Reviews of Mansun gigs sent in by readers of this site. If you want to submit a review, mail me at delanthear@oocities.com


Mansun Playing the Barrowlands in Glasgow - Louise M Smith

I can only say, thank God it was postponed - it was originally supposed to be on a Tuesday in April, and as I now live in London, it was going to be a wee bit awkward getting back home and I couldn't get the time off work. NME haven't been too enthusiastic about Mansun live, but I thought they were absolutely fantastic, and the atmosphere from the crowd was electric. They played all the usual stuff, I can't remember what order though.

They all looked gorgeous as well, particularly Paul, although we didn't get to meet them, as both me and my pal were suffering from severe hangovers from drowning our sorrows when Falkirk were robbed of the Scottish Cup, and so didn't wait around after the gig.

The support bands were good as well - Geneva were alright, their new single is amazing live, and if you get the chance, go and see the Smiles, they're supporting David Devant and his Spirit Wife when they're touring England in June - they're playing Camden Dingwalls on the 16th, for anyone who may be interested. Next Mansun gig for my schedule is T in the Park, followed by V97.


Mansun Playing New York! - Heather

First off, they were amazing and LOUD. I was standing right in front of Chad and his guitar amps blew my ears out. The crowd was okay, this IS New York and too often the people at gigs are just far too cool to show any sort of enthusiasm. They opened with "Stripper Vicar" and then went right into "Mansun's Only Love Song", which is the song I most wanted to hear.

Afterwards, my friend Lori (hi Lori!) told Stove that it was my birthday and so they let me backstage. He even gave me a birthday kiss, on the lips :-). I talked a bit to him and to Paul, Stove said they are seeing the Statue of Liberty today, and then flying back to England. They'll be here in July again for a 5 week tour with the Seahorses. So, I asked Paul about Mavis but he wouldn't tell me anything. He said that Chad would tell me, but I barely got to speak to him. Oh well, I'll ask next time. But I told Paul about this list and he seemed to know about it, I mentioned that Chad's hair has been a recent hot topic and he laughed. I mentioned Chad's shirts too, (he was wearing the pink one last night, his favorite one apparently), Paul said that Chad makes them himself and has about 20. Chad's hair looked great by the way, I think he had it cut recently. I took photos... Paul was wearing a camouflage shirt and blue jeans, Stove had a sleeveless shirt on, and Andy was wearing underoos (joke. anyone remember those though?!)

Anyway, it was an excellent night. Can't wait til they come back. I'm going to V97 in Chelmsford too, anyone else? - Heather


Mansun Playing New York! - TattvaGirl@aol.com

Alright fellow Mansun-ites, Last nights gig was BLINDING!!!!!!! I saw them in London last year (supporting Cast) at the Forum, but I wasn't even prepared for seeing them in a tiny venue. They were spot on. Every song was perfect!! I went mad when they did Tax Loss. Stove looked amazing (and the rest weren't bad either!!!) I think I'm in love with Andie though. One of the tekkies gave me a pair of drumsticks which I had signed by the whole band.

There was an aftershow at the downstairs bar (at the venue) and my friends and I (hi Heather!) got to hang out with them-luckily, I got into the dressing room beforehand as well. The whole band are REALLY friendly, although Paul seemed a bit strange. Off day maybe?

I work at Tower Records and Andie & Chad said they'd come in to see me, but it didnt happen as I think they were sightseeing. There's always next time. I took a whole roll of film so if anyone wants prints, email me at TattvaGirl@aol.com. And about Chad's hair, it was fine-he looked gorgeous!

I'm absolutely exhausted from last night (work this morning-URRRGH!!!!) but I still can't contain my excitement. Andie asked me what was wrong so I said "im just a bit overly happy' and he laughed and gave me a hug. I'm sorry guys, Im gonna stop cause Ill go on forever!!!!!!


Mansun playing the Brighton Centre on the 18th of March 1997 - bbray@netcomuk.co.uk

I went to see Mansun on tuesday the 18th march at the Brighton Centre. The concert was supposed to start at 7pm but the doors didn't open until 8pm, and the support band Travis didn't come on until about half an hour later. To pass the time we had a tape of nice indie tunes blaring out of the large speakers at the front.lucky us.

Travis played well, although no one knew who they were. They created a really good atmosphere, which was killed when Mansun took an hour to follow them on to the stage. But once again we were blessed with music blaring out of the large speakers at the front, only this time, instead of indie tunes it was abba and the bee gees. Obviously we were all feeling rather pissed off. Cramed into a hot sweaty room, standing for an hour with dancing queen blaring at full volume in our ears we were understandably not happy.

When Mansun finally took to the stage they didn't speak once. They just hurrid through each tune as if they had a train to catch and we were an annoying distraction. Having said that though,they played well. Wide open space and she makes my nose bleed were the best songs, as everyone knew them. I did enjoy myself (it was impossible not to) but i think Mansun should lose there 'cool'act and treat there fans with some respect. After all we're the ones buying there album.

Mansun playing The Crypt at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Tuesday 4th March 1997. - BS-L Wharf

The gig was a sell out, most of the people who bought tickets were townies and kids. The support band was originally Travis but they pulled out at the last minute 'cos the lead singer lost his voice. Instead the support was a Newcastle band called 2000 and we were blessed with the gorgeous good looks of the lead singer, whose neck chain spelt out the word 'BABE' - in which he was.

Mansun arrived onstage an hour late but they played non-stop for a full hour, and unfortunately gave the crowd no encore. Chad was dressed rather surprisingly in a pink frilly shirt! Stove was wearing a sleeveless shirt and those beige flary cords! Paul sported a black military jacket (and no hat!). While Andy - well, I couldn't see Andy, he was hidden away at the back of the small stage behind his drum kit!

The BeeGees' music before Mansun came on stage was a nice touch. Mansun opened the gig with an intro of The Chad Who Loved Me followed by a brief version of An Open Letter to the Lyrical Trainspotter. Most album tracks were played apart from You, Who Do You Hate, Disgusting and Dark Mavis. A great intro to Stripper Vicar was given before leaping right into it, and the kids went wild as soon as they heard Wide Open Space. Two other tracks which I've not heard before were played and so was Drastic Sturgeon. Mansun ended with an excellent rendition of Take It Easy Chicken. It's a shame we did not get to hear much of Chad's Angelic voice as he can hit some really wonderful notes for a man! It would have also been nice to hear some acoustic versions of their songs too.
All in all a great night!


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