Music/gigs

[Upside Down]

This should fit on the shelf nicely between My Bloody Valentine and New Order 

[GHR]

On 22/07/2025 at 20:56, Upside Down said:

Ozzy Osbourne 

Rest In Power 

Yep, very sad one this. Was lucky enough to see them on their The End tour back in February 2017, though of course that was without Bill Ward, and I have done the pilgrimage to Mapledurham Water Mill near Reading for no reason other than that is the artwork that launched a music genre I adore.

Probably the only helpful thing to have come out of the 2022 Commonwealth Games was the renewal in public awareness it seemed to give Sabbath after Ozzy and Tony performed at the closing ceremony, which embodied itself when the bull mascot was saved from scrap, renamed Ozzy by public vote and now resides as an utterly huge monument to him on the concourse of New Street station.

After that came the Black Sabbath bench on the freshly-named Black Sabbath bridge on Broad Street, and, in the weeks leading up to the Villa Park gig, a mural right by New Street station, which was bedecked in flowers, photos and even a headstone when I dropped by after work last week. A particularly touching element was all the handwritten notes, some from countries thousands of miles away, paying tribute not only to his character, but the impact Sabbath, and the community of the genre they created, had had on them.

It is very easy and indeed fun just to think of Ozzy and all his quotes and capers, but we should never forget the unfathomable influence particularly those first four albums had on music. I am happy at least that he survived to see the manifestation of that at Villa Park only a few weeks ago.

Edited July 27 by GHR

[Norbert Rassragr]

I hope the other members are remembered too when it's their time. 

[Upside Down]

10 hours ago, Norbert Rassragr said:

I hope the other members are remembered too when it's their time. 

Certainly Iommi will be. Possibly even more so however not by as many people. 

[MarkBRFC71]

Back from a great weekend at Kendal Calling.  Highlights:

> Prodigy - what a way to close the main stage.  Few technical issues with the screens not giving the full experience but still awesome.

> Elvana - I'd heard of these but never seen them.  They were outstanding, the crowd was insane for them as well.

> High Fade - we started to watch Kaiser Chiefs on the main stage but they were just a bit bland so we left after 30 mins.  Wandered into one of the smaller tents just after these guys came on and wow - took the roof off.

> Reverend & The Makers - had a Saturday afternoon slot and smashed it.  I've liked some of their stuff but never really done a deep dive but am keen to listen to more and see them again.

> The Kites - never heard of them before but very good.

> Fat Boy Slim - great Saturday night party headliner but he's just pressing 'play' isn't he? 🙂

> Lottery Winners - another band I've not really heard much of but really good live, great front man.

Overall a great experience - we'll be back in the fields in 2026!

[K-Hod]

Went to watch The Libertines at The Piece Hall, Halifax last night.

First time there, really like that as a venue, a little similar to Castlefield Bowl in Manchester. 
Thought The Libertines were great and in spite of how he looked in that Louis Theroux interview fairly recently, Pete Doherty was excellent. Though the contrast between him and Carl Barat in appearance couldn’t be more stark.

Only sour notes were a bit of a fight breaking out, which was a real shame, but lots of punches thrown, but none lands thankfully! Also, the gig was halted a couple of times, owing to crushing concerns down at the front.

But all in all, very enjoyable!

[Gav]

On 23/07/2025 at 10:46, Gav said:

Got The Libertines, Magic Numbers, Oasis, Paul Heaton, Bob Dylan, Pulp and John Grant gigs coming up, so its a busy summer. I'm even considering going to watch Andre Rieu and The Johann Strauss Orchestra! 

I too was at The Libertines last night, I didn’t see any fighting, but the gig was stopped due to "Crushing' at the front. Now call me old fashioned, but if you stand at the front you expect a certain amount of being knocked around etc? I don't want people to get hurt, I hope nobody was, but goodness me, its a small outdoor venue, its hardly Oasis at Wembley.......

I agree with K-Hod, they were on top form last night, looked to be enjoying themselves and despite Pete forgetting the words in one song, it was seamless, I really enjoyed listening to some guitar music again and a band that are rooted in English folk music and proud to shout it loudly.

Oasis next in a few weeks time.