A promised mention both on the show and on here for The Eagle pub in Leyton. It was a beer stopped flowing moment when they heard mine and Ian's accents but then someone asked if I was that bloke from the radio. OK I wasn't the bloke they thought I was but I accurately answered yes and the ice was broken. Lots of vague answers to questions about Absolute Radio and the aforementioned promise of a mention and all was good. (I've had a look at Absolute Radio's website and don't have a clue who they thought I was). Had my most East End moment ever too when one of the locals said 'gertcha.' I don't really want to go into what he was doing at the time but he seemed relieved.
I've blogged before about the contributing factors that make a great gig and one of those factors is undoubtedly the people you find yourself gigging with. I mentioned previously the pubs of Wembley after Bruce's show there. Imagine my surprise when walking across the Olympic Park to hear someone shout my name. Matt and Alethea from the Cock O Barton pub near Cheshire who had joined us on the stood on chairs Bruce singalong two weeks previously. What are the chances! And then into the throng. At 6'5" I have in the past spent the first half hour of a gig arguing with people unfortunate to be stood behind me. I do try to not restrict people's view but it's not always possible and I've paid the same price as them, I've as much right to stand where I want. But on Sunday it was all sweetness and light. A very friendly crowd round us and we all worked ourselves into positions we were happy with. Amie and Anna, possibly the shortest Americans ever in front and the 3 Serbian lads behind 'cos they just wanted to dance. Only one sour note from some chap who said I kept knocking his beer all over him. His lack of empty receptacle and very dry t-shirt seemed to say different. He made no friends that night. So lots of hugging and singalongs and stay in touch and come to Cardiff comments abounded. I've been promised a song lyric bracelet from Chicago. Just gotta choose a lyric.
The Boss was on fire as per. The only negative comments I've read have been the shortness of his set. Yes at 29 songs and 3 hours it really won't do! I guess we've been spoilt in the past. My only downside was the incredibly sleepless night. The digs we'd found were right next to the A12 and the traffic was constant all night. So we shut the windows. It was roasting. And two grown men who've been on the beer all day, well, you can guess the rest.
Oh and the toilets were slighty surreal. You could see across the whole site, and they could see you, as you did your thing. I did end up at the end of the night stood next to Chris Robinson from The Black Crowes who broke all gents toilet etiquette and was very chatty. I didn't have the heart to tell him I didn't enjoy his set much. Far too many self indulgent solos and it's never good when your two best songs were covers.
Another stunning live session this morning from Infirmity as the Do It Unplugged slots roll on. The quality really has been excellent. Another 12 acts to go, let's hope it continues.
Must dash. Things to do, nap to take and work this afternoon.
Laters
SS
Playlist Tuesday 02/07/13
Papa's Got A Brand New Pigbag - Pigbag
Tuesday Morning - The Pogues
Wrecking Ball - Bruce Springsteen
A Ton Of Love - The Editors
La Tristesse Durera (Scream To A Sigh) - Manic Street Preachers
Shifty Disco - The Colliers
High On A Hill - Ian McNabb
Understanding Jane - The Icicle Works
Everest - Public Service Broadcasting
Trophy Wife - The 48ks
On A Day Like This - Elbow
American Slang - The Gaslight Anthem
To Be Like - China Rats
Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall - Coldplay
Dream Factory - Section 60
The Wrestler - Reverend And The Makers
Like A Dancer - The Enemy
Do I Wanna Know? - Arctic Monkeys
New Town Velocity - Johnny Marr
Hate To say I Told You So - The Hives
The Rising - Bruce Springsteen
Postcard - Southern Sunrise
Never Tear Us Apart - INXS
'A' Bomb In Wardour Street - The Jam
The Bartender And The Thief - Stereophonics
Too Bad (That's Sad) - Edwyn Collins
Bam Bam - King Charles
It's Alright, It's OK - Primal Scream
DO IT UNPLUGGED LIVE ACOUSTIC SESSION - INFIRMITY
I Lost Myself At A Low
Hurricane
Pure - The Lightning Seeds
Hope Street - The Levellers
Bagboy - Pixies
Razor Blade Alley - Madness
Rat Trap - The Boomtown Rats
Lost Innocent World - Gogol Bordello
By Your Hand - Los Campesinos
Yes - McAlmont & Butler
Egyptian Reggae - Jonathan Richman And The Modern Lovers
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