There was a lot of discussion about my challenge and Jay thought I shouldn't be including support bands but that would be a gig challenge my friend so no dice Jay. Ruth and I have tickets to see David Holmes DJ in Todmorden December 8th and there was general outrage at my plan to include this event, apart from Ruth who wants me to finish this silliness as soon as possible and with the least expenditure. I am including David Holmes because he is an established artist and it is certainly an event with artistic expression. I wouldn't include someone playing records at the local bar but would include local bands as long as I have seen more than half the set and know their name. The rules are taking shape as I progress and are subject to change depending on how well I am doing: it's my challenge after all.
All of us apart from Jay 'n' Steve went for a meal in Pomegranate on Burton Road before getting the tram to St Peter's Square then straight into the gig. We'd normally go for a few drinks elsewhere first but everyone is suffering for my challenge and the need to watch support bands. As an unlikely to be repeated bonus the first 150 people in the gig received an ACR whistle courtesy of https://bandsfc.com/.
Photo by Woulfie
At one point I commented to Ruth how whistles allow you to make a noise whilst still holding a pint andshe called it a classic Glenn comment.
Band 2
Sink Ya Teeth - Manchester Gorilla 24/11/2018
Sink Ye Teeth are a female duo from Norfolk and have been compared to New Order, Liquid Liquid, and ESG and these are all bands I love so...… They were really good though Ruth didn't think they were 'buy the album' good, I beg to differ. Frank has a hatred of electronic music and called them a karaoke band, harsh man is our Frank. Everyone else nodded along in a vaguely content manner which is usually as good as it gets for a support band that nobody knows.
Band 3
A Certain Ratio - Manchester Gorilla 24/11/2018
If any of the 97 performances to come beat this one I'll be surprised. If there was any justice in the world then ACR would be playing in one of the biggest venues in Manchester rather than one of the smallest. On reflection, if the matter of justice is being discussed then perhaps there are more pertinent recipients than post punk-funk bands from Wythenshawe but in the moment it was hard to think of anything but ACR. And on further reflection I'm glad they were playing a small venue so maybe justice can look after itself sometimes. Whatever their record sales ACR are legends in my book and the fact they were augmented by the uber-legendary Denise Johnson added extra class. I never understand why Donald Johnson doesn't get mentioned when who the best drummer is from a Manchester band is debated as I don't think anyone comes close to him. He even reverts to bass and vocals for Knife Slits Water and takes centre stage. The set finishes with Si Fermir O Grido and a crescendo of whistles, percussion and smiles. Frank and Steve seemed a little nonplussed by the night as they thought ACR were more electronic and less funky than the last time they saw them at Festival No 6, Ben seemed to have at least momentarily left his college blues behind him, Marius didn't give too much away, Jay was strutting his stuff, and Ruth sang I Won't Stop Loving You into my ear.
Next stop Todmorden for David Holmes unless anything comes up before that.
Photos from Jezz Kerr's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jezspace?ref=br_tf
Taken by Pete Smith.
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