I’m going to keep this one very brief. I’m behind with these blogs and they are supposed to be for good memories and not feel like a chore.
I’ve seen The Charlatans once before (I think only once) – that was opening The Other Stage of Glastonbury. This was definitely the first headline show.
Ste, Andrew & I were all present for the last gig a month of 2021. Amazingly I managed 15 gigs this year. Clearly more than the 5 I managed in 2020, but the lowest since the 13 I managed in a gig a month year 2; 2016.
Andrew was due to arrive late, so we didn’t meet in advance. With rising COVID cases and plan B just announced we decided we’d probably wear masks for the gig. Ste and I got in at 7.30 with masks on. The place was virtually empty and we felt a bit foolish for having them on. We soon popped them in our pockets and enjoyed the Martin Carr set. I wasn’t familiar with any of his solo work, but he played two Boo Radleys tracks; Wilder & Lazarus. It was a good set and an enjoyable 30 minutes.
Andrew arrived at about 8.30. The Charlatans were due on at 8.45 and the place was getting busier. I was feeling like my mask was advisable. Only a handful of others were wearing them, but I decided I’d feel like a right prick if I ended with covid after not wearing a mask just because I was embarrassed. I ended up putting mine on when the guy in front decided he’d talk to his mate while facing my direction. With germs flying in my face my comfort (safety) levels went up with my mask as my comfort (heat) levels went down. I wear a mask at work all day, so didn’t love this at a gig – but I felt better for the decision.
The Charlatans set was really good. Tim Burgess seemed to love every minute. He smiled throughout and took one step closer to sainthood. Hopefully no disturbing tales of him being a bad bloke will emerge – as at this point it seems like he’s locked in legend status.
In my music history, The Charlatans started with their eponymous album, moved to Tellin’ Stories and finished with Us & Us Only. That trilogy is my most familiar with Up To Our Hips up next. I’ve now got 11 albums, owning every studio album up to Up At The Lake. I’m sure I’ll add the most recent 5 at some point.
Their set was a career spanning greatest hits, although it contained 6 tracks from 3 of the recent 5 albums and only one from their eponymous album. Still – I enjoyed every minute. That dudes smile is infectious and you couldn’t help but be engaged. Recommended.
https://twitter.com/cwblueroom/status/1469090372575977478?s=21
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A Gig A Month 2015-2022 