So last week’s column discussed where to stand or sit at a gig and my personal preferences. Since writing that article I have seen Chuck Prophet twice, playing virtually the same set in very different venues. Therefore Chuck is my baseline. On the evidence of the two gigs and several other reviews of this tour (you can read one here) there is no dispute about the quality and consistent excellence of the band’s performance and of Chuck Prophet’s ability to turn a gig into a well-choreographed celebration.
However, my two experiences were very different. The Portland Arms, Cambridge is an… ahem… compact venue but after arriving early we positioned ourselves on the top of the raised back of the room with a clear view of the stage by the wall. As showtime grew near the room filled with…. and filled … and filled. By the time Chuck and the boys had to fight their way to the stage it was rammed and yet the door kept opening and more kept coming in. Five songs in and the aircon had given up the ghost and the late arriving very large man with a pair of walking sticks seeing he wasn’t going to get anywhere took up residence blocking the doorway and indeed the view of the person who had been in the room for the support act let alone Chuck. Not his fault he couldn’t get anywhere and not his fault he struggled throughout the gig as people tried to exit to the toilet and come back by squeezing past or over him. And the temperature rose. The soundman tried to fight his way out to get help with the air con and then had an altercation with a punter who didn’t want to get out of his way as he returned with said help. The gig was wonderful but the heat and constant small battles for space in front of me meant that it was not the very best of events. On speaking to the promoters I stated that they’d obviously oversold to which they responded that the licence in fact allowed them 20 more than they had sold. Still, they made some money.
The Lantern Hall in Bristol is a very nice room and part of the Beacon setup. Sturgill Simpson was playing the big room but Chuck was also sold out. Not sure of the numbers, it was full but everyone had a bit of personal space. The view of the stage was excellent from where ever and the sound was very clear. People danced. Chuck had a wonderful time it seemed. Everyone was happy. No one danced at the Portland. It’s not an age thing but I know my preferred experience these days. All the above said, I still contend that a night of live music is the most wonderful thing.
This week I’ve been mainly listening to Laura Viers, I love this. And I’ve also been investigating Craig Finn‘s new stuff. The radio show features Young, Waits, Native Harrow, Brown Horse, Mickelson, Hannah White, and much more
As ever…
