I went on a learning, to learn the ways of man. A few years ago, after a march across the site at Glastonbury, I caught the last half hour of Joe Gideon & the Shark’s set. Which included the end of Kathy Ray, which was worth rushing for after hearing it from a distance, and Civilisation, both favourites of mine.

I’ve only seen them live three times; the first when they supported Lisa Germany in a club in London, eight or nine years ago. And then there was that half set in the old Q Magazine bar, the Queen’s Head, at Glastonbury, and a gig at the Head of Steam (on my birthday, if I recall correctly). The latter was memorable for an unplanned reunion with Karl and a huge row with a former spouse.

Anyway, I’ve been looking forward to seeing them at the Cluny tomorrow evening. The booking system didn’t seem to be working very well, and I’d held off buying because I’d been attempting to persuade someone to go with me (unsuccessfully, I should say, but it wouldn’t have been the first time I’d gone to a gig by myself).

I’m not sure why, but I checked the band’s website this evening, only to find that the tour (Joe Gideon and Jim Sclavanus, rather than the Shark) has been postponed to later in the year. Admittedly, I’m disappointed, but there’s relief that I’ll not be turning up for a cancelled gig.

The Learning quote was from Civilisation, a track from their Harum Scarum album. It’s not exactly mainstream, but I can recommend it.