I love music. I love going to gigs. So, it seems natural to kick off with a review of the most recent gig I've been to.
I first saw Supergrass at the London Astoria and it must have been at least 10 years ago now. They were on the same bill as The Bluetones, Rub Ultra and headliners Gene. I don't think I Should Coco had even been released, but I'm not sure. Anyway, that's irrelevant. They were playing 2 nights at the town hall in Oxford in December and it is always nice to be able to walk to a gig. The venue intrigued me - I'd been to music fairs there and in fact, my office Christmas party was held there about a week before. But I'd never been to a gig there.
I caught only the last song and a half of the support act, Little Fish (think inverted White Stripes) but saw enough to make me wish I had got there for the whole set. Serves me right for having another beer.
The band came on and maybe they aren't quite so young and green anymore (but then, who is). Due to the bass player's accident in France, we had the bass being played through keyboards (how terribly Doors). It didn't make much difference - the band struck up and the crowd were in the palm of their hands. This may seem like a strange thing to say, but I've been to many a gig in Oxford where the public were less than embracing (and often annoying the musicians into the bargain). However, that was less likely to happen here given it was the band's home town. They rocked the town hall and sounded great. There was no "Alright" or "Lenny" but that didn't seem to bother the crowd at all (I have to admit, I would have liked to have heard them both). We did get "Caught By The Fuzz", which still works even although they left those days behind them. quite some time ago. Best song of the night? "Moving". I'd forgotten how good it was.
All in all, a great night (even if I seemed to be the only person not to catch one of the ChuppaChups being thrown out by the band and their Santa helpers). Seemed odd to be going back to see a band that I hadn't seen for over 10 years, especially when I hadn't bought anything of theirs since I Should Coco, but it was a great night. Their enjoyment was really obvious too, which was good to see. And also is the best audience etiquette I had seen in a long long time. My thoughts on gig etiquette (or lack of it) will be treated in a future entry.
7/10
