• Registered: 2013-09-21
  • Posts: 2

Topic: Manchester September 21st

I really don't want to upset anyone here, but is it just me or was that a bit of a mess tonight.
Joe's guitars were often lost in the mix and it reminded me of a Gary Moore gig I saw years ago when the sound just seemed to bounce around the venue and it was all a bit of a muddle.

On the songs with keyboards, the organ sound just took over and for the first time at a JB concert, I was seeing polite applause

No offence either to the guest guitarist - Ellie - but she wasn't really given any sort of platform to show if was any good or not. Not really sure why she was there.

So for me - not a great night. I would be interested to hear from anyone else there tonight.

  • Registered: 2011-04-01
  • Posts: 216

Re: Manchester September 21st

I wasn't there, and good reason for that. After numerous dire gigs there paying top dollar for big name artists I finally boycotted that dreadful place about six years back, and all because of its acoustics.....or lack of them. It was always especially bad on the floor and the closer you got to the stage the worse it was. It sucked the tone out of every amp and the PA was so high above that was lost on us also....Clapton, BB, Moore, Knopfler, Bryan Adams were all dreadful gigs for me and one would guess a half used arena wouldn't help either....4000 to see Joe in MEN? I'd rather have 2000 for two nights at Manchester Apollo instead. These venues weren't built for music....just capacity....and ferkin seated....oh don't get me started...its rock n roll....not a classroom!

  • From: East Lancashire, UK
  • Registered: 2011-06-24
  • Posts: 3,019

Re: Manchester September 21st

telesquire wrote:

I wasn't there, and good reason for that. After numerous dire gigs there paying top dollar for big name artists I finally boycotted that dreadful place about six years back, and all because of its acoustics.....or lack of them. It was always especially bad on the floor and the closer you got to the stage the worse it was. It sucked the tone out of every amp and the PA was so high above that was lost on us also....Clapton, BB, Moore, Knopfler, Bryan Adams were all dreadful gigs for me and one would guess a half used arena wouldn't help either....4000 to see Joe in MEN? I'd rather have 2000 for two nights at Manchester Apollo instead. These venues weren't built for music....just capacity....and ferkin seated....oh don't get me started...its rock n roll....not a classroom!

I totally agree on the venue and although old the Apollo is great for bands acoustics. big_smile

Come on the Blades (sorry Idolbone just had to borrow your line)
  • Registered: 2013-03-26
  • Posts: 202

Re: Manchester September 21st

PSmith1946 wrote:
telesquire wrote:

I wasn't there, and good reason for that. After numerous dire gigs there paying top dollar for big name artists I finally boycotted that dreadful place about six years back, and all because of its acoustics.....or lack of them. It was always especially bad on the floor and the closer you got to the stage the worse it was. It sucked the tone out of every amp and the PA was so high above that was lost on us also....Clapton, BB, Moore, Knopfler, Bryan Adams were all dreadful gigs for me and one would guess a half used arena wouldn't help either....4000 to see Joe in MEN? I'd rather have 2000 for two nights at Manchester Apollo instead. These venues weren't built for music....just capacity....and ferkin seated....oh don't get me started...its rock n roll....not a classroom!

I totally agree on the venue and although old the Apollo is great for bands acoustics. big_smile

Fully agree.. The Men is soulless....

  • Registered: 2008-03-23
  • Posts: 649

Re: Manchester September 21st

mikesimm wrote:

I really don't want to upset anyone here, but is it just me or was that a bit of a mess tonight.
Joe's guitars were often lost in the mix and it reminded me of a Gary Moore gig I saw years ago when the sound just seemed to bounce around the venue and it was all a bit of a muddle.

On the songs with keyboards, the organ sound just took over and for the first time at a JB concert, I was seeing polite applause

No offence either to the guest guitarist - Ellie - but she wasn't really given any sort of platform to show if was any good or not. Not really sure why she was there.

So for me - not a great night. I would be interested to hear from anyone else there tonight.

check out Joe's Twitter page to see what he thought of the venue

No matter how far you try to push the envelope, it remains stationery

6 Reply by PSmith1946 (edited by PSmith1946 2013-09-23 15:02:21)

  • From: East Lancashire, UK
  • Registered: 2011-06-24
  • Posts: 3,019

Re: Manchester September 21st

Not on twitter, what does he say then? Sorry, just found it. Can't say I don't agree..

JOE BONAMASSA @JBONAMASSA 2h
The echo chamber in question. I'm officially renaming this place tonight as the echoplex. Arena.
JOE BONAMASSA @JBONAMASSA 4h
The sound in our venue tonight can best be described as an echo chamber!! You can come back tomorrow and still hear us from tonight!

Come on the Blades (sorry Idolbone just had to borrow your line)
  • Registered: 2013-09-23
  • Posts: 1

Re: Manchester September 21st

PSmith1946 wrote:
telesquire wrote:

I wasn't there, and good reason for that. After numerous dire gigs there paying top dollar for big name artists I finally boycotted that dreadful place about six years back, and all because of its acoustics.....or lack of them. It was always especially bad on the floor and the closer you got to the stage the worse it was. It sucked the tone out of every amp and the PA was so high above that was lost on us also....Clapton, BB, Moore, Knopfler, Bryan Adams were all dreadful gigs for me and one would guess a half used arena wouldn't help either....4000 to see Joe in MEN? I'd rather have 2000 for two nights at Manchester Apollo instead. These venues weren't built for music....just capacity....and ferkin seated....oh don't get me started...its rock n roll....not a classroom!

I totally agree on the venue and although old the Apollo is great for bands acoustics. big_smile

So true. My nearest barn of a venue, the Secc Glasgow is the same. Acoustics don't do justice to decent musicians. I'm going to see Mr Bonamassa in The Playhouse, Edinburgh tomorrow night,(Tuesday. First time I've seen him solo, so glad it's in a decent venue.

  • Kenny
  • Kenny
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  • From: Aberdeen, Scotland
  • Registered: 2009-09-04
  • Posts: 3,713

Re: Manchester September 21st

PSmith1946 wrote:

Not on twitter, what does he say then? Sorry, just found it. Can't say I don't agree..

JOE BONAMASSA @JBONAMASSA 2h
The echo chamber in question. I'm officially renaming this place tonight as the echoplex. Arena.
JOE BONAMASSA @JBONAMASSA 4h
The sound in our venue tonight can best be described as an echo chamber!! You can come back

tomorrow and still hear us from tonight!

This comment is from Aberdeen tonight. Will post a review soon.

  • From: East Lancashire, UK
  • Registered: 2011-06-24
  • Posts: 3,019

Re: Manchester September 21st

Kenny wrote:
PSmith1946 wrote:

Not on twitter, what does he say then? Sorry, just found it. Can't say I don't agree..

JOE BONAMASSA @JBONAMASSA 2h
The echo chamber in question. I'm officially renaming this place tonight as the echoplex. Arena.
JOE BONAMASSA @JBONAMASSA 4h
The sound in our venue tonight can best be described as an echo chamber!! You can come back

tomorrow and still hear us from tonight!

This comment is from Aberdeen tonight. Will post a review soon.

Sorry, don't do social media at all. This is also my only forum. Having said that it is definitely true for MEN (and Sheffield for that matter). How I miss the old Halls (eg Sheffield City Hall) for concerts. Far better seating, lighting, sound and comfort. sad

Come on the Blades (sorry Idolbone just had to borrow your line)
  • Registered: 2010-09-28
  • Posts: 21

Re: Manchester September 21st

Hi, I also attended the Manchester Show and thought the sound was rather good considering where we were sat 2nd row below the stage level over the right hand front side near Carmine & Tal. We could certainly feel Tal's Kick-Drum, that's for sure, Ha-Ha!! Also, it was good to briefly catch up with Joe again before the show at the M & G too. We were speaking about the old days from his 1st U.K. tour in 05 which I attended a couple of dates including his 2nd & 3rd one's at the Nottingham Running Horse Pub & Derby's Flowerpot Club both in May 05!! I also mentioned to him about his 1st gig in Manchester from 06 at the little venue called the Life Cafe!! I think this must have struck a cord with Joe, as he actually gave me a personal call out to the crowd mid-set reciting our conversation!! You certainly wouldn't get any/many other musical artist saying something like that!! Now, that's the special difference with Joe, he's a sincere humble gent, who never forgets his roots and certainly appreciates where it all started for him in the U.K.!!   

PSmith1946 wrote:
Kenny wrote:
PSmith1946 wrote:

Not on twitter, what does he say then? Sorry, just found it. Can't say I don't agree..

JOE BONAMASSA @JBONAMASSA 2h
The echo chamber in question. I'm officially renaming this place tonight as the echoplex. Arena.
JOE BONAMASSA @JBONAMASSA 4h
The sound in our venue tonight can best be described as an echo chamber!! You can come back

tomorrow and still hear us from tonight!

This comment is from Aberdeen tonight. Will post a review soon.

Sorry, don't do social media at all. This is also my only forum. Having said that it is definitely true for MEN (and Sheffield for that matter). How I miss the old Halls (eg Sheffield City Hall) for concerts. Far better seating, lighting, sound and comfort. sad

  • Kenny
  • Kenny
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  • From: Aberdeen, Scotland
  • Registered: 2009-09-04
  • Posts: 3,713

Re: Manchester September 21st

Hey Andy, nice to see you post every so often smile

  • Registered: 2010-09-28
  • Posts: 21

Re: Manchester September 21st

Hey Kenny, Yeah, it's been a long while I know, Ha-Ha!!  Nice to hear from you too, I hope your well fellow mutual "Bona-Bud"!!


Kenny wrote:

Hey Andy, nice to see you post every so often smile

  • Registered: 2009-02-14
  • Posts: 686

Re: Manchester September 21st

Ah,now,it's been two weeks since this gig-and i didn't post straight away afterwards as i was....a bit...indifferent? Don't get me wrong-Joe played a blinder,the band was hot,loved the acoustic beginning,but, from where i was-bang on line with the side of the stage,high in the gods-i didn't feel PART of it all.Sure i was up from my seat to applaud every song (i was on the end of a row,so didn't disturb anyone!),but i didn't get any connection with the band.Almost like watching from a bad bootleg....so distant....Don't get me wrong,i love this guy and this band-i DO have his sig tottooed on my arm,fer fecks sake-but....something not quite right there....Bring back the theatre gigs if you ask me,even seated ones,sorry to be negative,but i paid my buck,and part way thru i could've moved to any of the better viewing empty seats but,you never know if someone's gonna come back from the bar and say 'You're in MY seat,mate'...Having said that,got my dvd's of the London shows on order. smile

Come on you Blades!

14 Reply by Lester

  • Lester
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Re: Manchester September 21st

idolbone wrote:

Ah,now,it's been two weeks since this gig-and i didn't post straight away afterwards as i was....a bit...indifferent? Don't get me wrong-Joe played a blinder,the band was hot,loved the acoustic beginning,but, from where i was-bang on line with the side of the stage,high in the gods-i didn't feel PART of it all.Sure i was up from my seat to applaud every song (i was on the end of a row,so didn't disturb anyone!),but i didn't get any connection with the band.Almost like watching from a bad bootleg....so distant....Don't get me wrong,i love this guy and this band-i DO have his sig tottooed on my arm,fer fecks sake-but....something not quite right there....Bring back the theatre gigs if you ask me,even seated ones,sorry to be negative,but i paid my buck,and part way thru i could've moved to any of the better viewing empty seats but,you never know if someone's gonna come back from the bar and say 'You're in MY seat,mate'...Having said that,got my dvd's of the London shows on order. smile

There were a few empty seats at Brighton also. They must have been sold as the venue claimed to be Sold Out, I can only assume people couldn't attend for some reason or had tried and failed to sell at vastly inflated prices!

Lester..

  • jim m
  • jim m
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  • From: Okie City, OK
  • Registered: 2006-04-24
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Re: Manchester September 21st

idolbone wrote:

Ah,now,it's been two weeks since this gig-and i didn't post straight away afterwards as i was....a bit...indifferent? Don't get me wrong-Joe played a blinder,the band was hot,loved the acoustic beginning,but, from where i was-bang on line with the side of the stage,high in the gods-i didn't feel PART of it all.Sure i was up from my seat to applaud every song (i was on the end of a row,so didn't disturb anyone!),but i didn't get any connection with the band.Almost like watching from a bad bootleg....so distant....Don't get me wrong,i love this guy and this band-i DO have his sig tottooed on my arm,fer fecks sake-but....something not quite right there....Bring back the theatre gigs if you ask me,even seated ones,sorry to be negative,but i paid my buck,and part way thru i could've moved to any of the better viewing empty seats but,you never know if someone's gonna come back from the bar and say 'You're in MY seat,mate'...Having said that,got my dvd's of the London shows on order. smile

I can understand your feelings. Not sure what size venue or it's set up but here there is no minor step up from the 2,500 seater. Once you hit that and you need to bump up capacity you go to the arenas. Evan cut down it is a different experience. Our arena choices have those 3 to 5 thousand good seats but if you aren't in those it can be spotty at best for view and sound quality. I almost passed on Clapton recently until I bought a single ticket 3 days before the show that was released about 4 rows back off to the side. Clapton didn't sell out the arena and I think one reason is the 300 sections or top of the bowl are painfully high up. I have never sat there because I feel why bother might as well be in the next county watching on video and the sound is sub par.

Here the markets are different and he is still booking venues in the 2,500 to 3,000 range which Joe prefers. It is just a tough calculation to book more than one night in a smaller venue or one night in the larger capacity. I know that Joe pays attention to fans concerns and will try to balance the venue size issue with the fan experience. It is tough for many of the fans that have seen him in the smaller rooms to adjust but for those newer fans I wonder how they perceive the show not knowing what it was like to see it up close and personal. If he is destined for the arenas you just got to fight for those good seats. I have learned how to get the better seats here through the box office but don't know if it works the same there. I will not pay scalper prices for anybody.

jim m's Website

  • LynB
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  • From: Poole - UK
  • Registered: 2006-10-02
  • Posts: 1,155

Re: Manchester September 21st

idolbone wrote:

Ah,now,it's been two weeks since this gig-and i didn't post straight away afterwards as i was....a bit...indifferent? Don't get me wrong-Joe played a blinder,the band was hot,loved the acoustic beginning,but, from where i was-bang on line with the side of the stage,high in the gods-i didn't feel PART of it all.Sure i was up from my seat to applaud every song (i was on the end of a row,so didn't disturb anyone!),but i didn't get any connection with the band.Almost like watching from a bad bootleg....so distant....Don't get me wrong,i love this guy and this band-i DO have his sig tottooed on my arm,fer fecks sake-but....something not quite right there....Bring back the theatre gigs if you ask me,even seated ones,sorry to be negative,but i paid my buck,and part way thru i could've moved to any of the better viewing empty seats but,you never know if someone's gonna come back from the bar and say 'You're in MY seat,mate'...Having said that,got my dvd's of the London shows on order. smile

I am feeling your pain.  Felt the same way after RAH in March where our seats were quite frankly cr**p but getting decent seats at Bournemouth reinforced just why I love going seeing this guy.  The connection was there and the admiration I have for him is still as immense as ever.  If only every show could be the same, but as Joe's star burns ever brighter the fight for decent seats get harder, especially in those bigger venues.  When I win the Lotto ....