Blue, Hammersmith Apollo, London - 22nd October 2013

It has been a while, work has been a little hectic so not had much time to sit and stop with the want to write after doing so all day at work.

However, a quiet weekend means I can write some reviews and updates for the things I have been up to recently.

If you have read my blog or gig reviews on here before then you will know I am a child of the 90s and love my pop music, the cheesier the better, well in my childhood not so much now.

Since becoming an adult I have had the opportunity to see the bands I was unable to when I was a kid e.g. Spice Girls, The Big Reunion (http://onegirlsworld-charlotte.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/the-big-reunion-hammersmith-apollo.html) and Steps (http://onegirlsworld-charlotte.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/steps-o2-london-19th-april-2012.html)

My sister was a huge Blue fan back in the day and my mum bought us tickets but when we went to go the band split causing my sister a lot of heartache. 

When they reformed, properly, and announced a tour for their new album Roulette my mum bought us a couple of tickets and off we went to the Hammersmith to see the band my sister was obsessed with.

To be honest it took a while for them to come on the stage, about quarter past nine which was ok but not ideal we were lucky as we drove so knew we wouldn't have to leave early to get a train home.

Apart from that the gig was a lot better than I was expecting. They sang live and were brilliant, great voices especially Lee Ryan who can hold a note and can certainly belt them out.

They also danced pulling  out the moves from the old days as well as some new ones for songs from the new album, which was also another surprise.

After the awful Eurovision song I wasn't expecting the new songs to be good and had a real essence of the way they were in their heyday.

Great songs from the new album include Hurt Lovers  and Ayo, and of course they also played crowd favorites One Love, Signed Sealed Delivered I'm Yours  and Fly By and by the response in the room there was some die hard fans who also seemed to be loving the new album.

This gig was amazing and showed the boys do have stayed power, maybe the break was worth it as their voices and dance moves were top notch and I would definitely see them again.

Liam Fray acoustic tour, Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth, Wednesday, September 25, 2013

I have seen Manchester band The Courteeners about four or five times at last count since about 2007 when they first came to Portsmouth and Southampton. With these gigs you know what you are going to get, loud and fast guitar heavy songs belted out across the room with the crowd loving every minute.

To say the crowd at a Courteeners gig is full of energy is probably an understatement, they sing, they dance, they shout and chant - mainly 'Li-am, Li-am, Li-am'.

So when I bought me and my boyfriend tickets to see lead singer Liam Fray's acoustic gig I was a little intrigued as to what he was going to play and what it would be like.

Lets just say I was not disappointed, and the crowd still managed to get a chant in.

Playing for about an hour and a half he treated us to a number of Courteeners hits Last of the ladies, Scratch you name upon my heart and Lose control. All of which just sounded perfect, just him, a guitar and a piano guy. 

It is nice to hear songs like Acrylic slowed down and stripped back showcasing the word smith we all know Fray is.

Even though he said he had a sore throat the songs were delivered, to the sometimes silent room, with such quality and class.

The crowd were also a little different this time, less rowdy but still shouting out the song lyrics at the top of their voice, especially to favourites Bide your time  and Please don't, so loud in fact that Liam stepped back to enjoy the moment and let the crowd sing out.

 I can see why with this tour he has chosen to play smaller more intimate venues like the Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth as he can interact with the audience, so much so that someone in the front wanted to talk to him about Manchester to which he said 'You want a one to one conversation but no one else in the room cares'. 

To be honest I think at this gig was the most I have ever heard Liam talk.

He also treated the room to a bit of a Fleet Foxes song which was amazing.

It was an phenomenal gig, laid back and chilled out but still with a slight rock and roll edge. 

Even without the band as support Liam still brings it to the stage and I'll be buying my ticket next time he goes acoustic.

Hard Rock Calling, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, June 2013

This may have been a long time in the making but at the end of June I was over the moon to have had the chance to go to the Olympic Park or as the part I went to is now called the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. 

The reason I went there, Hard Rock Calling, which left Hyde Park and has now pitched up in the park. 

The first band we managed to catch were Irish band Kodaline, who were so good and even surprised my boyfriend who was convinced they were going to be like The Script. I loved High Hopes and the beautiful All I Want.

The headliners for the event were Kasabian who played a 2 hour set and were worth the £55 tickets price alone. Alongside crowd favourites LSF, Shoot the Runner and Fire, they also played Fatboy Slim's Praise You and The Korgis' Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometimes which was hauntingly beautiful. 

I have seen Kasabian twice before and they know how to work the audience in smaller venues but were masters of the crowd of around 45,000. It could have easily been their own concert. 

 The main stage was situated near the velodrome, which looked as if a spaceship had crash landed as the sun set behind it. 

Overall there were three stages - The Pepsi Max and Hard Rock Rising which had new acts and people like Gaz Coombes from Supergrass and Steve Cradock from Ocean Colour Scene who I heard briefly on my way to the toilet. 

The Pepsi Max stage was great and featured The Twang, The View and The Tribes. The Tribes were quite good and the boyfriend suggested that we check them out, we stayed for about twenty minutes of their set before catching the end of Miles Kane on the main stage. 

In between bands we also managed to catch a few songs by The Cribs, which was great and a brilliant warm up as I am planning to see them at the Victorious Festival in Portsmouth in August. Miles Kane rocked it in all white and we heard him perform Come Closer, Inhaler and the amazing Give Up which sounded phenomenal. 

 After him was the Modfather Paul Weller, who even though he only played for about an hour filled it with hit after hit - The Changing Man and That's Entertainment. 

 I have seen Weller twice before and always had to leave before the end so have never seen him perform Town Called Malice. This time we were there and when the opening chords started the whole field erupted and everyone was dancing their heart out, including me and my boyfriend. Paul Weller did not disappoint. 

 For food we had a pulled pork sandwich from Barbeco Jamie Oliver stand, it was delicious and was only about £6. Quite good value for money as there was a lot and I couldn't eat it all. 

 However, the drinks were quite expensive, soft drinks were £2.50 and considering how hot it was there was the chance people could have gone through quite a bit. Also my boyfriend didn't manage to have a cold, refreshing pint as the queues for the bar was ridiculous.

Overall though I loved being at the park and watching these amazing bands, if they are this good next year at the same price I will be there. 

 And while I remember we got to walk right past the Olympic Stadium and the strange red looking thing. The stadium is huge and it is hard to believe that this time last year the Olympics were about to kick off and the park was buzzing with people everyday.

Pink, The Truth About Love Tour; The O2, London; 25/04/2013

If this were a one word review of Pink's performance at the O2 it would simply be - Wow!

I went into the concert liking some of her songs but came out absolutely in love with the singer and performer.

When a singer launches onto stage with the aid of a bungee rope and is caught by three topless men you know you are on to winner.

From start to finish it was just a very energetic concert. Pink was more acrobatic than pop star puppet.

The moves she performed during the song Sober, were just phenomenal. She was suspended in a egg shaped cage which at one point saw the male dances holding on to it as it spun with Pink holding so gracefully on to their arms on the outside.

I read some reviews that during the more energetic moments she was miming, but even so when she sung during the acoustic part her voice was melodic and breathtaking even though she had to cancel the first night of the tour in Birmingham due to a respiratory infection, her voice was pitch perfect.

During Try she not only recreated the dance from the video but performed mid-air in a tangle of rope like something from Cirque du Soleil, with the most impressive abs. Yet she is one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen.

It is quite amazing to think that Pink has been going for 13 years most of my teenage years and yet I never really came under the spell of the rebel, feminist singer.

She is a little bit of a dork doing the worst dance moves she could think of and encouraging the audience to do the same. 

Pink seems like a genuinely nice person who bent down and signed autographs for the crowd at the front and interacted with people shouting and throwing presents.

The crowd seemed to be mainly old fan going crazy for You Make Me Sick and Just Like a Pill and less so for the newer songs on the album.

It is also the only gig I have ever been to that had end credits, with a behind the scenes video of Pink preparing for the tour as well as her beautiful daughter Willow.

I am just so glad that I saw Pink live in concert it was unlike anything I had ever seen before and I have been to quite a few concerts. I enjoyed every minute of it and think even if you aren't the biggest Pink fan you will be after seeing her I certainly did.

A Telegraph review said: "That these were performed with the same genuine enthusiasm as the hits from her last album (her seventh but first to make number one in America), is a testament to Pink’s talent, and explains why she continues to sell records. Ten-year-old songs don’t sound dated because she has maintained the same energy and sass that she created them with." and I couldn't agree more.



Set List

* Raise your glass
* Walk of Shame
* Just Like a Pill
* U and Ur Hand
* Leave Me Alon (I'm Lonely)
* Try
* Wicked Game (Chris Isaak cover)
* Just Give Me a Reason 
* Trouble 
* Are We All We Are
* How Come You're Not Here 
* Sober 
* Chaos & Piss (Guitar instrumental)
* The Great Escape (Acoustic)
* Who Knew (Acoustic)
* Fire and Rain  (James Taylor cover)
* F**kin' Perfect 
* Most Girls / There You Go / You Make Me Sick 
* Slut Like You
* Blow Me (One Last Kiss) 

Encore - So What

The Courteeners, Pyramids, Portsmouth, Monday, March 4, 2013

Anna

The Courteeners, what can I say.

This was the fifth time I have seen them perform live. The first of which being in 2008 at the University of Southampton  student union we could only stay for 45 minutes due to last train home but it was brilliant and from then on my boyfriend and I were hooked to this band from Middleton, Greater Manchester.

The band's first album St Jude came out in 2007 and I am still gutted to this day that we didn't go to one of their first gigs in the Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth. I think we have made up for it though having seen them at the Pyramids twice, Bournemouth O2 and in Chester as part of Chester Rocks.

They never disappoint and I think this gig was the best I have ever seen them live. The band, made up of Liam Fray, Michael Campbell, Daniel Moores and Mark Cuppello, seemed more comfortable on stage and you could tell that Liam was feeding off the atmosphere.

I always thought that bands could never really see the audience but I think on this occasion it was Liam who had a front row view. He interacted with people on the front, and looked in amazement at a crowd of lads dancing and moshing in the middle of the floor.

To start with voice his didn't sound as strong as it had done on previous gigs but seemed to warm up pretty quickly. I think he is probably fitter than I've ever seen him, in both senses of the word, as he seems to have lost quite a bit of weight, he looked great.

The band kicked off with Are You in Love with a Notion? From new album Anna, I would say by the crowds reaction to this song and Push Yourself, which they played after, it didn't seem as if many people had the new album. They livened up a bit after the latest single Lose Control, but practically erupted for Cavorting  and Acrylic.

The songs from the first two albums  St Jude and Falcon went down a storm and the room was buzzing.
Liam added at one point that he was worried people would have forgotten about them but seemed to have a strong following in the room.

The thing I love about The Courteeners is that they are still relatively unknown but should be massive. They never really headline festivals but do play a lot of them. I love them and they are one of my favourites.

My favourite song has to be Take Over the World which looked beautiful with two glitter balls casting a ray of stars around the Pyramids. It looked so good and the song was perfect for the mood, the crowd even quietened down a bit.

Surprisingly they didn't play You Overdid it Doll but ended with Not Nineteen Forever and What Took you So Long?

I loved on the set the light at the back of Anna from the album cover, I joked with my boyfriend that I wouldn't mind it when we have a place of our own.

Liam treated the crowd to a little acoustic bit where he played The Rest of the World has Gone Home this didn't really calm the crowd down but really showed off his fantastic vocal ability.

Liam described the gig on Twitter as manic, with chants of Liam whenever there was a quiet moment, we maybe Southerners but we do love these Northerners.

If you have never seen The Courteeners before but you are going to festival where they are playing check them out you really won't be disappointed.

The Big Reunion, The Hammersmith Apollo, London, Tuesday, February 22

I am a 90s child, but didn't get the opportunity to see many of the bands that I loved such as Take That, the Spice Girls, Steps, Blue and the fantastic Five. However, in the past few years I have seen all the bands that I missed the first time around.

This leads to me the gig I went to last night. Anyone who watches ITV2 on a Thursday at 9pm will know that there is a certain programme called The Big Reunion.

It features bands that were huge in the 90s and early 00s charting their success, revealing how awful it was back in the day, why they split and also how they feel about each other. But also they are preparing for a big gig at Hammersmith.

The show has been on for a few weeks and hasn't finished yet, however, last night I went to the gig and it was absolutely brilliant!!

Featured in the show are 911, B*Witched, Atomic Kitten (with Kerry Katona not Jenny Frost), Liberty X, The Honeyz, and Five. They all performed last night with the added extra of Blue, still not entirely sure why.

The way they performed was excellent they all came out and did one or two songs and then the next act came out so it wasn't one long set for 20 minutes from each band, which I think worked really well.

Now I will start with the band that I loved and was most looking forward to seeing, they were also the first act out... 5ive, well Four minus J. They came out to We Will Rock You and the room went crazy.

It was fantastic, the atmosphere and you genuinely felt as if the boys were loving every second of being back on the stage to screaming girls, well women.

They did Everybody Get Up, If Ya Getting Down and Keep On Movin' pulling out the old dance moves. They were phenomenal and although I wish I had seen them back in the day I'm glad I saw them last night. I just hope now they do their own Five tour.

Atomic Kitten were the ones I was most interested in seeing as everyone seems to know about Kerry's troubles but they were really good as well, they did See Ya, Tide is High and Whole Again, which ended the show.

The only song Kerry looked a little awkward on, I think, was Tide is High but then that is the only one out of the ones they performed she didn't do the first time around. Everyone screamed when Kerry sang almost giving her the ego boost she needed.

B*Witched looked and sounded amazing, you could see they were loving the opportunity to perform again and Keavy and Edele Lynch had their very famous brother Shane from Boyzone in the crowd. Giving them his seal of approval.

Back in the day I liked 911 but wasn't huge fan but after seeing the show I have developed a little crush on Lee. Bodyshakin' really got the crowd going and Spike's body shake certainly didn't tame the crowd.

The Honeyz sounded amazing but I think their songs were a little too slow to keep the crowd up.

I was looking forward to seeing Liberty X again as I saw them when they first came out, but they seemed the least into it. No little looks to each other just performing. Kevin's voice though was brilliant, better than I remembered it being.

Now for the act last to the list... Blue. You can tell they have carried on performing as they were so polished, they knew their routines and sung perfectly. They did seem a little taken aback at the response but then Blue were huge. They sung All Rise, One Love and Sorry seems to be the Hardest Word.

The audience were fantastic and so was the venue. Small enough that you could see the bands clearly. We were sat just behind the family and friends section who had the whole front blocks of the dress circle. It was a little funny though as you could tell who was for which band, as when that band came on the whole section stood up and then sat back down again when they went off.

It was full of celebs though Keith Lemon, Matt Edmondson and the guy who used to the own The Hotel in the channel four show probably loads more that I didn't spot.

I am so glad I went and loved every second. I am still in love Five and my 90s crush on Scott is still burning bright.

All the acts performed really well and it felt like being back in the 90s either at a Smash Hits gig or Power in Portsmouth.

I'm in two minds about the tour as last night was fantastic and not sure if the tour will live up to it, will just have to wait and see.

I am so glad I am a 90s child and so glad I got to see the amazing bands last night.

Oh I forgot to say Andi Peters, from the broom cupboard. presented. Really going back to the old days and he was great.

Just got to see now if I made it onto the show. It will be broadcast on March 28.

 

Five

 

 

B*Witched

 

 

911

 

 

 

All the bands on stage

 

Jake Bugg, The Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth - 13/11/2012

Jake Bugg is a name that many people may not have heard of but next year he will be the name on everyones lips.

He recently came back from a tour in America with Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and has now embarked on his own UK tour. He also played at quite a few festivals over the summer, and you may have also heard his song Lightening Bolt during the Olympics.

Having seen him a few times on TV me and my boyfriend decided to get some tickets as he was coming to Portsmouth.

Jake came on about quarter past ten and played for about an hour maybe a little bit less.

He didn't really interact with the audience just saying the song titles but I can't fault his performance, he is only 18 but he does have a modest stage presence and you can't deny that voice has a unique quality to it.

He is frequently compared to Bob Dylan, and I can see that in his early days. He has quite a country style singing voice and also his lyrics are honest and sometimes a little brutal.

I did feel that most of the people in the audience probably didn't have his album as when he performed songs such as Lightening Bolt, Taste It  and Two Fingers the crowd erupted.

However with his album tracks you could hear people talking in the audience and atmosphere was a bit flat. There is nothing wrong with Jake's performance he could be a front man with swagger when he gains more confidence.

He is touring again next year so if you  get the chance do see him. He has a great voice and has the potential to be a great performer, as you have to remember he is only an 18 year old from Nottingham.

On another note he had two support acts but by far my favourite was singer Findlay who has an old style amazing voice, simply brilliant.

Lady Gaga, Twickenham Stadium, London, 08/09/2012

Better late than never, but here is my half review half gush-fest of Lady Gaga's Born This Way Ball.

I have seen Gaga twice already, as support for the Pussycat Dolls just after Just Dance came out and a year or so a go as part of the Monsters Ball.

I love her and know she can put on a show, the Monsters Ball was just £29 for the ticket and Gaga must have run at a loss, this time however, she learnt her lesson and the ticket price almost doubled.

It was well worth it though. Her set was a castle and of course there was a story line which I didn't quite get but it added something else.

The concert from start to finish was phenomenal. Her voice is amazing and when she sung Imagine it was breathtaking, her voice is heavenly and soulful, just her and a piano.

Even though Gaga is a little over the top to some she does love her fans and is very humble thanking them for buying a ticket. To thank them she got some on stage and invited others back tage, now to some you may think it is just all talk but not Gaga I think she is true to her word.

Of course she came on late which meant she finished late and I'm not sure if she didn't include it at all in this tour but she didn't perform Poker Face or Alejandro which was a shame but then you forget how many good songs she does have.

She also spoke about the first time she played record execs Born This Way, they told her it was too 'niche', and with a smirk on her face she said to the audience 'Some f**king niche, I have filled an stadium with a niche'.

She also said 'So many of you here how come the album was a flop?' But my friend was there and didn't have the second album, she had just bought the singles and I do wonder how many other people did the same.

I cannot say how much I love Gaga her brashness and unapologetic nature she is who she is so deal with it. She was 'born this way'.

Every time I see her she gets better and better, it does freak me out though that we are the same age.

Another thing you should mention if you go to a Gaga gig is the audience. Some of Gaga's monsters got all out, there were meat dresses, costumes from the Telephone video and various cover shoots. Most of them were obviously fashion students as I don't think I would be able to make those things but they were fantastic and the girls (and some boys) deserve a round of applause.

It was just a great atmosphere and I haven't sung, laughed and danced so much at a gig in age. Gaga is indeed Queen Monster and just fantastic! All Hail Gaga!

Act I
Highway Unicorn (Road to Love)
Government Hooker
Born This Way
Black Jesus - Amen Fashion
Bloody Mary
Bad Romance
Judas

Act II
Fashion Of His Love
Just Dance
LoveGame
Telephone

Act III
Heavy Metal Lover
Bad Kids

Piano Ballads
Hair
Princess Die
Imagine
You & I

Act IV
Electric Chapel
Paparazzi
Scheibe

Act V
The Edge of Glory
Marry the Night

Chester Rocks, Chester Racecourse, Saturday, June 16 2012

Over two days Chester racecourse plays host to two very different types of music. On Saturday the bands include The Rifles, The Suns, The View, Cast and The Courteeners. On the Sunday audiences pack in to see Pixie Lott, Katy B, Labrinth and Maverick Sabre, two very different types of music.

As a massive Courteeners fan it was a no-brainer to get tickets for the Saturday and for £35 you can't go wrong really.

The run up to the weekend the weather was not great, a normal great British weather of rain in the summer.

I saw the weather forecast for Saturday and for Chester it said torrential rain and thunder and lighting, and I was scared. Me and the boyfriend were all set with kags in a bag and wellies. The ground was ok a little soft but not a swamp. Throughout the day it was drizzle and then stop, but we didn't get soaked which I was glad about. However, it was freezing but the weather didn't dampen our day.

Me and my boyfriend got there about half two (gates opened at two) and we were amazed at just how much there was a lot of bars, little stalls with Pimms and strawberry cider for sale, delicious by the way like eating strawberries, also loads of food on offer fish and chips, posh burgers, normal burgers and loads more about £7 so ok for festivals.

For lunch I had the fish and chips they were priced up separately chips £2 and the battered haddock was £5.50 and it was worth every penny. The fish was delicious, crispy not too greasy and just the best fish and chips I have ever had. The boyfriend chose a lamb burger and fries and when he saw my fish and chips he instantly regretted his decision.

There was also a sweet stall, oxygen party where for £5 you can get five minutes of O2, I know I didn't get it either, also a fun fair with attractions.

We missed the first act but caught The Suns, the lead singer looked like Guy Garvey from Elbow and the sounded very much like Johnny Cash, good.

The other bands were good, The Rifles were brilliant having seen them before I knew they would be good, however, the sound suffered a little as it kept dipping out. Almost as if the wind was carrying it away. It was a shame as I know how good they are in a small venue but still equally good.

Considering I wasn't really looking forward to them The View were really, really good. We only knew the one song Same Jeans but the crowd loved them and were singing along to the whole set and I was pleasantly surprised. I did think that The Rifles would be third billing but I think out of the final four they were the least known up north.

Cast were part of the Brit pop scene back in the 90s and to be honest I didn't really know who they were. The crowd on the other hand did. But when they started performing there were quite a few songs I recognised on the set list including - Flying and Guiding Star, Google them you will instantly recognise them. They were great and showed the young bands they still have it.

After Cast were the headliners The Courteeners. This was the fourth time I had seen the band, previously in small venues. They played a couple of new songs including Welcome to the Rave, which was good. I loved the old songs though What took you so long?, Cavorting,  and Not 19 Forever.

I didn't recognise Liam at first as he has cropped his hair but he did look good.

The band as always were amazing, just fantastic live. Great vocals and just played to perfection, I knew there was a reason I loved this band, just a shame it took them so long to come back and perform.


I will admit that I think something is lost in a large festival, the atmosphere was great and lively with people singing and dancing. I think I prefer the intimate feel of a smaller venue but loved The Courteeners all the same. I think for the money it was well worth it but would prefer Courteeners in a small venue.

I recommend Chester Rocks fantastic day out.

Check out the website: http://www.chester-rocks.com/

Steps, The O2, London, 19th April 2012

Before this gig when I told people I was seeing Steps I was met by laughs, jeers and just basic disbelief.

Thing is a lot of their songs remind me of when I was younger and at school as they rose to fame in the late 90s when I was in my early teens.
My sister was a massive fan and so was my gig friend.

I will admit I was excited about this gig and when I saw our seats I was quite happy, we were at the front of a block on the side and had a great view.

The band had two support acts Shock Lady who was poor, just singing covers but she had an MC Mr Smith with her who was excellent.
Then there was another woman, I can't remember her name she was foreign and mimed...plain awful!

Anyway the crowd weren't here for them, they were here for Steps, and when they played a montage of the 'good' old days the crowd went crazy, well if you have seen the Living show you will know they all hated each other.

Then they came on through tubes to Here and Now and the O2 went mental.

I will admit though that I was surprised how many gay guys there were, I knew Steps were camp but I didn't realise just how large their gay audience was.

The band played all the hits complete with dance moves, my sister didn't realise they had so many, I on the other hand could remember the moves for One for Sorrow, Better Best Forgotton and Deeper Shade of Blue.

I have never been to a gig with such an electric atmosphere with everyone dancing, when the band performed Tragedy it was great to see everyones hands in the air dancing the dance moves.

Each of the singers also had a go at a solo performance., I'm sorry but Lisa mimed, her mouth kept moving but no sound came out. Faye's was very camp but fantastic, and Lee's was excellent, I never realised what a great voice he had. Of course Claire just blew everyone away with her superb voice.

We did have a laugh and my sister really enjoyed her second gig ever, although we found out that they were filming it for the Living show I just hope we aren't on there dancing like crazy people.

Steps were just fantastic, cheesy and a whole lot of dancing and laughs.

Ok so they may not be the coolest band I have seen but they were funny and it felt like a girls night out. I just hope the Living show doesn't show them at each others throats.

Set List

* Here and Now
* You'll be Sorry
* Deeper Shade of Blue
* Last Thing on My Mind
* Better Best Forgotton
* 5, 6, 7, 8
* Summer of Love
* Better the Devil you Know
* Lee solo - Moves Like Jagger & Rihanna's S&M
* Faye solo - One Night Only
* H solo - Don't Stop Believing
* Lisa solo - Heaven/Lately/Beautiful People (yes Lately Lisa's own song)
* Claire solo - I Surrender
* It's the Way You Make Me Feel
* Heartbeat
* When I said Goodbye
* One for Sorrow

Encore
* Stomp
* Chain Reaction
* Dancing Queen
* Tragedy

McFly, Portsmouth Guildhall, Wednesday March 7

Last week I saw the amazing band McFly at Portsmouth Guildhall.

This was the fourth time I had seen the band, Portsmouth Guildhall, Bournemouth International Centre and Southampton Guildhall, each time the gig was just fantastic.

 

 

I will admit I'm not a massive fan of the band but I do like them. I'm not signed up to their Super City fan site but if they are playing locally I will go with my sister, who has liked them since they burst onto the scene in 2004, and have a really, really good time.

 

 

A lot of the fans were probably about 12/13 when they came out but are now in their early twenties reverting back to that simple time when they could scream throughout the gig and not get throat ache. I was surprised by how many young fans there were, many of which probably weren't born or were just babies when the boys released their first album.

 

 

The band played a load of their hits Five Colours in her Hair, Obviously, Lies and Shine a Light. They also added some new songs to the 'Keep Calm and Play Louder' set list, a Bruce Springsteen sounding number called Touch the Rain and a very rocky, very cool, Red, which was just amazing. The taster of the new songs makes me excited about the new material coming up for the band.

 

 

Danny also treated the crowd to a little mega mix mid song including Living on a Pray, You don't know you're beautiful - One Direction, Dance with Somebody, and  Somebody I used to know, just amazing how he can turn his voice to anything so expertly.

Danny, Dougie, Tom and Harry all have a comfortable ease when on stage and make sure they have a joke and interact with each other and the crowd.

This included Danny playing conductor on All About You, stopping and starting the crowd singing the long 'youuuu' at the end of the song, many times over much to the amusement of Tom.

This band are my guilty pleasure and I love them live. Great mix of guitars, four good looking guys, catchy lyrics and a fantastic crowd atmosphere.

I think McFly are one band who will continue to get better and will also continue to make songs together.  This showed after three members in the last year or so have dabbled in Reality shows (Danny - Pop star to Opera Star, Harry - Strictly Come Dancing and Dougie - I'm a celebrity get me out of here) however, they  come back together to do what they know best and obviously still love doing.

If you can see them do, even if you aren't a fan you will have a good time.

I don't think this will be the last time I see this band live.

The Black Keys, Alexandra Palace, London, Saturday February 11 2012.

The Black Keys you may not know the name but you undoubtedly will know the songs. They have been featured in adverts, Top Gear and song 'Chop and Change' even features on a Twilight soundtrack alongside the support act Band of Skulls.

I will admit I am not a huge fan I have their albums Brothers (2010) and El Campino (2011) and love their rocky edge.

If you have heard any of their songs you will recognise the deep and delightful tones of the lead singer, which is just mesmerising, so when my boyfriend told me they were touring and he had tickets I was looking forward to experiencing their unique blend of soul and rock live.

Made up of only two members Dan plays guitar and supplies vocals and Patrick is the drummer, but on tour have a bass and keyboard player.

I have never been to Alexandra Palace before but was amazed by how big it was and how much was on offer inside, loads of vans serving food and loads of toilets and bars so you never really had to queue.

I had been told that the sound quality wasn't always great, and when I got in there I could see why.

Where they were perform was a very big space with high ceilings, the sound would just get lost, however, when the support act, Band of Skulls, and the main band came on I was pleasantly surprised - the sound quality was not distorted or muffled but loud and clear.

Before I go on to The Black Keys I have to comment about Band of Skulls. A British band of two guys and a girl they have a White Stripes feel to them but at times a lot more guitar heavy and rocky. We were given free LPs and it was brilliant.

The Black Keys came out all guns blazing with just an phenomenal sound echoing around the room it was just brilliant. And Dan's voice is just...I wouldn't say beautiful but the quality and everything it just fantastic, quite sexy.


At one point the band were left to their own devices just Patrick and Dan, now you would think that the songs would lose a bit of an edge just a guitar and drums but you would be surprised. It was louder and more gritty and just rocked the room out.

The encore was just amazing, they came out to sing 'Everlasting Love' but a toned version, with a huge glitter ball spreading thousands of stars over the vast ceiling. At first I didn't realise which song it was as it was so melodic and quite romantic, perfect in the run up to Valentines day.

I wasn't sure what I was expecting from this gig. The crowd were more active than I thought they would be and so were the band. Dan's voice was probably more perfect in person than on CD and the guitars and drums heavier and more instant.

If you have the opportunity to see The Black Keys do so you will not be disappointed.


Set list:


Howlin' for You

Next Girl

Run Right Back

Same Old Thing

Dead and Gone 

Gold on the Ceiling 

Thickfreakness

Girl Is On My Mind

I'll Be Your Man

Your Touch

Little Black Submarines

Money Maker

Strange Times 

Chop and Change 

Nova Baby

Ten Cent Pistol 

Tighten Up

Lonely Boy
 Encore:

Everlasting Light

She's Long Gone

I Got Mine

Kasabian, The Brighton Centre, 28/11/2011

The last time I saw Kasabian was a couple of years ago when West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum came out. It was up in Manchester at the Apollo I think, it was so hot and crammed full so although it was a good gig, it was a little mental.

This time however, at the Brighton Centre it was cool and although full it wasn't rammed, and it was...the best gig ever!

Now again if you don't want to know what songs they play, the encore and that stop reading!

As I was saying this gig was just phenomenal! This is a band that know what they are doing and know how to rock.

They played so many hits, it was relentless you do forget how many good songs they have. L.S.F, Clubfoot, Shoot the Runner, Vlad the Impaler and Take Aim.

Tom and Serge are just to fantastic singers, and I would say dressers but I'm not sure about Serge's parka with feathers or his tiger print tight fitted t-shirt.

Their music live is just...out of this world! When you see Serge playing the opening bit of Vlad it is just...I can't describe it but like nothing I have heard before.

Tom may not be ultra cocky but he is a fantastic front man and can command a stage and captivate an audience. It was like no gig I have been to before. Much better than the gig in Manchester, which I can only assume was like being in the centre of the sun.

The encore was hard-core! They played Switchblade Smiles, Vlad the Impaler and ended with Fire, I am not lying when I say the whole room was jumping, dancing, pogoing just going completely mental and it was fantastic. Tiring but amazing. I have never seen a room come alive, with standing and seating going crazy.

In the encore you could feel the bass through your spine and it just echoes around the room, fantastic!

The set was really good as well it was like a dome, and the graphics felt 3D at points.

They got the mix of songs right as well, mixing old with new, album and singles but the whole crowd loved it. It was the type of gig when at first you go what's this....oh yer I remember this one!


I don't think anyone left that venue disappointed, and I was for one was not at all, this was what gigs are meant to be like, your ears hurt, your legs hurt everything hurts but it was so worth it.


If you like your music live and relentless and amazing and brilliant and just....indescribable then see Kasabian you will not regret it.

I should say as well Miles Kane was the support. I had seen him before supporting Beady Eye, he was really good, he is very cocky and really got the crowd going, as a good support act should.

He played some new tracks which were really good, he did well and you wouldn't have realised as first he was the support he had the whole crowd under his spell.

So if next year at any festivals you see either Miles Kane or Kasabian on the list make sure you see them, you will not regret it.

Wild Beasts, University of Southampton Student Union, 21st November 2011

I will admit outright I wasn't a massive fan of Wild Beast nor did I know the names of most of the songs before seeing them, however, after experiencing them live my opinion has completely changed.

I had seen them before a few years ago when they supported The Foals, who were on tour with their debut album, and although I can remember they were good I was there for The Foals and was a little restless. Not the case for my boyfriend it was love at first sight and so he started to follow the bands every move.

He was the one who bought the tickets and I am very glad he did.

First the band are a four piece indie rock band from Kendal in Cumbria, there are two lead singers I suppose Hayden (sings the higher notes) and Tom (the lower ones), my boyfriend said if he could sing like anyone it would be Tom.

Both the voices complement each other and are so different but blend so fantastically.

Their sound I would say is a bit of a mix of The Cure, and Editors but is then totally unique and just amazing.

My favourite song live had to be Albratross it is so hauntingly beautiful and Hayden's voice is just so enchanting.

They are unlike any band I have seen before, it was a very chilled out gig, but the audience were die hard fans and at certain points the would cheer and clap at their favourites.

However, Southampton did have one thing going against it, they couldn't clap in time! One half were one half wasn't, something Hayden said was very confusing for the band.

Now personally I don't think the union at Southampton is a great venue but for this gig the sound quality was really good.

The last gig I saw at the union was The Courteeners and the atmosphere was completely different for one people weren't throwing around pee.

This gig was just phenomenal, this band are fantastic live and I wouldn't hesitate to see them again.
For me the end did come to soon.

Set List:
- Bed of Nails
- We Still Got the Taste Dancin' on Our Tongues
- Albatross
- The Devil's Crayon
- The Fun Powder Plot
- Two Dancers (II)
- Deeper
- This Is Our Lot
- Loop the Loop
- Two Dancers (I) 
- Reach a Bit Further
- Hooting and Howling
Encore:
- Lion's Share
- All the King's Men
- End Come Too Soon