The Editors Manchester Academy 1 22.11.13
I have waited so long to see this band, I missed them on their debut tour in 2006 when they played a small local venue.
Their 1st album 'The Back Room' made the hairs on my neck stand up, the sound and lyrics were interesting intellectual Indie at its best, and as year went by so were their shows, there never seemed to be a time to see them until now, so to quote what 'Tom Smith' said to me when I told him just that "Tonights The Night Then !!".
Support tonight comes from 'British Sea Power' a band with a cult following of fans and a band who managed to sell out The Ritz in Manchester around a year ago.
Personally I never liked them, didnt see the appeal the band have 2 male singer/guitarists ,a bass player ,and drummer and a woman who played the violin (at least I think it was a violin it was small for a violin).
They were not an upbeat melodic band and at times this lost my attention as the songs played out, the guitarist is a bit crazy and he played up to us posing with guitarist pulling shapes and faces, just as the set was midway through the most bizarre thing happened, over to the right of the stage in front of the barrier a Huge black bear appeared it was about 8 ft tall no word of a lie (it was obviously a man in a suit of course) he was getting the crowd involved in high fiving.
I was in fits of giggles it was so funny, then the singer/guitarist of the band jumped down from the stage to enact a play fight with the bear he rolled backwards on the floor guitar in hand in front of us it was entertainment at last, then another Huge White Polar Bear appeared and like true comedy play fighting with the Black Bear and proceeded to surprise the bemused crowd I thought it was 'Dom Joly' it broke the boredom nicely.
9pm and headline act were ready to take the stage 'Birmingham's 'The Editors' were finally here, they hit the stage with a bang with laser and strobing effects, 'Tom' stick thin standing at the mic , Justin and Russell alongside him and a guitarist Ed the drummer toward the back of the stage set, with a Korg Keyboard at the front and a Piano placed to the left.
They began with 'Sugar' from the album 'Weight Of Your Love' and soon some classics one of my favourites 'Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors', 'Tom' plays a variety of guitars and is very entertaining to watch, as he climbs like an insect over the piano, they all have energy and power on stage and more importantly such power over the crowd, the atmosphere is pure Electric tonight.
Another fav from 'The Back Room' is 'All Sparks' and 'You Don't Know Love' from 'End Has A Start' then a track I have but had forgotten about now rediscovered live on stage 'Eat Raw Meat-Blood Drool', God it's amazing live and 'Tom' is a charismatic frontman ,he makes faces over the mic and at times is completely still, then coming to life with eyes on stalks twisting his arm round in contortion wrapping the mic wire round his right arm as he get's more into the performance and the crowd watch in awe!!
They also play a great version of their epic Indie anthem 'Munich' the crowd went mad for it as we do in Manchester !!!
Just when you think they've given everything they can they emerge for the Encore with a piano led version of 'The Racing Rats','Tom' seems enthralled at the Manchester crowd all 2'500 of us going crazy me in the middle going berserk it's such an amazing vibe tonight.
They played a great setlist off all four albums and ended with 'Papillion', which is stratospheric live the crowd sing along and this version goes on for at least 8 minutes, and the band take a bow, I think they enjoyed the show as much as we did what great Friday night out.
You can see pics from the show at the gallery which you may notice has been renamed from 'Gigography Heaven ' to 'It's All About The Music Part 2' as it matches the blog title and can be related to easier, til the next earth shaking gig folks..
Bye for now!!
Lmi x
Depeche Mode Delta Machine Tour
Manchester Phones 4 U Arena Vip Early Entry Guest 15.11.13
So long has it been since I have caught 'Depeche Mode' Live,I've missed 2 tours due to timing, they don't Tour here often and they like to take about 4 years recording albums, so when I heard that 'The Mode' were coming to Manchester on the Delta Machine Tour, I went a step further and applied for VIP Early Entry guest treatment which basically means to pick a place for yourself on the floor and go in before the General admission standing queue, I knew it would be worth it, perfect!.
There Are only 28 of us for this show on the VIP list,we get a special commemorative tour gift (A Branded Memory Stick in metal case) we are allowed in from 5.50pm (yeah I know its only a 10 minute headstart but I'll take it) I pick a spot between 'Dave' and 'Martin's mics on stage.
The show begins at 8pm with support act 'The Jezabels' (I've seen them before but I cant remember who they supported) they're really good, they hail from 'Australia' they have a very good Electro Indie U.K. sound,they are the first real good support band fronted by a female singer that I've really sat up and listened to, the songs are catchy and the atmosphere and vibe spot on ,good choice to support 'The Mode'.
At 9-15pm ,I almost can't believe I'm here, the crowd are getting excited some fans follow them from everywhere all over Europe including Spain ,Sweden,Italy,Chec Republic,Germany etc.. already chanting 'Depeche Mode' numerous times before they get on the stage, I can't resist but to join in !!.
The lights go down, the band walk on from the right of the stage Andy Fletcher goes over to the keyboards,Touring Drummer and Guitarist, followed by 'Martin Gore' and The man 'Dave Gahan',he storms over to the mic and the first track kicks in.. 'Welcome To My World', 'Dave' is wearing skinny trousers and a Metallic glittery waistcaoat with over jacket,his hair is shorter than I've seen before.
He stalks the stage commanding the attention of he crowd,martin is wearing Chequered trouser Punk style of course and he has like a chain mail decoration in silver wrapped round the back giving him a medeival punk makeover ,Andy stands with arms in various shape to get the crowd involved with their arms up,they follow this by 'Angel' from 'Delta Machine',the jacket flys off 'Dave's arms to reveal the Glittery waistcoat and his Tattoos he looks trim and fit he speak to us after the song ends "Good Evening Manchester !!!" he already is sweating and then a familiar note on the keyboards and 'Walking In My Shoes' ,'Dave' twirls around like a whirling dervish faster and song gets deeper into your soul taking us back to the darker side of 'Depeche Mode', the crowd go wild this is my fav song from 'Songs Of Faith & Devotion' it is such a dark classic.
Then we go mellow again with a song from 'Playing The Angel' and 'Precious' which is a beautiful sound Live ,on the huge screens behind there are lots of different breeds of dogs walking towards the screen looking cute, it looks fantastic, then I wasn't prepared for this but when I heard the intro I screamed like a schoolgirl.. 'Black Celebration' it was like stepping back in time watching my 101 DVD,but he was there in front of me twirling the mic stand pacing from left to right on the stage,and 'Martin was quietly playing keyboards in left wing, 'Dave' literally whips us up into a frenzy.
He's a very provactive dancer,sliding up and down the mic I forgot about this it reminded me of the Devotional Tour he was like a madman on stage being sexy and it seems he hasn't lost it either, you could see he was hungry for the attention and desperate to make us scream (this is what happens when you don't tour too often haha) he is definitely still a Rock God on stage.
I further go wild as 'Policy Of Truth' is played, later he decide's to show off those tattoos he has on chest and back there are a lot I forget how many he had ,he's covered in them, then it is time for a slower section with 'Martin' taking the spotlight he plays 'The Child Inside' and 'But Not Tonight', on our front row we sing back the adlibs after 'Martin' is finished and this does not go unnoticed by 'Dave' who has walked back onstage he smiles and puts his hand to his ear and steps forward watching us "Come on Then!!" he says leading us in "ohoh oh oh ohoh's " which resonates around the Arena that the rest of the venue must of wondered why the song was going on so long after it finished ...such a moment.
More songs in and The classics keep coming 'Behind The Wheel' another class track from 'Playing The Angel' that is 'Pain That I'm Used To' and then the Amazing 'Question Of Time' and 'Enjoy The Silence' which gets us all jumping up and down and a superb version of 'Personal Jesus' where 'Dave' puts the mic stand out for us to sing 'Reach Out And Touch Faith'.
Encore time and 'Martin' sings a rendition of 'Condemnation' and again we all sing back to him at the end of the song to keep the song going , 'Dave' returns to stage again and sings 'Halo' which is different version to the album as this is beginning I notice none other than 'Anton Corbjin' walking past the camera bobbing down dodging cables and I cheekily tap him on the shoulder and say 'Oh hello nice to meet you' he's a top class photographer I love his work with 'The Mode' and he also films them on stage for the Tours he's worked with the since 1987 for 'Music from The Masses' era.
Aside from the screens there are not too many big effects but the main piece is rotating parts at the top of the cluster of stage lights which are different coloured and come down only so far and tilt hovering over 'Dave'. 'I Feel You' is as gutsy as the video and then it gets crazy with 'I Just Can't Get Enough', 'Dave' has a different waistcoat a Lime coloured creation this time, he uses the side platforms and the catwalk which is not used too much but just enough to communicate with the crowd as they all sing along and bounce around to their 1981 classic single that catapultated them to fame nearly 30 years ago whoosh.
'Dave' holds the mic out into the crowd and gets us to sing back in an extended version, finally the last song 'Never Let Me Down Again' is the perfect end to a top night he gets us all singing along and waving out arms in the air like windmills swaying back forth at speed (Remember the 101 DVD ..now the moment was recreated it was euphoric) I don't want the show to end but sadly it had to... what a high note to end on !!
The band came forward and bowed and 'Dave' hugs each of the band to say Thanks for a good show ,he looks happy with everything and then they wave at us for a while and off to the left and right then walk off the stage, they still have 'IT' live, some fans were a bit disappointed that they played mainly singles but for me if they hadn't I'd of been upset it wouldn't have made the show special I love to hear those songs live on different tours and you can't please everyone.
For me it was the best 'Depeche Mode' gig I've seen it was Amazing, I should hopefully have some pics from the night and as I'm delayed I should also have pics in the gallery on Placebo and The next blog subject coming soon.
Stay Glued For More !!
Lmi x
Placebo- Leeds 02 Academy -Kagyu Samye Ling Mercy Centre Benefit Concert 8/11/13
It's been almost 4 years since I last seen 'Placebo' play here in the U.K. ,it was at Manchester Central it was an epic show!
Tonight I finally get to see them on tour as they prepare for their December Tour for 'Loud Like Love', so here I am in Leeds as I can't make the tour in Manchester due to other commitments which will become clearer soon.
This show is special charity event in aid of 'Kagyu Samye Ling Mercy Centre' (A 'Human Development' centre in Bangkok and a centre also founded in Scotland) this foundation helps children who have a bad time and don't enjoy life because they either live on the streets or have Aids related illnesses any child that needs shelter rely on the centre run by Monks asssisting the most vulnerable to food and shelter.
I can tell by the heartfelt presentation that this a charity close to 'Brian Molko's heart,as he walks on to do a speech you can almost hear a pin drop after the applause quiets down,he speaks clearly, though at the moment I cant see him entirely as there are 2 large white screen's either side of the small stage in front of me , I'm standing left of centre.
We are invited to watch a film about the organisation it's very moving,then 'Brian' invites a Tibetan monk onto the stage who tells us how the foundation began, he chants a Tibetan prayer its quite long and the room falls silent (this is not like the usual gig I go to I have attended charity shows with a bigger bill of bands but not a small scale show like this.
'Brian' says that "Were all here to rock N roll tonight and we have got some great bands for you tonight, but if you can we have some bucket's going around if you can give a donation you can pick up a special wristband".
He walks off the stage to rapturous applause ,the first band tonight are from Dundee 'The Mirror Trap',the singer is in a chic looking suit with trendy tweed jacket he looks a little like Tom Odell and Grant Nicholls,he bounce's around the stage playfully kicking the bassplayeron the backside,their sound is a bit 'Futurehead's style mod rock they are very good and play an energetic set, second band 'Land Shapes' from London and a band that Brian himself apparently stalked on You Tube are next.
They were a 4 piece girl band mainly rhythmic kettle drums, and yukelele's ,on the stage there was a strange triangular display lit up in Pink & Blue,their sound quickly turns into mellow indie pop,they sound a little like 'Haim' crossed with 'The XX',the girl on drums has a bizarre hat on which she hides under the brim,shes dressed in black.
The crowd around me don't really get the sound so they receive a lukewarm welcome from certain fans in the audience.
By 9am everyone is watching and waiting as stage clears for the main act,a memorable 'Placebo' track booms from the dj decks its a mix of 'Pure Morning',and the lights go down they kick off the with a track from the ep 'B3' and follow it up by 'For What Its Worth' from the last album 'Battle For The Sun',then they play 'Loud Like Love'.
'Stefan' stands tall to the right (the last time I seen him he almost bald now his hair brown and with designer stubble)
'Brian' looks tiny on stage I forget he's quite small up on stage he's about 5'7 in reality he looks like a doll onstage.they play a fav song of mine from 'They Don't Care About Us' , 'Every You And Every Me', some album tracks 'Scene Of The Crime' and 'Rob The Bank' and more surprises yet to come.
We knew we were not ever going to get 'Nancy Boy' no matter how hard we screamed.. instead we got 'Med's 'Special k' and 'The Bitter End', and an incredible encore of 'Teenage Angst' and 'Running Up That Hill' (Originally by Kate Bush')
'Brian' enjoys the applause but is really very humble an dosent like the fuss off stage,hes a bit of an elusive diva but I did get something signed,for doing this show for charity artists getting no money for it , so I say 'Brian Molko' we salute you !!
Til another major exclusive soon
Lmi x
Suede Manchester Academy 1 - 31/10/13
The last time I seen 'Suede' live it was 2002 during the 'New Morning' Tour,it was kind of a last hurrah for the band as solo and side projects beckoned, it was'nt the best way to close a recording career of 14 years they gave a great live performance but the songs on that album were weaker than what fans were used to comparing of course 'Suede', 'Dogman Star', and 'Coming Up' and not forgetting 'Head Music' in 1999.
When I heard that they were back in the studio and recording a new album I was excited, 'Neil Codling' was back in the line up and recent reviews had rated 'Bloodsports' as their best album in years, it echoed the sound everyone loved about them in the 90's but still managed to sound current and relevant.
So here I am poised for a very exciting night out,support tonight came from 'Taliman' they were a 90's throwback to 'Geneva' (you may remember they were signed to 'NUDE' records same as 'Suede' with a similar indie vibe)
The problem with tonight was to be supporting a prolific band like 'Suede', you have to be pretty good to start with and sadly 'Taliman' weren't ,matters made worse by a drummer who looked like he wanted sleep on the drumkit rather than play it, the music for me was going nowhere.
Soon after 9.10pm (a long wait) some classical music began the lights went down and dry ice,flash of the colour Logo 'Suede' on a rouched backdrop, the stage looked like it was '1993' again, the crowd were excited and they took to the stage to rapturous applause an begin with a slow song the classic album track 'Still Life' from 'Dog Man Star' (only 'Suede' could get away with that),'Brett' walked up to the mic wearing white shirt and tight black jeans, 'Richard Oakes' was on guitar to the right, 'Neil Codling' to the left on keyboards (later on guitar) an 'Mat Osman' on bass also to the right ,and further back 'Simon Gilbert' on glittery Pink Drumkit.
Things soon liven up after the intense performance with 'Brett' crouching on floor already breaking out a sweat, already the crowd in the palm of his hands for the taking.
They play 'Barriers', and 'Brett' is leaping up and down and stepping on the amps 'Snowblind' follows and they play more songs from the new album 'Bloodsports' the crowd are going crazy I'm going crazy 'Brett' does his famous hip shaking microphone whipping and we are transported back in time to Brit Pop '1994',its hysteria made even more epic by 'Brett' standing on the platform in front of me and my guest (who has followed them from Nottingham to Leeds and on to Birmingham on this tour) Now I know why she goes back for more!!.
They played 'Filmstar' another track from 'Dog Man Star' called 'Heroine' its my fav album track from that album so it's even more exciting.
'Brett' decides to join us on the barrier as he walks along putting the mic out over the crowd and holding hands making a point of personal contact with as many as he can and sharing his sweat which for some was all too much.
'Neil' stood out on the stage with his guitar smiling looking a little nervous but comfortable happy to let 'Brett' do the bonding, more hits and 'Killing Of A Flashboy' still a corker live, 'The Drowners' where 'Brett's hip thrusting rivalled even 'Jarvis Cockers's effort in Xmas 2012,his constant energy across the stage captivating like a whirlwind.
Next song 'Metal Mickey' and some acoustic choices did not disappoint either with 'The 2 Of Us' and 'Living Dead' being a highlight with 'Brett' expressing the emotion of the lyrics and crowd fell silent towards the end of the song you could hear a pin drop.
Now drenched in sweat 'Brett' joins us again for a sing along ,not minding the attention, at one point my guest thinks all her Xmas's have come at once he leans backwards right in her face to which she promptly grabs his waist in appreciation, I try to restrain myself, as it seemed strange I'd only spoken to him hours before the soundcheck , so I manage a quick squeeze and let him get on with it.
'Trash' and 'Beautiful Ones' is a euphoric moment the crowd having not stopped moving all through the gig, this is the best 'Suede' gig I've ever been to, they have still got it!!
The Whole band are amazing on stage 100% energy, I recommend you watch them if you haven't, They are awesome.
I am hoping I have some great live shots of the show to be uploaded soon with any luck ,more to come this November folks !!
Lmi x
