Last 6 months of 2012

An update (as requested by a mate) - last 6 months of 2012 were quite busy

20 June 2012 – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Albert Hall

This was a great gig. Not seen Tom Petty for over 25 years and he was quite sublime. One of those acts who are so slick and polished that you get sucked into the show even if you’re not a big fan of their material. Was brilliant to see Scott Thurston (his guitarist) - so many years after I saw him play with Iggy Pop.

22-24 June 2012 – Graspop Festival, Dessel, Belgium

Second time at this festival with a decent line up: High and lowlights included:

Limp Bizkit – Absolutely fantastic show. Mix of old and new material and looked as if they were really enjoying it. The ought to do more off Gol;d Cobra as it is a great album and drop the shit covers.

Ozzy Osbourne – a great set with a mix of solo and Sabbath material and made up for his no show last year. In fine voice.

Black Label Society – dreary as fuck.

Guns n Roses – shit. Just shit. A once great band reduced to a parody. I would have slept on the street overnight in 1987 to get a ticket now I wouldn’t cross the street to piss on them if they were on fire. Left early I was that depressed.

Slayer – Magnificent. nuff said.

Motorhead – ok but going through the motions.

Megadeth, Twisted Sister both put in very creditable performances.

6 July 2012 – Wolfmother, Indigo 2

Another year, another line up – Andrew Stockdale the only member left of the band I first saw a few years ago. Not a good as they were but still enjoyable.

14 July 2012 – Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band, Hyde Park

Went with my 9 year old god-daughter on the day they turned the power off when Paul McCartney was on stage jamming with them. A typical Springsteen show – a great 2 hour gig crammed into a 4 hour show. If I had had my way the power would have been turned off at lot earlier. A mix of singing and yawning.

11 August 2012 – Public Image Limited, Shepherds Bush Empire

A great show from a master showman. Never dull and always pushing his music to the limit.

19 August 2012 – SSS, Disused factory in East London

I never tire of this band and went along to a festival hosted in a disused factory in the arse end of east London. SSS were on mid afternoon but were still blistering. New guitarist and drummer – top quality.

4 October 2012 – Reckless Love, Barfly

If there is any justice this band will start to play some bigger venues. Very cheesy but very good.

6 October 2012 – RSJ & Spirytus, Intrepid Fox

First met RSJ in Ibiza earlier in the year. Very good bunch of lads and a proper growly band. They all ended up getting very drunk and sleeping on my floor. A very very enjoyable evening.

15 October 2012 – SSS Underworld

Support to ....can’t remember......no matter I only went to see SSS. Absolutely great as ever – the new stuff is growing on me. Had a drink with the new guitarist and drummer in the Worlds End before the show – they were both really surprised when they got recognised. Top blokes – Foxy dedicated a song to Sheila and I to say thanks for the beer.

17 November 2012 – Motorhead, Brixton Academy

A standard Motorhead show. Am becoming a bit fearful that they rarely if ever hit the great heights they used to in the early 80s. Have become a bit formulaic and not as exciting as they were. 

29 November- 2 December 2012 – Hard Rock Hell, Phwelli

New venue. Great fun was had by all. Highlights

Testament – always surprised that these have not done better as they really know how to whip up a storm.

Ugly Kid Joe – a comeback year – very tight great fun.

Molly Hatchet – is there any original members left.....I fear not but a great show even if they are a bit of a tribute band like Blackfoot who were similarly good.

Tigertailz – always great fun

17 December 2012 – Wildhearts, Forum

I remember that it seemed like an age since the Wildhearts last played. Ginger was his own support but the Wildhearts ripped it up big time. I love this band so ended the show with no voice – yes yes yes they played Nita Nitro.