My little notes on my gig-going often seem to start with remarks about how long it is since I saw a particular band. I have to say this is normally because a band haven't played much. Most bands have little spells when they play quite a lot, I suppose it's just an economical way of doing things when you have to ask for dates: you ask everyone and quite a few people come back with offers over the next month or two. If a band get to the point where they are sought after by promoters they may more regularly. After that they rise to the point where they don't play so much because they are recording or writing or just waiting for a plum support slot.
I think i hearts are still in the first category. They did play a couple of dates I couldn't make, including one where they were playing late and I thought I could catch another band first. That band then ended up playing later than billed and I missed i hearts. This is the only time I really remember my judgement (and luck) let me down. It's great to see i hearts again. Whilst I have quite a few favourite bands, the i hearts are definitely up there. Tonight's gig at Punk is sold out and a substantial number of tickets have been sold to i hearts' fans. They do a great set although it is disappointingly dark. They seem to have quite a few fans at the front who are attrative as well as enthusiastic. When the band come back for an encore CC kicks off her shoe; afterwards one of the fans picks them up, puts them on and poses for a photo. I mention this as the set of pictures may need this explanation. Hopefully I will see the band again next week.

 

There are several gigs on tonight. The i hearts are on early at 8.15 at the Metro. I'm considering crossing the road to the 12 Bar afterwards and seeing Rosie & the Goldbug who I haven't seen for ages. They say they are playing at 8.30. If that's true they will have finished by I get there as the i hearts start a little late and don't finish till 9.00 - so I don't bother.
At 8pm it's eerily quiet in the Metro, I think the only other people around are in other bands, but by the band start at 8.30 a few people have slipped in. Its not exactly packed but not empty. It's quite exciting standing outside with the band (who are smoking); we a number of interesting people. First Chris (guitar) sees his cousin who is passing on her way to see someone play at the Astoria. Then we see someone from a band I saw at Wakestock who wears a fur hat and is a black bloke. After the gig we are standing in the street again and I am told the whole of McFly are walking past down Oxford Street, of course I don't recognise them