Category Archives: Classic Gigs

U2/ the Thompson Twins/ Delta 5/ Red Beat- London Lyceum 1/2/81

Posted on September 30, 2026 by garylongden

U2/ Thompson Twins/ red Beat/ Delta 5 – Lyceum ballroom, London 1/2/81 I had come to see U2, but it was the Thompson Twins with Perfect game and Politics who stole the show. Red Beat and delta 5 were instantly … Continue reading →

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Holy, Holy- o2 Ritz, Manchester

Posted on September 14, 2026 by garylongden

This is the fourth time I had seen them on tour,  billed as the Final Tour.  I had mixed emotions, delight at hearing  Bowie songs played live, sadness that this is to be the last time, and a fin de … Continue reading →

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Dave Formula/ Noko play Magazine- Hairy Dog Derby, 7/8/26

Posted on August 14, 2026 by garylongden

This was a warm up gig for the band’s appearance at the Rebellion festival in Blackpool the following day. This was my second gig of the mini tour, the fifth overall. They have a core of gems which carry the … Continue reading →

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Elvis Costello and the Imposters- Palace Theatre Manchester

Posted on July 19, 2026 by garylongden

This was my second gig of the tour. I approached it with trepidation. The first one at Birmingham Symphony Hall ten days previously was dreadful . The sound was awful, as was the mix. Charlie Sexton’s guitar was barely discernible … Continue reading →

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Bowie Experience- Lichfield Garrick

Posted on July 19, 2026 by garylongden

This was the third time I has seen Bowie Experience, this night also clashing with the England  V Norway World Cup quarter final clash precipitating a 10pm sharp finish. Confusingly the band’s name still intentionally clashes with that of The … Continue reading →

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Elvis Costello and the Imposters- Birmingham Symphony Hall

Posted on June 21, 2026 by garylongden

*** A full band concert  after several solo excursions with material drawn from the early years. Elvis pretty much defines the phrase “musically prolific” embracing different styles, formats and genres at a whim. I first saw him 49 years ago … Continue reading →

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Kraftwerk – Nottingham Royal Concert hall

Posted on June 8, 2026 by garylongden

On Monday evening, legendary electronic outfit Kraftwerk arrived in Nottingham as part of their first UK tour since 2017, their last gig being also at the same venue some nine years ago. Before that their only previous appearance in the … Continue reading →

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Dave Formula and Noko play Magazine- the Rescue Rooms, Nottingham

Posted on May 24, 2026 by garylongden

Dave Formula and Noko play Magazine- Rescue Rooms, Nottingham For the die hard fans of the era. The original line up of the Magnificent magazine is now represented by only Dave Formula on keyboards. Bassist  Barry Adamson is now a … Continue reading →

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Richard Ashcroft- Birmingham Arena

Posted on April 5, 2026 by garylongden

As the Rock era draws to a close, heroes are thinner on the ground. Unusually, Ashcroft has had two bites at the cherry, first as an Indy icon with the Verve, then after a period in the wilderness ,and a … Continue reading →

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Gary Numan- Telekon 45th Anniversary Tour, Rock City Nottingham 25/11/25

Posted on November 29, 2025 by garylongden

Gary Numan- rock city, Nottingham 25/10/25 – This was a double first for me. My first visit to Rock city , and  my first Gary Numan gig. – Bowie’s contemporaneous put down – Same old thing in brand-new drag comes … Continue reading →

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