2013 wasn't a bad year. 14 gigs by my reckoning, although I might have missed some. This is all being written well after the event, so don't expect much in the way of set lists...
Wilko Johnson @ Holmfirth Picturedrome 8th March
When Wilko announced his health problems in early 2013, we all assumed that that was the last we would see of him. Me and Annie had seen him in Bedford the previous year and we're grateful that we had had that last (so we thought) chance to see him. And then he announced some farewell gigs in Camden that all sold out straight away, presumably to a ghoulish crowd who were only interested because he was dying. And then he announced some more, including this one, at a venue I had always wanted to go to. It turned out to be a wonderful gig, with pretty good support from Mark Radcliffe, which was totally unexpected. Wilko was on good form, as ever, really. And he turned out on the festival circuit later in the year as well (see below).
Ian Hunter @ The Stables, Wavendon 29th March
This was a case of icon, playing within 20 miles, equals simple decision for me and A. He really is getting on a bit now (I have just looked it up - he's 74!) and plays sitting down but he was really, really good even though, to be fair, we didn't know a lot of his solo stuff. As was his support, the wonderful Jason Ringenberg, of Jason & The Scorchers. He would be worth seeing in his own right.
Simple Minds @ De Montfort Hall 5th April
SM were one of those bands who I wish I had seen in the 80s and I signed up for this gig with some trepidation, fearing another Duran Duran type disaster (OK, it was only me that didn't like that DD gig, Annie loved it). I needn't have worried. A magnificent stage set and no-one seemed to have told Jim Kerr that he was 54. He still spends a lot of his time on one knee. A great show, with pretty much all the hits.
Buzzcocks @ Corn Exchange, Bedford 17th May
The Corn Exchange at Bedford is a relatively new discovery for us and whoever does their bookings could teach the Roadmender a thing or two. Buzzcocks have never failed to disappoint when me and Annie have seen them and this night - seated but in the front row! - was no exception. Like Jim Kerr, no-one has told Steve Diggle that he is old. Although lots of pointing is probably easier than lots of dropping to one knee. Pete Shelley hasn't really worn as well but who cares, this is the Buzzcocks!
Billy Bragg @ Union Chapel, Islington 5th June
My favourite artist at one of my favourite venues. Win win. Rob came to this one as well. The gig was being filmed, so we were treated to the whole of the first album as an encore. I've seen Bill do that before but it was great.
Bruce Springsteen @ Wembley 15th June
Another one for Annie, who is a big fan. I hate stadium gigs as a rule but Bruce is always worth seeing.
Levellers @ The Castle, Wellingborough 27th June
This must be the best 'proper' gig ever held in Wellingborough, even if it was at the Castle (with whom I have a chequered history). Me, Annie and Rob at this one. The auditorium was cleared of seating, which made it look like a proper venue and the Levellers were just magnificent. The bar sales must have been through the roof, too, which encourages the thought that they might put on more nights like that.
Bon Jovi @ Hyde Park 5th July
OK, Annie is the fan but it's surprising how many BJ songs you know when you think about it. It's a bit disconcerting how far away you can see his teeth from. No Richie Sambora for unstated reasons but there are lots of scurrilous rumours around.
Wickham Festival 4th August
Me and Annie made a late entrance to the (almost full) camping field on Thursday evening and had the choice of putting our tent up in daylight or going to drink beer and watch 10cc and Dexy's. Common sense prevailed but then we couldn't get in because the wristband desk was closed. Damn. The camping field was right next to the arena, so we had three days of wandering in and out, seeing what we wanted and disappearing back for tea otherwise. Highlights included The Waterboys, Seth Lakeman, The Blockheads, Wilko Johnson (still going!), Slim Chance, Sarah Savoy and the Arcadians (who we met afterwards), The Day of the Rabblement (honest) and, as always, Hattie Hatstar. We left before the Peatbog Faeries on Sunday night because it was a long way home.
Robyn Hitchcock @ The Stables, Wavendon 28th October
Annie had to miss this one, so just me and Rob. If it wasn't for the Levellers, I think this might have been my favourite gig of the year. Robyn was his usual deranged self, with the between-song stream-of-consciousness as entertaining as the music (especially the bit about the sandwiches in limbo). Then came the highlight of the night. The encore. He told the lighting man to turn all the lights off and then sat in with the audience and played two songs in the dark. Wonderful.
Billy Bragg @ Leeds Town Hall 25th November
Me and Annie booked this before we realised that we would be helping both her offspring move house that week. And it was in Leeds. Bill was his usual brilliant self and the venue was a great setting, almost church-like with a huge organ dominating the room. A great night but a very early start back the next day.
Half Man Half Biscuit @ The Roadmender, Northampton 29th November
Just me and Rob for this one. HMHB have always been on my list of bands I really wanted to see and then they turn up on my doorstep. No brainer, then, even though I was going to another gig (and a rugby match) in London the next day. They didn't disappoint, although the Roadmender's acoustics didn't do them any favours. Much more repartee from Nigel Blackwell than I was expecting and excellent putting down of hecklers.
Jim Bob (with the Mystery Fax Machine Orchestra) @ Bush Hall 30th November
Who wouldn't buy a ticket for this? Lots of people, judging by the relatively sparse crowd, but me and Annie did, having been at Twickenham earlier in the day. Jim Bob and a whole orchestra crammed on the quite small stage, with Chris T-T playing piano down on the floor. He had been the support, too, and was very good despite people talking loudly all through his set. Jim Bob's songs worked really well in this setting and 'Touchy Feely' was brilliant.
The Damned @ The Roadmender, Northampton 15th December
Me, Annie and Rob were at what has become the traditional end-of-year Damned gig, supported this time by Ruts DC who were awesome. A really tight set by the Damned, the best I have seen from them in recent times, with some rarely-played stuff including 'The Limit Club', topped off with a final Damned/Ruts encore of 'Merry Christmas Everybody'.
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