GUN, Hombres Tour, Glasgow Barrowlands. Saturday 9th December, 2023

I felt conflicted as I left the house tonight. There was a time when it would have been inconceivable for me to go out while Dr Who aired, more so for a regeneration episode. I'd always insist on watching the programme live. Tonight, though, I had GUN, probably my favourite band, certainly the one I've seen live most often. I couldn't watch the gig on catch-up, so should I go after the episode and skip the support act?

Nah. It was a Saturday night in December in Glasgow. The place would be heaving. No way could I delay my trip into town for fear I'd not find a parking space near the Barrowlands. Plus, it was cold and wet, and I wanted to get my money's worth.  

The motorway traffic was slow. On the way in, I played The Calton Songs, an album of GUN's greatest hits reimagined for 2022, one I'd dismissed at the time as a rehash cash-in. I'd never given it a proper listen. I realised that Dante has now been the lead vocalist longer than the original singer, Mark Rankin. Why shouldn't he rerecord the old songs, putting his stamp on them? Listening in the car, I felt a new appreciation for them. It was a great way to set myself up for the gig.

I got a great parking spot close by and headed to the venue. I then realised that I wasn't going to get through this gig without visiting the loo for a number two. The bouncer must have read the discomfort on my face cos he waved me on without a frisk. First time ever at the Barrowlands. Normally, the bouncers are so rigorous they can tell me if I need a prostate exam. My ticket scanned, I headed upstairs, pausing only to glance at the merch before making for the toilets. 

What a relief! I overcompensated with the flush, holding the button in longer than I needed, the white flash in the swirling turmoil actually being the light reflected off the steel pan rather than unflushed toilet paper. 

Now I was ready to rock. (I didn't have this thought at the time)

The support act, The Godfathers, were really good. Playing catchy punk rock, their songs had easy-to-sing choruses and bouncy riffs. The lead singer, dressed in a black shirt and suit, had the surly demeanour of a stand-up comedian more likely to be peddling mother-in-law jokes in a grimy 70s comedy club than singing punk anthems at the Barrowlands. His voice was a low growl, his accent London East End. His attitude matched the music. I later discovered the band had been going since the eighties, bar a brief hiatus in the noughties, although this iteration only contained the original singer. Their greatest hits album sounded quite different to what I heard tonight, the singer's voice now far deeper and snarly.

Birth, School, Work, Death video (Link on YouTube)

My next surprise came when GUN took the stage, bringing with them two backing singers, their microphones set up at the back right of the stage. The Calton Songs album utilised Beverley Skeete and the Sisterhood to give some of the tracks a gospel feel. Were we getting a new version of GUN tonight?

No is the short answer. The girls barely played a part, adding background vocals to some songs but never playing a major role in proceedings. Shame. Something to develop in the future, though.

The gig was being videoed (not just on punters' phones), so it was great to see the band in top form. The Barrowlands is their spiritual home, and the atmosphere is always great when they perform there. They played a few new numbers from the forthcoming album, Hombres, and I'm pleased to say they are crackers (one was specifically filmed tonight for the single's video). 

Don't Say It's Over video (Link on YouTube)

   

Shame On You video (Link on YouTube)

I loved this gig, and, by the end, I was bouncing about like my knees weren't arthritic. One autistic young lad enjoyed himself too. Dressed in a US college jacket and baseball cap, he started maybe a dozen yards away from me and slowly migrated closer as the night progressed. Although he was with his mum and dad, I suspected he was going to be trouble, the way he clapped loudly and danced during the pre-gig music, at times unable to contain his excitement, other times perfectly still, his hands balled up under his nose, fingers pressed against his lips. When he danced, it was wild, arms swinging, rocking from side to side, like he was doing a 50s jive. His mum would occasionally rein him in when he started to interact with unwilling punters, using her arm like a crook to pull him closer. At one point, I had to lean back like a boxer to avoid his swing, his hand sweeping across where my face had been. I stayed wary, but his unfiltered exuberance was enthralling. He had a smashing time, and it was great to see the young uns coming along to support an old band.  

GUN's time is definitely not over. It was an exceptionally good gig.

Ticket Price: £36.10 (Face Value £29.50) via Ticketmaster.

Setlist

Lucky Guy

She Knows

Here's Where I Am

Don't Say It's Over

Backstreet Brothers

Falling

Word Up! (Cameo cover)

Long Road

Take me back home

Money (Everybody Loves Her)

All Fired Up

Better Days

Inside Out

Steal Your Fire

Encore

Taking on the World

Higher Ground

Shame on You

The Godfathers

GUN

 

Craig Campbell, Scottish Tour 2023. Barga Bar, Paisley. Sunday 3rd December 2023

What a carry on! 

First, I saw a message from RocknRollas today saying they would be closed and to expect a refund from the ticketing site.

Then I got an email from the promoters saying the venue had been changed to Barga Bar Paisley.  

We turned up at Barga at 7 pm as requested. No one from the promotion team was there to check our ticket status. The bar staff confirmed there was going to be a comedy show, but that's all they knew. It had been hastily arranged that morning as a favour. 

A man who introduced himself as Robin Zetina, the support act for tonight's show, later asked if we were there for the gig and explained what was going to happen. Craig would arrive about 7.45 pm, and the show would begin at 8 pm. They were going to set up in a corner. There wouldn't be any microphones, but they would do their best to make it intimate.

We had a drink while we waited. I didn't recognise Parrot seated with his daughter at a nearby table, only clocking him after Craig arrived and greeted him using his name. It turned out Parrot was going to act as the impromptu compere for the evening.

At five to eight, we were asked to take our seats. There were ten of us, including Parrot's daughter. The staff turned off the TV screen that had been showing American Football but left on the noisy air extractor in the ceiling above us. The bar's kitchen was still open, so it needed to remain on.

Parrot had to shout to be heard. The last time I'd seen him perform was at the Bungalow, and tonight, he did some of the same material. He noticed my reaction to one joke (how could he not? There were only ten of us) and asked me about it. I explained that he'd told that joke over the road at the Bungalow. It threw him and he made a  big deal about how I'd wrecked his brain, expecting him to come up with new stuff when he couldn't even remember his old stuff. He made it funny, and the audience laughed at his bluster. I thought I was going to get picked on but it wasn't that kind of show. (He chatted to me in the interval, and we discussed his show recording at the Old Anatheum, which was never released by Sony).    

The first act was Sean Chalmers (www.instagram.com/seanchalmers2133). A Scottish comedian, he did well and could be heard over the extractor fan. He did a short and funny set. 

Sean Chalmers

Then on came Robin Zetina (

@RobinZComedy

). He suffered due to the background noise as his style was softly spoken and precise. I recognised a heavy influence from American comedian, Anthony Jeselnik, in his delivery and material, which is no bad thing. I'd like to see how his style matures. One to watch.

Robin Zetina

The comedians managed to persuade the bar staff to turn off the extractor fan after the interval, ironically in time for Craig, who doesn't require a microphone.  He gave us a wonderful set, so effusive, animated and funny, relating many comic tales. Such a large personality, he created a buzz in the room that felt comfortable and warm, despite it being freezing. Everyone had a great time.

Afterwards, he thanked everyone personally for coming out to see him. I even overcame my shyness and asked him for a photograph (not with me in it, obviously).

A lovely memento of a funny night that nearly never happened. One I'll always remember.

Jools Holland Autumn Tour 2023, SEC Armadillo. Saturday 2nd December 2023

 

When they announced this gig, I asked my wife if she fancied going and, to my surprise, she said yes (I should have known because she loves a good piano player). so, I ordered the tickets.

I then listened to a few of Jools' albums, and they didn't grab me. I figured maybe, though, with the whole band live in front of me, I'd get into the vibe.

A couple of inches of snow had fallen, enough to prevent the bin men from emptying our bins, but not enough to prevent the grey brigade from coming out in droves for tonight's gig. The men were mostly bald or grey; the women, well, they had whichever hair colour the hairstylist added. Everyone was well-behaved. Our seats were in the Front section of the Grand Circle. No one stood, at least initially; a few getting to their feet towards the end. Everyone followed the etiquette of 'no cameras' until about halfway through when one man in the front row flicked his open to video proceedings. Then most of the women near me brought out theirs and began recording random snippets in portrait, sending them on via WhatsApp. My view was partially obscured by one tall gentleman sitting in front of me. Not enough to annoy me but enough to know any pictures I took would miss out on the saxophonists at the front on the right, so my camera stayed in my pocket (except for one shot at the end). I endeavoured to enjoy this gig in the moment.

And failed.

It wasn't that it was bad. It wasn't. The band performed to an exceptional level. I admired their talents, especially Jools, whose piano skills appeared so effortless. He came across exactly as he does on 'The Tube' or 'Later with...', a charismatic music man with a smile and a quip and a love of all forms of music. Each musician got their turn at the front, showing off their skills. It was a bit weird at first, watching them shuffle out to the front from their position, adjusting the mic stand for their instrument, then tootle away for a few bars before giving a nod, salute or bow, returning to their spot again. The backing singers each got their time in the spotlight, front and centre, singing a couple of tunes. 

Mid-set, special guests, Pauline Black and Arthur 'Gaps' Hendrickson (of The Selecter) performed three of their songs with the band, turning the vibe from boogie-woogie to two-tone before Ruby Turner came on the blow us away with her powerful Gospel-tinged vocals. 

I was familiar with a couple of the songs played tonight, my favourite being "Enjoy Yourself (It's Later Than You Think), the song Simon Mayo often plays on his radio show.

My wife thoroughly enjoyed the gig, commenting afterwards about how long Jools Holland's fingers were. To me, it looked like he was splaying his fingers, hitting random keys, yet somehow generating brilliant piano music in whatever style the song required. It was cool how they used the big screen to show his fingerwork, and his face while he was singing. He's an excellent host: quirky, convivial and funny. I'm sure everyone loved the night. It just wasn't for me. 

I should have stayed at home and watched Doctor Who.

Ticket Price: Total £109.90 for two (£46 face value) via Ticketmaster.

Setlist (incomplete)

 Ain't Misbehavin' (Fats Waller cover)

Them There Eyes (Billie Holiday cover)

Waterloo Bridge

Just a Whisper (The Selecter cover)

Too Much Pressure (The Selecter cover)

On My Radio (The Selecter cover)

Blueberry Hill (Fats Domino cover)

The Piano

Peace in the Valley

Encore:

Enjoy Yourself (It's Later Than You Think) (Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra cover)

Well Alright 

The Band

Jools Holland (Piano/Guitar)

Ruby Turner (Vocals)

Louise Marshall (Vocals)

Sumudu Jayatilaka (Vocals)

Gilson Lavis (Drums/Percussion)

Mark Flanagan (Guitar)

Dave Swift (Bass)

Christopher Holland (Organ/Piano)

Phil Veacock (Saxophone)

Michael 'Bammi' Rose (Saxophone)

Derek Nash (Saxophone)

Anna Brooks (Saxophone)

Nick Lunt (Baritone Saxophone)

Roger Goslyn (Trombone)

Fayyaz Virji (Trombone)

Winston Rollins (Trombone)

Jason McDermid (Trumpet)

Jon Scott (Trumpet)

Chris Storr (Trumpet)

Blurb:

Jools Holland and his revered Rhythm & Blues Orchestra return with their 2023 autumn tour.

Renowned as one of the UK's most popular tours, this year the show will feature The Selecter's Pauline Black and Arthur 'Gaps' Hendrickson as special guests. With support from Galia Arad.

Fans will be thrilled to hear that the shows will once again feature the outstanding vocals of Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall, as well as the highly talented Sumudu Jayatilaka, who joined Jools for the first time in 2022. Together with the inimitable musicianship of the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, which features drums from original Squeeze member Gilson Lavis, Jools Holland will be performing tracks spanning his entire solo career. With a catalogue that reaches through decades, prepare to enjoy the greatest boogie-woogie party in town!

Before

The end

Madness, C'est La Vie 2023, OVO Hydro, Glasgow. Friday 1st December 2023

A surprise gig for me. I'd seen them last year and considered that box ticked. Then someone dropped out, and I was offered a free ticket. 

During the day, knowing I was heading to the gig early, I'd been for a buffet lunch at the Beijing Banquet. Driving home afterwards, my overfull stomach gurgled and griped. Before I got the chance to take my jacket off, it informed me to head to the bathroom sharpish. I emptied faster than rainwater down a drainpipe. Afterwards, the bowl contents appeared lumpy and brown, soaked in a dark liquid, resembling a buffet tray from the Peking Purgative. Not pleasant. (I only included this bit, knowing it would turn the stomach of one of my colleagues). Anyway, my colon cleared, I felt much better for the gig. 

We had a small issue getting into the venue as one of the ladies had brought a sealed bottle of water with her, which she was unwilling to surrender, having previously verified it would be okay to take inside. Security had to check with a supervisor and eventually returned with a sticker for the bottle allowing us ingress. 

Our seats were great - section 57 at floor level. I hoped the seat beside me would remain empty, but the ticketholders turned up just before Madness took to the stage.

Before that, The Lightning Seeds graced our presence, serving up some pleasant pop toe-tappers. I can't say I'm a fan, but I recognised all their songs. They included a lovely nod to their fellow Liverpudlians by including lyrics to Love Me Do and Imagine within one of their numbers. They acquitted themselves admirably.

A DJ, besuited like a pub Guv'nor, kept us entertained between acts, especially with House of Pain's Jump Around.  

I hadn't appreciated how popular Madness still are, with another recent number-one album under their belts. They played seven tracks from that album, "Theatre of the Absurd presents C'est La Vie", allowing some of the crowd the opportunity to exit for drinks/ toilet breaks before playing more of their older, beloved numbers. 

Last year, the street set dominated the stage, with the band acting as players. This time, curtains gave the stage a more theatrical appearance, with the money seemingly spent instead on the lighting rig and screens. 

It was a great performance, the new numbers justifying their place beside the classics. I think the audience would have liked more old stuff, but that isn't where the band is at the moment. They wanted to celebrate the new material.

I realised I've become a bit of a phone wanker (to quote a colleague) with my need to document the show through photos and videos. The lady beside me didn't appreciate my efforts, giving me looks whenever I raised my phone. It wasn't as if I was the only one. The bloke in front of her appeared to shoot the whole concert on his. I'm sorry if I spoiled her enjoyment.

A certain someone blamed his age for his repeat visits to the loo. I'd like to point out that Madness are all men of a certain age, and they managed to last the concert without the need to relieve themselves. Just saying.  

Thank you to Margaret, Des and Evelyn for being such great company. Best work night out ever.    

Ticket price: unknown. 

Setlist (acc. to setlist fm - my recollection is different)

Theatre of the Absurd

The Prince

Beginners 101

My Girl

Lockdown and Frack Off

NW5

C’est la vie

Embarrassment

Baby Burglar

Grey Day

Run For Your Life

Shut Up

Round We Go

Bed and Breakfast Man

What On Earth Is It (You Take Me For?)

Friday Night, Saturday Morning (The Specials cover)

One Step Beyond (Prince Buster cover)

House of Fun

Baggy Trousers

It Must Be Love (Labi Siffre cover)

Our House

Encore: (preceded by bagpiper)

In My Street

Madness (Prince Buster cover)

Night Boat to Cairo