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Journal › setlist
DJ Shadow
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead. Having recently rediscovered a radio edit of his epic Rock City gig twenty-two years ago, I was eager to see him again.
The National
Edinburgh Castle. My twelfth show, but not one of the best, thanks to an exceptionally frustrating crowd. We moved twice, but arseholes were everywhere, and the whole vibe was off.
Camera Obscura
O2 Academy, Birmingham. Having missed out on seeing this bucket list band on several occasions, we finally caught them touring in support of their first album in eleven years.
New Order
First Direct Arena, Leeds. A fine time with the band that changed everything for me, eviscerating memories of a disappointing night at Ally Pally five years ago.
The National
First Direct Arena, Leeds. Another epic setlist from The National packed with old rarities like Cherry Tree, Abel and Available and new treats, including a mesmerising Smoke Detector.
Joe Hisaishi: Music from the Studio Ghibli Films of Hayao Miyazaki
...with the BBC Concert Orchestra and Crouch End Festival Chorus.
Mitsune
We've owned a copy of Mitsune’s second album for some time, and Geri’s friends with one of the shamisen players, so we decided to catch their intimate tour opener in Huddersfield.
Pulp (last one, promise)
Our third and final Pulp gig of the Summer. I’ve enjoyed revisting their world and appreciating just how wonderful it is. Every show has been a nostalgic treat, but tonight’s was a triumph.
Pulp (again)
The second of three Pulp shows we’ll enjoy this Summer, this one came with all the usual “in a big park” issues (scale, newbies, queues, wind) and lacked the intimacy of Brid, but a lovely evening nonetheless.
Pulp
Only my second Pulp show, although I’ve had a few encounters with Jarvis (he’s easy to find). Expectations for their second comeback were high, and the opening night didn’t disappoint.
The Cure and The Twilight Sad
We wrapped up a busy period of gig-going with two more shows from The Cure and The Twilight Sad at Cardiff International Arena and OVO Wembley Arena — both bands sounding better with every tour.
Wet Leg
I was gutted when I realised England vs USA was the same night as Wet Leg. While waiting for the band to come on, I checked the live match report and realised how fortunate we were.
Future Islands
I’m only a casual fan, and we’ve seen them once before, albeit from very far away at All Points East, but we knew it’d be fun, and I’ll take any excuse to catch a band at Rock City.
Sigur Rós
I’ve seen them a few times and written plenty about Ágætis Byrjun, but tonight, I got to tell Georg how much that album means to me. I’m forever grateful that such a perfect work of art exists.
Japanese Breakfast
Brudenell Social Club, Leeds. This tour was rescheduled a few times and Michelle Zauner went on to have a stratospheric 2021, so it was a treat to enjoy this intimate show in what might be the UK’s best venue.
Fleet Foxes
O2 Apollo, Manchester. Another joyous evening with Robin, Uwade and the band. We managed to get a spot on the rail, and Geri frisbeed her drawing to a grateful Robin.
The National
Depot Mayfield, Manchester. My tenth The National show and one of the best — maybe equal best — thanks to a brilliant venue and up-for-it crowd inspiring an extra-level response from the band.
All Points East
A joyous set from Fleet Foxes precedes headliners The National with support from Mogwai, Perfume Genius, Lucy Dacus, DEHD and Cassandra Jenkins at Victoria Park, London.
The Twilight Sad
Brudenell Social Club, Leeds. Our seventh time seeing these brilliant, noisy, melodic, charming and criminally underappreciated Scots.
The Smile
Having watched Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood from further and further back over the years, it was a treat to be up close with The Smile in Manchester tonight.