetic, fast and fun performance. Definitely one of my gigs of the year, I came out of it a Wedding Present fan, determined to search out more of their music. Not bad for a wintery night in the Shire!</p><p>Update: Sarah's just told me that, even though she enjoyed the gig, she didn't find any of the songs memorable and couldn't understand a word David Gedge was singing. You win some, you lose some...</p></div>Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-77394092744645808382023-11-26T10:27:00.002+00:002023-12-04T13:58:34.382+00:00Inside the 14th Doctor's Tardis<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildS4YStxnHufVn2qDWcd1X1zAyCOJk9jXCJZPEFO6ypmV6sdGUHbvyQBrqOL7-CxXzyh7-brayEMDOgd7D6N7Atwq6SCIFT5yVZYO18PanKPEbKkLZoBE4k5PJ_fabNr2R0V_5QfqtybIcx6Cebzq31ZMHQDh7LqoksMyC-WZWO5nR9e_g6yphI1lCpDR/s1620/New%20Tardis%20doors.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildS4YStxnHufVn2qDWcd1X1zAyCOJk9jXCJZPEFO6ypmV6sdGUHbvyQBrqOL7-CxXzyh7-brayEMDOgd7D6N7Atwq6SCIFT5yVZYO18PanKPEbKkLZoBE4k5PJ_fabNr2R0V_5QfqtybIcx6Cebzq31ZMHQDh7LqoksMyC-WZWO5nR9e_g6yphI1lCpDR/w400-h266/New%20Tardis%20doors.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">( Warning! Space and time spoilers ahead if you haven't watched the show yet. )</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWIx9yV-W_FUYW_x65BT6_P0k2edEPvz1YR6nAUMnqL1LgvcGh-x_2GpUCk0BL-HwHyy0DXZLFO7i98jmtX0D4QPUQhVZWcqBBxFoG58_KtOlISpezxnw17mq4S1ps5MNvnE_P3hcWpjjjPWxVY-2HCI6fxPCs8qySxGRU4_sGOXrK_Q7P7vDAq6eWd6W/s1620/New%20Tardis%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWIx9yV-W_FUYW_x65BT6_P0k2edEPvz1YR6nAUMnqL1LgvcGh-x_2GpUCk0BL-HwHyy0DXZLFO7i98jmtX0D4QPUQhVZWcqBBxFoG58_KtOlISpezxnw17mq4S1ps5MNvnE_P3hcWpjjjPWxVY-2HCI6fxPCs8qySxGRU4_sGOXrK_Q7P7vDAq6eWd6W/w400-h266/New%20Tardis%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrEcHtQsyoEwXfzSiyKA1CejvgKeZwypNDa5UrZYnVEqxShAFGsEVzv2faktWWdcPEgngPjmb2zlZp6rPAgjuf4eUkqz7n5ZglAx-d6rg1gwMn_fSdC0vUM59H0sbbDh7x0q96bJxSMCgUzDoHezWd2kUZ3Y7ozDsnssobgXqtxHLN0SbijHPvGxHrbdM/s1620/New%20Tardis%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrEcHtQsyoEwXfzSiyKA1CejvgKeZwypNDa5UrZYnVEqxShAFGsEVzv2faktWWdcPEgngPjmb2zlZp6rPAgjuf4eUkqz7n5ZglAx-d6rg1gwMn_fSdC0vUM59H0sbbDh7x0q96bJxSMCgUzDoHezWd2kUZ3Y7ozDsnssobgXqtxHLN0SbijHPvGxHrbdM/w400-h266/New%20Tardis%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTFZIhR1O0Ju6Ph2YvV2lLIFCdKlwTn2pEhBD0ca6g5brZ2Oqo_k86Bwb7ptz4QGqqvGg1sHZS7GluNjyYmDPgRx1Br4XMgDozUD0IaaWPZOZs5DQpIOeGCbZcAvwmDm67e6V8HwyYVxr7vJFXpED9r50JEXEayNUksjbUEIdgBG2WSa-Bc4h4a5hpxCf/s1620/New%20Tardis%20console.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTFZIhR1O0Ju6Ph2YvV2lLIFCdKlwTn2pEhBD0ca6g5brZ2Oqo_k86Bwb7ptz4QGqqvGg1sHZS7GluNjyYmDPgRx1Br4XMgDozUD0IaaWPZOZs5DQpIOeGCbZcAvwmDm67e6V8HwyYVxr7vJFXpED9r50JEXEayNUksjbUEIdgBG2WSa-Bc4h4a5hpxCf/w400-h266/New%20Tardis%20console.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrk3l2IwktAZf9y02u8iPu54cxxBZOfr8DR0CzEGD5FrL4vt9UuGNE_cp7XVRaaSTzFEaClqc5JBtVYPYZkZ8CaC5V-YrWHVjF6scAzDUutpjiOhI9SNy8ypyB0xASYvB7Sek1MXCvmj_kepFb26mozRwDGeo8bV0WCivzEz0F3lQR-rvwni35n0bHPXeR/s1620/New%20Tardis%20detail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrk3l2IwktAZf9y02u8iPu54cxxBZOfr8DR0CzEGD5FrL4vt9UuGNE_cp7XVRaaSTzFEaClqc5JBtVYPYZkZ8CaC5V-YrWHVjF6scAzDUutpjiOhI9SNy8ypyB0xASYvB7Sek1MXCvmj_kepFb26mozRwDGeo8bV0WCivzEz0F3lQR-rvwni35n0bHPXeR/w400-h266/New%20Tardis%20detail.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6VecrhlNtZ_abL5q7Bxaj1KS7ggZqMjB7llv_JFnaB9FVSDzI5cNVTI7Bm0PzNZNVpXQizVciuxQSWhdBSEE_iFOO-hpatFthp3IxQk_Bwgl2SDQLfOp3OiZlpFtBi8RQVoWeQf_vA5rbgSRJoiQnsYCxRx9eLFhdllKpDukVBuKa4x0o7mzNCChM_ej/s1080/New%20Tardis%20interior%20doors.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6VecrhlNtZ_abL5q7Bxaj1KS7ggZqMjB7llv_JFnaB9FVSDzI5cNVTI7Bm0PzNZNVpXQizVciuxQSWhdBSEE_iFOO-hpatFthp3IxQk_Bwgl2SDQLfOp3OiZlpFtBi8RQVoWeQf_vA5rbgSRJoiQnsYCxRx9eLFhdllKpDukVBuKa4x0o7mzNCChM_ej/w400-h400/New%20Tardis%20interior%20doors.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-64811580188927429922023-11-23T06:42:00.000+00:002023-11-23T06:42:42.305+00:00Happy 60th birthday, Doctor Who!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEtH5QjQoSPVKdljBBGSypBGnr-DrbJ_L25wV_JcOYZD1bWDCZW6s2ugq3LV9R2OZ_G0F8Gze_oARSphatcJa-jQgx7Bhg70XE-94cHNWhSWZzyP1UnmWEOtOtq9dpqnIX-nh_ca8RDLMzx96LDpF5zA0yaVVp-df8Sr0A90rlophgIN5WxpPVdCtZnGC/s800/first%20doctor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="800" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEtH5QjQoSPVKdljBBGSypBGnr-DrbJ_L25wV_JcOYZD1bWDCZW6s2ugq3LV9R2OZ_G0F8Gze_oARSphatcJa-jQgx7Bhg70XE-94cHNWhSWZzyP1UnmWEOtOtq9dpqnIX-nh_ca8RDLMzx96LDpF5zA0yaVVp-df8Sr0A90rlophgIN5WxpPVdCtZnGC/w400-h301/first%20doctor.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> "One day, I shall come back. Yes, I shall come back. Until then, there must be no regrets, no tears, no anxieties. Just go forward in all your beliefs and prove to me that I am not mistaken in mine."<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5K_nNK-PuR5zAjrvngUMYJ6xC8BbmL7g4dvayqEJoOtT-aQZ2z6lw9hFNjyse0s1MlU2i6h_reYxhiYhxreoct6o-q-McBc9Gb9qf22Fgfjyb5zH6QNTVa4PVlr4ZtQ1wgln_T43cxur0Fbqr6SR3a0BTS8aj07aJD1TmZvxc-EdMYSxTw7GqXsLNOnp/s700/doctor%20who%20the%20highlanders.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="700" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5K_nNK-PuR5zAjrvngUMYJ6xC8BbmL7g4dvayqEJoOtT-aQZ2z6lw9hFNjyse0s1MlU2i6h_reYxhiYhxreoct6o-q-McBc9Gb9qf22Fgfjyb5zH6QNTVa4PVlr4ZtQ1wgln_T43cxur0Fbqr6SR3a0BTS8aj07aJD1TmZvxc-EdMYSxTw7GqXsLNOnp/w400-h243/doctor%20who%20the%20highlanders.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>"There are some corners of the universe which have bred the most terrible things. Things which act against everything we believe in. They must be fought!"<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-3SyHclD3dH5MBzpMJAmKyGQQFLUY7AAY3JK5iLuzzqMIWAA4aduA2vMswquk_MGvWGnJWamV0QyAVIhTCQWxeYniODsa30J5qiGExz1UDzoPFgwcHYh7YOvKuTGLuyq7xfdC_KiYzgD3hwPGGWFljwJTZgkCk08zqu4_PAZI4b-gS-bNUQojw1II_8A/s944/sea-devils.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="944" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-3SyHclD3dH5MBzpMJAmKyGQQFLUY7AAY3JK5iLuzzqMIWAA4aduA2vMswquk_MGvWGnJWamV0QyAVIhTCQWxeYniODsa30J5qiGExz1UDzoPFgwcHYh7YOvKuTGLuyq7xfdC_KiYzgD3hwPGGWFljwJTZgkCk08zqu4_PAZI4b-gS-bNUQojw1II_8A/w400-h225/sea-devils.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>"Courage isn't just a matter of not being frightened, you know. It's being afraid and doing what you have to do anyway."</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUh1x6xx2MhUsYlMuaxbw0kEBlQzgBhqCjceWNs_pAetXJi_S8qS9fxrWIaTQEj1o3a5YIbZpxMf9oxudosl9Vk26wQk92FZF2XPbbp7F24L-gQk_7wLDRf6n9CMfJM5GQJIyGuIGnmDi1hmfU_4Oo5wa8U5df6voYikFclPWxc3i4inH744Iupj-O_af/s500/the%20three%20doctors.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="500" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUh1x6xx2MhUsYlMuaxbw0kEBlQzgBhqCjceWNs_pAetXJi_S8qS9fxrWIaTQEj1o3a5YIbZpxMf9oxudosl9Vk26wQk92FZF2XPbbp7F24L-gQk_7wLDRf6n9CMfJM5GQJIyGuIGnmDi1hmfU_4Oo5wa8U5df6voYikFclPWxc3i4inH744Iupj-O_af/w400-h305/the%20three%20doctors.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Oh, so you're my replacements. A dandy and a clown"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaEKTovMapZjMhW3Acg2YawIbxbJEmtoPYgYvpJPyZIHim4RMuJ57BZhquQmVUK3ZyymyNaje05tSBdsJtqXrsefsEqawtjiqUQyZLaO8LpTG4TuUxMdO0BfwuT-JVeYf7RFQnhvvQmLCiUO68ajMhyfD1G6zVXoTJltzJ9ZzUANW4L-K5DFS0WT6B2px/s245/doctor%20who%20oh%20look%20rocks.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="245" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaEKTovMapZjMhW3Acg2YawIbxbJEmtoPYgYvpJPyZIHim4RMuJ57BZhquQmVUK3ZyymyNaje05tSBdsJtqXrsefsEqawtjiqUQyZLaO8LpTG4TuUxMdO0BfwuT-JVeYf7RFQnhvvQmLCiUO68ajMhyfD1G6zVXoTJltzJ9ZzUANW4L-K5DFS0WT6B2px/w400-h302/doctor%20who%20oh%20look%20rocks.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JGYNzwrQKHRg5MOjpQlnFm_BraVlZ3cilA9z1WsRhg5kkomDT3EOrSy218hzXbsJ8QA1cLW2YKFEXxj2J-4EQ9fkW9VpRWLsPsap9cEMrWcg_fMddllmS1fZCP_85U-cjo4Yr4VlssrT0wDLXAg3Ed6htOO9Iukz7K0KLm7LJqgvTPcYqVJSTuzZCVkb/s1128/Doctor_Who_Monthly_46f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="851" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JGYNzwrQKHRg5MOjpQlnFm_BraVlZ3cilA9z1WsRhg5kkomDT3EOrSy218hzXbsJ8QA1cLW2YKFEXxj2J-4EQ9fkW9VpRWLsPsap9cEMrWcg_fMddllmS1fZCP_85U-cjo4Yr4VlssrT0wDLXAg3Ed6htOO9Iukz7K0KLm7LJqgvTPcYqVJSTuzZCVkb/w301-h400/Doctor_Who_Monthly_46f.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>"Homo sapiens: what an inventive, invincible species. It's only a few million years since they crawled up out of the mud and learned to walk. Puny, defenceless bipeds. They've survived flood, famine and plague. They've survived cosmic wars and holocausts. And now, here they are, out among the stars, waiting to begin a new life. They're indomitable. Indomitable!"</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUpUc1coYoJdyI4WUKuys5mtPUL5ekv9LF0KXB0thisLqdE9HrG_lL052P0VoggneQlWqUB05N6ss6w0rvP_dLCUVxSBfUTesEBvkvijYPPLzfluqMspTinLaGG9PXgwmrtn178vdq8FymY_wWxzUg3jwOJRrGOrCQVmeGP3ZvRqds4ckMDJkWL23Ifzh/s1600/Peter%20Davison%205th%20doctor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1061" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUpUc1coYoJdyI4WUKuys5mtPUL5ekv9LF0KXB0thisLqdE9HrG_lL052P0VoggneQlWqUB05N6ss6w0rvP_dLCUVxSBfUTesEBvkvijYPPLzfluqMspTinLaGG9PXgwmrtn178vdq8FymY_wWxzUg3jwOJRrGOrCQVmeGP3ZvRqds4ckMDJkWL23Ifzh/w265-h400/Peter%20Davison%205th%20doctor.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"When did you last have the pleasure of smelling a flower, watching a sunset, eating a well-prepared meal? For some people, small, beautiful events are what life is all about."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXUr9nCUIbafmI2Ml5YlIiohPAQyVzRr_yv7iSxfo0uyK43-CONC5KXo3JSmk3GT8TBx3CVsk5I3uaf0qJ2s_PbuAMjXDPROOeFRs7w3Kletb3Szf5MoyUQwo0kMfIOySJ1GZXNCsWkK7-l8Gph5FIrGOkm50rmBQtGzAF-kSvL8R_FHNriuVokKecvEJ/s800/colin%20baker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXUr9nCUIbafmI2Ml5YlIiohPAQyVzRr_yv7iSxfo0uyK43-CONC5KXo3JSmk3GT8TBx3CVsk5I3uaf0qJ2s_PbuAMjXDPROOeFRs7w3Kletb3Szf5MoyUQwo0kMfIOySJ1GZXNCsWkK7-l8Gph5FIrGOkm50rmBQtGzAF-kSvL8R_FHNriuVokKecvEJ/w400-h266/colin%20baker.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>"Change, my dear. And it seems not a moment too soon."</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WcxeXG1oVgLe__9lQrec9tQh5Xi9WmUrpPufXYoyFXZ7lMEaLqvgqXVHamJiKjN_4wGw40doni4wL5gV9tdSsDwX5YQvgmn49zBffeN81K5JYxTInUtTwMuPgpHWDzvrqZCT5nZ2F8j9vfFHzsd2DG4_Mfown4zL881Fmg5V_SJ0tY59k40lmf0XzJtM/s912/7th%20Doctor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="634" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WcxeXG1oVgLe__9lQrec9tQh5Xi9WmUrpPufXYoyFXZ7lMEaLqvgqXVHamJiKjN_4wGw40doni4wL5gV9tdSsDwX5YQvgmn49zBffeN81K5JYxTInUtTwMuPgpHWDzvrqZCT5nZ2F8j9vfFHzsd2DG4_Mfown4zL881Fmg5V_SJ0tY59k40lmf0XzJtM/w278-h400/7th%20Doctor.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>"There are worlds out there where the sky is burning, and the sea's asleep, and the rivers dream; people made of smoke and cities made of song. Somewhere there's danger, somewhere there's injustice, and somewhere else the tea's getting cold. Come on Ace... we've got work to do."</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKmDNiFlK-s11QvvZkGzTwkBG4JYToWExt8Nv3GsFbSCAWkyv3G6oJUwf2ZYTge5qhMU5oHNWKOWS6V5px95bFi4bQYSSDA4YdDKk21CYJ0uATwUpRD0V0U7bg1XHVHLGRgtTSh5PT8NBCBzvHkUK3iL2xBXQirRWhLO8d7VT9_GfMw56Pm9rSw29xjWg/s999/8th%20Doctor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="999" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKmDNiFlK-s11QvvZkGzTwkBG4JYToWExt8Nv3GsFbSCAWkyv3G6oJUwf2ZYTge5qhMU5oHNWKOWS6V5px95bFi4bQYSSDA4YdDKk21CYJ0uATwUpRD0V0U7bg1XHVHLGRgtTSh5PT8NBCBzvHkUK3iL2xBXQirRWhLO8d7VT9_GfMw56Pm9rSw29xjWg/w400-h225/8th%20Doctor.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluiRp9LE1KdwfkRyjToCVzcIc9MuCATHUNyVXLPb6gaw8By6CrIKeHPsKwhnEBxgeZJVDRID8Q1F7PPPSSfVSkLBafPxGJLwu-thb1YC70ounGzbPMkrP5FD5_pPBBPL-9YDLSeaCFNfK3CuxT3qNWr8wv4oXvUNk69xwuGVHRsgan-J0glG0DaKbSObD/s3419/Paul%20McGann%20Doctor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3419" data-original-width="2415" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluiRp9LE1KdwfkRyjToCVzcIc9MuCATHUNyVXLPb6gaw8By6CrIKeHPsKwhnEBxgeZJVDRID8Q1F7PPPSSfVSkLBafPxGJLwu-thb1YC70ounGzbPMkrP5FD5_pPBBPL-9YDLSeaCFNfK3CuxT3qNWr8wv4oXvUNk69xwuGVHRsgan-J0glG0DaKbSObD/s320/Paul%20McGann%20Doctor.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"I love humans: always seeing patterns in things that aren't there."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhk1LeaE_kqKeBAvBwbzvV6dmneZzLPljn2NZSdFSxTON6kFclqMT_gp-PWA8msxczFCjte051RFBIGsdLJltT_uE1ODkC4S12BRYjeknypXdDX5_-vVkvvxvEFfzgHfkv0KL83HUHdbwXfbOJIre2KBfOYlKlEJ4kSe3glCMrg8cbh4EKFWGEl_44ed1P/s980/Ninth-Doctor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="980" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhk1LeaE_kqKeBAvBwbzvV6dmneZzLPljn2NZSdFSxTON6kFclqMT_gp-PWA8msxczFCjte051RFBIGsdLJltT_uE1ODkC4S12BRYjeknypXdDX5_-vVkvvxvEFfzgHfkv0KL83HUHdbwXfbOJIre2KBfOYlKlEJ4kSe3glCMrg8cbh4EKFWGEl_44ed1P/w400-h268/Ninth-Doctor.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>"I can feel it. The turn of the Earth. The ground beneath our feet is spinning at 1000 miles per hour, and the entire planet is hurtling around the sun at 67,000 miles an hour, and I can feel it. We're falling through space, you and me, clinging to the skin of this tiny little world, and if we let go... that's who I am."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6btsOH23YCtLBRdHAuMvJxHSDCwxv6kaYLGiUX5UrxtUl69wiyzL7v9ofgscumbyws6uxDVkuGf8Upg8srfjaTnOqhP8VJkiibMkLqk7msM8GdKckRZJKfvyjWP6L0HY904SC65q2VZDfJr3bcSBkVj3J7hetOJNR5VlT1b5KeHV2xSK-wureyWjtbMyR/s980/david-tennant-catherine-tate.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="980" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6btsOH23YCtLBRdHAuMvJxHSDCwxv6kaYLGiUX5UrxtUl69wiyzL7v9ofgscumbyws6uxDVkuGf8Upg8srfjaTnOqhP8VJkiibMkLqk7msM8GdKckRZJKfvyjWP6L0HY904SC65q2VZDfJr3bcSBkVj3J7hetOJNR5VlT1b5KeHV2xSK-wureyWjtbMyR/w400-h266/david-tennant-catherine-tate.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>"People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but, actually, from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint, it's more like a big ball of wibbly-wobbly... timey-wimey... stuff."<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPya4rNHe9er7h0hqkmGdyHHRYRzh5eFlSa2mUau-hAc3WaPLLOggNrBvCnPVdEJnRpj_kpvFsbzjY8_ZmgmGeXg7uorQAyeF-tnbs4cGifvmrbhQKCxBwnJW0YkJE6D_JEIiGCs3KCIc4Su2Bj7SL7QCJnXHJFOqUgcm0-EoCpYWYOhkLa3xtfuictU2T/s1500/Matt%20Smith.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPya4rNHe9er7h0hqkmGdyHHRYRzh5eFlSa2mUau-hAc3WaPLLOggNrBvCnPVdEJnRpj_kpvFsbzjY8_ZmgmGeXg7uorQAyeF-tnbs4cGifvmrbhQKCxBwnJW0YkJE6D_JEIiGCs3KCIc4Su2Bj7SL7QCJnXHJFOqUgcm0-EoCpYWYOhkLa3xtfuictU2T/w266-h400/Matt%20Smith.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Hello, <span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm</span> the Doctor. Basically... run!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb10NZTz2iahyqzQ-vpuLw501Jg47TbVzknzjn-iZ8AfrYsdaj_SpFYVF4D3TecrtkCauUUWpjxaJUMTUXMgv_U_xjVCfvYSawhyphenhyphenjivx1DWbUv2T1HovhJDPdxdZSfaaGFrPIdOXXjBl5TeDJDiRx_LkspJT1XKosX9UxXnUhH9YcD4I-jl_H9htoGPMOr/s1024/Peter%20and%20Jenna.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb10NZTz2iahyqzQ-vpuLw501Jg47TbVzknzjn-iZ8AfrYsdaj_SpFYVF4D3TecrtkCauUUWpjxaJUMTUXMgv_U_xjVCfvYSawhyphenhyphenjivx1DWbUv2T1HovhJDPdxdZSfaaGFrPIdOXXjBl5TeDJDiRx_LkspJT1XKosX9UxXnUhH9YcD4I-jl_H9htoGPMOr/w400-h266/Peter%20and%20Jenna.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>"I'm not doing this because I want to beat someone, or because I hate someone, or because I want to blame someone. It's not because it's fun. God knows it's not because it's easy. It's not even because it works, because it hardly ever does. I do what I do because it's right! Because it's decent. And above all, it's kind. It's just that. Just kind."<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNPecbdumXINeIzJzfYygcyEoNkXlM-ffNlDPHqMIGAUEF-_6YdTQWcuscKeSxEFebKc8Fq4WdViElyh3xKqdai1Xkw13qHAJpOsxIg5zw5o2O21YSgYe3iRz3Mm93nHIUDQitHEiJ9a5v3dvK0xCFbIJFJwDYTw265XundnhzdCR1-t6PEA4cr4dgoRA/s800/Doctor%20Ace%20Tegan.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNPecbdumXINeIzJzfYygcyEoNkXlM-ffNlDPHqMIGAUEF-_6YdTQWcuscKeSxEFebKc8Fq4WdViElyh3xKqdai1Xkw13qHAJpOsxIg5zw5o2O21YSgYe3iRz3Mm93nHIUDQitHEiJ9a5v3dvK0xCFbIJFJwDYTw265XundnhzdCR1-t6PEA4cr4dgoRA/w400-h225/Doctor%20Ace%20Tegan.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"None of us know for sure what's out there. That's why we keep looking. Keep your faith. Travel hopefully. The universe will surprise you, constantly."</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IHx-i9JgG26NchzWWqqw9WFoyHjaPsNPi5aXLqSs6NiQuqC_7mbdELJQHDVwsAbc-2IvqrLdsd0m895s8e08Y3idiqbmFqvq8sFhzdbMK7TIvueRq7J31TK5GIcqN0LyoAGDMWrdHOzks4iVmbw-_qVr9sYmauzob2ST6_9HhvOYR0rSNIiyb3o0Nf-5/s1200/14th%20Doctor.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IHx-i9JgG26NchzWWqqw9WFoyHjaPsNPi5aXLqSs6NiQuqC_7mbdELJQHDVwsAbc-2IvqrLdsd0m895s8e08Y3idiqbmFqvq8sFhzdbMK7TIvueRq7J31TK5GIcqN0LyoAGDMWrdHOzks4iVmbw-_qVr9sYmauzob2ST6_9HhvOYR0rSNIiyb3o0Nf-5/w400-h210/14th%20Doctor.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8-lwLo-gmRqAmKF1N-lhPPrWg9udJhdFu9EX7hvaJ6Rm08P2FKLN9IvHtRIOzn4AbK0yNAfhuhwCw8wIxSiZk3NFiIYmly8IlDnlHBqVZPtj7JoDcdh075Vy4EndDtuMxLMBzYgWRNiJOkTuZf5XvXYxa1Z76gr7Amp-1NGsh17pzIGL5xxWC6GaIPuk/s1900/15th%20doctor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1900" data-original-width="974" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8-lwLo-gmRqAmKF1N-lhPPrWg9udJhdFu9EX7hvaJ6Rm08P2FKLN9IvHtRIOzn4AbK0yNAfhuhwCw8wIxSiZk3NFiIYmly8IlDnlHBqVZPtj7JoDcdh075Vy4EndDtuMxLMBzYgWRNiJOkTuZf5XvXYxa1Z76gr7Amp-1NGsh17pzIGL5xxWC6GaIPuk/w205-h400/15th%20doctor.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;"><br /></span></span></div>Splendid fellows, all of them...</span></span></div></div>Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-57733896690507781422023-10-12T23:53:00.002+01:002023-10-13T07:10:50.347+01:00Sleeper at the Gloucester Guildhall<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BFzw3rzsrQu09C0Hk38uRE1T8xYAAh1xDxDolTv2quM8_Cb8unGFd2dKbPkwQTVZdC-81gqiLRzZqWamZRzfQx8IKz_72eaAY2Rt17bA1JGP0XPR5glyOp3Xhyphenhyphenl-60-j_HuI_1-3otUpYD1fZY1rqelANHVers-MZTUeOyL-be4wpi-oS3fLkpL5cORH/s3486/20231005_224837.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3486" data-original-width="2395" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BFzw3rzsrQu09C0Hk38uRE1T8xYAAh1xDxDolTv2quM8_Cb8unGFd2dKbPkwQTVZdC-81gqiLRzZqWamZRzfQx8IKz_72eaAY2Rt17bA1JGP0XPR5glyOp3Xhyphenhyphenl-60-j_HuI_1-3otUpYD1fZY1rqelANHVers-MZTUeOyL-be4wpi-oS3fLkpL5cORH/s320/20231005_224837.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A week ago ( 05/10 ) I went to Gloucester's gorgeous Guildhall for what was ( rather depressingly ) my first gig of 2023 in my fave venue. For once, they were showcasing a "real" band and not the standard tribute acts which clog up the schedules these days. And it was the super, soaraway, slinky Sleeper! Smashing! ( All alliteration courtesy of some imagined British tabloid from the bad old days. )</div><div>This was an unplugged ( kind of ) gig, so a bit different from the two previous occasions I'd seen Louise Wener and co. - interesting...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHJaI020T-vxOQohHP-G_oO_WgAozkV01VSgUoa-bMyNzRW0qsInzmtub_mB6KlPWe12EO9iZldJlVnjOiGr4g2yW6nxWVEDW99dLJ8RSB6j89qbSa1bOiN_jcVtIH3MNW1reA82K6u4-nfrMkf0AJ6LDVT0px66wJ7u9_pdYbILQA_39U8Sx6vq0dSKG/s4000/20231005_202823.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHJaI020T-vxOQohHP-G_oO_WgAozkV01VSgUoa-bMyNzRW0qsInzmtub_mB6KlPWe12EO9iZldJlVnjOiGr4g2yW6nxWVEDW99dLJ8RSB6j89qbSa1bOiN_jcVtIH3MNW1reA82K6u4-nfrMkf0AJ6LDVT0px66wJ7u9_pdYbILQA_39U8Sx6vq0dSKG/s320/20231005_202823.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As it turned out, this wasn't <i>quite</i> an unplugged gig as electric guitars and keyboards were deployed as well as their acoustic cousins. It was also structured almost as a theatre show with an intermission (!), a Q&A session with the band and, yes, the dreaded seats. I think this is only the third time I've been to a seated gig at the Guildhall in the 35 or so years I've been going there. ( I previously saw Robyn Hitchcock in such a setting only last year, as well as alt-Country band Lambchop many years ago. ) I think this set-up works for comedy or spoken-word gigs but not so much for rock concerts, even semi-acoustic ones like this. <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizs9fvRxxY71XNGmo2pLo3p-3iSE8Hx6c04mWP3XtRDf3-gXqyE7NjdGLf9Zn2fbXpeOvxspPSxabs9qpvJg8vpTmWFzxluI4jFK5pVMwCVljgLZbrq9jP9XfcWfGz3TM1GBbxolAHlHAu1jZ5uM9_-S5s7-PME_MTGcS69Fh1wlXH9o7EESgOPhG7hOZj/s4000/20231005_202810.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizs9fvRxxY71XNGmo2pLo3p-3iSE8Hx6c04mWP3XtRDf3-gXqyE7NjdGLf9Zn2fbXpeOvxspPSxabs9qpvJg8vpTmWFzxluI4jFK5pVMwCVljgLZbrq9jP9XfcWfGz3TM1GBbxolAHlHAu1jZ5uM9_-S5s7-PME_MTGcS69Fh1wlXH9o7EESgOPhG7hOZj/s320/20231005_202810.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>But anyway, here were Sleeper with their effortlessly effervescent anthems, the likes of Lie Detector and Statuesque still sounding brash and bratty, even in this stripped-back format. Louise was in fine voice and, if anything, the lack of overpowering volume just highlighted her sensuous, breathy vocals. She was also clearly having a great time, as were the two guys. As she'd done at the Wychwood festival back in July, Louise thanked us for coming out to support live music and again said how the revitalised, 21st-century Sleeper hadn't known if they'd be welcomed back to the stage, but were thrilled that their audience was still there. The Q&A format prompted some entertaining stories as the band recalled the Britpop days and tales of being pulled over on the freeway by LA cops while extremely high, the accidental scratching of John Lennon's piano in George Michael's recording studio, and eating the cheese from Blur's rider and nearly getting thrown out of their support slot by an irate Alex James. That rock 'n' roll, eh?<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLw00G3uU57njvSlRnIFxivFufidU2mAe8HTWiT-4dIXq8xEvgH7LArnQnaZoyyOsssxrovebUs3KGHESn7O_7cZZTfydl6e1D5DodNkGpwOiJR_CFqqCE6dGXOz4nvQpNqSr3Udw2ND2UL6Q-OVY0mI6OGP_irR0CmzKK8ne7VWvNqksMkrawJGg4ujm/s4000/20231005_202820.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLw00G3uU57njvSlRnIFxivFufidU2mAe8HTWiT-4dIXq8xEvgH7LArnQnaZoyyOsssxrovebUs3KGHESn7O_7cZZTfydl6e1D5DodNkGpwOiJR_CFqqCE6dGXOz4nvQpNqSr3Udw2ND2UL6Q-OVY0mI6OGP_irR0CmzKK8ne7VWvNqksMkrawJGg4ujm/s320/20231005_202820.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>While one or two of the songs didn't really benefit from the unplugged approach ( Nice Guy Eddie in particular was far too slow and dirge-y ) a lot of it worked really well: Inbetweener was still a cast-iron classic of suburban isolation, Alice In Vain was a tear-jerker, What Do I Do Now was reimagined as a mournful Country lament, and a singalong cover of Pixies' Wave Of Mutilation paid homage to one of the band's major inspirations. They finished with a crowd-pleasing Sale Of The Century, which finally got everyone out of those bloody seats and dancing. It had been a fun gig and lovely to see such close interaction between band and audience but I kind of missed the complete Sleeper experience. Hopefully I'll catch them again the next time they tour with the full band. Sarah was even less impressed than me so I hope this hasn't put her off seeing them again.</div><div>( Apologies for the dodgy photos. It all looks a bit blurred ( not Blurred, ha ha ) because the Guildhall's lights are so damn bright that they glare off people's faces. Plus my phone's rubbish. )</div>Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-34905691555659785982023-10-02T21:20:00.000+01:002023-10-02T21:20:47.192+01:00Cornwall 2023<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmNQw51iprPrvxbfD9f3LbT7wRq3w_sZsDR3TOOR56pF_ZGoCA4DkqV7Mv2O6gHnxSs2vF-0DgP7whFwOSy6-TiwA603vUTrfGjwxD85Gcd-GRbdX8c1d6NBUYNbBUEpOozWr7NnXQ8_pmov753PF1eBorVvCVZqsMZtDgdGu6LjtUb5lvYYAEvRUwHxR/s4000/20230929_110104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmNQw51iprPrvxbfD9f3LbT7wRq3w_sZsDR3TOOR56pF_ZGoCA4DkqV7Mv2O6gHnxSs2vF-0DgP7whFwOSy6-TiwA603vUTrfGjwxD85Gcd-GRbdX8c1d6NBUYNbBUEpOozWr7NnXQ8_pmov753PF1eBorVvCVZqsMZtDgdGu6LjtUb5lvYYAEvRUwHxR/w400-h300/20230929_110104.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A week ago we were in our beloved Cornwall ( sigh! ) and I'm still thinking about that fair county as I'm sitting here in the rain swept Shire after a day back at work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Y7E_0A87qP2p9aJSQvvx6TnozoOALalIoigNZd8TANHLtTN90XjibeNyt8bHlJWZYPRbuNBPYAfWL75W-VA8ZxxsgfuMCWogNdqTEG7NQXHdLta2W7e7vXsJZikyZxRWgZ1MX6ge-lZwE_qGtQpKpBIe9Y5mO_ru7oa_8i2gkytzRulxSIA19CFapSwi/s4000/20230926_143343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Y7E_0A87qP2p9aJSQvvx6TnozoOALalIoigNZd8TANHLtTN90XjibeNyt8bHlJWZYPRbuNBPYAfWL75W-VA8ZxxsgfuMCWogNdqTEG7NQXHdLta2W7e7vXsJZikyZxRWgZ1MX6ge-lZwE_qGtQpKpBIe9Y5mO_ru7oa_8i2gkytzRulxSIA19CFapSwi/w400-h300/20230926_143343.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>We had a couple of days in Newquay so we could spend some time with Sophie and then we drove down to the other coast for a couple of days on the Lizard peninsula. The first photo above is of the beautiful Lizard Point, the most Southerly part of the UK mainland. We hadn't been there since 2015, so the visit was long overdue. It's a very special place for us and we were so glad to be there, especially with such gorgeous weather.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXRBqBRyozoVN8nH6bK0BirbCmbc2UdDbxD8wfGT9jA3ZJhiotOmqLs2grJQmeYKBhaEYkby1x7miFxKtXGp2MTTPq2Z1Ky46Iu4NtfPtBO9MC64XS4ZnGfVD3BDKgwkXnPZf-c7cI2LKcdw0MuhZKKDVNxkxm2Af5H7VqHffddSDBZF-0nbxzcGrymgn/s4000/20230926_132759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXRBqBRyozoVN8nH6bK0BirbCmbc2UdDbxD8wfGT9jA3ZJhiotOmqLs2grJQmeYKBhaEYkby1x7miFxKtXGp2MTTPq2Z1Ky46Iu4NtfPtBO9MC64XS4ZnGfVD3BDKgwkXnPZf-c7cI2LKcdw0MuhZKKDVNxkxm2Af5H7VqHffddSDBZF-0nbxzcGrymgn/w400-h300/20230926_132759.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1g1I5LMeJf2NpK1Cl539YfMRa3vhPDdWaPSC3vu0e8iZ_mzZO_9PHBXd-UmN5FyRZ-NxPc3meH0JrtiXOJfEpQItZmvqRAhfMpKXG1dieTABWlxEQ9UETveHA5RbisYfxVplP6T1hu-mZJVg9VzUvJQm4fHfI1PEmkt6O3dVHcH_k0tz5jsxf_uGAa9gu/s4000/20230926_132540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1g1I5LMeJf2NpK1Cl539YfMRa3vhPDdWaPSC3vu0e8iZ_mzZO_9PHBXd-UmN5FyRZ-NxPc3meH0JrtiXOJfEpQItZmvqRAhfMpKXG1dieTABWlxEQ9UETveHA5RbisYfxVplP6T1hu-mZJVg9VzUvJQm4fHfI1PEmkt6O3dVHcH_k0tz5jsxf_uGAa9gu/w400-h300/20230926_132540.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEida_eXwWU62z2S9lq-KbbCYKW3QOwsKzWiGevmFMSdu0aBsPe-F0uHYMO_uLvgUc06y25OOpcQ4MdCPB7YvQSx1InCL_hikTpHjGXUlvUsn8EvQ6otZlZphz0s_BK8yrKyDpPE3d53YuvjRXVBeIW2HMMJCGJPD_InAiHB45kKB2ePfO0QZeP2oQNJQ8-E/s4000/20230926_141736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEida_eXwWU62z2S9lq-KbbCYKW3QOwsKzWiGevmFMSdu0aBsPe-F0uHYMO_uLvgUc06y25OOpcQ4MdCPB7YvQSx1InCL_hikTpHjGXUlvUsn8EvQ6otZlZphz0s_BK8yrKyDpPE3d53YuvjRXVBeIW2HMMJCGJPD_InAiHB45kKB2ePfO0QZeP2oQNJQ8-E/w400-h300/20230926_141736.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Here are a few shots of wonderful Watergate Bay, just a few miles up the coast from Newquay, one of our favourite beaches and a surfer's paradise. ( We weren't tempted into the water but watched people "wiping out" from the security of a lovely restaurant overlooking the beach. ) Oh yeah, Miska the owl came along too for a photo opportunity...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU42AkfJm9ctvVXFrTb01cV3d-uRB5jkByVAOAyg_p3guzLSlai-tfAs6F2rdnAIZNKrTpqdaeHJ1RIcbu6llUjT0BSoFqr3h3sTU999AI82cdxsta2sasoaOp2Kodpyujc_1elIQa1-tMQKzTxCm9L-M10X2He2XsepGaXDSk1-tZYCbO40PY0xDWQMVk/s4000/20230926_132510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU42AkfJm9ctvVXFrTb01cV3d-uRB5jkByVAOAyg_p3guzLSlai-tfAs6F2rdnAIZNKrTpqdaeHJ1RIcbu6llUjT0BSoFqr3h3sTU999AI82cdxsta2sasoaOp2Kodpyujc_1elIQa1-tMQKzTxCm9L-M10X2He2XsepGaXDSk1-tZYCbO40PY0xDWQMVk/w400-h300/20230926_132510.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgg22YOxNcRlqRGh4q-lkIlOrSDsM-OVdGtedlWSs2GCvGQALRqLVp7DdnaHFq3VCsaxe41UdEc6u2SdGKadIS53HSC3SCjClMFFxnsadIXLOkpQs77YGIQ9k0BRwqwHT6xOc5FGjMIuHZDiE1SP4WcD2yPakL_QiFINkjAwplYD9LXfx-DT6_OepfjuYX/s4000/20230926_112843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgg22YOxNcRlqRGh4q-lkIlOrSDsM-OVdGtedlWSs2GCvGQALRqLVp7DdnaHFq3VCsaxe41UdEc6u2SdGKadIS53HSC3SCjClMFFxnsadIXLOkpQs77YGIQ9k0BRwqwHT6xOc5FGjMIuHZDiE1SP4WcD2yPakL_QiFINkjAwplYD9LXfx-DT6_OepfjuYX/w400-h300/20230926_112843.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfTs1TbKObnHex-NsLHDn5ubcRYX-gwTfnWGKeq4fjrO43XlfmrT5apoVaBqBK4r6twziKtc0QnKTDslNSm7IXsN7OL9PSE9f6r7YjCZxtR60I-4wCWvvsuZ3ucTJiM3ODa42zEBkOiGKAwzjoY9ZQ8zrlohnJNfdqO1qrbNLrKv5YakvPmnA43-GtVP1/s2048/IMG-20230925-WA0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfTs1TbKObnHex-NsLHDn5ubcRYX-gwTfnWGKeq4fjrO43XlfmrT5apoVaBqBK4r6twziKtc0QnKTDslNSm7IXsN7OL9PSE9f6r7YjCZxtR60I-4wCWvvsuZ3ucTJiM3ODa42zEBkOiGKAwzjoY9ZQ8zrlohnJNfdqO1qrbNLrKv5YakvPmnA43-GtVP1/w300-h400/IMG-20230925-WA0001.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>The day before, we'd taken Sophie to St Ives for a day out. Here are Sarah and I on the harbourside, just after watching a seal frolicking in the waves, to the delight of us tourists.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OLe3k_uZjvNZz6TH3EQ7s5j7Li0PUIuKD4wYwDfZXCojAMD-dTwGgww4YM7eC9R87oyDV_zyW-3Pi5w1THZI54kkJDwcF7Qp7jSPAKQOYxQMHPlJZC6HtVUz6F8HDJTYU8l1YsjwXocpiGOeA-sCgbzDgkOc-MN5r2UjlFfnoHa8qyi7w0IMWZsV5eqg/s4000/20230925_142154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OLe3k_uZjvNZz6TH3EQ7s5j7Li0PUIuKD4wYwDfZXCojAMD-dTwGgww4YM7eC9R87oyDV_zyW-3Pi5w1THZI54kkJDwcF7Qp7jSPAKQOYxQMHPlJZC6HtVUz6F8HDJTYU8l1YsjwXocpiGOeA-sCgbzDgkOc-MN5r2UjlFfnoHa8qyi7w0IMWZsV5eqg/w400-h300/20230925_142154.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJ-Lk1fZbYuIN04HUne-CQ6d0Kwy_acNAgYmmAWPntBNceQ5U3YfvLUyjgC8IMpGpAx0rZz0Y6Adk_qWSVskYqy0JVfGhk_Za6k2f9pzX12DpVByN4mPntEjCQKv4Y-5qgiWlp8f5VdhbqKVEHlK6DG55WzDTiP9Davxq4fl0Byr9UgVaH6v-IIijy_EV/s4000/20230925_142135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJ-Lk1fZbYuIN04HUne-CQ6d0Kwy_acNAgYmmAWPntBNceQ5U3YfvLUyjgC8IMpGpAx0rZz0Y6Adk_qWSVskYqy0JVfGhk_Za6k2f9pzX12DpVByN4mPntEjCQKv4Y-5qgiWlp8f5VdhbqKVEHlK6DG55WzDTiP9Davxq4fl0Byr9UgVaH6v-IIijy_EV/w400-h300/20230925_142135.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEfnV3_0uK7DfwlqV6f-8kRQPKzyPWyV-zqCWZbOhrXJjVDCgVGtJvj_VBU5riqjEIf9C7d3pZka41Edmi0dvF9IzQA6zIVbWHXYI0oZ_AaKtrsiw5hzONCXoITW49QsE2jXmkO5eAAFQaw4vt3T5bS3jh99TH9n7gFvh6sMUiwbNlQnHtCkkxaj2kP8x/s4000/20230925_142801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEfnV3_0uK7DfwlqV6f-8kRQPKzyPWyV-zqCWZbOhrXJjVDCgVGtJvj_VBU5riqjEIf9C7d3pZka41Edmi0dvF9IzQA6zIVbWHXYI0oZ_AaKtrsiw5hzONCXoITW49QsE2jXmkO5eAAFQaw4vt3T5bS3jh99TH9n7gFvh6sMUiwbNlQnHtCkkxaj2kP8x/w300-h400/20230925_142801.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Z1Ubq5j89dIUoDG_TM4Jp8dIwHOopL_5RmAfwtOOgiijZFjkgT0QxUBm00_EqP_pxOm2ag_bpD2JabaQSAlDaCapigFyKYG_SsRssH6RXORgfkxHYIxQF0DLe6GyZeEkgg8BM0Xjp-UrT76apa4QvImUWo-E_-eRpqd6KLuHOU-xT8QBIBo_5j999QfM/s4000/20230925_133257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Z1Ubq5j89dIUoDG_TM4Jp8dIwHOopL_5RmAfwtOOgiijZFjkgT0QxUBm00_EqP_pxOm2ag_bpD2JabaQSAlDaCapigFyKYG_SsRssH6RXORgfkxHYIxQF0DLe6GyZeEkgg8BM0Xjp-UrT76apa4QvImUWo-E_-eRpqd6KLuHOU-xT8QBIBo_5j999QfM/w400-h300/20230925_133257.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p> We stayed in a lovely hotel in Lizard village called <a href="https://thetophouseinn.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Top House Inn</a>, a 200-year old pub which was very welcoming and had proper Cornish vibes, especially when a folk group started playing old songs in the bar. It couldn't have felt more authentic. It was the kind of old Cornish village where the neighbours have an actual Royal Navy helicopter in the back garden. Because why not?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29y6faSKV0k3rRYWlvYKzHAsBhwL0BvOtQJN9_78o50xiKStT-5sFrUXd7RsAI5J68NWjr9E6SBxT59ZGG2Jcqfd3mGHTz52qJY18H7Wok_YY9aHmnDRjTbA6L4FgBUrmhFPdgMoB1m_VBvxUNQ4fXGadDdMklXoKe4u0Ia4QImZKlIwGtTsUgvwe20i_/s4000/20230929_101716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29y6faSKV0k3rRYWlvYKzHAsBhwL0BvOtQJN9_78o50xiKStT-5sFrUXd7RsAI5J68NWjr9E6SBxT59ZGG2Jcqfd3mGHTz52qJY18H7Wok_YY9aHmnDRjTbA6L4FgBUrmhFPdgMoB1m_VBvxUNQ4fXGadDdMklXoKe4u0Ia4QImZKlIwGtTsUgvwe20i_/w400-h300/20230929_101716.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGC026v_rbzB1lJudfl0SplLLtrnrga0L3xPsXnI7cTTMpkHBBKJ73UNTZsym7tdgFAU82ff9Jr40YHDToLodJ5sQpYJTX9eSMocRDCybAkt1CfpdUFIjTi_qnmcMySaTNFPAp9hifRyVxoOzuUiD2C_wYi1qV_1LuT4VQpV1msdBnczrAK_vSRDuijNp/s1600/IMG-20230927-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGC026v_rbzB1lJudfl0SplLLtrnrga0L3xPsXnI7cTTMpkHBBKJ73UNTZsym7tdgFAU82ff9Jr40YHDToLodJ5sQpYJTX9eSMocRDCybAkt1CfpdUFIjTi_qnmcMySaTNFPAp9hifRyVxoOzuUiD2C_wYi1qV_1LuT4VQpV1msdBnczrAK_vSRDuijNp/w300-h400/IMG-20230927-WA0000.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Ah, Cornwall, we'll be back soon...<p></p>Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-19576130311697271842023-10-01T09:38:00.002+01:002023-10-01T09:39:19.824+01:00NICE Con ( Bedford ) 2023<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipH-moeaVAVWBtgP_I9IbNbl3KhEqMoOlCTgLKDGHWm9O0QLO62k6dnDTCA7GB5bDhb8LVtRUhgfG5VGw4NT0U4lJcIFrykWk2mCvuWaQEeKDQeppaQ5yXYSD3B61mfCHEt9KB2Qouo2PtAw_dy1WL9vOj414geolgHXA_2cUAD34xGIIVsLHC459h7jbA/s768/NICE-2023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipH-moeaVAVWBtgP_I9IbNbl3KhEqMoOlCTgLKDGHWm9O0QLO62k6dnDTCA7GB5bDhb8LVtRUhgfG5VGw4NT0U4lJcIFrykWk2mCvuWaQEeKDQeppaQ5yXYSD3B61mfCHEt9KB2Qouo2PtAw_dy1WL9vOj414geolgHXA_2cUAD34xGIIVsLHC459h7jbA/w400-h400/NICE-2023.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fk1pL3fJSOHPSsTZD8asevMK71GtzENYHCWG5eXdgSPRPGF7Ex7XmjewW7R7tLZOI4gEFJWGEStEEVZQShtbtRR1gXFcr-IVejSXpPXilL4WfsfEuKr7cgPUHWtDCmNk1SBcwUJcz4ZvxG40xDuTZXiOUiKeMYFjT9LTr6S_buiZ3SpmjZEEZg_Jd1Qs/s3416/20230904_193708.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2945" data-original-width="3416" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fk1pL3fJSOHPSsTZD8asevMK71GtzENYHCWG5eXdgSPRPGF7Ex7XmjewW7R7tLZOI4gEFJWGEStEEVZQShtbtRR1gXFcr-IVejSXpPXilL4WfsfEuKr7cgPUHWtDCmNk1SBcwUJcz4ZvxG40xDuTZXiOUiKeMYFjT9LTr6S_buiZ3SpmjZEEZg_Jd1Qs/s320/20230904_193708.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>From the Better Late Than Nearly Never files: here are some of the goodies I picked up at Bedford's wonderful NICE con a month ago. First off, a couple of issues of Stan & Jack and the only issue ( so far! ) of The Kids From Rec Road from my ol' blogging buddy, Peerless Pete Doree. As ever, these timeless tomes are frantically filled with splendid super hero satire, merciless mirth and creative cartooning, and will have you talking in agonising alliteration for doggoned days afterwards. Excelsior! You can order Pete's magnificent mags from his Big Cartel page <a href="https://petedoree.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">here</a> - and I think you should, Pilgrim.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_kLZ2YfyBa_smUjO0mLGOJAfHlu0Z7GPOhIguQGDbz8QN2_bSJg01KRj-4Tl4UCer9ZSpzwgINYcVlsbo1XWW5TwG6--6GuFGylOXQR2zuToDW1zIX8o81zgG-LD9exf7lzXKvIl9S_i1NOBxk__sXMxKOTPMPKL_D2BqW7Ovw1sFDThyH_NoUADgpQJ/s3622/20230904_193625.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3622" data-original-width="2753" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_kLZ2YfyBa_smUjO0mLGOJAfHlu0Z7GPOhIguQGDbz8QN2_bSJg01KRj-4Tl4UCer9ZSpzwgINYcVlsbo1XWW5TwG6--6GuFGylOXQR2zuToDW1zIX8o81zgG-LD9exf7lzXKvIl9S_i1NOBxk__sXMxKOTPMPKL_D2BqW7Ovw1sFDThyH_NoUADgpQJ/s320/20230904_193625.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And, speaking of British indie comics, I also picked up these beauties from the publisher of The '77 Comic. For those of us of a certain age, these artfully-constructed homages to British "papers" of the 1970s are like comics catnip. Evoking memories of Warlord, Action and Bullet ( Blazer ), and Misty or Spellbound ( Pandora ), they're an affectionate update of the boys' and girls' comics that were read in playgrounds throughout the UK back in the days of flares and hot pants. ( Calm down, it was only flares in my case. ) I had a long chat with the line's publisher ( didn't catch his name, unfortunately ) and we discussed the comics of our youth like a right pair of old fogeys. His sales pitch obviously worked as I bought these issues... which cost slightly more than their 1970s inspirations would have. But, they're good fun with a pretty consistent quality for indie comics. He told me that they'll soon be printing an original graphic novel from comics legend Ian Gibson, so that should be worth seeking out.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9Le3Qv0CsISEdno6F-fRRKniUOF8jTLNq1gh-TJwh-uaTzVkMOdxise4h9GxujDKU_FOwajoXEIYWgo2dwf_Bm9kbJYikejCZ65R-G35n1Zfy3Xc_cg_JxpJU4LUlzSeIzAUN1Ueu0IwzEDFYWndfUGS5yOd-6CnA5RWvciOdyx8COYWGhhb9bGaoGi3/s3484/20230904_193552.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3484" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9Le3Qv0CsISEdno6F-fRRKniUOF8jTLNq1gh-TJwh-uaTzVkMOdxise4h9GxujDKU_FOwajoXEIYWgo2dwf_Bm9kbJYikejCZ65R-G35n1Zfy3Xc_cg_JxpJU4LUlzSeIzAUN1Ueu0IwzEDFYWndfUGS5yOd-6CnA5RWvciOdyx8COYWGhhb9bGaoGi3/s320/20230904_193552.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Of course, I had to trawl through the long-boxes for some Silver and Bronze Age mags. I was on a slight budget here, but I found some bargains, as you can see below - all under a tenner! Some fun stories with artwork from an array of industry greats: Ross Andru, Gene Colan, Jack "King" Kirby and the unbeatable Superman team of Curt Swan & Murphy Anderson. Excellent stuff!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOd-qcZMbmCl6ABXw3uz00DexZxg8GuqvFxUqpIieFbeHZ1C_icSNEIzHcUKDD6-NCTJEmnGbz1TT-wdkvVu2x1O3sBP7sLhxhp9bSE3FkxZwa5JUSv5qDy6BugLPIMf3XibNq4kZuyMrYftpj8el_d5boFfOb5QOfYD9VmWG9dYO8Xz-JN3xliULJqzx/s3769/20230904_193449.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3769" data-original-width="2576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOd-qcZMbmCl6ABXw3uz00DexZxg8GuqvFxUqpIieFbeHZ1C_icSNEIzHcUKDD6-NCTJEmnGbz1TT-wdkvVu2x1O3sBP7sLhxhp9bSE3FkxZwa5JUSv5qDy6BugLPIMf3XibNq4kZuyMrYftpj8el_d5boFfOb5QOfYD9VmWG9dYO8Xz-JN3xliULJqzx/s320/20230904_193449.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT09OH2l2ZceHjJqctw_K3u1vgeYS5hyVLBbX6uU78cj-lqwa6VUBQXq8SMpaOw2-wrIpHiBdRHDpoXjm6IOn_ssJ0VmY9n0-OXrUXcKZVivX0pqhX7RdTpECwya2pu75cqRwlg8nOidMV0ga0UfkEpewLedt4xVpnCKuRAVUX7sNk3doXqyOv5m00XzL2/s3684/20230904_193501.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3684" data-original-width="2479" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT09OH2l2ZceHjJqctw_K3u1vgeYS5hyVLBbX6uU78cj-lqwa6VUBQXq8SMpaOw2-wrIpHiBdRHDpoXjm6IOn_ssJ0VmY9n0-OXrUXcKZVivX0pqhX7RdTpECwya2pu75cqRwlg8nOidMV0ga0UfkEpewLedt4xVpnCKuRAVUX7sNk3doXqyOv5m00XzL2/s320/20230904_193501.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8st7USxSKWEdHtz9sX6anT1QZZem3B9UM1i8-Lfwoq2Dm-bThVKkrrO7udDPj_mO9ViWgR1Lk2Sq2kowI5oH4EDgWI3_cJ9ZlxRp82_rJebiPvDeKL1mONAd_ReMLhidfQT4BoB2LHLlEeVyAY4bHdC24qUzG7lNRKMAIECj36MoA2uTd19SL1YK0wM5d/s3622/20230904_193424.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3622" data-original-width="2473" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8st7USxSKWEdHtz9sX6anT1QZZem3B9UM1i8-Lfwoq2Dm-bThVKkrrO7udDPj_mO9ViWgR1Lk2Sq2kowI5oH4EDgWI3_cJ9ZlxRp82_rJebiPvDeKL1mONAd_ReMLhidfQT4BoB2LHLlEeVyAY4bHdC24qUzG7lNRKMAIECj36MoA2uTd19SL1YK0wM5d/s320/20230904_193424.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUGhDyVZqWbuYEIipilAinhe5Vje-qsv9b9oEcpuoq-jKFHGGmF9G1VA4aBPz8pPRrdBgsrIOx6XoZmfym_-u4MQ0t_w1B7-_EmAYAtqIWFuJxb6_BqpcNduylkYeYoy0oUqE7_ZuNbQpjZiSpmnIgz-sOeT--mn-sbnXmdTONftL9HzY8tw3zZj69Zz1/s3736/20230904_193437.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3736" data-original-width="2515" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUGhDyVZqWbuYEIipilAinhe5Vje-qsv9b9oEcpuoq-jKFHGGmF9G1VA4aBPz8pPRrdBgsrIOx6XoZmfym_-u4MQ0t_w1B7-_EmAYAtqIWFuJxb6_BqpcNduylkYeYoy0oUqE7_ZuNbQpjZiSpmnIgz-sOeT--mn-sbnXmdTONftL9HzY8tw3zZj69Zz1/s320/20230904_193437.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuXwuQ6zne2MBBKe09kuBHs-LKOaQfUsXxhedGhRp5i9zfdS4msNZgxsmerfBop99qcZxvu3nAH0AuPQS3x-ydwREyNYB0Cg3Djzles93eemKJl38J41KzZp_0d015Up0sfA44F5MPo2T7S9_6JZ-CiXgQ3PphhTBrenfwZfSbUZWoCGryHfgmwUeLR0Eo/s3714/20230904_193510.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3714" data-original-width="2510" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuXwuQ6zne2MBBKe09kuBHs-LKOaQfUsXxhedGhRp5i9zfdS4msNZgxsmerfBop99qcZxvu3nAH0AuPQS3x-ydwREyNYB0Cg3Djzles93eemKJl38J41KzZp_0d015Up0sfA44F5MPo2T7S9_6JZ-CiXgQ3PphhTBrenfwZfSbUZWoCGryHfgmwUeLR0Eo/s320/20230904_193510.jpg" width="216" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>This was my first comic con since the bloody pandemic and, as ever, it was lovely to be back at NICE, probably the most relaxed, comic-creator-focused event of its kind. I spent quite some time chatting with Pete, the first time we'd met in person in four (!) years, which was lovely. I'd hoped for us to meet up with former blogger, and Bedford resident, Mighty Joe Ackerman but he'd been ill and couldn't make it. He sounded gutted he couldn't come along, as we've been planning to all meet up for years now, but hopefully we can fix that next year. Sarah came along with me this time, and went shopping whilst I was in retro heaven, so we also had a look around the fair city of Bedford together... which also included a quick visit to the area's premier comic shop, <u><a href="https://www.closeencounters.co.uk/" target="_blank">Close Encounters</a></u>, more of which in a later post.</div><div>A great day!</div>Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-69850651270629701422023-09-17T11:47:00.002+01:002023-09-17T11:50:38.466+01:00Recent gigs ( Part Four ) - Muse at the National Bowl, MK and Pulp at the Castlefield Bowl, MCR<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmyDwcyzZvfGw38BGyyTUJfOPqYkGbujWt-xgUeH1cEMi0u6so86RjtuR5ApNUztooreprKIm9-FqBWOZjSpNMB4kgmPGIVY-T0ddH9DTM-ihwbQ_Wbjx7jaKbFiKE8KypYDy-wM5xulOMUIFcj9HenRsXeI96_qdswaVs8mokdhfeWcits--IZrVE_zm/s1200/Muse%202023.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmyDwcyzZvfGw38BGyyTUJfOPqYkGbujWt-xgUeH1cEMi0u6so86RjtuR5ApNUztooreprKIm9-FqBWOZjSpNMB4kgmPGIVY-T0ddH9DTM-ihwbQ_Wbjx7jaKbFiKE8KypYDy-wM5xulOMUIFcj9HenRsXeI96_qdswaVs8mokdhfeWcits--IZrVE_zm/s320/Muse%202023.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">( Well, not that recent, to be honest... )</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">What a load of bowls! ( Well, two actually. ) The final installment of my seemingly endless gig catch-up posts sees Sarah and I bowl-bound ( which doesn't sound like much fun ) for two contrasting, but excellent, shows by two of our fave bands. First of all... the mighty </span><b style="text-align: left;">Muse</b><span style="text-align: left;"> at the National Bowl, Milton Keynes...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1F8-Y6kMikaPCn1SePss7aEYMA9k93L6ae4jOY7mtbgBLSa4vJvtf38_Z3B3MmGBv0VqRipwGq9EfvwyveePReUTuQKqH1R6F4OPyA8NS1teo6bc_cvEnagfTsav9Uxj_JoD25RWFDN8m1AJ5Sg3Wzt0JDL-AfPsvYjRE-JVFjlsEolcCGtrbmrwqThd1/s4000/20230625_203450.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1F8-Y6kMikaPCn1SePss7aEYMA9k93L6ae4jOY7mtbgBLSa4vJvtf38_Z3B3MmGBv0VqRipwGq9EfvwyveePReUTuQKqH1R6F4OPyA8NS1teo6bc_cvEnagfTsav9Uxj_JoD25RWFDN8m1AJ5Sg3Wzt0JDL-AfPsvYjRE-JVFjlsEolcCGtrbmrwqThd1/s320/20230625_203450.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We've seen Muse a couple of times and they've always been hugely entertaining and put on a dazzling show, so we were excited to see them again in, of all places, Milton Keynes. Yep, the not-so-new-any-more "new town" that's home to the infamous <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete_Cows" target="_blank">concrete cows</a> and the National Bowl. This is a venue we visited before, twenty years ago, to see Robbie Williams ( yes, really ) play an actually very good show in the pissing rain. This time, the weather was much better, although other things weren't quite so good...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNx_TGzO0NY_x9qVQrwQj8xwt0PBHiBgs6_ylQo6DQUAJsop_kWnqwnJIbKIaIHe8-FdmlxNrDgcQFqP4XX897Qc0vlPSHf60Fn2buza__1FXddIw8I6qH7XGEAqOikcGIO1Maz5kKHLhAFpiZDyX0BpmotPQrVYy8CzByAPgnODg-_RBioi14ACY4jhom/s4000/20230625_203439.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNx_TGzO0NY_x9qVQrwQj8xwt0PBHiBgs6_ylQo6DQUAJsop_kWnqwnJIbKIaIHe8-FdmlxNrDgcQFqP4XX897Qc0vlPSHf60Fn2buza__1FXddIw8I6qH7XGEAqOikcGIO1Maz5kKHLhAFpiZDyX0BpmotPQrVYy8CzByAPgnODg-_RBioi14ACY4jhom/s320/20230625_203439.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After a bit of a diversion due to the bloody<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Speed_2" target="_blank"> HS2</a> monstrosity, we got to MK... and then spent about an hour and a half stuck in traffic, crawling along the last mile or so of the journey. Total bloody traffic chaos ensued, with many people who had ( like us ) pre-booked their car parking finding that the car parks were full and being turned away. Luckily, we managed to get a space but the delays meant we missed both support bands and just managed to get into the bowl before Muse started, without having time to get anything to eat or drink. Not the best start to a gig.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKDHwrTZ6kr6LbT9hqcNaTyWvfUggxmfnPBgbyAocN4w74MPvRck-zRRn-nEvvq39kz7-ZxJ-fv3jzHAAW2byaYnVJEO_Vt_oWBxF561fBGyG965y1s9wZ-WMpCsyfExcknec4lRuZtAKlGlJrI-E17Sbfs7CKkcggDImJ-WjyTJzkg6cs8TWoO2wnflk/s4000/20230625_202223.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKDHwrTZ6kr6LbT9hqcNaTyWvfUggxmfnPBgbyAocN4w74MPvRck-zRRn-nEvvq39kz7-ZxJ-fv3jzHAAW2byaYnVJEO_Vt_oWBxF561fBGyG965y1s9wZ-WMpCsyfExcknec4lRuZtAKlGlJrI-E17Sbfs7CKkcggDImJ-WjyTJzkg6cs8TWoO2wnflk/s320/20230625_202223.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After the smaller, more chilled, Wychwood Festival, this was a much bigger gig ( 65,000 capacity ) and Sarah found the first sight of the huge crowd daunting, but soon adjusted as the boys from Devon hit the stage, preceded by their fiery Will Of The People logo flaming on...<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWxveu1Odjgbm0rgwgn5tXO6yeshePiUzkdRCsg4lWRS5cr0kMRHfH5gFTtaaWEoQ971y7ArNEpoQ7S0-9P1UFWHKyDCsR-wlyJpM_CuHhVMK6DFVl1qFwrsqjMl_Wn4o5JKiCG1AN2nUAv_yRIFNS7Gr-vPPPgVXxpdH8tdAJkRVgtT9bKIsxvrXVewR/s4000/20230625_202205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWxveu1Odjgbm0rgwgn5tXO6yeshePiUzkdRCsg4lWRS5cr0kMRHfH5gFTtaaWEoQ971y7ArNEpoQ7S0-9P1UFWHKyDCsR-wlyJpM_CuHhVMK6DFVl1qFwrsqjMl_Wn4o5JKiCG1AN2nUAv_yRIFNS7Gr-vPPPgVXxpdH8tdAJkRVgtT9bKIsxvrXVewR/s320/20230625_202205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And they kicked off with WOTP itself, its singalong <i>faux</i>-rebellion setting the tone for the night. "We'll smash your institutions to pieces" - I don't really believe the revolution will be sparked by some middle class boys with guitars but its a fun fantasy for the duration of their set. The Drones-era banger Psycho, complete with its drill sergeant shouty monologue, had everyone bouncing up and down to its crunchy riff, and Won't Stand Down was another call to storm the barricades. But in a polite way.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyBx09Cm3m9mr8EXBDWTrnHK0ia3r6PVda8psu-0FpPhhS8qb_WzxRhimjCH_fV1-eXZhfHmxLL2RkDj0hR8YMoGigHELjgf_3UnNcjZLeSsG_Oj9Bb4nSG3u9k-Dzej_xfx2czzkXlg0bf6m8vCoyX8WneBeFocQ1jfumwsdsMh2507Bnh6EkSlKPgTJ/s4000/20230625_210249.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyBx09Cm3m9mr8EXBDWTrnHK0ia3r6PVda8psu-0FpPhhS8qb_WzxRhimjCH_fV1-eXZhfHmxLL2RkDj0hR8YMoGigHELjgf_3UnNcjZLeSsG_Oj9Bb4nSG3u9k-Dzej_xfx2czzkXlg0bf6m8vCoyX8WneBeFocQ1jfumwsdsMh2507Bnh6EkSlKPgTJ/s320/20230625_210249.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Compliance, another strong track from the latest album, sounded great but had me puzzling its meaning. Matt Bellamy's songs often seem to pick up on the latest grim goings-on in this dystopia we're living in, but this one ( as well as WOTP ) almost sounds like a conspiracy theory anthem, with its theme of government mind control. I'd like to think Muse are just reflecting society's craziness back at us, rather than being actual tinfoil-hat-wearing conspiracists themselves. But I can't be sure.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOOIFIDwebM2OTore7zYeQlaC57fSF7JxcJAXw9-wnCMBnaJosfeNKymw0wN6srOFAUDjdF5EotAhBOz2I4GsLX-4k9Tn_0qIjIhqPLPe8Xq-vG784pXFSF_JEztKoSzn6fiql3fUu4LbYMP7GPhf1TGxelCQkOeMHebViwx2osnSCQgND4fXR8CF_iPV/s4000/20230625_210253.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOOIFIDwebM2OTore7zYeQlaC57fSF7JxcJAXw9-wnCMBnaJosfeNKymw0wN6srOFAUDjdF5EotAhBOz2I4GsLX-4k9Tn_0qIjIhqPLPe8Xq-vG784pXFSF_JEztKoSzn6fiql3fUu4LbYMP7GPhf1TGxelCQkOeMHebViwx2osnSCQgND4fXR8CF_iPV/s320/20230625_210253.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One thing I <i>can</i> be sure of is that Muse ROCKED! Regardless of any lyrical ambiguities, they pulled out all the stops with their stage show. As a backdrop to the huge riffage, pummelling rhythms and Bellamy's octave-scaling vocals, they gave us the obligatory video screens, along with confetti explosions, dazzling lights and huge animatronic puppets. For the song You Make Me Feel Like It's Halloween, they projected various horror movie icons onto the metal mask of the WOTP puppet: Jason, Freddie, Pinhead, V ( For Vendetta ) and the Predator all putting in an appearance.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mgMXt2y1hc0uUCVZRxYzPEotQucmdlogfYqbv0Q2jwaTB-TyvoQ4L8RqLS9goMk1H7NosQK_nrj2piZkVHvlGwuHFc30dKC7hssV7eOu38hKn_TMvGxwYrdtyo9Nf0g7vJkT8Re6K91kwJOrAQ43vIbLuMzUQb9NvzOXXpzYNoyjAVmC_DrmpgEwlrLh/s4000/20230625_210348.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mgMXt2y1hc0uUCVZRxYzPEotQucmdlogfYqbv0Q2jwaTB-TyvoQ4L8RqLS9goMk1H7NosQK_nrj2piZkVHvlGwuHFc30dKC7hssV7eOu38hKn_TMvGxwYrdtyo9Nf0g7vJkT8Re6K91kwJOrAQ43vIbLuMzUQb9NvzOXXpzYNoyjAVmC_DrmpgEwlrLh/s320/20230625_210348.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NG2Qz9qUT1oe0mdEMJ7bS8gTD6EsVZte1c6rchFSjbd3usy8mDYUMhvePI0ZeZ6ktAob_JEgeru24V9Q9xeDl6nHzaoK1z7g5H_zDQNM3Je4WmvgM8Kq52m7fsUdCqW87XBu-YwGMdTkkQWLlwB1ujFSnDrsOZTq4_J2OXs6x0BJrtm42DAvLlO33xtv/s4000/20230625_210537.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NG2Qz9qUT1oe0mdEMJ7bS8gTD6EsVZte1c6rchFSjbd3usy8mDYUMhvePI0ZeZ6ktAob_JEgeru24V9Q9xeDl6nHzaoK1z7g5H_zDQNM3Je4WmvgM8Kq52m7fsUdCqW87XBu-YwGMdTkkQWLlwB1ujFSnDrsOZTq4_J2OXs6x0BJrtm42DAvLlO33xtv/s320/20230625_210537.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Even Matt Bellamy had his not-so-spooky fizzog projected onto the puppet. He also climbed up on it at one point and played a solo song on its shoulder. Of course he did.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMBpLcXdl_ewWcq9WmumnfYGYGesHs3b-oEbVslCMPy2aZ2F5zfzwP68UHgpWsg35uxgzAXlDSkSNRaNqnUIt6cANjFUIngVRqzIFgYQDrNtJxCqRb71E6eKJYZvQHyOead-OOga7uZer2vLygUzu8rVqmp_D7xIHjp_kaemlFFTVqbCL8t43DH_3s9mt/s4000/20230625_210957.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMBpLcXdl_ewWcq9WmumnfYGYGesHs3b-oEbVslCMPy2aZ2F5zfzwP68UHgpWsg35uxgzAXlDSkSNRaNqnUIt6cANjFUIngVRqzIFgYQDrNtJxCqRb71E6eKJYZvQHyOead-OOga7uZer2vLygUzu8rVqmp_D7xIHjp_kaemlFFTVqbCL8t43DH_3s9mt/s320/20230625_210957.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbZ6dZsCmcJngGEBQXkd4XBiAkO7SwhYJm9NOoidsdR0RsG2bSk4FQ-l2hcf1oz6zdaCOgBstQh4Ga8R7EnxPHto8tGiXbLbYlzy20_VQQc54suCf1S_5sNFhPnZFMSozE0CS2-SYpCSH6xC6mHHq0LFb4pprrVC3s7tcurvhbY_lrCvPF3ccTLWX3zS6/s4000/20230625_211258.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbZ6dZsCmcJngGEBQXkd4XBiAkO7SwhYJm9NOoidsdR0RsG2bSk4FQ-l2hcf1oz6zdaCOgBstQh4Ga8R7EnxPHto8tGiXbLbYlzy20_VQQc54suCf1S_5sNFhPnZFMSozE0CS2-SYpCSH6xC6mHHq0LFb4pprrVC3s7tcurvhbY_lrCvPF3ccTLWX3zS6/s320/20230625_211258.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>During the home stretch, as the band pulled out the crowd-pleasing likes of Supermassive Black Hole, Plug-In Baby and Starlight, they also pulled out a huge, animatronic demon-minotaur-thing which glared balefully at the crowd. I mean, this <i>was</i> a Muse gig after all.<br /> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHUIaYJoT2Te1LtFTczntAOvQGkjktsjKSwjLgXz2FdH8M3fJaIu1dcj5_ZTX1yW_zheIVpfKF5I0lpaZy_s-8AEjrE7e5g-pFdSiuaMPF8kIADEVIUQP0TIAhzCVMYi4GXqeUNK8S_qW02VV5Pbgt_9XrhMmAhZqhK73FiA3jGX-94zstTyNgKdF_c8Q/s4000/20230625_221611.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHUIaYJoT2Te1LtFTczntAOvQGkjktsjKSwjLgXz2FdH8M3fJaIu1dcj5_ZTX1yW_zheIVpfKF5I0lpaZy_s-8AEjrE7e5g-pFdSiuaMPF8kIADEVIUQP0TIAhzCVMYi4GXqeUNK8S_qW02VV5Pbgt_9XrhMmAhZqhK73FiA3jGX-94zstTyNgKdF_c8Q/s320/20230625_221611.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MCDEUhyE6lMBlhzJR5Ab1M6fHIK2Uakh55Kkdw7vbA-CfiS4qN3NvEkphPmEReROB1fAbp7c1cCzuTbqW1l05kN6ZU_-Jolq-pIy3bZ8sQhD9iToc26CHmBRpxg1kBsrdWYf3aVqlje1wpl2rurETyswwVmUY3S0ymYOcPJYKohaoOBxK34XIBzjOd_S/s4000/20230625_221502.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MCDEUhyE6lMBlhzJR5Ab1M6fHIK2Uakh55Kkdw7vbA-CfiS4qN3NvEkphPmEReROB1fAbp7c1cCzuTbqW1l05kN6ZU_-Jolq-pIy3bZ8sQhD9iToc26CHmBRpxg1kBsrdWYf3aVqlje1wpl2rurETyswwVmUY3S0ymYOcPJYKohaoOBxK34XIBzjOd_S/s320/20230625_221502.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSX2Fs_o64jfHHO2hPp7DTIHoNWtw39dPtTAiA28n6wZSU3HEetn0kiL3AjrdO5HrWodrU8VrIJmi3T_U-0WKpBqxovbHcwGBhZjFv0F3aa8ZPjcuWDgoaOl4Qjrv5fthoWSLUq_bIj81EfwepXHdseUVKtQgiXKpbALMue-2vRSdeq4oRfKRbQeKwII2-/s4000/20230625_221459.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSX2Fs_o64jfHHO2hPp7DTIHoNWtw39dPtTAiA28n6wZSU3HEetn0kiL3AjrdO5HrWodrU8VrIJmi3T_U-0WKpBqxovbHcwGBhZjFv0F3aa8ZPjcuWDgoaOl4Qjrv5fthoWSLUq_bIj81EfwepXHdseUVKtQgiXKpbALMue-2vRSdeq4oRfKRbQeKwII2-/s320/20230625_221459.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Muse finished with the obligatory Spaghetti Western In Space madness of Knights Of Cydonia, an epic finale to a spectacular gig. Some people near us took the opening notes of this last song as their cue to get the hell out of Dodge, which was probably wise as we had to face the whole crowd / traffic chaos thing again, but in reverse. We joined the thousands thronging the exits ( and group-singing Bohemian Rhapsody for some reason ) and trudged along through a sea of discarded plastic cups, until we took the chance to scramble up a bank, over a fence and onto a flyover, to try and locate my car. We then sat for over an hour as hundreds of cars were funnelled through a one-track road at the back of a Premier Inn before they could escape the gravitational pull of the National Bowl. We eventually got going and finally got home at about 03:00 am. The gig had been great but the organisation was a complete shambles, with Muse's song We Are Fucking Fucked being a perfect anthem for the experience.<p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDWaWfUBq7xyukaSoGgDTBGbxQA3r29qxOZd1Nehxvqo7XfLgdw9W2VBEqincr7RmVofIk8B6f6qTxWpBJdJvexrBl467lbS4E8Dy5O3cQKDb7wAZHIDqNMhmyrlIWv7L6KogzWKFrf1k0N1wiU4AXt8LSznLhzG8siU15lQKaWeeSnx66hfudBGdniyI/s4000/20230625_224059.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDWaWfUBq7xyukaSoGgDTBGbxQA3r29qxOZd1Nehxvqo7XfLgdw9W2VBEqincr7RmVofIk8B6f6qTxWpBJdJvexrBl467lbS4E8Dy5O3cQKDb7wAZHIDqNMhmyrlIWv7L6KogzWKFrf1k0N1wiU4AXt8LSznLhzG8siU15lQKaWeeSnx66hfudBGdniyI/s320/20230625_224059.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Aaaanyway, on to another bowl now, and a far more pleasant gig experience in sunny ( yes, really ) downtown Manchester...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmcTo8va3gucAtT8n0rD88C5ETagVl_D_umMT73FpHDJSBOTHMoGNlKPgqH4ZoPRop2FWD8P96QvULSAWkyGroo6THtJ5MSlkjxvrJCJum7faOTZwZqr6Ow5di6BOvkmsLETOaSu2QhJLMRf8W5dJ82Zs7bA9yeHnMfPQPKSVroS7gMH79pavrh16H869/s4000/20230704_221310.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmcTo8va3gucAtT8n0rD88C5ETagVl_D_umMT73FpHDJSBOTHMoGNlKPgqH4ZoPRop2FWD8P96QvULSAWkyGroo6THtJ5MSlkjxvrJCJum7faOTZwZqr6Ow5di6BOvkmsLETOaSu2QhJLMRf8W5dJ82Zs7bA9yeHnMfPQPKSVroS7gMH79pavrh16H869/s320/20230704_221310.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>"Good evening. This is a night you will remember for the rest of your life. You are about to see the 528th concert by <b>Pulp</b>. This performance is an encore. An encore happens because the crowd wants more. They make themselves heard. So... Make Some Noise. I said: Make Some Noise! OK. We hear you. This is what we do for an encore."<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-As9hDB9JiRwX8rYWEBzU0cwE84lmq6QruJ8p8lyWQyYf58w7wn-FqSzTyfUBsph-j7sDhVzE0Gf0aDfJ0g-kr92vm8cn4ya-BXF-bCNqBC-SczoKgmg2hDEtJxu8fZG0han2Yha1-aN8RSMMLqwyWhzrA3Hk0OvMIYGDufScdxngQQvNc1uTNnPBl-hH/s4000/20230704_193200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-As9hDB9JiRwX8rYWEBzU0cwE84lmq6QruJ8p8lyWQyYf58w7wn-FqSzTyfUBsph-j7sDhVzE0Gf0aDfJ0g-kr92vm8cn4ya-BXF-bCNqBC-SczoKgmg2hDEtJxu8fZG0han2Yha1-aN8RSMMLqwyWhzrA3Hk0OvMIYGDufScdxngQQvNc1uTNnPBl-hH/s320/20230704_193200.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Sarah and I had seen Pulp about twenty years ago ( Hereford Leisure Centre, a very strange gig with a Jarvis doppelganger on stage and a weirdly hostile mainstream crowd ) but hadn't expected to ever see them again. But, as this was the year of Britpop revivals, Pulp returned in all their acrylic glory and we managed to get a ticket for Manchester. We'd never been to Manchester before, so it was exciting to Hit The North ( as The Fall might say ) and check out this iconic city. After a refreshingly easy drive up the M6 we checked in to our budget hotel, only 15 minutes' walk from the venue, and had a couple of days to mooch around Manchester ahead of the gig. It's a beautiful city, a beguiling mixture of old ( trams, railways, canals ) and new ( gleaming skyscrapers, tapas bars ) and we had a great time exploring. Check out my Manchester photos in my previous post <a href="https://glasswalking-stick.blogspot.com/2023/08/manchester-moments.html" target="_blank">here</a>. If you want to, of course, there's no charge if you don't. </div><div>A couple of hours before the gig I bumped into major Pulp fan Pip Madeley, of Twitter / YouTube / Doctor Who Magazine fame, and had a lovely chat with him as he was queuing to get down the front. Top bloke! Sarah and I later walked down to Castlefield Bowl, a large concrete space bordered by a canal on one side and a railway line on the other, and found a great spot on a bank overlooking the stage. The atmosphere was absolutely electric as we waited for Pulp... but first, Baxter Dury...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eNzobWqQJzlNNinCOZm52ASz0zhEoIbCviUVyyDu4YWruCnqGYVMhmSwFEHGBKCIFZBDu6C3N7Nya5YpJQHzJFCMuwukrkLCfdAMjQ-185pRtXZ_iiHAKY0sbKn4RB_I4WNVWdPuMk_3UPuhc5g0c-hkbS9jeFhfQxkCa2u3lEcetyF_mtlqowJtv47D/s4000/20230704_200942.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eNzobWqQJzlNNinCOZm52ASz0zhEoIbCviUVyyDu4YWruCnqGYVMhmSwFEHGBKCIFZBDu6C3N7Nya5YpJQHzJFCMuwukrkLCfdAMjQ-185pRtXZ_iiHAKY0sbKn4RB_I4WNVWdPuMk_3UPuhc5g0c-hkbS9jeFhfQxkCa2u3lEcetyF_mtlqowJtv47D/s320/20230704_200942.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Oh dear. Dury ( son of the famous Ian ) came out onto the stage and immediately launched into some kind of performance therapy / primal scream session as he started shouting "Mummy! Daddy!" and threw some ridiculous, slow motion kung-fu shapes, while letting the keyboard player handle all the actual singing. It was as if a local drunk had wandered onto stage and was desperately looking for his lost can of Special Brew, while taking his shirt off and yelling. This went on for some while. An embarrassingly poor performance which left most of the crowd non-plussed and even more eager to see the headliners.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2CR17-ldxfiwisEykxydb_PszHxqUWgMyB-rBeZ6MIYMxqqrBFv9tvDiIIFMBaJdbUpKMTi3BDplgWNMr2t8z0UOHY8IuSbuRlqYUMbA36lVQvmqhN6yeGslbXWTiCuMMc7808-xx99IenO2J2lhevWbF74r_eiKOSrD9qa1PVhZeNI5Czp15DWWzS_z/s4000/20230704_205733.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2CR17-ldxfiwisEykxydb_PszHxqUWgMyB-rBeZ6MIYMxqqrBFv9tvDiIIFMBaJdbUpKMTi3BDplgWNMr2t8z0UOHY8IuSbuRlqYUMbA36lVQvmqhN6yeGslbXWTiCuMMc7808-xx99IenO2J2lhevWbF74r_eiKOSrD9qa1PVhZeNI5Czp15DWWzS_z/s320/20230704_205733.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>At last, the video screen behind the stage blazed into life and relayed the welcome message above, which was replaced by a moon and stars image - slowly a shape began to rise in front of the full moon, the shape of a tall, spindly human. It was, of course, Jarvis Cocker. The moon turned a deep orange colour, until it resembled the Bond "gun barrel" image, then the colour filled the whole screen while the lanky silhouette began singing I Spy...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Wj8G4D0KrD3FqFQ4NZ0Fdqo2lMH8N5Svxtm5vPTNQDfkdad9kAeFPNdyZZMEE-ULfVlxfQ6xLfYxzJi24m5SBXPN6TFZEd1cDuzOb8IW85sn0ObolyAzzaykFlk7YsIWvlyxREsqFRwAuxOBLCcy2hHW7DgbTGGhQrxZtjGGZ4K4-d1yhbYPmqhxZGfl/s4000/20230704_210012.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Wj8G4D0KrD3FqFQ4NZ0Fdqo2lMH8N5Svxtm5vPTNQDfkdad9kAeFPNdyZZMEE-ULfVlxfQ6xLfYxzJi24m5SBXPN6TFZEd1cDuzOb8IW85sn0ObolyAzzaykFlk7YsIWvlyxREsqFRwAuxOBLCcy2hHW7DgbTGGhQrxZtjGGZ4K4-d1yhbYPmqhxZGfl/s320/20230704_210012.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was an atmospheric, exciting start to the show and the 8000-capacity crowd was instantly hooked.</div><div>"I spy a boy, I spy a girl" - well, quite a few of them, actually...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKo5Lk78Gk_1VTeQcVhA1-WI1qcxMASFdiwSC9HCLmwE9w93QWDhGXM96PwNv959YAGsYrtJD5lldTDzgNXOeGlDTZ618YqNt7ILnzj4j0eE7UwwJUHBUtDWDyiq1TZ7lmzzmKt3y0baFAHeQsDfgSY0HXdiv19EZ9CuCLA_W7i3AeBs6aXNJNZt1nQvv/s4000/20230704_210139.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKo5Lk78Gk_1VTeQcVhA1-WI1qcxMASFdiwSC9HCLmwE9w93QWDhGXM96PwNv959YAGsYrtJD5lldTDzgNXOeGlDTZ618YqNt7ILnzj4j0eE7UwwJUHBUtDWDyiq1TZ7lmzzmKt3y0baFAHeQsDfgSY0HXdiv19EZ9CuCLA_W7i3AeBs6aXNJNZt1nQvv/s320/20230704_210139.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And, as if the crowd weren't already fully engaged, the next song was Disco 2000 and everyone ( including us ) went absolutely nuts. The theme of childhood friends meeting up in that far-off future world of 2000 AD felt very appropriate for us old Pulp fans meeting up in the even further-flung days of 2023 AD. Jarvis had us all clapping our hands, confetti fired out over the crowd, and the song's "woodchip on the wall" appeared in all its 1970s glory on the video screen. It all felt very euphoric and melancholic at the same time. Not many bands can do that but Pulp and their wonderful songs capture that tipping point of emotions perfectly.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypeKfri2zYj7SAQBYJf4RtEAyox0IIzorcN5cgRGxk4mXoYknhqnU1yacknuEHJpuZ5xJFHru1eClWdoOP7LSjBzq2C-Vc2yHIawu6mvHc1tosRuwM8wdddiSrOZLRugor4KVcF4jLAhKryBKjeRaXEX2F-LS1TRq7ZY22LlXG6r_oy3nv7O_qJeJVq-0/s4000/20230704_210131.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypeKfri2zYj7SAQBYJf4RtEAyox0IIzorcN5cgRGxk4mXoYknhqnU1yacknuEHJpuZ5xJFHru1eClWdoOP7LSjBzq2C-Vc2yHIawu6mvHc1tosRuwM8wdddiSrOZLRugor4KVcF4jLAhKryBKjeRaXEX2F-LS1TRq7ZY22LlXG6r_oy3nv7O_qJeJVq-0/s320/20230704_210131.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We were standing next to a lovely couple of ladies, 'Chelle and Pip, and we'd chatted earlier about which songs we most wanted to hear. Their song was Mis-Shapes, which was up next, and they were - to quote Ultravox for the only time in my life - dancing with tears in their eyes during that song. This outsider anthem, for everyone who's ever felt marginalised or out of place, clearly resonated with them and with many of us there in Manchester: "Mis-shapes, mistakes, misfits / Raised on a diet of broken biscuits" is surely one of <i>the</i> most evocative opening lines to a song ever.</div><div>This was followed by Something Changed, which Jarvis dedicated to Pulp's late bass-player who sadly passed away earlier this year. A very poignant song, also dedicated to all of us, as Jarvis acknowledged that we have all had such losses in our lives. A beautiful moment.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NtYib6Px9-0vsiwPJoa5TYPXUKBmj7vG7ZT0IM6iTJdpel5xEKsWihxf3ZEjLQ1OvahU4jg2hO5HBpOudqLP__XfzUOJFeGtjb3Sj1qu_SdAINQDydrGBdnlLpxG_vU4qNqdPlSVcNfEtCAJBuqS3S1IRdzSVeGf2pWN-KSoPQHZoH57JMTYxOxKNyhm/s4000/20230704_210548.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NtYib6Px9-0vsiwPJoa5TYPXUKBmj7vG7ZT0IM6iTJdpel5xEKsWihxf3ZEjLQ1OvahU4jg2hO5HBpOudqLP__XfzUOJFeGtjb3Sj1qu_SdAINQDydrGBdnlLpxG_vU4qNqdPlSVcNfEtCAJBuqS3S1IRdzSVeGf2pWN-KSoPQHZoH57JMTYxOxKNyhm/s320/20230704_210548.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>But it wasn't all about the melancholy. Jarvis Cocker was as captivating a performer as ever, looking and singing barely any differently to his '90s-era pomp, and entertaining the crowd with ( failed ) attempts to throw grapes in the air and catch them in his mouth (!), reading passages from Lewis Carroll and Walt Whitman, and bigging up an art exhibition at the local Aviva Studios. The band themselves were red hot, replicating their old sound perfectly but with added oomph! for this outdoor venue. At one point a train trundled along the viaduct which bordered one edge of the bowl and Jarvis got us to wave at the occupants, saying "Wherever they're going it won't be as interesting as this." Damn right!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnu4V_YArho2T9tRsh_wXE96KaZs_7cDABDtLcofP-KPUr8dHxxklU0CAWsZb2yFSAPBjztAZf05n5Psmi458WclUxytYZ2tYZV05gJNJa-9KTaPrALYKtXu_gkn2DXQY5O-Z2mvKOixT_4LA2WMVsNvX-F8FDj8GzB6yv9SM3ykZlyiVukFI6kJTELpA/s4000/20230704_211104.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnu4V_YArho2T9tRsh_wXE96KaZs_7cDABDtLcofP-KPUr8dHxxklU0CAWsZb2yFSAPBjztAZf05n5Psmi458WclUxytYZ2tYZV05gJNJa-9KTaPrALYKtXu_gkn2DXQY5O-Z2mvKOixT_4LA2WMVsNvX-F8FDj8GzB6yv9SM3ykZlyiVukFI6kJTELpA/s320/20230704_211104.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The classics kept coming. Pink Glove was suitably pervy ( some audience members were waving their pink-gloved hands around and squealed as Jarvis acknowledged them ), Weeds / Weeds 2 was another powerful song about the underclass, and F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E was an epic ( Jarvis lying on his back on the stage, singing "It's so cooold" ) ...if a bugger to type out.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnel36NOnLr8w0KxfQbK2NK4L1cDUtCyQgOHpQhJG2fs2lAp6uIAt-KxfJ0JCof7cNij_YoJ-mDzJpfdm7s6WJGAp0J6NYvrG5B_3w4TFeJVNUsRr1JiKHLhfEH6on24T0OykORsAzI3z2s1kn1Nm_RD1uu7NxQerNthGc16B2v0s2S-BqFNo90JOV77r/s4000/20230704_211129.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnel36NOnLr8w0KxfQbK2NK4L1cDUtCyQgOHpQhJG2fs2lAp6uIAt-KxfJ0JCof7cNij_YoJ-mDzJpfdm7s6WJGAp0J6NYvrG5B_3w4TFeJVNUsRr1JiKHLhfEH6on24T0OykORsAzI3z2s1kn1Nm_RD1uu7NxQerNthGc16B2v0s2S-BqFNo90JOV77r/s320/20230704_211129.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh46PvmtNmI--q3Vz7PkbWnTaEqu76zboYGuqKWpi9Jq_AzfQemZAW1aZ6ZfCj4sZc3MGs6b2vtmv4OeeZPlhTnB-83uiropHQo_4BRdLLH23AwiIFxrsoJAm5EOTPED_JlPMXqRvIeb254JVXvh0cgpALf7mOWYc901BE8byHzcKFlO9mbBNiANaW-nY8/s4000/20230704_212050.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh46PvmtNmI--q3Vz7PkbWnTaEqu76zboYGuqKWpi9Jq_AzfQemZAW1aZ6ZfCj4sZc3MGs6b2vtmv4OeeZPlhTnB-83uiropHQo_4BRdLLH23AwiIFxrsoJAm5EOTPED_JlPMXqRvIeb254JVXvh0cgpALf7mOWYc901BE8byHzcKFlO9mbBNiANaW-nY8/s320/20230704_212050.heic" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPE06gAVTh8Fmyhh-ts4oa944Lp_OE4_ViviOnqgZ8-Lvp5SjetY-ft08lGl-oJkzoTSmdASk1prtPmwFmIYE5f_-CKkEGol5gL_c58ttx_5SBO2DiW8bzjebzb_RtYWU0DZQIqXuWLqaP6BPodIf879rq60H4pmjhDFCAWnWoKWNYCGoV55Ixsiqw8Fe7/s4000/20230704_212101.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPE06gAVTh8Fmyhh-ts4oa944Lp_OE4_ViviOnqgZ8-Lvp5SjetY-ft08lGl-oJkzoTSmdASk1prtPmwFmIYE5f_-CKkEGol5gL_c58ttx_5SBO2DiW8bzjebzb_RtYWU0DZQIqXuWLqaP6BPodIf879rq60H4pmjhDFCAWnWoKWNYCGoV55Ixsiqw8Fe7/s320/20230704_212101.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sorted For E's And Wizz prompted Jarvis to recall the song's origins, at The Stone Roses' legendary Spike Island gig, and wax lyrical about Manchester being the epicentre of rave, the first place "someone twisted a melon." This Is Hardcore was a sleazy masterpiece, the stage glowing pink and red, and Do You Remember The First Time? got everyone dancing, as Jarvis recalled the band's first Manchester gig, at Salford University, way back in 1992. "Yes, I do remember the first time."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaTCKUwd9gTXwgUf9y5sPI8ri9oxA2dVwkF8w4PRDIUjryF2lhQYBSMIKd4N319Bpwvav2YcSuguN2JlvvwfU4eYLH0boTXTTdW-WGSOoR9a7c_ie2Y4j6-C4A1Mz-hqMT1n2nBYYcXgc9z6K6SWn_WIzIEX7eF18xdT5JxSv9G8AeFMQodcfSy5KDl8S/s4000/20230704_213749.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaTCKUwd9gTXwgUf9y5sPI8ri9oxA2dVwkF8w4PRDIUjryF2lhQYBSMIKd4N319Bpwvav2YcSuguN2JlvvwfU4eYLH0boTXTTdW-WGSOoR9a7c_ie2Y4j6-C4A1Mz-hqMT1n2nBYYcXgc9z6K6SWn_WIzIEX7eF18xdT5JxSv9G8AeFMQodcfSy5KDl8S/s320/20230704_213749.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkhUhrMgKji7JXzaXe0RYP8TeeLFTq9dA5HWQATe7nefRE9vMTyBwMs1eRBfTaxFLEb2E6dvz-0enYwOGf7F2bNxMZH9cIjldMM0yXbU1eMfF8fAwnG08AXiCmgdBbdoHVq3zucBkb-R9V5Sx8TNPLO6erhqJuTqZPpHdukCGj77vD-8p1vhcAMI4oSH5/s4000/20230704_213759.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkhUhrMgKji7JXzaXe0RYP8TeeLFTq9dA5HWQATe7nefRE9vMTyBwMs1eRBfTaxFLEb2E6dvz-0enYwOGf7F2bNxMZH9cIjldMM0yXbU1eMfF8fAwnG08AXiCmgdBbdoHVq3zucBkb-R9V5Sx8TNPLO6erhqJuTqZPpHdukCGj77vD-8p1vhcAMI4oSH5/s320/20230704_213759.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9lzJjh-1gC65T1QObjGgvVDwzfRXxdzQfmeDTN7QtKW4YMfIPSK2UOQYPzQ37C12-5LgwH0XJ9mR0Ty5nFN-7ebipu7VDQ7hUqRNM05hVgyTUgRm3TrO698qw9NZ6CHVd8YhsopQA_U89GPc6fSSQk-wislwZVUuuocDVQxjD_X77lWIlnVKAlM4UD91/s4000/20230704_214029.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9lzJjh-1gC65T1QObjGgvVDwzfRXxdzQfmeDTN7QtKW4YMfIPSK2UOQYPzQ37C12-5LgwH0XJ9mR0Ty5nFN-7ebipu7VDQ7hUqRNM05hVgyTUgRm3TrO698qw9NZ6CHVd8YhsopQA_U89GPc6fSSQk-wislwZVUuuocDVQxjD_X77lWIlnVKAlM4UD91/s320/20230704_214029.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIJAiGXgPW_QFOHi8wBrr9C0tUJugCoWkpvJgqYUXLSw26wwWQWbn_xQK3Qzp4FsVwl_Vsr9e0qHt_n8eKQQJO5QxAUiI19Dg4eo6HFBuUFkT_DtJOJ3azqj5W01cj-7Uo439NFI39oWhc21lsxl_lP7jBTnWnD5QhcQBvU7-LajiwJ8t0yJfq2IxKLTA/s4000/20230704_214039.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIJAiGXgPW_QFOHi8wBrr9C0tUJugCoWkpvJgqYUXLSw26wwWQWbn_xQK3Qzp4FsVwl_Vsr9e0qHt_n8eKQQJO5QxAUiI19Dg4eo6HFBuUFkT_DtJOJ3azqj5W01cj-7Uo439NFI39oWhc21lsxl_lP7jBTnWnD5QhcQBvU7-LajiwJ8t0yJfq2IxKLTA/s320/20230704_214039.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As we'd previously mentioned "songs we most wanted to hear", mine came along in the form of Babies. I've always loved this song about illicit, dodgy affairs ( Pulp have a few of those! ) and the performance was extraordinary, making me want to jump out of a wardrobe all over again. "I wanna take you home / I wanna give you children." A sweaty, guilt-ridden classic.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3F9gGxr4XifAdhF9UDKyn6V-_mo91M7R0f_UqaDaAPUbH9fMKvgIa9W-svi3Tz3g8d_rb7Vdnx-BypixyubnX6WTCQr36JkVdXXv7VqmYsBoF8AFeu7DuWOeKikg3QohChCrwBPESDREzKt5D-X7sZqxAjdy3Jn7xNydHtdWFrpYeM4onQNZubEoWpiPr/s4000/20230704_214106.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3F9gGxr4XifAdhF9UDKyn6V-_mo91M7R0f_UqaDaAPUbH9fMKvgIa9W-svi3Tz3g8d_rb7Vdnx-BypixyubnX6WTCQr36JkVdXXv7VqmYsBoF8AFeu7DuWOeKikg3QohChCrwBPESDREzKt5D-X7sZqxAjdy3Jn7xNydHtdWFrpYeM4onQNZubEoWpiPr/s320/20230704_214106.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The set finished with a late-period classic, the mighty Sunrise, which was absolutely huge and a fantastic showcase for guitarist Mark Webber. We were dazzled by the stage lights but knew the show wasn't over. We had to know what exactly the band did for an encore...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJ-6vTh86j-DMG06fx6Yk2YK9lCJQnH_k10-bF52DVtD6Vju4yILEGKGk4WDSqPt9Dp7AjB1P_v1cVZC6cse4d-Edib1Ys3LRAC0IoMouaLvxCKMWMBoajorPGR3C5MWhwjj158hKTeSsO--ZPKx27YMJj5Ech2LnaI0hD2VoXTvv6AbkV_mHvp1pe71V/s4000/20230704_220016.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJ-6vTh86j-DMG06fx6Yk2YK9lCJQnH_k10-bF52DVtD6Vju4yILEGKGk4WDSqPt9Dp7AjB1P_v1cVZC6cse4d-Edib1Ys3LRAC0IoMouaLvxCKMWMBoajorPGR3C5MWhwjj158hKTeSsO--ZPKx27YMJj5Ech2LnaI0hD2VoXTvv6AbkV_mHvp1pe71V/s320/20230704_220016.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Jarvis came back on stage to perform an acoustic Like A Friend, then the band ( and string section who I've completely forgotten to mention, but were awesome ) twanged into Underwear. ( Little joke there. Allegedly. ) This typically Cockerian ( yes, that's a word now ) anthem of lust and longing was a suitably seamy delight, setting us up for, of course, Common People. No other song sums up the band or their appeal as much as that one. It may be "The Hit", the one that all the straights know, but there's no escaping that it's one of the greatest pop songs ever...</div><div><br /></div><div>Before <i>the</i> song, Cocker introduced the band, then said: "My name is Jarvis. I was put here to perform and I exist to do this. And when I grow up I want to live with Common People like you..."</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3MfW4msNAsNKVixkVw9zxaW_0mE1KpXmWu08D77nrh0RzOMowXajapEfpYtLbAXeWLCcJcI8gKnZgYeKINl_zu45get-icGHEO3BBsKxQO4GdVKDLCYEcLcgN1vsyFs8OmcUcblp4v-m4df5eVpIL12FC8UZQsGOaifDzzf9NMm4gyTJ-_-gOfTFWFr_/s4000/20230704_220023.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3MfW4msNAsNKVixkVw9zxaW_0mE1KpXmWu08D77nrh0RzOMowXajapEfpYtLbAXeWLCcJcI8gKnZgYeKINl_zu45get-icGHEO3BBsKxQO4GdVKDLCYEcLcgN1vsyFs8OmcUcblp4v-m4df5eVpIL12FC8UZQsGOaifDzzf9NMm4gyTJ-_-gOfTFWFr_/s320/20230704_220023.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Venomous, righteous, hugely singalong-able, Common People was sublime. A huge, anthemic masterwork, prompting hysteria and absolute joy among the Common People of Castlefield Bowl, as supermarket packaging images shone down from the stage and Jarvis said "Alright. Come on, why don't <u>you</u> sing it?" And we did, for all of Manchester to hear.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKu2cwc-OeWOCpc-Xesq8EUQeq3QGbWYKTP_F3fErGcbJlu2EMA6rF04Mc_5Q58wtn8ovX05xEkhSXDZxU1yQZSnE-mbO_TJHNKFAnLhhzDXLQAcotH0M3A3WkL4RYrl-Y6C1yu85Uotzcga-64DVYcPNpP6uqrUXzHaBjZgC-yU5ucGjttcdyjbc3n0X/s4000/20230704_221259.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKu2cwc-OeWOCpc-Xesq8EUQeq3QGbWYKTP_F3fErGcbJlu2EMA6rF04Mc_5Q58wtn8ovX05xEkhSXDZxU1yQZSnE-mbO_TJHNKFAnLhhzDXLQAcotH0M3A3WkL4RYrl-Y6C1yu85Uotzcga-64DVYcPNpP6uqrUXzHaBjZgC-yU5ucGjttcdyjbc3n0X/s320/20230704_221259.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>And then it was over, the neon Pulp logo lighting our way out of the Bowl. Sarah and I went and got a drink, a hot dog and a Pulp T-shirt ( well, I did ) and reflected on surely one of the greatest gigs we'd ever been to. An emotional, cathartic, communal experience, with so much sheer love being radiated from the crowd to the band and back again. Easily in my top 10 gigs ever, which is saying something. It would be great if Pulp were to properly reform and give us new music, tours etc. but, if not, this amazing experience was more of an encore than we'd ever expected.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVYxmwtOWN30KrXhXGnmxQd-Jybz0YTyZ5Wl2O3-zF-h1bpu0pHksc0dLbycllCSkyAJobTAH7Bqf2F8onnB0CRq26MmCUT2Z-p4bFgO0qGBQ1WODddeut-sRn1vy0l1uoHveLNdL3XkN48RTKg8_nDc7RG7w9eSbse1-EqRHqIEvqGAmoYjCa5rCpmIu/s4000/20230705_113624.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVYxmwtOWN30KrXhXGnmxQd-Jybz0YTyZ5Wl2O3-zF-h1bpu0pHksc0dLbycllCSkyAJobTAH7Bqf2F8onnB0CRq26MmCUT2Z-p4bFgO0qGBQ1WODddeut-sRn1vy0l1uoHveLNdL3XkN48RTKg8_nDc7RG7w9eSbse1-EqRHqIEvqGAmoYjCa5rCpmIu/s320/20230705_113624.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>( The next day we had a look around Salford Quays and came across the above in a Cadbury's shop. It couldn't have been more perfect. )</div><div><br /></div></div>Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-29790777325929300272023-08-09T22:41:00.000+01:002023-08-09T22:41:35.820+01:00RIP Robbie Robertson<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wEnPE_CbqbgBSE-q76egbwE5cBrzotVCdIVhEVOP3UeyZg6J_QOnFArLxvZWBzZFgLyC-H2oLE3aHKunT4AQdxB3xKN64CE5qRnR9KwtMgec0s8ywSttFDRXVYbUa9osdr3WNU7bKTl3CMwYQRT5FZy2awNgsadmtL8PxfeCqUbYRT5eKBSOAVh-WxLO/s2048/Robbie%20Robertson%20Last%20Waltz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1403" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wEnPE_CbqbgBSE-q76egbwE5cBrzotVCdIVhEVOP3UeyZg6J_QOnFArLxvZWBzZFgLyC-H2oLE3aHKunT4AQdxB3xKN64CE5qRnR9KwtMgec0s8ywSttFDRXVYbUa9osdr3WNU7bKTl3CMwYQRT5FZy2awNgsadmtL8PxfeCqUbYRT5eKBSOAVh-WxLO/w274-h400/Robbie%20Robertson%20Last%20Waltz.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I've just heard that Jaime "Robbie" Robertson, the legendary songwriter and guitarist of The Band has passed away at the age of 80. Robbie and The Band have meant so much to me since I first heard The Weight on a '60s compilation tape and wondered what this gorgeous, enigmatic music was. Robbie's greatest songs conjured up visions of misty mountain vistas and tough city streets, peopled by prospectors, hustlers, gamblers and lovers. His guitar-playing was subtle and masterful, blending rock 'n' roll grit with Soul slickness. As well as his sterling work with The Band and Bob Dylan, and his own solo career, Robbie was also a long-time musical collaborator with movie great Martin Scorsese, and also dabbled in acting himself. He was a wonderful <i>raconteur</i> and his eye-opening tales of the grimy ups and downs of the rock 'n' roll lifestyle were always fascinating but never judgemental.</p><p>He was truly a legend in the music business and will be greatly missed.</p><p>"I pulled into Nazareth, was feeling 'bout half past dead..."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnb7SKS7PAmdXJTh-GS5fE5F4h7C4rt9aMp2qmdw8VHDYJB2kVWP8hcKLrdR9Gz1m8BzVnLf_2KNF1HhK4dpYUPpgauoBz6FAP--Z1aR70AkwqVRoXgpmXn1m9_wHjuGb1bBZ3Suqsdf4qxGI5uqS_fSwwGuHhUqabcJAR_3gjQYgXsDRdk4JLp265dTL/s2000/Robbie-Robertson-The-Band.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1270" data-original-width="2000" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnb7SKS7PAmdXJTh-GS5fE5F4h7C4rt9aMp2qmdw8VHDYJB2kVWP8hcKLrdR9Gz1m8BzVnLf_2KNF1HhK4dpYUPpgauoBz6FAP--Z1aR70AkwqVRoXgpmXn1m9_wHjuGb1bBZ3Suqsdf4qxGI5uqS_fSwwGuHhUqabcJAR_3gjQYgXsDRdk4JLp265dTL/s320/Robbie-Robertson-The-Band.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>RIP Jaime "Robbie" Robertson ( 5th July 1943 - 9th August 2023 )</p><p>Should you be interested in more of my thoughts on Robbie and The Band, you can find an old post from my <i>15 Albums</i> blog <a href="https://15albums-cerebus660.blogspot.com/2010/10/band-by-band.html" target="_blank">here</a>, where I witter on about The Band's classic second, self-titled album.</p>Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-68381175280135222592023-08-02T00:29:00.000+01:002023-08-02T00:29:06.140+01:00Manchester moments<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NvT6a38s0pEyXwlCN1_I1Uu3GvM-JGOSHIDDCu0jCYhFrpDQAFG47oyjoWbF1oBUethnC_5u8mMjsFT8fp_xQ8cIJieMPsz0e12PwnMjyXLY4V7kgdxYjwiwLjP_UTfcgpOuDLOpQXmWY2Dxx336NELQSGwxXPs_siyzSiVSQo2VLzAoesKLcBvsYZXQ/s4000/20230704_103850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NvT6a38s0pEyXwlCN1_I1Uu3GvM-JGOSHIDDCu0jCYhFrpDQAFG47oyjoWbF1oBUethnC_5u8mMjsFT8fp_xQ8cIJieMPsz0e12PwnMjyXLY4V7kgdxYjwiwLjP_UTfcgpOuDLOpQXmWY2Dxx336NELQSGwxXPs_siyzSiVSQo2VLzAoesKLcBvsYZXQ/w400-h300/20230704_103850.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Sarah and I had a great couple of days in Manchester recently while we were in that fair city for the Pulp gig ( more of that, of course, to come ) and I thought I'd share a few photos here. I'd never been to Manchester before ( in fact, I'm embarrassingly ignorant of the North of England ) and thought it was just the coolest place, easily living up to its cosmopolitan reputation. I loved the juxtaposition of old and new architecture, the canals, the bridges, the trams, and the unexpected sight of dozens of urban geese just hanging around, see below. We'll definitely have to go back when we get the chance.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVHb7nT69o60esYPJAfvkZU0Cd2r9s9rosSf4Yl78LgrgseSnW1wU-0ZnSqOoGL5dkARnb_TZvNKEWjzU4W0mZ80Zx9l6wwWht10GxUBu_NsavbijeBIKxNTQEp79qDpsHxmDQFuV9KxmMukPXV4VtvwFyNR9Eq_KUXRF0c82WdHOVZ1BkEI56Yuwf24bg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVHb7nT69o60esYPJAfvkZU0Cd2r9s9rosSf4Yl78LgrgseSnW1wU-0ZnSqOoGL5dkARnb_TZvNKEWjzU4W0mZ80Zx9l6wwWht10GxUBu_NsavbijeBIKxNTQEp79qDpsHxmDQFuV9KxmMukPXV4VtvwFyNR9Eq_KUXRF0c82WdHOVZ1BkEI56Yuwf24bg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVF4z8K4u0tg_rvayx1MLo78yp_PHP6SGuxXAjMjhvnU7Oeu5axGInbl94I6sbCZqm8UKnFgbv6cwIYB5YKnOYo9BQX8GwQwkrX72ee-fWCvRdRlMT1EqsHBgJEBLHQp9SU1PfqQdUuOqlISSb-c_7tFx5UT1TS9g_XwRkrD2r8kAyvJ-s--H5rszgAkI/s4000/20230704_104225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-7179810900753037772023-07-31T23:51:00.002+01:002023-07-31T23:53:26.363+01:00Recent gigs ( Part Three ) - Wychwood Festival 2023 Day Two<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIOBe5eOSDdy3B59yiSAdwXPDfoi-eKbXl9eKIq0UXlc5c6nEbxGhzuXvKhAd9Jol3oP-FRWAEG4fZQZ8dyun6T8kbX_e6CDYszYm3en7aY_B_eqBHuHUQ_5jbFYFdRCSqgD4oKu8Oo9p9do7C3_OUtIG9Y3WJ8ZaXjBDWif6oJEIwP6WM9UI7HY-ztpV/s4000/20230603_150632.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIOBe5eOSDdy3B59yiSAdwXPDfoi-eKbXl9eKIq0UXlc5c6nEbxGhzuXvKhAd9Jol3oP-FRWAEG4fZQZ8dyun6T8kbX_e6CDYszYm3en7aY_B_eqBHuHUQ_5jbFYFdRCSqgD4oKu8Oo9p9do7C3_OUtIG9Y3WJ8ZaXjBDWif6oJEIwP6WM9UI7HY-ztpV/w400-h300/20230603_150632.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>After a fantastic first day at Wychwood, we went home for a rest, then headed back to Cheltenham on the Saturday for day two. Gluttons for punishment or committed gig-goers? A bit of both I suppose. The 3rd of June was just as hot and sunny as the previous day and the site was much, much busier. We rocked up a bit later this time, as we'd already sussed the place out. The first band we saw on the main stage were the pop-tastic <b>Scouting For Girls </b>at a crazily early 15:00 pm...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhBtw_hTQ5TnTjhDLm7y2JFMQKdR9dnpIprsNj2YNxZBnavLs8Q6x8wI8iXI4zXbVEzDkMlyA4IBypiEKsh-iv9q0KFw1EpSvV-HK6mlUGTJ5wxPUEOM6tH1dPqt_GyobKUXtN77Uh7KSube0uvVAvCYxy-zMcdX6yi_-axWvH6ddhjme3HH1ZwIGlA8E/s4000/20230603_150650.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhBtw_hTQ5TnTjhDLm7y2JFMQKdR9dnpIprsNj2YNxZBnavLs8Q6x8wI8iXI4zXbVEzDkMlyA4IBypiEKsh-iv9q0KFw1EpSvV-HK6mlUGTJ5wxPUEOM6tH1dPqt_GyobKUXtN77Uh7KSube0uvVAvCYxy-zMcdX6yi_-axWvH6ddhjme3HH1ZwIGlA8E/s320/20230603_150650.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZHujq9LW-fWJ-HMnZ7mbdYRvHvuYlBHBvHoyMFYS98uBXRFqWbxv_aQ4lG0imxR-wJJQ1ThUJasDz5DBqskhwqW0hFp2QOCgw9wJhduq49iCoM8GJsiw-Cv8IShaqQhMAhl-Ywi2F1-krCzMryrHixJSXOdN8HxrOuQQs6BmsiqPYuGx9xjPZOqCs-di/s4000/20230603_150723.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZHujq9LW-fWJ-HMnZ7mbdYRvHvuYlBHBvHoyMFYS98uBXRFqWbxv_aQ4lG0imxR-wJJQ1ThUJasDz5DBqskhwqW0hFp2QOCgw9wJhduq49iCoM8GJsiw-Cv8IShaqQhMAhl-Ywi2F1-krCzMryrHixJSXOdN8HxrOuQQs6BmsiqPYuGx9xjPZOqCs-di/s320/20230603_150723.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The familiar, twangy sound of the James Bond theme rang out as the band took to the stage to play, inevitably, I Wish I Was James Bond. ( Just for a day. Not "Heroes", but Bond. Very specific. ) I kind of remembered SFG from their chart days of a few years ago and thought they would be fun but I'd underestimated just <i>how much</i> grinning, bouncing, sun-kissed fun their material would be. More pop fireworks whizzed over our heads in the form of Elvis Ain't Dead and Heartbeat, before singer Roy Stride introduced "the most inappropriate song of the day" in the form of Posh Girls. It may have been inappropriate but it was a guilty ( not <u>that</u> guilty ) pleasure which prompted a huge singalong from the crowd. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvwcOkosjA4ea5WfXlTesCbmROWILwcelLXKEnv2sMOXKXP8CGUSHBkxImaa2DzwcdU5Q5YnS1OsMwk1CQ8lqn9qG193p3hWm3J-NmeaPMy3RSsyGWvPOkQ6HxHtT_kXM2UlLrWAjPEsGOuZ_oM6CwsbkMVfPI3xG9WAdLnVBS2lkZG26eEeEWLZx4fsO/s4000/20230603_151532.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvwcOkosjA4ea5WfXlTesCbmROWILwcelLXKEnv2sMOXKXP8CGUSHBkxImaa2DzwcdU5Q5YnS1OsMwk1CQ8lqn9qG193p3hWm3J-NmeaPMy3RSsyGWvPOkQ6HxHtT_kXM2UlLrWAjPEsGOuZ_oM6CwsbkMVfPI3xG9WAdLnVBS2lkZG26eEeEWLZx4fsO/s320/20230603_151532.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>They played their song Bad Superman which they said was basically a rip-off of Stacy's Mom by Fountains Of Wayne, which itself was apparently a rip-off of Busted's Year 3000. To prove the point they mashed all three into a musical medley for our entertainment and education. Which was nice. Roy embarrassed himself in front of thousands by ringing his wife and daughter from the stage and getting us to sing to them. He wanted to prove to them how many people were there as, apparently, "nobody goes to festivals to watch Scouting For Girls". His wife was having none of it, so he's got some making up to do. Hopefully not in front of thousands. They finished ( of course ) with their biggest hit, She's So Lovely, yet another Summery pop classic, and then they were gone. SFC were a delight, a band I probably wouldn't have gone to see otherwise but definitely enjoyed on this gorgeous June afternoon. They're touring later in the year, so who knows, I might see them again... stranger things have happened...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORRlGxkXowmW65x2vf_uJnYm2UdbiCnhAMywgCc9ZtEyAQaiBCmlZbMpZr-IA7lPXmikUrSaH-7vWCwEbTy4a4tezEh2UIFBghBsecaSQElcm2secaNPrT9KF19jxqAtZi7eYQMqvVW-GsFrGRV7imh3vpHF2MQ7hUV9mWrc3kjHOkFTfoy0Re6naki5_/s4000/20230603_163333.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORRlGxkXowmW65x2vf_uJnYm2UdbiCnhAMywgCc9ZtEyAQaiBCmlZbMpZr-IA7lPXmikUrSaH-7vWCwEbTy4a4tezEh2UIFBghBsecaSQElcm2secaNPrT9KF19jxqAtZi7eYQMqvVW-GsFrGRV7imh3vpHF2MQ7hUV9mWrc3kjHOkFTfoy0Re6naki5_/s320/20230603_163333.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Next up was some proper pop royalty in the shape of <b>Heather Small</b>. Or "THE Heather Small???" as my daughter exclaimed when I mentioned she was playing. Singing along to a backing track and only performing six songs (!), Heather Small still gave her all, and then some. Strutting sassily across the stage ( I mean, how else would she do it? ), Heather ran through a greatest hits selection of mostly M People songs like One Night In Heaven, Search For The Hero and How Can I Love You More? as well as her signature solo anthem Proud - and there were obviously some <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miranda_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Miranda</a> fans in the crowd as a bunch of people were wearing cardboard Heather Small masks for this one. You had to be there. Heather was quite the diva on stage, in a light-hearted but totally authentic way, and her voice was as rich and powerful as ever as she led the crowd through a closing rendition of female-empowerment classic Moving On Up. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiku5Z7r1zIMTVEasNQ9Cds94wNPiVbO54Y4qBkp1tNTfGiKrkOPsW9rQvWHFqWyPI8W8cPy45SZTMzBuWMWoyFDwxwPpX1I8Jfai644XbKFdZE5iPF4HI2BQA4OappG21wYELol2XKrc5_vm9xvXfja_vggyPtdiPA3-hPpkdmXCP5Ch-Q8xjs1DbuU4E/s4000/20230603_163326.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiku5Z7r1zIMTVEasNQ9Cds94wNPiVbO54Y4qBkp1tNTfGiKrkOPsW9rQvWHFqWyPI8W8cPy45SZTMzBuWMWoyFDwxwPpX1I8Jfai644XbKFdZE5iPF4HI2BQA4OappG21wYELol2XKrc5_vm9xvXfja_vggyPtdiPA3-hPpkdmXCP5Ch-Q8xjs1DbuU4E/s320/20230603_163326.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxcTA4c-UvI-4YxZldO7VpEp_TxrAYduA-ZPtzAm93WifRpKX8iWjI_bTLRRbeOagVN7Bm3xTGgtZLBqQwf_B4W9RDycOaANuP1iczWFCIH1HMjxFfQxSdrT42oyfvLV_Dh1RUIvM0KYE2byn1aaSlD2psvVFm74jmJnit27wTxWqvijviEP50QDyHJ7W/s4000/20230603_163313.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxcTA4c-UvI-4YxZldO7VpEp_TxrAYduA-ZPtzAm93WifRpKX8iWjI_bTLRRbeOagVN7Bm3xTGgtZLBqQwf_B4W9RDycOaANuP1iczWFCIH1HMjxFfQxSdrT42oyfvLV_Dh1RUIvM0KYE2byn1aaSlD2psvVFm74jmJnit27wTxWqvijviEP50QDyHJ7W/s320/20230603_163313.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>An uplifting, if short, set which made me decide I'd like to see more of Heather ( steady! ), but with a full set and an actual band...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNLljgxE_09LU-J_ZzloFqBmMw942UXFaAAF1v0nG8JIuCjkB9mZYUVtoPAtdvZIXkVjRC9576kaQG-q-jWLfal0K-st--qR1TIjv_14wkOnN8WqLZHnlGZlITz99XxTuBNc_Y6-rUtGjeZiICR4TJQ8HlngUvG19SjSWiU70gK1RG3Qxp6GwkwzQt9Lw/s4000/20230603_180041.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNLljgxE_09LU-J_ZzloFqBmMw942UXFaAAF1v0nG8JIuCjkB9mZYUVtoPAtdvZIXkVjRC9576kaQG-q-jWLfal0K-st--qR1TIjv_14wkOnN8WqLZHnlGZlITz99XxTuBNc_Y6-rUtGjeZiICR4TJQ8HlngUvG19SjSWiU70gK1RG3Qxp6GwkwzQt9Lw/s320/20230603_180041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">From pop to Britpop next, as the stupendous </span><b style="text-align: left;">Sleeper</b><span style="text-align: left;"> rocked up at Dave's Stage ( that's the main stage to you ) to bring us their own brand of indie wizardry. The strains of You Only Live Twice rang out around the arena ( what was it with all the Bond references? ) and then Sleeper kicked into a rousing Cellophane to start their set.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTGnl5HK2nW-oSMP1i1JdqRgPzugfa7fdWM0ReaSOpDUy0Lb7XSoTJCJ2mIOrMw77kh16O2h8zILHeYaptyXZQ4CGdl_b0E8na3vVHlt8wqOJNek-Y_XQy67lVCqZ3cwuDKq_IKzcudbtoDz3V10EaElsfS-X0jDwIyYOTCKZYSCp7EGyu0h_-pf3RpIh/s4000/20230603_180109.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTGnl5HK2nW-oSMP1i1JdqRgPzugfa7fdWM0ReaSOpDUy0Lb7XSoTJCJ2mIOrMw77kh16O2h8zILHeYaptyXZQ4CGdl_b0E8na3vVHlt8wqOJNek-Y_XQy67lVCqZ3cwuDKq_IKzcudbtoDz3V10EaElsfS-X0jDwIyYOTCKZYSCp7EGyu0h_-pf3RpIh/s320/20230603_180109.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p> Their set was basically a greatest hits compilation but this first song, from 2018 comeback album The Modern Age, easily held its own against the familiar songs. And what songs! The impish Nice Guy Eddie, power-pop banger Statuesque and the achingly sad What Do I Do Now? were all outstanding and showed that the underrated Sleeper were easily on a par with the more populist, blokey bands of the Britpop era. The gorgeous Louise Wener, resplendent in a frilly skirt and green "Rock Hag" T-shirt, looked like she was having the time of her life, a permanent smile playing on her lips. The medley of Blondie's Atomic and Joy Division's Love Will tear Us Apart paid fine tribute to their heroes ( and gave the crowd yet another singalong ) before they concluded the excellent set with the one-two punch of Inbetweener ( of course! ) and Sale Of The Century. This is the second time I've seen Sleeper and both times they've been fantastic, easily one of the best live bands around at the moment.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYhHNE7ZOalyqdhipf6aEBAnuEIpqqPazKwPc97onB472qGGp_IZqCF5l6g3AFJt_DrtlDcdHVF8y8pshR4Wacq43P0mM4uQS4v-i1x8WRXabZ12RVdNhtPP8rpQxXc8GWCWRDZu6Is2AHPWglxM3aS71I4mQlvQp9Kojuaiw0cRf3ovuEr5L1BL6wi1a/s4000/20230603_180146.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYhHNE7ZOalyqdhipf6aEBAnuEIpqqPazKwPc97onB472qGGp_IZqCF5l6g3AFJt_DrtlDcdHVF8y8pshR4Wacq43P0mM4uQS4v-i1x8WRXabZ12RVdNhtPP8rpQxXc8GWCWRDZu6Is2AHPWglxM3aS71I4mQlvQp9Kojuaiw0cRf3ovuEr5L1BL6wi1a/s320/20230603_180146.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I think we did another dash out of the main arena to find some grub at this point, and then headed back to catch Caledonian folk/rock duo <b>The Proclaimers</b>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2T1NREkQl33oFPiFXjaMVZtTEnFp43MlZjGxqtHkcqzPmkjG5e9tEjFoeD0s2M5OH0yI-xWIOAI5DuSCyP1_IwCRuSMU6esdVmjF8ORv5-g-TDgmXmy0v6qH-DMMHd2pQL-gfo487hTlSSAR_h8M-yo5mT0N8ybMsB-xlgwGPOl4S0eIzbJ-zg2in3fE/s4000/20230603_202238.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2T1NREkQl33oFPiFXjaMVZtTEnFp43MlZjGxqtHkcqzPmkjG5e9tEjFoeD0s2M5OH0yI-xWIOAI5DuSCyP1_IwCRuSMU6esdVmjF8ORv5-g-TDgmXmy0v6qH-DMMHd2pQL-gfo487hTlSSAR_h8M-yo5mT0N8ybMsB-xlgwGPOl4S0eIzbJ-zg2in3fE/s320/20230603_202238.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcm1JISwvZHsvXgGKF6buuY852e8FBzqhWpNS0UXOEQthzGVEWNMT-9bo9J9aAHIbkeflcXIzZCoLoG1i_Pj033wcby2uQY5EC-WWO5ktKSCTJjIt2ohb4G9bSm-CfoCejepWDC7bvbZmrWsSYWOIMIakhLQGqCX43DEBWJ3vJUr6K2XjgBFNuleT2c1r/s4000/20230603_193410.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcm1JISwvZHsvXgGKF6buuY852e8FBzqhWpNS0UXOEQthzGVEWNMT-9bo9J9aAHIbkeflcXIzZCoLoG1i_Pj033wcby2uQY5EC-WWO5ktKSCTJjIt2ohb4G9bSm-CfoCejepWDC7bvbZmrWsSYWOIMIakhLQGqCX43DEBWJ3vJUr6K2XjgBFNuleT2c1r/s320/20230603_193410.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Although Craig and Charlie Reid have been doing their thing since the late '80s I only own their first album so wasn't familiar with a lot of their songs. I also wasn't sure if they would have a full band or just play as a duo ( do they even do that any more? ) but, as it turned out, they had a shit-hot backing band, who rocked like muthas. ( Technical term. ) I didn't know the first song, Dentures Out, but they followed it with the strident, autobiographical Over And Done With which sounded great, especially the "I washed my hands and went for ma dinnerrrr" line. Another early highlight of the set was the unashamedly romantic Let's Get Married, a heart-on-the-sleeve love song that could have been sung by the Everly Brothers, instead of two spotty guys from Fife. And I think a lot of the group's appeal is this old-fashioned approach to song-writing, with no room for irony but plenty of room for sincerity. A beautiful Sunshine On Leith had everyone singing and possibly evoked a few tears in their fanbase. ( I was surprised how many people, and how many <i>young</i> people at that, knew all the words to all their songs. They're clearly more popular than I'd thought. ) Although the Reids were relatively taciturn on stage, their songs really said it all with their passion and gorgeous shared vocals. They finished, of course, with a crowd-pleasing rendition of their biggest hit, I'm Gonna Be ( 500 Miles ), which was a perfect way to end the set. I'll definitely have to buy more of The Proclaimers' music and hopefully catch them live again some day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHG6MkcyAwfi-raWyq4t-UZra76ZI-7-1ajRiM3ytNgne1yg7P6yFlG6WKD5gKEfC-Y4cw3BFp9jRtN1fzEWhYhZ03_oAVsW_qOC0fSQwy_RkOf9RjvansL7kEjOmgV8t0payDH4VZYO59CJFdUDucAvZ94chelaAPQ65fxsaporzCA2AzzevdZdzPtvGG/s4000/20230603_213104.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHG6MkcyAwfi-raWyq4t-UZra76ZI-7-1ajRiM3ytNgne1yg7P6yFlG6WKD5gKEfC-Y4cw3BFp9jRtN1fzEWhYhZ03_oAVsW_qOC0fSQwy_RkOf9RjvansL7kEjOmgV8t0payDH4VZYO59CJFdUDucAvZ94chelaAPQ65fxsaporzCA2AzzevdZdzPtvGG/s320/20230603_213104.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And then it was time for the last band we saw at Wychwood, yet another Scottish act, indie Radio 2 stalwarts, <b>Travis</b>. Sarah was always a big fan of this band back in the day and we had seen them before, many years ago at the Birmingham International Arena. I'd never been too bothered about their easy-listening indie and have been guilty of taking the piss out of them in the past but, to be honest they were great at Wychwood. Starting with two of their most well-known songs, Sing and Writing To Reach You, they instantly got the crowd fully engaged and singing along. Similarly to the Reid brothers, Travis are another band who come across as very sincere and down to earth - they may be lacking in weirdness or rock 'n' roll attitude, but they make up for this with their warmth and smoothly lovely melodies.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthgglDUtJErwOB8S26FRaBR6uutSKrrOARV8lzCFrg4GnS_30g9yUjG8rUq3f0xTcRwVzKz_5OPnRd-LrdpEUgnTXsihzHTJ8QSQgLb0FYcH58PXkfQCZH2BjMRFOf8rdKKAvytAWiK2Y7U03LXVXRRu64aYyKNTGz1WJgdNNOETjkkIxMLHP-btmUh2z/s4000/20230603_213121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthgglDUtJErwOB8S26FRaBR6uutSKrrOARV8lzCFrg4GnS_30g9yUjG8rUq3f0xTcRwVzKz_5OPnRd-LrdpEUgnTXsihzHTJ8QSQgLb0FYcH58PXkfQCZH2BjMRFOf8rdKKAvytAWiK2Y7U03LXVXRRu64aYyKNTGz1WJgdNNOETjkkIxMLHP-btmUh2z/s320/20230603_213121.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJQdynV1aDSsCMQ_AxkCO2CA0Z9FIkUr2nau78mCLUV-RGTRksi2-75yIAfrZgomM13kZ9blAube2nSDdktZYZXjhAPKZ3mJbv0u5Cv4dlnYFkddnb3o2v8MNHyljUWRcUYF4qzkjHyZXYhvl7HAGLBUD1u1Jj-iCNWHqXgjsU4yfXk3ZvGtTcxE_C9zF/s2576/20230603_213148.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1932" data-original-width="2576" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJQdynV1aDSsCMQ_AxkCO2CA0Z9FIkUr2nau78mCLUV-RGTRksi2-75yIAfrZgomM13kZ9blAube2nSDdktZYZXjhAPKZ3mJbv0u5Cv4dlnYFkddnb3o2v8MNHyljUWRcUYF4qzkjHyZXYhvl7HAGLBUD1u1Jj-iCNWHqXgjsU4yfXk3ZvGtTcxE_C9zF/s320/20230603_213148.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> </div><div>Driftwood was a mid-set anthem that had everyone singing and swaying along, while more recent song A Ghost was a (yes) haunting Country lament about not letting life pass you by. Singer Fran Healey announced they'd come to the "busking" part of the set and they all gathered around one mike to play a beautiful <i>a cappella </i>version of Flowers In The Window.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVhJ5kvYviI-eXMjgvUrZimNFSGgp2_hmpvfmWQQAJ-ui7k5dsWqHn7FtUT2-mnfJJWQ18r44ez4juNj10IMPbwmBfQWR7sFNtOO9b64jN0iK_l-ZP2mJ_vazL02AFtn9F9ks7f9AAXDcqP8-fWqbY-zXlvPerkzkbc1G5DLab2YbebefmF1Ja5rfKynU/s4000/20230603_221437.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVhJ5kvYviI-eXMjgvUrZimNFSGgp2_hmpvfmWQQAJ-ui7k5dsWqHn7FtUT2-mnfJJWQ18r44ez4juNj10IMPbwmBfQWR7sFNtOO9b64jN0iK_l-ZP2mJ_vazL02AFtn9F9ks7f9AAXDcqP8-fWqbY-zXlvPerkzkbc1G5DLab2YbebefmF1Ja5rfKynU/s320/20230603_221437.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DW6FIVgovSnMh-Ua12jhfvGggLHHadDAq2MSwuVX9e9GwN-kFtQWlKctOWlV7AV8kJw_nQTKkT3dFnLE2z8WMcc1XkJbkcTomJlRN3RJ9j-GuiTu6SFN7pCSgNWrFGXKtPki3NQZTD_3qvQZ-HT9QkaqS-_JzBNSUBm65Mc-TAw13T1bOP1mKM2xxZTL/s4000/20230603_213957.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DW6FIVgovSnMh-Ua12jhfvGggLHHadDAq2MSwuVX9e9GwN-kFtQWlKctOWlV7AV8kJw_nQTKkT3dFnLE2z8WMcc1XkJbkcTomJlRN3RJ9j-GuiTu6SFN7pCSgNWrFGXKtPki3NQZTD_3qvQZ-HT9QkaqS-_JzBNSUBm65Mc-TAw13T1bOP1mKM2xxZTL/s320/20230603_213957.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqCCFN3IO58PXpVcvafkJzGc61uawzXX8QSrpZQnzDfc-ipCF88URKageKuZrQUYSdoqooWwD9tjK4Ih-Vx4q0y-TmWfRsgCPiPWcmmoDpBjB6XH5JEIScL8P89zITjpRwRaYyGVea6XWySSZxBrunKMpzErP9R8KeLBGVsSr4gZeJZV8nKR4SAUzfj2j/s4000/20230603_213209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqCCFN3IO58PXpVcvafkJzGc61uawzXX8QSrpZQnzDfc-ipCF88URKageKuZrQUYSdoqooWwD9tjK4Ih-Vx4q0y-TmWfRsgCPiPWcmmoDpBjB6XH5JEIScL8P89zITjpRwRaYyGVea6XWySSZxBrunKMpzErP9R8KeLBGVsSr4gZeJZV8nKR4SAUzfj2j/s320/20230603_213209.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p> After finishing the main set with a massive version of Turn, they encored with a couple of heavier songs in All I Wanna Do Is Rock ( "If Travis were a country, this would be our national anthem" ) and the Motown beat of Selfish Jean, before bringing the house down ( no mean feat without a roof! ) with the inevitable Why Does It Always Rain On Me? Luckily it hadn't rained on us or the band, and Travis had been a ( surprisingly for me ) fine way to end a cracking weekend. Same again next year? Let's hope so.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-4458461275039615672023-07-17T14:02:00.000+01:002023-07-17T14:02:26.178+01:00Recent gigs ( Part Two ) - Wychwood Festival 2023 Day One<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYI5ancoS1g6u0sbcpAZqjAOQGAFTYTiBX5FGqG5DoH0W-QO_q-69BSetnTUwejIndlwvLdpbayae2TguMmsetVcJ_RPPQfSlXtcNhx-kjj0QJWqi1IhbFbv1iBOzCAHDFP-COULAhpMvAHAB90IeFlfprSJ3-t7ZL7yU1zw_hUoj16CLdOPecRBEnAt8s/s4000/20230602_174113.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYI5ancoS1g6u0sbcpAZqjAOQGAFTYTiBX5FGqG5DoH0W-QO_q-69BSetnTUwejIndlwvLdpbayae2TguMmsetVcJ_RPPQfSlXtcNhx-kjj0QJWqi1IhbFbv1iBOzCAHDFP-COULAhpMvAHAB90IeFlfprSJ3-t7ZL7yU1zw_hUoj16CLdOPecRBEnAt8s/w400-h300/20230602_174113.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Purely by chance, this Summer has been my busiest season ever for outdoor gigs. In recent weeks Sarah and I have seen the mighty Muse in Milton Keynes and the peerless Pulp in Manchester ( more about those later ) but it started back in June with the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wychwood_Festival" target="_blank">Wychwood Festival</a> in Cheltenham. Wychwood has been running since 2005 but I've never paid it much attention, until this year's stellar lineup made me give it a go. I think they've really stepped up their selection of bands since the pandemic and this, coupled with the fact it's just up the road for us, made it a must. I bought us tickets for the Friday and Saturday only, as the Sunday seemed the weakest lineup, apart from Soul II Soul who I'm sure would have been good. <p></p><p>( As an aside, the cost for Sarah and I to go to Wychwood for two days was still less than the cost of one ticket for Springsteen's latest tour. As you may know, dear reader, I <strike>am</strike> was a big Bruce fan but the whole Ticketmaster "dynamic ticketing" fiasco, and Springsteen's shameless <a href="https://www.vulture.com/2022/11/bruce-springsteen-tour-ticketmaster-response.html" target="_blank">attitude</a> towards it, has put me off the guy so much that I'll probably never see him play live again. I won't go into it now but, suffice to say, I'm not happy about it. ) Anyway, on to happier days...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIFhoaQpSb_P_taMcb08WOPgNsLqJA-REuajO7Bx67Vbi1E3y4FS-Ipw55TOYmmAcV9Xh69U9tV88eIciRU-598Qb4O6T3jXxmbvHI-pev0_iODyvrZcKgb4V-lCTMsQQrpabEcpi65fgjcS8k_7zL7tPWZ-ow6edK0DD-dxv6_h8GoU_kf4Oz4lvjevY/s4000/20230602_155034.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIFhoaQpSb_P_taMcb08WOPgNsLqJA-REuajO7Bx67Vbi1E3y4FS-Ipw55TOYmmAcV9Xh69U9tV88eIciRU-598Qb4O6T3jXxmbvHI-pev0_iODyvrZcKgb4V-lCTMsQQrpabEcpi65fgjcS8k_7zL7tPWZ-ow6edK0DD-dxv6_h8GoU_kf4Oz4lvjevY/w400-h300/20230602_155034.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Wychwood had the most chilled, relaxed vibe of any big gig I've been to: a very family friendly, welcoming festival with plenty of things to do besides the bands, like arts & crafts workshops, "wellness" stuff, dance classes etc. I even got Sarah onto a fairground ride :-) The weather was perfect which was a relief as the British festival experience can always be hit or miss. We always remember seeing Robbie Williams ( don't snigger at the back! ) in 2001 in a sea of mud. Which wasn't much fun. As the photo above shows, we had no such problems this time, our biggest worry was not getting too sunburnt. So, what about the bands? What indeed. I'll run through them in order of days and performances, which is honestly most unlike my usual, haphazard style. I don't know what's got into me. Starting with Friday 2nd June:</p><p>The first band on, at some ridiculously early time in the afternoon, were <b>The Pop-Tarts</b>. These two sisters plus backing band play pop / rock covers in a folk stylee with ukuleles and acoustic guitars, and were a nice, gentle way to start the weekend. ( All the bands I'm going to mention here were on the main stage. I didn't get any photos of The Pop-Tarts there, but they did play again later in the day in a tent, as you can see below... )</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOHL0Di7QIRPoC5VqgBXFUB2Zdc8VAQ5wSVV2m6TZBSYurnGCp4DeDBzPC4xPbc2utvE_oIvfm70ccM0hVZXRSx4u6ubcb-HLCtHmYnq3QLSuVSX0KSAugzmDIMNTg24fs35sDbJP8kXjjqZFX3RKZbXZOa32ZyIlfXiZx8CY8nyCnpNowDppBe_u3chC/s4000/20230602_182146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOHL0Di7QIRPoC5VqgBXFUB2Zdc8VAQ5wSVV2m6TZBSYurnGCp4DeDBzPC4xPbc2utvE_oIvfm70ccM0hVZXRSx4u6ubcb-HLCtHmYnq3QLSuVSX0KSAugzmDIMNTg24fs35sDbJP8kXjjqZFX3RKZbXZOa32ZyIlfXiZx8CY8nyCnpNowDppBe_u3chC/s320/20230602_182146.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Also in the wasteland of the afternoon slot were <b>Still Pigeon</b>, a straight-outta-music-school indie band from Oxford. They weren't too distinctive but were a pleasant soundtrack to eating an ice cream in the sunshine and certainly enjoyed themselves onstage.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinP3ESEisksTt5nQ4SUqRMy7UsoiqmLA80DnASfFr34xT2ohQOM4EcyxKqJ5YZM4v0QvECXiVrLoZhkRfPrOGKawSgwDeoS-mN83cCZvPV-woAXHIXkHLumb60C26czXUrR_GdxQQ7Blh-TxB69FwrQEJk4Q7l4P1II7sIaP3CfdwZAGECakVKiYQysP-k/s4000/20230602_151821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinP3ESEisksTt5nQ4SUqRMy7UsoiqmLA80DnASfFr34xT2ohQOM4EcyxKqJ5YZM4v0QvECXiVrLoZhkRfPrOGKawSgwDeoS-mN83cCZvPV-woAXHIXkHLumb60C26czXUrR_GdxQQ7Blh-TxB69FwrQEJk4Q7l4P1II7sIaP3CfdwZAGECakVKiYQysP-k/s320/20230602_151821.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44kh5Ww4WcmlXvHJFrn8zEWiXDY09cX8AZ-QVFmdaY-fYp0jrfxEqxGJr1MCeKUvDJuoC9fWL0jxrTZ02wF0_XJLrclJYF5e3iK39dlGBbJtUwL-euxdTUw_ZvP4SEb1R4CduvGubYevupMZ0OU5VVdfKxys45UwZerYVsYz_3wcIu-13n5Lg0kW1S0OS/s4000/20230602_151835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44kh5Ww4WcmlXvHJFrn8zEWiXDY09cX8AZ-QVFmdaY-fYp0jrfxEqxGJr1MCeKUvDJuoC9fWL0jxrTZ02wF0_XJLrclJYF5e3iK39dlGBbJtUwL-euxdTUw_ZvP4SEb1R4CduvGubYevupMZ0OU5VVdfKxys45UwZerYVsYz_3wcIu-13n5Lg0kW1S0OS/s320/20230602_151835.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAtqZYLqAqceMMPGzLhCKAV6Xvyg1FZyB1d7vKOLJ6OSCQGOlNhT18W56sgpIkL81jAV50Kkg5QO4tOA-SmRssu7rxBBPJ2eAGVJm7nWT6fGSa2zCz9_0SAodK7rb7_fM1yj63U3NoX9FNMbVMDLEE1w-T4Uidd0PPfDl1FzAlIl_SmCVRDC2XHkwINhC/s4000/20230602_151837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAtqZYLqAqceMMPGzLhCKAV6Xvyg1FZyB1d7vKOLJ6OSCQGOlNhT18W56sgpIkL81jAV50Kkg5QO4tOA-SmRssu7rxBBPJ2eAGVJm7nWT6fGSa2zCz9_0SAodK7rb7_fM1yj63U3NoX9FNMbVMDLEE1w-T4Uidd0PPfDl1FzAlIl_SmCVRDC2XHkwINhC/s320/20230602_151837.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Then came one of the most joyful but also most poignant sets of the weekend from <b>The Beat featuring Ranking Jnr</b>. If you've followed this 'ere blog for any length of time, you'll know that The Beat ( not Dave Wakelin's "English Beat" version, thanks ) are one of my all-time favourite live bands. I hadn't seen them since the tragic passing of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranking_Roger" target="_blank">Ranking Roger</a> back in 2019 and it was a real lump-in-the-throat moment to see Ranking Jnr take to the Wychwood main stage without his legendary dad. Junior, as enthusiastic and full of beans as ever, soon had the crowd moving with a couple of Beat classics in Stand Down Margaret and Too Nice To Talk To, before Side To Side represented the 21st century Beat catalogue. He then introduced Carry The Flag by talking about his late dad, bravely sharing his feelings at his dreadful loss, and describing Ranking Roger as his mentor and best friend. It was a very emotional moment and Carry The Flag beautifully summed up Junior's mission to perpetuate his dad's message of good vibes, love and unity. More classics followed, with virtually everybody dancing by this point, before the set-closing double punch of an extended Ranking Full Stop and ( of course ) Mirror In The Bathroom. It had been a fantastic performance, full of joy and sadness, love and hope, perfect for such a beautiful day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1xx5SWE2j2gun3pARjpDIyP4M4PJ0HjA6nmKuONv2uN25uhkLvqHsuBEJ6bco7KIfGFf6cs1jgLUy9_upIcq3UhhN4VuUSvL3q0lCJhyD0zZetOOFONoMHumltEU-1cpSQIf0jvLUHV8j-wa51wA-evVPInz4dcIsroXKXS6x0EWyrF-qpXDqyxYkRsc/s4000/20230602_160625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1xx5SWE2j2gun3pARjpDIyP4M4PJ0HjA6nmKuONv2uN25uhkLvqHsuBEJ6bco7KIfGFf6cs1jgLUy9_upIcq3UhhN4VuUSvL3q0lCJhyD0zZetOOFONoMHumltEU-1cpSQIf0jvLUHV8j-wa51wA-evVPInz4dcIsroXKXS6x0EWyrF-qpXDqyxYkRsc/s320/20230602_160625.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoxe7lZzSy1aYOfG9W7viY-Kx0Bw8u68lmEOdPki60ugv2fMScEQXxn1zAk9njVW5GiFbHsOx7h-VI9QOEK0Qz5rWeMV5xTnrOZS3PXEVEK76Wxa8MPu43rOJtZom-nazbwBfOz5T-pz5TDT0KwzC953M_Mv0Z0yKgFXHCetclZbT5sdhEv79rk-FkOa2/s4000/20230602_162302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoxe7lZzSy1aYOfG9W7viY-Kx0Bw8u68lmEOdPki60ugv2fMScEQXxn1zAk9njVW5GiFbHsOx7h-VI9QOEK0Qz5rWeMV5xTnrOZS3PXEVEK76Wxa8MPu43rOJtZom-nazbwBfOz5T-pz5TDT0KwzC953M_Mv0Z0yKgFXHCetclZbT5sdhEv79rk-FkOa2/s320/20230602_162302.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyM6tAGeCCBmx9ILtDREJHxBgRD1DGUd4uNI2WvFHOfuD1RNuvZdOZhAz2NYPZeGr7OhScC7EFzzeptg1sSiM2NV7_1BVi2PxLu2UpwUZYZPQcD1F4btz4NUtyIsPfZz7hjbLG7Qd-d5qjMEC04mTvt4rLg1yVJkSoQEQsYXQx2SMqfKLa2Bx0Ih4QLGoC/s4000/20230602_162402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyM6tAGeCCBmx9ILtDREJHxBgRD1DGUd4uNI2WvFHOfuD1RNuvZdOZhAz2NYPZeGr7OhScC7EFzzeptg1sSiM2NV7_1BVi2PxLu2UpwUZYZPQcD1F4btz4NUtyIsPfZz7hjbLG7Qd-d5qjMEC04mTvt4rLg1yVJkSoQEQsYXQx2SMqfKLa2Bx0Ih4QLGoC/s320/20230602_162402.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>We went to find some food at this point ( exciting stuff, right? ) so missed the majority of <b>Republica</b>'s set but managed to catch about three songs. As expected, they kicked out some bouncy indie-dance which was good fun but not life-changing. Frontperson Saffron doesn't have the strongest voice but she makes up for that with her ebullient personality and down to earth manner. She told us that the band can't believe they're still doing this as they were just "some mates from Essex with a synthesiser" who got together for a laugh back in the '90s, and are still here. Good luck to them.</p><p>The next band, <b>The Dualers</b>, were an unknown quantity for me. We also missed part of their set as we'd been wandering again and catching up with my old Death Planet Commandos pal, Mark B. ( A shocking lack of commitment from yer blogger. ) The Dualers turned out to be a red-hot reggae / ska band who brought the party vibe to Wychwood and got people to move their feet to the Trenchtown-via-SE London beat. They summed up their optimistic, Summery sound with It's A Wonderful Life before finishing with a razor-sharp cover of Toots & The Maytals' all-time ska classic Monkey Man. Definitely a band to catch again.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHldgOn1_VcPr0EHRmbKUiTYo2QckvuXjkiINNrUAVg8QCu2pLZTUSnx2DjuOeouQuDfUaausfLKiobZrb7ns9e8TJXT7wpzVzz1zwJYgIwzuj9WoqtkJRrOUPW2Av52-KpsTiRDD7od1H3TDESofYvd4uwn7W59629GOvD3ggF1IVTz9c6XlNXr3Gn0L/s4000/20230602_185609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHldgOn1_VcPr0EHRmbKUiTYo2QckvuXjkiINNrUAVg8QCu2pLZTUSnx2DjuOeouQuDfUaausfLKiobZrb7ns9e8TJXT7wpzVzz1zwJYgIwzuj9WoqtkJRrOUPW2Av52-KpsTiRDD7od1H3TDESofYvd4uwn7W59629GOvD3ggF1IVTz9c6XlNXr3Gn0L/s320/20230602_185609.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0tpyclMjx8mPzaC8VctthwnqzhMzrTkEfqyavXhjQ9NiSq234Xc8oDusUR7eyCS-yvVIT-VtBuZdX924GgoKz0lzIKk4I2NqDvkYpkWFWCjXv2VAISsRvMXuVOZQ-zYxq-7h7djxnCx2DNrn1UtiisYE8WQU25ex_eqfrBDn0p2xNWfjKrICG-OjG1Wj/s4000/20230602_185421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0tpyclMjx8mPzaC8VctthwnqzhMzrTkEfqyavXhjQ9NiSq234Xc8oDusUR7eyCS-yvVIT-VtBuZdX924GgoKz0lzIKk4I2NqDvkYpkWFWCjXv2VAISsRvMXuVOZQ-zYxq-7h7djxnCx2DNrn1UtiisYE8WQU25ex_eqfrBDn0p2xNWfjKrICG-OjG1Wj/s320/20230602_185421.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And then it was time for the band I was probably the most excited about, the always awesome <b>Ash</b>! I'd had a ticket for a much-delayed Ash gig in Bristol ( thanks Covid! ) knocking about for a year or so and hoped to see them in late 2021. Unfortunately the pandemic was still hanging around, if not in full swing, and Sarah wasn't comfortable with me going, so I gave it a miss. This was my first opportunity to see the boys from Downpatrick since that time and I was really looking forward to it. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5ykobTa8YMFbB_yKnkSxTwDNxIDoy8VYf9iS6NhGcYlFNt3hSMP0X5SPCQMdYiDsOO43oBgeNBlPblEwM1RTgjF26VO4Wr-UYdS_y95VhKG1KnydRKl81Ail7qV3PnEZ-LTtE_y1idysU8G7Ow-giXU-onNL0w79enf5EKB4PDB-IxLHDQ2fE0ZEGD13/s4000/20230602_195149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5ykobTa8YMFbB_yKnkSxTwDNxIDoy8VYf9iS6NhGcYlFNt3hSMP0X5SPCQMdYiDsOO43oBgeNBlPblEwM1RTgjF26VO4Wr-UYdS_y95VhKG1KnydRKl81Ail7qV3PnEZ-LTtE_y1idysU8G7Ow-giXU-onNL0w79enf5EKB4PDB-IxLHDQ2fE0ZEGD13/s320/20230602_195149.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVGuXgG4Mtntlc0oWoNnyc6mpxnmjzQNtPypYags6XpfwgbtXpPerD-UYdAybAfyQ_Ny7NtojJEKTAaGtJFsopr3zR13mmciPg4CtXM-yiDkCvmJQULnzi1Nakuifg48ZJ_vujjjU9ZPNk_xMerdbeWVVNqFBwK-jVBvN3C3Y26dvH4VTVDxJvEYFgHmT/s4000/20230602_195139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVGuXgG4Mtntlc0oWoNnyc6mpxnmjzQNtPypYags6XpfwgbtXpPerD-UYdAybAfyQ_Ny7NtojJEKTAaGtJFsopr3zR13mmciPg4CtXM-yiDkCvmJQULnzi1Nakuifg48ZJ_vujjjU9ZPNk_xMerdbeWVVNqFBwK-jVBvN3C3Y26dvH4VTVDxJvEYFgHmT/s320/20230602_195139.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2t0oeEGk_tgGUp0VOVynXFR_c65o7y0Q6kxGtBe-8dO-dZ58OsX-__BwF8TIdbJxrDJBKzxakkb-4e5sH1_pY3sT3iFDn28P9C_aC7cweq06j1906lM1UVbqISxRtEChEffuUj-GAsy7ItI6wu-gEbCK8rmZ_I8IF1CIbmj0xcdf0MZ9HgyoPK7evULAI/s4000/20230602_195126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2t0oeEGk_tgGUp0VOVynXFR_c65o7y0Q6kxGtBe-8dO-dZ58OsX-__BwF8TIdbJxrDJBKzxakkb-4e5sH1_pY3sT3iFDn28P9C_aC7cweq06j1906lM1UVbqISxRtEChEffuUj-GAsy7ItI6wu-gEbCK8rmZ_I8IF1CIbmj0xcdf0MZ9HgyoPK7evULAI/s320/20230602_195126.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5Xavrz_6SSGW8D7OSePEMH5Oj5EZhHdwd7OmGtHVz_gGjR_vZdv8mJ5WzHygYz7jxnSunZ0c31kvT99niXjNQK7pSJgaKZTW8k-t-8botxMQJYpaV8O9lD3yegndUFiKwWBORctrctVYGzTtI7R-q8e82uQp_HJfuNamjzH6vEzBI1qlNNeD1cZ6fP2q/s4000/20230602_201459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5Xavrz_6SSGW8D7OSePEMH5Oj5EZhHdwd7OmGtHVz_gGjR_vZdv8mJ5WzHygYz7jxnSunZ0c31kvT99niXjNQK7pSJgaKZTW8k-t-8botxMQJYpaV8O9lD3yegndUFiKwWBORctrctVYGzTtI7R-q8e82uQp_HJfuNamjzH6vEzBI1qlNNeD1cZ6fP2q/s320/20230602_201459.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKO5aV3kvGTELNE9lJJfWb2zkvtgvtiQalqOsIvwTTB0YD8yCKDNt1s1WSO9f9zOOUhZaZ89M9Pf7KyABRNAlVR_o702mqLGmhcnDX0KMSMlxB0xBnC8soNc3S09eaN6ldNHkwmXWaUWhCD7UlKhb3SUxYe0sXANj_g5TuNiXPA7bKwD6jyvLRPt1-rvoy/s4000/20230602_195243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKO5aV3kvGTELNE9lJJfWb2zkvtgvtiQalqOsIvwTTB0YD8yCKDNt1s1WSO9f9zOOUhZaZ89M9Pf7KyABRNAlVR_o702mqLGmhcnDX0KMSMlxB0xBnC8soNc3S09eaN6ldNHkwmXWaUWhCD7UlKhb3SUxYe0sXANj_g5TuNiXPA7bKwD6jyvLRPt1-rvoy/s320/20230602_195243.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Ash kicked off with A Life Less Ordinary ( yay! ) and basically played a greatest hits set, with the likes of Angel Interceptor, Goldfinger and Shining Light all getting rabid responses from the audience. ( Sarah, it has to be said, was a bit non-plussed by it all. ) This was the first time I'd seen Ash play an outdoor gig and, as can often be the case, the sound wasn't a patch on what you'd hear at an indoor venue. The band were playing as well as ever, Tim Wheeler was his usual charismatic self, but the guitar sound was too quiet for my liking. If you're going to play a Flying V it needs to be heard! After a ferocious Orpheus ( maybe <i>too</i> ferocious? ) the bass amp packed up and there was much faffing about on stage as roadies attempted to fix it. Tim led the crowd through a solo singalong cover of Teenage Kicks ( why not? ) but the impetus was lost. Luckily, the set-closing trio of Kung Fu / Girl From Mars / Burn Baby Burn just about salvaged things. Anyway, it was great to see them again and I'm hoping to catch them on their tour with The Subways later in the year. And they've got a new album coming out soon!</p><p>As the sun went down, headliners <b>The Happy Mondays</b> ambled onto the stage to bring some urban Mancunian madness to leafy Cheltenham. That distinctive, twangy guitar figure that heralds Kinky Afro started up and then Shaun Ryder launched into one of the greatest opening lines in pop history: "Son, I'm 30 / I only went with your mother 'cos she's dirty" - and the party started right there. Leaning heavily on the iconic Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches album, the Mondays pulled indie-dance banger after indie-dance banger out of their bucket hat, with the infectious Loose Fit and the righteous God's Cop being standouts. The expected sitcom shenanigans between Shaun, Bev and Rowetta were as random and hilarious as ever: Shaun made a big thing of not knowing which song they were playing next ( "Who put this in the fookin' set list?" ), even though they were obviously all well-rehearsed, and the less said about the lines Rowetta and Shaun traded during the "penis" song the better. Bez spotted a kid in the crowd shaking maracas along with him and clearly loved it. In fact, they all looked like they were loving every minute of this funky, fabulous performance. They finished with, of course, a melon-twisting Step On, with the crowd dancing like they were on a Saga mini-break to the Hacienda, before coming back out for a final, freaky-dancing Wrote For Luck. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtKsKuSnDgjvQxVXd8sWSv0gsi6Luybzxl5KZfp23rNF2MJiHEPdFl3MbpWkIDMquAquVBqpqcIflb7YOml-rOFpNNgyMhVoT_uXre8iWcBDAV2_fkvi-z1J7VwBAkEOgd7PbFojLumjB7elzrNUS-g9_FMv95jAa19Ircg2LJqNdoD-ZS0NSjwIt6MXF/s4000/20230602_213957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtKsKuSnDgjvQxVXd8sWSv0gsi6Luybzxl5KZfp23rNF2MJiHEPdFl3MbpWkIDMquAquVBqpqcIflb7YOml-rOFpNNgyMhVoT_uXre8iWcBDAV2_fkvi-z1J7VwBAkEOgd7PbFojLumjB7elzrNUS-g9_FMv95jAa19Ircg2LJqNdoD-ZS0NSjwIt6MXF/s320/20230602_213957.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBA4XloXwjoy3QouGmzMC69m6aFSb0nsX1CBeLZ4AkyDBY8_5LxMTAc1lNMi0LYCqxncJwbSJmZ8ohbCZmR4WV_SDFmYRNt2HPFq0dXv5Jx_MeSNNGqUFHjNTftQ9YN_cDyqY8CHelNrCByK9aIQ2KDeddbrnFfdx91s89mAStbXAHdu5Y-TJWx7RH7KR0/s4000/20230602_213959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBA4XloXwjoy3QouGmzMC69m6aFSb0nsX1CBeLZ4AkyDBY8_5LxMTAc1lNMi0LYCqxncJwbSJmZ8ohbCZmR4WV_SDFmYRNt2HPFq0dXv5Jx_MeSNNGqUFHjNTftQ9YN_cDyqY8CHelNrCByK9aIQ2KDeddbrnFfdx91s89mAStbXAHdu5Y-TJWx7RH7KR0/s320/20230602_213959.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdWdVPE1nGUG3z24PWsr8otkPRz_yyancVd-Oshn8adCv0o5LmUmOCiffWJTYXedQuYJcFW2zfgf0-Lhc68vECFOXaMhQl6gfXAHUlwcBw9M1pioCFhGC97YlgQNCAZlBorjQ-QCbriVUaNRWShrnV1rCsUcDw33XotN27oE98ysXIRu7iPm85ujboV4I/s4000/20230602_214121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdWdVPE1nGUG3z24PWsr8otkPRz_yyancVd-Oshn8adCv0o5LmUmOCiffWJTYXedQuYJcFW2zfgf0-Lhc68vECFOXaMhQl6gfXAHUlwcBw9M1pioCFhGC97YlgQNCAZlBorjQ-QCbriVUaNRWShrnV1rCsUcDw33XotN27oE98ysXIRu7iPm85ujboV4I/s320/20230602_214121.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFGc7750AAgAITX1MQmDTpa8bv5sn8-qMRQUyhZT1mOVdnj2CKERx6KhXGPe-dek87fxHeOm3rtIw_Z4VW1aSJgTYy-4ECSUW6kmpxPL2c_T9MmEvmHgveDW672X2SbYTatKSKPEKvlHkeUvcsbAdAUoOYlbAX9M1Dl40kFudQMqhtwD4XGUDn_WALGO9/s4000/20230602_214657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFGc7750AAgAITX1MQmDTpa8bv5sn8-qMRQUyhZT1mOVdnj2CKERx6KhXGPe-dek87fxHeOm3rtIw_Z4VW1aSJgTYy-4ECSUW6kmpxPL2c_T9MmEvmHgveDW672X2SbYTatKSKPEKvlHkeUvcsbAdAUoOYlbAX9M1Dl40kFudQMqhtwD4XGUDn_WALGO9/s320/20230602_214657.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJlv-LVRIiXun0s_MAd_9A1I1eoNdT09UJfL_5iys0J56zYQlwvlCsCcxglaIxtL6mbp9xGgtZ06E7BNqHmKKvhJv8v5oBXXaYhzQs092e1ysQJ4t6_9TNZ-ph04eMkVqZHoipFflFnLA4FkFkwA9bhXDJGf1hVhDGej095lOYfnHBrCIftVD3F_rtg6K/s4000/20230602_215059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJlv-LVRIiXun0s_MAd_9A1I1eoNdT09UJfL_5iys0J56zYQlwvlCsCcxglaIxtL6mbp9xGgtZ06E7BNqHmKKvhJv8v5oBXXaYhzQs092e1ysQJ4t6_9TNZ-ph04eMkVqZHoipFflFnLA4FkFkwA9bhXDJGf1hVhDGej095lOYfnHBrCIftVD3F_rtg6K/s320/20230602_215059.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnJW9jAT4uPScXN5YKKbVCEAZXiTIzGWwKJQJ06MaU6KYIsw0qtDpaWsk44WSoeytQwg5lKSk5TapIoPaXbVO3E9Cg9eMzNGQcWPHOh79CYtcVMBacp72Jt1ShR_yXNjcpb2CrP4OWqvpiVeD7OTZxSewiO09olJxE4xLcxj6CcUTQMe-cuU_weWbXEoO/s4000/20230602_215104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnJW9jAT4uPScXN5YKKbVCEAZXiTIzGWwKJQJ06MaU6KYIsw0qtDpaWsk44WSoeytQwg5lKSk5TapIoPaXbVO3E9Cg9eMzNGQcWPHOh79CYtcVMBacp72Jt1ShR_yXNjcpb2CrP4OWqvpiVeD7OTZxSewiO09olJxE4xLcxj6CcUTQMe-cuU_weWbXEoO/s320/20230602_215104.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdQk-jSt240S9fuMi8iFyuIrV4wbv8qka-dXXn-0PcWIN75HStXe250OQu2TJJr43joAB1vQUniylBdkvxoihXX_SPfK_qfDwyEA5l7T_ZUDnPfA6I10BWyH61UdZOl2m6skL0w9MM3bY53ehEjUFFKFRDzCQdqkGPjVk9nSZondqYQ1EODLtOhwSzybV/s4000/20230602_215550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdQk-jSt240S9fuMi8iFyuIrV4wbv8qka-dXXn-0PcWIN75HStXe250OQu2TJJr43joAB1vQUniylBdkvxoihXX_SPfK_qfDwyEA5l7T_ZUDnPfA6I10BWyH61UdZOl2m6skL0w9MM3bY53ehEjUFFKFRDzCQdqkGPjVk9nSZondqYQ1EODLtOhwSzybV/s320/20230602_215550.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiS0X-QpQRbg4yKM6A-JdXms4q6ZTCXfNCiCneyHE3JNdGrWIrHv8RBS9704loEcfhIb_XQ4vs2_VDLxCbGMdV4X4UcFl_NNNg0ueLBsd_LBlD5eeIFg9h12idNPxgQ9vhpHfjZwgpGGbKdu6rx6udcCfLPih328n6mRQZbRGrCrjfZIswoWDFWVQuYFV4/s4000/20230602_215553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiS0X-QpQRbg4yKM6A-JdXms4q6ZTCXfNCiCneyHE3JNdGrWIrHv8RBS9704loEcfhIb_XQ4vs2_VDLxCbGMdV4X4UcFl_NNNg0ueLBsd_LBlD5eeIFg9h12idNPxgQ9vhpHfjZwgpGGbKdu6rx6udcCfLPih328n6mRQZbRGrCrjfZIswoWDFWVQuYFV4/s320/20230602_215553.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It had been a wonderful day: fantastic music in lovely surroundings with gorgeous weather. You can't ask much more for a festival in the UK. We headed home for a rest, before returning for Day Two...</p><p>Mad fer it!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjRX_Z3Ygh-5CKQfSvLSYCUMB2TLdm_XpJs6tAHU5GjL0Pn0oSxp0pI5l-JE157YJPgcb8fdJL_Gpsgv7Vs4r9QvlOlw03XEDko7cfZig2rTN5Ya3LW_QgpvL5Gc17X42wgDQLGFKHmeLptPkXUf3lcsR7UcqnCWfpL2jzDp8gdsornAC0XYONJOIgbLv/s3264/20230602_185251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjRX_Z3Ygh-5CKQfSvLSYCUMB2TLdm_XpJs6tAHU5GjL0Pn0oSxp0pI5l-JE157YJPgcb8fdJL_Gpsgv7Vs4r9QvlOlw03XEDko7cfZig2rTN5Ya3LW_QgpvL5Gc17X42wgDQLGFKHmeLptPkXUf3lcsR7UcqnCWfpL2jzDp8gdsornAC0XYONJOIgbLv/w300-h400/20230602_185251.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>( Have these people no shame??? )<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-29682928668354116052023-07-03T00:08:00.000+01:002023-07-03T00:08:03.250+01:00Farrah the Fox and Sabrina the Spirit of the River Severn<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjge9_7ZXAmLFQdd8RikOlIswORQWCDQm0CTME6CNIWy8cCIdCXVnmpqKH-Ht_Q5_Gdl8TIYAEq_E9zT16wpIr2YPuU87UZ_F8SvRG0DpozU7dKg5-3EV-HaK3qTDmwK06kdJuPP3iMCGhuVL8skRr-Saj_cu20eiwYbVS6wx-NsEgwBCcBXnSBQ2-1t74f/s4000/20230701_162407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjge9_7ZXAmLFQdd8RikOlIswORQWCDQm0CTME6CNIWy8cCIdCXVnmpqKH-Ht_Q5_Gdl8TIYAEq_E9zT16wpIr2YPuU87UZ_F8SvRG0DpozU7dKg5-3EV-HaK3qTDmwK06kdJuPP3iMCGhuVL8skRr-Saj_cu20eiwYbVS6wx-NsEgwBCcBXnSBQ2-1t74f/s320/20230701_162407.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>These two impressive characters visited Gloucester yesterday as part of "<a href="https://historicengland.org.uk/get-involved/high-street-culture/hi-street-fest/">Hi! Street Fest</a>", celebrating the culture and history of UK cities. Farrah and Sabrina took a journey back through time as they started off in the currently-regenerating King's Quarter of the city, processed through two of Gloucester's ancient "gate" streets - Northgate and Westgate Streets - before arriving at the beautiful, 1000-year old Gloucester Cathedral. We followed the fox and his fishy friend through the streets, accompanied by dancers and roller-skaters, families and friends, the town crier and the town drunks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq10Z1FJwPQOo4XQn3EXajAV_vJAE5uMHxXRE79HoANUBdx1mhk7jWd_8UPzhHssKQKC4ItU_M0LOdzZrL--E9zhxV2m0CIhWJhDzfbzwXRCVTB6RHI96m_dd0xcWmeQJNjS0Oj8XSTZjRKR-6Dyy4JLsNLKW47fCBQyV7ydULAEWElNhBuoXCn9JirV2e/s4000/20230701_161526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq10Z1FJwPQOo4XQn3EXajAV_vJAE5uMHxXRE79HoANUBdx1mhk7jWd_8UPzhHssKQKC4ItU_M0LOdzZrL--E9zhxV2m0CIhWJhDzfbzwXRCVTB6RHI96m_dd0xcWmeQJNjS0Oj8XSTZjRKR-6Dyy4JLsNLKW47fCBQyV7ydULAEWElNhBuoXCn9JirV2e/s320/20230701_161526.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRzScwPXGAQvCS5bpcw4xMhxmrrUITEVnyyi4NT9rDm8uSYDvVwHCsFC2zTTlV2fO3ywMjlsAo6F52AXDoFhpse8pbmHB-ob7uHV-XNMF_5fXYoSbrTO3HInj9Z3znjMlW3pNuAQkHjcBnLoj71zqVNlqCLnHDC55u_rbixnNpeLjIRNHYA5_bVpiY6xp/s4000/20230701_161637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRzScwPXGAQvCS5bpcw4xMhxmrrUITEVnyyi4NT9rDm8uSYDvVwHCsFC2zTTlV2fO3ywMjlsAo6F52AXDoFhpse8pbmHB-ob7uHV-XNMF_5fXYoSbrTO3HInj9Z3znjMlW3pNuAQkHjcBnLoj71zqVNlqCLnHDC55u_rbixnNpeLjIRNHYA5_bVpiY6xp/s320/20230701_161637.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFZoG36U2py5_wTbR_ZINIlLdcC4SEQWr0t5lYJ1rfHZgLMPTXNghwaTrSR-VMvsr1VtxAHiabbuM36aM3EAMc0JgeHKz_CuedqV6LzOtwEWrJIUove00VSEMU0xD_36ADmkexjPJIaXlgBHwkhbSmu5slnFOqfqUOIb1m45XOerJ3qlcRWTumxJSi-ei/s2576/20230701_161841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1932" data-original-width="2576" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFZoG36U2py5_wTbR_ZINIlLdcC4SEQWr0t5lYJ1rfHZgLMPTXNghwaTrSR-VMvsr1VtxAHiabbuM36aM3EAMc0JgeHKz_CuedqV6LzOtwEWrJIUove00VSEMU0xD_36ADmkexjPJIaXlgBHwkhbSmu5slnFOqfqUOIb1m45XOerJ3qlcRWTumxJSi-ei/s320/20230701_161841.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg902DxgG50S1eva05gOdKBdzdac24ML6CBmIVyA0tB4AvHD-xZJk7iKQKb35rxV6JHEFyQLNjiTL4GxuH2kDZNafGH1WtvxONguVrq9WuWqbfHUKOHoKUONZ_mfTtu3g8cnsuB4oj08cfVCHpDX5MtZtc8MJVMCFjz9mUwuW4ipY6pfFXFh5hwJngF-UcM/s4000/20230701_162028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2478" data-original-width="4000" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg902DxgG50S1eva05gOdKBdzdac24ML6CBmIVyA0tB4AvHD-xZJk7iKQKb35rxV6JHEFyQLNjiTL4GxuH2kDZNafGH1WtvxONguVrq9WuWqbfHUKOHoKUONZ_mfTtu3g8cnsuB4oj08cfVCHpDX5MtZtc8MJVMCFjz9mUwuW4ipY6pfFXFh5hwJngF-UcM/s320/20230701_162028.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrMWUf6_IuyMM1zkNVuzg2YKJNSIwLbddEhfc3BqHJHhhnymX1uMMkTRRWBd2gy-0Edja2eBZjai5RU4wPlsLRgyf2SQm-zQbPVUV84znVPKaxf_TyIPBpdSw-M3g27G9v0_3r9HT5oA3GsCyLhcmBsGijZRTAQy_2SM_HRGX42wv9RLZDUq4Jo7fRhBa/s4000/20230701_165453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrMWUf6_IuyMM1zkNVuzg2YKJNSIwLbddEhfc3BqHJHhhnymX1uMMkTRRWBd2gy-0Edja2eBZjai5RU4wPlsLRgyf2SQm-zQbPVUV84znVPKaxf_TyIPBpdSw-M3g27G9v0_3r9HT5oA3GsCyLhcmBsGijZRTAQy_2SM_HRGX42wv9RLZDUq4Jo7fRhBa/s320/20230701_165453.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_Rr_x80B8MQFueoy95MlATXesV8-Q8_osZxtpQS4ZQAJ5mLmZ_NHBZ0MCXOWy0iJ2KBDNRwA4ctydZDWq2QlSLq3VJQ17ErR0ut_c90Cbxz2Ewh_aT9pdLupNC80NAuoKMTWiKu9cAU_C2_oy8xAqlw13o8-UgtBKXLqGfBtTlHSuqdarKmUhehB1wXd/s4000/20230701_164351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_Rr_x80B8MQFueoy95MlATXesV8-Q8_osZxtpQS4ZQAJ5mLmZ_NHBZ0MCXOWy0iJ2KBDNRwA4ctydZDWq2QlSLq3VJQ17ErR0ut_c90Cbxz2Ewh_aT9pdLupNC80NAuoKMTWiKu9cAU_C2_oy8xAqlw13o8-UgtBKXLqGfBtTlHSuqdarKmUhehB1wXd/s320/20230701_164351.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-7BwrectnZ7aU5N67AjqyAcFuFJwOx2VvwVf9isIWpzfpMF-vFcAz8VavhCtNJdJxaW2X8E2XcSBkL_X8qKZx6P-Sv5-KehhPN3EWUEgBuH3R7Sh02wDrKaizXWgvbJ7h9ij9nU3IfsY6k0o9rxnDqmk0m3MUiU9gNlYHfSyaRV21WRigSSPcSmWkA2X/s4000/20230701_165716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-7BwrectnZ7aU5N67AjqyAcFuFJwOx2VvwVf9isIWpzfpMF-vFcAz8VavhCtNJdJxaW2X8E2XcSBkL_X8qKZx6P-Sv5-KehhPN3EWUEgBuH3R7Sh02wDrKaizXWgvbJ7h9ij9nU3IfsY6k0o9rxnDqmk0m3MUiU9gNlYHfSyaRV21WRigSSPcSmWkA2X/s320/20230701_165716.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwT2-NchBAnVviLX-bwHys6uyqT3lsOmOqMHKgjF0eI32qfCizU-cnPqRCd2tjuewcoLFU9lQ8VaxbIrSJMXbrUI3Zz-82KLlvfvfzPFbpClZiuMpMz5mLpsAEyP_p_BqPLQN1C1fXZOOTWH7eGCuVPDe4AdONMl7RZyMcCFrHZOCftvFIsOm_mAtdQS99/s4000/20230701_163921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwT2-NchBAnVviLX-bwHys6uyqT3lsOmOqMHKgjF0eI32qfCizU-cnPqRCd2tjuewcoLFU9lQ8VaxbIrSJMXbrUI3Zz-82KLlvfvfzPFbpClZiuMpMz5mLpsAEyP_p_BqPLQN1C1fXZOOTWH7eGCuVPDe4AdONMl7RZyMcCFrHZOCftvFIsOm_mAtdQS99/s320/20230701_163921.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>It was lovely to see these colourful characters parading through Gloucester's streets, raising awareness of this much-undervalued city's long history and cultural legacy. I was especially pleased to see the Sabrina character embodying the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Severn" target="_blank">River Severn</a>, which has been so important to this area, from the days of the first Roman colony here, through the years of sea trading and elver fishing, up to the present day. I've lived my whole life within a few miles of the Severn and it's been a constant feature of my 56 years. We've walked its banks so many times over the years and its just a wonderful source of life, energy and history, flowing through this county and on up country. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMJud2WpjfDqxiukFcE-r0_js2lPUXsX4oEhktaL_xjzo7jrWA4Z9DD27ektmkpE4KwFm8LqDtcqO_Rc9sJsYwLswOzJ-UaYErFB8NPa6Zrpk0eEYmFrruSqYVhDq1X52btgm3Lx2UwXdJkBRPnteqH_3YlsbfbqKtSxM3pxLDfL3gfluMj0e4Y4WPoRY/s4000/20230701_174100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMJud2WpjfDqxiukFcE-r0_js2lPUXsX4oEhktaL_xjzo7jrWA4Z9DD27ektmkpE4KwFm8LqDtcqO_Rc9sJsYwLswOzJ-UaYErFB8NPa6Zrpk0eEYmFrruSqYVhDq1X52btgm3Lx2UwXdJkBRPnteqH_3YlsbfbqKtSxM3pxLDfL3gfluMj0e4Y4WPoRY/s320/20230701_174100.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYebVnVB-tRZrrubeFqY8SjCpW4OmG6H3E0VcwH_CpeSMSvNGNv1zVRPiCznSaLgPIrc5i_u5apQiu1qHCazVy0ok2NnhdplsOW6BsxXCc_xj9-M9lvpYCSv4-meid14S7QuLbFAhXFe8_uC-ADsn9kpQQPpFtTDaJRhF4Iz384Wk5SUGo-Ug_uo3TGp8/s4000/20230701_174338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYebVnVB-tRZrrubeFqY8SjCpW4OmG6H3E0VcwH_CpeSMSvNGNv1zVRPiCznSaLgPIrc5i_u5apQiu1qHCazVy0ok2NnhdplsOW6BsxXCc_xj9-M9lvpYCSv4-meid14S7QuLbFAhXFe8_uC-ADsn9kpQQPpFtTDaJRhF4Iz384Wk5SUGo-Ug_uo3TGp8/s320/20230701_174338.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iuJOiI30M1FiOaThSPkPSSkErjJ2atrVzo87ICdjCfaX6xR27_CLqI6GkDxZ-urQrQCZMY33UxnTOSJWtja_j29JSLYdrfSrLk0naR_ZbRRRDwQm9FqjzUyuyFvggO9342WR8M8yHPEQYCshc0ivQF9YP9eC9dEukdgIlYDjqBCWiVHJIhuOJv5ArB89/s4000/20230701_174622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iuJOiI30M1FiOaThSPkPSSkErjJ2atrVzo87ICdjCfaX6xR27_CLqI6GkDxZ-urQrQCZMY33UxnTOSJWtja_j29JSLYdrfSrLk0naR_ZbRRRDwQm9FqjzUyuyFvggO9342WR8M8yHPEQYCshc0ivQF9YP9eC9dEukdgIlYDjqBCWiVHJIhuOJv5ArB89/s320/20230701_174622.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The weather was beautiful and it was a perfect day for the fox and the mermaid to finish their journey in the gorgeous surroundings of College Green, outside the Cathedral. There was even confetti...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRb56maQ1q4JxxAwErU3JPhuaMgMveOWH-e_GSbu_Uq5oSp_eABPWbbxlCgKLPx0RF2gZyNbuUIc9o5Gyqvol8K7udqL8zNBPG8NJPuVHM0QHxKvYbKER6D4y6lLRRMLS8xGrdsXl633B7eXLCp8Lj1bcl1zQRT81lzdrQ7KRyNIh6WcEjrI1ylaQs6o3E/s4000/20230701_174921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRb56maQ1q4JxxAwErU3JPhuaMgMveOWH-e_GSbu_Uq5oSp_eABPWbbxlCgKLPx0RF2gZyNbuUIc9o5Gyqvol8K7udqL8zNBPG8NJPuVHM0QHxKvYbKER6D4y6lLRRMLS8xGrdsXl633B7eXLCp8Lj1bcl1zQRT81lzdrQ7KRyNIh6WcEjrI1ylaQs6o3E/s320/20230701_174921.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-30901492255317431912023-06-21T00:40:00.006+01:002023-08-28T23:46:11.890+01:00Recent gigs ( Part One ) - Dodgy, The Supernaturals and Billy Nomates<p><br /></p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); color: #0f1419; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); color: #0f1419; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yPCSOTCa1lHVUuWaWWpdoUxkIreDKsGsQb5TLjhJpBCckbmy2wTnOuTFfcINtv6XQgvWoeag3DZy9ULzqTTAIsQc02VWPlk_u8PDGLHPH8sbAhnJpFRnkm1i-AhGjgHnf3OpnHFFD6ZrIfFndxG5YrdBznr6xLWQqv-aMai3anoYz8mDLpljGY5YIg/s1600/IMG-20230521-WA0001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yPCSOTCa1lHVUuWaWWpdoUxkIreDKsGsQb5TLjhJpBCckbmy2wTnOuTFfcINtv6XQgvWoeag3DZy9ULzqTTAIsQc02VWPlk_u8PDGLHPH8sbAhnJpFRnkm1i-AhGjgHnf3OpnHFFD6ZrIfFndxG5YrdBznr6xLWQqv-aMai3anoYz8mDLpljGY5YIg/w400-h180/IMG-20230521-WA0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); color: #0f1419; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />In my ongoing mission to see more bands in one year than ever before ( it's not really a mission, more a half-arsed wishlist ), I've recently been to a few gigs, including one festival and two contrasting nights in good ol' Bristol. In the time-honoured, but ultimately pointless, tradition of The Glass Walking-Stick, I'll talk about these in messed-up chronological order, starting a few Saturdays back at the Bristol O2 Academy with a Britpop revival and the return of my legendary Supernaturals T-shirt...</span><div><span style="color: #0f1419;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0f1419;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFwARVLScYoFgWQ5_AFsiTzoWSyLhTRtoazy4rGuajrG-fhqcWsRKKx-4x8QNOhniiRHJLZpR7CrPTsxTVsnKEHMtgbcXPCojBHV1qo-Nh0I-8Gq8oSNqagHVjrcsI43_bokBqZaDqWCYyj5tFFqQJEerz-ZbNSQOGaagrSw5uFeesYto8VLlDXS_qQ/s4000/20230520_183749.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFwARVLScYoFgWQ5_AFsiTzoWSyLhTRtoazy4rGuajrG-fhqcWsRKKx-4x8QNOhniiRHJLZpR7CrPTsxTVsnKEHMtgbcXPCojBHV1qo-Nh0I-8Gq8oSNqagHVjrcsI43_bokBqZaDqWCYyj5tFFqQJEerz-ZbNSQOGaagrSw5uFeesYto8VLlDXS_qQ/s320/20230520_183749.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><span style="color: #0f1419;"><br /></span></div>There's been a lot of publicity recently about Britpop legends Blur and Pulp* reforming, so interest in mid-'90s acts has been on the rise. W</span><span style="color: #0f1419;">hen I heard that two of the most underrated bands of that era were playing just down the road, I had to make my way to Brizzle. I even persuaded Sarah to come along, even though she really didn't know The 'Naturals and could barely remember seeing Dodgy back in the far-off days of </span><span style="color: #0f1419;">( checks notes ) 2016. With impeccable timing we arrived at the O2 Academy as the first act was just finishing. This was Chris Helme, formerly of minor Britpop band The Seahorses, performing a solo acoustic set. I remembered them as being quite generic, with some dodgy lyrics ( not "Dodgy" lyrics ) so hadn't been bothered about catching Helme's set. I'm clearly an idiot. We saw him play about half of <i>Love Is The Law</i> and last song <i>Blinded By The Sun</i> to a rapturous response from the early-doors crowd. Two fine, anthemic songs with Helme's voice strong, clear and powerful, far better than I'd expected. I'll have to try and catch a full set from him. </span></div><div><span style="color: #0f1419;">( *I may have bought tickets to see Pulp... watch this space... )</span></div><div><span style="color: #0f1419;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6kW3hMRu3lw1_f3a25PHq6WwR1Y9ch5bGOKReIPDJRB0SIvKsdjY26TAMMqY1b0wE8blbMVdvk6_YyI5G-mHXFNBt5Ijpt9y72JsAts4bu9klx-aCKT1qfr5cknyoOhnn3lUk3sTYwpQrCUCoZ1J2_ET5cN9QM2T-5udPOUiMVVhTAz0TYoGV2IWzQ/s4000/20230520_204027.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6kW3hMRu3lw1_f3a25PHq6WwR1Y9ch5bGOKReIPDJRB0SIvKsdjY26TAMMqY1b0wE8blbMVdvk6_YyI5G-mHXFNBt5Ijpt9y72JsAts4bu9klx-aCKT1qfr5cknyoOhnn3lUk3sTYwpQrCUCoZ1J2_ET5cN9QM2T-5udPOUiMVVhTAz0TYoGV2IWzQ/s320/20230520_204027.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #0f1419;"><div><span style="color: #0f1419;"><br /></span></div>After a few choice Blair-era songs over the sound system, The Supernaturals ambled onstage. Just as they did the last time I saw them, James McColl and the boys started in a fairly low-key way, this time with <i>Submarine Song</i> and its "Doo-doo-doo-doo, oh, I wish you were here" refrain. After a more upbeat <i>Lazy Lover</i>, James remembered to talk to the audience and the set started to perk up. He said they'd played a warm-up gig in Glasgow the night before ( this was the first official night of the tour ), and told us that one person had fainted, one had thrown up and one had pissed in the corner by the bar - "Gotta love a Glasgow audience!" Bristol was slightly more civilized :-)</span></div><div><span style="color: #0f1419;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuH3YurZOzmnkxDUHPRd7jPvd_j803JaIirR_oRhXDLrPFs199Q6TrD_oYNR6gkak3x55GsOZ4phM0UlJibPUC-JKxlkwE1YAzidnH0zM00kzO29TBWGorh5AKN-edYjbMAQovzLNSLpAw0LFdAJJoPGGICwAN8kHnL6FtD2kmPQtlMskb-oIWL4JUA/s4000/20230520_202725.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuH3YurZOzmnkxDUHPRd7jPvd_j803JaIirR_oRhXDLrPFs199Q6TrD_oYNR6gkak3x55GsOZ4phM0UlJibPUC-JKxlkwE1YAzidnH0zM00kzO29TBWGorh5AKN-edYjbMAQovzLNSLpAw0LFdAJJoPGGICwAN8kHnL6FtD2kmPQtlMskb-oIWL4JUA/s320/20230520_202725.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Second album classic <i>I Wasn't Built To Get Up</i> continued the perennial 'Naturals theme of not being arsed to do stuff, and was followed by the sunny, Samba sounds of <i>Bird Of Luck</i> and two indie-pop bangers in <i>Love Has Passed Away</i> and <i>Stammer</i>. James had by now warmed to the audience and there was even some banter with the keyboard player about his shrimp collection. ( Which led some wag on Twitter to later coin the hashtag <i>#shrimpternaturals</i>... you had to be there... ) James himself has apparently adopted two crows who he regularly feeds and he was concerned his wife wouldn't feed them when he was on tour. Phew! Rock 'n' roll, eh?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBy9pGazOOlnx9LtBmPYm-tSXAudBQdTWt-zM3crRIjb2D4XzgIt02RN2fl19YYH3XuqFyl4IvIRtteolrPrxjtbilfDdYso3EVlw8LakRcY47VrfknjZ25Q5KMNSfkYWlYfrhs9KBd9Fn6HyGFoWJY6jSniy-OJ5CeIb3iieKkFtw5CEJXANLQgQ5rg/s4000/20230520_204238.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBy9pGazOOlnx9LtBmPYm-tSXAudBQdTWt-zM3crRIjb2D4XzgIt02RN2fl19YYH3XuqFyl4IvIRtteolrPrxjtbilfDdYso3EVlw8LakRcY47VrfknjZ25Q5KMNSfkYWlYfrhs9KBd9Fn6HyGFoWJY6jSniy-OJ5CeIb3iieKkFtw5CEJXANLQgQ5rg/s320/20230520_204238.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Speaking of Twitter ( sorry Blogger... it's not you, it's me ) I'd earlier that day posted the story of the guy who'd tried to but my vintage Supernaturals T-shirt *while I was wearing it* the last time I saw them. This prompted the Naturals' keyboard guy ( I really should know his name ) to point me out in the crowd ( I was, of course, wearing it ) and asked how much I wanted for said garment. My reply of £1000 strangely didn't find any takers. Anyway, it was odd but strangely satisfying to realise that my T-shirt's more famous than I'll ever be. After playing two of the greatest pop songs in human history, <i>Day</i> <i>Before Yesterday's Man</i> & <i>Smile</i>, James thanked us all for coming along and finished the set with the epic ballad <i>Everest</i>. It was great to see The Supernaturals again, even though their more restrained stage personae today isn't a patch on the fun fun fun antics of their glory days. Understandable, really, as it was a long time ago and we're all older and wiser now. Well, older anyway.</div><div><span style="color: #0f1419;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0f1419;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIC3AfXkgDzMLTPHLOvKoBxxgXR4-3dIu8O7yelbUV4xTJ7yPjl-FfQ3m89z9feEBcKgOXXULW_LEtD0k63Aq_g3jlKjNdZuBvnkx9E1UR0t3Y0alrxDYCZaCUktLv_liBZAZ59k2x2IRwBWzKHWMPQI4kVUTnGH-kaiOVNG8w3BEuGshDyR8OwQhlIA/s4000/20230520_215712.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIC3AfXkgDzMLTPHLOvKoBxxgXR4-3dIu8O7yelbUV4xTJ7yPjl-FfQ3m89z9feEBcKgOXXULW_LEtD0k63Aq_g3jlKjNdZuBvnkx9E1UR0t3Y0alrxDYCZaCUktLv_liBZAZ59k2x2IRwBWzKHWMPQI4kVUTnGH-kaiOVNG8w3BEuGshDyR8OwQhlIA/s320/20230520_215712.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); color: #0f1419; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Headliners Dodgy were doing the "play a classic album all the way through" thing and, unlike The Chameleons last year, actually stuck to it and played the whole album, in order. Said record was the pun-tastic Free Peace Sweet, probably the high point of their career. After the intro music, the band went straight into minor melodic masterpiece I<i>n A Room</i> and had everyone bellowing out the highly appropriate "if we are together again" line. Yes, we were all together again and it felt bloody great. More Who-influenced perfect pop followed in the shape of <i>Trust In Time</i> and <i>You've Gotta Look Up</i>, before Chris Helme came back out to join Dodgy in a crowd-pleasing <i>If You're Thinking Of Me</i>. They then hit us with probably their most iconic song, <i>Good Enough</i>, which sounded frankly fantastic. It was much more than just good enough...</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJ-4ysQCspFLucmDC7gdU0LJRrHCAq0QFNnljA82mY_I5Aj1TL4ww4ujTOIwxfDjmOi2z5um_MRIs4Iew3-jid4mWHQKm6cR_CrEPNsGqxvI_p1nL_pH2Zrnxgb5DaYQfRaFyb0I0jJ6W1hYds73D3XMtgJrHBp1ZtFyoqqUp90BVIKTVseOaM9sA4w/s4000/20230520_215110.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJ-4ysQCspFLucmDC7gdU0LJRrHCAq0QFNnljA82mY_I5Aj1TL4ww4ujTOIwxfDjmOi2z5um_MRIs4Iew3-jid4mWHQKm6cR_CrEPNsGqxvI_p1nL_pH2Zrnxgb5DaYQfRaFyb0I0jJ6W1hYds73D3XMtgJrHBp1ZtFyoqqUp90BVIKTVseOaM9sA4w/s320/20230520_215110.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); color: #0f1419; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a change of pace, they ran through an epic version of <i>One Of Those Rivers</i>. Frontman Nigel Clark said they didn't often play this back in the Britpop days as it was "too ballad-y" for those times but, in 2023, </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); color: #0f1419; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">this Waterboys-esque anthem was a soaring singalong. After a couple more power-pop bangers ( including <i>Jack</i> <i>The Lad</i>, which is surely a lost Who single from 1965 ) Nigel introduced the seemingly written-for-2023 <i>UK</i> <i>RIP</i> by saying "We wrote this song 30 years ago and, even then, we could see the lies and the bullshit. There's only one way out of this mess - together." Let's hope so, Nige.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); color: #0f1419; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">They finished the set with <i>Homegrown</i>, a paean to ganja, which prompted Nigel to ask "Anybody here smoke grass?" It's Bristol, mate. You might as well ask who *doesn't* smoke grass. After a brief pause, the band came back out to finish off an excellent gig with a bouncy <i>Staying Out For The Summer</i> ( of course! ) and a rampant charge through <i>Grassman</i>, with full-on axe histrionics. Cracking stuff! Dodgy are definitely one of those bands who, while their music is damn good on record, really come alive when on stage. Great musicians and singers, with some beautiful harmonies, and tunes that just don't quit. Let's do it again soon, guys!</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); color: #0f1419; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">( Oh yeah, after the gig I actually bumped into "T-shirt guy"! It was great to catch up with him, even though I still can't remember his name: apparently he has about three different online aliases as he's a teacher and doesn't want his students to stalk him on social media... )</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); color: #0f1419; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcT43WwJPK2OvhmGV-WMFVyPBteLvcfT4Ceav8uGJAn1jV_xwC2QOMNj-ekhFhAK6CQlkZ01_XK6D0EQdW1z2zHhy0l6qR9xIwSfc25XF2pfJB8k_l5I4QnG3jkiV33pACsPJuk1SESU-50427x6-K5iwmcLt3yHW5GdaiO9lYUvX3SFVMDRVbOHMjLw/s1920/Billy%20Nomates.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcT43WwJPK2OvhmGV-WMFVyPBteLvcfT4Ceav8uGJAn1jV_xwC2QOMNj-ekhFhAK6CQlkZ01_XK6D0EQdW1z2zHhy0l6qR9xIwSfc25XF2pfJB8k_l5I4QnG3jkiV33pACsPJuk1SESU-50427x6-K5iwmcLt3yHW5GdaiO9lYUvX3SFVMDRVbOHMjLw/w400-h225/Billy%20Nomates.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Back to April, now, and another gig at Bristol's Marble Factory. My good friend Tom, of <a href="http://thesensitivebore.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Sensitive Bore</a> fame, sussed this gig out and said I would appreciate the artist, Billy Nomates. And, as Tom's recommendations are always spot-on ( I won't mention Joanna Newsome. Oh, I just did. ) we found ourselves hitting the M5 yet again for a trip down to cider country. Luckily, the Marble Factory was busy but it wasn't the involuntary game of sardines that the Underworld gig became. Which was nice. Before the gig we had a chat with the merch guy for Australian support band RVG. I asked him what that stood for ( as we were completely ignorant ) and he said it meant "Romy Vager Group" and explained their sound was similar to The Go-Betweens. Interesting.</div><div>Tom and I found a decent spot to the right of the stage and then it was time for RV and the RVG. </div><div>( Really not sure about that name. )</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDrvBqKLaTQ1xzfRrTcNebsOlbbRn7OxzvEqGPiEZQ2vo_OoK51XFwulbz8cs8NX8BERxonicZAXKzQ-S2QstSYy_4EVzwlEj4vc22VsmSBzlYZnFcNbmF9MN4cDZMKkRjtqSox_HVcqA2KMaTgn6l1gPvWr9kjngiWCmstmTLG4dLZrGTVClgZ-3Fg/s4000/20230429_191944.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDrvBqKLaTQ1xzfRrTcNebsOlbbRn7OxzvEqGPiEZQ2vo_OoK51XFwulbz8cs8NX8BERxonicZAXKzQ-S2QstSYy_4EVzwlEj4vc22VsmSBzlYZnFcNbmF9MN4cDZMKkRjtqSox_HVcqA2KMaTgn6l1gPvWr9kjngiWCmstmTLG4dLZrGTVClgZ-3Fg/s320/20230429_191944.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Vager turned out to be a hugely passionate singer, putting her heart and soul into every line, and also a fantastic guitarist, shredding away for all she's worth.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbLlZy_QOo0hi6qqwRV1JRZET3CysYzlxYrDghM8_fae_5EKkGUL5zanH3MB2BJb9QlFUTlmm7y7ckga9Ygo6s6N526ZNQqrFHjQjOg7VZaD2AsevA_XOM2ssaJsSGqLSdTbBTfafvgVrMvxOSkd6Q8SuUtNpkAPC5I7ksOeuo-8Dz--hcsM9Bga-4A/s4000/20230429_195521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbLlZy_QOo0hi6qqwRV1JRZET3CysYzlxYrDghM8_fae_5EKkGUL5zanH3MB2BJb9QlFUTlmm7y7ckga9Ygo6s6N526ZNQqrFHjQjOg7VZaD2AsevA_XOM2ssaJsSGqLSdTbBTfafvgVrMvxOSkd6Q8SuUtNpkAPC5I7ksOeuo-8Dz--hcsM9Bga-4A/s320/20230429_195521.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The band had a tough, post-Punk sound ( which didn't really warrant the Go-Betweens comparison ) and they were all excellent musicians. The second guitarist's penchant for playing guitar and keyboards at the same time was certainly impressive. Vager's lyrics about serial killers and squids often bordered on the surreal ( "Don't go back in time / It's not worth it" ), but she sang them with the vein-bursting intensity of Patti Smith and her performance was almost, as one of her song titles has it, Feral.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgj09GOiHYAGNcMyExMONtTD6bmSZoq8k8Xdc75jH4g6imoh-fXe25agao_T6-ZkEcvpOgDzZJdGEcXU75KFYgRTLiBrbTNBF-FymOSGLmglTJTvBLWLxDXvxlDIQiEKrd4XdVWgBuoX3tjJkPMHf9kpZyS5diU059w9waUBvbp6XP4G8zPZlR8cn1VQ/s4000/20230429_195538.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgj09GOiHYAGNcMyExMONtTD6bmSZoq8k8Xdc75jH4g6imoh-fXe25agao_T6-ZkEcvpOgDzZJdGEcXU75KFYgRTLiBrbTNBF-FymOSGLmglTJTvBLWLxDXvxlDIQiEKrd4XdVWgBuoX3tjJkPMHf9kpZyS5diU059w9waUBvbp6XP4G8zPZlR8cn1VQ/s320/20230429_195538.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The band had probably one of the best reactions from a crowd I've ever seen for a support and they were highly appreciative, saying this was the best gig they'd played in the UK. They're hoping to come back again later in the year, as headliners in smaller venues, to promote their next album so hopefully I'll get the chance to see them again.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHu9D70fC1r-WOCQDZRdLng5u0J9LIPbOnoBsAYxUCxoipCooFlotCFzgPELAk2TQmaX63aJru4brd7dTJJM4gABChWfOppVHEtL5CdXzqN2N_h918piHqN_NSu6Qzti12y9EBBGAwdAB5rIU-gkTg7xlgCD3zSwLpMq4bKn4eDNCHz8_TuIryl_nSQaN/s4000/20230429_203200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHu9D70fC1r-WOCQDZRdLng5u0J9LIPbOnoBsAYxUCxoipCooFlotCFzgPELAk2TQmaX63aJru4brd7dTJJM4gABChWfOppVHEtL5CdXzqN2N_h918piHqN_NSu6Qzti12y9EBBGAwdAB5rIU-gkTg7xlgCD3zSwLpMq4bKn4eDNCHz8_TuIryl_nSQaN/s320/20230429_203200.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Tor Maries aka Billy Nomates. I'd quickly Googled her when Tom first mentioned the gig but had only heard a couple of songs. I didn't know if she would have a backing band or be on her own, as her name suggested. As it turned out, she really was billy nomates and came out onto the stage solo, a diminutive figure with an acoustic guitar. Introducing the Country lament of <i>Fawner</i>, she said "I'm going to start off quiet then <u>burn it down</u>." And she did.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4bVEz62tq0XqgvTW9pVVCGbxulMn835clL6qxz_Gtcl8tvyKwKtmQCAPWOA4-bCCwnvZtsqp0lzfZ9t5EIqZClXdSQ3CghG8013nWWyolctiiaiNpeejbYZ1rHdc3uV5zLq7L3qMQ7SbpQ30wXXZn43BA7mWZ9fseMVDl8zRBDz9Ep5me-WngzPQHhVW/s4000/20230429_203756.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4bVEz62tq0XqgvTW9pVVCGbxulMn835clL6qxz_Gtcl8tvyKwKtmQCAPWOA4-bCCwnvZtsqp0lzfZ9t5EIqZClXdSQ3CghG8013nWWyolctiiaiNpeejbYZ1rHdc3uV5zLq7L3qMQ7SbpQ30wXXZn43BA7mWZ9fseMVDl8zRBDz9Ep5me-WngzPQHhVW/s320/20230429_203756.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After this deceptively sedate opener, Billy discarded the guitar, a backing track kicked in and she began to move...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnSWLvIqWxOFmDIvMFpffov1AO5wj9ZH9yGvgGTBMf0GUFsMq7dHmkl9KaLNobDCayvBvUWoKFgXXZVMcaL8-8H7Lqfoon3-sZpmEmcvlxmO59nJvUYJEINamiR2wZiwnR3ESsph6pMyblrxElFKemrVtx8p6sBs3ZZCsEwXQjOZ9KezlFSII7fuJzKyf/s4000/20230429_203758.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnSWLvIqWxOFmDIvMFpffov1AO5wj9ZH9yGvgGTBMf0GUFsMq7dHmkl9KaLNobDCayvBvUWoKFgXXZVMcaL8-8H7Lqfoon3-sZpmEmcvlxmO59nJvUYJEINamiR2wZiwnR3ESsph6pMyblrxElFKemrVtx8p6sBs3ZZCsEwXQjOZ9KezlFSII7fuJzKyf/s320/20230429_203758.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And when I say "move" I mean she <b>moved</b>. She pinballed around the stage, electrified, intense, a Catherine Wheel of energy.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWCBn13kk-EBUwWerqa1rRfxiP4wlfCPY8LXM4qI4EEddms26bK885PgPHnvzqY_Z_trVJAQSwysEfcWJjtXVE06R4byFq09WHB5mwg5a2CKJ0TxHk7zLxqud5GUmA7MOoX3nXLqF1_gkBDV-o8NGSnL0dE3-K2m2KUrnXoBs_WdaOjLipMNJlWh0xwh0/s4000/20230429_205649.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWCBn13kk-EBUwWerqa1rRfxiP4wlfCPY8LXM4qI4EEddms26bK885PgPHnvzqY_Z_trVJAQSwysEfcWJjtXVE06R4byFq09WHB5mwg5a2CKJ0TxHk7zLxqud5GUmA7MOoX3nXLqF1_gkBDV-o8NGSnL0dE3-K2m2KUrnXoBs_WdaOjLipMNJlWh0xwh0/s320/20230429_205649.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The songs were minimalist electro-pop, pulsing and surging and very loud, but the performance was everything. After a few minutes of adjustment for sad old bloggers like myself it didn't matter that there was no backing band as Billy captured our attention with her physical performance and her strong, distinctive voice. And that voice always stayed in tune, always stayed melodic, no matter what contortions she put herself through. The Country inflections of <i>Fawner</i> resurfaced throughout, especially on the glistening <i>Saboteur Forcefield</i> ( "I had such a terrible evening"), making an interesting contrast to the ultra-modern backing and often reminding me of Angel Olsen.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQkLFHummdHZWgJi4I1y9I-6vAAY7uj8Oo2tz4BKxSeFlthW85mmsujPqU9lsVQ6kr7NnXZDD4nwvxwiKeVVQsIOTQhfBh7peknmeMSwacXNYGhAwJ5gqOAHuhkN_T97FZqEpgFxkm1UFOpBt-Hw-_ak0FfrjxXJq8e3Xv40OYiXraHa7BixAB7wF-ST1/s4000/20230429_205711.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQkLFHummdHZWgJi4I1y9I-6vAAY7uj8Oo2tz4BKxSeFlthW85mmsujPqU9lsVQ6kr7NnXZDD4nwvxwiKeVVQsIOTQhfBh7peknmeMSwacXNYGhAwJ5gqOAHuhkN_T97FZqEpgFxkm1UFOpBt-Hw-_ak0FfrjxXJq8e3Xv40OYiXraHa7BixAB7wF-ST1/s320/20230429_205711.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The only instrument on stage was a cymbal and, unsurprisingly, that took a beating during the twisted fairground dirge <i>Roundabout Sadness</i>...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzyyMK5gIQQdfMOrfOSQsPm4dGuURfZWrl1z8QQj8grhlM7ourZjvthvdwX6sHLVnZzQPgv5pVzBC0i91_fGeXzUuoN4ADNHu1Tm7tmm6iBW140oAH-x2TPAlCXpDz7aOl8lbiY31VQRwu7ne-09neS_RaQhri1pdg4RdXwVHLn7xxwWJYEjw5D_rpfdV/s4000/20230429_205727.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzyyMK5gIQQdfMOrfOSQsPm4dGuURfZWrl1z8QQj8grhlM7ourZjvthvdwX6sHLVnZzQPgv5pVzBC0i91_fGeXzUuoN4ADNHu1Tm7tmm6iBW140oAH-x2TPAlCXpDz7aOl8lbiY31VQRwu7ne-09neS_RaQhri1pdg4RdXwVHLn7xxwWJYEjw5D_rpfdV/s320/20230429_205727.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Highlights were <i>Blackout Signal</i>, the furious <i>Spite</i> ( "Don't you act like I ain't the <u>fuckin' man</u>!" ) and the more reflective <i>Cacti</i>, while the pounding <i>Balance Is Gone</i> added some New Order / Cure indie guitar sounds and seemed like a method statement: "I just go round and round."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkqUkH9-W2VPQxxNCRz5JaeengF10T7sLLe0D1eX6i1jWRwLnBt0I27g2DzqrnjNw06e84Z7SWrIkDOuBSmo3ceANnYXcmEzUb8RKC4Nlfk7naBDm6IWEIfd0N8rUGd2eI5oOERUMMvcNFyswZ3453vrI8quLJyDFgDIQuXV-lflvVPL9dcvI1dnXakFx/s4000/20230429_211516.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkqUkH9-W2VPQxxNCRz5JaeengF10T7sLLe0D1eX6i1jWRwLnBt0I27g2DzqrnjNw06e84Z7SWrIkDOuBSmo3ceANnYXcmEzUb8RKC4Nlfk7naBDm6IWEIfd0N8rUGd2eI5oOERUMMvcNFyswZ3453vrI8quLJyDFgDIQuXV-lflvVPL9dcvI1dnXakFx/s320/20230429_211516.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Although originally from Leicestershire, Tor Maries now lives in Bristol and this was a homecoming gig in front of a hugely appreciative crowd. She was clearly overjoyed with the reaction and said:</div><div>"I hope you've enjoyed the show and you won't be disappointed if you see me tomorrow, doing my Tesco's weekly shop, in my joggers. But I <b>live</b> here."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlF9R3GCTuLhuqG_NfckykbM6ymMTh0omPF4XRgsuZoUEYu6_AlCgqhsH1ggTKIg1o0jQ0SF08EdThTgthebDdSlBZJrNbu_9MklKpUWzGzfNO0GWUY5ZjjNRYpSHDmqVUPlXFUkRPC5ed-x_P0qGibwa-kqUoGb74ov6CY8NITiQ7V589WGvw34jCsmQl/s4000/20230429_211534.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlF9R3GCTuLhuqG_NfckykbM6ymMTh0omPF4XRgsuZoUEYu6_AlCgqhsH1ggTKIg1o0jQ0SF08EdThTgthebDdSlBZJrNbu_9MklKpUWzGzfNO0GWUY5ZjjNRYpSHDmqVUPlXFUkRPC5ed-x_P0qGibwa-kqUoGb74ov6CY8NITiQ7V589WGvw34jCsmQl/s320/20230429_211534.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9xwHr7TuNeO6OKbLI6GQcPiF6IEjwrt63m82bP0PyvjhBVUmbprrK3eHPSeRSQ2Z12qtUeahTaUdzLfSH1MkD4rUtqGtHWdk8qsRlsBnSD5omm3REYvvAFZguyaVD6sUsdupk6i25eFvCtk7nLPAlP2uiOsu89ECbtVALynOf5lJ0FFiI-iZzqX_31dc/s4000/20230429_211541.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9xwHr7TuNeO6OKbLI6GQcPiF6IEjwrt63m82bP0PyvjhBVUmbprrK3eHPSeRSQ2Z12qtUeahTaUdzLfSH1MkD4rUtqGtHWdk8qsRlsBnSD5omm3REYvvAFZguyaVD6sUsdupk6i25eFvCtk7nLPAlP2uiOsu89ECbtVALynOf5lJ0FFiI-iZzqX_31dc/s320/20230429_211541.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>So, a great gig and a stunning performance from a singular artist. I'll definitely have to catch Billy Nomates again soon. After the gig, Tom and I headed to the merch stalls where we had a quick chat with the guys from RVG before the less-than-friendly security guards ushered us out of the building. ( The Marble Factory also plays host to the Motion nightclub and hundreds of teens were starting to queue outside for the late night partying. ) Tom asked the RVG people to name their favourite films ( of course he did! ) and the results were: Romy - All That Jazz ( no hesitation! ), guitarist - The Wicker Man ( excellent choice! I told him it's the film's 50th anniversary this year ), bass player - Casablanca. I remarked that nobody had gone for Weekend At Bernie's, and then they realised their huge mistake ;-)</div><div>Afterwards, Tom and I walked into Bristol for a quick drink and post-gig chat in a pub near Templemeads Station, before heading for home. What a great night, thanks Tom!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">( It looks like Blogger's playing up again, as I can't keep the letters in the same format / size. This used to be a much more user-friendly platform but it seems to be largely forgotten now, hence the lack of support. Oh, well! )</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); color: #0f1419; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p></div>Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-72168534991870214592023-06-14T23:28:00.001+01:002023-06-15T00:18:31.543+01:00RIP John Romita<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pHGaLNi_1BgPEQljCxEWZYRXCj-oBQn0SQJDZjoiBfl5ZMzyeoPe_R06sKFIUCQ2C_kfZgLdovuCTy7Kki111oqTiSXZQf5hM0HT93QbeSWPo2yJuZc98mwqHFMYWkW3FGmhPA9298Viyz35_6Q6SPbkytpW6iIoPKBQkwxrePbYSrrDjSvlXfvYWA/s3819/20230614_195526.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3819" data-original-width="2531" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pHGaLNi_1BgPEQljCxEWZYRXCj-oBQn0SQJDZjoiBfl5ZMzyeoPe_R06sKFIUCQ2C_kfZgLdovuCTy7Kki111oqTiSXZQf5hM0HT93QbeSWPo2yJuZc98mwqHFMYWkW3FGmhPA9298Viyz35_6Q6SPbkytpW6iIoPKBQkwxrePbYSrrDjSvlXfvYWA/w265-h400/20230614_195526.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /> I was sad today to hear that the legendary John Romita Sr. had passed away at the ripe old age of 93. "Jazzy Johnny" was one of the mainstays of the Marvel universe, his smooth style an unmistakable visual roadmap to the time of the Silver and Bronze Ages. From his early days of illustrating the brief Captain America revival of the Atlas era, through his romance comics work for DC, and through to his triumphant run on Spider-Man, Romita lent a touch of class and glamour to everything he worked on. He successfully tackled the tough gigs of taking over from Jack Kirby ( Fantastic Four ) and Steve Ditko ( Spider-Man ), and brought new life and sophistication to Daredevil and Captain America. His work on dozens of comic covers, as well as Marvel's advertising and licensed products, made Romita's style "the" look of the Marvel universe for many fans. I'm going to share a few images of the great man's work from my collection, namely two of my favourite comics, the iconic Amazing Spider-Man no. 50 and the first FF comic I ever owned, Fantastic Four no. 106...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7f9iQi0n9IUttSR4ywfAuD7KH6KmscJepsuCcr6c87xhE7jS-4ows0QJZ7tkA9Rb4GF9xYMfuiX-rTvMJ9MMmfa04wXOLQ2_1jfKSwQYF8YcCOE8gp5-E6ufnH82dv-WpEJ3IemAPGBtxY59q6munS_tneI2mXSdDMrAJJKiTRRggD58tKP2yAkbfPQ/s4000/20230614_195748.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7f9iQi0n9IUttSR4ywfAuD7KH6KmscJepsuCcr6c87xhE7jS-4ows0QJZ7tkA9Rb4GF9xYMfuiX-rTvMJ9MMmfa04wXOLQ2_1jfKSwQYF8YcCOE8gp5-E6ufnH82dv-WpEJ3IemAPGBtxY59q6munS_tneI2mXSdDMrAJJKiTRRggD58tKP2yAkbfPQ/w300-h400/20230614_195748.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Vu2mdg9byjvaFG-U0aiM2NmvU40D4pN0ORLkgkrEjU2gNfgxSHRUcBlVYzPM_QQ-hiDkP4IPHyg6l7LiIn-45puuk5zcyp5ZhDadaLVMtWDX833-22CBVIwJx7Hd9f433yMxTAOln08gww6jdATbKWvaGxhSMCj9L6s6G1eYuKGPSlXS5TxCIAgF7w/s4000/20230614_200021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Vu2mdg9byjvaFG-U0aiM2NmvU40D4pN0ORLkgkrEjU2gNfgxSHRUcBlVYzPM_QQ-hiDkP4IPHyg6l7LiIn-45puuk5zcyp5ZhDadaLVMtWDX833-22CBVIwJx7Hd9f433yMxTAOln08gww6jdATbKWvaGxhSMCj9L6s6G1eYuKGPSlXS5TxCIAgF7w/w300-h400/20230614_200021.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvizwQ_rn3WNyTrlsLnoqnmKCTQc2RSlx31q5R-zZbv2rFkjPhX1_2SiU9LLXhQzQa2nxt04aS5VUZ-INoV5EOjUo8-JHi7805pb-Lmm0ONANdtwkMRQtvGW8NlpQi7NM4dTFJ6LezGEf2tgbSaSMO8xvoTH0tOOZCTCoG90Frd77f5BW3J0b8tDTnA/s4000/20230614_195641.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvizwQ_rn3WNyTrlsLnoqnmKCTQc2RSlx31q5R-zZbv2rFkjPhX1_2SiU9LLXhQzQa2nxt04aS5VUZ-INoV5EOjUo8-JHi7805pb-Lmm0ONANdtwkMRQtvGW8NlpQi7NM4dTFJ6LezGEf2tgbSaSMO8xvoTH0tOOZCTCoG90Frd77f5BW3J0b8tDTnA/w300-h400/20230614_195641.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Of course, Romita was well known for drawing fantastic female characters and created the iconic look of Mary Jane Watson, Peter Parker's perennial love interest. Romita's glamorous touch transformed the angular world Ditko had originated and gave Peter and the strip a more "grown up" feel.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRe7OvSJg-ttQlFbl5CjSBLyHwQt08PXJK_-UdPYiqUoXh65iwqoxJZJBS1sjGpU8mS4segdKQi3dmNMT9PY7tny4u-S2791tIgLaCWuUhGjGZ5SkFKwUWYEu1fYVG_zN0ny4Rn3pAUeg8FWH7qdBQnLH-k1HvkEjc7ljmrLPAPIZ5Obl-EtrN_cQxpQ/s3425/FF%20106%20cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3425" data-original-width="2354" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRe7OvSJg-ttQlFbl5CjSBLyHwQt08PXJK_-UdPYiqUoXh65iwqoxJZJBS1sjGpU8mS4segdKQi3dmNMT9PY7tny4u-S2791tIgLaCWuUhGjGZ5SkFKwUWYEu1fYVG_zN0ny4Rn3pAUeg8FWH7qdBQnLH-k1HvkEjc7ljmrLPAPIZ5Obl-EtrN_cQxpQ/w275-h400/FF%20106%20cover.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I've written about this issue of the FF <a href="https://glasswalking-stick.blogspot.com/2011/12/comics-year-zero-1971.html">before</a> but it's always good to share it again. The cover artwork and many of the images inside are permanently etched into my brain, a testament to the enduring excellence of Romita's visual ability. I love the sequence below, simply done but hugely effective. And the colouring ( I'm assuming not by Romita ) is just wonderful in all its newsprint glory...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavpipBjo-2_qs_OsD1zrfPRM-rrZ0XFF4-Xv8RO6verXeigdAgng8oQ0LXYiniuzaPTsO8oeR8PBhLAKk6BmZ8MxIuWjwo8ZEDyoCf4CORMsd4D9p7kc84vDrToXcvbqWgNA2EEg0_-w8-mTn0zCeY0Nkzh5DnV1Axy3t8aEc0bXuKRysZaCcbpnZ1A/s4000/FF%20106%20Johnny.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavpipBjo-2_qs_OsD1zrfPRM-rrZ0XFF4-Xv8RO6verXeigdAgng8oQ0LXYiniuzaPTsO8oeR8PBhLAKk6BmZ8MxIuWjwo8ZEDyoCf4CORMsd4D9p7kc84vDrToXcvbqWgNA2EEg0_-w8-mTn0zCeY0Nkzh5DnV1Axy3t8aEc0bXuKRysZaCcbpnZ1A/w300-h400/FF%20106%20Johnny.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzg1fR7RoVSAJE2btW-O4Mk3_lhlxS3gkL61FGuPPjmDboWs3Xnb7o6BYFdRjZZO6PChc8SFYMY3_XFLmx8kN1U7qmix1kBuSgA77fgPBI2MmrnwYwBzaQHlKj7q9DwVrba-JzLMo5t71NbIrLolHYDiL3kA14HUmJ7WQGPPZ69LHStFBLpiWxBfvJig/s4000/FF%20106%20Page%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzg1fR7RoVSAJE2btW-O4Mk3_lhlxS3gkL61FGuPPjmDboWs3Xnb7o6BYFdRjZZO6PChc8SFYMY3_XFLmx8kN1U7qmix1kBuSgA77fgPBI2MmrnwYwBzaQHlKj7q9DwVrba-JzLMo5t71NbIrLolHYDiL3kA14HUmJ7WQGPPZ69LHStFBLpiWxBfvJig/w300-h400/FF%20106%20Page%201.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Again, Jazzy Johnny draws a beautiful Susan Richards, showing how he brought his romance comics sensibility to the super hero genre.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKuaWxI-F-EbHliHew-knP6-2ZnHUGdwKuZxM16F1osrzj-a6Xep5LMcnmyjgoUYcv2B6hzgQ1mzwnowaAkA4oqwnAkK3Nrf6CM4cSfzRrP9Npv2zor4flP4RfiSQAvYKsKGpz_WzYaRKnf9T91UGzcQX0sBO63lXUl0M0ax5_z6JbwfqPRvr871r_A/s4000/FF%20106%20Sue.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKuaWxI-F-EbHliHew-knP6-2ZnHUGdwKuZxM16F1osrzj-a6Xep5LMcnmyjgoUYcv2B6hzgQ1mzwnowaAkA4oqwnAkK3Nrf6CM4cSfzRrP9Npv2zor4flP4RfiSQAvYKsKGpz_WzYaRKnf9T91UGzcQX0sBO63lXUl0M0ax5_z6JbwfqPRvr871r_A/w300-h400/FF%20106%20Sue.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>There are many, many wonderful tributes to this great artist out there in t'internet, so it's well worth seeking them out for more insight but I just wanted to pay my small tribute to the great man and his work.<div><br /><div>RIP John Romita ( 24/02/1930 - 12/06/2023 )</div><div>Thanks for the years of spectacular entertainment, Jazzy John, you were truly a master of your craft.<br /><div><p><br /></p></div></div></div>Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-67179541989643125622023-05-06T09:37:00.002+01:002023-05-07T22:13:49.025+01:00Happy National Sycophant's Day <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkLS-XKF6O6jl8jTpVhjiNJooypuTz4guE9dTzcpb09x6qUYux8TW91iTzktcji-8nDUQbyytCDEvlTi2PI0E9MnfjQzlh1torz_TEseHGttDK_BVbi_8Dabncn3-8zuK9OH89Da7xCvdTlL7dFvO-ssL-lVafowWQokbeWTd1bKoXnMyp2Bx3_zk6Q/s4000/20230504_074510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkLS-XKF6O6jl8jTpVhjiNJooypuTz4guE9dTzcpb09x6qUYux8TW91iTzktcji-8nDUQbyytCDEvlTi2PI0E9MnfjQzlh1torz_TEseHGttDK_BVbi_8Dabncn3-8zuK9OH89Da7xCvdTlL7dFvO-ssL-lVafowWQokbeWTd1bKoXnMyp2Bx3_zk6Q/s320/20230504_074510.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> #know your place<p></p><p>#bowdown </p><p>#notmyking </p><p>#abolishthemonarchy </p>Simon B http://www.blogger.com/profile/07719757386457800087noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470510671824637475.post-89007153732123062912023-04-23T22:40:00.003+01:002023-04-23T22:40:52.730+01:00Black and white beauty<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpb-xXu6tAr8r9HKciJYPUkbPncJsREU4G7QPnUtg6r_RGBgzeFOtxbfeL2CHvIG0tKeSl77YLQQbdZVGRCqrmylWD_X1_7Xfzkg5FD_Wa9ecNjvl7yclLBJqFK_pFnMO0355oMYZLZhfs5kTmUav0d894eH4JS5cVu0LCYcyT1Gq-7nxQhMRNS0olA/s936/anne%20bancroft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="936" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpb-xXu6tAr8r9HKciJYPUkbPncJsREU4G7QPnUtg6r_RGBgzeFOtxbfeL2CHvIG0tKeSl77YLQQbdZVGRCqrmylWD_X1_7Xfzkg5FD_Wa9ecNjvl7yclLBJqFK_pFnMO0355oMYZLZhfs5kTmUav0d894eH4JS5cVu0LCYcyT1Gq-7nxQhMRNS0olA/s320/anne%20bancroft.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPccDcepg_1msK75xzctOMy9CFGZa0WzYuMLeSssBkXBYK88xDma_YzMJSn28EJcZZXc0zuh5OTVoMjxKr433g8ht-oUpWK0QMPI-I8Bn-hN3w-HEKTeXxkk2v5aMBFZavaQz_a6JO-r7UBxZIkprZpXvuyYLeYoBD5teuFgjWzdFCEjwrk1dnY0uWAQ/s1683/anya%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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