Sid Griffin onstage in Cambridge, as seen through the lens of yours truly. Quite proud of this one.
Between 1985 and 1987 me and my regular gig-going buddy would make it our business to be at every Long Ryders concert that took place anywhere near our part of the world. We travelled many miles, caught many shows and then, after three albums, they were gone. The band reconvened briefly for the State of Our Reunion tour in 2004, before melting away for a further five years. Then, in 2014 Sid, Tom, Greg and Stephen came together once again for a more intensive period of touring, which eventually led to the recording of a fine new LP, 'Psychedelic Country Soul', their first in over 30 years.
I caught a Long Ryders gig in Cambridge a couple of weeks ago, my first since 1987. A little greyer of hair and wider of girth........but enough about the audience! The band played out of their skins, mixing a healthy dose of new material with a clutch of long time fan favourites, before coming out to press the flesh with us after the show. The years fell away.
This gentle Tom Stevens tune is Sid's favourite from the new LP.
The Long Ryders - Bells of August
6 comments:
Another one of those bands that even knowing how good they were/are just never really crossed my path that much. Might just have to try and catch up one day. I have always appreciated Sid's writings about music, especially Mr. D.
I had the "State of Our Union" album and loved "Harriet Tubman's Gonna Carry Me Home" which I think was featured on an Andy Kershaw session. I have a live version of the latter which sounded stronger (if you know what I mean) than the album version. Good to know they're still on the go.
Superb snap! Only saw the Coal Porters, never the Ryders. I like the cut of his jib.
I've long been partial to Looking For Lewis and Clark.
Like John I only ever saw the Coal Porters
That photo is worthy of some wall space.
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