My parents have been to dozens of concerts over the years, so many that they have a whole pin board of tickets that was put together before I was even born. This week they narrowed it down to the eight best concerts they’ve ever been to, with some commentary from my mum as to why they were the chosen ones.
Brian Wilson – Royal Festival Hall June 2002
“We were both massive Beach Boys fans and thought we would never get to see Brian Wilson, but ended up seeing him three times! My favourite venue too. There were goosebumps when he sang God Only Knows.”
Tindersticks – Royal Albert Hall 2001
“Great venue for this atmospheric band with a full orchestra. Best song was ‘Can we start again?’ – along with the hand claps.”
Dexys Midnight Runners – Corn Exchange, Cambridge 2011
“The second time seeing this band. Kevin Rowland is one of the best ever frontmen. Their live reworking of the songs are amazing.”
Elastica – Kentish Town Forum April 2000
“Great band fronted by the amazing Justine Frischmann. Best song can only be ‘Connected’.”
Hall & Oates – Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham 2014
“I couldn’t quite believe we had front row seats for Hall & Oates – I think I was in sh ok for most of the concert. Daryl’s voice is unbelievable live and they did an amazing extended version of ‘I can’t go for that’.”
Chas & Dave – The Stables May 2003
“One of Nick’s favourite duos ever. Great local venue The Stables. Amazing band, amazing night – they played all the hits and we had such fun.”
Blur – Brixton Academy 1997
“This was around the time they released their album ‘Blur Blur’. Got these tickets last minute and had already seen them a few weeks before. We sat upstairs at Brixton Academy and the whole set was amazing, but when Blur did ‘The Universal’ it was magical.”
Phoenix – The Mean Fiddler 2001
“Phoenix had released their debut album the year before. We weren’t sure what to expect but was brilliant high energy and great stage presence for a newish band at the time. Stand out track was ‘Too Young or ‘If I ever feel better’ – I can’t choose!”