Category Archives: Music

Elbow

Yesterday, we travelled to Birmingham to see Elbow. At the Academy, a much better atmosphere than an arena gig. It was a shame that Newcastle wasn’t on their tour list, but somehow travelling for a gig adds to the whole experience. 

I’ve long since stopped taking a camera to such events, it’s just something else to carry. So, I make no excuses, these are phone quality pictures. 

Earlier in the day, we discovered a new old pub. In Digby. 

Which claims to be the oldest pub in Birmingham. 

There were some others, but none quite as nice as the Old Crown. Although we were also taken by the Victoria, near New Street. Oh, and most notably the Lamp Tavern, a tiny old Irish pub (not of the O’Neills variety, a genuine old one).

Breakfast this morning was in a rainy Burton on Trent. None of us had ever been before. Breakfast was nice. 

Nick Cave II

The mystery deepens. It transpires that I’d committed to two Nick Cave tickets. I’m uncertain as to whether the second ticket was intended for Peter (who can’t make it anyway due to a football clash) or my second in command. 

So, my second in command will be going to see Nick Cave and his fellow Bad Seeds with me and two gentlemen. It’ll be interesting, simce my beloved is quite unimpressed with Mr Cave. 

Nick Cave

While in my local to see a band the other night, I bumped into one of the regulars, Keith. After exchanging pleasantries, he mentioned that he’d bought a ticket for a Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds gig. I enquired as to the venue and Keith responded something along the lines of Manchester, as we’d agreed. At which point, I had an extremely vague recollection of a conversation about the Nick Cave tour last week. Not wishing to expose my lapse of memory, I said that I’d not yet had an opportunity to buy a ticket. And all was well. 

Until today, when I received a text message: Gary,  I think I had a lot to drink last week or so when we talked about getting Nick Cave tickets. Phil reminded me last night in the Tuns that we’d agreed he’d get them for us! He bought 4 standing tickets. I now have a spare ticket!  No worries as I’ll get rid of it easily enough. Cheers Keith

My memory, after alcohol, is clearly even worse than I could have imagined. I now need to remember to reimburse Phil for the cost of my ticket. 

Thinking positively, though, it seems that memory loss may be normal for a gentleman of a certain age. 

Little Fictions

Elbow’s latest album, Little Fictions, disappointed me when I first listened to it. It’s very old style Elbow and lacks the usual couple of tracks that jump out from the rest. 

But I’ve now warmed to it. Like I say, it’s old Elbow, but at the same time it’s better than their old stuff. The album may never become a favourite of mine, but it’s grown on me. 

Fiio

Although it’s once more been stolen by my second in command, my Fiio X1 is an excellent train companion. 

North Street Bar

North Street Bar, a bar on North Street, was a favourite of ours. While it didn’t open until late evening, it was a regular last stopping point. It stayed open until the early hours and could be relied on for cool, chilled live music. 

Sadly, the bar is no more. Worse still, it’s been replaced by one of those vile places that specialise in desserts. 

We’re now in the Draper’s Arms, raising a glass to a dearly missed friend. 

Kendal

Ok, so the line-up is shaping up. 

I know I won’t be leaving here. With you. 

But I’d buy you a beer at a festival.