At last, parity is restored. Most disappointed with the Melbourne BDO but this gig was a cracker from start to finish. And Air Bass Guy managed to last the full length of the gig (he appeared to have his Mrs with him this time so perhaps he was too embarrassed to pull those Hooky poses in front of her?!).
Accosted Andy Robinson at the signing in the arvo and he supplied us with tickets. Good work fella. Finsbury Park is a goer, Reading/Leeds is not. But then he would say that, wouldn't he?
Good to hook up with Candy The Dog (though Candy the Bear might be a more apt moniker - wouldn't fancy an arm-wrestle with that fella!).
Got shown the set before the gig (it said 'Brixton Friday') and text'ed Liv with said news, but it was just a wind up from Andy Liddle as he hadn't had the final set in. However, he did say there might be a few surprises. As usual, there wasn't.
Some of you might have seen me and the Mrs going mental with the flag up on a ledge to the right of the stage. Me shoulders are aching to buggery now. Still, no pain, no gain.
All in all, a supreme performance with a very up-for-it crowd (not up-for-it in an Engerlish sense as it didn't go off once but everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves). And the venue was TINY. If anyone made it to Paris, this venue was even SMALLER! Reminded me a bit of a miniature Camden Palace.
Quite funny to hear people afterwards going "I can't believe they didn't play Perfect Kiss / Subculture / Turn The Heater On (delete as appropriate)". Don't these people tune in to neworderonline.
Oh, and great to see some dodgy t-shirts being flogged by street-sellers outside! Now I know that I've truly been to a 'proper' New Order gig!!!
Made it to the aftershow party where they were playing Reading 98 on a vid across one wall. Had to drag Johnny G away from Andy Robinson when he started talking shite about single releases (it was 4am, he was pissed, and obviously had his neworderonline trainspotting head on). Comment from Barney to my mate Gordie - "Yeah, I'd come a long way to see us too". Think Hooky's Mum must dress him at Gap Kids, mind - he was in a white shirt and khaki plus-fours. Nice. Funny, but we fly half way round the word to follow these lads and Hooky's stood next to you in a club in the early hours of the morning and I've got absolutely no inkling to bother talking to him (I just thought, "Oh look, it's Hooky. Now, where's that bar?"). Johnny G had a long chat with Phil C's Mrs though - turns out she's a Yank, which probably explains the bizarre dress sense! All in all a good time had by all, and poor old Johnny G didn't roll in till 9am this morning as he had to go see Leeds get beat first. Poor bloke.
Oh, and ACR are playing their first gig in six years In London on March 29th, which should be a cracker. Diane (who does NO's sound) is doing that one but couldn't remember the venue. ACR are also doing a Manc date too. Will be nice to see 'em back.
Oh well, Johnny G and Gordie have just fuct off to Adelaide but me and the Mrs are going to see some penguins. New Order or Penguins? Hmmm, tough choice. Then it's off to see Mr Depthcharge in (hopefully) sunnier climes! (Melbourne, alas, is v.overcast today).
Classic quote that!! Glad ye's are having a good time - keep us posted, it's always entertaining for us poor bastards stuck in BLIZZARD conditions;)
