Concerts

Springsteen in Sunderland last night. Absolutely phenomenal. Probably my favourite gig of his I've seen live. The weather was absolutely atrocious - it literally did not stop pissing down all day. There was a delay to the start of the gig due to concert goers struggling to make it in due to the weather. You could feel the mood was damp but the atmosphere turned on a sixpence the moment he and the E Street Band stepped out on stage. Fittingly he opened with Waiting on a Sunny Day (first time he's performed that song in a good few years).

Included an amazing version of Racing in the Street. And two Springsteen favourites, The River and Hungry Heart were performed - I was thrilled as somehow those tunes had dodged me in the previous shows I'd been to.

The Rising as ever was sublime.

One of the most joy giving, heartfelt and wholesome experiences I've ever had. Forgot about the rain and everything else in life for 3 perfect hours.

Sounds like another great night.

My missus will be jealous as they didn't play The River in Belfast.

Delays in Crime Park as well apparently and I wonder could it also be that many who don't follow Bruce closely didn't realise there was no support?

Belfast was different as it was open air playing fields and not a stadium so easier to get into by the looks of it.

Sounds like another great night.

My missus will be jealous as they didn't play The River in Belfast.

Delays in Crime Park as well apparently and I wonder could it also be that many who don't follow Bruce closely didn't realise there was no support?

Belfast was different as it was open air playing fields and not a stadium so easier to get into by the looks of it.

Yeah that's a good shout - I was at Murrayfield last year and met a couple pre gig who thought he was coming on at 8pm rather than 7. They thought we were very keen to get in as early as possible! First time I ever saw him at Hampden I received a text message on the day from the ticketmaster specifying that there'd be no support act and he'd take the stage around 7.

Wasn't sure where to put this as not a concert but going to Armagh Planetarium this afternoon for a showing of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon set to a full dome visual show.

Wasn't sure where to put this as not a concert but going to Armagh Planetarium this afternoon for a showing of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon set to a full dome visual show.

Will you be on the mushrooms.

Will you be on the mushrooms.

Driving so can't risk it

Wasn't sure where to put this as not a concert but going to Armagh Planetarium this afternoon for a showing of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon set to a full dome visual show.

Sounds good that.

Sounds good that.

Was really good mate.

https://youtu.be/fAqcpc4e6hU?si=4LVgsxCCI76xwKS3

Better than the original imo which is rare for a band like INXS - will be seeing the Boss at Wembley on Thursday.

https://youtu.be/fAqcpc4e6hU?si=4LVgsxCCI76xwKS3

Better than the original imo which is rare for a band like INXS - will be seeing the Boss at Wembley on Thursday.

It's going to be sensational. When he did Sunderland two months ago it was simply the best gig I'd ever been to. Non stop wind and rain and cold to the bone but extraordinary energy from all involved. Hope you have a great time.

Got a couple booked for later in the year

Peter Hook and the Light in Belfast

Fontaines DC in Dublin.

The band I've seen live 7 or 8 times whilst living in London has just announced a break up (they're called black midi)

The vocalist though has just announced a solo album and I'm seeing him this Friday when I'll be back down in London for the weekend. He'll also play in Liverpool in October, so I'm hoping to get tickets for it too. That's what obsession looks like.

Fontaines DC in Dublin.

I have such a weird feeling about Fontaines DC. I thought then (and still think now) that their first album is absolutely brilliant, and I saw them live in London (probably a week or so before lockdowns began) when they had just that one album released. I am not a big fan of the albums that came next though, and their attitude comes across as a bit arrogant or pedantic, I don't know. I am hoping to rediscover my love for them at some point though - Liberty Belle is still my favourite song of theirs.

I see the Boss has announced a date for Anfield next June.

Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen at Anfield next year. Ideally I'd love to go to both, but will probably have to pick one - and it'll have to be the Boss for me (if I can get tickets, that is!)