This page is a running tally of all the concerts I've been to - half to inform you as to who's great, mediocre, or shitty live, and half to remind me where I've been (you know how the mind starts to go...). So enjoy!
I was drunkenly encouraged to attend, and I'm certainly glad I got to witness the strength and uncomprimising stage antics of Melissa and crew (which looked to include James Iha?). Finally, a rock chick who doesn't weep with her guitar, who doesn't bow to the latest trend, and one who doesn't feel the need to put on a shambles to attract attention. Melissa Auf der Maur has been in the background for far too long, and she's enjoying the spotlight and the chance for adoration (from a crowd who hadn't heard her yet-to-be-released album or see her live) at long last. All our waiting wasn't in vain.
Several people in my office have been going on & on about the genius of Pink Grease for months now, but I'd been less than impressed with their singles. Would the Grease be one of those bands that simply HAD to be seen live to be understood? Would they hell! See them for yourself, and you suddenly understand the cultish obsession of their fans...
Having only seen The Fall two days' previous, I wasn't sure whether they'd be the sort to play the same set twice or do the opposite and not play a single song twice (well, they've got enough material for it!). In reality, it was a blending of both, playing favourites like Open the Box, Sparta FC, and a host of others, including a cover of Walk Like A Man! The effort did not go unnoticed by the majority of the sold-out club, most of whom attended all three nights to worship at the shrine of Mister E. Smith. Seldom playing these days, The Fall sure get it right when they do venture out to the faithful.
The last time I saw Jarcrew they reminded me on early Tool. This time they're a creation of their own devising - rock beasts of their caliber don't come along often. Continuing after, Mclusky bring a completely different sort of rock monster. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but starting the set off with Lightsaber Cocksucking Blues was a good way to win me over. The new material sounded more accessible than the forced difficulty of earlier times, at least to these ears. The kings of difficult (categorization) arrived next with the eternally youthful Mark E Smith. Several weeks of studying The Fall's back catalogue meant I still only recognised a few songs out of the whole set, but to be honest, it wouldn't have mattered if I hadn't previously heard a single song.