I went to this gig just over two weeks ago. Such a lot has changed in those 16 days. Yes, the coronavirus was already global concern at that point, but no matter, we weren’t prepared for the rapid changes that would befall us all in the time since then.
I went to this, my 21st Turin Brakes gig with my whole family. My wife, Clare, and my daughters; Lana & Erin. I couldn’t wait to take my kids to see this gig. My wife and I had been to the Sage gig in January and I’d been solo to the Leeds gig. The kids had seen TB live in the past, at a small festival (chase park festival), but this was different. I was really anxious in the build up that we might be turned away. The gig was advertised as 14+, but I’d been in touch with the box office to ask if it was ok to bring them. They’d said it was, but I had a nagging concern. I needn’t have. We got in without a problem and by the end of the gig had seen 4 or 5 others of a similar age at the gig. It seems crazy that this was probably the biggest worry in my life at that point (work besides). Perspective.
As it turns out, this became my final gig before the cancellations started streaming in and we moved into social distancing and isolation. In retrospect I couldn’t have asked for a finer sign off. I was present (and in the moment) throughout the gig, but I wonder if I could have taken more care to soak it all in?
We arrived just before 8pm and managed to get some beers in (well, for Clare and I) before heading into the venue. Kevin Pearce hit the stage as we walked in. I’ve seen him 3 times in little over 5 months. His dry sense of dark humour can’t help but make you warm to him. He produced another lovely set, this time omitting the cover version and focussing on his own tunes. A new album is due out. Who knows when, in these times, but it’ll be a certain purchase when it lands.
When the KP set finished, we headed downstairs for an ice cream. The excitement for TB was building as the girls ate their weight in bubble gum and salted caramel ice cream.
Turin Brakes took to the stage at 9pm. We had seats on the front two rows and this was almost certainly the best view I’d had from the three acoustic tour gigs. I was so close that I couldn’t get the whole band in one shot (Clare had to get this snap from the row behind).
The setlist was the same as the previous gig. I went through those tunes in detail last time, so I won’t do it again. Suffice to say, they induced the same feelings and were all performed to the expected high standard. There were lots of smiles on stage and the band seemed to be enjoying themselves.
The girls loved it. Erin was singing along to every word, whether she knew the lyrics or not! Lana had had a long week at school and was feeling tired. I think she found this such a relaxing gig and was clearly taking it in, in her own chilled way. I’d created a playlist of their set immediately after the Leeds gig and it was on heavy rotation in the house for the last few months. This really paid off as the girls were familiar with every song in the set.Erin was looking forward to Sea Change (which surely will appear in our top ten most played tracks on spotify this year!) and so was instantly treated, as that was the usual opener. My highlights were all similar to previous gigs (Door, Dark On Fire, Apocolips, Fishing, Long Distance, the whole encore), but Come and Go sounded pretty amazing and probably pipped it for me from this gig.
At the end of the gig, I was probably a little selfish and managed to bag both girls a setlist, as this was their first proper gig (festivals and Little Mix previously). They are now framed with their ticket and on their walls, so I don’t feel too guilty! I don’t know when my next gig will be. I don’t know when life will get back to normal. I don’t think life will get back to normal. I think everything is going to change. The way we are will change. I hope it’s for the better. I’m sure it will be. I wish everyone the best. Stay safe out there. One more thought. Will “stay safe” become the new vernacular. Will it stay? Will it replace “see you later”? Have handshakes gone now? Nothing to do with Turin Brakes, but still… Here’s my kids and their prize setlists. Previous reviews can be found by clicking these links; supporting Travis, Tyne Theatre & Opera House, the 100 Club, the cluny.The ever awesome played Stockton tonight. My third gig of theirs on this acoustic tour. Clare & I had the pleasure of taking our two girls to this one & they loved every minute! #turinbrakes #agigamonth2020 pic.twitter.com/H2AjrOm9NZ
— Chris Williams (@cwblueroom) March 5, 2020