Category Archives: Classic Gigs

Boomtown Rats – Symphony Hall Birmingham

Posted on October 12, 2025 by garylongden

I have always been a massive rats fan and was there for their first full UK tour in 77. Thy were the best live band around when punk broke – and that includes The Jam and the Clash. Their star … Continue reading →

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Diana Krall – Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 4/10/25

Posted on October 5, 2025 by garylongden

I have been a fan for many years and own many of her albums but this was my first opportunity to see her live Sadly ,I was disappointed. I expected a Jazz, not MOR  easy listening set. However we experienced … Continue reading →

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Heaven 17, Robin, Bilston, Wolverhampton,14/8/25

Posted on August 22, 2025 by garylongden

A gig almost exactly a year on from the last time, on  very hot summer night, a warm up show for the festival season before their full autumn tour. The venue was once agin packed, a place they clearly enjoy … Continue reading →

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Aladdin Sane Tribute band – Yarmageddon 6/3/25

Posted on March 17, 2025 by garylongden

Aladdin Sane In the absence of the great man himself we are left with a burgeoning and constantly growing roster of tribute acts. I make appoint of trying to see them all on the basis that at least I know … Continue reading →

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The Bowie Show-Royal Opera House, Buxton 28/1/25

Posted on January 29, 2025 by garylongden

This review should be read as a companion piece to yesterday’s Nottingham review. And so for the 46 mile yet meandering rural 90 min drive through the beautiful Peak District. A treat in itself.  “Sometimes I get the urge to … Continue reading →

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Lloyd Cole- Buxton opera house 22/1/25

Posted on January 26, 2025 by garylongden

Lloyd Cole – Buxton Opera house 22nd jan 2025 The  home town gig of a British isles mini tour comprising Aberdeen, Buxton  Glasgow Manchester, London and Dublin. He played in Buxton barely a year ago in Oct 23. Having grown … Continue reading →

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The Magic of Motown 20th Anniversary Tour 17/1/25

Posted on January 18, 2025 by garylongden

The Magic of Motown  20th Anniversary Tour – A feel good revue featuring one of the most prolific  hits factories in popular music featuring classic songs , glittering costumes, dazzling dance routines produced with a live band on stage – … Continue reading →

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BBC Northern Soul orchestra tour – the Halls, Wolverhampton, 23rd April 2024

Posted on January 9, 2025 by garylongden

From an idea debuted at ghe Royal Albert hall forf the proms a reimagining of the classic soul sound with production values unlown and unheard of at the time of its inception, hosted by Stuart Maconie. The first of five … Continue reading →

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Lloyd Cole – Buxton Opera House, 27th oct 2023

Posted on January 7, 2025 by garylongden

I first saw Lloyd with the Commotions at Wembley Arena when they were at the height of their fame. Beloved by the indy crowd and pushing into the Mainstream, but not quite cementing a place there. His status as a … Continue reading →

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Toyah/ Fripp- Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall 22/12/24

Posted on December 28, 2024 by garylongden

Essentially this is the same tour, with the same setlist as I saw at Buxton Opera House last year. Meanwhile Toyah has been busy with live work, not least at Glastonbury, a tribute and testament to her stamina, ability and … Continue reading →

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