Category Archives: Gigs & Reviews

After emailing Marc Riley‘s BBC 6 Music show – he invited me over to see what goes on in the studio. He generally has a live band on and tonight’s was ‘Y Niwl‘ which is Welsh for Fog. I was … Continue reading →

A few years ago Our Dave and Dwayne (who record as North South Divide) took me to see Francis Dunnery. I was initially put off by the fact that he was the lead singer of crap 80’s band (my words) … Continue reading →

part of a fundraiser for Madagascar featuring 12 hours of entertainment that encompassed a fashion show, a choir, a samba band, African drumming and a further half dozen act. This was to be Lee Millers final gig. Band members had moved away and with 2 kids under 2 in the house, Jerome felt things had come to a natural end.

Gahard is a tiny village near Rennes yet has an amazingly well equipped community hall with a stage that would grace any major town. It was here where Madfestival took place. Apologies for not knowing the names of acts hopefully one of the locals will be able to fill in the gaps. First up were a samba band who got things going with a bang. This was followed by an African drumming virtuoso.

There was plenty of time to buy cakes and artwork..etc…….

……before a choir took to the stage. Made me think of Brian Enos choir-philosophy. What you need is a good song well this choir finished with a version of Bohemian Rhapsody guitar solos and all vocalised.

There was then some rather fabulous belly dancing from (I guess) the Turkish community. Who needs a size zero when you have women like these doing their stuff

Next there was a solo performer who did a Neil Young cover as well as his own material…..

……followed by a full blown fashion show complete with pouting catwalk poses.

3 of the models later returned and did a few covers (Mad world, Smells like teen spirit) their first show.and it showed!

A duo with acoustic guitars did a much better job of entertained us (musically if not visually).

The last 3 acts were very polished. Enoalie are a duo whos Frederic Rondeau is something a bit special – I loved his guitar playing sometimes accompanied by a basic drum machine, sometimes looped guitar licks. Jerome got me a copy of their CD The Indian Field and its only after listening to it that I realised theyd sang in English.

A last minute stand in band were the penultimate act they had a hardcore following and played like a 60s pop band full of energy and confidence.

Last came Jerome and Lee Miller who did a great set. Sad to think itll be their last. Stand out track was Ca cause hiver from their Sortida dEmergencia EP

After nearly 12 hours of entertainment it was now disco time. Lee and I were SO tired that we made our excuses and left to gaze at the stars on the way back to Jerome and Virginies house. J+V stayed on for many more hours dancing and the clearing the hall. A fabulous day and well worth the trip.

Bob the Chiropodist

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I first heard Low on John Peel in 1999. He played the sublime Venus from the ‘Shanti town Compilation’ CD in support of AIDs charities (also had a fab version of ‘Follow You, Follow Me’ by Red House Painters on … Continue reading →

ded like a plan. Si + Kyla, Terry and Duggie (flying in from France) came along for the ride and we stayed at the Bridge Hotel, literally ten yards from the entrance of the Picturedrome a great venue!

So after a few beers in a couple of pubs and a lovely curry just up the road we got in as Mark Radcliffe and the Big Figures took to the stage. I last saw him live on his 50th birthday at Glastonbury when his band The Family Mahone played a fine brace of drinking songs. That gig gets a mention in the last chapter of his book Thank you for the days. The chapters called The day I turned 50 and was part of McDs pressie from us.

Mr Radcliffe was in top entertainer mode with hilarious banter between songs. The band do Dr Feelgood songs which must be a bit daunting when youre supporting the man whote wrote most of them. Certain covers were shouted for We cant do that one as it may be coming up later and when another one was asked for Id like to refer the member for Holmfirth to my previous answer And of his singing talent..I still think hes a great drummerWilko by comparison had no banter between songs which is a real shame as anyone whos seen Oil City Confidential (and if you havent WHY NOT?!) will contest to, Wilko can certainly talk! Bass wizard Norman Watt Roy was sweating like you wouldnt believe and it was only at the end of the set that Wilko announced he was ill and they may not be able to do an encore. They did, and Back in the night was a fitting end.

Back at the hotel we chewed the fat, laughing and drinking til gone two. We all agreed We should do this again"

– Bob the Chiropodist

McD got a new camera for his Bday and heres some of his snaps.

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