Gig Catch-Up

Oh man why do I even bother trying to blog when I forget to post everything? Haha. So a select few photos from gigs since November. Apparently I had good luck and got to the front for all three!


Jimmy Eat World back on November 19th in O2 Academy Bristol was a bit of a last minute one as it sold out the day tickets were released and I only confirmed that I had entry on the day of the show! The girl I bought my ticket from turned out to be really nice, and she even dragged my right to the front and centre so we had the best view possible even though we arrived late!


Skipping forward to 6th December at Cardiff Motorpoint Arena, we have Biffy Clyro.


I was a bit too close to get photos of the whole stage, but got some nice shots anyway! I wish they'd played more old songs, but at least they played Justboy (I think I cried a bit when they started playing it haha).


And lastly, Yellowcard, on December 11th at Bristol O2. Although I don't know their stuff very well, and have seen them twice before, this was my first time seeing them in a smaller venue...I couldn't even see the stage the other times! I'm glad I went along since it was their last tour and therefore the last chance to see them live.

The end of this year has been a busy one for gigs! And travelling too, I guess. Also went to Worcester to visit Sophie earlier this week, but I failed at getting photos so I can't really blog about it...epic fail!

BMTH & London

A while back a friend posted about a small BMTH gig in Kingston, and since I couldn't get work off for the Cardiff show and missed tickets for Bristol, I decided to go. The tickets were really cheap, but obviously going all the way to London made it an expensive trip!


I was too tired when I arrived in London to do much, so I just chilled out at the hostel for a few hours before starting the long trip to the venue.


I decided to dress comfy & wore a Drop Dead shirt I got from Ebay recently. The venue (Hippodrome) turned out to be poorly suited to gigs. I can see that it would okay as a club, but I literally couldn't see the stage no matter where I stood.


Support came from Neck Deep. I wasn't too fussed about seeing them as I've seen them before, but they are good. I was just sad that Pvris weren't there too since I missed them at Reading.


I was worried I wouldn't enjoy Bring Me The Horizon since I ended up going alone and had only bought the ticket to socialise...but they were really good! I would see them again, although I don't think I'd travel so far again.


I got horrendously lost on the way back because my phone was suddenly giving me different directions and tube times than when I had checked before, so I used all my data trying to figure out how to get back to Edgware Road. I got on the wrong bus at first, but luckily I got off it and straight onto the bus I had arrived on, so I made it back okay! I was annoyed that the show finished so early (21:30), but it turned out to be for the best!


The next day I got up early for breakfast, and wore my Aurora Skye touchdown for the first time. I got funny looks all day because it looked like I wasn't wearing shorts! I went to read at Paddington Green for a bit but I managed to walk completely the wrong way so it took me 40 minutes to get there instead of 3...oops!


I headed to Oxford Street after swapping my book over back at the hostel since it was only a short walk away. Had some lunch at Marble Arch and watched the pigeons!


I then discovered a love for Forever 21! I ended up buying this dress in black too, even though I'm not sure how I can wear it casually since I'm not used to long things!


I didn't find anything I wanted to buy in Disney Store (the only reason I went!), but they did have this HUGE Tsum Tsum. It was up to my hip! I dread to think how much it must have cost. I did want the Christmas Tsum set, but it was £25 or so and I had spent too much money in Primark and F21.


There was a floating Yoda, and fake snow at one point which confused me.


After being disappointed by the Drop Dead store (there was only one womens top and it wasn't in my size), I wandered over to Covent Garden via Forbidden Planet (which also had nothing I could buy since I spent too much in F21).


Next I checked out the Christmas market by the London Eye and sat down with a nice mulled cider.


With a further 4 hours to wait until my train, I hopped on a tube to Camden just to have a look around. I had forgotten how crappy Camden is and didn't actually go into any shops! So I just went to Ice Wharf for a few drinks and some food to pass the time before heading back to The Green Man to pick up my bags and have another pint.

My train was delayed so I ended up getting on the direct one instead, which was really busy! I left Paddington at 19:30 but somehow didn't make it home until 22:30. Really need to live in a city so getting around is quicker!

Frank Turner 21/11/15

On Saturday I was able to attend the sold out Frank Turner show in Bristol. It's been a fair while since I last saw a full band show, and after a disappointing solo gig at Reading I wasn't feeling much hype. My worries were completely unfounded however, and I only wish I hadn't taken so many mornings overtime or I'd have happily gone again on the Sunday! But I was just too tired.

The first act of the evening was Will Varley. We were seated at that point so I didn't get any good pictures, but some the lyrics made me laugh out loud and I'd definitely check him out again. Reminded me a little of Mumford & Sons, only actually interesting to listen to.


Next up were Skinny Lister, who I had missed at Reading due to clashes. They were also really good, and the double bass player even crowd surfed while still playing! This is the second band I've seen with an energetic double bass player now. I'm really impressed at how people can throw those around the stage and make it look effortless.


And then Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls!


Obligatory selfie during Polaroid Picture.


The show was brilliant, and we managed to get quite close to the front!


On this occasion, the setlist was actually too long to post my usual screenshot. Was such a good setlist, despite obviously having more new songs than older ones. The only let down was Eva Mae as the fan request really (I'd have wanted Smiling At Strangers On Trains). You can see the setlist HERE.

I was gutted that I couldn't go to the second show on the Sunday, but hopefully the wait for the next tour won't be too long!

Enter Shikariiii

So the Download warm-up show ended up being rescheduled to Thursday the 9th of July, which meant that I could go! I was so desperate to grab a ticket haha.


I decided to wear my big boots just in case I needed them to see!


And of course got a curry in 'Spoons first. It was way too mild, but sadly there was only one veggie option!

The venue (Motion, in Bristol) was only a 5 minute walk from 'Spoons which was handy, and it was easy to find because there was a huge queue. Apparently the meet and greet was just for people who were already in the queue like 4 hours before doors, so I had to miss it as I was at work (also hell no to waiting in a line for that long!).


MythCity were up first. I picked a spot on the balcony to hog so I could have a good view. Nice little genre blend of rap-metal-y goodness going on, plenty of crowd participation. Will definitely be looking them up at some point.


Area 11 were next. I feel kind of bad for them as they just didn't stand out as much as the openers. But still good! To be honest I didn't remember what they sounded like...ought to start taking notes like the girl next to me was doing. Upon listening again afterwards I actually much prefer them on recording to MythCity which is weird. And catchy enough that I was singing along at the time even though I'd never heard them before.


Then Enter Shikari!! You can probably tell from all my photos that the fog/smoke machine was badly abused for all the bands' sets, so getting photos was impossible. Especially with all those strobes!


Lack of photo opportunities was easily forgotten however, as they put on one of the best performances I've seen. Even if Slipshod did start before it was supposed to before they stopped it & carried on with the setlist haha.


Aaand the setlist! Good mix of stuff, pretty predictable aside from using Gandhi Mate, Gandhi as an ender. Wondering what kind of vases they're using for Slipshod since Rou smashed it off his head! Sugar glass?

After a 40 minute wait for the bus and another 40 minutes to get home, I was pretty tired afterwards...but also filled with excitement for getting to do it all over again the next day!

Enter Shikari London 27/02/15

Soooo the temptation became too much and I ended up being a lucky duck by getting a ticket from a randomer on the Enter Shikari facebook page so I could go see them again!


I managed to get a room in a hostel on The Strand called Hotel Strand Continental. It was a bit crappy, but I only needed a place to sleep with good transport links so it was perfect. Sadly I missed the free breakfast the morning after, so I can't comment on that!


I arrived in London pretty late so I didn't have time to do anything much before the show. I just went to a Wetherspoons in Camden called Ice Wharf for a couple pints & some chips!

When the venue opened I went straight in to grab a bit of barrier. Which was dumb as I didn't grab a drink on the way which meant that by the time Shikari were on I had a hangover setting in which was a giant fail.


So glad I made it in time for Fatherson on this occasion as they're really good! Will definitely be picking up one of their albums at some point. Scottish bands are so gooood. Rou even joined them on stage for one song! Obviously I saw Allusondrugs and Feed The Rhino again, but I don't see the point in posting more photos of them...haha.


From my spot I could snap some sneaky pics while the boys were preparing to go onstage eheh. Senpaiiiiii~


Chris and Rob limbering up haha.


Naturally the setlist was the same throughout the tour, but the banter varied a little. Also damn, I need a better camera. I swear my photos from Cardiff were way better despite being much further away!


See, such close much Rou many wow.


And Rory fucking C! I really need to find footage of his pre-Last Garrison 'war cry' because oh god my sides.

Then I had the stressful and headache-ridden journey to The Garage for the afterparty (I couldn't find the bus stop and by some miracle managed to jump on the last tube as it was pulling off, pretty much!). I wasn't feeling it at all, which was a shame. I think I nodded off. Would have been great had I still been drunk and had I been with friends, but alone and in pain wasn't great!


It was just a DJ set too rather than proper Shikari Sound System remixes. But while I didn't enjoy it and had to leave as soon as I felt awake again to make sure I could get back, I'm super glad I went as I'd have regretted not giving a chance!

I was very glad I had the hostel to go back to. It was a simple bus journey and then I crashed out instantly. I got back at around 3am I think!

Despite my failure to plan my drinking adequately, it was hand down the best gig I've ever been to. The band were on fire and the worst I endured was having drink spilled on my leg. Non-rough barrier is a success in my book! I mean central would have been a better view for sure, but last time I had crowd surfers over my head I smashed my teeth on the barrier and had a nasty split lip so yeahhhh no =P

First Solemn Sun Gig!

On Wednesday Solemn Sun played their first gig under their new name in Bristol's Exchange. I'd have gone anyway, but it was actually a free gig which was a plus!


I managed to turn up really early because I thought there might be a big queue, but no one really turned up until after the doors had opened! I sat in the pub for a bit reading, and then I made some friends while waiting which was good. And the bar had Beesting!


I was feeling too self-conscious to wear any of the colourful things I'd wanted to, so I dressed boring in a Drop Dead vest, H&M shorts, Primark OTKs, and New Look creepers. With my stupid huge backpack full of shopping and emergency food, of course.


The running order. I went outside when Champion was on as it was electronicky music that I'm not a fan of.


We missed the start of Wildest Dreams because we couldn't hear that anything was happening from the bar area! It was really good though, reminded me a bit of Warpaint.


Solemn Sun only played a short set, but it was soooo good!


Their sound may have changed, but their song formula hasn't which makes their music immediately recognisable as theirs.


Tfw new buddies figure out that your camera has a huge lag and do hand photobombs...


Everyone else seemed to get setlists. I tried to take a photo of one but I totally failed! It was a shame that they didn't play any old songs, but not really a surprise since they obviously want to leave Jim Lockey & the Solemn Sun behind.


I panic-bought merch (I never got around to buying JL&tSS merch which suuuucks), and I regret it. I have a million totes I don't use already, and the sweater is so plain (there's literally just a wetlook logo on the back that will be covered by my hair), but I got both for £15 so it isn't tooooo bad. The sweater should be really useful when the weather changes though, as it's practically a dress on me so will be good to wear with toasties!

I had a really good night, although I was pretty hungover when I woke up really early this morning! Oopsie. I never learn!

Möngöl Hörde

On Sunday evening I went to see Möngöl Hörde at The Fleece. We got a McDonalds on the way, so I guess I'm not dieting anymore!


The first act was Oxygen Thief again, and they're always really good live. I need to listen to the CDs a whole bunch more before inevitably going to see them again.


We went outside for some air and bumped into Frank Turner! I'm so stoked about meeting him finally. He's super tall, and we have matching dimples!


I wasn't so keen on Palehorse as they were veeeeery shouty, but one of the vocalists was wearing an awesome cat vest.


This sign is like 12 feet in the air?


This was also a good opportunity to take dumb selfies.


And of course a bathroom outfit shot. Wore my Möngöl Hörde shirt (it's a size L as it was all they had left on the site way back when I bought it), wet look cheerleader skirt from Black Milk, and Buffalo boots. Along with Frank Turner and Xtra Mile wristbands, of course! And anti-blister socks coz I'm an old lady.


I also got a photo with Barry from Oxygen Thief when Rob was buying their new album. So awkward but I have to document this awesomeness somehow.


Möngöl Hörde!


I enjoyed myself a lot more this time around as I knew the songs a lot better.


Epic crowd surf. Frank even managed some kind of handstand again one of the venue's poles whilst crowd surfing.


Stillborn Unicorn is still my favourite song from the album. Can't wait to hear it live again at Reading!

Hope they'll release more music and tour more, but that's looking pretty unlikely. It just makes me extra thankful for having tickets to this show.