Wednesday 25 May 2016

So Much To Answer For

As you read these words, I'll be heading northwards to the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, to catch the first of two shows on Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band's current River Tour. I say current, because for some of us of a certain vintage, this is our second River Tour, the first followed the album's original release in 1981. Ticket prices have gone up a bit in the past 35 years.

My original twin-tub damaged ticket from 1981.

This is only the second time in my life that I've been to Manchester, the first was for just a few hours one evening in the Winter of 1978, when a band who I was chums with at the time, played at the Russell Club in Hulme, otherwise known as the original Factory Club. I travelled from their home town of Leeds in the back of the hired van, rattling around among the drums, amps, guitars and mic-stands, all the while being slowly poisoned by exhaust fumes - happy days. The weather was bitterly cold, the audience sparse and the support act was Gordon the Moron, he of Jilted John fame. I took photos, but unfortunately mislaid them a long time.

Here's Wire, who I reckon have been on a bit of a roll since 'Red Barked Tree' in 2011. They're not from Manchester, but this appropriately titled tune, from last year's self-titled album, is ace.

6 comments:

Brian said...

Should be a great trip, Swede. His recent U.S. stops were epic. The guy never slows down. Although the tickets are a fortune now, I will bet you exit feeling like you made out like a bandit.

Oh, and so right about Wire. Who would have thought they would still be on top of their game?

Walter said...

Have fun with BS. Looking at the ticket price decades ago I could cry. Nowadays you will pay more than 90 Euro at my place.

TheRobster said...

I was only discussing Bruce with a couple of mates I play football with last week. One of them was playing a bootleg from a show around 1974 in his car. He reckons it's the best live album of all time! Have a blast mate.

Charity Chic said...

Enjoy the Boss - I've seen him in Newcastle and London - brilliant both times

Swiss Adam said...

Enjoy your trip in our wonderful city. Slightly wet today. Unusually.

Walter said...

I am happy to see that Karl Blau is on your heavy rotation right now. It is a wonderful muisc for me and I hope I could see him live these days.

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