Gigs 2025

[Nickslikk2112]

Back from watching a couple of Von Hertzen Brothers shows at the Tufnell Park Dome (First ever visit) and Nottingham Rescue Rooms (Third time seeing the VHBs alone).

Both shows we were up against the front barrier, both shows were excellent. Look the VHBs are never less than excellent, why they don't play Arenas I don't know, but then if they did I wouldn't go, so they can stay at the level they are thank you very much.

Very different listening experiences from night to night. At the Dome we were up against the stage and virtually all you could hear was the on stage amps, which at the very least shows the band are live. We had the bass cabinet to our immediate right, then one guitarist's amp to the left the other behind the Bass cab. At Rock City the PA mix dominated, so we ended up with the best of both worlds.

Because Mrs S has a crush on main man Mikko Von Hertzen we stayed behind both nights and had a word with them, they all seem nice guys and Mrs S now has a photo with each of them. I got a CD booklet signed each night, first night was their Nine Lives album Mikko asked me "Where did you get this?", "From my CD rack" I replied. Seems that CD copies are in very short supply and lots of new VHB fans are always asking if it will be reissued. I got mine on release of course.

We've now been set the challenge of getting them to play Nottingham Rock City, a venue four or five times the size of the Rescue Rooms, we were exhorted to bring our Aunties along - we told them we'd have to dig ours up...

It's funny, but there were people in the queue I see and speak to more than my family members who don't live with me.

[Slim]

Red Rum Club in Leicester last night. Sold out and the crowd was very enthusiastic - I must say they gave a very spirited and exuberant performance. I was entertained but I don't think I'd buy a record. The songs are a bit simple.

I was standing right at the back with my back to the bar. I felt a bit conspicuous because - since it was a rainy night - I was wearing my anorak, which is a sort of dayglo green. The last song was dedicated to the bar staff and "the bloke in the green jacket".

Highslide Image Viewer

[Fishy]

Cracking 2 hr show from Todd R @ The Palladium last night..

[Matt2112]

Sat 1st Feb
MICK MILLER, Bradford Tapestry ***
Sat 10th May
STEWART LEE, Leeds Playhouse ****
Fri 6th Jun
JAMES, Halifax Piece Hall (Sold on Twickets)
Sat 7th Jun
JAMES, Halifax Piece Hall **
Thu 26th Jun
RICKY GERVAIS, Leeds First Direct Arena ***
Mon 7th Jul
SIMPLE MINDS, Halifax Piece Hall ***
Thu 10th Jul
JOHN HEGLEY, Shipley Hullaballoo ***
Fri 11th Jul
THE HUMAN LEAGUE, Halifax Piece Hall ***
Fri 1st Aug
SQUEEZE, Halifax Piece Hall ****
Sat 2nd Aug
THE SAW DOCTORS, Halifax Piece Hall ****
Thu 7th Aug
EXTREME / TERRORVISION, Halifax Piece Hall ***
Fri 8th Aug
The Libertines, Halifax Piece Hall #
Fri 29th Aug
NILE RODGERS & CHIC, Halifax Piece Hall ****
Sun 21st Sep
F.M., Leeds The Old Woollen ***
Fri 14th Nov
MATILDA, Bradford Alhambra

# Chaperone duty - got out of it.

[Nickslikk2112]

Opeth - Birmingham Symphony Hall 28th February (Front Row) * 10/10
Von Hertzen Brothers - Bristol, Fleece, 9th March * 10/10
Hawkwind - Sheffield City Hall, 23rd May * 8/10
Jerry Cantrell - Kentish Town Forum, 17th July 9/10
Von Hertzen Brothers - London, The Dome, 8th August * 10/10
Von Hertzen Brothers - Nottingham, Rescue Rooms, 9th August * 10/10
Rick Wakeman - Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 19th October * 8/10
Moving Pictures - O2 Academy Oxford, 6th December *

* Will also be attended by the fragrant Mrs S

[David L]

First time seeing Moving Pictures last night (O2 Academy, Oxford). Bit of a thrill to see a Rush tribute in a larger venue and they didn't disappoint.

A reverse chronological set-list saw them hitting the stage with Headlong Flight and winding up with 2112. Lots of deeper cuts featured that other Rush tributes don't play made for a really interesting set. Surprise of the night had to be a solid rendition of Losing It which saw bass/keys/vocals man, Eóin de Paor, on the electric violin, Mink/Dinklage stylee - wow! Honourable mentions also to Between The Wheels, Marathon, Strangiato and A Farewell To Kings.

Jamie Dunleavy on drums was absolutely stunning (why didn't she get the phone call?). If she missed a stroke, I didn't see it. And it looked like she was having a ball!

Difficult for me to make an accurate assessment of the sound/mix as I'd decided to utilise my 'Ear Peace' attenuators due to my recent test with the audiologist. I'm glad I did because, by all accounts, it was loud! Unfortunately they completely destroy the top-end and you're left with a somewhat muffled representation of what you should be hearing. However, needs must.

Nice to see a big crowd of TNMS guys and gals out to celebrate R60. And a big thank you to Pudders and Lou for the lift home - legends!

Hope to see this lot again sometime - outstanding!

Just noticed, £16.30 for a pint of Brixton IPA and a bottle of Hobgoblin - jeesus!!!

[The Picnic Wasp]

I really like the Alpine Tune earplugs I bought recently. I think they offer a very clear concert sound without muffling and they're really easy to slip in and out for parts you wish to hear full volume. It's a very personal thing though, especially if there's also impairment.

[David L]

I really like the Alpine Tune earplugs I bought recently. I think they offer a very clear concert sound without muffling and they're really easy to slip in and out for parts you wish to hear full volume. It's a very personal thing though, especially if there's also impairment.

I may check them out, thanks

[Nickslikk2112]

First time seeing Moving Pictures last night (O2 Academy, Oxford). Bit of a thrill to see a Rush tribute in a larger venue and they didn't disappoint.

A reverse chronological set-list saw them hitting the stage with Headlong Flight and winding up with 2112. Lots of deeper cuts featured that other Rush tributes don't play made for a really interesting set. Surprise of the night had to be a solid rendition of Losing It which saw bass/keys/vocals man, Eóin de Paor, on the electric violin, Mink/Dinklage stylee - wow! Honourable mentions also to Between The Wheels, Marathon, Strangiato and A Farewell To Kings.

Jamie Dunleavy on drums was absolutely stunning (why didn't she get the phone call?). If she missed a stroke, I didn't see it. And it looked like she was having a ball!

Difficult for me to make an accurate assessment of the sound/mix as I'd decided to utilise my 'Ear Peace' attenuators due to my recent test with the audiologist. I'm glad I did because, by all accounts, it was loud! Unfortunately they completely destroy the top-end and you're left with a somewhat muffled representation of what you should be hearing. However, needs must.

Nice to see a big crowd of TNMS guys and gals out to celebrate R60. And a big thank you to Pudders and Lou for the lift home - legends!

Hope to see this lot again sometime - outstanding!

Just noticed, £16.30 for a pint of Brixton IPA and a bottle of Hobgoblin - jeesus!!!

If I'd known you were there I'd have stayed hidden!

The mix was a bit guitar heavy, which was fine by me as it made New Rush more palatable.

The drummer was very good.

Drinks prices were outrageous for a  northerner...

[David L]

First time seeing Moving Pictures last night (O2 Academy, Oxford). Bit of a thrill to see a Rush tribute in a larger venue and they didn't disappoint.

A reverse chronological set-list saw them hitting the stage with Headlong Flight and winding up with 2112. Lots of deeper cuts featured that other Rush tributes don't play made for a really interesting set. Surprise of the night had to be a solid rendition of Losing It which saw bass/keys/vocals man, Eóin de Paor, on the electric violin, Mink/Dinklage stylee - wow! Honourable mentions also to Between The Wheels, Marathon, Strangiato and A Farewell To Kings.

Jamie Dunleavy on drums was absolutely stunning (why didn't she get the phone call?). If she missed a stroke, I didn't see it. And it looked like she was having a ball!

Difficult for me to make an accurate assessment of the sound/mix as I'd decided to utilise my 'Ear Peace' attenuators due to my recent test with the audiologist. I'm glad I did because, by all accounts, it was loud! Unfortunately they completely destroy the top-end and you're left with a somewhat muffled representation of what you should be hearing. However, needs must.

Nice to see a big crowd of TNMS guys and gals out to celebrate R60. And a big thank you to Pudders and Lou for the lift home - legends!

Hope to see this lot again sometime - outstanding!

Just noticed, £16.30 for a pint of Brixton IPA and a bottle of Hobgoblin - jeesus!!!

If I'd known you were there I'd have stayed hidden!

The mix was a bit guitar heavy, which was fine by me as it made New Rush more palatable.

The drummer was very good.

Drinks prices were outrageous for a  northerner...

I had no idea you....were you! You look different without an album cover on yer 'ead!
 Pudders only introduced me to Patrick and Ron (I think). I'd already met Bez at a Pudders birthday bash in Witney.  Seemed like a really tight-knit bunch of nice folks.
Would've been nice to have said hello - next time 

[pdw1]

First time seeing Moving Pictures last night (O2 Academy, Oxford). Bit of a thrill to see a Rush tribute in a larger venue and they didn't disappoint.

A reverse chronological set-list saw them hitting the stage with Headlong Flight and winding up with 2112. Lots of deeper cuts featured that other Rush tributes don't play made for a really interesting set. Surprise of the night had to be a solid rendition of Losing It which saw bass/keys/vocals man, Eóin de Paor, on the electric violin, Mink/Dinklage stylee - wow! Honourable mentions also to Between The Wheels, Marathon, Strangiato and A Farewell To Kings.

Jamie Dunleavy on drums was absolutely stunning (why didn't she get the phone call?). If she missed a stroke, I didn't see it. And it looked like she was having a ball!

Difficult for me to make an accurate assessment of the sound/mix as I'd decided to utilise my 'Ear Peace' attenuators due to my recent test with the audiologist. I'm glad I did because, by all accounts, it was loud! Unfortunately they completely destroy the top-end and you're left with a somewhat muffled representation of what you should be hearing. However, needs must.

Nice to see a big crowd of TNMS guys and gals out to celebrate R60. And a big thank you to Pudders and Lou for the lift home - legends!

Hope to see this lot again sometime - outstanding!

Just noticed, £16.30 for a pint of Brixton IPA and a bottle of Hobgoblin - jeesus!!!

It was good to meet you if only briefly. Excellent gig but the mix was horrible, way too much guitar (and I like guitars) which drowned everything else out. As you said the drummer is bloody good.
 

[Ali]

10 Jan. Atomic Rooster, Swinging Arm, Birkenhead
22 Jan. Doris Brendel/The Emerald Dawn, Capstone Theatre, Liverpool
24 Jan. Doris Brendel, Swinging Arm, Birkenhead
25 Feb. Uriah Heep, Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
28 Feb. Gerard Love, Philharmonic Music Room, Liverpool
1 Mar. Opeth, Albert Hall, Manchester
7 Mar. Bobbie Dazzle, Artisan Tap, Stoke
9 Mar. Kavus Torabi/Rosalie Cunningham, Rough Trade, Liverpool
15 Mar. Brave Rival, Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool
20 Mar. The Temperance Movement, Academy 2, Manchester
22 Mar. Marisa & the Moths, the Ferret, Preston
6 Apr. Blackheart Orchestra, Monastery, Manchester
7 Apr. Masters of Reality, Rebellion, Manchester
11 Apr. Marisa & the Moths, Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
12 Apr. Amplifier, AATMA, Manchester
13 Apr. Morganway, Future Yard, Birkenhead
17 Apr. Henge, Arts Club, Liverpool
18 Apr. Those Damn Crows, Jacaranda, Liverpool
21 Apr. Heilung, Apollo, Manchester
25 Apr. Sari Schorr, Tivoli, Buckley
30 Apr. Arena, O2 Academy 2, Liverpool
8 May. Waterboys, Philharmonic, Liverpool
9 May. Steven Wilson, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
10 May. Blackheart Orchestra/Hawkwind, M&S Bank Auditorium, Liverpool
16 May. Franck Carducci and Mary Reynaud, Round the Corner, Liverpool
17 May. Supergrass, Albert Hall, Manchester
18 May. Steven Wilson, Lowry, Manchester
21 May. Rosalie Cunningham, Old Woollen, Farsley
24 May. Soft White Underbelly, Islington Assembly Hall, London
27 May. Kalandra, O2 Academy 2, Liverpool
30 May. Samantha Fish, Arts Club, Liverpool
31 May. Bobbie Dazzle, Sunbird Records, Darwen
5 Jun. Jerry Harrison-Adrian Belew, Ritz, Manchester
6 Jun. Marisa & the Moths/Inglorious, Tivoli, Buckley
7 Jun. Bruce Springsteen, Anfield, Liverpool
17 Jun. Jerry Cantrell, Kentish Town Forum, London
29 Jun. Mostly Autumn, Robin, Bilston
2 Jul. Rival Sons, Mountford Hall, Liverpool
5 Jul. Triquetra, Start Yard, Birkenhead
13 Jul. Mostly Autumn, Crescent, York
19 Jul. Brave Rival, Waterloo, Blackpool
8 Aug. Lifesigns, Future Yard, Birkenhead
9 Aug. Firevolt Festival (Brave Rival/Marisa & the Moths/Blaze Bayley/Quireboys/Reef), Stockport
5 Sep. Triquetra, Civic Hall, Neston
7 Sep. Franck Carducci and the Fantastic Squad, Station, Cannock
12 Sep. Franck Carducci and the Fantastic Squad, Citadel, St Helens
19 Sep. Heather Findlay, Music&Arts Centre, Barnoldswick
21 Sep. Eivor, New Century, Manchester
4 Oct. Karnataka, Live Rooms, Chester
12 Oct. Brave Rival, Music&Arts Centre, Barnoldswick
12 Oct. DeWolff, Kazimier Stockroom, Liverpool
21 Oct. Sophie Lloyd/Glenn Hughes, Ritz, Manchester
25 Oct. Chemistry/A Passage to Rush, Rush Eucon, Live Rooms, Chester
30 Oct. Bobbie Dazzle, Deaf Institute, Manchester
31 Oct. Dream On (Aerosmith tribute), Tivoli, Buckley
7 Nov. Sanctum Sanctorium, Tivoli, Buckley
8 Nov. Moving Pictures, O2 Academy, Liverpool
9 Nov. Heather Findlay, Sotano, York
13 Nov. Dea Matrona, District, Liverpool
14 Nov. EBB/John Hackett Band, Capstone Theatre, Liverpool
21 Nov. Mostly Autumn, Tivoli, Buckley
30 Nov. Heather Findlay, Little Theatre, Knutsford
10 Dec. Squeeze/Madness, M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool
12 Dec. Bobbie Dazzle, Giffard Arms, Wolverhampton
13 Dec. Ian McNabb/The Icicle Works, O2 Academy, Liverpool
14 Dec. Mostly Autumn, Crescent, York
21 Dec. Mostly Autumn, Robin, Bilston

[Matt2112]

It was good to meet you if only briefly. Excellent gig but the mix was horrible, way too much guitar (and I like guitars) which drowned everything else out. As you said the drummer is bloody good.
 

I was also at this and totally agree the mix was dreadful - the guitar was so loud it made everything else sound like it was in a different room.

And David, how did we not meet?  Or did we - I was quaffing those two-pinters of Poretti so certain recollections of the night are a bit blurry!

[Matt2112]

Sat 1st Feb
MICK MILLER, Bradford Tapestry ***
Sat 10th May
STEWART LEE, Leeds Playhouse ****
Fri 6th Jun
JAMES, Halifax Piece Hall (Sold on Twickets)
Sat 7th Jun
JAMES, Halifax Piece Hall **
Thu 26th Jun
RICKY GERVAIS, Leeds First Direct Arena ***
Mon 7th Jul
SIMPLE MINDS, Halifax Piece Hall ***
Thu 10th Jul
JOHN HEGLEY, Shipley Hullaballoo ***
Fri 11th Jul
THE HUMAN LEAGUE, Halifax Piece Hall ***
Fri 1st Aug
SQUEEZE, Halifax Piece Hall ****
Sat 2nd Aug
THE SAW DOCTORS, Halifax Piece Hall ****
Thu 7th Aug
EXTREME, Halifax Piece Hall ***
Fri 8th Aug
The Libertines, Halifax Piece Hall #
Fri 29th Aug
NILE RODGERS & CHIC, Halifax Piece Hall ****
Sun 21st Sep
F.M., Leeds The Old Woollen ***
Fri 14th Nov
MATILDA, Bradford Alhambra ****
Tue 23rd Dec
ELF - THE MUSICAL, Bradford Live
Sun 28th Dec
BEAUTY & THE BEAST, Halifax Victoria Theatre


# Chaperone duty - got out of it.