An absolute embarrassment of riches over the last couple of months, too many great shows for me to keep up with, but I did my best. Firstly, I managed to catch the absolutely excellent Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy (and friends) doing their genuinely respectful and beautifully faithful R.E.M. ‘tribute’ band, performing probably my single favourite R.E.M. album ‘Life’s Rich Pageant’ from front to back at New Century Hall in Manchester. I generally have a very low opinion of the tribute act, but this was something different, no real hits or attempts to appeal to the casual fan, just a very faithful rendition of a fan-favourite album followed by a selection of deep cuts for the second half.
Also in these past few weeks I headed back to Manchester to see the absolutely mighty Test Plan play live for the first time, on their tour with Ceremony East Coast, I caught Ancient Hostility and Greet playing in a church in Liverpool (as a big Dawn Ray’d fan this was a particular treat), 72% and Ogives Big Band both playing in Outpost, Ash do an semi-acoustic show to celebrate 30 years of their still fantastic ‘1977’ debut album, and popped along to an absolutely stacked line up at Rough Trade for the ‘Death for Life’ all-dayer, primarily to see the mega Gorgon Vomit but ended up seeing absolute stellar sets from Ceremonial Bloodbath and Coffin Mulch too.
Massive respect to not only all of these bands who are actively seeking ways to go out and play their music in front of rooms of people, but also the promoters who are facilitating these things happening. These shows are a genuine lifeline for those seeking connection beyond the internet, community and connection with like-minded human beings, and musical experiences beyond shitty streaming platforms. Music is best when it’s shared.