I love you buttttt…..

So I’ve been going to rather a few more gigs than normal recently. This is excellent, I’m very happy about this. I’ve seen so many bands lately… The New Pornographers, Metric, Stornoway, Allo Darlin’, I Blame Coco, plus all the bands at Dot To Dot…. BUT. I’ve gotten to thinking about all the bands I know I’m extremely unlikely to ever see live from here on. Well, not from here on exactly. I’ve known it for a while, I just didn’t want you to think that this was a snap decision I made 20 seconds ago
But yes. For whatever reason, there are a number of bands that I adore but who I know I will never go to see live. Take Green Day for example. I love them. They’ve been one of my most adored bands since 1994. I was lucky enough to see them play in 2004 (I think) and it was one of the most amazing gigs I’ve ever been to. But I know how unlikely I am to ever see them again and this does make me feel slightly sad. And nostalgic. Sad and nostalgic. But honestly, I saw them at the Plymouth Pavilions which has a maximum capacity of 4,000. In terms of venue size, it’s hardly the largest. These days you’re far more likely to see them at the o2 (capacity 23,000) or Wembley (capacity 90,000). Sadly, I have a crippling aversion to such large scale gigs. I find it hard to feel a part of anything, and I resent having to watch the gig on a giant tv screen. I can do that at home. On a slightly smaller screen. With a cup of tea and clean and accessible facilities near by. I have nothing against people who do enjoy these larger gigs, I just find it hard to feel a part of what’s going on.

Another band I love but whom I know I shall never see is Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. Now this one really is a shame. They make beautiful music and are a fair way from the arena gigs so all should be well. All WOULD be well if it weren’t for them having the most infuriating lead singer EVER. Every video I’ve seen on youtube, he has made me have to turn off. A more showboating, ridiculous frontman you would be hard pressed to find. He personally has made them completely unwatchable for me. I’ve stopped playing any videos of theirs at all now in order to save from ruining their music for myself. A real shame.

Also, Suede? If you don’t stop playing at places like Albert Hall then you WILL find yourselves on this list. I don’t want to do that. Don’t make me do that! I’ve never seen you and I would very much like to. As long as you play Animal Nitrate. None of that Electricity rubbish. If you’re going to go down that road then please let me know in advance so that I don’t fall over myself to buy tickets in an excited blur and then get my heart broken.

Maybe I should start looking out for more new bands to fall in love with. Or perhaps I should start looking out for Green Day playing as one of their other bands (when I missed the Foxboro Hot Tubs playing at the Garage last year, with it’s 650 capacity, I very nearly cried. LIFE IS SO UNFAIR SOMETIMES!). Either way, I’m intending to not fall off the live music scene again. (Well, I say that now…. We all know that I’ve said it before and it was hardly the case. I am still so ashamed of myself!)

Also, I want to give a nod to the bands whom I have loved and lost and so will never have the pleasure of seeing/ seeing again. Firstly, Rosie and the Goldbug. I’ve seen them a number of times, both in London and Cornwall (go home team!) and absolutely fell in love with them. Captivating live performances, glorious poppy records… What wasn’t to love! But alas, it all ended too soon. I think all the band members are off doing other projects now but I am still too deep in mourning to investigate (plus I’m quite lazy about these things sometimes).
Next up – Longpigs. Oh, how I wish they’d come somewhere near Cornwall. Whyyyyy. WHYYYYYY did they never come near to my fair homelands when I was growing up! And as soon I got became old enough to go and see them by myself BOOM. They split up. It was like they knew I was on my way….
SPACEHOG! Same deal. All I’ve ever wanted was to see In The Meantime played live. I suppose I will just have to settle for the TFI Friday version that’s on youtube. It’s hardly the same. Maybe I’ll play it on my tv and pretend that I’m seeing it in an arena. I’ll even have a hugely watered down alcoholic beverage and hold off going to the bathroom for a few hours so that I’m sufficiently uncomfortable.
I’m such a pessimist sometimes. But seriously, this arena thing? Not getting over that any time soon.

BANDS I NEVER WANTED TO SEE AND THEN RESENTED DEEPLY THE FACT THAT THEY WERE ACTUALLY GOOD.
Keane. And only Keane. I have seldom been more disgusted with myself. But it’s true. I’ll never go again though and THATS why they’re on here. I couldn’t do that to myself.

BANDS I WANTED TO SEE AND THE LIVE PERFORMANCE PUT ME OFF FOR LIFE.
Muse. For the life of me, I cannot fathom how they keep being heralded as a brilliant live act. They sounded just like their record (in my book that’s always a mark down. If I wanted that, then I’d just stay at home and listen to the album. But no, I’ve paid my money, I’ve made the effort to go all the way to the gig. I want sometimes different! Something a bit special! Something I can remember at the very least. Please!). It was boring. Dull dull dull. AND they ignored the crowd. I think there was a mumbled “cheers” at the end. What, are they the Gallagher brothers now? Except actually I don’t think they ignored their crowds quite that much? I think they did speak to them… Providing they turned up of course. Actually yes. Liam? Noel? I apologise for taking your name in vain.
But my point still stands.
It was a few years ago that I saw them, to be fair. Maybe they’ve gotten better. Whatever, I’m not going to bother to find out.

ANYWAY. I’m going to see The Gaslight Anthem next. I could hardly be more excited! And it’s at Brixton which is coooool. It’s about the biggest venue size I can take so yippee!

June 13, 2010. entertainments, musics, Ramblings.