This was a truly memorable gig. Firstly I managed to get out two of my mates for it, Tom, who like Blossoms is from Stockport, and Andy, who isn't, but who got me into the band in the first place. So we actually managed a pint in a pub beforehand. But still entered in time to see the extremely promising support act, Fever. Would definitely see them again headlining a small club.
And then Blossoms. Very strangely this gig was promoting their last album, Foolish Loving Spaces, but what made it strange is that the record has been out for so long now. I think all the audience were very familiar with its songs. I had seen the warm up show for this gig just before lockdown, which of course meant this gig was postponed. This was its fourth revised date. My ticket had yellowed with age!
I so love Blossoms. They did a series of podcasts during lockdown which were brilliant - just the group of lads acting as if they were all down the pub and chatting. It was the normality that made it so good. And they just came across as a great bunch of lads.
They are, like the support act, northern, but unlike the support act, do not look like any northern stereotype. Big on long hair and foppish shirts - more dandys than Mancs. But there is just no one out there who produces catchier indie tunes than Blossoms. And as my mate Tom observed, they have become more assured on stage over time. Lead vocalist Tom Ogden is not a natural front man - just not enough of an exhibitionist. But he has developed into a very passable impression of a top front man! As Tom also noted, with three albums behind them they have a very good back catalogue to call on, as well as the latest album which like the previous two is very strong throughout.
But as if their own material was not good enough, they brought on as a special guest the legend that is Rick Astley. And as if that wasn't enough to send the crowd euphoric, they then proceeded to play a couple of Smiths numbers together, Panic and This Charming Man. Crowd by now was ecstatic.
Tom always sends off the rest of the band and does a nice solo of My Favourite Room, which he then cleverly turns into a little of medley of covers.
And the band duly return in new uniform for an encore inevitably culminating in Charlemagne. Just a wonderful performance.
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