1995

SIOUXSIE AND THE BANSHEES
28th January
Barrowlands, Glasgow
support : Disco Inferno

Quite a long drought between gigs, but this time I was prepared. Bought the album the
 day it came out, and I had money for a t-shirt. Again, maybe would've liked to see the
 band a few years ago, but still a rockin' show, though most of the crowd seemed to be
 thirty-something punks. Took a little while for the audience to get warmed up, but, once
 they did, all was well. Rioutous encore with "Peek-a-boo", quick visit to the merchandise
 stall, then the mad dash down Argyle street for the last train we all know and love so well.


SPARKS
23rd March
Usher Hall, Edinburgh
support : Finitribe

First seated gig, but didn't stay seated for long, although Finitribe were just the thing to
lounge back in your chair to, able support from them. We all made our way down the front
to see Ron though, and tried not to pee ourselves in between grooving to all the old classics
with their new dance feel. Russell's no spring chicken anymore, but still spun and gyrated 
himself into the stage floor all night. Respect to my mate Iain, who went to this gig
 straight from school, did an all-nighter around Edinburgh with me, then went straight
back to school the next morning. Wild man!


NITZER EBB
24th April
The Venue, Edinburgh
support : Rancho Diablo

Firts time I've seen a band twice, and this time they were even better, easily the best gig I'd
 been to at the time. Loved the new sounds, although some of the more hardcore industrial
fans in the crowd were less than impressed by the use of, whisper it, guitars! I loved it though,
and the encore of "Godhead" was awesome. There were some very nice t-shirts to be had (and
er, mugs) and I had the money, but I was somewhat distracted by the attentions of a young
 girl called Julie from Leith, and I forgot to buy any.


BELLY
27th July
Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
supporting : REM, The Cranberries, Spearhead

Twenty-five quid to go and see the support band at the bottom of the bill, and I would do it 
again for these guys. Even though the stadium was half-empty, everyone talked through
 their set, and we were miles from the stage, it was still fabulous. Again, I wasn't totally up
on their back catalogue, but it was still great. Spearhead were shit, Cranberries were okay,
and REM? Three songs and we were off to the boozer. Being a Claymores fan, it was a bit
unusual to see Murrayfield with people, what a shame it was for these average college rock
plodders.


BELLY
30th July
Astoria Theatre, London
support : ?

Sitting on the bus on the way down to that pre-season friendly in Dumfries, and listening
 to "Low Red Moon", on my Walkman, just had to see them again, distance no object. Plus
 I wanted to surprise Denise with a tour programme, but there were none to be had. Got a
 few t-shirts though, 'cos we didn't have the money last ime. This was an even better show,
 performed in front of their adoring fans. Could there be a better band on the planet?
 
 
CHUMBAWAMBA
1st November
Arches Theatre, Glasgow
support : The Cardiacs

Who cares about all their politics, this bunch are a fun band, with some good pop tunes
to back them up. Who cares about discrimination when they're moshing to "Homophobia"?
This was every bit as good as I'd hoped it would be, though it was a shame Denise couldn't
make it, as it was her that got us all into the band in the first place. A little bit pissed on the
night, missed a song or two with trips to the loo, but it was still great. The t-shirts were cool,
 but I didn't really want to get into the politics, y'know?


DUBSTAR
25th November
La Belle Angele, Edinburgh
support : Audioweb

It's always the same, isn't it? You go to a strange new venue for the first time, go in the
wrong door, end up onstage during the soundcheck, and get asked to leave by an irate
roadie. Wisnae' ma' fault! Once I got in through the right door, I was treated to a fine display
of bittersweet pop by the new kids on the St. Etienne block. Good sound live, the songs really
"fill out", but I think I was the only one there who knew any stuff from the album. A very
pleasant gig, but the least said about the getting pissed, fighting with best friends and
wandering the streets in the pissing rain all night, the better.

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