This was going in the blog, but while the new blog interface has a WYSIWYG editor and not a text box, I shan't be contributing anything. Can't get the fooker to work!
Strangely enough, my soundtrack for this Liverpool gig consisted of the Bunnymen more than New Order. A long-standing Bunnymen fan, many of my happiest days of old were spent at Bunnymen gigs, and I’ve always enjoyed Liverpool.
On the way up then, it was a diet of Crocodiles and Porcupine, washed down with a little Ocean Rain. Heaven Down Here! Arriving at Lime Street there was a Viking welcoming committee it seemed, with Rocket Mick, Johnny Two Sheds, El Jarvo, JG, Nick King, Dave Legge and Wolfram present. With a hop and a skip (not With a Hip!) it was off to the Adelphi hotel, big, old and posh but seen better days. Sort of Penelope Keith really.
Managed to find the Han(g)over Hotel easily, and sat there waiting for me with a pint was PHD, and we were soon joined by Marc, Paul’s mate Alan and the Corby Order. Three or four more and it was off to the Slaughterhouse, a fine alehouse, where the entire Viking contingent was holding court. First time I’d met several people, so it’s yamas and 
to Missy Jem, JAK, Des Tierney, Jake Dooey, Agent Wood and anyone else I’ve accidentally forgotten.
Good stretch out walk up to the gig, nice to shift a few of those cider calories. Straight down to row EE, 5 from the front, but somehow I got magically drawn to the front row. Vacant seat, so I sat in it! Sod the Atomic Kitten and Hollyoaks boyfriend whose seats they were!
After only a few seconds, it was clear that something was wrong with the security guys. Some of them had two heads, true, but this was worse than that. People were being ejected for dancing, for standing up in the aisle where they should be sat, for walking down the aisle, breathing, wearing a loud shirt in a tent, reflecting strobe lights off the top of their heads, any kind of trumped up bollocks. It was all going a bit wrong. Good Vikings were being ejected, men and women who had paid good coin to travel the world following the Order. Not on. Hooky noticed the events unfolding in front of him, and had a pop at the security, but the atmosphere was darkening by the minute.
It was only when we got outside that the true story became known, with several Vikings outside the tent, all of whom had been denied access to the whole gig. Bang out of order. It’ll be interesting to see what unfolds with this one.
I didn’t bother with more cider after the gig, went straight back to the hotel via a kebab house, and drew a line under a day that had started so well and ended up being notable for all the wrong reasons.
Gave me water, watched me throw up outside the pub and went to Subway. Think there might have been someone else as well but can't remember. Cheers!
