Fangbase - Reviews

Barbican Centre, York

Friday 25th April 2003

Well its the morning after the night before, and what a night!

My plans for the gig started off on a really bad footing as my boss didnt give me my wages a day early (Incidentally If he's reading this I quit), so I had to beg a friend to lend me some cash, who kindly saved the day.

Got to Leeds and met up with some friends, then headed onto York after a large amount of Smirnoff ice, Stella and the complete bastard of a drink Jaegermister.

Quite a few MB people were at the gig including Gravedigger Brian, Julian, Woody, the BH's, Claypole, Wayne and girlfriend, and myself. It was really good to meet up with everyone again. Most people were in high spirits and pretty smashed before the gig even started. The venue was great, very big stage and lots of room for the audience. I can say wholeheartedly that it was the best musical performance I had seen since coming to watch the band. They were on fire.

Dave had lots of room to stalk menacingly from one side of the stage to the other, and he made full use of it. Thundering around and giving it a lot of energy during the whole set. He was wearing a well fitting black shirt with a bat-shaped pattern on the back, sleeves rolled up to show off his upper arm muscles, very stylish indeed. Pat played with a lot of vigour and flair and her bass sounded louder than I had heard it before - which was great. She was wearing a black velvet outfit and looked stunning as ever. Captain had the kilt and beret back after it had been on leave for the trip to Poland. He seemed in great spirits and his solo's sound better and better each time I hear them. I can't think of a greater lead guitar out there in the world, he really is a genius. But the star of last night had to be Pinch. I'd never seen him play so well. Truly cracking drumming, the sort that makes you pick up imaginery drum sticks out of the air and belt along. It was excellent to watch.

The atmosphere was great, the mosh pit saw a few casualties including a girl who travelled with me from Leeds. She was tossed into the chaos of the mosh pit and managed to break her foot. (I think she enjoyed the gig though). Only took a few knocks, but there was a good friendly edge to any shoving going on, apart from those crazy MB people, ha ha. Felt a bit wierd moshing on a badminton court, but I suppose no-one was looking down too much.

The set list was something like:

Disco Man
Democracy
Wait for the Blackout
Plan 9
She
New Rose
Eloise
Song.com
Would you be so hot

and a few more which I can't remember.

Most MB people went backstage for a beer with the band after the gig. The band were all very friendly and hospitable as usual. Started to really wilt at this point due to too much Jaergermister. So only managed a few non-sensical comments to anyone and everyone, which I sadly (or thankfully) can't remember.

Missed my lift back to Leeds due to being drunk, blonde and particularly stupidly dizzy last night. So there we were again, Claypole and I, walking round in circles outside wondering what we were going to do (Poland revisited). Claypole was bound for a long stay in the train station and I was still trying to find my coat and see where my lift had gone when Jed, Leo and Pinch took us in for a few hours on the coach. Poor waifs and strays that we were. Claypole came prepared with a thresher bag containing some industrial strength Bacardi immitation, ha ha.

Made our way shortly after to the taxi which we had called and then I attempted to get a hotel in York while Claypole was bound for the train station with his last fiver and a christening the next morning.

Christ it really was the best and the worst of nights. Im off now to try to explain to GNER how I lost my train tickets but I don't know where to start :o(

Nitegirrl69