Two gigs into 2019 and both have had the full agigamonth alumni. Andrew, Ste and I had this one booked for a few months and until Young Fathers was rescheduled, it was due to be the only January gig – a month which is notoriously difficult to get a decent gig booked. This is certainly the first time I’ve managed 2 gigs in January.
A sold out gig, it was too.
Support on the night was from, Australian band / singer, Hatchie. Jesse Jo Stark was first support, but we missed that one as we had a posh meal out. Our destination, on a cold night in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne was Pleased To Meet You, which had a rather marvellous 50% off food. So, we treated ourselves to a starter and a main and some rather good beers. Saveloy Scotch Duck Egg followed by Calves Liver for me. Andrew picked Heritage Marinated Beetroot with a Seeded Sweet Potato and Heritage Carrot Burger to follow. Ste plumped for Local Foraged Wild Mushrooms and the Smoked Haddock Risotto. Never before has AGAM seen this level of class, but PTMY provided it in style. Faced with a drinks menu the size of a book, we each picked a beer each in a variety of colours. I can’t remember the names of any of them, but mine was good!
We arrived at the O2 at around 8pm to find that there was still a queue. Fortunately it didn’t last long. We made our way up to our seats in a venue that, when you have seats, doesn’t let you look at the merchandise until after the gig…which means you won’t at all. I don’t think I was in the market for anything, but I always like a look.
Hatchie took the stage shortly after we arrived. The sound wasn’t great for them. The bass was a little loud, but it was an enjoyable set. It reminded me very much of The Sundays and Ste suggested there was some Cranberries mixed in.
The crowd seemed to be well up for this gig. Once The Vaccines had taken the stage, they seemed very impressed with the audience response. They produced a fine set comprised of stuff from all albums.
The sound was so loud, but it really matched The Vaccines indie pop spectacular. Hit after hit was performed with barely a break between each 2-3 minute gem.
Highlights for me were I Always Knew, Wreckin’ Bar, Norgaard, 20/20 and Nightclub. I didn’t expect them to play it, but I still would have liked to have heard Melody Calling. * tracks from Combat Sports were played, with 6 from WDYEFTV?, and 3 each from Come Of Age and English Graffiti. 2 new songs were played, including current single, All My Friends Are Falling In Love.
As expected, this was a great night and quite a significant contrast to Young Fathers, last week.
A load of awesome 2-3 minute indie pop classics tonight pounding into my ears. Joyous and loud. Very loud. It makes my head feel like a nightclub. Quality though. The Vaccines live at O2 Academy. #TheVaccines #agigamonth2019 pic.twitter.com/8ECsRWX62M
— Chris Williams (@cwblueroom) January 29, 2019
A Gig A Month 2015-2022 