Wednesday 31 January 2007

Pete Doherty Art - Your chance to win!

If you havent visted 'French Dog Blues' recently now is a great time to re-acquaint yourself with the site. Aside from the great exclusive content there by subscribing you will also be in with the chance to win a unique signed piece of Mr D's art work.


www.frenchdogblues.com

Saturday 27 January 2007

Rhythm Factory January 17th and 19th

Rhythm Factory January 17th and 19th

For anyone lucky enough to get to any of the Doherty/ Babyshambles gigs at the Rhythm Factory in Whitechapel on January 17th, 18th, 19th, I don’t need to say what a treat they were. But with only 400 tickets each night, there were not many of us experiencing these amazing gigs demonstrating all the reasons why fans are so enthusiastic about Doherty and Babyshambles.

The venue is intimate, low ceiling and a concrete floor with a long bar on one side. The stage seems to take up nearly one third of the space – and it is small. Ghosts of other performances flit past - Peter – on his own, with Babyshambles and most famously, with The Libertines, who played frequently at the RF.

The first gig was scheduled to be just Doherty, an acoustic set, and perhaps, we hoped, a chance to see glimpses of the quiet poet. The RF however, paid scant attention to the mid-week acoustic theme, and offered no less than six other bands of varying interest - including a well received set from Babyshambles regular, The General, with his reggae/ska style band. At about midnight, (precisely on schedule for those who may have doubts about his timekeeping) Pete came on and treated the rapt audience to two hours of delight. He spent a lot of time perched on a stool clutching his acoustic guitar and running from one song to another, in the intimate way of someone playing unplanned in a room full of friends.

We were treated to everything under the sun – lots of new material, a load of songs from the Libertines early days and only released on the internet, not much from either Down in Albion or The Blinding. The audience spent a lot of time shouting out requests, and although a few people annoyingly failed to wait until he finished a song before shouting out what he ought to play next, Pete maintained a good temper, chatting to people, as well as playing requests. When not stool bound, Pete balanced on the edge of the stage, and was joined for several songs by The General and Purple. Although we got rather more of them than most of the audience would have preferred, they added to the overall sense of informality, as did the ever vigilant presence of Babyshambles guitarist Mik Whitnall. Whitnall joined Doherty for the set as jack of all trades, guitar tech, support guitarist, and even reluctant singer (responding with obvious embarrassment, but good grace to having a teasing Peter shove a mic in his face to sing ‘I Wish’).

A wonderful evening ended at just after 2am when the management turned the lights on, forcing Doherty, who clearly would have played on, and the rest of us, who would have gladly continued to listen, to go home.



Two nights later, we returned to the Rhythm Factory for the full Babyshambles band. Having learned from the long wait on Wednesday, we showed up a bit later, but the Rhythm Factory outdid us. Instead of Wednesday’s six support bands, they offered no less than eight, with Babyshambles scheduled for 1:30am. I don’t know if Doherty and co have any idea of how long the audience, particularly those who want to be at the front, are prepared to stand in one place just waiting! A conservative reckoning is that between Wednesday and Friday evenings, EXCLUDING the actual headline performances, we stood for a total of about ten hours, most of those in one spot near the stage! The time was hard on the feet and back, but not boring. The Friday offering was mostly different from Wednesday’s (appreciated by all of us two nighters, of whom there seemed to be quite a few). The bands did include two repeat performances, The General, who remained in his Wednesday 3-from-the-end slot, and, last on both nights, Left Hand – complete with their own, well deserved fan base, in a sort of sub Rolling Stones sort of way.

The biggest problem on Friday was not that Babyshambles were late on, contrary to the fears being discussed in the audience, but the opposite. Pete arrived well in time, over an hour before his scheduled performance, and then couldn’t keep out of sight. He predictably joined The General for a song, which was great fun, but did have the unfortunate consequence that the forward crush of the crowd, usually reserved until the arrival of the main band, happened with two support bands still to come on! So instead of close compression lasting for the ninety minutes of the main act, we experienced it for nearly three hours – and the two last bands suffered the growing impatience of the crowd – and of Pete himself who seemed unable to resist popping out from behind the backstage door at regular intervals, making the last hour before Babyshambles seem a bit more like the performance was coming from the doorway than the stage.

By the time the band themselves hit the stage at gone half two, the exhaustion of the audience lifted into euphoria. The band were every bit as brilliant as the solo Doherty had been on the 17th – and yet totally different. Doherty exuded energy, the band were tight, balancing his personal brand of chaos and the set was electrifying. Still managing to play to the intimate atmosphere, Pete chatted to the audience, shushing us at one point to listen to someone at the back of the crowd playing harmonica, and chucking his drink over a couple of intolerant fans who booed a between songs rendition of football favourite, ‘you’ll never walk alone’. Every boundary between audience and performer was ignored, as Doherty spent much of his time balanced on the sound monitors hanging from the lighting bars looming over the audience below, literally dripping sweat on us. Pete dressed in his favourite smart suit and tie (which he removed and tangled up in the mic stand causing much mic stand falling over confusion later), turned into rock icon as his shirt rapidly became a slick-wet second skin making him look as if he had been standing in a downpour.

As on Wednesday, Babyshambles played lots of new songs, plus most of The Blinding, some from Down in Albion (not Albion itself, sadly) and a few Libertines oldies, including a riotous version of ‘Time for Heroes’ flowing from the introduction to ‘What Katie Did’. The band is so good around him, Drew McConnell keeping up a steady rhythm even when Adam Fieck’s tight drumming paused, and the wonderful Mik Whitnall, watching Pete and bringing songs to an end when Pete might let them drift on indefinitely. When you could tear your eyes away from the spectacle of Doherty at his best, they were fascinating to watch, communicating with each other all the time to make sure they worked together to give the music its underlying coherence.

Repeating the ending of Wednesday, but two hours later, at 4am, things were drawn to an abrupt close, giving the impression that had it not been for those nasty entertainment licensing regulations, we might have been there all night! Both events included too many hours standing in incredible heat and squish, but it was worth every moment. This is the Pete one hears about and always hopes to see, but doesn't always. Brilliant!

Alice.bigelow@virgin.net

January 2007

Thursday 25 January 2007

Glasgow Barrowlands 10th December 2006

So this was the rescheduled gig that was supposed to happen in October. I was excited, nervous and generally just panicking... something I had to do beforehand, and thankfully we saw Adam so it was done and dusted before I even had time to breathe or register what actually had happened.

We got into the venue at about seven thirty, freezing cold, soaking wet with my ticket in tatters but very excited. Headed over to the right hand side of the barrier, and wait for around half an hour for Odeon Beat Clubt to come on. They're a Scottish band, and while I've seen them twice before I don't remember much of their sets (though I do vaguelly recognise a song). To be honest with you; I'm not that impressed. Whilst I can't fault them on their enthusiasm or their songs (they sounded alright, really) I just think they lacked some sort of spark, presence; they were easily forgettable and I can't help thinking that they're going to stay a Support Act for the rest of their band-lives. It's a shame really as they're nice people, but...I didn't feel any energy from them.

Second on were The Holloways; a London band and one of my favourite to have come out of 2006. They really get the place going and are just generally wonderfull. Highlights from the set are Fuck Ups and Generator (happy songs about record players? what's not to love?). Throughout the set I couldn't help but get a proud feeling of how well the band were recieved; in October they played for us at the Classic Grand when the original Shambles gig went ahead, and the place was so small that we were practically dancing round the band, and tonight they managed to fill a stage as big as the Carling Academy with ease. It was wonderful to see, and they looked like they were having so much fun.

Then a man in full Scottish Atire came onstage with a Libertines bag, and started reading out poetry; cue him getting pelted with beer; i felt so sorry for him. It does actually strike me how odd it is that all these Shambles fans defend Peter's every move with the excuse "but he's a beautiful poet", but when it comes to listening to his poetry, or any poetry for that matter, they start chucking beer and hurling abuse at the person who does so. It's disgusting. Poor guy. Kerry and I made an attempt at listening to what he was saying through all the abuse being hurled at him, and some of what he was saying was quite witty; I can't quite remember what it was, but I'm sure there was some insults being muttered towards the Gorbals area itself hehe, which made for a much amusing few minutes for myself and my friends.


Then a few moments later, BabyShambles come on. They start with the Blinding, and I can't really remember the setlist's order, or all of it but i know they played

Unstookie - full band version of this made my stomach flip about twenty times a second, it was magical. Already one of my favourites, this just...completely outdone the acoustic. Fucking amazing. I couldn't believe that not many people knew what it was and it's such a shame beacause it was absolutely beautiful live. As soon as it started I knew that this was going to be the highlight of the gig, and it really really was.
Killamangiro
Beg Steal or Borrow
Sedative
You Talk
Back From The Dead
Cuckoo - it was wonderful, absolutely wonderful
Fuck Forever
What Katie Did
Janie Jones - as it always was going to be, fantastic, with Drew singing some vocals too which was wondeful. It would be nice to hear him have more of a part in the vocals of the group because he really is just absolutely fantastic.
Time For Heroes - Mick had clearly been practising the solo; it was almost brilliant, tops up to that man. Gave me yet another proud feeling in my stomach. Oh, those boys.
Delivery
108 (I think? Don't its' name) from the Shambles sessions
Albion
Pipe Down - fucking wonderful. He changed the lyrics to the chorus at one point (i think it was the chorus), but i didn't catch what he'd said. The song...it misses Patrick. I miss Patrick. Though Mick was wonderful; I honestly can't fault the man for coming in and doing what he's doing; he had some rather large shoes to fill seeing as Walden's piercing guitar almost Made the Babyshambles sound, but he's doing extremely well.

Terrible Pain - a New one with The General. No comment.

I'm not sure if there was any more, I don't think so, though the list looks awfully short.

The band played wonderfully; it was probably the tightest musical performance I've seen of them yet; particularly Drew and Adam (I actually cannot fault those two, I have nothing but the greatest respect from them both. Incredible musicians, absolutely incredible.). Though whilst the band played the best I've seen them, and they played Unstookie, I think there MAY have been a few too many new songs, not because i didn't enjoy them (i really did, i adore the new ones), but because a lot of the crowd didn't seem to know them, and so a lot of the usual Shambolic atmosphere was missing. From our side of the barrier anyway. I missed Loyalty Song and La Belle from the set too, but Unstookie, Janie and Cuckoo more than make up for this I think.

This would be a better review if I could actually remember more of the gig but this'll have to do. It was definitely a grand night though; thank you to the band and all who were involved in getting them here. I can't wait for the next one.


Jenna MacDonald.

Pics (please bare in mind that they were taken on a shoddy single-use camera, so they're the best that i could come up with);


- Poet
- Babyshambles Sign
- Bass
- Mick Whitnall, Peter Doherty, Drew McConnell
- Peter Doherty
- Peter Doherty
- Mick Whitnall, Peter Doherty, Drew McConnell
- Drew McConnell
- Mick Whitnall, Peter Doherty, Drew McConnell
- Drew McConnell
- Peter Doherty
- Peter Doherty, Drew McConnell

Tuesday 23 January 2007

Monday 15th Jan 2007 Boogaloo

To start with, I could not believe that they would play yet another last minute gig!
I was so drained from the week-end, the past few gigs had completely tired me out, especially the one the previous night at the Dublin Castle which was well wild at the end, with a spectacular and hysteric, yet quite scary stage invasion.
Anyway, after pondering for a few moments on my friend’s myspace message, I realised I only had 1 choice: I rushed home straight after work, got ready and made my way up to Highgate to the chosen pub of the night, The Boogaloo.
When I got home, 4 hours later, I knew I'd taken the right decision.
What I got by going to see babyshambles that night was not just a gig, it was the perfect gig experience (in my opinion anyway).
No pushing, no crazy and insatiable hysteric fans, no 'Pete you are a fucking legend' chants, no crushing, no mosh pit.
It was 'just' beautiful music.
Don't get me wrong, I like crazy babyshambles gigs, but this one stood out,, it was so gentle.

I got to the Boogaloo at around 9.10pm, the first band hadn't played yet, went to say hi to a few familiar faces before getting myself a drink.
To my shock, after a short while I realised that Peter was there (early!!!), and again one thing I really loved about this gig was that nobody was making a big fuss about him being there mingling around, it was so chilled. I’m then told that apparently he is planning to get everyone to sing happy b-day to his girlfriend later.
At about 10.20pm babyshambles got on stage. It was fantastic, all those wonderful songs, exactly what I love about them, their heart was in it, all that passion, Peter was so into it, they all were, it felt very intimate and special.
At some point Peter introduced every member of the band...and then he went 'And on management...’ and then chuckled a bit when he said it, as if it was extraordinary for them to have management (which it is!!)
Anyway then Drew introduced Peter saying 'And on pipes Mr. Peter Doherty!' and that obviously raised few laughs... ahem..

set list (from what I remember and in no particular order):
Palace of Bone
Beg Steal & Borrow
I Wish
The Blinding
Sedative
Albion (wonderful, with the usual audience participation in shouting out bits of Britain in need of some consideration)
Back from the Dead
Carry on up the morning
Unstookie
Delivery (my personal favourite at the moment)
Unbilotitled
There she goes a little heartache
What Katie Did (quite rightly so, seen the attendees to the gig…..)
Side of the Road
Arcady (which was magic)
Baddies Boogie (cannot wait to have an MP3 of this one!)
The start of I wanna be adored (!)
La Belle et la Bete
Couple of new songs
and they closed with a glorious version of Pipedown

It felt like the time had stopped for a while and that the only thing happening in the world was the music floating in that pub, nothing else existed anymore, just that green rarefied light, those 4 boys playing a wonderful set of songs, and a stunned happy audience.
I felt I was under a spell for few hours and I wished I never woke up.

xxx

Written by Titania

Monday 22 January 2007

Scala 06/10/04 - review ( old )

My long review.

I arrived at Kings Cross Thameslink about 7.15 and handed off to the Youth Hostel. Thinking Babyshambles would play for about an hour 15 minutes and thinking that they might not start on time, I decided to spend the night in London.

Around 7.40pm I joined the queue. So much for the doors opening at 7.30! 3 or 4 people Shouting "Ticket's Buy or Sell. Any one need tickets for tonight. Does any one have any spare tickets". Someone near me sold her ticket to a ticket seller for £15. Whether he managed to sell it on or even what he was charging, I don't know. Does any one else know what price the ticket sellers were selling tickets at?

Someone came down with some Adam Green leaflet. Someone else said Pete was doing a set at club NME. They thought he'd be on around 12am. The Paddington's were playing their any way. I was tempted to go but only if I reckoned Pete would show up!

I got in and the people checking the bags, asked me if I had any water bottles on me. I opened my bag and showed by some food, and said I had fleece and few other things. I didn't say whether I had any water or not.

They didn't bother checking my side pocket (where I kept the water which I never used during the gig in the end)! Nor below my fleece where I had my camera, a Dictaphone and some tapes. They didn't even undo my pocket below which had my pyjamas and some more tapes and another Dictaphone hidden inside them.

So as usual I was lucky and got past the searching bouncers with no problems.

First stop was to check the stage area. Next stop was some wine. Then take that back in and waited for it all to start.

Later than advertised (due on at 7.55pm) we had The Cazal's. They were a 5 piece band. Lead singer, drummer, bass player, and two guitarists. They were good as well. Nothing that stood out as wow but good none of the less. Worth going to see live again sometime if playing near by. Whether I'd buy an album I don't know, I'd have to hear my recordings again.

After that someone called Andrew came on stage. I wasn't keen on him at all. Didn't like the songs. Solo Acoustic and then solo electric. The Cazal's good have played for longer or even Adam Green and it would have been no loss at all. In fact give Andrew's slot to Babyshambles.

So after some more stage changing we got Adam Green and his band. Drummer, bass player, guitarist (I think), keyboard player and Adam Green - who also played guitar. He was great. Some really good tunes. There was one which really stood out. I can't remember it right now as it was the first time I saw him. All the more reason to record the concerts! I would certainly buy his album at some point and go and see him again in the future (when I'm not so tired)! Even the songs that didn't stand out were good.

So another wait and at 10pm on came Babyshambles. As the night went on I kept moving towards the back as I didn't really want to join in the moshing. I don't mind a bit of headbanging now and again but moshing isn't really my scene. The sound had been good up until now but sadly it went down hill. The bass was far to loud and the guitar couldn't be heard enough.

It picked up in Wolfman but sadly that was the last song.

Do any of Babyshambles (bar Pete) write songs? What else did they do before joing up with Pete? Do they currently smoke heroin, or have they don't so in the past? They are a good backing band. Yes Babyshambles may be a band but really it's just Pete and some good backing musicans. Any good session musicans could play and if Pete was there it would still be Babyshambles in my opinon..

I think the following is the correct set but as I've not replayed all my tapes yet, don't quote me on it. It's certainly closer than the one the NME posted. When magazines like Classic Rock print setlists they get it right (well certainly for all the gigs I've been to) but obviously NME don't take so much care and attention to detail. They could have put this is what I think they played but not in the right order (like most people on messages boards put). But no they chose not to.

1. The Man Who Came To Stay

This didn't do much for me.

2. Do You Know Me

Great song this. I like singing along to it, expect I don't know much of it yet. So bit pointless trying to sing it but fun none the less. Good bouncy feel to it.

3. In Love With a Feeling

I just love this song. Works best as a full band rendition in my opinion with the bass. Having said the bass was to loud, I still liked it in this song. I tried to sing the lyrics in this one but I didn't know them all. In fact I tried that with a few such as Killamangiro.

4. Babyshambles

At one point during the song Pete got onto a stack at the side and jumped into the crowd. I didn't see him after that until he was back on stage.

The crowd were really going for it now. I Crowd surfing. Later on I saw one person at the back run slightly and jump into the crowd. He was lost for a moment and suddenly reappeared over peoples heads! There was another person near me to tried to get up but he either didn't have the nerve to jump or the other person could lift him high enough!

5. Gang of Gin

I read on Planet Sound (ch4 teletext p351) a spokesman saying that the song Gang of Gin was written before Pete went back to his parents. Well it sounded like they were saying he's wished he'd never written it. Well if that's the case why is he still performing it?

I made sure I listened to the words and I certainly heard Pete say Alan McGee. Whether the lyrics are any good or not the music itself certainly is.

6. Fuck Forever

This song as an Oasis type epic crowd sing along feel to it. I like it but Pete does have better songs such as Killamangiro and In Love With a Feeling my opinion. However they are not such crowd sing along type songs.

I think we then sang Happy Birthday with Pete joining in for part of it.

7. I Wanna Break Your Heart

At this point Dot joined Pet on stage, with Pete taking up the acoustic guitar. I'm not so keen on this song myself. Dot's voice is fine just not keen on the song.

8. Flophouse

The band left the stage and things quietened down in the audience. I quite like this song but not one of my old time favs.

9. Sheepskin Tearaway

I think this was the next song. I wasn't sure of the title but NME list it so I assume this is the one played. It was okay.

10. Don't Look Back Into The sun

This started straight after the last one and everyone joined in. Pete did two verses with the second ending slow.

11. Time For Heroes.

This was fine. Odd to hear such a heavy and famous Libs song done acoustically. You wouldn't think Pete would change it so much I.E. make it non electric.

As this ended Dot walked off and Pete started doing What Katie did on his acoustic. The crowd did the shoop singing whilst Pete stopped, the band walked on and the song started.

12. What Katie Did
One of the nights highlights. Lots of crowd singing to be had and much fun.

13. Killamangiro

One of my all time favourite Babyshambles tracks - Killamangiro. I just love this song and tonight it was fantastic. I love the part where towards the end of guitar solo (after Pete finished talking) the backing tempo changes and Pete starts singing again. "and when the night is..." It's such a great bridge between the two parts and good change of tempo. I also like the fact the guitar solo continues whilst Pete starts singing.

So I was happy, hearing this song. I was expecting to hear this song much sooner.

14. A'rebours

I wasn't keen on this song really. Nothing special. It might grow on me but after Killamangiro it was a bit of a let down. Hearing it again (as I'm just playing it) it's not so bad. In fact it's okay but any song after Killamangrio going to find it difficult going for me.

15. Blackboy Lane

Another song I quite like. Good funky feel to the guitar. The tune isn't anything wonderful but I like the rhythm of it.

Pete sung the opening words to My Darling Clementine. However the traditional song that you might know and not hi song.

16. Wolfman

This was the best song of the night. So powerful. The guitar could be heard really well and the bass didn't seem so loud. The crowd went mental during the choruses and I don't blame them.

I read that Pete jumped into the crowd more than once and I thought may be he did it during this song, but being at the back I wasn't certain.

The insturmetnal end, went on for a while and was heavy. Really enjoyable ending as well. Powerful end song this.

After this the band walked off stage and they started packing up. Only played for 1 hour. Considering we'd pay £14+booking fee and may be even postage and packaging for those getting it sent via post, I would have expected a longer set.

Oh well that's the unpradictablity that is Pete Doherty. I didn't go to see the support bands no matter how good they were. I went to see Pete and his band Babyshambles.

So people grabbed guitar picks and drum sticks. I don't think the band had a set list. Certainly didn't see one. I did some stage on times printed in various places around the venue but I didn't remember to take any of these if they still existed at this point. I hung around in case Pete came out but nothing.

So I head out around to the side to work out where the stage door would be. I then waited for Pete to come out, which he did. I got him to sign a 7" Can't Stand Me Now single and told him that I thought he was good.

He was good, just that I felt the sound mix let him down that night.

It was at this point they were discussing where to go next. Someone said they were off to club NME and that someone was driving there.

So Pete would be playing then.

I left to find my own way there. I'd heard that it was near Mornington Crescent Tube and I had an address. checked out the buses to make sure it was easy to get back. I then decided I wasn't to sure where the bus stop was and it would be quicker to get the tube there. I asked about which station but the lady at the counter didn't know. I said is there any where, where I can find out? Blank looks and a comment of No. I asked about maps and she didn't have any. So I said they only have them at the local stations then and she agreed. She said it was likely to be Camden town when I mentioned is Canden High Street in Camden Town but she didn't know. I wouldn't expect her to know but I did expect her to have some way for looking it up. What with all this high-tech internet age which he live in.

I thought the London Underground had telephone help lines with this kind of information. Obviously it's only on their website which has this information. No good to me when it's getting closer to 12am and a possible Pete Doherty set. Besides I don't have internet access in the street and wap access doesn't contain that type of information as far as I know.

So I went and bought a London Street atlas. I have several of these already so I got a different make. As I draw maps for a living and collect them as well, no real hardship.

It was Mornington Crescent so I got on the tube and got to Camden Town to find that the next tube wasn't even stopping at Mornington Crescent so I just got out and walked back.

The first 250 with Babyshambles tickets got into Club NME for free. However by now it was past midnight and the first 250 were already in. The doorman said it cost £5. It actually cost £6. Shows how much they know and they work there! Still they don't search you so no problems with Dictaphones etc.

It would be worth it, just to see Pete do another set. I've paid enough to stay in the Youth Hostel so why not make a night of it. So i paid by £6.

So I went inside and the Paddington's were on. They played their new single at some point and were still playing close to 12.30am I think. They were not bad. Not as good as Adam Green in my opinion but worth seeing none the less. If I remember I'll listen to their Radio 1 session next week.

After the Paddington's a screen came down running some NME awards film, whilst so called indie music was played. Some of it seemed more hip hop and bass type stuff to me than Indie but then surely Indie music is anything done by Independent small labels so bands like The Libertines are not Indie and nor are Babyshambles if they are signed to Rough Trade. The stage equipment was slowly taken apart (expect the drums) and set up as if one person was going to play solo. Two monitors were left. So I stood there, watching all the people going to and from backstage. I think I saw someone with a small Babyshambles logo on their t-shirt go back stage at one point.

I waited. Hoped that every time someone, who to the mixing desk, would fade down the music and out walk Pete. Around 1.30am someone removed the stage monitors and the mic. So I went and spoke to some security person and asked if their were any more acts. He said no the second act cancelled. I guessed the second act would have been Pete. I didn't ask if Pete was playing as it only ever said Special Guest and they could say he was never due to play any way.

It was pop luck and sadly my it wasn't my lucky night. I went knowing there was a chance Pete wouldn't play but I hoped none the less. Especially since he'd been going after show sets in other places recently.

So all in all not a bad night, just ruined by the sound mixing during the Babyshambles set, which itself was far to short. 19 songs but to short in time. No encore either.

May be it would have been better if I had been on the balcony where I had would have had a better view of Babyshambles.

How well did Pete look? What he out of it? It didn't seem like it to me. There again I went to a Hawkwind concert where the then lead singer made a statement about drugs at the end of the set. We are ante heroin etc. etc. I read 3 years later that he had recently come off heroin. Whilst I knew they all smoked softer drugs I didn't suspect he smoked heroin. On top of that he didn't even look like he was on any more of drugs. I was near the front and I wouldn't have noticed a thing.

I almost thought about not going to see Babyshambles as the money might fund Pete's drug habit, if he's still doing it. But then I thought, well if I didn't know he was on drugs, I wouldn't have suspected a thing at the gig and been more than happy to go. So I thought I'll go and hope he spends on it on something else. Of course there's no denying that drugs influence the way songs are written and that great songs can be written on drugs. Not into taking drugs myself but I can see how they can influence songs. I'm not saying great songs can't be written without drugs but drugs certainly do change the way songs sound and people write. Would Pete's songs be as good, if he didn't do drugs? Guess we'll never know unless he becomes tee-total.

So I headed back to the Youth Hostel and that was it. Oh once I found the right bus stop. Being one way system in Camden it's not so logical. It was up a side street! Still I arrived, saw that I had to wait 10 minutes for a bus, according to the so called timetable, and then a bus arrived straight away. Short trip to Kings Cross and time to get some sleep. After all I had to be back by lunch time the next day to celebrate my birthday.

I would be interested in hearing if the set stayed the same the next night. I would have liked to have heard I love you but your green. I didn't even notice that Albion wasn't played but again I really like that one and had wanted to hear it live.

Timothy Langner

Sunday 21 January 2007

Catch 22 Jan 2007 Review


After not managing to get into the night before's gig in Camden, I was thrilled to hear a rumour about a possible gig at Catch, Shoreditch, so me and my mate pegged it down there really early to make sure we got in ok. And thank god we did, it turned out to be one of the best gigs i've ever attended. The guys were on top form, and played a really lengthy set, including quite a few new ones, which went down just as well with the crowd as the old ones. Highlights for me were Sedative, Time for Heroes, Carry on Up the Morning, Beg Steal or Borrow, and of course Pipedown - at which point the crowd went totally nuts, and Pete stagedived. The atmosphere was electric. I'd be suprised if even one person in that room went home feeling dissapointed.

Steph Edwards.


Pics from the gig.