Lindisfarne

Sometimes you have to ask yourself why. And in the case of this gig—well, I’m still asking.

The Lead-Up: Good Pubs, Better Beer

Let’s start with the positives. Originally, this outing was supposed to be a trio—Hammy, Neil, and myself. Unfortunately, Neil managed to double-book himself (a classic move), so it was down to just Hammy and me to make the most of it.

I sorted out some digs just a mile from the venue, and after dropping our bags, we set out for a gentle pub crawl. A handful of welcoming pubs, a few decent beers, and a perfectly timed roast dinner ended up being the true highlights of the day. At that point, the evening was already off to a good start—just not for the reasons we expected.

The Gig: A Lesson in Lowered Expectations

As for the actual gig? Well…

Possibly the worst gig I’ve ever attended. And that’s saying something. I only knew two of their songs—and judging by the crowd’s response, so did everyone else. Beyond those two semi-recognisable tracks, the rest of the set faded into a mess of unremarkable filler. The sound mix was poor, the atmosphere flat, and the performance utterly uninspired.

There was no connection between the band and the audience. No spark. No moment where it all clicked. Just a lifeless string of songs from a group that seemed as bored to be there as we were. It felt like a contractual obligation being fulfilled rather than a live music experience.

The Silver Lining

So no, it wasn’t the best use of a ticket price. But sometimes, these nights make for the best pub stories. The drinks were flowing, the roast was delicious, and the company—as always—was top-notch. Even a terrible gig can be salvaged with good mates and a few pints.

Would I see that band again? Absolutely not. Would I do another random gig trip with Hammy and Neil (if he remembers to check his calendar)? In a heartbeat.

Source: Setlist.fm

Set 1: