Music – Page 2 – Middle Age Fanclub

Middle Aged Gigging: The Bluetones at the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds.

I’ve lived in Leeds now for well over 25 years and seen a lot of gigs in that time too. However, strangely, I’ve never been to the Brudenell which makes me feel a little bit sheepish about tonight’s gig. Almost like I’ve been cheating a bit in the way I’ve seen my local gigs!

Mixed in with that sheepishness though, there’s the usual excitement at seeing The Bluetones, so it’s all good as they say.

The Brudenell is literally just a big, traditional working men’s club, but over the years it’s gained a reputation as a fantastic venue hosting all manner of brilliant music, so naturally I’m looking forward to our visit. And I’m not disappointed because the atmosphere in the place is just great and we’re treated to a superb night.

Support tonight is provided by local Leeds band, The Loose Cut and it’s safe to say that they’re excited to be here too. I’ve seen them supporting The Bluetones before and they were good then, but tonight there’s definitely an extra edge to their set. Their sound lies somewhere on the heavier end of indie pop and there are loads of good tunes here tonight, starting with opener ‘Last All Night’ and carrying on through the set with the singalong of ‘Round and Around’ and the highlight of ‘Resist’.

The Loose Cut are really loud too. We’re right next to the stage and as well as the usual throbbing of the bass going through my body, I can even feel my jeans shivering. Definitely a band to check out, but maybe take a step back if you’re my age!

Ultimately though, we’re here to see The Bluetones, a band I’ve seen loads times before over the years. And that amount of gigs really matters as I know that I’m pretty much guaranteed a brilliant night full of great songs and a bit of in between songs entertainment as provided by lead singer and all round top fella, Mark Morriss. There will always be something slightly different with this brilliant band.

Tonight, the main difference is that the band have recently released their first new music in 14 years. It’ll be the first time I’ve heard it live and I’m interested to hear how it’ll sound even though I bought the EP when it came out last month. The band are usually pretty tight though and so I don’t think I’m in for any nasty surprises here.

The other difference comes with the lads’ on stage attire. Over the years, The Bluetones have worn tuxedos, dressed as scientists and done the encore in pyjamas and dressing gowns as well as various other looks. And tonight is no different…although actually different, if you know what I mean! Tonight the lads take to the stage in a combination of t-shirts from their own merch, jeans, white Converse and wait for it…blue sweatbands, which I have to say is an excellent touch. I mean, it’s hot under those lights and there’s none of us getting any younger!

Old favourites ‘Bluetonic’ and ‘Cut Some Rug’ start things off in brilliant fashion, with the already ‘on side’ packed house signing along in unison. It feels clear that the band are up for this and so are we.

The pace continues with ‘Fast Boy’ and the excellent ‘Down By The Reservoir’ before the band show some sympathy for the many middle aged limbs in the audience by playing a trio of slower songs in ‘Keep The Home Fires Burning’, ‘4 Day Weekend’ – in honour of Jesus, apparently – and then ‘Sleazy Bed Track’. Mark gives us a jokey dressing down during this section for not buying these singles when they were out. I resist the urge to tell him that I did, in fact buy them, for fear of looking like a bit of a tw*t though. I mean, you don’t want to look like that in front of your favourites, do you? I did buy them though…

Then, it’s time for us to be treated to our first live taste of new material as ‘Drive Thru’ makes an appearance. And it is a proper treat. Like anyone who’s waited 14 years to hear new songs, there’s the fear that the band might just not have it anymore. But we shouldn’t have worried, especially given this band’s track record. All of the new songs tonight sound fantastic and they’ll sit well alongside other live favourites, hopefully for years to come.

Before we know it we’re into the last three tracks of the night, although with a bit of a wink from Mark, we’re comforted by the fact that these won’t actually be the last songs of the night. We’re dropping the pretence after all these years and apparently there’ll be something called an encore…

It’s a race to the end of the set with ‘After Hours’ followed by ‘Slight Return’ and then ‘Never Going Nowhere’, coming as it does with its now traditional 80s pop medley. Tonight there’s ‘Obsession’ by Eurythmics, ‘Jump’ by Van Halen, ‘Power of Love’ by Huey Lewis and The News (a personal high point!) and a remarkable stab at ‘Feel For You’ by Chaka Khan! Believe me, you’re not getting this type of entertainment elsewhere and nor are you getting the option of finishing a song in the style of a) The Bluetones or b) Elvis, which is another thing that happens tonight! It’s safe to say Mark, that if it all goes t*ts up, you could make a decent living as an Elvis impersonator. I mean, we saw one in Mallorca that was genuinely robbing a living, so the Balearics market is ripe for the picking!

The end of the night comes all too soon with said encore of new track ‘Madeline’ and the classic that is ‘If’, which is so highly anticipated apparently that some bloke behind me is literally effing and jeffing at the band to play at the top of his voice!

If I’m honest, I would’ve stayed for a good while longer listening to these lads tonight. The Bluetones really are an absolute joy and I’m sure even big sweary Dave (possibly not his real name) would agree, despite the minute or so delay in playing ‘If’!

Afterwards, we make a quick trip to the merch stall so I can grab a t-shirt and a new hat and then it’s time to head home. Once again, as with so many other times in the past, it’s just been a brilliant night. Mark, Scott, Adam, Eds and Richard; thanks for the gig and for putting another huge smile on my face! That said, if I could make a suggestion for next time…how about ‘Thank You For Being A Friend’ from The Golden Girls for that medley? Surely no one would grumble…not even big sweary Dave!

Until the next time; cheers lads!

Book Review: I Blame Morrissey by Jamie Jones

Music and sport can do funny things to a person. Those of us who take an interest in either or both can become unhinged, erratic, obsessive and just plain odd because of how they make us feel. In fact, if you’re a fan of both, you may well get to a certain age and look back in wonder, unable to fathom out some of your decisions, while simultaneously still believing that they were right all along. People won’t understand you and you won’t understand what there is to understand, but quietly you’ll be fully aware of just what a weirdo you probably are.

Jamie Jones is one such weirdo and ‘I Blame Morrissey’ is his attempt to explain his obsessions with music and to a lesser extent, football.

Jones grew up in the 90s – like me – and was obsessed by music and football – like me. However, while I made some ridiculous decisions while following bands and Newcastle United, I managed to allow life to get in the way and eventually grew into a reasonably well adjusted adult. Sort of. Jamie Jones – and I can’t disguise some kind of jealousy – got more and more obsessive until he was allowing his life to be dictated by song lyrics. And as crazy as that might sound to some of you, it all makes for some incredible stories.

‘I Blame Morrissey’ tells the tale of a young man growing up and trying to navigate the world around him while also dedicating himself to following music and Peterborough United. And for most of the time, music and Peterborough win out, meaning that relationships are doomed because of perceived messages in songs and important dates and occasions missed because Peterborough have a game in some meaningless competition. I mean, we’ve all been there, right? Right?

Jones’s teenage years were dominated by girls, Peterborough United and musicians like Billy Bragg. But like any good music fan his journey takes on various twists and turns, many of them familiar to me and most likely to some of you too. Thus, if you are of a certain age there will be something here for you; a memory to empathise with or the reminder of a song that brings it all flooding back. There are festivals from a time when it was the music that was the most important thing. There are tales of The Charlatans, Morrissey, Ride, the Britpop years, of loves lost and found and of any number of decisions made in the name of whatever the latest obsession happens to be. There’s even some Teenage Fanclub, which obviously resonated with the bloke who writes this blog.

There’s a lot of this book that I feel like I lived myself. A great deal of the rest of it buzzes with a familiarity and a nostalgia that I simply couldn’t get enough of. And for that reason, everything about the book was a joy for me; like stepping back in time.

If you grew up with posters on your bedroom walls that you sometimes talked to, if you ever bought items of clothing because your idols did, if you ever changed your walk or your body language just to be more like your heroes or if you ever endangered a friendship, relationship or even your own life just to go and see a band, then ‘I Blame Morrissey’ will be right up your street!

I give ‘I Blame Morrissey’…

Northern Ballet – Romeo and Juliet at The Grand Theatre, Leeds.

I’ve been slightly fascinated by ballet for most of my adult life. There’s something amazing about a story told solely by dance and something incredible to me about those who can do so. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined I’d ever go to watch one though! As a working class lad from the north-east, I didn’t think I’d quite fit the profile for the kind of person who’d go out to watch the ballet and I didn’t think I’d ever get the opportunity.

However, things began to change in the early stages of last year while I was at home recovering from my heart surgery. While mornings were usually spent getting some kind of exercise, afternoons were for recovering from the mornings and by the time the evenings came round I was often fit only for sitting in front of the telly and that was about it! On one such evening, with the living room to myself, I was flicking through the channels looking for a change from the norm and there it was – Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet. I watched it, captivated.

Fast forward to February of this year and upon opening the final birthday present from my wife, there was a ticket shaped piece of carboard in a huge box. Expecting tickets to a gig or a comedy tour I flipped it over to reveal…tickets to Northern Ballet’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’. While I was surprised and a little bit puzzled, I was also really pleased.

And so, last Saturday, with mere minutes to spare – we were cutting things fine, as ever – we took our seats at the Grand, not really knowing what to expect. So, let me tell you a bit about the ballet.

The first thing that struck the both of us was a little detail about the audience; it seemed like about three quarters of them were drinking white wine in the theatre. Not in the bar, but in the theatre. In fact, while squeezing past a group to get to our seats one woman smiled and told me, ‘Just watch the wine’! Now, I’ve been to lots of theatre shows over the years and never have I witnessed such civilised debauchery! But almost everywhere we looked there was wine flowing.

Whenever I’ve thought about ballet in the past, I’ve heard an orchestra warming up beforehand. That kind of discordant mix of various instruments that I assume is musicians tuning up. I thought this was just a daft stereotype that I was relying on, but sure enough with seconds to go until curtain up, there it was! Even that was a bit of a thrill!

As the ballet started though, the orchestra playing Prokofiev’s soundtrack were wonderful. The set and lighting had a hazy, almost other-wordly feel to it and the sight of Romeo and Juliet on opposing balconies stretching to attempt to touch felt somehow profound. And then the balconies were pulled apart and the two star crossed lovers simply got further and further away from each other.

Another thing to point out here; for a very short while I was waiting for someone to speak. It is after all a Shakespeare play and so, as someone who has seen a fair amount of those in my time, I struggled a little to adjust. However, within what could only have been a few minutes I had relaxed into it and was simply carried away by the story and the beautiful way in which it was being told. I mean, who doesn’t know the story of Romeo and Juliet?

I don’t feel qualified to review the ballet from any kind of knowledgeable standpoint. Those on stage looked magnificent, at the very top of their profession, but unless anyone literally fell over, I couldn’t really judge.

What I do know is just how impressive and emotional the whole thing was. I knew that watching ballet in a theatre would fascinate me and I was in no way disappointed. For the majority of the time there was just so much going on on stage that I’d be trying to watch everything with a keen eye, fully aware of just how much I’d be missing elsewhere on stage. This wasn’t simply about the two main players. Every dancer excelled in their ability to convey emotion and the events of the story and the whole thing was just a feast for the senses (well, eyes and ears anyway!).

I sat watching for over 2 hours, admiring not only the fact that Northern Ballet’s troupe were just so graceful and powerful, but also marvelling at their stamina. As a middle aged runner, I’m thrilled with myself for going for a run for around an hour. I regularly speak to friends about how fit footballers are with the sheer amount of distance that they travel in a game, but the realisation of what these dancers were putting themselves through for such an amount of time couldn’t be ignored. I’m sure it’s something that seasoned ballet fans take for granted, but it was just another thing that absolutely fascinated me about the whole thing.

At this point, I wish that I had more knowledge to impart, but about as far as I go in this particular area is knowing the names of some of the moves. I’ve little or no idea what they look like though. What I can comment – again – on is just the level of skill involved. The choreography must have to be so incredibly detailed that for a mere plodder like me, it doesn’t bear thinking about. I watched in awe as dancers spun and soared in perfect time together and dovetailed across the stage with great agility and power in order to tell the story. Beforehand, I’d wondered if I might drift off given that the whole show was well over 2 hours long, but it really wasn’t an issue and I was invested in the tale from minute one.

I can’t finish writing without singling out Kevin Poeung, who played Mercutio and gave an incredible performance. He was just impossible to ignore and brought real personality to the role, adding just a dash of comedy and mischief where it was needed in order to accurately give us the unpredictable Mercutio that we would have expected. In short, Kevin’s was a brilliant and thoroughly entertaining performance among a cast that really were fantastic.

Watching Northern Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet was a genuine thrill for me and I’d really recommend going to see anything that they put on. And this wasn’t just something I think I can tick off some kind of bucket list, either. I’ll definitely go back to the ballet sometime in the future. So, if like me, you’re wondering what a ballet might be like, I could only recommend that you too take the plunge.

Middle Age Gigging: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds at Leeds First Direct Arena.

As a child of the 70s and 80s, I sometimes get to thinking that there have been times when I’ve had very little to feel lucky about. Growing up in the North of England I watched heavy industry being torn apart, mass unemployment, a decidedly average football team and all things Margaret Thatcher for around about the first 20 years of my life. It all felt a bit rubbish, to be honest!

However, there was always music, even if that invariably meant mining the past to listen to more of bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. And then, in the mid to late 80s came The Smiths and The Stone Roses amongst other followed in the early 90s, by Oasis. They were right up my street, I was the right age and thanks to the fact that attended a university in the north west, I was in the right place too. Sadly, all good things come to and end and thus the brothers Gallagher eventually went their separate ways, Liam forming Beady Eye and Noel bringing together his High Flying Birds. They would leave a legacy of incredible music and a lifetime’s worth of memories though.

Oasis and the Gallaghers have been a huge part of my musical life ever since and so tonight, despite the time of year and another hard day at work, I’m tingling with excitement at the prospect of watching Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds at Leeds Arena.

The band/Noel have an album to promote, June’s ‘Council Skies’, and have been on tour worldwide for months. We last saw them in Leeds 7 or 8 years ago, so tonight is highly anticipated and walking through the city on the way to the venue the atmosphere gets better the closer we get. There’s a definite buzz, which although is probably partly due to Christmas, intensifies as we near the venue and by the time we take our seats with around half an hour until stage time you can sense that everyone feels exactly the same. Everyone is up for this!

As a middle age gig goer it’s quite comforting to see the age profile of the crowd. In short, there are plenty here around my age and plenty more who look decidedly older. And I have to do more than a few double takes at the amount of families who’ve turned up. Who know that so many teenagers love a bit of Noel?!

With what must be 5 minutes still to go until stage time the lights dim and we’re greeted with a kind of white noise. The screen behind the stage is fuzzy, but as the noise intensifies the blur clears and five minutes later with a backdrop that now reads ‘Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds’ the band amble onstage to a heroes’ welcome.

Opener ‘Pretty Boy’ is a personal favourite from the new album, so I’m immediately onside. It’s a blinding version too. Next up is ‘Council Skies’ followed by the brilliant ‘Open The Door, See What You Find’ and three tracks in – all from the new album – the Leeds Arena is rocking!

It’s only at this point that Noel finally speaks, finding just enough time to remind us that he’s a Man City fan (I mean, you would, wouldn’t you?!) and say good evening to Leeds before the band launch headlong into another couple of tracks from the new album, ‘Council Skies’ in ‘We’re Gonna Get There In The End’ and ‘Easy Now’, both of which are excellent. Being notoriously bad with even the lyrics of songs that I’ve been listening to for years, I’ve bumbled my way through this section by joining in with most of the choruses and the odd line here and there, but I’m still having a brilliant time. Noel has just always had a happy knack of being able to churn out amazing tunes. Furthermore, this being an arena gig, we’re sitting down meaning that the middle age knees are having a much needed rest!

The High Flying Birds then raid their back catalogue with five older songs, featuring classics ‘In The Heat of The Moment’, ‘If I Had a Gun’ and a raucous ‘AKA…What a Life!’ before most of the band leave the stage while Noel and long time keyboard player Mike Rowe perform a beautiful version of ‘Dead in The Water’.

Having earlier promised us a “trip back to the 90s” Noel and the band now head further into his back catalogue. It’s time for some Oasis tunes!

Starting with the beautiful ‘Going Nowhere’ we’re then treated to ‘The Importance of Being Idle’, the always amazing ‘The Masterplan’ and ‘Half The World Away’ before the set closes with a superbly noisy and spirited version of ‘Little by Little’.

Undoubtedly, at least three quarters of tonight’s crowd were there in the 90s with Oasis and so, despite the creaking knees, the greying hair and the almost permanent aching back – I’m throwing everyone in with my own symptoms here – hearing those songs live again is quite the experience and as much as we love Noel’s newer stuff, the Oasis tunes will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Within minutes of leaving the stage, the band are back for the encore. Noel, who’s gotten more chatty as the gig has gone on, jokes about the next song; we’ll all know the chorus but only him and Bob Dylan know the verses! He might be right too and as he plays a cover of Dylan’s ‘Quinn The Eskimo’ I’m transported back to the late 80s and chanting the chorus on the terraces at Newcastle United in homage to our number 9, the goal machine Micky Quinn!

Next up is ‘Live Forever’ and more special memories. It’s a stunning version of the song and as it’s one I used to sing to my wife in the early days of our relationship, I’ll confess to a little bit of a tear. I hope Noel would understand! And of course, this is a huge part of the point of tonight for a lot of us. We’re rolling back the years, loving every moment of the hour and a half that we get to spend with one of our musical heroes and remembering what were special times when we were a lot younger. And the man in front of us played a big part in changing the landscape of music.

Tonight ends with the stone cold classic that is ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’. Everyone is up out of their seats and those standing at the front of the arena are now just a swaying mass of bodies all hands held aloft and no doubt singing back every word at the top of their voices. It’s the same all around the arena. It’s been a staggeringly good gig. The band are just superb and Noel has been on top form.

By the end, I’m knackered but blissfully happy as only the opportunity to hear a bunch of songs that mean so much can make you. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds have been perfect and I’m pretty sure that every last one of us would agree. Noel, if you ever get to read this, thanks for another brilliant night…and thanks for the memories. May we all keep making them for a good few years yet!

The Alternative Christmas Playlist

It’s that time of year again. The festive period is well and truly upon us – in fact for some people it’s been with them since the start of November. This means a lot of different things, from office parties to buying last minute presents at the local 24 hour garage, but one of the best things has to be the music.

I must confess that despite feeling of sadness I get as commercial organisations bring Christmas further and further forward each year, I’m a sucker for a Christmas tune. So while I might well grumble at the Christmas decor in the supermarket at the end of October, I’ll soon find myself singing along to anything from Slade to Shakin’ Stevens. I’ll probably even give a grudging whistle along to Mariah Carey, if I’m honest. Christmas can have a funny effect on us after all.

As good as I find Christmas music, by the time you’ve heard it on repeat in every shop you visit for even a few days, you’ve possibly heard enough. So, rather than bang on about the kind of Christmas songs that we’ve heard a million times before, I thought I’d give a mention to some that are perhaps a bit more hidden away and some that you might not have heard before. That said, while I’ve put together an alternative list, there are some that still sit firmly in the mainstream. But, although you’ve probably heard them a lot over the years, they’re still well worth a mention. Which leads us nicely into my first choice…

Fairytale of New York by The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl. This one’s become even more poignant with news of the death Pogues singer Shane McGowan, but it was always a classic. If you haven’t heard this track, then put simply my friend, where have you been? Whether you consider this part of the mainstream or actually still a bit alternative, it deserves to be on any list of Christmas songs to listen to. What starts off as a melancholic ballad, quickly morphs into a stomping folk tune as the tempo is upped and the band present their own version of a Christmas song. Fairytale of New York reminds us that while Christmas is a time for peace and goodwill to all men, that’s not always possible. Just go on a works Christmas ‘do’ if you need to find out! In recent years the lyrics have come under scrutiny and have been criticised, for their swearing and slurs and a radio friendly, sanitised version is available. But for me, while some winced at the insulting nature of some of the lines – there’s even a homophobic slur at one point – the original, swaggering, sweary version of the song will always be the one I play and sing. Nick Cave called it “the greatest Christmas song ever written” and do you know what? He’s right!

I Was Born on Christmas Day by St. Etienne and Tim Burgess. A proper Christmas banger, this one! St. Etienne were one of my favourite bands in the 90s and were purveyors of what I’d call perfect pop. Well crafted, melodic pop songs were their thing and Sarah Cracknell’s voice was just wonderful. They’re joined by Tim Burgess of The Charlatans on this one and it’s a real festive winner. Upbeat, catchy and featuring some lovely Christmas bells, this is definitely one to brighten up your Yuletide. And for added fun, check out the band performing it on Top of The Pops with Tim looking ever so slightly tipsy!

As The Snowflakes Fall by Smith and Burrows. This is a from a Christmas themed album called Funny Looking Angels that contains Christmas songs and covers with a hint of Christmas about them. It’s been my go to record at this time of year for a good while now and I could have chosen any track from it. However, I went for something a bit different in ‘As The Snowflakes Fall’. It’s a bit of a waltz really, with a shuffling rhythm and some beautiful harmonies and the song has more than a hint of Elliot Smith about it. So, if you like melodic, folksy type stuff, then this will appeal. To be honest though, I’d thoroughly recommend the entire album…it might just change your life.

Christmas Was Better in The 80s by Futureheads. Starting off with the feel of a traditional Christmas hymn, almost, this one swiftly morphs into just what you might expect from the Futureheads; a post punk, cleverly written romp of a tune. A punk love song to their beloved childhood this one promotes a time when everything seemed better. Life was easier when you could go to bed early and wake up to a pile of presents. With much to sing along to, this is a Christmas track that’s very much worth a listen.

Corpus Christi Carol by Jeff Buckley. A bit of a vocal masterpiece, this one. As you’d expect with the wonderful Jeff Buckley this is truly beautiful. Corpus Christi Carol though is an actual carol from the middle ages. So, if you’re looking for something a bit more traditional on your playlist, then this should appeal. Buckley’s version is stripped right back; just his incredible voice – and he gives a truly stunning performance here – and a guitar, which makes this really quite haunting. So, while this isn’t going to make you feel the same kind of festive spirit as say Slade or Roy Wood and Wizard, it will definitely warm your heart.

Two Thousand Miles by The Pretenders. Another classic and not altogether an alternative pick, but definitely not your everyday Christmas fodder either. This one is about being separated from your loved one at Christmas, hence the title. So, while it’s a Christmas song, it’s certainly not traditional in its content. I suppose it’s highlighting that Christmas is a time for being together, so being apart from the one you love makes it all the more difficult. A beautiful tune though. A great showcase for Chrissie Hynde’s vocals as well.

Just Like Christmas by Low. Another one that’s tinged with sadness, while at the same time being a track that you’ll find yourself singing along with quite cheerily, especially the chorus. With it’s shuffling rhythm and Christmas bells it’s a definite toe tapper and there’s even a little instrumental break in the middle that always reminds me of The Love Cats by The Cure. Although the lyrics get a little bit morose – apparently it wasn’t like Christmas at all – this is definitely a tune to check out with its references to a snowy winter. And it always reminds me of the band First Aid Kit, which is all the more reason to check it out.

Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bells End) by The Darkness. After a slightly down beat couple of tracks we definitely need a mood change. So what better than a bit of Christmas tinged hair metal? This tune is just an absolute romp, complete with trademark falsetto vocals, riotous guitars and a healthy smattering of humour. With its brilliantly singalong chorus, you’re on to a winner with this and maybe just a little bit of a Christmas drink!

Winter Song by Lindisfarne. I’ve sort of shoehorned this one in as it’s not strictly speaking a Christmas song. However, Lindisfarne being from Newcastle has helped its inclusion, along with the fact that it’s actually really good. This one draws on the band’s memories of winters in the North East of England which can often feel long, dark and bloody cold. There’s a vulnerability to Alan Hull’s voice here that is somewhat perfect for the slight hint of bitterness of the song. Anyway, it’s just brilliant, so give it a listen!

Last, but not least…Wonderful Christmastime by The Shins. This is just a wonderful cover of the Paul McCartney classic by American indie legends The Shins. You’ll know the original, but now say hello to this brilliant cover. There’s almost a Phil Spector style ‘wall of sound’ quality to this one at times, yet at others it’s really quite stripped back. As a fan of the original, I was surprised how much I enjoyed this cover when I first heard it. I think you’ll enjoy it too!

So there you have it. A Yuletide Top 10 of alternative Christmas classics. I hope you’ll search them out as they’ll come in handy as an antidote when you’ve had just a bit too much of the usual stuff!

Middle Aged Gigging – ‘Embrace’ at Leeds O2 Academy…on a school night!

I’m quite sure that nothing can make you feel older or more middle aged than a night out. Not a party with friends or meeting people you know for whatever it might be; no, a night out. In public, with people that you have little or no knowledge of beforehand. Going to a gig is a prime example of this. Thursday night at Embrace was no different for a couple of reasons!

As is now usual, we get to the Leeds Academy early. Having had heart surgery last year, the barrier offers protection for this paranoid old fella, so it’s become our home from home at gigs. However, beyond the comfort, you can never resist a look round and tonight when I do, I’m greeted by a very definite feeling that the usually familiar middle aged audience at an Embrace gig has been infiltrated by…youth! Not even a smattering. Tribes of the buggers, pockets of them everywhere you turn. As I said, there’s nothing that can match their power in making you feel old. And it’s not long before it gets worse.

Within minutes support band The Slates take to the stage. Immediately I’m thinking, ‘I could be all of your dads’. They’re sooo young! And yet, from the first chords of the opener tonight, I’m nothing but impressed. The energy is brilliant and you can’t help but root for these lads. The sight of them does remind me that I have to teach my Year 10s first thing in the morning though. Regardless, their set just makes me smile. Stand out tracks would be ‘What Have You Done?’ and ‘Hello, don’t you know’?, but in truth it’s all impressive from The Slates who look and sound like a band with a bright future ahead of them, even if they do make me feel ancient.

There’s a hint of early Arctic Monkeys in there and you can hear the Britpop, but there’s also some ska at times, which given their age and the era of music that they must have grown up with, brings to mind the influence of The Ordinary Boys. Whatever their influences, it doesn’t really matter. The Slates are excellent tonight and they throw themselves into this gig, clearly enjoying their moment. Subsequently, it’s infectious and I’m sure that they’ll leave with more than a few more fans tonight. I’ll definitely be searching out their music.

After a quick shuffle around of equipment on stage it’s time for another support act; Tom Speight. The energy is certainly no less, but it’s different. Tom Speight is, as the name suggests, a solo artist, although he is backed by another singer, a girl who I think he called Hedara who had a great voice (apologies though if I’ve got the name wrong). His music is kind of folky and there’s more than a nod to the pop of the likes of Turin Brakes and maybe even Starsailor.

Speight’s set is energetic and he makes an immediate impact on the crowd. He does a remarkable job of ‘filling’ the room with his sound, given that this is just two voices and a guitar. Both voices though, are strong and emotive and they work really well together. It’s not long before we’re tapping and nodding along and later, with a little bit of persuasion we’re singing along too. Songs like ‘Wonderful Wonder’ and ‘Everything’s Waiting For You’ go down really well and by the time the set ends, we’ve been teed up nicely for the return of Embrace.

Tonight Embrace are performing their album ‘The Good Will Out’ in full as part of its 25th Anniversary celebrations. Suddenly, my age isn’t an issue! I fell in love with these songs and this band a long, long time ago so it’s safe to say that I’m excited to be right at the front for the gig. It’s also a year to the day since I had heart surgery, so it’s a lovely way to celebrate getting through what’s been a tough year.

There’s a hero’s welcome for the band when they take the stage and it’s not long before they’ve launched into opener ‘All You Good Good People’. The pace is set and it’s just going to be our job to keep up now. But it won’t be a problem. I can’t hold back a huge smile at the first line, ‘I feel like I’m meant something’ and as if I needed a reminder on this day of all days, it’s good to be alive. It feels like the whole room is taking off with everyone singing every lyric and as is always the case with Embrace, it’s a joy to be here.

By the time we’ve reached one of my all time favourite songs, ‘One Big Family’, the atmosphere is electric. It’s always great to see a band on home turf as the atmosphere is generally special. Tonight is no exception. By the end of the track I’m well and truly out of breath and realise that I’d been more or less screaming the lyrics back at the band, so if you were at the front and near a skinny bloke in a black t-shirt with a white beard, I can only apologise. Mind you, I’ll only have to do it again, because I was probably even screechier during ‘Retread’.

Discussing the gig on our way back to the car afterwards we talked about the emotion of seeing Embrace and the fact that it feels like a happening rather than simply entertainment. It’s what I imagine being in church feels like when there’s a gospel choir, simply because I feel like I’m almost lifted up and carried along by the band and the songs. There’s no doubt that the chief protagonist in all of this is singer Danny, who never fails to get the crowd going and he’s on good form tonight and clearly enjoying himself, even encouraging us – even the old folk – to dance during some of the songs. I tried Danny, I tried…

Obviously, given my attachment to the songs, I’d say that the whole album is done wonderfully tonight. But for me, the middle section of tracks ‘I Want The World’, ‘You’ve Got To Say Yes’ ‘Retread’ and ‘Last Gas’ is absolutely blistering.

As we end the set with the ‘la la la la’ singalong that is ‘The Good Will Out’ it’s clear that everyone’s had a wonderful night. As ever, I’m left wondering just how long an Embrace crowd would willingly do the ‘la la las’ for if we were just left to it. Hours, I’d wager. Brilliantly though (and sadly, if you love a ‘la la la’), with a ‘greatest hits’ style encore to come, it’s not quite done.

There are five songs on the encore tonight. ‘We Are It’, ‘Refugees’, ‘Dry Kids’ ‘Gravity’ and ‘Ashes’ – all are amazing. Dry Kids makes a welcome return and Gravity – the first dance at our wedding – has me tearing up as usual (middle age can be a funny old thing, kids). Before them though is Refugees which is just incredible and Richard’s vocals are simply superb. I’m a little bit spellbound by Mike’s drumming on this track too and I’m absolutely knackered by the end of it, which is unfortunate because as we all know, we’re ending with live favourite Ashes.

When it comes, I think we all summon up a last little bit of energy and there are people pogoing everywhere you look. As ever, ‘Ashes’ feels like an event in itself and I think I might have run out of superlatives at this point. Suffice to say, that it’s just another moment where I’m thankful to be here because as tired as I feel, it’s nothing short of a pleasure to be able to completely lose myself in what is an absolute tune.

It’s been a brilliant night, again. Twenty five years of ‘The Good Will Out’ and a little bit more than that of watching Embrace live. We’re off to bed late on a school night, but I’m sure my Year 10s will understand!

Middle Age Gigging – The Bluetones at The Foundry, Sheffield.

If you got into live music in your teens and like me, are still going in your middle age, you’ll most likely know that things have changed a bit. You might well still go for pre-gig drinks, but it’ll likely be a more genteel affair, rather than one of the all day races you may have indulged in when you were younger and more carefree. Nowadays, you might even have childcare to take care of too.

However, the biggest change may well be in your mental and physical approach. Simple things like, can you be bothered to get out of your chair and leave the telly and will your aching back survive a night of shuffling along to some indie pop classics?

Saturday afternoon found me running through the usual things prior to some middle age gigging with The Bluetones. First, there was the battle to not talk myself out of going, which I must say was fairly easily won this time round. Then came the physical checklist, which as is par for the course nowadays, featured more crosses than ticks.

How’s my heart feeling? Not too bad, considering. Is my back ok? Erm, not really after the exertion of pushing that trolley round Asda this morning. What about the knees? Like Annie Wilkes from ‘Misery’ has been tending to them. Your eyes? Somewhat squinty, but as long as they don’t show a PowerPoint, I’ll get by.

In truth though, nothing was going to keep us in the house tonight as we have an appointment with long time faves The Bluetones who are touring their 1998 album ‘Return To The Last Chance Saloon’, so despite flood warnings, we’re heading to Sheffield.

Once there and parked up I’m given a timely reminder of my age – like when I look in a mirror, but slightly less painful – as my dodgy knee means that I struggle to climb the stairs in the car park! An instant decision is made that tonight will be spent at shuffling pace only!

Thankfully, we make it to the venue just after doors open and at my wife’s insistence we’re lucky enough to find ourselves some space on the barrier right at the front, so at least I’ve got something to hold on to!

It’s an early stage time tonight, so it doesn’t feel like we’ve been hanging around too long before support The Loose Cut take to the stage. I always find it tricky when reviewing support bands that I’ve no knowledge of because I worry that I’ll make some sort of insulting comparison, as I’m usually watching them and wondering who they might remind me of. For me though, The Loose Cut inhabit the border between indie pop and indie rock and during their six song set I hear the influence of people like Pearl Jam and early Kings of Leon as well as some 80s stuff like Hall and Oates, which is never a bad thing.

The Loose Cut give us an enjoyable set and manage to get the audience on side with their sheer enthusiasm and also a bit of crowd participation. Channeling his inner Freddie Mercury – minus the stupid noises – singer George guides us through the lyrics to the chorus of their song ‘Round and Round’ so that we can all sing along. And it works, as the crowd join in enthusiastically and everyone is smiling.

Aside from the songs, two other things stand out to me about The Loose Cut. Firstly, there’s the lookalike factor, which takes up far too much of my attention for the first couple of songs. Singer George – and apologies here if I begin to sound like Louis Walsh – has the look of a young Bryan Adams crossed with a youthful Sting, while drummer Manni is a ringer for the young John Peel. Add to that some truly splendid rock posturing and face pulling and for this short set, there’s a lot to write home about. The Loose Cut are definitely ones to keep an eye on.

But we’re here for The Bluetones and thankfully, it’s not too long before they take the stage with only Adam, Scott, Eds and Richard present for opener ‘Tone Blooze’. Mark is clearly saving himself for a bit later…and maybe making hasty last minute adjustments to his cummerbund. More of this slightly later.

It’s a high energy start to the gig with ‘Unpainted Arizona’ followed a brilliant ‘Solomon Bites the Worm’, getting the crowd singing along loudly. The high energy start though takes a noticeable casualty as Mark suffers a cummerbund malfunction. Ever the pro though, he soldiers on, probably safe in the knowledge that his dancing spats will keep our attention! By this point, one of my knees is already numb, but that’s a side issue now; I’m thoroughly enjoying myself, just like everyone else in the room. I’ll block out thoughts of car park stairs and worry about it later!

The band are resplendent in what can only be labelled 70s American Prom chic, with ruffled shirts and tuxedos, bow ties and even the odd pair of braces and I for one feel like I should have made a greater effort than black t-shirt and jeans.

Mark is his usual self in between songs; full of chat and with a gift for a one liner, telling us about how much playing the album will take out of them. I’m close enough to have a chat and wonder if he can empathise with my knee/car park story, but wisely decide against it as the band launch into ‘U.T.A’ and ‘Four Day Weekend’, or tracks 4 and 5 of the cassette as Mark calls them.

‘If’ is a highlight of the set and an undoubted crowd favourite and I manage to shuffle with just a little bit more freedom for this one. Turns out though that I’m not the only one thankful for the tamer pacing of ‘Sky Will Fall’ (one of my favourites) a little later as Mark reminds us of the pace of this album – “Side 2…a f***ing nightmare!” – and is more than pleased at the chance to slow things down a bit.

After this though we fly through to the end of the album taking in the brilliant ‘Down at the Reservoir’ and ‘Heard You Were Dead’ before a bit of a poignant moment as ‘Broken Starr’ is dedicated to a long time fan. It’s another huge sing along and a lovely tribute with Mark blowing kisses as he leaves the stage, but as we all know, we’re not quite finished yet.

The encore tonight is a mini greatest hits style one and it’s fantastic. At the best of times, The Bluetones songs make me feel extremely happy, but tonight is extra special.

The usual suspects are here, with this ‘set’ starting with ‘After Hours’ and going through ‘Bluetonic’, everyone’s mum’s favourite ‘Slight Return’, ‘Marblehead Johnson’ and a cover of Squeeze’s ‘Pulling Mussels’. But then the fun really starts as, with the band playing loosely as Mark has a bit more of a chat with the audience, he gets an idea. And a new song is born. Only those of us in the Foundry on Saturday night will ever know of ‘Sheffield Song’ as I think I can confidently predict that it’s never going to appear anywhere in the wider musical world; not even on one of Mark’s favourite cassettes!

The night ends with a blistering version of ‘Never Going Nowhere’ which takes an 80s diversion by including snippets of ‘Obsession’ by Eurythmics for a while in time honoured fashion, before wandering off deeper into Mark’s imagination with lines from ‘Jump’ by Van Halen, ‘The Power of Love’ by Huey Lewis and The News, ‘Blue Monday’ and, I think, ‘Driving Away From Home’ by It’s Immaterial (and you can correct me if I’m wrong on this one as I couldn’t quite place it on the night). Find me another band that will give you that and I’ll happily call you a great big fibber!

It’s been a brilliant night, as it always is with The Bluetones. My feet hurt and I don’t know if my knees will allow me to get to my car and my wife’s only small, so someone else may have to carry me up the stairs, but I’ve got a smile on my face. A quick look around shows me that I’m not alone either. With news of potential new music next year, it’s a great time to be a Bluetones fan…even if age is catching up with us all!

Middle Age Gigging: Embrace at The Piece Hall, Halifax.

I can’t honestly say that this was a gig that I was looking forward to, which is quite unusual for me as I’ve been going to see bands live since I was 15. It’s especially strange because this is Embrace, probably my favourite band and one that I’ve seen live too many times to keep track of. But it’s been a 25 year journey.

What worried me was the presence of a pacemaker in my body. In terms of ‘middle age gigging’ this is entirely new ground. I’ve had reservations before, just because my ageing body can’t keep up with all of the jumping around that going to a gig involves. But, I’ve always coped. This was to be my first gig with my new robot attachment though!

The last time I saw Embrace in Sheffield last year, unbeknownst to my wife, I suffered with a bout of palpitations and dizziness at the venue shortly before the gig. My heart was racing, I was sweating and then at the end of it all – as was the way at this pre-pacemaker time – I nearly passed out with the dizziness that brought it all to an end. I saw the gig out though and it was fantastic.

Today, in true rock and roll style, the missus misreads her spreadsheet or something and it means that we’re an hour early getting to the venue. Channeling our inner rock gods though…we wander around Halifax for a bit before going back to The Piece Hall and worrying about which queue will be the quickest.

Once we’re in, we’re so early that even a leisurely stroll into the venue means that we manage to get spots on the barrier at the front. A bit of pacemaker protection. Nice! There’s not much protection from the stiff cold breeze, however, and after about half an hour I’m freezing and regretting my rock and roll decision not to bring a hoodie!

Thankfully, the first support act, Ellur, emit warmth, as well as glamour and a smattering of theatricality. We’ve seen Ellur before, last year supporting Embrace in Sheffield, where they were refreshingly good. At the time I wrote about comparisons to First Aid Kit and even Belinda Carlisle and I’d add a bit of Fleetwood Mac to that list after tonight, while adding that they’re very much Ellur too, if that makes sense.

Tonight, Ellur are brilliant. The band are clearly thrilled to be here as Halifax is home territory, but it’s more than that. They’re a band that are finding their way, but you wouldn’t really know it and they play with a heady mix of giddiness and belief in their songs. Singer Ellur has incredible stage presence. It’s like she completely believes that she should be here. And she’s right. They all are. There’s a mesmeric quality about the way Ellur owns the stage, but that’s also fair to say about the rest of the band too. The guitarist and drummer are grinning all the way through the set and the keyboard player adds beautiful harmonies to Ellur’s already powerful voice.

‘Burn It All Down’ and ‘Anywhere’ are the stand out tracks for me. ‘Anywhere’ in particular sticks in my head, which is always a good sign as I’m notoriously bad at remembering lyrics, so having heard this track only a few times before, for me to remember even small sections is a mark of its quality! It’s not just me either. I look round a few times to see lots of people singing and also note the fact that so many people are here already watching Ellur on stage.

It’s an atmospheric and exciting set that’s over all too quickly; the perfect appetizer – I hope that’s not too condescending – for what’s to come.

There’s a quick change of gear and before we know it Starsailor take to the stage. Singer James Walsh – aka the nicest man in indie rock – is all smiles too, but it’s the songs that will win the day here. From the opening chords of ‘Poor Misguided Fool’ right through to the familiar anthemic brilliance of ‘Good Souls’ this is a joy to behold. Everyone is smiling and the singalong is getting louder by the line. Once again, the band are relaxed and it makes for a thoroughly enjoyable watch.

From the off, I find myself watching the bass player, knowing that something’s not right, but as I don’t know Starsailor that well, I can’t pinpoint what it is. When James reveals that regular bass player James Stelfox was ‘unavalailable for selection’ the penny drops, but I still can’t quite place the new bloke. Turns out it’s Andy Dunlop from Travis doing a sterling job! The band are as tight as ever and songs that go back over 20 years clearly stand the test of time.

Watching Starsailor is a bit like meeting up with old mates and finding that despite your nerves, the conversation flows as it ever did and you still like each other just as much. And it’s an analogy that is taken further when singer James reveals the reason why he’s wearing shorts is that he’s had minor surgery and has been advised to wear loose clothing! So, I’m not the only one having to adapt for medical reasons tonight!

The combination of the brilliant ‘newness’ of Ellur and the familiar and wonderful songs of Starsailor have helped to calm my nerves and suddenly the pacemaker is nothing but a passing thought (now there’s a sentence I never dreaned I’d write in a review!) and I feel ready to enjoy Embrace.

At 9pm, the sun is one the wane and it’s over to Embrace to supply us with warmth and light. It’s a mission that they not only accept, but one that they smash out of the park. There must be something in the air tonight (apologies for lapsing into Phil Collins there) because once again everyone on stage is smiling. But Embrace have taken it up a notch and somewhere, Cheshire presumably, there are several cats missing their grins.

This is a gig to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their debut album, ‘The Good Will Out’ and so the record will be played in its entirety, which is a real treat. We kick off with ‘All You Good Good People’ and it is f***ing wonderful to be alive! I’ve forgotten my problems and am singing at the top of my voice – more apologies, this time to anyone who was near me! But the songs on this album are simply anthemic and it’s hard not to join in. We want to listen, but we want to sing too and I think the band love that anyway, so sing we do!

Danny is on great form and is very clearly enjoying every second of this. Always one for jumping around or gesturing, tonight he’s dancing, actually dancing and it’s clear that it’s not just the audience that are losing themselves in the songs. And while I don’t think the invite from ‘Strictly’ will be in the post any time soon (sorry Danny), it’s brilliant to see how much he’s loving the gig. He jokes about us all coming back for the 50th anniversary of the album and right now I’d tell you I’d be there in a heartbeat…if the bugger keeps working that is!

This is an album chock full of tunes and one that means a great deal of stuff to a great deal people and a glance around me confirms just that. There are arms aloft, eyes glued to the stage and everyone is either smiling or singing!

By the time we get to ‘One Big Family’ the atmosphere is simply amazing and there can’t be a member of the audience or band who isn’t having the time of their lives. The energy goes up a notch for this one and while it’s followed by slower songs in ‘Higher Sights’ and ‘Retread’ there’s no let up in the noise or the enjoyment.

The band close the set with the last track on the album, naturally. ‘The Good Will Out’ is quite simply a classic, so it’s a shame that the attention of myself and those around me is drawn away by some brainless behaviour in the crowd as some folk decide they’re more important than the rest of us and try to barge their way to the front. So, while I’d like to say that this part of the set was brought to an emotional end, I can’t because almost all 8 minutes or so of the song pass with me concentrating mainly on keeping my place at the front, protecting my wife and not lamping a total stranger who pushed me into a barrier.

Thankfully, Embrace have got 25 year’s worth of massive tunes to call on, so it’s all quickly forgotten when they come back out for a mini ‘greatest hits’ type set. We’re treated to new songs ‘Death Is Not The End’ and ‘We Are It’, both of which prove that the band haven’t lost their happy knack for writing a banger. Then there’s what feels like a rare appearance for ‘Nature’s Law’ before Richard takes over the vocals on a scintillating version of ‘Refugees’.

With closing songs, ‘Gravity’ and ‘Ashes’ there’s a huge clash of emotions. ‘Gravity’ is just beautiful and it’s not long before I find I’m shedding a little bit of a tear. It was the first dance at my wedding for starters, but the line ‘Can you hear my heart beating’, while I clutch my wife’s hand, takes on a whole new meaning given the last few months.

Thankfully, I’m quickly snapped out of this lull by ‘Ashes’. It’s become familiar now for Danny to ask us to jump up and down during this track, not because we need the encouragement, but more of a warning for our backs and knees! Try as I might to protect both back and knees, the opening bars spring them into life and I’m bouncing along and joining the rest of The Piece Hall in shouting the lyrics back at the band. Once again, ‘Ashes’ creates a moment for us all and it’s an incredible way to end an incredible event.

All that’s left is for us to drag our weary bodies back to the car. As we file out into the night I decide that tomorrow will be spent in the pursuit of rest and relaxation only, aided by my good friends Voltarol, paracetamol, crisps, caffeine and telly. It’s a gig I’ll remember for a long, long time and one that I’m still smiling about. But I really need to rest!

Book Review: ‘Mix Tape’ by Jane Sanderson

They say that you never forget your first love, don’t they? I mean personally, I’d like to wipe the entire thing from my memory, but it’s pretty much impossible due to the nature of that particular car crash of a relationship! But I’m guessing it’s very different for lots and lots of people who manage to cling on to those warm and pleasant vibes for life.

Dan and Alison are two such people. And despite the somewhat life-changing nature of their break up and the fact that they’ve made successful lives separately elsewhere, both retain strong feelings that unbeknownst to them, are just waiting to be dug up.

‘Mix Tape’ is a story that millions of us can relate to. First love, first lust, first dates, first kiss, first fumbles. Whatever romantic firsts they were, they’re all in the back of our mind somewhere just waiting for an image or a film or just a phrase to release them back into our consciousness for even a few minutes. With Dan and Alison it’s music that’s the key to their past as well as their future.

Having fallen headlong into teenage love and discovered a mutual passion for music as well as each other in the 70s, fate intervened and life, however painfully, moved on. Now, many years later and into a new century while living in new countries, social media and music could be about to intervene and spark old feelings back into life.

If you’re a music lover, you’ll love this book. It was the link to music that prompted me to buy it in the first place. I even wrote a blog about mix tapes (link below), having listened to Jane Sanderson being interviewed about the book on BBC Radio 6 Music with Lauren Laverne. But it will appeal to the social media devotee in us all too, as well as those who are just soppy enough to enjoy a good love story.

Whatever Happened to The Mix Tape?

In their younger years together Dan had made mix tapes for Alison as a way of expressing himself, while also introducing her to new music. Years later, via social media their choice of songs will serve to help them get to know each other once more, as well as giving oxygen to a flame that never quite died out, despite the way their time together had ended.

Beginning in 1970s Sheffield, the story jumps from back then to the present day throughout, showing us the various contrasts in the lives of our two protagonists. We learn that after leaving Sheffield, Alison somehow ended up on the other side of the world in Adelaide. She is successful and seems happy. Meanwhile, Dan’s life has changed too and he too has moved away from his home town, now residing in both Edinburgh and London. He has turned his passion into a career and is now a successful writer as well as a music journalist. Both appear to have made good lives for themselves and moved on from their passionate teenage time together. But appearances can be deceptive.

‘Mix Tape’ is a lesson in the power of both music and social media. It shows how one simple click can change lives, both for better and worse. Music is the bond that keeps Dan and Alison together, however far away they might be from each other and so when Dan rediscovers Alison via Twitter and sends her a song as a reminder of the old times, we sense that it won’t stop there. We know that this first love is one that still has unanswered questions. It’s just a case of whether they’ll remain unanswered…

The characters are really relatable and I found myself really liking both Dan and Alison. But away from the characters, the story may test your morals too. But I’ll leave you to discover that for yourself. Sanderson’s brilliant descriptions of sights and sounds also bring her locations to life too. So it was nice to be informed of both a Sheffield that I hadn’t visited – as opposed to the modern day city that I’d say I know quite well – as well as the delights of Adelaide with its flocks of parrots, natural beauty and year round heat.

The use of songs as a narrative device to help Dan and Alison reconnect is brilliant too. Not only does it give us a real sense of what the characters are about and who they really are, but it has an effect on us as readers too. I found myself connecting with the songs that became the playlist for the narrative. Where I already knew the song I’d invariably have a memory connected to it and when I didn’t know the song, I looked it up, so ‘Mix Tape’ has now added some new songs to my playlist.

‘Mix Tape’ is a brilliantly written piece of fiction. The story will keep you engaged throughout and you can’t fail to get involved in Dan and Alison’s journey. The music, social media and geography of the story also give you a lot to get your teeth into as a reader. But, most importantly this is a tory about good people finding each other, despite the barriers that their lives put in place. I’d thoroughly recommend ‘Mix Tape’ – a really well written page turner that you’ll only put down so that you can listen to some of Dan and Alison’s favourite songs!

I give ‘Mix Tape’

Middle Aged Gigging: Embrace at Sheffield 02 Academy

I feel like we go a long way back, us Crosbys and Embrace. This was a band that we began to follow in the early years of our relationship in the late 90s. A band that we quickly fell in love with, a band that we even invited to our wedding some years later and a band that we’ve pretty much grown into almost fully formed adults with. So it felt fitting that having last saw them just days before lockdown, Embrace were the first band we would see now that times are relatively normal again.

With a busy family life and demanding jobs, it’s safe to say that we don’t get out a great deal these days, so this Embrace gig had us giddy with excitement. However, the realisation of the timing was pretty awful. Taking place as it did on Sunday 4th September, this one represented a late night out when, as a teacher, I started back at work the next day after 6 weeks off! So, in the back of my mind that excitement was being chipped away at, just a little bit, by a feeling of dread!

We got there relatively early and to my initial horror were able to walk almost right to the front of the venue, standing right behind those clinging to the barrier. I’ve never been a fan of being ‘down the front’ at gigs, but bizarrely, as we’ve got older we just seem to have gravitated forward! Not a single note of music had been played and I was already worrying about getting barged all over the place. On the plus side though, this was going to be a great view.

Support on the night was provided by Ellur, a solo artist who is actually the daughter of Embrace guitarist Richard McNamara. She wasn’t meant to be supporting but a last minute change meant that she was drafted in at late notice. Dad Richard joined her onstage alongside a drummer and keyboard player and together they played a blinder! I’ve heard comparisons between Ellur and Adele, but for me the sound was more reminiscent of First Aid Kit, with a bit of an 80s influence in there somewhere too. I want to say that I could hear the influence of bands like Heart and Wilson Phillips too…but I’m not sure whether that’s a good thing or not!

Influences didn’t matter though, as the songs were great and despite the last minute filling in nature of it all, the set was excellent. You wouldn’t have guessed that she’d got the call so late! Ellur herself had a brilliant stage presence and a confidence that, all in all made for a really enjoyable performance.

We then had a feverishly paced change over – notable for the fact that the young lass playing drums for Ellur was pretty much just left to dismantle her entire drum kit on her own, making this middle aged dad feel quietly outraged on her behalf! – before the familiar strain of ‘Down To The River To Pray’ could be heard over the PA. It was time for Embrace.

Having seen countless Embrace gigs before, I shouldn’t get quite as giddy as I do when they take to the stage. However, I have a feeling that all Embrace fans get the same way and that we all experience the same thing at this point in a gig. Without getting too soppy, watching this particular group of blokes come out onto a stage always makes me smile and laugh. I know that I’m in for a thoroughly joyous experience…and what kind of person would I be if that didn’t make me feel good?

The set opens with a couple of songs from the new album, ‘How to be a Person like Other People’ in ‘Death is Not The End’ and ‘We Are It’, which go down really well and it’s noticeable how many of the crowd know the lyrics, despite the fact that the album had only been out around a week. It’s is a noticeable gear change of an opening. Maybe it’s all in my head, but it feels like Embrace have opened with ‘Ashes’ for as long as I can remember, so I’m used to having the adrenaline levels turned up a notch really quickly and as someone who struggles with the lyrics to even my favourite songs, not being able to sing along myself doesn’t really help! Still though, the news songs hit the spot and at least without ‘Ashes’ my knees are still intact!

In between songs Danny mentions that it’s a Sunday and that we’ll be trying to make it feel like a Saturday. He knows that it’s back to school tomorrow and gives a nod to us teachers, telling us that we can tell our employers to f*** off tomorrow and that we’re not coming in. I take it that he’s talking to me personally, but still find myself heading into work next day, when I’ve calmed back down! Maybe next time he can write me a note?

The next two songs though are what the youth of today – and maybe people experiencing some kind of mid life crisis – might refer to as ‘bangers’. It’s fair to say that ‘Come Back to What You know’ and ‘My Weakness is None of Your Business’ are Embrace anthems and when they’re played at a gig you can be sure that most of the crowd are singing along. Tonight is no exception and at this point the excitement and adrenaline of the gig is taken up a notch again.

What follows is a gig that could well be viewed as life affirming, if I hadn’t seen the same type of thing from Embrace so many times before. It’s still life affirming though! With the new songs more than holding their own alongside a selection of bona fide classics, it all adds up to one hell of a night out. The bond between the band and their fans is always obvious and this always ensures that there’s a huge positivity around the room. All around me people are smiling and singing, hands in the air, now blissfully unaware that it’s Sunday and it’s most likely back to the grind tomorrow morning! I’ve even forgotten that I have Danny’s permission to take the day off tomorrow!

The only problem tonight is that there are songs that you’d love to hear missing from the set. But that’s no one’s fault. That’s just always going to be the case when a band has so many well loved songs. So tonight, we cherish the likes of ‘All You Good Good People’, ‘Fireworks’ and ‘Gravity’ (first dance at my wedding and always the track that’ll make me well up a bit!), while also missing the likes of ‘Refugees’ and ‘Save Me’, even though ‘Save Me’ is another knee killer probably for a lot of us!

Tonight ends with ‘The Good Will Out’ and thousands of happy souls singing and screaming along to a stream of ‘la la la las’ that I don’t think any of us, including the band, wants to end.

Tomorrow, it’s back to normality, back to working for a living and worrying about what feels like the million different things that are dragging the country down at the moment. Tonight though, we’ve been lifted out of our daily grind, made Sunday feel like Saturday and once again, just had an absolutely incredible time watching the band that we adore. Thank God for Embrace and their ability to lift our sprits and make us forget about the daily grind…even if they won’t write you a note to excuse your absence from it for just one more day!