bookmark_borderConcerts

Clair has been recalling all the concerts she’s been to, so you can blame her for this.

One habit I’ve always had is to keep the tickets for all the concerts I’ve ever attended (not in chronological order).

  • R.E.M. at Balloch Park.
  • Jools Holland in the Armadillo.
  • Crowded House in the Big Red Shed.
  • The Silencers in the Barrowlands (twice, supported by the Humpff Family both times), the Royal Concert Hall, and the Albert Hall (Stirling!).
  • Martin Stephenson and the Daintees at Queen’s Hall (Edinburgh), King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, and Strathclyde University Union.
  • Bon Jovi at Ibrox Stadium and Gateshead.
  • Aerosmith in the Big Red Shed.
  • Billy Joel in the Big Red Shed.
  • Kings of Leon at the Carling Academy.
  • Runrig at the Fleadh on Glasgow Green, in the Barrowlands, and at Balloch Park.
  • Deacon Blue in the Barrowlands.
  • Extreme in the Big Red Shed.
  • Humpff Family on the Renfrew Ferry, at the Arches, and the Mayfair (Glasgow).
  • U2 at Celtic Park.
  • Stereo MC’s in the Barrowlands.
  • Sloan at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut.
  • The Rolling Stones at Wembley.
  • Stereophonics in the Big Red Shed.
  • Bjorn Again at the Barrowlands.
  • The Saw Doctors at the Barrowlands (twice).
  • Martin Stephenson at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut.
  • Faithless in the Big Red Shed.
  • Simple Minds in the Big Red Shed (supported by the Silencers).
  • Proms in the Park.
  • T in the Park.
  • The Big Day – Goodbye Mr.Mackenzie, Big Country, Deacon Blue, Kevin McDermott, Texas, Love and Money.

And I’m done… I think…

Most of the concerts took place between 1989 and 1998, not managed as many since getting married but slowly getting back into it. Next concert is… Bjorn Again (again!).

There is definitely something about live music, and not just the volume. A good live band knows how to work a crowd and there is nothing better than hearing a new spin on a favourite song – Massive Attack nailed Safe from Harm at T in the Park last year, sending shivers down my spine.

The past remembered
I was reminiscing with a friend today on the way home from work. We chatted about school pranks, and mis-doings, and, I’m quite glad to say, the mood has invaded my evening.

Musically I was finding Scottish bands around this time, The Humpff Family, The Silencers, Love & Money, The Kevin McDermott Orchestra and the like.

So it was to these bands I turned this evening, starting with the latter’s ‘Bedazzled’ album. Curious Daylight evoking memories of long lost loves, Hole in the Ground transporting me back to my bedroom as a teenager. Then onto Love & Money – Dogs in the Traffic. Looking for Angeline whisks me back to Dumbarton Common in the Winter, my new personal CD player in my pocket, melodies singing in my ear.

The Silencers – Blues for Buddha, and Scottish Rain, glorious, moving, evoking deep memories of laughter and happiness with friends gone and friends present.

I’m smiling.

And I’ll be re-jigging the CDs in the car in the morning (Martin Stephenson anyone?)