The Assembly, Leamington Spa gig – 11 April 2014
Last time the band played here, we were all breathlessly anticipating the new album. The next one’s a bit further away, but there was still a chance of a new song (or two) getting an airing. Here’s what happened…
✉ Letters Sent (23)
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(12 years ago by Carrie Anne)
SIMON P
That was rather grand … when was the last time we heard “Eno Collaboration” (or “Tonight Matthew” for that matter)?
11 April 2014
Deacon in misguided trousers
A very fine gig indeed. As an added bonus we got Neil playing the riff from Tempo House by the Fall. Truly, he is the only bass player out there to compare with Steve Hanley.
12 April 2014
twistedkitemike
Here’s the set-list before I retire upstairs: –
Eno
Totnes
Matthew
Bogus
Vitas G
Korfball
CAMRA
PRS
Lilac HQ
Pancake
Gubba
Bob W
Monmore
Vatican
Look Dad
JDOG
Fix It
DPAK
** New Song **
NSD
Problem Chimp
Encores
Vagaries
Chatteris
Light Tunnel
Trumpton
Cheers!
Mike…………………………………….
12 April 2014
chedgzoy
I don’t wish to come over all Jeff Dreadnaught, but it wasn’t Nigel at his very best last night. It’s probably the most subdued atmosphere I’ve ever known at a gig, the mosh pit didn’t really get going til the encores. Interesting set list, it was great to hear the likes of Tonight Matthew and Pancake day live, but there were a lot of peripheral songs that didn’t quite capture the audience. The venue was far from full which probably didn’t help, and Nigel’s asides were few and far between – we did get an airing of the previously unreleased ‘Smash the Cistern’ which was a highlight.
Probably sound like a bit of a misery arse reading that back, I managed to get a copy of the set list, which contained the unplayed ‘Evil Gazebo’ which would have been a bonus.
12 April 2014
BrumBiscuit
I’d echo that, but an Assembly gig has never really got going for me. My Barnstoneworth Utd top got a mention, which was my personal highlight, but it was a low-key affair.
I tried locking up the Harrys Quinn next to the railings outside the venue, but a jobsworth put a stop to that, so they sat forlornly outside the Travelodge all night.
The Robin2 in October should be livelier. Enjoy Holmfirth.
12 April 2014
Bobby SVARC
Some pics from last night, by Simon Kimber http://probe-plus.co.uk/index.php/news
12 April 2014
CARRIE anne
Personally I thought it was great, the sound was fantastic from the front row. It was, however, the first time I’ve seen them for a number of years, (and my first ‘solo’ gig since escaping from the metaphorical shackles of matrimony to a non biscuiteer) so I’ve not got a lot to compare it to. I enjoyed the main set, & the encore made me want to weep with joy – they don’t need to do covers as their own songs are the best ones anyway.
Bring on Holmfirth!
12 April 2014
kingsbeef
I’m with Chedgzoy on this one but that’s not to say we didn’t enjoy it. And I thought the banter factor was pretty good. I was hoping to hear “You’re So Beige” again though and Smash The Cistern could be turned into a little gem. Nice to meet the Halfbikeit boys. Sorry about the shoulder tap. That xray’s a cracker.
12 April 2014
Bobby SVARC
You jumped over the prick barrier then did you CHEDGOZY? I saw the security start foaming at the mouth and loading his Glock, did he catch you??
12 April 2014
Dave Batley
A very laid back night last night. Nigel having a good banter with the crowd and getting told to get on with it. Nice to hear some old classics like vagaries and problem chimp and a outbreak of vetas geralitus. True that the moshpitwas a bit tame but tthose in it were having a good time. As always it went to quick and was not long enough
12 April 2014
Richard falco
None of you buggers should complain. I live in the USA, and so I’ve never even seen them live at all. -RF
13 April 2014
Brumbiscuit
Oh, don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining about a gig I can walk/cycle to. It’s just that I’ve been to 3 or 4 Assembly gigs and none of them has ever really got going. I thought the band were very relaxed and enjoying the gig, but it must be something about the venue that stifles the atmosphere. I really should get down there more often to see how other bands compare. I see Chas and Dave are on there.
13 April 2014
Bobby SVARC
Did anyone try the Talbot?
13 April 2014
Brumbiscuit
Yes. We got there about 7.15 and had a pint. The DPAS reminded some punters of what they were missing. A straggler in our group turned up on the train after 8pm, so we moved back to town to The Avenue.
13 April 2014
mark Savage
I thought it was a great gig even if it was a bit quieter than normal.Nigel’s banter was as good as ever,especially the chat about Crass and the scene in Birkenhead.The set list was refreshing and different but may not have appealed to HMHB virgins of which there were quite a few.The venue was lovely with friendly staff and decent cheapish beer.Our journey from Crewe,like the bands was awful,even on the way back there was even a traffic jam with the M6 closed on the way back between j14 and 15.We definitely were not 2 chevrons apart! It was a great sound tonight from a brilliant band.Loved Gubba lookalikes.
14 April 2014
mCc
I agree with the comments about the lack of atmosphere (not a joy division reference) at the venue, i have seen 3 or 4 bands here & it has been the same feeling with them all. Robin 2 will be a much better vibe, see you all there.
14 April 2014
Bobby SVARC
Brumbiscuit, I think you may have walked past us outside the venue about 6ish?
14 April 2014
Chris The Siteowner
OK folks, the conversation above prompted me to write a quick survey on what HMHB gig-goers thought of the atmosphere and sound at recent gig venues. So if you’ve seen the band in the last three years or so, let us know what you thought of each venue in comparison to others you’ve been to. Might be interesting. Or not.
Here’s the survey.
14 April 2014
Charlie
Hello Brumbibiscuit. Sorry not to catch up on Friday, got to the Punchbowl briefly and the Boar, but had a fiasco at the station which meant I got to both late and missed the Talbot. Hope you had a good night-the welcome in both pubs was brilliant.
14 April 2014
Brumbiscuit
@Bobby Svarc: If we were pushing Harry Quinns, yes, that was us. Pushing, because I had neglected to tighten kosher Harry’s rear derailleur cable properly! (Wouldn’t have happened with Campag.)
14 April 2014
Bobby SVARC
Yes, you were pushing :-)
15 April 2014
steveojo69
@brumbiscuit I took a pic of your Harry Quinns when we passed them as we walked to the gig. 2 fine looking bicycles.
18 April 2014
CARRIE anne
Is ‘Not Roger Green’ going to post review of this gig?
4 May 2014