This website is generally focused on Notts music from the mid 50’s to the mid 80’s. While I have a fondness for the groups of old (it was my time after all), I still have a passion for getting out and seeing and hearing live music now. Not all, but a lot of that is predominantly local. So as an occasional update I’ll mention a few of my exploits as they happen.

And remember “music doesn’t get old, it is the people that get old”

SEPTEMBER 2024

Fat Dog are close to stealing the band of the year award. Saw them at Rough Trade Monday lunchtime 9th Sept. It was the only chance of seeing them. Everything else is virtually sold out. I know more recent gigs will stick in the memory but that’s the name of the game I suppose.

Current top 15 live bands as of September 2024

01 Fat Dog
02 Thumpasaurus
03 Marvins Revenge
04 Wizards Can’t be Lawyers
05 Girlband
06 Victory Lap
07 Melts
08 Bored Marsh
09 Sancho Panza
10 Atuko Chiba
11 Henge
12 Sex Toy Vending Machine
13 L’obejectif
14 Other Half
15 Set in Motion

2024 JULY To AUGUST

A scattered look at the past couple of months.

A fairly packed house at the Poacher for a double header. Firstly Georgie who played an early slot, with an impending flight with her group Girlband to the Montreux Jazz Festival. Followed by Drury Hill who are newly formed and feature one of our barmen Alfie. Alfie played in my band “Fake News” Nov 2017 when he was 14. I was 60.

A Rock City night with Bart and Ian and 22 years since I last saw DJ Shadow and he is still one of the masters of the turntable. Coyote Men from Newcastle and Mystery Action from Leicester provided some free psychobilly at Billy Bootleggers on a Sunday afternoon.

Thumpasaurus could well be the band of the year so far. From LA, they are a funky punky group with a set of full on energetic numbers. So 2024 but also to my old ears a great nod to the 70’s. With sprinklings of Funkadelic, Zappa, Beastie Boys, Devo and the Chilli Peppers I could also feel the spacey sound of Hawkwind, the front man Alex Harvey and a little Mel Collins saxophone. A sold out gig at the Bodega with support from Manchester group Loose Articles it was a midweek bonanza.

The Golden Fleece had a one day event on the August Bank holiday Sunday and it was pretty good too. Marvin’s Revenge are knockout, Wizards can’t be Lawyers are a total groove (my cup of tea). The rest of the groups were all brill too. Zach Thrasher, Swallow Tail, Good Goodbye, Sex Toy Vending Machine and Paste.

Saw Hollow Stone and support at the Old Angel with Ian, Kris and co. The band had messaged me and I was keen to add a “Nottingham place name group” to my list. I mentioned Drury Hill earlier. There is a theme running there. I’m planning to write a small article on that subject but got to look into it a little more first.

Went to JT Soar with Eion and Chris to see and hear some loud music from Other Half, Ritual Error and Myopics. Stood outside talking to John, former Chameleon host and manager, when he suddenly ran off saying “We’re on in a few minutes”. John is lead in Myopics. The Other Half from Norwich made the Sex Pistols sound like a band you would have at your grannies tea party. Craig and the rest of the gig buddies were there too. Good night. Later at the Old Angel I ran into Charles and James again, we’d seen them earlier, who both used the frequent The Hive. Then I was flagged down by Kev Bales (Spiritualised) also on a night out, Mitch too. Stepping out, I ran into John (Poacher boss) also on a town crawl. It was one of those end of summer nights out I guess.

In a general conversation I maintained that it is noticeable how few teenagers are at gigs. Hardly any. I’ve seen 160 plus bands/artists this year and been to most Nottm venues. Yes, I grant that some teens will be playing some beats and rapping in a hidden location to their brethren but in general, and it is only general, the amount of teens I’ve seen at any gig is countable on one hand. Alfie at 21 and a few girls in their early 20’s are the youngest I’ve seen all year. I do get to see young bands too. In my time (70’s) most were teens or early mid 20’s. When you look back to the 60’s the majority were teens, even the groups. That suggests the obvious, popular music is 2 or 3 generations old and so are the people who go. Money may be a factor. And, of course, the notion of watching a group is an old fashioned one, and something maybe not now looked upon as a “sod them” attitude. Just a thought.

I’ve been on a promotional campaign this year for “Fez”, 10 years since they last played and no chance of reforming. Oasis take note!

New Venue. The Grove Studio and Venue space in the Sneinton Markets Avenues. Was there with Ian, Craig and various gig buddies. Local talent on show Davoli, Cara Flynn, Thousandfurs, Catmilk and Swallow Tail with Wizards Can’t be Lawyers opening up with a great set and Victory Lap, without their drummer but with added violinist doing a stripped back set which enthralled us all. I passed on another note to Victory Lap.

“In another little secret message to the lads at Victory Lap, I thought about how, when I last spoke to them, they had cited the influence of, for want of better words, filmic music. What do they mean? Sergio Leone, Hanz Zimmer or something different. It is a wide realm to consider but it set my mind thinking on who I might suggest they listen to. I fell upon Barry Adamson, the one time bass player of Magazine. Magazine are sometimes considered to be the first post punk band and at the time we did feel they had moved on from punk. There was a sophistication and progressiveness that marked them out. Keyboards and Saxophone only added to their cool demeanour.

I could suggest many songs, from their first two albums in particular, but “Definitive Gaze”, I have argued to be one of the greatest opening tracks on a debut album ever. Astronomy Domine by Pink Floyd is a fair shout and I’m sure you could suggest plenty more but Definitive Gaze sets a tone that the rest of the album “Real Life” follows. From the second album “Second hand Daylight” I could point out “The Thin Air”, a wonderful Bowiesque instrumental, it could of been on Bowie’s Low album. To be honest both albums are masterful, keeping the power and ethos of punk but adding the creative sound of producer Martin Hannett.

Howard Devoto had led the early Buzzcocks and Dave Formula had a career that stretched back to that golden mid sixties period but Magazine were to be short lived, 5 albums and it was all over by 1981. Barry Adamson embarked on a solo career but also worked with many names along the way. Visage, Nick Cave and David Lynch spring to mind. Two of his best known albums are soundtracks to non existent films, Moss Side Story from 1989 and Oedipus Schmoedipus in 1996. The cool groove of “Something Wicked This Way Comes” and the Bond feel of “The Man With The Golden Arm” might give some clues.

I saw Magazine in 78 and 79, never to be forgotten, and I saw Barry last, about 16 years ago at the Rescue Rooms on his Back To The Cat tour.

The last time, I made mention of how Victory Lap had unconsciously reminded me of Jackie Leven’s Doll By Doll and this time I’m consciously suggesting to them Barry Adamson. Is there a link? Not yet I think, but lets see how it develops.

Steve Mixup

2024 APRIL To JUNE

Lots of gigs throughout the spring with Ian, Olly, Bart and more with events like Dot To Dot proving a fantastic day out with friends and for watching a host of bands strutting their stuff like Davoli, Bored Marsh, Trout, City Parking, Keato, Victory Lap, En Entandant Ana, Home Counties, Night Swimming, Tranks, Sancho Panza, Paste, YHWH Nailgun,Picture Parlour & Girlband. The Bodega and Rough Trade including Record Store Day provide the venue for many more good nights out: Cam Manix, Suniq Savsunique, Gone Fishing, Cam Mannix, Wings of Desire, Eyre Llew, Catmilk, Hurtsfall, Spotlights & Victory Lap. I like Victory Lap at the moment, Bored Marsh too. L’objectif were young and fast, Melts from Ireland were excellent. Sancho Panza are one of my favourites. If I were booking a band for a party night they would be first call. For photo’s of Nottingham gigs over the past 8 or so years check out indiehorse.com.

During Dot to Dot I handed a rushed note to the guys at Victory Lap.
“When watching a band you can sometimes get reminded of a song or an album by an artist from long ago. Don’t know why. It’s a personal thing, I guess. So, when watching Victory Lap, a couple of songs by “Doll by Doll” came to mind. Hell Games and Forbidden Worlds from the 1979 album Gypsy Blood. A band that fell through the cracks as they say. Not saying you should follow them up, as I say, it’s just something that sits in my mind but a couple of great songs I think you might like”.

The Rescue Rooms, The Big Shed, Old Cold Store and the Old Bus Depot have been on my agenda too. Deri Sharman, Airport Dad, Caleb Nichols, Girlband, The Chase, Goddesses (from Derby), Matters (from Birmingham) & Atuko Chiba (from Montreal) all making their mark. Wolfgang Flur ex Kraftwerk played at the Metronome. Pete Duggal was support. Afterwards I spent time with mates at an all night 80′ do at the Sal. Lots of beers. Third Culture Collective at the Metronome were excellent, a blend of Indian classical and western classical. The Poacher still is my place of choice for roots and blues watching The Mesmerists, Karen Macleod, Old Nick Trading Company, Boothill Toe Tappers, Will Jeffery & Ben James, Paul Robinson & Booba Dust. Dark Horse, The Pushrods, Hamburg Nights & The Ska’s are a few tribute acts I’ve seen mainly because I know them or want to grab a chat with an old head about their rock and roll history.

Church of Sound at J.T. Soar gives me electronic and improvisational entertainment: Diamond family archive (Rural ethereal folk from the Mendips), Terminal Optimism (from Frome). I also did a set as Sharp Thorns in June.

2024 JANUARY To MARCH

Local venues for my first 3 months of this year have been The Bodega, Rock City, JT Soar, Rescue Rooms, Billy Bootleggers, Lincolnshire Poacher, Rough Trade, Old Angel, Saltbox, The Lion and The Chameleon which has now sadly closed.
I’ve had so many great nights in that place. Played plenty of times too. The last time was in February as “Sharp Thorns” at the “Electronic Music Open Mic” night. I first went to the Chameleon shortly after it opened. Originally run by that great character Nick Turner, I remember being at the bar when a customer said to Nick “Your toilets smell and are filthy” (they were a bit rum if truth be told) and Nick replied “Well, why don’t you f… off then”. We all laughed because we knew the coarse wit of Nick and to the customers credit he took it in jest. I was also basically “in the room” when the Sleaford Mods guys met all those years ago. I have no real memory of it except someone doodling some beats on his laptop in the background.
I used to have an annual party at The Chameleon for many years with bands that straddled the Nick era with John and Lauren’s time in charge. Sound man Simon did the most amazing job over those years because the diversity of acts that played there was amazing. Some acts I put on were The Wickets (lead singer Joe Need is now in Bored Marsh), Practical Lovers, Jupiter Monkeys, Fez (I was in them), Captain Cor Blimey and the Governors, The Blackmarket Sound (I was in them), Baby Godzilla, Snapshot (I was in them), Aladdin Sainsburys, The Did, Fake News (I was in them), Doggen All Stars, Walter, Nick Turner and some others I’ve now forgot.
I would occasionally DJ, vinyl of course, at the Chameleon and one of my most memorable nights was when Johnny Vegas turned up with his entourage. The night had been going well but suddenly the place was heaving and I had just got into my stride with funky disco grooves for a Saturday night. My mate Phil who was with me couldn’t believe his eyes. Great place. It will be missed.

I went to “Beat the Streets” in January with Ian and Olly. We ran into Niall who was over from Portugal. Brilliant day seeing Bored Marsh, Fat Digester, Girlband, Duty Mighty, 94 Gunships, Cam Mannix, The Petebox, Penny Moon, Victory Lap & Grain. A bunch of friends playing in those groups. Georgie in Girlband, Joe in Bored Marsh, Tony and Kev in Duty Mighty, Paul in Fat Digester and Ben from 49 Gunships.

EMOM and Church of Sound provide electronic entertainment including Peter Challoner, Llyn Y Cwn, Waterflower, Coresonic, Seepings, Swansither, Nova, Trice, Sharp Thorns, Yodest, Jarrow Junction, Hexial, Modular ESP, Andy and Grace, Midnite Moroder, No Masters, Dog Explosion & Siouxsie Suicide.

Sam Shaw, Bloodworm, Sancho Panza, Tranks, and Marvin’s Revenge at the Chameleon during the last weekend of entertainment. Also Eyre Llew, Set The Fire, Twinhead, Airport Dad, Henge, Dogshow, Purple Sun, Acapocalpse & Penny Moon at various places.

I like to take in the Sunday night music at the Lincolnshire Poacher. It also provides an occasional chat with some older musicians with stories to tell that helps me with my research. Artists I have seen there this year so far include Gaffa (Nottm 70’s faves), The Last Pedestrians featuring Harry Stephenson (also on the Nottm 70s circuit), Georgie, Dusty 4 Track, Magic Car, The Mesmerists, Ben James, Paul Robinson, Ali Bonsai & Old Nick Trading Company.

2023

2023 Bands. Top 12 in no particular order

Magma
Aziz Ibrahim
Masai
Steve Hillage
Jah Wobble
Dogtricks
Gaffa
Duty Mighty
Infinity Room
Porcupine Tree
Henge
Marvins Revenge
Stinkin Rita
Phosphorus Burning
Dusty 4 Track

Bands/Artists seen 2023 (End of March list)

Sharp Thorns (a gig I’ve played)

Andy Reid & Tony Foster
Araya
Badhand
Bara
Boothill Toe Tappers
Breo
Daniel Parry
David Slee x 2
Dogtricks
Dusty 4 Track x 2
Elf Traps
Filter Sequence
FLVZ
Mr Ford and Mr Gibbs
Forest Fields
Gaffa
Georgie x 2
Good Times Roll
Jim Glew
Just Ben
Henge
Hexial
Steve Hillage Band
Robert Ka
The Last Pedestrians
John Marriot x 2
The Mesmerists
Modreaktor
Modular ESP
No Masters
Old Nick Trading Company
Paul and Tibby
Rezzonator
Paul Robinson
The Skas
Colin Staples
Tiny Mortal
The Utopia Strong
Verbal Warning
Kev Willis

and a few others I’ve forgot

2nd quarter – April – June

Aylesbury Man
Autobhan
Ben McElroy
Boothill Toe Tappers
Chloe
Dusty 4 Track
Fab Two
Georgie
In Isolation
Inner Truth
Last Pedestrians
Magma
Tracy Meli
Mesmerists, The
Old Nick Trading Company x 4
Ombudsman
Paranormal Ceazar
Paul Robinson
Porcupine Tree
Colin Staples x 2
Stone Hooves
Swing Gitan x 2
Tom Manning
Trent Steps
Zak

Lots more:

At the Church of Sound: Infinity Room, Masal, Phosphorus Burning

Phosophorus is the name of Mark White’s solo work. That’s Dark Mark. We have the band “Tunnel Vision” although next time we ever record we may well change the name to Vision Tunnel.

Infinity Room is the excellent music of Jez, not Jez Creek but …….

The highlight for me was Masal. A duo from Southend of synths and harp (amplified). I like the harp and had only p[layed a little earlier in the day, Harpo Marx and Alan Stivell. When they finished their set a guy behind me recognised me. It was Dave who I had briefley met a few months before. We first met when “Digs” was making the late nineties film about my photobooth exploits. Small world. And even smaller. Turns out he knows Masal who are Al and Oz Simsek. Al was an old school mate of Daves. They work with Andy Bell ex Ride and Oasis and have released a live version of Hallogallo by Neu which for an old Krautrock fan like me is a treat.

Hockley Hustle: Within minutes of getting my wristband I saw Adrian Armstrong performing in the Barber Shop Quartet he is with. Then I bumbed into Tony Classen. I went to Speech Therapy which was in Emmanuel House. Speech Therapy is run by Keith Ford

Adrian Armstrong
Keith Ford + open mics inc me.
Lorna Dea
Stinkin Rita
Set The Fire (Ollie’s band)
Harpa
Duty Mighty (inc Doggen, Kev, Martin, Acer and Sophie)
Marvins Revenge
Badhand (Troy)

Aziz Ibrahim in Wirksworth

Booba Dust
Verbal Warning
Last Pedestrians