The Gig List (Part 5 - 2018 - 2020)
After speaking to my cousin (who isn't my cousin but is related in some way and I cannot be asked to work out the exact correct link) was discussing Iron Maiden concerts and some Stranglers concerts as well I thought this again would be a good space to put down another list. Gig's so from the old grey matter I put together a list of bands that I remember seeing, then patched together dates and venues to complete the list below. Now somewhere I have some reviews I've typed up for a few of those and will see if I can dig any of them out and include them under the gig list below. I am sure many of you have been to more gigs and to be honest I know I have too as there are definitely more Stranglers gigs that I've been too that I have listed here but cannot find a reference point for them so happy to take advice if anyone was with me and I have dates and information incorrect. For example for years I have said that my first Maiden concert was in 1992 and it wasn't it was in 1993!! So what do I know? Very little it appears. Anyway there are some great memories here and I will try and share some when they come back to me. As for this list, it is a work in progress - Enjoy!!
Iron Maiden - 11th August 2018
O2 Arena, London
Killswitch Engage,
This would turn out to be the last Iron Maiden gig before the world turned to poop. This would be the 18th time of seeing Maiden and little did I know that this would be the last before a pandemic would close the world and cause the cancellation of so many gigs across the world including the Download Festival which Maiden were down to headline in June of 2020. Again, I had had a few pints before getting the train to central London before arriving at the O2 we had plenty of time to have more alcohol before entry into the venue itself where we got more cider!
This was going to be a big gig and as a result. I knew that Wayne and Dave were there, Charlotte and Ian was going to be there and Phil was going to be there as well. I went with a colleague and her friend but was please to meet Phil and have a chat and then got to join C&I in the standing area where we had a good chat before everything got going.
First on stage was Killswitch Engage who I had managed to avoid quite skilfully in the past at a few festivals, but this was not going to happen today and it was something of a pleasure when someone surprises you as they were not was I was expecting. Especially the Bermuda wearing high held bass pigeon dancing around the stage was one thing lodged in my brain. The returning former lead singer was another and the finally of a song I remembered pleased me. OK so it turned out to be a Dio track which I only knew because it’s covered by Steve’n’Seagulls is by and by. Shall I move onto the track list?
They opened with Strength of the Mind and tailed that with A Bid Farewell. They moved onto Life to Lifeless and Hate by Design. Then Always, My Last Serenade, Beyond the Flames, and Rose of Sharyn. It was when they sung.
The End of Heartache where they were joined on stage by the former singer Howard Jones which was his first return to the band since his departure. It was around this time where I started to get them and appreciate that they were not just a shouty band with aggression issues. They finished off their set with My Curse, In Due Time and then the Dio cover of Holy Diver. All in all, it was ok, have I sought out more of their stuff since no not even to write this paragraph which may speak more than anything more I could say here.
As the last Maiden gig on the blog currently, I am going to talk about the gig in a lot more detail than just listing the tracks and saying just how fantastic they are. Because this show was epic and they are and I will happily argue with anyone that disagrees with me, but they are the best band in the world. Here we were at the O2 arena waiting in the bright lights with the taped music filling the vast air of the venue. The lights dim and the taped music slowly fades mid song. To be replaced by more taped music but this to an Iron Maiden fan means so much more. The song is from UFO and the track as with all Iron Maiden concerts is Doctor Doctor. Those in the know will be singing along and dancing and minor pockets of moshing begins also. This track is played ahead of all Maiden gigs and is always the last track before the real gig begins.
The massive screens on either side of the stage flicker into life with black and white images of fighter pilots from World War II running towards Spitfires in the field as the dulcet tones of Sir Winston Churchill's explaining about how we will fight them on the Beeches. At the end of the speech, he says the words ‘we will never surrender’
Boom there is a loud explosion and the stage bursts into life and as I mentioned in previous gigs Janick Gers running at you at pace is a scary thing when your eye level is level with his ankles. They burst into Aces High a racing song that barrels along at pace. Bruce is in historical fighter pilot helmet and goggles. It is always a great song to open to and suddenly from the pit I look up and see what looks like a life size spitfire flying around the stage just above the boys’ head. This tour has dramatically returned to the theatrical version of their shows of old and they. Search lights looking for the enemy and a track given so much more attention than before. It’s at this point I can see that most of the stage is behind camouflage. I can’t even see Nicko behind the greenery at all. Later I discovered that the set was split into three parts (or acts would be more appropriate). This was Act One and for me was clearly named - War.
Keeping in the war theme the next track saw Bruce return to the stage with a white camouflage outfit and warm army hat. They belted out Where Eagles Dare with Bruce’s long and perfectly held notes of the chorus. The first scream for me London was belted out across the arena. The backdrop looks like a scene straight out of the movie with an explosion on a cable car. This is a track that I haven’t heard them play live since my first ever gig back in 1993. It’s a great track but for me it would be a mid-range one that always deserves an outing every so often.
Another change for Bruce as the snow outfit was gone and we were onto a waistcoat type attire. Ready for the next son, being an ever-present Maiden staple with the pending doom track of 2 Minutes to Midnight. A track from back in 1984 this is a great track which is why is appears so many times when they sing live. The backdrop of Eddie sat on a tank and a set not that dramatically changed.
A Blaze era track was next with The Clansman with the backdrop to match. I may well be very wrong, but it must be around 15 years since I heard them sing this one live before. It is simply a great song and a great song to sing-along to. For a gig and in the pit, it is a great track to go completely mental to the pit sang back to Bruce at full voice. Freedom! I joined in screamed at the top of mine and many other lungs joined me. I nearly forgot Bruce’s dancing and running around the stage with a cutlass. This is a great tune and deserves more airtime from Maiden (I will add the caveat that this is not possible as they have so many great songs that they simply cannot cater for all of them).
Next up was the conclusion of act 1 (War) was the ever green and always popular whether from them or the thousands of covers out there is The Trooper. Telling the story of the Charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava. If you could image a guitar doing an impression of hundreds of horses galloping, then this song does it to perfection. It’s a great tune (YES, THEY ALL ARE!) it goes at a gallop and simply doesn’t stop till the end of the song. Fantastic and equally fantastic live as well. Add this to your playlists it is great. Bruce was not in the British issue red jackets and white braces and backpack waving the union flag around the stage. It was Eddie taking to the stage in the uniform and brandishing a sword ready to fight with Bruce’s cutlass. As Eddie stomped around the stage it brought me back to so many different Eddies, I’ve seen over the past 25 years. Yes, I have been watching Maiden for that long.
The green camouflage of war was swiftly removed and replaced with the shiny surfaces of a what looks like the internal beauty of a church. We were into part or act 2 – religion. Kicking off act 2 was the appropriate track of Revelations. Now here was a track I haven’t heard/seen live for 10 years. It is another middle roader song for me, and it was a good opportunity to nip off to the loo as I was getting a bit alcohol escape feelings then. This was from the Piece Of Mind album which has some great tracks on it but not one of my favourites, so I took it easy here while the very purple set shined like a beacon in the darkness. Bruce was changed again in a black cloak very (Rime get up from previous tours).
As I returned to the arena floor they had already moved onto For the Greater Good of God from the Matter of Life and Death which was (anti) war album so this could have easily been moved into act 1 as well. Another strong track avoiding a lot of religious business may be the reason this is not high on my greatest ever list but it was good to hear it live again after what I’d guess would be about 18 years. This is a track of lots of questions of why this or why that. The chorus goes Please tell me now what life is. Please tell me now what love is. Well, tell me now what war is. Again, tell me what life is. For the Greater Good of God. A remarkably interesting take on religion and war. Therefore Maiden is the greatest out there. The one thing I remember to the conclusion of this track was Janick’s dancing around the stage.
Next up was another racing track of the The Wicker Man from the Brave New World album of 2000 which saw the return of Bruce and Adrian to the group. This was the first single and the opening track of that album. With all opening singles it bowls along at pace and a great song to play live as the crowd goes mental and being away from the front of the stage meant being in the rougher area of the floor. It was a great laugh being in there after all these years. I loved it. With the added enjoyment of a belter of a tune. Fantastic. Your time will come, and it will if you every get to catch this guys in concert.
Everything slowed down for the epic that is Sign of the Cross another Blaze era tune which has lived beyond his time within the band. It’s an atmospheric tune and builds up as it goes through. Bruce returned to the stage with slicked back hair and a shiny black cloak, carrying around a black wooden cross. With lights in and for the guitar solo they had the pyro fireworks going off. The song begins with chanting monks and crosses all over the stage. This epic tune really delivers when played live. For me, the live version is better than the album. (Please note there is nothing anti-Blaze here – I liked him, and I enjoyed his time in the band). The darkness and doom of the track lead us into the light as I remember the next track and stage in detail.
A song that was again not one of my favourites but I really quite like it now. Just being honest the Flight of Icarus was never a track I played over and over. It is ok but I found it a bit cobbled together and I’d left it to the grey matter at the back of my mind. It was 35 years old mind you so maybe I should cut it some slack. Well, hearing it live made me realise what a tune it was. Looking up at a massive statue of Icarus appearing behind Bruce with flame throwers attached to each hand. The statues wings where wide and unmoving throughout the song. Until Bruce shot the fire into the sky and Icarus wings curled back in as the smoke rose at the back of the stage and his arms curled back in with his wings. This being just ahead of me blew me away. It was in the awe of this thing that I saw the light about this song it was fantastic and this moment in time brought this to me. I fully appreciated it riffs and tunes and it will be played more when at home as it rightly deserves. I will leave the flame throwers for the live events though.
Act 2 was complete as the boys took us to the third and final act. One that I will call ‘Hell’ the set changed again, and they moved into the haunting and spooky track of Fear of the Dark. A truly epic track that you should listen to right now. Go on, I can wait. YouTube if you must but go listen to it right now. If it is YouTube, then go for the live version it’s even better. The slow intro and outro which bookends for the racing scary chasing mid-section that has you running home at night rather than the steady walk that you really prefer. Bruce wearing the old plague doctors mask (Well, that’s what it looked like to me). With yet another cloak and top hat maybe, it was the Jack the Ripper look instead. No matter. This is a staple on Maiden setlist and there is a good reason for it, not only is yet another simply great tune it is so well liked by all there (if you are listening live from a camera in the crowd you will hear them singing more than Bruce). The crowd all stops as the slow intro begins and the whoa begin. The stationary stance really doesn’t last long before the explosion of energy of the crowd and mosh pit comes to life as the tune explodes into life. It is a melee in there nothing is off limits but like every Maiden crowd I have been in everyone looks after each other. If you go down and yes, I have right at the front. Someone will pick you up dust you off and start the mosh pit all over again. Its great and you should get yourself into the middle of it sometime (well maybe just the once).
If this section is called ‘Hell’ then there is one particular Maiden track that must be played here. With the stage glowing red with its all red lights and dry ice adding to the spooky introduction. Satan in a goat headed form rises slowly at the back of the stage. Vincent Price as always introduces the track before it bursts into the 350mph introductions of The Number of the Beast begin. What a tune and what a band. You must see them live! You must! I will make it compulsory, soon. I always enjoy them and there is a countdown to the big day which is followed by the sadness of not knowing when you will get to see them again. Eighteen times I have seen this band and I would happily go back to any of those shows and do it all over again. They never disappoint and always give an epic show whether to less than 2000 people or to massive arena full of screaming nutters or 100,000 at a music festivals. This track sums them up with the race to get to the finish the scary theme the fact its 36 years old and when they were young makes it amazing how far ahead of the time they were, there are so many others that still haven’t caught up with them up yet.
The final song of nearly every time I’ve seen them is Iron Maiden, a track that sums them up so perfectly. From the second the guitars and drums belt into life and Bruce yells let me see those hand. I want to see them everywhere come on. It’s classed as one of their epics that go on for 10 minutes this is a bang bang bang of a race to a conclusion all you have to do is try and keep up. This track bursts into the room, slaps you in the face and pelts it back out again before you know what has hit you. It also allows Bruce to utter the classic of classic quotes “Scream for me London!”. Which is always followed by by the epic mascot of the band ‘Eddie’ who has been with them since the beginning back in the late 70’s. His giant horned and Satan looking head slowly rises behind the stage, to dwarf the stage it’s been there in many different forms and I have seen so many different types myself it brings a tear to my eye to think of how much has not been possible in the past couple of years. I was in a pit with fellow metal heads bashing heads and clashing elbows and having a thoroughly great time that now I cannot even hug a loved one let alone nut someone in the back of the head for being out of time with the music. The massive Eddie always signals the end of the gig and the whole emotion that comes rushing in just thinking about it. Eighteen times I have had that emotion of not knowing what was coming and then screaming for him getting him and then realising that I have no idea when, where or even if I will ever get to do this again. It is a joy followed by a sadness that grows each time I see them live. They have given me so many great memories they have also helped me through so many time. Both good and bad they have made a big chunk of my life and I will always love them for it. From way back where I accidently stole 5 tapes off a mate to learn what Maiden was about. (he never got them back). I heard of Iron Maiden since around 1980 maybe 81 or 82. I fell in love with them fully with them around 1990 where the hold on my emotional heart was never relinquished. They command devotion not from shouting and demanding it but by being the greatest living group in the world. Live performances they give 120% effort and I appreciate that it’s the music for them not waving booze around or how many times they get laid it was the art form that mattered to them and they haven’t stopped and they haven’t given in or sold out they have been a stable in this whole entire life that is mine. I will never forget, forgive, stop loving them or give up on them as they haven’t for me.
They say their thanks and leave the stage with the promise of returning soon. To be honest everyone in place knew that anyway. Now the guessing of what will they return to or what track will they conclude with. The assumption is Hallowed would be trotted out as usual but what next and what to conclude with would Running Free, Run to the Hills, or Sanctuary be there or maybe something form left field. The Hell theme could continue with Hallowed (maybe), but they went with a track from my favourite album. The album is called Seventh Son of a Seventh Son and the track was The Evil That Men Do. Which has a suitable Hellish title, I guess. Balancing on a ledge which way will this man go will be good or evil what a song and what a strong powerful song to return to the stage to.
See we all knew it would be here. Hallowed Be Thy Name was the sandwich of the encore as they brough this one back for yet another concert. The story of the condemned man counting down his hours before facing the gallows. With lyrics like Somebody please, tell me that I'm dreaming. It's not easy to stop from screaming. But words escape me when I try to speak. Tears flow but why am I crying? After all I'm not afraid of dying. Don't I believe that there never is an end? Even on the album its 7 and a half minutes of pure electrifying emotion and a roller coast for the poor sod facing all these different emotions as he knows his time is nearly up and they play it live to perfection. Its fantastic.
The track that cemented Bruce into the band with the success of the sales of Run to the Hills saw him fall for the band and vice versa and one of first track I ever heard from them. With the awful black and white video from back then it was still such a good track that it covered it off. Summing up the American taking over the Native American land and taking the track from both sides. It is another horse galloping song that races to the sad end of the whole thing. I have mentioned probably more than once the silence that follows an epic gig. Your ears are ringing, there is a tone that just sits in your ear. The arena echoes and they always pipe in the same song, and you shuffle off to the sounds of Monty Python’s Always Look on The Bright Side of Life. This was no exception and fills you full of sadness knowing that Bruce turned 60 a few days after this gig and watching his leaping around the stage must be counting down and I hate the thought of not counting down to the final show terrifies me. Seeing Slayer depart recently how many others will follow. I hear they will be back and with the hope of post Covid-19 return to normal gigs we may be looking at June 2022 and the Download Festival to have the opportunity to doing it again but this time back outside with the wind effecting the sound quality as usual but no-one caring as its Maiden, and we are watching them live again. Counting down the days already and then hoping to set another countdown for the split second they walk off the stage.
Steve'n'Seagulls - 6th December 2018
The Fleece, Bristol
No Support
Well four gig left for this current up to date list and you could say it was the good the bad and the weird. Starting with the weird there were two goods and one that just didn’t do it for me. The weird is always the bluegrass metal covering lads from Finland. This gig was booked well in advance but closer to the time the main man from the previous gig was forced to pull out and the other mates were due to come along, and I was relieved to know they were still coming along. Meeting at a bar in town (I believe it may have been Nandos but I think that was when we went to the football). We made our way to the venue and the support band was so unintrusive that I cannot remember them. Very run of the meal cover band with a cowboy hat is about all I can remember. I had another chat with Pukki and thought he was a legend. I purchased a Steve’n’Seagulls hat which I wear with pride to this day. Well not this day as it’s a woolly hat and it’s too blooming hot today.
The new signage at the fleece
Following the dickhead climbing on the stage during the last gig the management had brought in new signage for the venue. Nothing like that happened this time so I assume the signage must have helped then.
Straight off the bat I have checked the setlist for this gig and I honestly believe it is wrong as it was way too short, and I have videos of two tracks from this night and it’s not on the track list, so I have cobbled together the songs they sung with pictured I took on the night plus the two videos I took of songs that where not listed. I will be honest and say that the track list below is not in the correct order but it’s my best guess.
From left to right Hiltunen, Remmel, Puikkonen (behind on the drums) Pukki, and Hermen on the banjo.
I believe they opened with Self Esteem and then Are You Gonna Go My Way. I remember early in the gig The Trooper so I will put that in here. From here its just a guess so I am going to go with Alive, then Holy Driver, Burn, Down to the River, and Over the Hills and Far Away.
That is them in full blast.
One added point is the number of different instruments they play.
Puikkonen having the singing duty here (I am guessing this was The Pretender)
Hiltunen in glasses as they had been celebrating a holiday in Finland yesterday and they were hungover.
I am going to go with the next one out was The Pretender.
The Pretender
You Shook Me All Night Long was the next one and I am then going to suggest that they hit up the legendary Thunderstruck. I think I got the whole thing this time unlike the last gig when I missed it completely.
Thunderstruck
Slowing it down with November Rain before ramping up to the finish with Seek & Destroy and a shorter version of Born to be Wild.
The one thing I will mention with this band with this line up is they give 100% when on stage I have seen them improve as well and its a real shame that this was the last time I would probably get to meet Pukki for a pre-gig chat and here the drums and singing of Puikkonen. Which makes me sad but I will have to give the new boys a chance the sad thing that even after years within the band they will remain the new guys for ever. It is a weird thing but its true. I wish them luck and see how things turn out now.
Dropkick Murphy's - 26th April 2019
Brixton Academy, London
Grade 2, The Devil Made Three
A memorable gig for different reasons I took my daughter Lauren with me for her first gig. She tells me she loved it and it was enough to prompt her to come along to their next UK gig up a hill in London. There were two support bands I seem to have lost one of the video’s with the second act on it so you will have a brief glimpce of Grade 2 singing Groundhog day but that is it. I also recorded a few more tracks but I cannot find anymore than I currently have here. If I find any others I will add them in.
The night began with a generic band that was loud and proud and enjoyable for the time they were on. Opening with a track called. Pubwatch before the aforementioned Groundhog Day.
Groundhog Day
They had five more tracks to play and I won’t dwell on them as in order they played Turning the Tide, Graveyard Island, Dover Street, Hearts of Gold, and All I Know. Then they were done and handing over the stage to The Devil Makes Three.
They opened with The Bullet and Hallelu. Next was a cover of a Robert Johnson track called Drunken Hearted Man. Followed by Deep Down, Black Irish, Old Number Seven, Paint My Face, Bangor Mash, and Stranger.
Before I rattle off the final three tracks I feel I should mention that they are an American band form Santa Cru, playing what I would call traditional bluegrass style with a banjo, guitar and a double bass. With all three combining on the singing duties. They were ok and enjoyable. Finishing the set with three tracks called Pray for Rain, Do Wrong Right, and St. James Infirmary.
Now we move onto the main attraction… The one and only Dropkick Murphy’s playing Irish punk rock music with an emphasis on working class and those hard working people and with many Irish leaning songs. To give you an idea of what they put into a gig they played 25 songs tonight with a minimum of chat in between songs they play song after song which is fantastic. Shall we get through the songs then?
Beginning with the musical intro of a Cadence to Arms. Followed by the appropriate opening of the rocky track of The Boys Are Back. The quiet intro before the rapid and shouty Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya and the anthems that are Blood, Rebels with a Cause, and Curse of a Fallen Soul.
They moved onto a childhood and family and friends type songs with The Gang's All Here, Sandlot, and Don't Tear Us Apart.
Four of my favourite songs on the bounce starting with my current favourite of The State of Massachusetts, and the amusing First Class Loser. The end of it all track of Going Out in Style followed by the lovey track of The Fields of Athenry which I’ve recorded in two sections but it’s a harsh tale of life in Ireland when your desperate for food and what happens if you get caught. I did manage to record it twice which is below for your entertainment. Apologies for the bad singing of the locals!
Fields of Athenry (Part 1)
Fields of Athenry (Part 2)
Next up was Caught in a Jar and Joseph M. Crofts cover of The Irish Rover which I remember more of a Pogues song, but there you go.
The happy track of Sunshine Highway was followed by the made it a bit track of Paying My Way and the one I should personally like of The Walking Dead. Squeezing another cover this was from Black 47 with the track of James Connolly.
The truly lovely track of Rose Tattoo followed. Before Out of Our Heads and the workers anthem of the Worker's Song which was a fitting end to the gig (well ahead of the encore).
The encore consisted of another three tracks beginning with another cover this one an actual Pogues cover this time with The Body of an American.
I will single out the next one as it’s the tune that everyone has heard from them. When I speak to people I say I love the Dropkick Murphy’s and they go – nope never heard of them. (I get that a lot!). I follow that exchange with have you heard I'm Shipping Up to Boston and again I often get a no and then I get it on my phone and within seconds of the introduction they say “Oh, yes I’ve heard this one I love this track what was the band name again? I will look them up!” No, they never do that either. they go oh this one yes I love this track.
The final song is always the final song as its their goodbye and see you again sometime track of Until the Next Time. Well, that was Lauren’s first gig and it was my first Dropkick Murphy’s concert with them as the headlining act so a tick and tick there. Thoroughly loved every minute and about three quarters through the gig they announced they will be back in the UK and in London and in the near future. Its time to organise some tickets and soon…
Black Star Riders - 12th October 2019
Shepherd's Bush Empire, London
Stone Broken, Wayward Sons
We have ticked off the good and the weird then this was the other gig to review. This was at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire and one of the very rare occasions where I really enjoyed the opening act but lesser so with the headliners. I was told what to expect but was hoping they would throw me a single bone. Which they did not. I will get the headliners later but I will begin with what was my opinion the best band on the night.
The Wayward Sons who’s lead singer is a chap called Toby Jepson. Does that name mean anything to you. I really hope so. As back in the days when I was just getting into this music one of the bands that helped that transition was a band called Little Angels who had some fantastic tracks that I still love to this day. Well, he has his new band and this was it and they were opening act (they could of easily been closing it) as these boys rocked and I would love to go and see them again. They opened with a track called Any Other Way and I recognised the voice instantly. I was sat at this gig and I didn’t want to be for this band. Rapidly followed by Don't Wanna Go and Ghost.
Next was a calm and Little Angel-isk Little White Lies with lyrics like I save the best of me for my enemies. Followed by the much more-rocky of Small Talk. This got the place rocking and would have got me to my feet if it was possible.
With just two songs left I was left wanting more and when they play the fantastic tracks of Joke's on You and wound down their set with the epic Until the End.
Wayward Sons
Next up was a band called Stone Broken who again they were pretty good opening with Stay All Night. The question among our group was how come these were higher on the bill than the Wayward Sons which we got the answer to later. They moved onto Doesn't Matter and Heartbeat Away.
The remaining tracks were: I Believe, Let Me See It All, The Only Thing I Need, Wait for You, Worth Fighting For, and finishing up with Not Your Enemy. They played an acoustic track in there as well. My general overview of them was pretty good ticked all the boxes to be bigger than they currently are but they did me to check them a bit on YouTube but nothing more.
Stone Broken
Ok so what narked me about the headliners of Black Star Riders was you may not recognise the band name but they are or were Thin Lizzy at one time. People attending called them Thin Lizzy and they used to play a mix of the old stuff as well as the new stuff. Well tonight there was no Thin Lizzy not one track, I would have been appeased with one track. Just one. A Jailbreak, The Boys are Back In Town, Whisky in the Jar, Dancing in the Moonlight, or a Rosalie but nothing not a thing.
Black Star Riders
I am not saying it was a bad gig and these boys can play but Ricky Warwick (lead singer) told a story halfway through the show and it just annoyed me instantly. I will get to that later.
At some point the legend that is Phil who was in our group attending the gig disappeared and missed the part of the show.
The band opened with Another State of Grace and The Killer Instinct. Moving onto another track of All Hell Breaks Loose and Testify or Say Goodbye.
Phil returned at some point in the show and explained that he had bumped into Toby Jepson and was chatting to him in the bar. He had explained that as the other band had a second album coming out was the reason they had a higher billing on the night but they are looking at a new album in the future and ramping up the live shows in the future as well. I was super jealous of missing out on this chat and had to live with never getting to speak to him.
I have just realised that I am going to list the tracks as I don’t really know any of them. So there was - Tonight the Moonlight Let Me Down, Ticket to Rise, Hey Judas, In the Shadow of the War Machine, Soldierstown, Why Do You Love Your Guns?, Blindsided, Bloodshot, and Ain't the End of the World.
I think it was around this point that Ricky told us a story about his daughter wanting the new Billie Eilish album and she didn’t want to just download it. She said dad I want to own it I want the CD and take it home and read the book cover. He was so pleased about the traditional ways of music and he said that his work there was done. Then ignores the bands own historical music as he wanted the fans but didn’t want to work to play the stuff they want to hear to keep them. They then played When the Night Comes In, Underneath the Afterglow, Dancing With the Wrong Girl, and Finest Hour.
They then finished the night with Kingdom of the Lost and the anthem-esk Bound for Glory. It is a great track but it was not enough to win me over and ask me to bring me back and see them again. I will chalk this one up to experience and I am done with them. Thanks for the memories but more so, thanks for introducing me to Wayward Sons.
Dropkick Murphy's - 21st February 2020
Alexandra Palace, London
Cock Sparrer, Kneecap, Jesse Ahern
The final gig before the sh!t hit the fan and the world shut down. They even mentioned Corona Virus in one of the videos. I should add at this time that this was the gig that followed a recent gig of theirs where I really enjoyed it and then went to this one without having to really enjoy it. Meaning I could stand back and video so much of it. So, prepare yourself for many videos in this review.
Again, Lauren accompanied me to this gig. There will be a clip of her in one of these vids as well and I will have to add some words about the support acts as one just came out of nowhere.
We drove there and parked up and then realised that we had to walk up the hill. By the time I reached the top I was knackered. We entered Ally Pally for me it was the first ever time. No world darts for me so me and Lauren and I went into the venue. We found food carts everywhere. We ended up with the traditional chips with chicken strips which was gobbled down before entering the actual gig location. I would describe the venue is like a T shape. You walk in via the bottom of the T there are carts and food places dotted everywhere you can then wander into the main hall. You walk in multiply doors and then turn left to see the stage at the end of the hall at the other end there were toilets and the bars. We headed in to see what the first act was like, and I would say.
He was like a busker a single man on the stage with an acoustic guitar and a woolly hat. He was called Jesse Ahern and he opened with A Letter Home. Followed by On Our Own, Out of Our Mind, and Detox.
A Clash Cover was next up with their Bankrobber. His short set was finished up with Time Will Tell and Highway of Life and that was done.
Next up was a surprise. The stage was taken by a kid in what I initially thought was a clown mask. He marched up and down the stage to a clearly recorded speech. He held a mike to his mask. As he wandered back and forth you could tell it wasn’t a clown mask but in fact the Eire flag as a balaclava. He takes his position behind a mixing desk at the back of the stage. Then two young men took to the stage and basically walked back and forth from stage left to stage right. When they reached the end of the stage and turn around and crossed somewhere in the middle to do the same at the other end of the stage. They had real stage presence and spoke to the audience. Laughing about two Irishmen appearing in a Palace in London and what would the powers think of that. They were called the lovely name of Kneecap.
I didn’t get hold of a setlist for them but I can definitely remember four tracks that they sung this evening, but I may have the order wrong. First up on the memory scale was H.O.O.D. which was definitely on there. They introduced the next song by saying that it isn’t about you guys here tonight but those other ones. The song was called Get Your Brits Out. Moving on swiftly they sang a song in Gaelic I believe but there is an English version around somewhere. It was at this point that I managed to get a video of the boys, but I have to warn you about the video below as I am sure he drops the c-bomb at the end.
[PRETTY SURE USES BAD LANGUAGE HERE] Amach Anocht (or Out Tonight)
As mentioned, the song is called Amach anocht (which means Out Tonight). It was originally a Gaelic song but I am sure he drops the c-bomb. As they did so many times throughout their set. In the clip above here is what they have sung in Gaelic followed by the English translation.
Tá mo bhrollach iontach teann ag táim ag dul go maith,
De réir Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh tá mé i bhfad ró-óg,
Ní raibh uaim ach dinnéir agus cúpla póg
Goodfellas yes ag ithe mar ríthe
Ag an self-checkout ach nil íocann muid daofa
Suas chuig an foodbank, muchies, Lethal
Cúpla punt sa bhreis do na leaids in Ibiza
Buidéal Whitelighting le cuidiú leis an tart
Deoirín beag bucky, cocktail cearta
Which translated to -
My chest is super tense and I'm going well,
According to Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh I'm far too young,
I only wanted dinner and a few kisses
Goodfellas yes eating like kings
At the self-checkout but we didn't pay for them
Up to the foodbank, munchies, lethal
A couple of pounds extra for the lads in Ibiza
A bottle of Whitelighning helping with the thirst
Bucky's little tears, a right cocktail
To me he didn’t say cocktail as his final words. I am not complaining about the language but I don’t know who will be picking this up and reading this, so I need to be careful with plenty of warning.
The last song was called Ceartabr which is about the Irish TV and radio stations refusing to play their songs. They are called the RTE, and these boys really don’t like them and this is there fingers up to the establishment for not playing their stuff. I can understand why but I can also see it from their point of view needing promoting to keep them growing. For me these boys have some real charisma and will go far I may be getting a bit long in the tooth to go and get their stuff but I can also see how well they will come across and they are going to keep coming at you even if you don’t want them to. Good luck to them. I hope you enjoyed the video!!!
Next up was a traditional punch rock group who have been knocking about since 1972 from the proper East End of London. You can honestly say they have already been there and done that and probably sold the t-shirts as well! With seven studio albums under their belts, I even took a couple of videos of their set. Namely the work but signing on song (unsurprisingly) called Working and the legendary especially ahead of the Euro Championship or any major sporting event. England Belongs to Me which will be my song for the 2021 tournament. Which means they will be shite throughout and out in the first round as they are mine. At least we can go for walks around the dirty water of the rivers. (go listen to the lyrics). Anyway, enough introduction here are the songs from the punk rockers - Cock Sparrer.
Opening with the blasting sirens quickly followed by the guitars you could have already guessed. This is a song about a mate joining the ‘other side’ and becoming a copper in the Riot Squad.
Next up was Because Your Young a story of youth and being in control for the first time, like a loaded gun. Quick on the heels was Take Em All. A football chant style chorus Take Em All, Take Em All, stand up against the wall and shoot em. Surprisingly catchy.
Poking a finger at the Punks of the time with the Where are they now? was next followed by the video of cheating the system by signing on and working for cash with Working.
Working
The fighting the establishment track of Argy Bargy was followed by the loyal and patriotic song of dirty rivers and being proud. Video included proving there were many Cock Sparrers in the audience taking over England Belongs to Me.
England Belongs to Me
Rounding off their set with We’re Coming Back a track that got us all in the mood for what was to come. I really don’t know how I missed this band completely. I used to live in the East End for 3 years and go back every now and then just to see how much it has changed. This is song of belonging and fighting together for the right to have a voice and be heard. Look ‘em up if you haven’t the Shock Troop album will cover many of the above-mentioned tracks.
Dropkick Murphy’s -
I love the The Fureys taped track to get everyone hyped for the explosion that you know is coming and its always going to be the only song to introduce them to the stage. The whistling and the softness of the lady singing knowing they and the whole place was about to unite in the whooa’s just before they burst into The Boys Are Back. Blasting the hall to its very foundations. They are here and they are going to tear it up tonight. Little did we know it was going to be the last in London for such a long time.
Following this it was The Fighting 69th a song of rebellion but fighting the right and good fight. Standing for your beliefs.
Blood
I love the track Blood ask for help and giving loyal support to those needing its just a call to all to join. Followed with a snippet of Prisoner's Song more because Lauren was belting this one out until she saw the camera. Just proved she was loving it just as much as I was. Love this band and love being here. It is a privilege with all this other business I was convinced at one point this could have been my last gig (still might be – hope not and I have many more to review) but I was pleased this would have been the last one. A fantastic night and lots of smiles and happiness and no booze for me.
Prisoner's Song (bit of added Lauren for you as well)
The screamed introduction of Famous for Nothing is enough to get us going let alone the 300-mph track that follows. The fight over gangs fighting because they met in the street. It was followed by a Gerry Cinnamon cover and their new single called The Bonny. This had to be recorded even if it was just part of it.
The Bonny
Another cover track with Brendan Behan’s The Auld Triangle (a video snippet of The Battle Rages On for you next which followed with the The Warrior's Code a track used for many a fighter out there.
The Battle Rages On
A song that I’ve claimed as my own but there are many out there I could label this one on, but I videoed First Class Loser for your and more so my entertainment I hope you enjoy it.
First Class Loser (sorry for the camera angle change proving who the FCL really is)
Two songs followed one of which I love with a passion, but I did not video it and this fact surprised me let alone anyone else. Before that racing tune was Your Spirit's Alive then the track I refer to was (F)lannigan's Ball. Another new single was next and surprisingly I recorded this one not the one before it maybe I was a little late, but I like this one as well. Here is a bit of Smash Shit Up for you.
Smash Shit Up
A family song was next a song of loyalty and love despite the title Cruel. Followed by a song that has got me through the early months of 2021 with the goodbye to the world track of God Willing. This was followed by the Peter St Johns traditional Irish song sung on many a terraces of football and rugby fans (including me – honest) I may have evidence somewhere. I may even put it here if I find it. It’s the Dropkick Murphy’s so it is ramped up a lot making it definitively their version of The Fields of Athenry.
The Fields Of Athenry
It such a sad and lovely tale that one. Followed by the shouty Citizen C.I.A. which in turn was followed with another shouty track that again is another sad tale of Johnny who goes off to fight for his country. The song is called Johnny,I Hardly Knew Ya named after he returns with many parts missing. (my boy loves this song – he may not admit it mind you!)
Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya
One of my favourites next and there was no way I was going to miss it this time. I am going to record the whole thing and watch it back repeatedly. I love it - The State of Massachusetts.
The State of Massachusetts
The final three tracks to finish without a video as I was here just to enjoy the conclusion of the gig, but they started with a cover of The Crickets track of I Fought the Law. Followed by Out of Our Heads and the conclusion that is Going Out in Style. Goodnight!
The encore was to come and there was no way I was going to miss the lovely Rose Tattoo which had to be recorded.
Rose Tattoo
I did not record the next song of I'm Shipping Up to Boston as it is everywhere, and you can catch it for yourselves. This was for me I was here to enjoy this one and I was into it live and live only. The finale deserved a bit of a video just so just a snippet of the invaded stage by half the audience piling up their stage to enjoy singing along with Until the Next Time.
Until the Next Time
A suitable conclusion to the whole gig business for 2020 and for the dark times ahead. This is a suitable track to say goodbye god bless and we will see you down the road something to look forward to whilst being sad that this bit was over with. They have subsequently played many live online gig and even included Bruce Springsteen in one of them from their favourite baseball field. I love these boys and what they stand for the uplifting and sad tunes. They are simply fantastic and deserve more of your love.
🚩 - The Stranglers gigs have become slightly confused and some have potentially been missed from this list as well as potentially mixing them up.
Thahththtthtththththtthth that's all folks...
🤘🤘 I thought I'd leave you with the most up to date - hard core rocker photo of me possible. 🤘🤘
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