FANZEYEVIEW
January 2012 02/04/2012
 
First month of the year and a very quiet one for me. January is notoriously a musicians nightmare for gigs as well as fans alike.
6th - Jazz Cafe, Marcus Bonfanti Band put in a superb performance to a packed out venue, playing songs old, new, borrowed and blue with a special guest appearance from the wonderful Paddy Milner.
19th - again with Marcus Bonfanti Band , tyhis time at The Attic which is a part of  The Forum complex at Herts University campus.. Although not a packed out gig , the crowd that were there were treated to some excellant swampy blues from three superb musicians.
29th - saw myself at the Queens Arms in Didcot to see Mitch Laddie, Poplar Jake and Rory Evans playing an acoustic jam, very entertaining indeed, both Mitch and Poplar are at this years Hebden Blues Festival in June.
1 Comment
 
December 2011 01/02/2012
 
Last month of the year and it did not disappoint.

2nd - Bar Blues Hebden Bridge for the Blues Festival 2012 launch featuring Paddy Maguire, Hooson, Fuschi4, Angelo Palladino. Great evening that was well attended at one of the venues ready for June.
3rd - The Venue Chichester for a truely memorable gig with Deborah Bonham and Paul Rodgers, packed out gig in support of the racehorse charity. Everyone who played had a terrific time, the audience were amazing.
17th - BATF to see Cinqui ft Stuart Dixon on guitar, great afternoon with some great music.
18th - Ronnie Scott's to see The Blues Explosion ft Annabel Williams, always an awesome night when this monthly event takes place, such classy musicians.
19th - Scala Kings Cross London for the last gig on the Saint Jude tour and they saved the best for last, what a night, the band just get better and better, big year in 2012 for them.
20th - Arts Centre Cranleigh to the second night of the annual charity event hosted ny Paul Jones & Friends, tonight featuring the wonderful talents of Paddy Milner, Silas Maitland, Marcus Bonfanti, Cherry Lee Mewis, Bernie  Marsden and Paul Jones. Many more talented musicians as well whose names I cannot recall, played to a sold out crowd raising loads of money for Paul's charities.
21st - Dublin Castle Camden London, a promotion night featuring the excellant Big Num, these guys played a half hour set that featured three new songs, these guys deserve to be signed up and gigging UK regularly.
21st - after Camden I took a short trip on the tube to The Alleycat for the weekly and classy Sam Hare's Electric Jam, great musicians on show showing off their skills under the organisational skills of Sam.

A fitting end to an incredible year of gigs and cd releases, more of the same in 2012.
Add Comment
 
November 2011 11/24/2011
 
1st at the Academy 2 in Islington for the inauggeral Hoaxfest featuring  one of the all time great British bands, The Hoax. The members of the band were supporting with their own solo projects including, Well Hung Heart, Jesse Davey Experiment, The Davey Brothers, Jon Amor Blues Group and Hugh Coltman. Thoroughly terrific evenings entertainment of great music, humour and fellow gig buddies.
3rd was again the second Hoaxfest, this time at the bands home territory of Devizes. The Corn Exchange was the setting for the same format as Islington, afterwards at The Bell pub , the aftershow featured a storming jam session with all of the band and support players plus some guests, including Gwyn Ashton.
11th was my first visit to the new Essex venue, The Touchline, in Hullbridge, to see USA act Billy Walton Band. super entertainment from these guys who are regular visitors to the UK.
12th saw me attending the Corn Exchange in Hertford to see one of my all time favourite bands, The Blockheads, a fantastic performance from the guys who never let me down live.
16th this is gig that will live long in the memory for me. Marcus Bonfanti Band at the Academy 2 Islington, took the roof off with a stunning display that had the crowd at the packed out venue cheering , clapping and singing with obvious joy, excellant support provided by Sam Hare who was playing acoustic and engaged the crowd with some wonderful songs.
20th was a visit to Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club to see The Blues Explosion with special guest Hugh Coltman. I know from several attendees that this night was one they will never forget, the class on show was literally the best of British.
24th a trip to the New Crawdaddy, Crays Hill, Essex to see a terrific evening in the company of The Heaters  supporting the very talented 24 Pesos, it was an evening that had all smiling on the way out after. Pesos showing why they are one of the best of the new breed on the circuit, playing songs from their two releases and a couple from the forthcoming third release early next year.
26th saw myself and a couple of friends at The Bull Theatre in Barnet to see new artist Tobi Earnshaw recording a concert dvd in support of his recording contract in USA, he was supporting the wonderfully talented Steve Rodgers. Steve is a great song-writer and showed his skills to their best tonight, very impressive night out with some superb UK talent.
27th final event of the month for me and it doesn't come any better than a Saint FM Tim Aves The Blues Is Back live radio session in the company of top UK pianoman Paddy Milner. Four songs of awesome piano skill that I filmed and are now on youtube for everyone's viewing pleasure.
Add Comment
 
October 2011 10/15/2011
 
7th, my first visit in a while to The Bull in Colchester, in fact the room at the back of the premises called The Soundhouse to see Hokie Joint play a wonderful couple of sets in front of their home crowd. This was HJ at their most dangerous , if you were there you would know why.
11th was a major gig at 100 Club London with Marcus Bonfanti, Big Boy Bloater and Cherry Lee Mewis, a great night for those who made it for a wonderful nights music, great to catch up with some old friends.
15th & 16th I attended the first Bedford Blues Festival held at the lovely venue called Esquires. Artists featured on the days I attended were Marcus Bonfanti, Northsyde, Carlos Linnett, The Nimmo Brothers, Cherry Lee Mewis, Three, Chantel McGregor. Some of the best British musicians around entertained the thoroughly appreciative crowd, long may this festival continue.
20th, another trip to the 100 Club to see Chantel McGregor again. Good set of covers and own material from her cd and of course the banter with the crowd. Highlight was an incredible version of 'Lenny'.
21st and 22nd I was attending both shows at Hammersmith Apollo with Joe Bonamassa. Great two days with excellant music and friends, is there a better live show about?
26th once again at the 100 Club, for an amazing night with Todd Sharpville and his band plus some special guests, including Marcus Bonfanti, Paul Lamb, David Mcalmont and Earl Green.  Excellant evenings entertainment from Todd, let's hope he plays the capital more often.
29th a trip to BATF to see the wonderful Hokie Joint in their home county, bumper crowd and a rather awesome afternoon of music.

Add Comment
 
September 2011 09/20/2011
 
1st, saw me attending the 12 Bar Club in Denmark St, London to see the rather wonderful Kara Grainger who hails from Australia via LA , with a great band featuring Paddy  Milner, Kara playing songs both original and covers was very accomplished on both acoustic and electric guitars with some slide as well.
8th, my first visit to the new bi-weekly event now at the Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes with The Whiskey Mules and Earl Thomas & Big Sounds, a splendid event that had all the crowd + bowlers dancing the night away.
10th & 11th , was Newark Blues Festival 2011, great chance to catch up with some friends from previous festival around the country this year. The bands weren't bad either with Jon Amor Blues Group, Hokie Joint , Ian Siegal Band all providing some very high class best of British entertainment through the sun and rain. The second day was mainly reserved for the British Blues Awards results and awarding of trophies. The music was again very good featuring Cliff Brown Band, Idle Hands and the excellant Hooson followed by Tim Aves & Wolfpack who thoroughly entertained the crowd at the end of the festival , it was also their cd launch as well.
16th, off to the Boom Boom Club to see Henrik Freischlader Band on their debut UK tour. Thoroughly enjoyable two set evening and as well as great musicians, great guys as well to chat to.
18th, I was lucky to be invited along to Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club to see the Blues Explosion (Paddy Milner plus some of Jack Bruces' backing band and Jools Holland Orchestra), play some great jazz/blues featuring Annabelle Williams on a few songs at rhe end of the first set. The second set featured then wonderful Kara Grainger who wowed the crowd with some great songs.
21st, Hard Rock Cafe in London was the venue for a special acoustic show by Saint Jude sponsored by Classic Rock magazine. Members of Thunder and Voodoo Six in the audience to witness a very special set by the band which had everyone cheering all the way through.
22nd, I was with Marcus Bonfanti on his support slot with Danny & The Champions at Bush Hall London, Marcus played longer than originally expected due to the other support act being ill. Lovely venue and Marcus yet again did us all proud.
27th, off to Nags Head in High Wycombe for the return of Cherry Lee Mewis, this time in a trio with Robbie Stewart-Mathews on bass and harmonica, Max Milligan on acoustic guitar. A very good attendance were treated to songs of both released cd's plus a smattering of very promising, soon to be recorded, new songs.
30th, last gig of the month and it doesn't come any better than Paddy Milner and Marcus Bonfanti with band. First time at the rather good venue called The Bubble Club in the Horsebridge Centre in Whitstable. Excellant performances from all who played and the encore jam featuring Marcus and Paddy was amazing.



18th - Isabella Bonfanti born

CD - Kara Grainger - Grand And Green River & LA Blues
CD - Tim Aves & Wolfpack - The Wolfpack Burnham Sessions
CD - Matt Andersen - Coal Mining Blues.


Add Comment
 
August 2011 08/10/2011
 
6th I was at the Saturday of Cambridge Rock Festival, this is a great event running annually over 4 days  and has some amazing acts. First up for me was the rather excellant Cherry Lee Mewis and her great band who soon blew ther cobwebs off those early rising hangovers to wow the crowd with a superb set.  Next for me was a rather wonderful surprise in the form of  Stolen Earth who were playing their first gig and it was a joy to behold. Hailing from York they played a set of some superbly crafted songs in the melodic prog style. Really looking forward to hearing more from them. I went to the other stage after to see The Jives, The Heaters and Roy Mette Band who kept the crowd happy with some lovely afternoon tunes. Aireya51 were the next act for me who played an accomplished set of rock tunes, then it was time for Chantel McGregor who had the crowd in the palm of her hand , she and her band played a glorious set of covers and self-penned material that I am sure sold well after the set had finished. After Chantel I had to leave sadly due to lack of sleep and a drive home for an early start somewhere else next day. Rather enjoyable affair at Cambridge catching up with old friends and making new ones as well, its what festivals are all about and I cannot wait for 2012.
13th was a trip to see pals 24 Pesos at BATF, another excellant gig from these guys playing songs from their two releases plus some new material. The crowd are loving this band at this venue.
14th proved to be a briiliant night in Powers Bar, Kilburn, with the amazing Marcus Bonfanti Band. Loads of fans and musicians in the crowd to witness the devil at our doorstep. New songs and old played with  class and emotion.
15th I was once again with 24 Pesos back at 606 Club London, great club and the boys played a diferent set from a couple of days ago but it was just as good, a few new fans gained.
27th saw myself at Rhythm Festival for the first of my two days here. I had the added bonus of helping out Sandi Thom with the merchandise and of course seeing her and her excellant band give a super performance. Other bands I had the pleasure of seeing there as well Jack Bruce, Sidewalk Doctors , Nick Lowe, Imelda May and the fabulous Curved Air. The second day I took in The Stone Foundation, the fantastic Saint Jude, Oli Brown Band, Sherman Robertson and finally the always excellant The Blockheads. My visit was rather short at the festival, not due to the unpredictable weather, but to go to The Stables at Milton Keynes to see Cherry Lee Mewis supporting Robin Trower at a sold out gig. I wasn't merely a spectator but also helping out with the merchandise during and after the cracking show.
29th was my first visit to New Cross Inn in South London to see a great gig line up of Jon Amor Blues Group who played a marvellous set featuring tracks from the upcoming cd release. Marcus Bonfanti and Paddy Milner played a couple of wonderful solo sets, then setting up together for a great send off set, so many smiling faces in the crowd and was a joy to behold.

CD - The Curious Case Of Paddy Milner
CD - Jon Amor Blues Group

Add Comment
 
July 2011 07/18/2011
 
Another busy month in the world of gigging. 2nd saw me once again at BATF to see the wonderful Denny Newman & The Regulars, one of the best guitarists about who you  might have seen years ago in Manfreds Earth band, also featuring the talents of ex Chris Rea/Jeff Beck pianoman Max Middleton., excellant afternoons entertainment.
5th was a great pleasure in meeting and watching the sublime genius of  Warren Haynes  and his excellant band, playing songs from his career as well as most of his superb cd Man In Motion.
7th was catch up time with one of my favourite bands 24 Pesos at Cellar Bar Blues at The Maltings in Farnham. Great two sets played featuring some new tunes for the forthcoming new cd.
9th was a local gig at the ever improving Kelvedon Music Festival, a free event that featured Automatic Slim and The Blockheads in front of a very large local crowd, the other bands on the bill were very good indeed showing the local talent we have.
13th was a very busy evening, firstly a tea time start at Upstairs At Ronnie Scotts for the cd launch of 'The Curious Case Of Paddy Milner', the venue was packed out to a very enthusiastic crowd, judging by the smiles all around it was a great success. later I managed to persuade Paddy Milner and Todd Sharpville to join me across the road at The Alleycat for Sam Hare's Jam Session, also in attendance was jazz/blues singer Kerry Jo Hodgkin. The jam also features some wonderfully talented musicians who are not in the mainstream, but boy can they play, well worth checking out if you are ever free on a Weds evening.
14th another early start, this time at St Pancras Railway Station for The Station Sessions featuring Marcus Bonfanti Band and Vintage Trouble. Marcus and the boys gave us a great set to a very appreciative crowd, Vintage Trouble have had a lot of hype surrounding them recently due to the prestigious gigs they have had over here, I am not totally convinced at this time of the hype , they are good and worth going to see , but we have better in this country.
15th saw me at The Borderline in the company of the bloody wonderful Ian Siegal & The Mississippi Mudbloods. Awesome gig featuring songs from Ian's new cd 'The Skinny' and some from 'Broadside', also Paddy Milner giving us a couple of New Orleans flavoured songs. A triumph for all concerned.
17th saw me at The Onley Arms Stisted Essex for a jam session in the afternoon featuring 3/4 of Wolfpack joined from USA by Owen Barry. Very enjoyable session played to a packed out venue.
21st, back in South London to see Marcus Bonfanti play his first electric solo set at The Bedford in Balham, playing a few new songs for his upcoming 3rd release and very good it was.
22nd I was with Marcus Bonfanti again , this time with his fine band at The Blues Kitchen in Camden, packed out to the door this was a great gig, hot and sweaty, with the band playing a terrific set.
23rd was the Ealing Summer Blues Festival, with a great line up and only £4 entry, this had to be the bargain of the summer. The acts I managed to catch while there were, Bob Hokum and The Guvnors, Sam Kelly's Station House, Sandi Thom, Wolfpack and Connie Lush.
25th was a gig that was burning a hole in my calender, the return of the remarkable Philip Sayce and his band supported by Marcus Bonfanti, who again played a storming solo electric set. Philip took the stage and had everyone mesmerized by his guitar playing for almost 2 hrs, he gets better and better on every tour.
26th saw me return to The Grey Horse in Kingston for the visit of USA soul/blues man Andrew Black as guest of Robin Bibi Band. An excellant for all concerned and a very welcome return to these shores for Andrew.
29th and Andrew Black/Robin Bibi were at St Annes Castle in Essex as a duo for the evening, very entertaining with some added help from Tim Aves on harmonica and Fergie Fulton on bass.
Final act of July on 30th for me was a trip to Manchester to see Black Country Communion supported by Michael Schenker Group. This gig was collosal with MSG and BCC giving their all in a gig that ranks up there with the best I've seen over the years.

CD:  Ruby Electric - Philip Sayce
2 Comments
 
June 2011 06/12/2011
 
What a start to the month 4th was a trip to the Royal Festival Hall in London for the Jack Bruce gig featuring a very talented band with Joe Bonamassa. Met Joe before the gig when he joined us for about 20 minutes, then it was dinner with friends at an Italian restaurant around the corner. The gig itself was amazing with Paddy Milner introducing the bands preceeding music  and Jack Bruce, the place really came alive when Joe hit the stage for a tribute to Gary Moore then some Cream songs were played to the delight of the audience. Afterwards Paddy came down and invited me and a couple of others to the aftershow.
6th was at 606 Club to see the wonderful 24 Pesos play another special gig. Never a dull moment when these guys are playing and the crowd loved every minute of it.
8th saw me at Jagz in Ascot to see Mick Ralphs & Co, a great night out with the musicians having a blast on stage and playing some mighty fine blues.
11th was a busy day, firstly off to BATF for an afternoon special with old friends Wolfpack, this time with Stuart Dixon on guitar duties. Then Stuarts other musical venture Cinqui played three songs as a prelim to their visit to the venue in two weeks time. I for one will be attending that one, the cd is excellant. After an hours drive I was at Leighton Buzzard to see PAUL , a band dear to my heart as they always give everything in a show, playing a lot of new material from the 'Tales Of The Gravel' cd mixed in with older songs they gave the crowd what they wanted, I was also joined for a while at the venue by the lovely Cherry Lee Mewis.
19th saw my first ever visit to the Blues On The Farm Festival in Chichester for the final day. On arrival I met a few people who were at Hebden and only got to see the last three bands playing. First up was the rock n roll band The Revolutionaires, who gave a wonderful performance of the 50's era standards that had the crowd dancing away. Next up was the delightful Todd Sharpville Band, these are class musicians led by the excellant songwriter Todd. They went down a stormwith the crowd who dragged them back for a well deserved encore. Final act was the Marcus Bonfanti Band who gave a performance of immense quality that had the crowd singing and dancing the night away, the encore even had Todd back onstage for a classy jam of Muddy Waters.
22nd was a double header, firstly a trip to the BBC Radio Theatre to see Jools Holland and His Orchestra play a one hour set as part of BBC Radio's Music Live Day. Many guests playing with band including Jamie Cullum, Huey Morgan, Ruby Turner and Paul Jones, a really wonderful time,.
Next it was off to The Alleycat in Denmark Street to see Sam Hare's Jam Session. Some wonderful talent playing here tonight with Sam including, Cherry L:ee Mewis, Krissy Matthews, Aaron Keylock and Maurice and Ben from The Spikedrivers
25th, BATF in the afternoon to see the very classy Cinqui, who played two sets of immense quality that bought the house down, fantastic entertainment. Then  a trip to Easton in Suffolk to see an old favourite of mine from Canada, Matt Andersen who gave us two sets of probably the best acoustic blues you will ever witness, brilliant performer you should not miss, the White Horse will never be the same again.
27th saw me again with Matt Andersen at The Social in London this had three other acts on the bill, notably the very good Will Scott. Matt played a mighty fine set , although all four acts were treated to too much crowd chatter while performing, very ignorant I thought of the public.
28th was at Bush Hall in West London for part of thev LondonbluesFest 2011. Appearing was Bex Marshall, Scott McKeon Band, Paddy Milner Band and Marcus Bonfanti Band. Wonderful gig showcasing the young talent this country has in this genre.
29th saw me at Shepherds Bush Empire to see Tedeschi Trucks Band supported by lap steel star, Robert Randolph & Family Band. This was an amazing gig with all musicians on top of their game at a packed out venue, the crowd loving every second of it.
3 Comments
 
May 2011 05/10/2011
 
7th saw me at HMV Forum in Kentish Town for the final gig of the current tour by Skindred. A rather enjoyable affair with the band mixing up styles into a musical fusion of hot cooking pot. The crowd were loving every minutes of the 100  minute set.
11th I was at Dingwalls in London to see Ian Siegal gigging with the rather excellant North Mississippi Allstars Duo (Luther & Cody Dickinson).  Ian started off the night with a set of songs 'he thinks are great songs' and who am I to argue, great start to the night. NMAD came on with a rack of numerous guitars and a drumkit with different sticks of all kinds, this was a real pleasure to listen and watch this act. later for an encore Ian and James Foster joined the rest for a storming 3 songs.
12th was a trip to the O2 Academy in Islington to witness a brilliant gig. Firstly my friend Marcus Bonfanti & Band played a wicked 45 minute 'pirate blues' set featuring songs from his two releases, warming up the crowd a treat. Next it was the headline JJ Grey & Mofro, what a band. Excellant musicians mixing up blues soul and a certain funkiness that had the crowd dancing and singing from the first note to the last.
14th was a trip to the Boom Boom Club in Sutton to see the Marcus Bonfanti/JJ Grey & Mofro show for the final date of the UK tour and they left the best for last. Marcus doing a solo set this time of songs from the latest cd plus a couple of new ones, the crowd liked what they heard . JJ came on stage with the band and literally tore the place apart with a brilliant set, crowd up and dancing from the off and didnt stop until the final note had gone into the wind. Catch them when they come back over its an event not too miss.
19th saw me and Fergie at Moors Bar Crouch End  North London to see the fantastic  Kilborn Alley Blues Band ripping the  place apart withn some amazing blues, even though they were a man light , it didn't affect their performance.
20th was a trip to the Boom Boom Club in Sutton for the New Generation Blues Show featuring the amazing young talents of Mitch Laddie, Virgil & The Accelerators and WT Feaster, an enthralled crowed lapped it all up.
24th was a trip to a venue I like  Hags Head High Wycombe to see Cherry Lee Mewis with a couple of the regular band on bass and guitar. A great two sets of old style and new blues from a wonderful singer, punctuated by a crazy game of table football.
Next evening 25th was to see the awesome Saint Jude at Islington Academy and what a show it was. The crowd and band alike were enjoying every moment of the set which included a brand new song. Can't wait for the new cd when it comes out.
27th,28th,29th,30th shall be placed in more detail in another section of the website, as it was the first Hebden Bridge Blues Festival, that I was proud to be a part of. A fantastic four days I will never forget.

RIP Gil Scott-Heron  a real genius has passed, the revolution will always be televised.
Add Comment
 
April 2011 04/08/2011
 
My first gig of this crazy month, 2nd, was to see  Tim Aves and his band Wolfpack at a local pub to me called the Onley Arms for a night of re-invigourated  Howling Wolf  tunes plus others from the genre, played with the vigour of musicians enjoying what they do, go and see them when you can .
Luckily for me another local gig on the 3rd, was at the classy High Barn complex in Gt Bardfield, Essex to see the wonderful Sandi Thom Band play a stunning set  mainly from her superb cd Merchant & Thieves. It was good to catch up with the band again, don't miss her on this tour she and the band are on great form.
Due to illness I was forced to miss a couple of gigs that I was really looking forward to, Voodoo Six and Marcus Bonfanti/Paddy Milner, giving me time to make some notes on cd reviews and some gigs I have been to recently.
7th was an event I was really looking forward to , A Tribute To Muddy Waters at the Jazz Cafe in Camden London, 24 Pesos played a set then provided the backing for guests including Jojo Burgess (Hokie Joint), Bex Marshall and Ian Siegal. Terrific entertainment for a very well attended gig I am happy to say.
8th was a trip to BATF in the afternoon to see the wonderful Hokie Joint play a blinder to a packed out venue on a gloriously sunny day, playing old songs and a few from the forthcoming 'The Music Starts To Play' cd.
14th saw me make a first visit to Jagz in Ascot to see the Clare Free Band, Clare started off proceedings with a set of acoustic covers, then later she returned with her fine band to play songs from her cd  and ep. A good night  was had by those lucky enough to be there.
16th saw me at the CRF Springfest - Haddenham Beer Festival, this was a great weekend event , but I was only attending the Saturday. Luckily the weather proved favourable for the marquee bar serving up all sorts of alcoholic delights and the food wagon was doing a roaring trade. The music wasn't too bad either, I managed to see four of the acts on show today. Firstly was the very much improved Ben Poole Band, playing a few covers with a twist and their own material which I am glad to say made  a few of us,who had seen Ben last year, nodding approvingly at the much appreciated improvement that comes with gigging, the band all great lads to have a chat with as well. Cherry Lee Mewis was on the list for me next to see. Cherry and her terrific band were quite simply awesome and I think my favourite band of the day, quality musicians and a knock-em dead vocalist. They played tracks mainly from the two cd releases and a couple of well chosen covers to a very appreciative crowd.
Split Whiskers were the next for me to see, my first time of seeing them and I was quite impressed, playing some originals but mainly covers driven set. Chantel McGregor was the headliner and she was superb, a great girl with great family backing with her. Playing songs from her just about to be released cd 'Like No Other' and covers she wowed the now more vocal crowd. A great day out indeed and some of these acts are at the main CRF event in August, I will hopefully get there for a day or two.
18th was once again in the company of Chantel this time at Boom Boom Club Sutton, a very different set from Springfest, moving with ease from electric to acoustic and playing most of the new cd, a packed house enjoyed the cd launch in Surrey.
24th was the start of four dates on the road with Paul Rodgers and support Down N Outz. Bournemouth BIC is the venue on a hot day, me and my mate Doug bumped into Paul's wife Cynthia for lengthy chat about the tour and  future projects, the gig itself was good, the band and Paul never sounding so good. The Down N Outz fronted by Joe Elliott were very good indeed.
25th found us in Southend on the hottest day of the year, had a brief chat with Joe Elliott and Paul and the band. This was the only standing venue on the tour I believe, and did it pay off. A briiliant gig, terrific atmosphere and crowd singing. The best gig on my mini tour by a mile.
27th was a trip to the Royal Albert Hall, another highlight. Outside the venue I managed to catch up with Mick Ralphs who is a real gent and all-round good bloke. The gig itself was excellant with guests onstage with Paul including Mick and Mica Paris.
28th was the final date of the tour for all concerned, the NIA at Birmingham was the venue for  the filming of the show. A very strange choice indeed as it was all seating which lead to their being a poor atmosphere and it also being an arena style seating plan led to a sparsityin crowd participation. Another thing that really grinds my gears is the venue security who think its fun to bully people about who try to get to the front to make it a better
experience, the tickets are not cheap and I personally thought it was very poor indeed. Not a great ending to the tour I couldnt wait to get home to be honest. Thank goodness for Southend and RAH gigs.
Add Comment