Topic: Birmingham 8 Nov 08
The gig was fantastic !!
On the way out my son said it was the best ever and he's seen Joe now about 4 times. I can agree it was pretty cool.
I can't give you the set list in order or in full, as I was enjoying it too much to note them down and in an amazing moment of generosity on my part (ahem 
) I gave away the set list (Carmines I think) which one of the road crew gave me after the gig to a very young boy who was watching the crew put the gear away with his dad. Another very young fan I think 
I'm sure others will be able to give a more detailed review of the music, so a more general feel from me of the whole day.
We went to the whole day and was at the exhibition at about 10.30am. We have been going to Music Live every year for a few years now and enjoy a long and tiring day. Tiring on the feet and the ears !!
There was a good Gibson stand and they even provided a left handed SG to play along with all the other goodies (I played it in the morning and when I had another go later in the afternoon, two of the knobs were missing. Assuming these were taken by people I thought that was pretty poor). Thank you Gibson. There was a small stage where two guys played some excellent stuff - one demonstrating the new robot guitar. There was a JB Les Paul on the wall - pride of place in the centre of a display of five guitars - but at the back of the stage out of reach.
I did expect Joe to make an appearance at the Gibson stand and I had taken my tab book for him to sign for me, but no such luck.
The gig was advertised to start at 5.30pm and by 4.30 there was already a queue forming - Geoff, Sue and Michael at the front.
We had bought an amp at the show so took it to the car and when we got back and after a quick look again at the goodies at the show we went to join the now much bigger queue.
There was some kind of problem and the doors didn't open until about 6.30pm. The huge queue was now very restless. But at last we were allowed inside the hall where Joe was to play. Then for no aparrent reason, we had a very long wait for the support band to play. People were very restless. Slow clapping broke out every so often and then we had the most amazing funny/pathetic/stupid anouncement I have ever heard at a gig. "If there are any chairs in the hall, the show will not start"
There were 1,600 people standing close together desperately waiting for Joe and we get that !! Probably "elf 'n' safety" !! Pillocks!!
The support band FINALLY came on. Imelda May I think. A lady with a backing band including upright bass. A very low key arrival on stage - just strolled on and started to play. Very tight but not really my cup of tea. Seen it too many times before - fast rockabilly sort of stuff, plastered down quiffs and kiss curl and a drum kit comprising a snare and a cymbal. If I hadn't been walking around the exhibition for the previous 6 hours, hadn't been made to wait for so long, didn't have a by now aching back and knees and wasn't so hungry, I might have enjoyed them more. I just wanted to see Joe and take my mind off the back and knee pain.
But by the time they had finished, I had enjoyed them and the crowd gave them a loud cheer. The bass player particularly impressive for me. Imelda's Dublin accent a plus (sorry- too much detail, but I do think the Irish accent particularly nice). She could sing as well though of course
Then a not too long wait and there again - JOE !! The new Ballad of John Henry opening the set. Joe very lean and looking every bit the major star he now is. Couldn't really see Bogie for the heads in front and the cymbal which was disappointing as he sure does look like he enjoys every minute usually. Carmine looking like the coolest bass player on earth and Rick looking like he was enjoying it. Song after song - the time just flew by all too quickly. One of These Days, High Water Everywhere (accoustic), Bridge to Better Days, Mountain Tme, Sloe Gin, Blues Deluxe, Woke Up Dreaming, Asking Round For You (we love it when Joe sings the passage without a Mike) and probably more. Fantastic. Joe told the crowd about the RAH gig being on and it being the gig of his life - big cheer from the audience. I love it when players take time to talk to the audience.
Joe and this band are definately now major league - NO DOUBT. Maybe Joe and the guys believe this as well now with the RAH gig.
I'm just so glad the Gateshead gig is all seating................and I think I'm not the only one !!
Then drive home for midnight - takeaway pizza on the way
A satisfying day all round I think
Got to do it again on Monday.
Ah well !!
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