Friday March 11th 2011
ALL TIME LOW plus YELLOWCARD and YOUNG GUNS
Manchester Apollo
This was our first visit to the Apollo this year and it is one of our favourite venues. It is a very easy journey which takes about an hour and there is a car park right next door, which is always a bonus.
We got there at 7pm and waited in the car for about 15 minutes in the hopes that the queue may have shrunk a little ... how wrong we were! We got out of the car and walked around the corner to the doors to discover that people had been camping out overnight, if not longer. There were discarded blankets and sleeping bags all around the entrance, and the pavement was pretty disgusting to say the least!
How we chuckled when we passed a girl dressed as a cow and a boy with a penis drawn on his forehead in black marker pen ... hopefully not permanent ink, and made our way to the end of the queue.
I have NEVER seen a queue so long - it went all up the side of the Apollo (which is normal) but then it looped around another car park, came back on itself and went all the way out to the main road. I was shattered when I got to the end of it.
Aimee said there was a sign at the entrance for O2 priority customers ... she reckons she said it when we actually walked past it but I didn't hear her ... I think I was transfixed by Cow Girl. As I had booked my tickets via O2's Blueroom site we decided to see if we could get in there, even though my tickets didn't actually say they were priority. We also decided that if they wouldn't let us in we'd go back to the car and sit for a while.
We finally got to the entrance ... again ... and went in the O2 customers' door. Inside there was a little window and some people collecting tickets so I had a word with the nice security chap who said we should go in through the next door ... which we did ... thereby effectively jumping the queue.
Now as you know, I'm not a fan of such practices but in this case I don't consider it rude because its a perk of being an O2 customer at an O2 sponsored venue. And it made me feel very important indeed!
Once inside the Apollo we were immediately next to the merch desk. I had some money on me and told Aimee I could lend her £20 if she wanted anything, but she should get it straight away before the whole place was too packed to move. She picked up a lovely tee shirt and we made our way upstairs to the quieter toilets. I had intended to get myself a drink as well but after Aimee's purchase I only had 45p left to my name.
After powdering our noses we headed to our seats ... we knew where we were sitting as we had exactly the same seats precisely a year before when we first saw You Me At Six ... such a coincidence! Fantastic seats they were too - on the right hand side practically overlooking the stage. Couldn't have been much better.
We hadn't been sitting too long before Young Guns came on. We saw them in Stoke last November and they were great. In fact Aimee was wearing her Young Guns Tee shirt to the gig (which she then covered up with her new one).
The first thing I noticed was that they all had extremely tight trousers. I don't know how they manage to move about so much with jeans so tight.
The hall itself was at least half full, but knowing how many people were queueing outside I wasn't sure they'd fit everyone in!
Young Guns (from High Wycombe) got everyone jumping up and down and I even saw a mini mosh pit, which looked a bit sorry for itself from where I was sitting. One poor girl had to be pulled out of the audience during their second song and I couldn't help hoping she hadn't been camping out all night to get to the front, only to be removed after a song and a half. What a shame!
The now obligatory floating condom came out quite early on. Its a comforting thought that the person who had blown it up and set it free would probably never actually need it for its true purpose!
Young Guns definitely rocked it, but if you'd like to see them and the other bands for yourself please check out Aimee's recordings of the event>>Aimee's Videography
Next up were Yellowcard. I hadn't heard of them before but they were really good. They're from Jacksonville, Florida and have been going since 1997. The unusual thing about them is that, despite being part of the pop punk genre they have a violinist, which I loved.
Obviously I didn't know any of their songs but Aimee was singing away, as she was all night, and if you listen very carefully you might just hear her voice on the video she recorded ... voice of an angel that girl!
During the interval, not only did the boys next to us disturb us again, but we spotted a dancing cow sitting on a big box and rocking away to the music. I'm not sure if this was in any way related to the girl in the queue, and I don't think I want to know, but it amused me throughout the break.
Finally the lights went out and the audience screamed ... thank goodness for ear plugs ... and on came All Time Low. Aimee and I have waited so long to see them and they were brilliant from start to finish.
Jack's microphone stand transformed into a bra holder almost immediately, and girls continued to throw bras on to the stage throughout their set. I asked Aimee if she thought I should throw mine and she nodded and laughed ... I think I might have knocked somebody out if I'd launched my boulder holder from the balcony!
For fact fans the band are from Baltimore, Maryland and formed in 2003. Their name is taken from lyrics in the song 'Head on Collision' by New Found Glory ... according to Wikipedia.
I'm not sure if farmyard animals is a general theme of their shows but shortly after coming onto the stage an inflatable sheep came flying in from the crowd. Again, its perhaps best I don't ask.
The girls all got a bit giddy when Alex announced that there was a spare bunk on their tour bus that night, and that it was the one in between Jack and himself. I could barely hear the quote of the night over all the squealing when he asked
"Do you want to be the turkey in my sandwich?"
I could only think one thing ... more farm animals!
When the rest of the boys went for a bit of a break, Alex stayed on stage with his guitar and did a beautiful rendition of Katy Perry's Teenage Dream. They finished with Dear Maria, which I am reliably informed by Aimee went Gold a couple of days before, and that's despite having no radio airplay.
They are a great bunch of lads, really good fun, and all very gorgeous ... especially Rian the drummer, who is my favourite. The show as a whole was great value for money and it was definitely one of my favourite gigs. All 3 bands also said that we were the best crowd of the whole tour and it was their favourite gig. I thought they said that every night but I was most impressed when Aimee showed me All Time Low's Twitter post saying the same thing.
As soon as it finished we left by the exit we were sitting right next to, straight to the car and got out of the car park before most people had even left the building. Most successful.
That's it for now - our next gig is on March 23rd when we see The Maine at Manchester Academy. Another band I don't know a whole lot about but I'm looking forward to it all the same.
TTFN x
Wednesday March 9th 2011
D.R.U.G.S plus BLITZ KIDS and DECADE
Nottingham Rock City Basement
This was a first for me going to Rock City in Nottingham and I knew it was a bit of a trek. I had to finish work early to see the doctor again but we didn't end up leaving the house any earlier, which was a pity because it took us over an hour and a half to get there.
Still, the journey was fine, no major hold ups although my satnav did seem to think I would enjoy a scenic trip with lots of single lane winding roads ... cheers but give me a dual carriageway anyday!
It was just Aimee and I again and we had a bit of excitement on the way. We were in a 40mph zone, travelling at the speed limit when a man on a motorbike went speeding past us. About a minute further down the road there was a car pulled up at the side of the road, a motorbike lying on its side in the bushes and a man in a crash helmet giving the car driver lots of grief. Oh well ... we didn't have time to stop.
We found the venue and the multi storey car park quite easily, got our chip coin and parked up, then it was about a minute's walk to Rock City. It looked like a very nice venue but we only got as far as the basement. The Stranglers were on in the main room.
Because of our journey time we sadly missed the first support band Decade (pronounced by Aimee as decayed, which I prefer) and so I have nothing to offer on their performance. I've put a picture in for when they hit the big time and I can say 'I almost saw them once'. It wasn't easy finding a picture by the way - I Googled images of 'Decade band' and practically every band ever came up.
Anway we got inside the basement which was tiny - we reckoned about as big as the Underground in Hanley, and I went to get a bottle of water. Making my way back through the small crowd to find Aimee I noticed that I was by far the oldest person there (I don't count the security chaps ... maybe I should.)
She got right to the front as usual and I joined her just after Blitz Kids came on. We like them. We only saw them a couple of weeks ago and they were playing to a much bigger crowd then but they were still lovely and appreciative.
Because the place was so tiny and only half full there wasn't quite so much audience participation but they seemed to be enjoying themselves. I asked Aimee where they're from as their accent sounded similar to mine, and she told me they're from Crewe. I got quite depressed thinking there's a slight possibility I might know their mothers! Lovely lads, would see them again given the chance.
Aimee and I got in the way a bit as they had to come past us with their equipment as they left the stage. One girl offered to help carry a couple of guitars (probably basses) only to be answered with the quote of the night ... 'You can't hold my children!' Bless.
Finally D.R.U.G.S or Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows came on stage to much applause and screeching. I didn't know their stuff all that well although I do have their only album on my iPhone. Anyway, they're from Michigan and only formed last year. Aimee almost got thrust onto the stage at one point so she was close enough to do her bit for historical accuracy >>Aimee's Videography
I didn't notice til quite late on that the singer's microphone was wrapped in what looked like a paper napkin and tied up with ribbon. Aimee tells me a lot of singers do that but its the first time I've noticed it. I suppose their hands must get extremely sweaty.
I very much enjoyed their set, even if it was a bit short ... only 45 minutes ... but they do only have one album. It was all over at 9.30pm so we didn't end up getting back all that late, which was a bonus. I've never seen Aimee quite so animated - she was jumping about, arms in the air, whipping her hair - she loved it, and I love seeing her enjoying herself.
Well that's about it for now - quite a short entry for quite a short gig, but worth the effort.
We're back in Manchester on Friday night but at the Apollo this time - we like it there. We're sitting but have fantastic seats practically right over the stage and we're seeing All Time Low who we've both wanted to see for ages and I reckon it will be a corker!
TTFN x
Friday March 4th 2011
PLAN B plus FAITH SFX and LIAM BAILEY
Empress Ballroom, Blackpool
This trip was a special treat for me and my fabulous friend Karen (whose own review is shown below) We both had the day off work and once I had been to the dentist, had the car washed, filled up with petrol and packed the kids off to school, I tootled off to Bury to pick her up ... whilst listening to The Defamation of Strickland Banks on repeat of course. We had a cuppa and some lunch at Karen's house and then headed off to Blackpool.
Once we got there my trusty Satnav took us right to the hotel but as the car park only had room for 2 cars, and was full, I had to park in the next street. Mild panic ensued as there was no answer at our hotel, but we finally got inside and taken to our very compact and bijou room.
My favourite part was the wardrobe that actually turned out to be the bathroom. Even with my short legs the only way I could sit on the loo was side on with my feet sticking out of the door. It a good job we're such good friends! Anyway the lady there was lovely and she did a fantastic full English breakfast, so it was all fine.
We had a couple of beers and then went to the prom ... or tried to. Everything was fenced off and there were tram lanes dug up all over the place. We did the only thing we could do and went into Harry Ramsden's for some tea ... fish, chips, peas and buttered bread ... and another beer. Yum. Then we went back to our room to get ready for our big night out.
We went into the Winter Gardens which has lots of rooms and is a very nice place, then we found a bar and had another beer. Next door was the Empress Ballroom which is very beautiful, even in the dark, and was almost half full when we got in there. We moved down the side and found a decent spot to stand.
First to come on was a young chap called Liam Bailey. I hadn't heard of him before and neither had Karen, but we both loved his voice ... very soulful.
In the interests of accuracy I have now Wikipedia'd him and he's from Nottingham and was discovered and signed by Amy Winehouse. He also appeared on 'Blind Faith' by Chase and Status earlier this year. We both liked him a lot.
Then came Faith SFX - our favourite beatboxer. We saw him supporting Plan B last October and he was amazing. He didn't do a full set this time but its probably just as well ... I think if he'd done his Transformers montage Karen might have fainted!
There is no doubt what he can do with his mouth can take your breath away - its incredible. In fact I can't even describe it - just watch this >>Faith SFX He then introduced Plan B.
When Plan B appeared half of the audience almost collapsed including Karen and myself. We had both seen him in October but he was definitely much more confident and more at ease with a big audience ... not surprising now he's a superstar.
We love him, completely. We like the sound of his music, which makes us fans of his music, that's why Love Goes Down makes us lose it cos we can't separate the man from the music. We're not obsessed though!
There's not really a lot to say about the gig itself - we spent the night staring at him on stage and singing along to all the tracks, which is possibly why I have no voice left now. It's definitely one of my all time favourite evenings.
Didn't get any video myself as my own videographer wasn't with me, and didn't get any usable photos, but the memory will stay with me forever! It didn't matter that Blackpool was in the middle of a major facelift ... it certainly needs one ... it was worth the mileage for a show like that. The soul covers in the encore were brilliant - Kiss From A Rose, My Girl, I Got Sunshine, Tracks of My Tears - classics with a modern Plan B/Faith SFX twist.
Pure genius.
I asked Karen for a 3 word review and, as promised, here it is :
"Fan bloody tastic". Sums it up quite well I think.
So there you have it ... it may not be rock as such, but it rocked us!
My next gig is with the divine Aimee and we're at Nottingham's Rock City tomorrow evening seeing D.R.U.G.S - not an expert on them but if Aimee likes them I'm sure I will.
TTFN x
Wednesday February 23rd 2011
WE ARE THE OCEAN plus BLITZ KIDS and SPYCATCHER
Sugarmill, Stoke
For our last gig of the month we didn't have to travel far ... thank goodness. I was finally getting to see We Are The Ocean and, even though I felt as rough as a badger's ar$e, I was looking forward to it.
Both of my offspring were accompanying me and I also gave a couple of Aimee's friends a lift.
Mind you once we got out of the car they all legged it as their friends were already in the queue. I'm not a fan of queue jumping on account of my manners, so I joined the end and got swamped by the crowd. During my time waiting to go inside I did discover that a lot of teenagers talk a load of sh!t ... excuse my French but good grief!!
Once boy standing behind me did make me laugh though - we were standing under a sign for the Sugarmill and I heard him point out that because of the way the shadow fell it looked like it said Bugarmill ... why have I never thought of that?
Finally we made our way around the corner and there was the usual nice chap handing out wristbands for those old enough to drink alcohol ... I usually hear them shout 'Is anybody legal?' which came as a shock the first time I heard it. He asked me if I was drinking tonight love, and I responded negatively as I was driving. There was an audible gasp of shock behind me as if they were saying 'My God, she's old enough to drink but she's choosing not to ... crazy person!'
First band on were called Spycatcher from Watford and I really enjoyed their set. I was standing right at the back next to the merch desk where lots of people were milling about but I could still see the kids. I had my earplugs in and was watching Little Red Riding Hoodie wandering back and forth, but there was a mosh pit almost immediately. The Sugarmill is only small and so a mosh pit tends to engulf a lot of the crowd ... whether they like it or not.
During the interval there was a mass exodus onto the roof - people getting 'fresh' air I suppose. I entertained myself watching various innebriated young men go into the ladies toilets ... well there wasn't much else to do. What I didn't realise was that I was standing right next to the lead singer of Blitz Kids for the first set, not that it would have made any difference ... I'm very shy.
Blitz Kids came on to massive cheers and more moshing. I was getting ever so slightly stressed watching Luke bobbing about all over the place but he was enjoying himself. They were really good, and I even tapped my foot a bit! Great set, the kids certainly loved it and knew all their songs ... which I'm afraid is more than I did. One of the girls in Luke's group ended up with a bloody nose so I guess she'll remember the gig for various reasons.
I was surprised to see several couples around my age there, and noted that they didn't attempt the blending in approach - maybe I should try that. Instead of buying a checked shirt and a pair of Converse I should get some tweed trousers and a body warmer ... just a thought.
Following another mass exodus and a soundcheck from a man in a Kermit the Frog vest (every roadie should have one!) We Are The Ocean appeared on stage. Wow they're loud. Dan Brown (left) is the 'Screaming Vocalist' according to Wikipedia, and Liam Cromby is the 'Clean Vocalist'.
Dan is the athletic one - he climbed up onto the balcony to sing Confessions, and then had a little bit of trouble getting back to the stage. The moshing never stopped through their entire set and I think he joined in at one point!
As usual my cameraperson was on hand to film the proceedings here >>Aimee's Videography
They ended slightly more abruptly that anyone was expecting, having been on for just under an hour. Dan climbed up to the other side of the balcony, right above Aimee's head so that when she looked up all she could see was his crotch. He finished by jumping off right into the crowd! What a nutter. One of the Blitz Kids put it perfectly when he called him a 'mad ba$tard'! I was gobsmacked. I was even more gobsmacked that it ended there and the audience hung around for ages expecting them to come back out. When I saw Dan on the merch desk I guessed it was over.
It was a great gig though and it was lovely to see all the bands hanging around to talk to fans afterwards.
I've got a week off gigging now, during which I'm going to try to get some rest so that I feel better for my trip to Blackpool next Friday. Really looking forward to seeing Plan B, although he might be a bit out of place in a rock blog ... I don't care, I love him!
TTFN x
Friday February 18th 2011
MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE plus THE BLACKOUT and LOSTALONE
MEN Arena
Finally I get time to sit down with a cup of tea! I'm thinking perhaps I'm too old for this lark ... but then I have just attended 4 gigs in 8 nights and written this blog on the nights inbetween. A parcel delivery lady woke me up at 10:45 this morning ... how rude, I was hoping to have a lie in! I had to go to the door in my dressing gown ... I didn't even know there was a door in my dressing gown!
(Sorry but it had to be done)
Back in Manchester, but we were at the MEN this time and had a perfectly pleasant journey - possibly due to the fact there were no boys with us this time. It was just me and my trusty cameraperson - you can see her work here >>Aimee's Videography
We got to the venue at around 7:15pm thinking we had plenty of time, but when we got inside Lostalone were already on. I don't think we'd missed much though. I remembered my earplugs but tried different ones this time as the others blocked too much of the music out. The new ones are much better, even though I feel like I've still got them in.
We were sitting for this one - in fact I never buy standing tickets at the MEN as its just too big. We were in block 102 which is side on but level with the stage so we had a great view. We are in this block for Blink 182 later in the year and we have end of row seats closer to the front so that should be brilliant.
Lostalone are a rock band from Derby who reminded me a little bit of Journey, although Aimee disagreed with me, for a change! We saw them supporting 30 Seconds to Mars last year and they were pretty good. Very chatty, which I like, and did manage to get parts of the crowd moving.
The Blackout were next who are one of our favourite bands. We saw them last year supporting You Me At Six and will be seeing them in April when they headline their own tour. They are from Merthyr Tydfil in Wales and formed in 2003.
Sean Smith, the blond shouty one, was sporting an interesting Jedward style hairdo, but no-one cared. They are the most energetic band I have ever seen, both singers were jumping around all over the stage - made me tired just watching them.
Its not all that often that the crowdsurfers start during the support band's set but there were a few going for it early. There were also a couple of mini mosh pits going on, but they only had 3 or 4 people in them so they weren't that impressive from row V.
I lost count of how many semi-conscious girls were pulled from the audience ... a couple of them had to be carried away. It was a bit of a crush down there, with massive swirls of people being pushed in all directions. I was so glad I was watching it from above.
They got the whole crowd jumping and singing and did a brief rendition of 'Whip My Hair Back and Forth' by Willow - not quite sure how you whip Jedward hair but he certainly gave it a go.
Overall a pretty fantastic set - looking forward to April already.
During the interval a big black curtain was erected at the front of the stage, which we could see behind, and several attempts were made to get a Mexican wave started ... all of which failed.
Still photos from various videos were displayed on a huge screen on the left of the stage, and every time an image of an MCR band member was shown, hundreds of girls screamed. More of the audience members were pulled to safety and that was before they even emerged! The 2 girls standing next to me were practically hyperventilating and had no voices left for singing as they'd been screaming so much.
The band are from New Jersey and formed in 2001 - about a week after the September 11 attacks. Gerard Way is very pretty and doesn't look his age at all (he's 33). Loving the red hair, but I did wonder if he had just sprayed it on before the show as his neck got a bit red as he got more sweaty. Still gorgeous though.
Gerard gave us the quote of the night when he said 'Thank you for loving us ... cos you do ... YOU LOVE US!' More screaming ensued. He was quite concerned about people getting crushed in the audience and made sure to tell everyone to watch out for each other - how lovely.
He also did a bit of a cover version for us which was very lovely - I don't know if he does the same one every night or if he did this because we were in Manchester but he did a few lines of 'Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now' by The Smiths, which he then followed up with Money. My favourite bit was when he asked everyone to light up the arena ... and that they did. Cameras, phones and lighters came on all around and it was beautiful. Even the 3 inflated condoms which were floating over the crowd couldn't spoil it.
Gerard reckons I'm pretty cool too. Well obviously he wasn't able to single me out but he is the first person I ever remember who thanked the parents for coming out with their kids, queueing up and waiting around. He said we all must be very cool to have kids going to an MCR gig ... so there you have it, definitive proof. Thank you Gerard, you're pretty darned cool yourself for dedicating 'Kids From Yesterday' to me.
I got a bit teary eyed when he sang 'Cancer' - especially '..cause the hardest part of this is leaving you..' oh I was a jibbering wreck. I was glad it was dark so nobody could see me wiping my eyes with my sleeve.
A fantastic show, thankful bands and an extremely appreciative audience always makes for a great night. We got home at midnight which is pretty standard and my hearing is still almost intact.
Our next gig, and our last one for this month, is at The Sugarmill, Stoke on Wednesday evening and I finally get to see We Are The Ocean ... hoorah! Both my offspring will be accompanying me to the venue, and then once we arrive will no doubt depart and leave me standing at the back on my own. They both have friends going and it is half term so I don't expect too much. Besides, with a bit of luck, the handsome young man I got chatting to at the Young Guns gig last November might be there for this one too! Fingers crossed.
TTFN x
Tuesday February 15th 2011
KERRANG TOUR 2011 featuring GOOD CHARLOTTE plus FOUR YEAR STRONG, FRAMING HANLEY and THE WONDER YEARS
Manchester Academy
What a surprise to find ourselves back at the Academy again. My ears were still ringing following the Feeder gig ... and I'm still not sure they will ever recover ... but I was prepared this time with my trusty earplugs. I thought that if they can block out Steve's snoring, they should protect me from anything!
This time my son Luke joined Aimee and I, but when we arrived he was in no rush to get out of the car. Boys eh! When we finally did make our way to the queue, it was huge, but at least it was dry this time.
There were several menacing looking characters wandering up and down the queue attempting to sell their wares ...
'Kerrang hoodie mate? Only a tenner ... 22 quid inside'.
No thanks very much. Call me old fashioned but I'd rather not purchase a cheap knock off that will disintegrate in the wash from a dodgy individual who would probably do the same!
As is usual when my offspring and I all spend time together, I got ganged up on right up until we got into the Academy. Its fine ... I can take it ::sniff:: Besides, I knew once we got inside I wouldn't see them again until the end! Aimee steamed straight in to ensure a top spot to do her recordings >>Aimee's Videography and I went to the loo. I emerged to find Luke waiting for me (how sweet) so I popped in my earplugs and in we went. I spotted Aimee in precisely the same spot as Friday so I stood over to the left by the barrier and Luke stayed somewhere in between. We love each other really.
Sunday February 13th 2011
FEEDER plus LOVE AMONGST RUIN and PEGASUS BRIDGE
Manchester Academy
Back to the Academy again but I didn't drive this time (hoorah!) as my other half joined us on this outing.
I had been wanting to see Feeder for a very long time ... probably longer than most of the audience had been alive ... and I managed to persuade Steve and Aimee to come with me. We had a nice easy trip and got there in plenty of time to queue outside in the rain.
I had my trusty hoodie on and must have looked most attractive with the hood up because as I got closer to the door, the security chap shouted 'Take the hoods down please guys!' GUYS?? Charming. I took the hood down and shook my hair as if I was taking part in a shampoo commercial, but I don't think I convinced anyone I was actually a woman!
Sadly this time we didn't see anyone with a severe case of Arm Tourettes. I somehow managed to forget about this on my previous post, but it came back to me as we were out last night. We were waiting at a red light whilst a couple of people were waiting to cross - one young person in particular whose left arm had a mind of its own. I do hope he (or she) was listing to Michael Jackson on his MP3 player because his arm continued to dance as he crossed the road and disappeared from sight. Odd.
We got inside the venue and I headed straight to the ladies loo - this is standard for me as I am usually pretty desperate by the time I arrive at any venue that takes more than 10 minutes to get to (i.e. all of them!) As well as emptying my bulging bladder I intended to sit under the hand dryer for a while in an attempt to dry off ... sadly they were all taken by ladies having the same idea. I remained moist for the rest of the evening!
The quote of the night was made by another middle aged lady (not unlike myself) who I passed in the powder room. I heard her say to her friend 'I liked Feeder before they had wrinkles!' Me too love, me too!
So Steve went to the bar and Aimee went straight in, straight to the middle front ... great joy. We all met up and found ourselves standing behind a young couple who were even shorter than us. That never happens ... ever. Aimee noticed a very good Matt Cardle lookalike in the crowd just behind us, and said she was sure she'd seen him watching Angels and Airwaves too. Aimee and Steve stood in front of me so I could see everything between them, although this meant I also got the full force of Steve's flatulence ... which was disgusting!
Anyway ... first up were Pegasus Bridge, 4 lads from Manchester who I have seen on one of those music channels that Aimee likes. I only really knew their track 'Ribena' which they ended with but I very much enjoyed their set. I did keep making accidental eye contact with the drummer, which was a bit bizarre ... probably even more so for him, poor fella!
I asked Aimee who was on next and misheard her response as Love Amongst Druids, which I personally think is a much better name.
The band is fronted by Steve Hewitt, former songwriter and drummer for Placebo, which I didn't know until 30 seconds ago! I actually thought he looked a bit like the best man at my wedding. He's a local bloke, from just up the road in Northwich, and his drummer looked like Serj Tankian of System of A Down. The lady bass player's bass was taller than she was. I didn't really get into their music though I'm afraid.
Finally came Feeder, as gorgeous as ever and still sounding fantastic. As they emerged a paper aeroplane skimmed the top of my head from somewhere behind and then there was an almighty push during which I got squished and trampled. Steve began to get a tad tetchy but I told him he should relax and just go with it as there's nothing we could do, and he did.
Aimee and her camera were in a great position as usual and you can see lots of Feeder here>>Aimee's Videography.
I got absolutely battered through the whole of their set ... it had all been quite sedate up to that point. I don't know who on earth was behind me but they got closer to me than I thought humanly possible. Steve had his hand firmly attached to the barrier and I had my hands firmly attached to Steve with my elbows pointing outwards purely as a protective measure.
My feet were burning, my ears were ringing ... I have never been so sweaty or bruised in my entire life, and I've given birth twice!
Thankfully Feeder were totally brilliant, everything I expected, so it was mostly worth all my suffering. Mind you if it hadn't ended when it did I may have suffocated, especially as the yummy (and remarkably unwrinkled) Grant Nicholas jumped down off the stage and walked in front of the barrier, giving Aimee the ideal opportunity to ruffle his hair! I had been consumed by the crowd at this point and didn't even know he was there ... dammit!
At least now I know that I never ever want to stand in the middle at the front ever again, and I have already packed my earplugs for tomorrow night's Kerrang Tour. Whilst I am very much looking forward to seeing Good Charlotte, Four Year Strong (and their beards) and Framing Hanley, I would also like to protect what little hearing I have left. I got home from the Feeder gig 24 hours ago and I can still hear clanging! That can't be good.
Well that's all for now ... especially as its taken me as much time to write my review as I spent at the actual gig! I'll be back again very soon assuming I haven't collapsed from exhaustion ... can't be too careful at my age.
TTFN x
