Ride -02 Ritz Manchester 10th July2017

Ride

02 Ritz Manchester 10.07.17

 

 

Its been a ridiculously long time since I caught up with this lot !, they were the first live band I seen in a bigger venue when I was a kid it was 'Blackpool Empress Ballroom' in the late 90's.

 

Their set was responsible for the constant ringing in my eardrums after the event , I still get the ringing in my ears once in a while now due to their amazing wall of sound and my lack of knowledge on needing earplugs .

 

 

 

Now in 2017 with a new album 'Weather Diaries' and doing a series of dates across the UK at festivals and small venues mainly down south they're from 'Oxford'.

 

Tonight I'm here to see them play a show as part of the 'Manchester International Festival' which promises some surprises.

 

Support tonight is from 'The Spectres',I'm told by a friend that they are really loud, NO really LOUD!! its not even a Metal/Rock band, it's all about Distortion and Feedback and lots of Fxxking screeching with one member using a bow on the guitar, Thankfully I've got my earplugs..it's not enough it's the most excruciating annoying sound I've ever heard in my life !! I literally have my hands over my ears pushing the plugs in more,its so horrendous that it could almost be used as a method of intelligence, I look at my friend in disbelief he definitely wasn't wrong.

 

 

Eventually they leave and then relative relief,I'm ready for 'Ride' ,the logo is big bold and welcoming on the backdrop.

 

 

At 9pm they walk on stage with singer /guitarist 'Mark Gardener' looking smaller and petite than I remember and minus the silky girlie locks he had,he's now in his late 40's but still manages to look youthful and elfin like, 'Andy Bell' is to the left of me (Formally a member of 'Oasis' and 'Beady Eye' over the last decade or so he's back in the fold now), 'Steve' on Bass, Loz on drums we're away the show starts.

 

 

A confident start with new tracks from the album and then a blast from the past with 'Seagull' from their '1990' album 'Nowhere' causing most of the crowd to surge forward and push,it's bit uncomfortable mainly as some fans were drunk and arguing with each other on the left of me, then another track an early EP 'Like A Daydream' title track of the album and new single 'Cali' then back to the old skool again with 'Unfamiliar' the crowd are a rowdy lot but exhuberant, playing E.P. tracks was a smart move they always topped the Indie charts with them.

 

 

 

Next up from 'Going Blank Again' 'Time Of Her Time',I was hoping they'd play 'Twisterella' but they omitted it this time for a new track 'All I Want' that sounds like classic 'Ride' ,another fav 'Taste' getting the crowd excitable again.

 

 

 

Then we get the stormer of a 'Ride' classic with 'Vapour Trail' it's a highlight towards the end when the crowd chant  "Dur ...Dur Dur Dur Dur Dur, Dur Dur... Dur Dur Dur" to the music (This happens only in Manchester LOL) ,the band were so overwhelmed by the crowds response it appeared on a video all over their social media with my/our participation.

 

 

 

 

As if the setlist couldn't get any better my absolute fav track  'Drive Blind' started a track with an 8 minute running time and a stunning end involving Loz on the drums, 'Ride' are still a force to be reckoned with when it comes to live bands.

 

They leave the stage to return with another new song and "Leave Them All Behind" a masterpiece in Indie History and final song 'Chelsea Girl' .

 

The gratefulness etched on the bands face as they leave, I can hardly believe the show is over it went so quickly, there were no fancy effects just coloured lights and dry ice providing the atmosphere but it was a show of Excellence.

 

Glad I had the chance to see them play live again,after all those years well worth checking out sadly the tour was short and is over now in the U.K.

 

 

 

 

 

 

LMi  xo

Southend Summer Weekend-White Lies Brighton Concorde 2 7th July +The Killers Hyde Park British Summertime Festival 8th July 2017

Southend Summer Weekend 

White Lies Brighton Concorde 2 + The Killers Hyde Park London 

 British Summertime Festival 7th/8th July 2017

 

 

Its hot its gloriously sunny,I'm here in London and I'm coming to get you 'Brighton' !!

 

 

 

I check into my West London Hotel, and grab a cab to take me to the station for my 1st ever trip to 'Brighton',No I'm not on holiday, although walking around it certainly feels like it.

 

 

A Good friend is guiding me around her hometown (she's so lucky living here) taking me round the trendy shops and places to see including the famous Brighton Pier we're both here to see 'White Lies' warm up gig before they headline at BST in 'London's Hyde Park' tomorrow.

 

 

It's an intimate venue near the seafront and it's sold out, its lucky I'm going to this as their next show is going to be on a different stage to 'The Killers' headline slot in 'Hyde Park' they'll be on the 'Barclaycard Stage' further away and will only finish just before the band get on the main stage so for once I have to pretend there isn't a show to go to of theirs as  I can't be in 2 places sadly ,but it's happening tonight instead .

 

 

It's quite relaxed as 'Anteros' take to the stage, you'll probably remember they supported the band on tour earlier this year at certain venues, they are from 'Brighton' and 'Tommy' who plays keyboards is also resident here. It's very hot in the venue its been a scorcher outside ,there isn't much in the way of Air conditioning,lucky then my friend brought a fan which save's us from #Heatstroke throughout the show.

 

The boys take to the stage to my astonishment 'Harry's wearing a bloody jumper, when only hours before he was being interviewed on the beach with 'Jack' and 'Charles' in T-shirts and sunnies lol.

 

They begin the familiar 'Setlist' and its hotter in fact I cant recall being this roasted in a gig for ages #Northerner... the classics like 'To Lose My Life', 'Farewell To The Fairground', 'A Place To Hide' , 'From The Stars' and even the latest album tracks from 'Friends' are welcomed by the crowd in fact they know all the words like the crew down the front (I.E.  Us The White Lies Massive lol), 'Harry' struggles a bit in the heat, he throws a towel on his head and laughs seeing the crowd before him  with sweating smiley faces we're all struggling its about 30 Degrees in here Phew!! 

 

 

By the time we are at the Encore we're all danced out,I wasn't sure I'd get to see the whole show as the late train's back to 'London' are not reliable all the time but as they actually started earlier and finished at 10pm for the local club night.

 

 

 

 I had a bit of time to relax afterwards I even managed a quick chat with 'Anteros' and later in the cool air I had a enough time lend a marker and  to chat to 'Harry' where he was meeting fans.  I told him "I wont be upfront for the show tomorrow as I'm watching 'The Killers' on the main stage" he took it fairly well he said "Well you could do both and elbow your way to the front later " I thought "Hmm Yeah" but No I wasn't going to miss 'The Killers' comeback show see you lot in the September lol. 

 

 

I get back to my hotel about 1.15am, due to the long journey back ,easier getting there longer getting back. 

 

PART 2 

The Killers British Summertime Festival

Great Oak Stage 

 

So... not much time for sleep if I'm queuing later, I set my alarm for 5.00am and I'm taxi bound again at 6.30am , Over slept a bit so I'm cutting time , luckily as arrive I notice there's only 6 people in the Early Entry South Queue, we are all using the number system so it means I can wander round the park, strolling by the lakes with ducks and swans, birds cheeping , squirrels scurrying up the trees one even brazen enough to high five my finger lol I realise in this peaceful tranquillity its another gorgeous day , I'm here for a gig so I cant stay for a long time and make my way back to the queue Gates open at 12pm.  

 

 

 

Everything is calm until we are going through security its very strict I have to put electronic things in a clear bag , resulting in others passing me have to remind myself not to run off without my stuff ,Argh Stress!! we're told not to run but some are getting away with it, I finish up on the left of the stage on the barrier I planned to be at least nine people further in to the centre but it is what it is, the stage is about 3 ft away from us anyway. 

 

 

First act on stage 'The Strypes' from 'Ireland' they are a really lively bunch of young lads, with a guitarist taking style tips from 'Bruce Foxton' of  'The Jam', their sound is a tribute between 'The Jam' and 'Arctic Monkeys' singer sports a 'Stiff Little Fingers' Punk t-shirt he wasn't even born when they were in the charts, they're very energetic and entertaining its the perfect start to the day, 'Mystery Jets' are up next its getting warmer out here nowhere to shade from the sun I just drink my water which I'm allowed in with as it was sealed I've already eaten before gates as I know how expensive food is and the lack of variety , I'm struggling under the rays to enjoy their set its not quite got me excited possibly because I seen them in 'Coventry' last year its the same setlist really.

 

 

 

Eventually I have to put my summer shawl on my head I feel like a sultan, thankfully it does the trick but its the hottest day this year without a doubt,next band 'Cold War Kids' a band from the U.S. the singer looks a bit like 'Andy Bell'  of 'Erasure' in purple t-shirt casual jeans lol, they have a new vibrant sound straight from the school of 'One Republic' they are multi-talented musicians just like them, but I remember them as a mainly edgey Indie band from '2006' when their hit 'Hang Me Out To Dry' which they are playing now was on 'Mtv Rocks', their sound is much poppier these days as is their image with a huge colourful backdrop of flowers perectly fitting in  with 'Oak Stage' scenery, I enjoyed their set .  

 

 

 It's getting ever warmer out here as next band are from '80's era 'Tears For Fears' walk onto the stage in the mid afternoon sun , 'Curt' and 'Roland' look at the huge crowd with excitement and amazement, they begin with 'Change' followed by more of their classics 'Mad World','Head Over Heels'  everyone knows at least 1 'Tears For Fears' song they were huge in the 80's and played on radio constantly even now. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They really are frighteningly good live even now, they have the crowd in the palm of their hands, 'Roland' speaks "Well is this London ?! its like being in another country in this heat " he says "We are now going to do our version of  a 'Radiohead' song that everyone is doing" hold on a minute "Woah I wasn't expecting this as they launch to 'Creep' its a glorious superb likeness of the original I'd waited all Tuesday night for this and now days later 'Thank You ,Tears For Fears'.  As they continue with 'Sowing The Seeds Of Love' and finally  'Everybody Wants To Rule The World' and 'Shout' What a great band.

 

 

I'm not too excited about the next band  it's 'Elbow' I've seen them twice supporting 'Muse' years ago and wondered why they were picked for that role or supporting 'The Killers'  I don't believe their sound fits anthem indie/rock bands as they always sounded a bit too dreary for me,some songs are better but personally 'White Lies' would of been an obvious choice before 'The Killers'. 

 

 

 

 

Which reminds me they'll be on in 30 minutes oh shit !! 'Elbow' get on stage and begin with 'All Disco' , 'Guy Garvey' gets the crowd involved by asking them to put their hands up and wiggle their fingers (Oh god this is going to be a long night zzz).

 

 

Visable on his right arm is the 'Manchester Bee' symbol they are from back home in 'Bury' , a highlight of their set is 'One Day Like This' I love that song, we all wave our arms and sing it back the crowd enjoy it too next up 'Grounds For Divorce' with catchy chorus, but I'm already thinking I am in the wrong place never mind too late now #Awkward.

 

 

 

8.30pm and the stage is revealed and ready... the crowd is ready finally 'The Killers' walk on stage and kick things off with new song 'The Man', 'Brandon Flowers' looks every inch the showman from 'Las Vegas' in fetching Fuschia Pink Jacket and he wriggles his hips like 'Elvis' in his slimfit jeans, as he climbs the amps to gaze at the 64.000 crowd triumphantly.

 

 

 

Next 'Spaceman'  with superb space age visuals with black skies and the lasers, boy do they know how to put on a show, we even get a fantastic version of 'Shadowplay' by 'Joy Division' it's pure Vegas  tonight Baby!! the colours of the set bright with the trademark 'K' on the keyboards upfront we're in for a treat tonight.

 

 

 Brandon's speeches are drowned out by the crowds roar of approval, but he introduces 'Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine' from 'Hot Fuss' always a fav and then it keeps getting better 'Smile Like You Mean It' and 'Brandon' has a wardrobe change back to Black suited Icon with colourful lapels this time. It's then on with the show again 'Dustland Fairytale' and 'Sams Town' then 'Human' and 'When You Were Young' they play past their stage time by 10 mins but it goes so fast I can hardly believe its nearly the end with just the greatest crowd response for the last track and with the confetti cannons going off for 'Mr Brightside' the crowd are bouncing now and singing all the words,what a phenomenally great band 'The Killers' are.

 

 

  I can recall when I first heard a track of theirs on the radio Xfm London it was 'Somebody Told Me' I was in London for Muse with Elbow supporting in December 2004 and I remember thinking I must see this band live and now.... 'I Am Home !!! 

 

 

Next time ...we go back to the 90's and a former shoegazing band from Oxford..

 

 

 

LMi   xo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Radiohead Old Trafford Cricket Ground Manchester 04.07.2017

Radiohead

Old Trafford Cricket Ground

Manchester 04.07.2017

 

I cant believe I'm here after getting train from Sheffield back home to drop my baggage off and back out to see these guys, who I've been a fan of since 1990's and never seen live ever!!

 

They don't often tour so I was surprised when they announced the dates for 2 Manchester shows,  events of course changed the venue now merged into 1 big show here in 'Trafford's Cricket Ground but squeezed back into my  planned gigging schedule should be on Wednesday.

 

Yes I am totally knackered I've had a few hours sleep after last nights 'Green Day' gig but it is becoming morning as arrive in 'Trafford' I arrive early with a good friend of mine already in the queue, it's going to be a long day,and by late afternoon its raining, no really raining I'm so tired I shelter under my umbrella and fall asleep giving up on my hopes for a sunny day.

 

Gates open and we are ushered in after declaring our bags with security its almost going to plan until we are split into 2 queues men ,women and some people yep ..the blokes try to run through before they are told they get called back, we're told not run ,we are told not to but others do, barrier fills up fast but I spot a place at the front by my friend that is until some hostile fan blocks me and decides to lock horns there was lots of room he hogged much of the barrier for no apparent reason I have ever come accross, when he crys wolf saying I'm the bully this attracts security's attention I explain and the guy physically pinches my back leg I report him but we are told to behave or we'll leave, no surprise the guy comes from a little island not in the UK and clearly left his brains there ,most people will relate I'm sure,I persist on keeping my place theres plenty of room we don't speak or acknowledge the other throughout. 

 

Anyway the show must go on so the first act who is quite sinister and appears to play a score from a horror film (how appropriate) he plays the cello with various dramatic effects its quite soulless and empty but strangely interesting, his stare is icy and bizarre, he dosent speak after his music its fascinating but bizarre it feels lengthy.

 

 

Next up 'Johnny Greenwood & His Band' a group of Indian and Asian musicians playing bongos drums and various traditional world musical instruments while 'Johnny' of floppy fringe and slender over 6ft  in frame plays guitar. There is a singer on guitar who reminds me of one of the 'Kalikan Trio' that joined 'Madonna' on her 'MDNA' tour in 2012, he gets the crowd singing even though its in a different language we all join in.

 

 

 

 

 

By 8.30pm the strobe lights and spotlights come on and finally 'Thom Yorke' and his band walk onto the stage, his long hair tied back in a man bun,Wearing Black Leather jacket and black trousers clutching his guitar he creates a huge roar of applause, its deafening & exciting 'Ed' is over to the left and 'Jonny' on my right 'Thom' smiles as he begins the first song. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the backdrop their is an obelisk shape with coded writing possibly pertaining to Psychology or Science, stretching across the whole stage set. 

 

 

 

 

 

'Let Down' and 'Lucky' kicked everything off 'Thom's hypnotic twitchy dancing entertain the  huge crowd, and my fav track from 'Ok Computer' ,'Airbag' (it's the albums 20th Anniversary this year) it got a rapturous response and prompted huge sing a long for many here tonight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A particular stand out moment comes as 'Thom' takes a seat by the piano for 'Pyramid Song', the lighting and laser effects totally encapsulating the mood followed by the upbeat '2001' track 'Everything In Its Right Place' and the melodic ballad of 'No Surprises', lesser known songs like 'Weird Fishes/Arpeggi' is a strange song as is '2+2=5, absent so far is new song 'Burn The Witch' as recent as last year but not present in tonights show .  We then get a 1st encore incorporating the visual 'Lotus Flower' and its back to business 'Paranoid Android' which you'll remember the video with bizarre comic strip character 'Robin'with some political references that are still relevant today. 

 

 

 

 

 

They keep the crowd in suspense as 'Thom' dons an acoustic guitar for 'Fake Plastic Trees', and another encore after a fav from 'Amnesiac', 'There There' a rousing version of 'The Bends' not played in ages from their 1995 hit album and choosing to end the whole show with 'Karma Police' was enthralling with thousands singing in unison "For a minute there I lost myself, I lost myself" to get the band to come back on to play 'Creep' but it wasn't to be. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ed on bass looked emotionally moved by the crowd and he clapped us all, and then they were gone they played 26 songs, I wish they'd played 'Just' and 'My Iron Lung' and 'Stop Whisphering' I think they played 'Street Spirit' but cannot remember if I dreamt it because it was a epic performance. Getting back to the station from far out was a very tasking thing, no visable signs to the metrolink ,no taxis allowed near the venue to greet me I tootled my way round 'Trafford' for once lost in my own city ?? which is mainly residential I set about trying to get a cab to drive me to any station inside the city(Miles Away) to catch the last train.  Eventually I found a taxi to get me there for £15 and arriving near Oxford Road with 5 Mins to spare and went home more exhausted than I'd ever been in a gigging cycle, I couldn't wait to get to sleep til the next afternoon.

 

 

 

Til Next Time Giggers!! 

 

 

Lmi  xo