Unplugged For Autism Charity Show With Special Guests @ Londons Koko 15.12.2014

Unplugged For Autism

with Special Guests

KOKO London 15.12.2014

 

Today is a really important day, it's the last gig of the year, it's in my second favourite city 'London' and it's in uber trendy Camden.

 

Its a Charity show all tonights guests are playing acoustic its for (NAS National Autistic Society), some of the artists playing tonight have Autism or have experience of someone close to them with Autism.

 

The Doors Open at 6pm and there are a few of us outside the doors queuing,this is not the usual gig protocol and its a very relaxed atmosphere we are are made very welcome when inside the venue which is in beautiful KOKO the most beautiful decored theatre I've seen in a long while with RED themed walls and pillars and decked up theatre boxes, topped with a Disco Ball, well 'Madonna' did play here for her Confessions promo show in 2005.

 

We are Introduced to artists who have Autism that are playing tonight first up is 'Sam Cooper', a young man dressed in casual Blue Jeans and t-shirt he sings at least three songs that he has written himself ,one them in particular which really made me smile a song about 'Ricky The Cricket'  a fast paced lyrical ditty telling the story about a Cricket which was very well rhymed.

 

Next up another male artist with a guest musician on percussion 'Ed Goodacre' he has written songs about his battles with Autism  in a song called 'The Symptoms' and poignant song about dealing with his brother going to war in Afganistan they were very good theres a lot of talented musicians here proof that Autism dosen't have to make us different when we understand it .

 

Then it was one of the girls  "Laura Tapp" she apparently works for NAS and is also a songwriter and plays guitar, tonight she picks a few cover songs from a Twitter poll of requests particularly difficult to play acoustically was the version of Cars by Gary Numan, she also played covers of Katy Perry, and storming acoustic version of Radiohead's Creep!!

 

Then it was the first of tonight's special guests local London band 'White Lies' took to the stage, with a stripped back stage set up with a wooden chair, blue silver rouched drapes as a atmospheric backdrop, and they walk onto the stage 'Harry' walks over to the left where he has a mic stand Korg Keyboard and music stand, 'Jack'  takes postion behind his Xylophone and 'Charles' takes over on Acoustic guitar sitting centre stage on the wooden chair making a change from the heavy bass he plays on stage usually.

 

'Good Evening we are going to play some acoustic versions of our songs for you now" says 'Harry' smiling, They begin with a 'Lana Del Rey' cover 'Ride',we get an exclusive never before heard acoustic version of 'Farewell To The Fairground' and lovely slow paced version of 'There Goes Our Love Again' and 'Harry surprises everyone by doing a solo  acoustic version of 'First Time Caller', "These Guys are going to disappear now and leave me on my own for this one,quite nervous actually" he giggles, he pulls off a great performance of the song he's well suited as a soloist, simply dressed in White T-shirt and Black Jeans and some stage friendly sneakers.

 

The Other guys come back on stage and 'Charles' takes to his wooden chair again and 'Harry' says "We are going to play an acoustic version of a song on BIG TV a song called 'Change', 'Charles' is going to play the complicated piece on guitar" he laughs the crowd laughs,they seem relaxed in each others company.

 

It's then that 'Harry' opens up about his experience with Autism "As Autism affects someone in my family, I have some knowledge of it my sister has Autism" I was a little shocked but deeply moved by him sharing this with us the crowd, next song is 'Unfinished Business' and lastly a cover of 'Prince's 'I Would Die 4 U' which the band played their 'Big TV Tour' last year and it went down pretty well too,they say goodnight and take a bow and leave the stage.

 

Also present at the show is 'Gaz Coombes' of 'Supergrass' he plays some his solo material he is here tonight as his Daughter has Autism and he's raising awareness tonight he plays 1 'Supergrass' classic "Movin' " (Special Thanks to my friend ''Michelle for this extra piece of info as I'd left the venue to go outside on an errand to do with The Boys in case they left early so didn't see it)

 

It was a great way to end the year,and superb special show,you can see over 40 Pics from the night in the gallery links posted soon separately with 'White Lies' whole set pictured.

 

 

 

 

Merry Xmas To All Giggers & Happy New Year

2015 is going to be EPIC !!!

Kasabian Manchester Phones 4 U Arena 48:13 Tour - 12.12.2014 SOLD OUT

Kasabian

Manchester Phones 4 U Arena

12.12.2014

 

 

 

Leicester Home of the Cheese, Home Of The De Montfort Uni, the humble bag of Walkers crisps and... Kasabian!!

 

 

 

It's been 4 years since I last seen Leicesters finest rampaging on stage,so the second the tickets were on sale I was ready,and It's been almost a year to wait for this show but it's been worth it,the tour was huge all across the countryand tickets sold out super fast!!

 

 

 

 

As I set off to queue for much of the day I quickly realise there is none,no one else there by the time soundcheck was happening , a handful of fans came at around 4pm but really not that many whats happening why is there no queue doors almost opening time, as we go through the routine not many people following us down the stairs it's bizarre we are only 2 rows deep and I'm front on the left of the barrier perfect spot hardly anyone joing us .. this can mean only one thing it's 'The Calm Before The Storm' because they've all gone to get lagered up !!!

 

8pm support band 'The Maccabees' walk onto the stage with minimal cheers from the Manchester crowd huh what crowd?? still hardly anyone in the standing area,they play an energetic set ,just behind me are some long time fans of the band as the band themselves pay tribute to the supporters the singer points out "These guys have been coming to see us since Night & Day café for the last five years give them a round of applause",I'm chuffed for them they got a mention it's nice when bands recognise the loyality,they get a lukewarm warm reception from the 'Kasabian' fans, who now are arriving en mass behind us midset as the band play 'Pelican' an indie classic ,its getting busier in the seats now and a countdown begins on an LED Screen centre stage.

 

 

The music is pumping out its old skool house music with a mash up of Altern 8 Evapor 8,the barmy army have arrived,I hear them chanting 'Ezeeh Ezeeh' everyone behind is looking focused on the stage and they're shuffling closer but faster and in a not very friendly way ...oh yes and and most are steamin drunk already!! Gonna go off tonight then!!.

 

 

 

Countdown is now at 59 seconds, then bam the lights go down and Serge arrives on stage with the rest of the band followed by Tom and right on cue the crushing begins the crowd go Apeshit to the right 'Tom' is gesturing the crowd hes wearing a brown suit and has unshaven face  fuzzy hair and cheeky grin "Manchester are you ready You Fxxkers!!,Serge's t-shirt has the slogan Me-Nan on it .. ,7 foot tall in frame skinny in skeleton bones printed on his trousers,the crowd go nuts then the whole arena rumbles as  'Bumblebee' kicks in to start Tom stalks the stage and the crowd really whip up a frenzy when 'Shoot The Runner' is up next people are bangin into each other and us on the barrier as if to move us off jumping up and down grinding bones,fighting,thumping is amass there is a strict no respect scenario building and it's pissing me off!!!

 

 

 

The show hasn't even started yet more goodies from 'West Ryder Lunatic Asylum' and 'The Underdog' followed by 'Where Did All The Love Go',it's a mad frenzy this girl behind me is going mad for 'Serge' waving her arms around yelling his name and another deranged girl elbows everyone on the shoulder blades so I tell security shes being violent she gets told off when she hit me I hit her back nothing or no-one is budging me from this barrier NOTHING!!!

 

 

So taking every bruise and every shove on I go defending my space, and this lad next to me who now keeps shoving me away when hes already firmly on the barrier has a rather annoying habit of scratching his head and sharing his dandruff with you Lovely.. totally doing my head in.

 

 

"Days Are Forgotten" comes on next the build up sees Tom shouting 'Can You Feel It Comin' Manchester !!' Fuck yeah I can I can see a white light don't walk into the light... I'm really not comfortable but worse cos I'm really angry now as this girl behind me thinks she can burrow through my back headbutting it to reach the barrier when I'm in front of it am I transparent or What ?? Hello you cant walk through me Bitch !!

 

 

 

Then the moment we've all been waiting for  'Eezeh' which is my fav song of the year my battles with the crowd forgotten as I'm entertained by bouncing 'Serge Pizzerno',he's like an excitable 10 year old on his playstation in the form of a man he has so much energy,another of my favs is on 'Fast Fuse'  and then early era goodies 'Processed Beats', and then some slower paced songs take the vibe down just a bit before the bonkerness of 'Clubfoot' hits us full pelt!!

 

 

The roof has been well and truly lifted it all goes off ...stage divers invade the front stage down the middle of the crowd to ill coping security who cant believe the scene,somehow a live chicken gets on the stage no idea where it came from the band tweeted about it later,they cover 'Word Up' and 'Serge' decides to join us at the barrier for 'Treat', shaking hands singing into the crowd doing his freaky dancing ha.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then it's back to business 'Tom' kicks into 'Switchblade Smiles' and the whole place just about implodes for 'Empire' we're not done yet til 'Fire' and  'Tom' get us singing along and it's not even the 'Encore',I'm still clinging on unable to move but loving the show, my other fav 'Stevie' the current release begins and then 'Vlad The Impaler' even though it does not see the appearance of 'Mr Noel Fielding' still epic performance but we do get a cover of 'Praise You'  originally done by 'Fatboy Slim',ending with 'LSF' the crowd are still going bananas and at the end the band are overwhelmed and say goodnight feeling  conquered, they wave, bow ,throw out drumsticks to the crowd and setlists (I didn't catch any grr).

 

 

'Kasabian' are becoming one of the biggest bands in U.K. and  they get bigger every show they play,'Kasabian' certainly Rock live !! If you haven't seen the band yet it's a battle but where have you been they're a must see act !!I have some select pics from the show to put in the gallery not many as the crowd weren't interested in keeping still while I photographed the band,Great show to finish the year on Awesome!!! .

 

 

 

 Battered,Bruised, Shattered and Ultimately Knackered

 

LMI  x

 

 

 

 

Linkin Park Hunting Party Tour Manchester Phones 4 U Arena 22.11.2014

Linkin Park Hunting Party Tour

Manchester Phones 4 U Arena

22.11.2014

 

Linkin Park have been a musical unit of performers since the late 1990s formed in US state of Arizona, they have been a force to be reckoned with mixing metal with rap (heads up to 1 Mike Shinoda the best MC of a generation) and their clever use of Melodic Sounds and huge evergrowing fan base from around the world.

 

It was in March of 2008 the last time I seen them play live here on the 'Minutes To Midnight' tour,i was desperate for them to tour again here in the U.K. this year the new album 'Hunting Party' came out I was so desperate for them to not forget us that I tweeted the band and Chester saying "We need to put the 'Chester' back in #Manchester come back and Tour soon" a few days later probably not related to my tweet they announced 3 days just 3 days Manchester, and 2 in London so I was ready for the presale,I was ready so was Manchester.

 

I arrive early to find that there was no one there til around 12pm and few of us gathered talking,but we learn that there is Early Entry and there is 90 that will get in before us general admission minions,I was annoyed I'd checked the Live nation website for packages but I hadnt thought of their website LPU and it was too late so I thought,eventually after a series of  uneasy shufflings with our queue I decide to upgrade when the opportunity to join LPU and gain Early Entry popped up in the form of one of their representatives,only £15 now that I joined the other queue I'm more relaxed among some equally hard core fans.

 

I get into  the venue around 5.45pm and we are let by way of the usual entry the 'Death Stairs' as I call them,people behind me are not aware of how high up we are so I make sure I tell them as we perilesly come down the steps slowly,eventually I'm at the bottom I make a dash for the walkway left side of main stage .

 

Tonight support is from 'Of Mice & Men' from Orange County California,they  are just becoming popular over here with a new single doing the rounds on rock TV,the singer has a deep gut wrenching vocal technique,you know the type Angry roar from the diaphragm but deeper than usual,I join in the moshing and rock horns it's a ritual I'm familiar with being an old skool Muser !!

 

Singer 'Alex' is very confident and get us to sing along and asks us "Are you all looking forward to seeing 'Linkin Park",the crowd roar,They do a good job of warming the crowd up but they are not my cup of tea.

 

At 8.30pm the lights go down after a 'Music Relief' campaign trailer on the screens (a charity helping people in communities in Africa to have electric light bulbs and basic resources,great idea) The band take to the stage from the right to left first 'Phoenix appears followed by 'Mike Shinoda', then the others and  mainman 'Chester' bounces on stage in Grey Vest and Black Trousers and his trademark trainers,already the energy on stage is going off as he begins the first mashup of the night '1 Step Closer','Guilty All The Same' the sound is very Bassy tonight and I cant hear straight away what the songs are .

 

'Chester' leaps from one box to another (In front are some steel boxes positioned between the amps) then it's onto the fast paced racing track  'Given Up' ,I almost forgot how small in frame 'Chester' was in real life, his arms covered in tattoos of all colours and designs, he's tattooed all over basically he's looking awesome.

 

'Mike' is on guitar and his keyboards are  at the centreback of the stage ,he holds out his arms pointing to the crowd and he does his thing on the mic and use's the short catwalk to get the crowd going  on 'Points Of Authority' from debut album 'Hybrid Theory' now multi platinum selling and on every twenty somethings mp3 player no doubt.

 

'Chester' still bounces about with his lyrics rolling of his tongue at times like deadly venom ,he runs up and down the walkway he almost dives into the crowd he shakes hands and high fives them,the next song the band play is 'Papercut' (This is the first song I remember from MTV its what got me interested in their music).

 

Later on we are treated to a special guest on vocals with the band  'Aaron' from 'Of Mice And Men' takes to stage left with Mike and sings the medley 'Leave Out All The Rest/Shadow Of The Day',I wish the sound was better tonight I think the amps and the speakers weren't very clear probably all the yelling has upset them lol.

 

Mr Hahn has his own section in the show on the decks the stage is cut into symmetrical cubes with moving LED Light screens they elevated up like a shortened version  of  'The Resistance' Tour ,he resides on the left corner ,it looks very high with lights flicking off and on as he spins through a beat heavy set.

 

Nearly encore time and we get a great version of 'Burn It Down' which is one of my favourites,and the chirpy 'Waiting For The End',then this years single from 'Hunting Party'  'Final Masquerade' and next 'Numb' and 'In The End' where 'Chester' spends more time with the fans to the right of him and grab him into the pit,he loves it  and he gets back onto the stage,unfortunately he dosent walk over to our side.

 

' Mike' raps and also makes use of the walkway to greet fans with high fives and then uses his arms to gesture the crowd wearing his trademark baseball cap,Encore time as 'Chester walks back on with no shirt on showing off all his tatts on his chest and back the famous 'Linkin park' writing etched onto  his lower back now on display,he pogos up and down everywhere as 'New Divide' kicks in (from Transformers The Movie folks!! if you don't know their stuff you know that one ),he's so much energy he looks like an excitable 'Jackinabox', and 'Crawling' draws in screams everyones fav college song  memories of 2001.

 

You almost forget how many hits they have had until they come together 'Until It's gone' makes way for  'What I've Done' and the last song more of a surprise 'Bleed It Out' which see's Mike hurtling down the walkway rapping with conviction one of my highlights of the night,I was again on flag duty with a Polish male fan who follows them on tour everywhere,he had a 'Linkin Park' silk flag with soldier design,I made sure that they all seen it when the lights went up and brightened the crowd holding it aloft with him.

 

 

'Chester' took one more walk down the walkway to shake more hands of fans and take the applause and he left us with a giant windmill of kisses,'Mike' came down too and took the applause,Job done Manchester Conquered!!

 

I do hope they wont leave it so long to come back again,Pics are up in the gallery and can be seen when I post the next link !!

 

Til Then

 

 

LMi   x

Jack White Lazaretto Tour Leeds First Direct Arena 17.11.2014

Jack White Lazaretto Tour

Leeds First Direct Arena

17.11.2014

Detroit,Michigan home of Chrysler Cars,Motown rapper Eminem and Queen of Pop 'Madonna' was born here,it's also home to 'White Stripes' Jack White & Meg White (were then a married couple)  they really began hitting our shores way back in 2001 with the Lego video for 'Fell In Love With A Girl", they graced the cover of NME countless times,headlined many festivals, until things went quiet after the two divorced, 'Jack' experimented with other bands 'The Raconteurs' 'Dead Weather' and now he is solo artist and guitarist adored by music fans across the world. 

 

 

2014 13yrs later he is releasing Solo material and with new album 'Lazaretto' on heavy Music video rotation on MTV Rocks with brand new blues rock approach new short cropped elvis hairstyle he is here in the U.K. for 3 yes 3 Dates only. 

 

So naturally I had to get there and see for myself how awesome he really is live,tonight in the venue there is a mixed genre of people from 30's-50's and down to Teenagers from College he's crossed a generation with Raucous sound and rock N roll energy.

 

 

Supporting him tonight 'Lucius' a two piece girl Duo who step on the stage in matching Orange dresses one on tambourine and another behind a keyboard playing a guitar,I realise quickly I know them mainly because I seen them on 'Jools Holland Later.. Series',their sound reminiscent of 'The Pierces' another girl duo, but they reminded me of an updated 'Beverly Sisters' with harmonies like stars of the 50's. 

 

 

The only song I actually knew well was a cover of 'Buddy Holly's Golly Gee (it Dosent Really Matter) not my cup of tea at all.

 

 

Before he came onstage we had this guy walk on saying we need to put our phones away as 'Jack' does not like being filmed on phones in the crowd and we shouldn't take photos ,as he has a team doing for us, if only others had respected it but in the show later on 3 women at the side of me kept snapping shots which annoyed me as I was advised not to do it ,it seemed it was ok after all. 

 

 

He arrives on stage as 8.30pm he plays for a long while so he begins early,he walks on from stage right he's wearing black shirt and trousers with Blue Braces, his hair has grown out over his eyes now, he begins with a few jams he likes to jam  and freestyle some riffs before really getting into it, he has a full backing band a guy on Drums ,Bass Guitar and a woman in the strings section,Piano.

 

 

He rips into 'High Ball Stepper' from the 'Lazaretto' album and then begins a familiar song 'Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground' a 'White Stripes' classic,he plays songs off his album and 'Love Interuption' ,he's surprisingly fresh edgy and entertaining he talks to us "How's it goin Leeds, are you gonna be louder than 'Glasgow''? he tells us that he's cut from tartan cloth with Scottish Blood,he carries on playing more 'White Stripes' classics 'Hotel Yorba' and has his own crew attending to his every move on stage a guy also with brace sporting a ZZtop beard he dashes onto the stage runs around it freeing up  the cables faster than your average roadie, so our 'Jack' he has no time for that so just concentrates on the playing for us what a guy !!  

 

The stage set up is simplistic with minimal lights , and lots of dry ice and 3 beams lit up above moving during various parts of the show they reminded me of 'Later With Jools' another mention again ha, so much so  it actually made me think that 'Jools Holland was going to walk on as a guest any second now.

 

We all yell and cheer everyone's dancing and bouncing about now "Yes we damn well will be louder than Glasgow", so he carries on playing and getting us involved in the songs,and as encore time beckons we make a lot more noise and 'Jack' walks back with his band smiling and clapping,he walks over the left edge of the stage and stood looking down staring hand up to his chin looking moody ,right near to me where 3 girls are taking chances photographing him I actually thought he was going to kick off but he walked off and began the next song with unmistakable riff of 'Icky Thump' and everyone was singing and chanting like they were at a football match,next song was 'Raconteurs' 'Steady As She Goes' a fav of, he also played 'Would You Fight For My Love' a recent single.  

 

 

What better song to end the whole night with can you guess ?  yes you got it 'Seven Nation Army' we all went wild jumping about it got really lively, then he grinned Thanked Us and took a bow with his band and they were outta here !! 

 

The crowd piled out of the venue with discussion of the how the show was and how awesome 'Jack' was live I thought he was 'Epic' and was astounded and really loved the fact he did not shy away from the 'White Stripes' material as he's very select about what song's he plays when and for how long ,I think Leed's got a great show from him tonight ,No pics in the gallery as I respected the bands wishes and left my camera behind before the gig.

 

Til The next show comes around Bye for now Giggers!!

 

 

Lmi   x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gerard Way Supported By Darlia Manchester Ritz 5.11.2014

Gerard Way Supported By Darlia

    Manchester Ritz  5.11.2014

 

(This is a double blog in 3 parts )

 

Part One

 

Today is a special show for any fans of the U.S. band 'My Chemical Romance',earlier this year 'Gerard Way' singer with the band that split 2 years ago released his first solo project album 'Hesitant Alien',singles from it were heavily played on MTV Rocks channel.

 

In October he announced a tour by releasing a handful of dates to promote his new album at small venues across the Cities of the U.K.,so I was first in the queue for a ticket to this one.

 

I was in actual reality No24 in the queue this morning and not early for the other 18 people ahead had queued since 4AM!!,by 8am there was indeed a Huge queue of shall we say 'TheEmoMassive',I actually seen 2 girls I knew from 'Smashing Pumpkins' Tours,I nearly always bump into someone I know .

 

It's all mainly girls at the front down all with hoodies and different coloured hair "ah I feel at home in a rock crowd",everyone is excited and planning where we will stand when we get inside the venue.

 

7pm came and the doors opened I'm not freezing cold as all afternoon it's been unsually sunny for Bonfire Night,supporting tonight are another band I've been meaning to review 'Darlia' a new breed of indie rock band up there with 'Royal Blood' in best bands of 2014 in my opinion,'Darlia' had played a lot of festivals this year 2 of which I went to but due schedule clashes could not see them.

 

Hailing from 'Blackpool' they have been causing a scene with their small gritty shows I attended a small show in Bar Venue in Manchester and was annoyed by the crazy 14+ crowd that it was impossible to watch and listen to the band with crushing and crowd surfing I ended up hanging on to the amps quite annoyed and no review happened .

 

Tonight they are supporting 'Gerard Way' on his U.K. Tour ,so quite a big night for them tonight and an important crowd to crack, the band are promoting their new single 'Our Stars Are Aligned'  which sounds to me like an updated version of U2's 'Hold Me, Thrill Me ,Kiss Me , Kill Me' which is an awesome track so that's a compliment.

 

They settle on stage with singer 'Nathan' directly in front of me on the left,he's wearing those check grey trousers, Black long Sleeved top and trade mark Black Hat,his white blonde locks look darker under the lights,as he quietly utters "Hello Manchester we are 'Darlia' Thanks for coming early to watch us",they begin with 'Nepalm' and promptly go through a good set for a band that have yet to release their debut album.

 

 'Nathan' abruptly whisks himself across the stage with guitar in hand across to the bass player in true rock cliché,the crowd like them but I am loving them I'm finally getting the true 'Darlia' experience and I have to say I like it, 'Candyman' was a great song with an energetic performance and I can see their energy on stage from the vocalist to the drummer they are really on fire tonight,it was at that point 'Our Stars Are Aligned' was played the crowd were getting into it and  followed it with the rough jagged edge guitars of 'Choke On Bones',I was yelling out for my fav 'Dear Diary' which they played to my delight I could see from that song much of the crowd had been awakened as they began waving arms and involving themselves,the band ended with 'Queen Of Hearts' and took the well deserved applause I am fully supportive what 'Darlia' are all about ,Good Show Guys!!

 

Part 2

9.15pm lights go down and red lighting and smoke transform the small Ritz stage,'Gerard's band walk onto the stage to the hysteria of the crowd they are all wearing white shirts and ties,they take to their instruments and the man himself  and icon to millions of schoolgirls and boys across the world walks on stage to kick of with 'The Bureau' and first single 'Action Cat' he's slight in height and dressed in Blue Suit (lookers darker under the lights) with peach pink shirt and Red & White striped tie, with trademark Ginger Cat hair,he looks Amazing !! 

 

He speaks to the crowd  "Have you missed me, I've Missed you" the crowd are in rapture,I can feel it and the floor is bouncing to 'Zero Zero' one of my favs, 'Gerard' come's over to the edge of the stage to give Eye contact when he's singing,this album is very much influenced by 2 of his heroes the first being 'David Bowie' and the latter being less well known to the youth of today 'Gaz Coombes' from Supergrass his vocals along with the clanging piano gives a nod to early Britpop it seems he is a fan of it . 

 

 

He speaks about problems growing up in society and says "Its not been an easy few years,I know so from now on  I don't want to hear any talk of anyones body image, or if they look nice we should love each other Right!!",I was moved by that he knew about fans being bullied at school or in society for how they looked what music they listened what gender bullied for being different for being 'EMO' theres that word again meaning 'Emotional Rock' he understood the people and the kids.

 

 

I can honestly say everyone I met today of different colours of hair,hairstyles and what they were wearing and age or whatever ,were lovely kids lovely people and what I could see from certain people passing judgement by the stares we all got waiting around were very misunderstood  it made me think if I had Blue hair Pink hair would people treat me different and I think they would and the judging has got to stop Music fans ,there I said my bit !!

 

Part 3

 

 

Thankfully tonight is a crowd surfer free zone and I had envisioned being squashed to death but I was quite comfy all night and had a great view of the stage,then we come to the part in show where 'Gerard' picks a person out of the crowd to join him onstage he looks out to the sea of faces and he says "Would anyone like to come up and play tambourine with me"que screams and excitement, he picks out one girl and she rather nervously clambers on the stage laughing and smiling as 'Gerard' put her at ease handing her the tambourine he asks her name she say Roisin (pronounced Rosheen I think) everyone cheers her on not sure which song it was but she did a good job anyway,then he started 'No Shows' which is my fav track and the floor is bouncing like mad with everyone going nuts . 

 

Then it was on with the show and nearly encore time,and the band go off stage  everyone chants 'Gerard Way,Gerard Way' the sound is wonderfully deafening everyone starts foot stamping and he takes to the stage again apparently this next one is a Japanese only release called 'Television All The Time' a slowed down track and ends with 'Maya the Physhic',he thanks us wave's bows and goes off stage the crew remove all the equipement, and  we are all still standing when the last setlist is handed out what is going on? this is strange my accompanier (a girl who travelled from Dublin just to see him major kudos you deserve a mention) tell's me that he just tweeted to say he cant sign outside the barriers on the street so what does it mean I wonder ? I'm pulling out my CD booklet and marker not really believing we are all not moving and still waiting for something but weirdly not being kicked out of the venue as every show,even though most of the crowd behind us have gone, still.. something is about to happen and then it does 20 minutes later,a small figure in khaki green jacket,and stripy top with Ginger hair walks over to us I cant believe it ,it's him it's 'Gerard Way'!!!

 

He walks over the awaiting fans and me and says 'Hi I'm going to sign everybodys stuff so it's Ok' one guy got his 'Hesitant Alien' replica jacket signed by his idol and he then came up to me and I handed him my booklet poster and asked if  he could sign it to me and he even asked me how to spell my name, wow, I said "Its really Nice to meet you,I love your music and the new album" he replies "Nice to meet you too thank you" (he's really polite and his elfin enigmatic looks have never changed since he was in the band) I tell him "I'm glad I seen the show I missed going to see you supporting Muse in 2007" he said "Ah I remember That was Wembley ?" I was stunned he'd supported them with 'My Chemical Romance' at the time of the highly successful 'Black Parade' album we cant have any pics as theres no time I totally understand it's amazing of him to do this no one else has and they should take time to meet fans, but he gladly chats with us and signs everyones stuff, and I notice it almost time to get to the train station 'I say " Thanks, see you again soon" and he's still working through the fans what a guy !! I'll never forget meeting the enigmatic 'Mr Gerard Way' Thank you. 

 

Til next time

 

 

Lmi  x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Royal Blood Manchester Ritz SOLD OUT 02.11.2014

Royal Blood  Manchester Ritz  SOLD OUT   02.11.2014

 

This year my ears were well and truly pricked by one new band they are the only new band that resembled an early sound incarnation of 'Muse'.

 

I'd heard 'Come On Over' and 'Figure It Out' and I'd found bliss basically,hailing from 'Brighton' (Yes its also a coastal town) with Mike Kerr on vocals and Benji on drums,they are a duo to be reckoned with with a mighty wall of sound.

 

Tickets for this show were 'Gold Dust' and even I had trouble bagging one,but fate shone and here we are,I arrived early expecting a handful of fans ,no one actually arrived til 1'O Clock it was a sunday and I'm reliably informed by tour manager that they the band have actually gone to watch the Manchester Derby at Etihad (Man U Vs Man City) so they wont be here until at least another 3 hours for soundcheck.

 

I meet and chat with the crew and later some more fans arrive who were as passionate as me about the band's exciting sound,I've never got so quickly into a new band as these guys I can tell you.

 

Doors Open at 7pm support is at 8'O clock from 'Turbowolf' a band with a stage act reminiscent of 'Frank Zappa' colliding with 'The Darkness', singer is extremely hyper leaping up and down playing keyboards and zipping around moshing in rock star fashion.

 

By 9.15pm the main act finally walk onto the stage,'Benji' walks over to his drum kit on the right and 'Mike' picks up his bass guitar and to start with 'Hole' the crowd go wild & he stands tall wearing Black t-shirt and Black jeans,'Benji' on the drums is a sight to behold he's an excellent drummer to watch,only a few are really but tonight he's living the dream!!.

 

Next up the awesome single 'Come On Over' and I'm in my element now ,it feels like a bigger venue than it actually is the crowd are roaring the roof is blown off 'The Ritz' tonight,this is followed by another album track and then 'Figure It Out',the crowd are getting a little over excited and loving it as am I ,in fact I can't stop whooing and shrieking, Its Rock chic hysteria time folks!! the next few songs in is another favourite 'Little Monster' the first song to make me decide I had to see the band live.

 

 

 

 

I'd waited all year to see them play live so when the album came out I was ready,I was anticipating a show to match the euphoria and tonight that is what I got,these guys will be massive soon,already nominated for a 'Mercury Music Prize' and with a Debut No1 album going straight in at the top it's easy to see how important this band could be for Rock music,Rock is not dead it's well and truly resurrected for the younger generation in the form of 'Royal Blood'.

 

 

 

They only played for 55 minutes they showcased new single 'Ten Tonne Skeleton'  with the Wah Wah effect pedals they simply dominate the small stage,next up 'Loose Change' and it's getting sweaty we have a few male crowd surfers in the house and they ended with 'Out Of The Black'.

 

 

 

I Managed to catch up with 'Mike' after the set to tell him of my excitement for the bands music,and I said to him that "I hope that you will come back to Manchester soon as its not on the tour schedule next year

" he replied that "We try to play everywhere we can I'm sure that we will " he seemed shy about the attention and glady posed for fans pics and Signatures,he then went over to the tour bus to possibly get some sleep rumour has it next morning the tour bus got a parking ticket for being on double yellow lines early morning,welcome to Manchester lads bless ha.

 

I met some great friends at the show and had such a great night it was hard to come back down the next day,I hope to catch up with them all next year all being well as 2015 is going to be  #Busy #Hectic #SubjectToChange.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Til Not Long from now Rock-Out !! 

 

 

 

 

LMi  x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



The Klaxons Manchester Academy 3 28.10.2014

Klaxons Manchester Academy 3 28.10.2014

 

The Klaxons another superbly talented band from London responsible for the NU-Rave movement in 2007 releasing album 'Myths Of The The Near Future' an album of critical acclaim ,took the indie scene by storm and whipped up a vast cult following of fans across the country and became 'NME's new "Indie Darlings" of that time,the last time I seen this band play live was back in June 2009 they were supporting 'Blur' on their reunion tour they were excellent then with their unique stage presence, so I expected that this tour would be no exception.

 

 

This year they finally released their album 'Love Frequency' and even though it did not get everyone rushing to buy it had a successful tour to back it performing a clutch of dates across the country, tonight as the crowd pack in for an intimate show it's obvious that "The Klaxons" still have the magic touch and ability to pull a crowd much of them in their late 20's and early 30's,there is another thing that has of course overshadowed the bands comeback and that is that they announced they were splitting up to do other projects and pursuits.

 

 

This is the last 'Klaxons' Tour.

 

 

 

The Theme on the stage is of 3D Paper Instruments all Three Dimensional amps etc..an interesting idea that hasn't been done before, with it's Black and White Decal backdrop and the new K logo emblazoned on the drum in the form of a bent peace logo, tonights show is intimately set in its small stage set up and low beam ceiling.

 

 

 

'Thumpers' come onto the stage at around 8pm another London band apparently friends with 'Keira Knightley' who is of course 'James Righton's wife, at first the band seem a bit nervy but settle into a fresh set and manage to get the crowd in a good mood they get the crowd clapping with a song that the female keyboard player sings she's introduced to us as 'Francis' one of the last songs they played that I heard was on 'MTV Rocks' I didn't know it was their song so it was nice to hear at the end they thanked 'The Klaxons' for having them on tour.

 

 

 

At around 9.15pm the lights were going down to their walk on theme which was the atmospheric 'In The Air Tonight' by Phil Collins as the drum roll kicked in on they walked, and the 3 guys were stood front of stage waving fists high smiling and about to start their set, the lads wore White Dungarees and James opted for another White theme with dayglo White t-shirt so basically the theme tonight was 'White' .

 

 

 

They kicked it all off with 'Atlantis' and some new album tracks including 'There Is No Other Other Time',people were pogoing behind me already it got quite rowdy but fun,then it was back to 'Klaxons Old Skool' with 'Gravitys Rainbow' and my fav their Indie classic 'Golden Skans'  to which I went nuts for,I'd been humming it all night.

 

 

 

 

Things got even more mad when 'Magic' came on the band kept getting emotional and singer guitarist 'Jamie' was thumping at his chest to show the love for the crowd he seemed moved by our loud cheering and shouts of requests,we chanted "Manchester nanana Manchester nanana" and he joined in singing along in a chant,all this before the encore,the atmosphere was amazing.

 

 

 

The Band came back on stage to play a superb old Rave cover song does anyone out there remember 'Kicks Like A Mule' -The Bouncer from 1992 ?? they played an awesome version of it  and it all went off so to speak  (Oh you know the one I mean "Your Names Not Down Your Not Comin In, Not Tonight Not Tonight") it got everybody bouncing again,no one else could pull a dance cover off like that.

 

 

 

 

The crowd were ecstatic,more old skool tracks later and they end the night with what else 'Its Not Over Yet' (How ironic that song is now to us all ay  (Tears in my eyes) ) the track is very energetically performed with 'James' bouncing up and down over on keyboards and 'Jamie' bouncing on his feet now soaked in sweat from the nights effort,I'm so pleased I didn't miss this show they were even better now than than when I last seen them they've grown into a great live act such a pity they will not be doing this again and it's the Last Hurrah.

 

 

 

'Manchester Misses You Already Boys,re-consider...'

 

 

 

Awesome Night Out !!

 

 

Thank you Klaxons !!!

 

 

 

 

 

LMi   x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Kylie Minogue -Kiss Me Once Tour Opening Night Liverpool Echo Arena 24th September 2014

Kylie Minogue Kiss Me Once Tour-   Opening Night     

Liverpool Echo Arena 24.09.2014

   Manchester Phones 4 U Arena          26.09.2014.                              

 

Followed by Birmingham and Closing Night in Sheffield .

 

 

Part 1

Tonight the excitement is bubbling in the Arena, all day 'Kylie' fans and me (who I will refer to as the #KylieMassivbye) have been conversing about what Miss Minogue has planned for this tour,which songs will she play? and which will she leave out?, with a back catalogue of over 25 years in the making its hard to work out what she will do, and much more importantly what will she wear ?.

 

 

This is the 1st show of 'Kylie's 'Kiss Me Once Tour',no one know's what she has up her sleeve after grand spectacle of 'Aphrodite' back in 2011, a DJ is onstage getting the crowd warmed up,I can see many fans dressed up,some relaxing and drinking all expectant of 1 woman the mighty Miss Kylie Minogue!!!  As the night begins we are treated to an 8 minute commercial featuring brand new songs and Kylie in a Fairytale film,the songs are a collaboration with 'Garibay' and see her return to her super dancy roots very catchy tracks that you can download on 'Soundcloud'  called..'Wait' 'Glow','Break This Heartbreak' 'Chasing Ghosts'.

 

 

As the lights go down,the female dancer's are poised on the stage lifts with black feather headdresses,and specially designed garments, 'Les Sex' booms out of the speakers as the opening track as 'Kylie' appears in a lovely Red dress tied at the middle like a basque,she wears a hat with one red feather and is perched reclining across a pair of Red lips and singing into the mic,the crowd go wild,as she takes to the long catwalk looking at us smiling as she passes the crowds with that familiar glint in her eyes and sparkle in her face,she welcome's us to the show and then says "Liverpool you are so WOW Wow wow!! before launching into the 2008 classic.

 

 

She shimmys down the catwalk,tonight her hair is bouncy and vibrant she draws gasps as she sashays past and goes on play the next song 'Sexy Love' from the album 'Kiss Me Once',her male dancers look classy in suits and hats showing off their agilty on the dancefloor with ease.

 

 

The next part of the show she reappears in Silver Glitter foil short dress,thigh high boots topped of with white collars and black tie round her neck,her male dancers look very much like Toybox characters,striking poses along the catwalk to the 90's classic 'Step Back In time' then 'Your Disco Needs You' the club classic anthem from 'Light Years' and then a super sexy version of 'Slow' as the male dancer in Black works with 'Kylie' moving back up the catwalk to the main stage by breakdancing and body popping til finally their hands touch to finish, she goes back down in the lifts vanishing from view.

 

Bringing us to my favourite section of the show this part has been likened as a tribute to 'Stepford Wives','Kylie' re-appearing in the luscious pink love heart outfit and pink hooped scoop skirt ,her dancers have cartoon like yellow hair and pose for the crowd acting out innocent and shocked facial expression's with camp ease.

 

 

She begins an 80's medley with 'Enjoy Yourself', 'Hand On Your Heart', where 'Kylie' and her female dancers playfully strip off a male dancers clothes on the floor I found this absolutely hilarious as he stands up pretending to cover his modesty he is wearing underwear ha, next up 'Never Too Late' with the dancers skipping around with 'Kylie' and doing the hoovering with wait for it ...Pink Hoovers class!!

 

Then we are treated to a classic act a pink bath appears with her male dancers in  pink towels also clutching a big pink towel (The theme is very much PINK folks very Kitsch) she looks at crowds reaction  has slight change in wardrobe shedding the skirt and steps into the bath of bubbles which is now almost vertical its like the famous scene in 'I Should Be So Lucky' the crowd are loving it not even I thought of this as an idea and it worked so well too.

 

 

Then we go from Dollhouse Cute and Sweet to 'Sexy Rock Vamp' in an outfit conjuring up images clearly influenced by 'Madonna' and 'Duran Duran's Chauffeur video 'Kylie' stands on a plinth with Black Hat and Shiny Leather coat to sing the most amazing tribute of 'I Need You Tonight' by INXs of course even I was not expecting that and she rocks it worked '#KylieRocks !!

 

 

The next song she takes off the coat to reveal a black leotard and tights for 'Skirt' and then things get a bit steamy as 'Kylie's female dancer's decide to bring the medicine balls out on stage and do some Ahem... 'Sexercise' some moves were shall we say a touch too much and I had to avert my eyes from some of raunchy moves, but perfect for straight men in the crowd I would say.

 

Part 2

Then for the next costume change, 'Kylie' wears a Shiny Black knee length skirt and and White shirt with tie for a version of 'Kids' as a Duet with her female dancers and then crowd pleaser 'Can't Get You Out Of My Head', she then re-appears a few minutes later in a stunning Crystal Blue coloured dress with trail ,she begins 'Beautiful' from the main stage and proceeds to slowly glide down the catwalk for 'Kiss Me Once' Titletrack ending in a climax of red heart confetti .

 

 

She vanishes again and another costume change later she reappears in a 'Fever-esque' metal Monochrome basque and glorious Black splayed feather head-dress in Silver thigh high boots,she sparkles through 'Get Out Of My Way' and 'Love At First Sight', she uses this section to engage with the crowd and she get a bloke from out of the crowd up onstage he'd appeared in 'Liverpool Echo Newspaper ' with a pic of his 'Kylie' tattoo on his leg he wanted 'Kylie' to Sign him so he could get a tattoo of that to add to it, so she explains that she obliged and asked him if he wanted any requests he said 'Especially For You' so 'Kylie' begins to sing the duet with the male fan (who is by now so emotional blubbing like a kid on his first day at school) it was great she meant a lot to him I really got that :0) we all applauded him as he gushed off the stage.

 

 

 

Part 3

 

It was on with the show,If I've learnt anything then its that when you are at a 'Kylie' show time flies, next costume change into a lacy Blue cut at mid waist dress think 'Game Of Thrones' for this one very glam, she sings 'Into The Blue' it was the last song of the night she blows kisses to the crowd and pause's at the steps with head bowed she's very emotional tonight as the first show ends,

 

 

I enjoyed it so much that I didn't want it to end.

 

 

We carry on to 'Manchester' a day later and 'Kylie' joyfully announces "I am honoured to say I have now played this venue 27 times" the crowd applaud loudly as only 'Manc' crowds can it is after all the Home of Music !! I got a bit too close to 'Kylie's male dancer during the Black leather section they throw off their jackets and it landed near the barrier where I was standing  and another time a leather glove nearly hit me square in the face ,I just dodged it for a second I thought it was Ladies Night LOL.

 

 

I enjoyed this tour so much so its my favourite now this show is like an intimate arena show with all the glamour and kitsch of 'Kylie' rolled into one.

 

 

One of the #KylieMassive' was lucky enough to meet the lady before the show and have her picture taken in special meet & greet, afterwards she was so excited for the show and said time went quick but it was fab,I almost went for the package Meet & Greet because the only thing I need is a pic of me  together with 'Kylie' but sadly it sold out quick with not being able to decide on money issues, but I was chuffed for her she's like another version of me, I met some great people some I'd known for years and hadn't realised and some whose paths had not quite crossed but we attended same shows etc....Only last night 'London 02 Arena' another of the '#KylieMassive' had his 'Aussie flag taken on stage by 'Kylie' he's still not come down yet, and my other friend from France had a crowd selfie on stage from her he's in the picture in the crowds .

 

 

 

The Tour rolls on until November here in the U.K., this show is sight and sound for the senses. In Birmingham Kylie was feeling a bit rough but you really couldn't tell, the crowd supported her and she thanked us I had a banner up tonight for the request section of the show and I chose catwalk end as my position with all the #KylieMassive it was a great show she played The Locomotion ,because Sexy Love was now dropped from the the set list very bad news for #KylieMassive we love that song  

 

 

Now into last show on the UK Tour Glasgow had been filmed for the DVD but they were also filming audience shots and some  close up here in             Sheffield.        

                                 

I chose Left of main Stage and managed to secure my gorgeous signed lithograph the new one with the exercise ball pose of just her, Which was achieved with my fellow member of the #KylieMassive so that's sorted now, the show itself was awesome Kylie looked really happy and lapped up the adoration. And there seemed to be more confetti too lovers !!!  

 

 

 Well That's it UK Tour over !!! slightly emotional and exhausted til next time this ship sails again,watch out for the exclusive link in seperate  blog to my #KMOTour2014 you've just read which is a Gallery with over 200              Glorious Moment's captured !!!     

 

 

 

So Now Goodbye Kylie Lovers Bye Bye!!

 

 

 

 

 

LMi    x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y Not Festival Pikehall Derbyshire 1st & 2nd August 2014

Y Not Festival Pike Hall Derbyshire 1-2 August 2014

 

DAY 1

 

I arrive early morning by train and I'm picked up by Taxi share with 5 people also heading to the festival which starts today 1st August,its 10am,I've just booked into my B&B,which I  have no time to fully appreciate,as I'm picking the key up and going straight to site.

 

 

 

I arrive with many festival people who are dragging along crates of beer and carrying tents waiting to pitch a spot before going to the event,some are in fancy dress so far I spotted a guy dressed as a giraffe, and another in a dressing gown and wellies, everyone is preparing themselves for a wet day and I have my waterproofs ready.

 

 

We are let in at 12 noon,I've no time to look around and head straight to 'Big Gin Stage', a few people gather for 'Hey Sholay' the first band of the afternoon,singer looks like 'Harry Styles' some lads notice this and start yelling his name out 'Oi Harry,Harry!!', the singer plays along with it and says "Oh yeah got it,got some new fans great", they play Indie pop music and then M+A (You'll remember they were at Truck Festival 2 weekends ago).

 

 

 

It's now raining pretty bad,I'm in parka with hood and holding an umberella,they start their set and introduce themselves "We are M+A and we are from Italy" and they begin the music they get though 2 or 3 songs and stop as the rain is really heavy so the techies push back their equipment as its really getting battered by the weather and is causing them concern ,after a few minutes they start again,I've got my whistle today so  I can join in the house party,but not many people are around Weather= 1    Festival = 0.

 

 

 

I spot some young lads joining me on the barrier,they're about 14 and one lad has a bottle of water but he's looking spaced out and is struggling to talk to me, I say to him "That's not water is it, what have you got vodka?" he smiles and says "Shh don't tell anyone" I look back at him and think typical any excuse to drink, he won't remember any of the festival being drunk on day 1 he disappears with his mates, sheesh Generation Z  !!

 

 

 

Next band on are 'Bat & Ball' with female singer on guitar and vocals,they are quite melodic,it's still raining though not many people are around ,there loads of other stages like 'The Big Squid Stage', 'Allotment' 'Quarry Stage' this is bigger than last years festival at 5'000 now there is a reported 15,000 coming to it,and it's SOLD OUT,Y Not started in 2006 by a farmer who's name is Tony (ynot) it was originally started as a birthday party that grew into a small festival that is now popular every summer,there is plenty to do plenty of food stalls from Tea and Toast at the entrance to the Burger and chips you can buy inside the arena area, and Dolly Daggers Bar it has also won the cleanest festival toilet award.

 

 

 

Then was a real treat on 'Big Gin Stage'  'Racing Glaciers' I was talking to 2 people from Cambridge who love festivals they guessed that I'd like the band and they were right I did ,the singer was on keyboards and guitar there were 4 members,their sound was very epic and anthemic if you can imagine 'Alt J' meets The Editors' meets 'Keane'' that's how good they were ,1 to watch this year.

 

 

 

Temporarily the rain halted , 'Sonic Boom Six" bounded onto the stage they were very energetic from the start, a band with their roots in Ska,Punk and Hiphop, suddenly the crowd had swelled with a lot of older people that hadn't been around, the female singer in White Dress and trainers, shaved punk hairstyle had everybody bouncing around to 'Virus' a catchy rock out tune that even managed to start a whirling mosh pit behind us,some were a bit crazy banging into people,they were all blokes who were drunk and some teenagers joining in, the male singer of the band was in suit and shades with hat that rivalled mine, he was getting us all psyched up and jumped off the stage to greet us it went nuts as people tried to reach him, the mood had changed the festival had finally officially started.

 

 

 

Next up Birmingham's 'Superfood'  (They were also at Truck) I was looking forward to seeing them again they had amassed quite few fans here too as many knew the words, then it was the return of heavy rain again hood went back up on 'Yuck' came on they had female singer on guitars and sounded a little bit like 'The Breeders' meets 'Sonic Youth', there was a lot of dry ice I could hardly see but I did notice 2 thirds of the band 'White Lies' watching them on stage right having a drink, The squashing has started already I'm not fazed by it though, although 2 annoying people are trying to spoil it for this tall guy who stood next to me is arguing about them pushing in,next up Fiction labels own 'Spector' it's heavy rain now ,they begin their set the singer has shoulder length hair he's wearing his trademark glasses suit and t-shirt,the crushing is getting worse much worse I've been winded twice, it's reminding me of Leeds last year when I had to get pulled out before Eminem.

 

 

 

People behind me are struggling they want to get out already I try and help them with security in front I point over to them there are about 4 on not enough for a festival event really, the 2 annoying females managed to upset the guy next to me that he let them on and now they were starting on me "You're Pushing, Stop Pushing me" I looked squarely at her and said "No You're Pushing I don't need to push I'm on the barrier and I push back, I've been here all day", she is literally pushing her arse at the side of me trying to shove in, they leave after mid way through 'Spector', I'm not letting anyone in Fxxk Off!!

 

 

So the crowd have started chanting and 'Spector' finished with 'Cherry Thunder' and now for 'Razorlight' it is Pissing down heavy I can barely see the stage ,I'm in agony my ribs are hurting, my knees are too, I'm dug in ready for the final act.

 

 

'Johnny Borrell' is sporting a catweasel beard, I can just about make his features out and I'm front of stage.. the dry ice is not helping much,they kick off with 'In The Morning' the crowd go nuts all I can think is just hold on no matter what it's spoiling things but its ok Breathe...

 

 

 

More hit songs follow 'Stumble & Fall' 'America' and 'Golden Touch' are all crowd pleasers, from being in throes of pain ,what I can recall is 'Johnny' didn't talk much during the set I wish he'd of said something to get the crowd to step back, more people were unable to cope and were dragged out I snapped and shouted to security to sort this out I said "You need to do something ,you need to tell people to step back" to which he replied "That's what happens when your at the front love" I scowled  "I know what its like to be at the front I go to about 20 gigs a year mate" he walked off.

 

 

 

I asked another for water for the crowd he said "We only have water for the staff" to my astonishment I said "Its a human right to have water, you need to get some, all gigs have to have water for people passing out" he agreed with me and radioed for some but in the end no water available they had to give out their supply eventually, it was ok for me I didn't want any I drank enough today ,but others were dropping like flies.

 

 

 

I've never felt more crushed in my life as 'Razorlight' played 'Somewhere Else' I was wishing I was in that hot shower or Big bath tub waiting at the B&B,I wish I had the chance to enjoy their set but I just wanted them to finish.

 

 

 

By 10pm it was the sing along 'Bohemian Rhapsody' by Queen my adrennalin kicked in as the boys hit the stage I was once again in the zone and bouncing on my feet,whilst shoving my arms tight on the barrier and occaision clapping but that whistle came in handy, 'Harry' finishes 'TGOLA' and says "Y Not Festival are you having a good time? " I scream and I'm both in agony and ecstasy they are finally onstage, as the familiar drum beat of 'FTTF' kicks in and everyone is going for it singing fists in the air, it's still raining not even 'White Lies' can stop the rain this time, 'Harry' looks happy at the size of the crowd they've amassed for tonights headline set he beams his usual smile and they get on with the show.

 

 

 

 

They play 'APTH' and 'To Lose My Life' ,'Getting Even' and also 'First Time Caller', it's mid set and another Crisis emerges and this girl behind me who is much smaller than me is struggling to get her head on the barrier I say "Really sorry love there's no room I have no room honest" she tells me she's come from the back it was awful back there and she wanted to see the band she's a big fan, it's clear something is wrong she keeps fainting so I get her some water from the guys who's had to give out staffs water to cope, I help her get her arm on the barrier so she can see all the while still squashed I ask her if she's ok or if she wants to get out (I promised her I wouldn't say what was wrong that she couldn't move she was embarrased so I wont).

 

 

 

The band play on oblivious of the chaos in the crowd,I was very impressed by her determination in light of what she told me power to her, It's already encore time and 'Big TV' and 'Bigger Than Us' were up next so I told her "Its all right there's just 2 songs to go are you ok? she kept nodding she was but she was getting crushed ,I was now leaning quite precariously to the left,waving at the band whistling, and looking after 'Girl X' who was still passing out,What a Fxxking Festival this is !!, when the band left the stage I could move again as people went away,the girls friends found her I told her "She's ok she's been at the front with me she needs water and to relax a bit,it was squashy" they Thanked me for looking out for her and I left,I'd missed  quarter of the set because of it.... Marvellous !!,I got back to the B&B counted my bruises and had that lovely shower .....Success!!!

 

 

 

DAY 2

 

 

 

I'm in absolute agony I can't be arsed today after "White Lies' gig chaos last night,I can barely move my head is aching oh yeah some bastard head butted me backwards during 'Spector' I'm remembering now.

 

 

I'm getting ready again taking my wellies and umberella,I've just had a hearty breakfast and a long relax so at 2pm I'm ready to go out again to the site. When I get there it's raining and 'Bang Bang' is finishing her set she's like U.K.'s answer to MIA but with a band.

 

 

I'm here again at 'Big Gin Stage' people are stood around watching ,the ground is muddy from yesterday theres a mud bath,next band on are 'Neon Waltz' ,it's starting to brighten up rain is stopping and 'Lyger' come on next there are a bit like 'Nirvana/Muse' in a battle of the bands type of way,today the atmosphere is different,two blokes stripped to their underwear are sliding around though the mud bath covered from head to toe in it,  the sun is shining,I stand in the place I was before with lots of space no drunk teens, perhaps the hangovers have kicked in,hope it hurt like my head did!!.

 

 

Then a Japanese guitarist with a surprise live act, 'Hotei' he plays guitar like 'Matt Bellamy' if you shut your eyes it could be him playing an instrumental set he was awesome,I mean I was transformed alive again  he played 'Mission Impossible' and some guitar solos,so glad I didn't miss this apparently he did a song on 'Kill Bill' the movie, he's huge in Japan but can speak little English.

 

 

 

I wander off after that and chat to stage door man and I told him about last night,he was really cool to chat to, the sun was hot and the mood was happy all around I managed to meet 'Hotei' and also 'Rick Witter' from 'Shed Seven' who I go to watch later.

 

 

 

I easily get to the front for 'Shed Seven' and what's even better there are 2 little girls watching it on the barrier too so I know it's not going to get rough, the sun is out the band come on and kick off with 'Getting Better' and 'Rick does his indie style swagger dancing, grabs some maraccas and launches into 'Where Have you Been Tonight and 'She Left Me On Friday',the audience were going wild there was no pushing though, 'Rick' says "We've got a surprise guest with us on tour please welcome Mr Tom Jones!!" on he walks in T-shirt and White Shorts and Sunglasses he waves at us and bows then walks off again, 'Rick' says "If you sing loud enough he may come on and do a song with us" so we all start singing 'Deliah' he doesn't come back on.

 

 So on with the show, I shouted 'Dolphin,Dolphin !!' for the next song then as if by magic 'Dolphin' begins juddering guitars a pure indie classic and the 1st of their 12" single's bought,'Rick' swaggers around in Blue jeans and Grey shirt he banters with 'Paul Banks' the guitarist and they play 'Going For Gold'  and end with the awesome 'Chasing Rainbows' where 'Rick' has us singing the chorus over and over at least 4 times it was a great highlight of the whole festival for me, awesome set 'Shed Seven' have still got it!!

 

 

 

So at 8.15pm not wanting to outstay my welcome I missed 'The Fratellis' and 'Dizzee Rascal' (I've seen him twice with Muse ..but not tonight I'm jiggered) I rush off for a relaxing spa and veg out with the TV at my B&B,Back home tomorrow.

 

 

 

This is me signing off  Festival Duty ... Battered,Shattered but seen 'White Lies' again that's all that Mattered

 

 

LMi   x

Gallery Up soon...Farewell  :0)