This is part of a continuing story – the first five years’ worth can be found here and the next four years’ worth here.
Use this page for getting excited about a gig, pleading for spare tickets, arranging a pub meet, getting a lift, and whatever else comes to mind. For any gig.
EXXO
Glad it worked out, CB, or as well as might be expected anyway. 200 yards from the venue in York I’d recommend Brigantes as a dog-friendly ale bar, but maybe that’s for a bit earlier on as it will be heaving on a Friday night. Just a little further, still less than 300 yards from Fibbers, the superbly characterful Ackhorne is a proper old pub with proper ales too, and should have enough space on a Friday. In fact, it’s such a great pub that if the venue allow re-admission you could form a dog-sitting club with other gig-goers and probably only have to miss a few tracks each.
4 December 2018
EXXO
While on the subject of pre-York drinking, I don’t want to come over all self-righteous by Anita Roddick and that, but there will be some readers on here who will be glad to be pre-warned that the “new” Fibbers makes no secret that it’s part of the Aaron Mellors (Tokyo Industries) empire of bars and clubs, and as such shares its premises with an adjacent bierkeller and one of his “genteman’s clubs” (ie strip joints).
So for me personally, another gig where I won’t be drinking the venue’s beer. However there are so many other options within yards, including the York brewery tap.
4 December 2018
Cornish biscuit
Yes maybe a communal HMHB dog creche in York is the way forward. 2 songs each on a rota basis. Thanks for the pub tip-offs for York, Exxo. The Ackhorne sounds ace. We may have a proper dog-sitting plan by February. You never know…
6 December 2018
EXXO
You also need a rota for which member of your pack shouts out requests for which doggy song:
*Little in the Way of Sunshine (Weimeraner, eat dog’s heart)
*Paintball (German Shepherd dogs)
*Man of Constant Sorrow (mastiff in the back)
*Hedlity Vertyesque (pent-up Alsatians)
*Terminus (dog tired at the toposcope, wolf-print fleece)
*Mileage Chart (take Elaine to Mr. Squires)
*Mathematically Safe (mongrel)
*£24.99 (whippets)
*Tommy Walsh (Westie)
*Outbreak of Vitas Gerulaitis (Scooby Doo reference)
*DPAK (and the dog would bark and you’d be banned from his house)
*Uffington Wassail (the hounds of retribution)
*Baguette Dilemna (I’m not telling why that one has a doggy reference but it does – so I’ll shout for that one)
I’ve probably missed a few obvious ones …
7 December 2018
EXXO
Like the most obvious of all …
*Even Men with Steel Hearts (trouble is nowadays they rarely play it)
7 December 2018
EXXO
*Knobheads (breeds of dogs)
*He Who Would Valium Take(pit-bull)
*Breaking News ( is that the one with the Japanese Fighting dog?)
*CORGI registered friends
*Renfield’s Afoot (no dogs)
*Monmore (greyhound racing)
*San Antonio Foam Party (sniffer dogs)
*Stuck Up a Hornbeam (bloke out walking the dog)
There is actually a whole, excellent set list there.
7 December 2018
BOBBY SVARC
CORGI…..Harken, is that a rather large barrel I can hear being scraped? 🙂
7 December 2018
Ianc
Bilston 27th September 2019
10 December 2018
hendrix-tattoo
Yummy! Curry at Jivan’s in September….
10 December 2018
brumbiscuit
Which selfish buggers booked all the twin rooms at the Robin? 🙂
Luckily two singles weren’t that much more…
11 December 2018
BOBBY SVARC
Received this in the last few minutes. I only saw it on the Robin Facebook site last evening
“just a quick one. Bilston is NOT on Sept 27th but will be rescheduled for around that date hopefully. Bit of a mix up it seems”.
11 December 2018
Brumbsicuit
Bugger! I’ll get in touch with The Robin about me room booking!
And there was me gleeful at the prospect of a Friday night gig in Wolvo.
12 December 2018
Mark Smith
Hi All
Another pub to recommend in York is the Trafalgar Bay on Nunnery Lane
– Sam Smiths pub so mega cheap ???
– About a 10 minute walk from Fibbers
– Can’t wait for a hometown gig… been so long
– Fibbers is on the other side of town to the old Fibbers where the lads last played
2 January 2019
BOBBY SVARC
Leadmill 11th October 2019
3 January 2019
Stezo
I have 2 tickets for the York gig on 01-02-19, but unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances, I can’t make it.
I am happy to give these to anyone FOC.
– Stezo
3 January 2019
EXXO
ooh a mate of mine just asked me about any York spares yesterday, and he’d be delighted to pay face value for the pair.
Email sent to CtSO
3 January 2019
David
Hi. Due to comic ineptitude (I thought my mate was sorting tickets, he thought I was, failure ensued) I am desperately hunting for 3 tickets for the York gig.
Already got my flight across from Amsterdam booked so would be suitably gutted if not able to find any!
Cost price and a thank you pint.
Cheers
David
3 January 2019
Old friend graHam
Hello y’all. I’m also desperately after a York ticket if anyone has a spare? Cheers.
4 January 2019
Chris The Siteowner
Obviously there’s quite the demand for York spares. If anyone has any to offer, just let me know and I’ll pass on your email address or phone number to the folks above.
4 January 2019
Steve Blackmore
Has the Robin 2 gig not been confirmed as 27th Sept 2019 ?
5 January 2019
BOBBY SVARC
It’s definitely NOT the 27th of Sept 2019
5 January 2019
EXXO
The Robin have never taken it down since the first announcement, and have been selling tickets for 4 weeks now – it’s also been on the support act’s FB ever since the first announcement.
I’ll see if I can get an update – and don’t worry, Cygnus I won’t be collecting the bet if I “win” (see posts 1215-1218 in the last pre-gig thread)
(I also want to know why my devilish hopes of a peak-time gig have not yet been confirmed. Does the Sheffield announcement mean that one isn’t happening – if so, arse! )
5 January 2019
Steve Blackmore
Am i getting this right – we don’t know about Bilston and Sheffield ? Just don’t know when to book my bat walks.
5 January 2019
EXXO
The Bilston date is still in doubt. Sheffield is definite.
I was merely wondering aloud (to Bobby Svarc alone, really) whether the Sheffield date might cast some doubt on another as yet unannounced gig at what is very much a suitable venue for a bat walk.
5 January 2019
BOBBY SVARC
The Bilston gig is not happening on 27/09/2019 Karen/Roger have received confirmation of this straight from the Robin’s mouth so to speak
5 January 2019
Bobby Svarc
A couple of things that would make my life complete before I kick the bucket are The City winning the FA Cup and the Biscuits playing the Demontfort Hall, I doubt that either of them will happen now. I did actually see Ian Hunters Overnight Angels at the Demont in 79ish in front a sparse crowd, balcony was shut and no more than 500 standing. Pretty sure they’d pull in over a thousand. Come on Gig Cartel you can do it.
5 January 2019
Neil
It’s not big enough!
You build a model of it and we will play the model…
6 January 2019
CARRIE ANNE
According to Geoff, the gig you are alluding to Charles is very much in doubt due to ‘sound quality issues’ at that particular venue, to Geoff. Disappointing. Was looking forward to ticking off a couple of easy PBRs.
6 January 2019
BOBBY SVARC
@Neil: Not big enough? It’s huge man. Anyhow, I could take you to the church that King Richard III and his troops slept in en-route to Bosworth which is only half a mile from my house and if that’s not enough I can treat you to a bag of chips from the Batter Of Bosworth chippy in Market Bosworth.
6 January 2019
neil
6 January 2019
BOBBY SVARC
Sound. Would be a good day out.
6 January 2019
dR desperate
I rang the Robin last week and they said they’re “not sure yet” when the gig will be. They took my number and said they’d let me know when they were.
6 January 2019
EXXO
Thanks for the info Karen (and Mick, and John). So let us know when you’re doing this reconstruction of Bosworth. I’ll be with the Stanleys on a hill till I see who’s winning.
Talking of reconstructions, get the De Montfort booked for 29th October and let’s see the lads try and do this one https://www.joydiv.org/c291079.htm
Oh, and mention of such charming chaps as Richard III and Simon De Montfort reminds me … Pearson in!
7 January 2019
Kennyp
I’m also on the hunt for a ticket for York. Have emailed Chris (as per comments above) but thought I’d try here as well. Is it just me or are gigs selling out quicker than ever? On the back of the new album maybe?
7 January 2019
dR desperate
Exeter’s sold out as well.
8 January 2019
Mr ed
I wasn’t expecting Exeter and York to sell out and don’t have tickets 🙁 I have emailed Chris as well. I have bought tickets for Cambridge, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Newcastle just to be safe. I tend to book hotels straight away but was slacking on the tickets. Lesson learned.
10 January 2019
Idiots and pigeons
If there’s any tickets going for Exeter, please let me know.
10 January 2019
hendrix-tattoo
@Carrie Anne as just informed me that the Bilston gig is now on the 7th of November.
Robin2 are contacting everybody who booked a room for 27th September to see if they want their room for the new date….
18 January 2019
JITSU_G
Unfortunately I can’t make the re arranged Bilston gig and have cancelled my double room there. So it may still be free if anyone is after one
19 January 2019
Jim in the south china sea
Good morning all,
This has NOTHING to do with gigs, but I’m not sure where to post…..
Is it just my techno-fear/utter hopelessness on ‘the web’, or is the Probe Plus store only accepting payment via Pay Pal? I have concerns about internet security, and I’ve drawn the line at Gmail and Facebook (!) – i.e. I’d rather not open any more online accounts, notably ones that actually involve cash….
RSVP. Danke
21 January 2019
Daz
Good evening everybody, if anyone has or knows of a spare ticket for the Exeter gig that I could purchase then please let me know. I will be eternally grateful. 🙂 My e-mail is – daz.selondon@hotmail.co.uk. Cheers x
24 January 2019
IsrisThechiseller
I live in Warrington and I’ve never been to an HMHB gig. I would love to, but could I bring my 9 y/o daughter? She was up for it in Nov but she’s become sulkier of late.
26 January 2019
Chris The Siteowner
I won’t forget the 12-year-old at the Bury St Edmunds gig who knew every word to every song. Best of luck with keeping a 9-year-old interested though.
26 January 2019
GORDON BURNS
Yippee! Edinburgh ticket arrived in the post today. That’s a long way from home, I need to make some travel plans. 🙂
26 January 2019
dR desperate
Sulkier, @Idris? Be afraid, be very afraid.
26 January 2019
Mr Ed
Many gigs are over 14 only, check first.
28 January 2019
dR desperate
Cambridge allow under-14s if accompanied by an adult, Edinburgh and Bilston accompanied 14-17s, Holmfirth welcome accompanied children (no age specified). Newcastle and Sheffield don’t allow any under-14s.
York, Exeter and Cardiff are now sold out.
On unrelated matters, Sheffield ask you to refrain from wearing football shirts, and York describe the music as “folk rock”.
28 January 2019
CARRIE ANNE
Panic not. Tickets are (currently) still available for Cardiff from various outlets
28 January 2019
Brumbiscuit
I wonder if Sheffield would have an issue with my Barnstoneworth United shirt? All a bit hypothetical seeing as I am not going…
28 January 2019
Spike
Just another pub recommendation
The York tap is a great pub that is next to the railway station……just fall off your train and fall into the pub ?
It is just a 5/10 minute walk to the venue ?
29 January 2019
idiots and pigeons
Will probably give you more than triple the face value for a ticket to Exeter, at the moment.
29 January 2019
0902FRIENDs
Ticket for Newcastle booked. In for a canny night & can’t wait to see Ron & the old gang!
Will likely be coming down from Morpeth the day of, so not sure how much of a pre-gig feast & drinks I’ll catch. Will for sure keep folks in the loop!
30 January 2019
dR desperate
Brilliant, Al!
30 January 2019
Iguana Andy
Hi all. Great night on the cards as usual I’m sure. Regrettably I have had to admit that my broken kneecap although healing won’t yet allow me to join you all on Friday. Anyone interested in my ticket?
30 January 2019
Old friend graham
@Iguana Andy.. yes please, mate. I’ve been after a York ticket for a while. Hopefully @ctso can put us in touch? Cheers!
30 January 2019
dR desperate
TicketWeb says stage times for York are now: 7.20 Shatner, 8.15 HMHB.
(Strict Curfew going on after HMHB – they said half past ten to us.)
30 January 2019
ExxO
Ooh, is it nearly February already? That is fab news indeed. I thought that was next week. Thanks for the heads-up. Ackhorne, anyone?
30 January 2019
BOBBY SVARC
Altogether more different snow on Friday
30 January 2019
hendrix-tattoo
Docs polished, Punk pants and tee-shirt ironed. See you all in York tomorrow….
31 January 2019
EXXO
What time you hoping to arrive in the capital city of the Mighty North, Tony? (this also applies to any other Tonies who may be tuning in). Give me a text.
PS – despite some very low temperatures, there’s been no snow in York, nor will there be any tomorrow. Just mucho fog and a rather fetching hoar frost. No problems for the road gritters on the M62 either.
31 January 2019
EXXO
Perfidious meteorologists making me look foolish again. There is now a slight and very picturesque dusting of snow on the walls, rooftops and gardens of York and some sleet off and on all day till about gig-time.
1 February 2019
Idiots and pigeons
Tickets for Cambridge have sold out on the venue’s official website.
An unknown amount still available via https://www.gigantic.com
1 February 2019
Bobby Svarc
I use a pretty accurate pay weather site and at the moment the N Eastern side of the UK from Edinburgh as far as the Wash has a 60% risk of Snow Web cams in York are pretty poor but shows a nice shot of the Ouse with a covering of snow.
1 February 2019
EXXO
If anyone’s doing a crawl around the Fossgate/venue area this av/evening, do try to pop and spend a bit of your cash in the lovely Ackhorne (pronounced like “acorn”). Just a couple of hundred yards from venue and very peaceful. Doesn’t see much tourist trade, but is far more deserving of it than most of the newbie bars.
1 February 2019
EXXO
Micklegate/venue area, I meant, soz.
1 February 2019
Gipton Teenager
@Exxo. You talkin’ to me?
‘Fraid I won’t be going to York. I’m following Captain Tobias Willcock at the end of the month, so need to save pennies.
Just heard about the death of Jeremy Hardy, to the jumble of noises and pictures I like to call my mind, Half Man Half Biscuit without the music but with added politics. To me the saddest sleb death since FZ.
1 February 2019
EXXO
Very sad news indeed. A great entertainer and a hard-hitting intellect gone at 57.
Enjoy flight 372 & the sunny Barbados sky, and I hope to see you before too long, Tony.
1 February 2019
Gipton Teenager
Thank you Nigel.
Altogether now Woh!…
Have a great gig you lovely people
1 February 2019
Porkypie
With a couple of friends on a bit of a crawl – playing spot the gig goer already. Waving at the group of gentlemen in Pivni right now.
1 February 2019
BOBBY SVARC
The band and have arrived I hear.
1 February 2019
Spike
Hi all
Not long to go…….anyone going to brigantes before the gig ???
If so,I will be there in the DPAK from 6.30 ish…say hi ?
Slightly O/T…..saw a car today in the car park of a posh hotel…..reg J999DOG……anyone here or perhaps one of the band ???
1 February 2019
BOBBY SVARC
They arrived by helicopter
1 February 2019
Excavated rita
Well that was another top night. I’ll leave to others more eloquent to fill in the detail. Numerous surprises included more revelations about Jean Greenhowe; Please, Please Me; and that song from Godcore again.
1 February 2019
ChapouTofhammerfisT
@EXXO re Ackhorne – good call, thanks, unlikely we’d have found it otherwise.Had a few in there post gig.
2 February 2019
Nick FLANNERY
Half Man Half Biscuit
Exeter Phoenix, Exeter. Thursday, 21 Mar 2019
looking for 2 tickets if possible, please.
name your currency! go on……give my carer the night off!
……dont make me ang lee…! ( ive said please havent i ? once….yep…i see it )
: )….giggle
Please again…..you have been watching!
Nick….
4 February 2019
Chris The Siteowner
For those coming to the Cambridge gig on 5 April, and arriving earlier in the day or staying over, it’s the Cambridge Spring Literary Festival that weekend, which might have something of interest. It does for me: Tracey Thorn is in conversation with the excellent Kate Mossman from 5.30 to 6.30pm that day – it’s in the city centre, so even walking back (30 mins), there should be time to get a pint in on the way somewhere. That’s my plan, anyway. The full festival lineup is here.
6 February 2019
Alice van der meer
Do your research on Cambridge – for a university town it’s surprising short of places to have a beer after work hours.
Probably a bit out of the way, but the landlord of The Castle Inn in Castle Street (a) serves bloody good beer, you can really taste the hops, and (b) in a previous existemce was Barry Wom of the Rutles.
6 February 2019
EXXO
Post-gig we generally dig a swig at the Pig, open till 12.
The Castle had the first ever quiz machine in Cambridge and very lucrative it was too, between games of pool. But as you hint, it’s so far from the gig and from the best pubs that it might as well be in Ely or St. Ives
6 February 2019
transit full of keith
CAMRA men should not have much to moan about in Cambridge, though you may be right about a lack of post-gig action. You can’t go far wrong in the streets off Mill Road (The Devonshire, the Cambridge Blue, the Kingston Arms, the Empress, the Live and Let Live and the Salisbury all have their points) and in the area known as the Kite just north of Parker’s Piece (the Free Press and the Elm Tree) … though they would all close at eleven or twelve on a Friday. The Flying Pig, as Exxo mentions, is close to the venue and good (and better than the Earl of Derby, the Greene King place which is closest of all to the Junction). Bar Billiards can still, I think, be had at the Empress, though the table at the Maypole is gone. The Devonshire serves various Milton ales, which are ace.
7 February 2019
Fellow fan from lincoln
An enjoyable if not cramped gig pricey on the ale but the York Brewery Tap saved me. Nice to have met some fellow biscuiters and put names to faces all in all a pleasant evening roll on the next one laters FFFL
14 February 2019
brumbiscuit
I will probably be driving to the Cardiff & Cambridge gigs from the Midlands.
If you are within a short deviation of these routes, I’ll happily pick up up to two people – hopefully together, but not essential.
Cardiff Route: M40/M42/M5/M50/Newport/Cardiff I will aim to arrive about 3-4pm
Cambridge: A46/M6/A14 Same arrival time anticipated
After both gigs, I’ll set off about 11 the next morning.
Get in touch via andy (dot) harvey (at) yahoo (dot) com
I’ve nothing against smokers, but won’t make any fag breaks, sorry.
16 February 2019
Ianc
I don’t suppose any kind soul is driving from Exeter to Cardiff on the 22nd? I’m flying in to Exeter and back home from Cardiff but haven’t sorted any transport yet? I’d be eternally grateful . And chip in for petrol. And a couple of pints…
17 February 2019
Bobby Svarc
Oxford O2 22nd November according to what one hears
18 February 2019
Alice van der meer
On their website…
https://academymusicgroup.com/o2academyoxford/events/all
19 February 2019
CARRIE Anne
Never give up Hope, @Exxo
20 February 2019
BOBBY SVARC
Eleven and counting……..www.seetickets.com/event/half-man-half-biscuit/the-devils-arse-cave/1319288
20 February 2019
dr desperate
Or Castleton, @Carrie.
20 February 2019
hendrix-tattoo
Can’t believe the band are doing a gig in a cave on the anniversary of Elvis dying….
20 February 2019
BOBBY SVARC
What a day that was. I was in Swansea for the Gillette semi-final, non-stop Elvis on the way and non-stop Elvis on the way back. For the eight hours in between, it pissed down.
20 February 2019
dr desperate
Can’t believe I won’t be in Manchester on the 200th anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre.
20 February 2019
GORDON BURNS
Another interesting part of this great country to visit, with a Biscuits gig to make it a success. I wonder if there’s anything to see, anywhere to go around that area?
21 February 2019
warden hodges
Looks a cracker that one! No sooner can I say ‘ Nearest train station?’.
21 February 2019
hendrix-tattoo
@Warden, Hope this helps….
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hope_railway_station_(England)
21 February 2019
warden Hodges
Cheers H-T
May do a pre run around May. As a non-league fan been to other nice places like Matlock and Buxton and even New Mills.
Thanks once again.
21 February 2019
dr desperate
An hour’s walk from Mam Tor.
21 February 2019
CARRIE ANNE
You can take a boat trip at Speedwell Cavern through a flooded mine/cave system, though personally, I’d struggle to think of anything worse.
21 February 2019
Chris The Siteowner
Might do that the next day, in case anything goes wrong and the gig ends up as a benefit to raise awareness of the trapped biscuitistas.
21 February 2019
dr desperate
Capacity only 600 (though not the smallest this year: Exeter holds 450).
21 February 2019
dr desperate
Those nice people in Manchester are putting on a Peterloo Big Weekend from 15th – 18th August to celebrate the Massacre. No schedule yet, but I know they’re hoping to have as many people marching from the surrounding towns into the city as there were (pre-Chartist) demonstrators at the original – 60-80,000.
Think on.
21 February 2019
IDIOT SAUL
Opportunity to put on some Velvets underground?
21 February 2019
Cream cheese and chives
@Carrie Anne I was forced to do that Speedwell Trip twice in an afternoon while supervising a school trip. Not a day I look back on with great fondness.
21 February 2019
Bobby Svarc
A small venue that the Biscuits could play is The Queens Hall in Codder (Nuneaton). Used to be the ’77 Club and had some top acts back in the day. The Rezillos, Slaughter and the Dogs, Penetration, UK Subs and U2, last gig I went to a few years back was John Otway. Also an obscure venue is Conkers in Moira,…. Moira’s in Leicester-shire
22 February 2019
Steve Blackmore
I have a ticket for the Cambridge gig which will be my first biccies gig (shame on me), I saw The Pixies in Cambridge years ago at The Corn Exchange. Is it the same venue with a name change ?
25 February 2019
Chris The Siteowner
Hi Steve -– envious of someone about to experience seeing the band for the first time! No, Cambridge Junction, which is near the station, is not the same as the Corn Exchange, which is in the city centre. (Yeah, only in Cambridge would the station deliberately be built inconveniently outside what was then the city). Easy to find though, 5-10 minutes walk from the station and with plenty of parking nearby (an industrial estate and a big NCP car park). Watch this space for pub arrangements beforehand; the Earl Of Derby is 2 minutes away, and the (better) Flying Pig is a little further.
25 February 2019
Steve Blackmore
Would love to meet some people pre gig will keep em peeled.
25 February 2019
Steve Blackmore
Fuckin ‘ell just bought a ticket for Sheffield too !!!! Long haul.
5 March 2019
RICH BOBBLEHAT
Hi
Desperately looking for two tickets for Exeter Gig on 21/03/19 if anyone can help please?
Thanks
Rich
(Email me if you have any and I’ll pass on details – CtSO)
7 March 2019
brumbiscuit
Any suggestions for a pre-gig watering hole in Cardiff? We’re planning on arriving about 4pm or so, traffic permitting. Harry might be making the trip.
11 March 2019
hendrix-tattoo
Andy, We visited this place the last time the boys played Cardiff. It was O.K and it’s not to far away from the Tramshed….
https://www.visitcardiff.com/pubs-clubs/the-goat-major/
11 March 2019
Alice van der meer
Serves a stonking pint of Brains Dark but, if the gents are anything like they were when I was there, you may need a schnorkel if you intend to shake hands with the unemployed.
11 March 2019
Alice van der meer
Oh, and keep an eye out for the “Historic Wales” tat shop nearby which had a wine bottle holder in the window that even I, with a sense of humour like a septic tank, thought was beyond the limts of taste and decency.
11 March 2019
brumbiscuit
Thanks Tony, looks like a good place & the pies are tempting. AvdM: I am trying to envisage said wine bottle holder. My vivid imagination is seeing all sorts of possibilities. Current favourite is someone with legs akimbo and a strategically placed hole for the neck of the bottle. Close?
12 March 2019
dr desperate
Another vote for The Goat Major, which indeed serves splendid pre-gig provender. The City Arms would be the post-gig choice, staying open until 2 am as it does.
12 March 2019
Alice van der meer
Close, Brumbiscuit, right sort of idea – it’s a bride and groom, bride lying on her back, with the groom holding the bottle with its neck in her mouth. It’s very, very phallic!
OK, enough of that…
12 March 2019
Joeydeacondesciples
The Goat Major……….Which used to be the Bluebell(not quite the Rose and Crown) another one of Cardiff’s gentrified pubs.
There are very few traditional boozers left in Cardiff . The Borough is probably the best of a bad bunch
12 March 2019
a middle aged huw
I’d recommend any of these pre-gig in Cardiff: Goat Major, Cottage, Old Arcade, Queen’s Vaults (my ‘local’ when I’m in town), Rummer Tavern, Head of Steam, Kiwis (if you’re brave), Borough (if you’re very brave), Hopbunker.
There are also loads of craft beer bars and gin bars if they’re your thing.
Also some good bars in Mill Lane you can sit outside if the weather is good (very unlikely). The bottom end of St. Mary Street is mainly chain bars, Walkabout etc. so I’d give that a miss.
12 March 2019
dr desperate
Any suggestions for Exeter?
13 March 2019
JITSU_G
A few Exeter suggestions on Facebook replying to my query asking the same
13 March 2019
dr desperate
I’ve never had call to visit Exeter before, but The Prospect on The Quay looks OK.
The CAMRA men on the confusingly-named What ?ub website give it the thumbs up, as does Tripadvisor (apart from one reviewer in 2013 who described it as “one of the most hostile and unpleasant receptions my wife and I have ever experienced”).
Where every Prospect pleases, and only man is vile, eh?
14 March 2019
INJURED BUZZARD
Flight gets in at 12.35. Don’t suppose there’ll be many takers but the Kazakhstan v Scotland game is on at 3pm. Wonder if any pubs will be showing it? Apart from that is the Prospect the meeting place?
19 March 2019
Dawlishian
I’ve got one spare ticket for Exeter on Thurs.
a dot ford at iname dot com
19 March 2019
MR galbraith
Very much doubt the Prospect will be showing the Scotland game (or indeed ANY game) tomorrow. The Black Horse in Longbrook Street would be your best bet.
20 March 2019
dr desperate
Looks like they’re showing the England games only. However, it’s a lot closer to the venue, and with a relatively late start (Flux Capacitors onstage 8.15) we could well try both.
https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/devon/black-horse/?utm_source=g_places&utm_medium=locations&utm_campaign=
20 March 2019
Dawlishian
Still got a spare ticket for Exeter tomorrow. See above
20 March 2019
hendrix-tattoo
To the Biscuiteers going to Exeter tonight have a good un’….
21 March 2019
Brumbiscuit
Any quirks in the timings at Cardiff?
21 March 2019
Injured Buzzard
In the black horse. Really helpful chap put the Scotland game on. Now for 90 minutes of torture…
21 March 2019
AKM
Hi does anyone know the stage times for tonight
Thanks
21 March 2019
JITSU_G
Flux Capacitors on at 8:15
21 March 2019
dr desperate
Having us teas in The Stable, just looked down onto Queen St and saw Nigel + Neil walking past. We waved, they waved back. It’s on!
21 March 2019
More like ken barlow
Looks like I have a spare for Cardiff if anyone is in need.
21 March 2019
BOrough surveyor
Anyone know who the support band will be?
21 March 2019
EXXO
Flux Capacitors. Too old to suck Satan’s cock, but not to rock, apparently. Have been known to double-dip the Blockheads’ hummus so watch yer crisps Mr. B
21 March 2019
Krispo
Anyone know if it’s likely to be a 10 or 11 o’clock curfew at the Devil’s Arse gig? Just trying to work out if I’m likely to make the last train back to Manchester.
25 March 2019
TERRENCE OBLONG
I won’t now be using my Cambridge ticket (the wife is dragging me away on a 2nd honeymoon) if anyone needs a spare
29 March 2019
Alice van der meer
Sent the missus to the O2 to get tickets, she came back with 2 – you’ll have to imagine a heart smiley here.
See you in Oxford!
30 March 2019
Steve Blackmore
Where is the best place to meet Biscuiteers pre-gig at Cambridge?
1 April 2019
Chris The Siteowner
OK, home gig for me so I can do this one. Times from venue…
Closest pub: Earl of Derby (2 mins)
Closest really good pub: Flying Pig (8 mins)
Closest chain food: All around the venue, it’s a ‘Leisure Park’ (0 mins)
Closest really good curry house: Taj (Cambridge’s best?) (2 mins)
Closest really good street burger: Steak & Honour (Cambridge’s best?) outside Swiss Laundry from 6.30pm (4 mins)
Alternative pre-match entertainment: Tracey Thorn at the Cambridge Literature Festival, St Johns College, 5.30–6.30 (30 mins)
(I mention the latter because it’s where I’ll be, it should be interesting and as a bonus, you get to see inside perhaps Cambridge’s most impressive college. I’ll probably stick my head around the door at the Flying Pig about 7pm as I pass. If anyone on their own is interested I’ve got a spare ticket)
1 April 2019
Transit full of keith
Home gig for me too – since Chris has mentioned the Flying Pig, why not? Hope to finally meet some of you in there. Also see comment 79 above for other alehouse recommendations if you’re making a day or weekend of it… Punting on the Backs is painfully expensive, but slightly cheaper if booked from Scudamores in advance. I don’t know if there’s a Punt Bat Safari running, but strictly no dogs.
1 April 2019
0902FRIENDs
Would highly appreciate one of them Tyneside places for pre-gig… Just for old time’s sake! The bar at Broad Chare and the Bridge Tavern look proper mint. Unless someone has better recommendations, of course…
2 April 2019
Steve Blackmore
Flying Pig it is then. Will be in from around six. First HMHB gig …can’t wait.
2 April 2019
I, problem chimp
First gig for me too Friday and back to some old haunts – haven’t been in the Flying Pig in about 15 years… Any ideas of stage times yet?
3 April 2019
dr desperate
I wouldn’t bother ringing the venue: the functionary there says to ring on the day of the event.
She doesn’t know who the support will be either, but is able to reveal that doors open at 7 (as it says on the tickets).
3 April 2019
Chris The Siteowner
IMPORTANT: I’ve been told that the Cambridge gig tomorrow may be cancelled due to illness in the band. Please do not travel without checking here and/or with the venue (01223 511511) first. More news when we have it.
4 April 2019
BOBBY SVARC
Deffo OFF
Nigel sends apologies to all
4 April 2019
Brumbiscuit
Pity, but not surprising after Cardiff. GWS Nigel.
I shall still make my way over as I have a room booked. Drink!
4 April 2019
Twistedkitemike
Yes, as per Bobby’s note, it is definitely off.
Not sure why the venue is being a bit slow to confirm, Nigel’s not a well boy and despite all his ails, MASSIVELY apologetic to all concerned.
Mike……..
4 April 2019
I, problem chimp
Just got email from ticket company confirming postponement…
4 April 2019
hendrix-tattoo
Same as Andy invested monies in trains and hotel.
So sod it, It’s a night on the piss.
Get well soon Nigel and God bless you fella….
4 April 2019
Chris The Siteowner
Confirmed (at last) by the venue. Why they couldn’t do this until 5pm, I don’t know. Still not on the website, but promised soon, they say.
4 April 2019
Pots of the Pennine Ridge
Oh dear. Just arrived in Cambridge from Yorkshire when I received an email from Gigantic tickets. Never mind, plenty of other activities planned….
4 April 2019
hendrix-tattoo
Party at CtsO’s gaff then?
4 April 2019
Pots of the Pennine Ridge
My wife is distraught. It would have been her first HMHB gig!
4 April 2019
Chris The Siteowner
I’ve taken this (unexpected) opportunity to book another Cambridge Literary Festival event, but if anyone’s organising a pub meetup, I may be able to drop by at some stage!
4 April 2019
Gary hyde
Absolutely gutted. Hope Nigel’s up and about soon. Still got hotel booked so is it worth a weekend in Cambridge? Won’t be the same though
4 April 2019
dr desperate
I’d arranged to meet my nephew who works in Cambridge for an early tea followed by pre-gig drinks at The Flying Pig, but now going to Tracey Thorn at 5.30 so the comestibles have been pushed back a bit. I’ll still be Pigging it, probably from 8 onwards.
4 April 2019
brumbiscuit
Excellent that there will be a quorum for a few jars in Cambridge. Seeing as we are not beholden to staying near the venue, can anyone in the know plot a CAMRA-friendly crawl from one side of Cambridge to eventually end up at the FP? The Free Press is one I know & liked back in the day.
Harry will have to wait a while for his next outing. The DP trackie top will still make the trip.
4 April 2019
Chris The Siteowner
@Gary – it’s a decent place, lots to see if you haven’t done so before. Colleges are amazing if you like that sort of thing.
@Dr D – A mate and I are in town for the Literary Festival until 8, so will call in at the Flying Pig on the way home, about 8.30.
@Brumbiscuit – Apart from the Flying Pig and the Free Press, the Kingston Arms and Cambridge Blue off Mill Road are good, and close to each other.
4 April 2019
WARDEN HODGES
Gutted for everyone.
Reminds me of a gig that never happened. Tivoli, Buckley, North Wales around 8 years ago?
Get well soon NB10.
4 April 2019
Transit full of keith
@Brumbiscuit, way way back on this thread at comment #79 I recommended a few places, but a ranger-led excursion may be beyond my organisational skills. I’d be keen to join in at some point, if you can name a venue for say eightish.
Dammit, we were looking forward to the home gig. Best wishes to NB to shake the lurgy swiftly.
4 April 2019
Gary hyde
Cheers Chris. Will still have weekend there. Not in the same league as you and yours but will wear my UFO tee with pride.
4 April 2019
CARRIE ANNE
Thanks for keeping us up to date CtSO, I’ve had no official notification.
We’ve both got trains, hotel and a day off work booked so will still going down to Cambridge, hope to see some of you there.
4 April 2019
emerging from GORSE
Gutted. Unlike a few of the regular contributors, I have neither the time nor the resources to get to gigs further afield, and have come to rely on the triennial outing to Cambridge Junction for my fix of HMHB in a live environment. Not good for wellbeing either; instead of spending the best part of two hours singing along to uplifting music and hurling myself around in a vibrant moshpit, I’ve got to suffer another ninety minutes of extreme stress watching Liverpool. This is a very self-pitying post though – I do, of course, wish NB10 a very speedy recovery.
Hoping to high heaven that any rescheduled gig doesn’t fall on the weekend of my wife’s 50th in June. That would make for a rather tough decision!
5 April 2019
POP-TART MARK
It’ll surely be a Friday again, with the bands other dates and the venue’s other bookings meaning that _IF_ it were to be June, it would most probably be the 28th (I’m not starting any rumours here, just hoping to reassure EfG), but that would mean days off work for Neil & Carl in three consecutive weeks, so I wouldn’t bet on June at all.
5 April 2019
EXXO
@Gorse. For much of the last 6 weeks, not missing the So’ton game on telly tonight has been my main consolation for being unlikely to be able to make the Cambridge gig (although I’d never decided 100% I wouldn’t go, right up to yesterday afternoon).
I say much of the last 6 weeks, because the way they’re playing at the moment means that as you say it’s likely to be stressful, at best.
Now my primary consolation for having to go through the stress of the match tonight is that I may be able to see HMHB in Cambridge when it’s rearranged, and the secondary one is that Man City are in another league anyway (whichever way you want to take that) so let’s drink beers, get ninety-odd points, and enjoy the ride.
5 April 2019
Transit full of keith
If you were relying on the listing page on the Junction site, you might turn up hoping to catch up-and-coming support act, Postponed. A band very much in the tradition of Curry Night.
5 April 2019
EXXO
Talking of which, our mate plays the Junction nextFriday and is a lot more entertaining than his blurb – https://www.junction.co.uk/micky-p-kerr
5 April 2019
Steve blackmore
I m also already in Cambridge and will have a night in the pig. Hope there’s plenty of biscuiteers about for chat and drinks. Gutted. Get well soon NB.
5 April 2019
Steve blackmore
I m also already in Cambridge and will have a night in the pig. Hope there’s plenty of biscuiteers about for chat and drinks. Gutted. Get well soon NB.
5 April 2019
emerging from GORSE
@ Exxo – Couldn’t agree more about City. I’ve been opining since early season that Liverpool could accrue 90-95 points and still finish as runners-up. And yet, just maybe…
Possibly a bit late with this, but for those still coming to Cambridge by rail, and in need of urgent refreshment, the Old Ticket Office (turn right as you leave the station) has a pretty decent selection of beers at reasonable prices.
I was very much hoping the recent Godcore revival would continue this evening. Fear My Wraith in particular would have been suitable, what with the National taking place tomorrow. I’ll be in Ely tonight, not St Ives.
5 April 2019
hendrix-tattoo
Just bumped into CtsO on his way to see Tracie Thorn.
Hoping to see other fellow Biscuiteers later at the Flying Pig….
5 April 2019
BAD LOSER
Sad to hear NB has a bout of Vitas Gerulaitis. As someone who has started travelling much further afield to gigs in the last few years, I know how gutted I would feel. Hope you make something of the night and NB is back in fine fettel soon.
5 April 2019
Transit full of keith
The Pig’s a fine pub… but it’s a trek from other pubs, and v. small. If early arrivers find it so, can I suggest repairing to the Devonshire Arms or Cambridge Blue and posting something on here? Otherwise, hope to spot some away kits in the Pig from 8-ish
5 April 2019
Cream cheese and chives
I wasn’t due to come to Cambridge but was sorry to hear about the cancellation and the disappointment caused. However, I am enjoying the posts by the ticketholding Biscuiteers. The idea of a ragged army arriving and attracting strange looks and the occasional enquiry as to its presence is a great one. Greater still is the thought of the confusion on the faces of the people asking the questions when they hear the reason for the army’s presence. After the weekend, I hope a small rump of the army will remain in the way that the Celtic fans stayed in Manchester after the Rapid Vienna game in 84.
I hope it is a top night.
And of course wish our big nosed balladeer a full recovery.
5 April 2019
EXXO
Perhaps, like the remnants of the wrecked Armada in the West of Ireland, the rag-tag stranded Biscuit remnants will leave future Cambridge generations wondering if there’s a little bit of ¡Biscuitista! in the family bloodline, explaining why they all chuckle mysteriousy whenever certain placenames are heard and why they generally stand out from the dour Fenfolk with their ability to do irony, humour, etc …
5 April 2019
Chris The Siteowner
Well, we’ve managed to get a table eventually in the rather cosy Flying Pig, with maybe 10-12 in all. There’s a one man blues band playing in a bit…
5 April 2019
EXXO
Hope he does requests.
5 April 2019
dr desperate
No, he kept playing.
6 April 2019
Transit full of keith
Great to meet several of you at the impromptu Biscuit Convention at the Flying Pig yesterday. Looking forward to a rescheduled Cambridge fixture some time soon…
6 April 2019
Steve Blackmore
Anyone got any skinny regarding the re-arranged Cambridge gig or indeed Nigel’s health.
11 April 2019
charlie
Does anyone know of a good campsite that’s close to Castleton for the gig in August? The YHA is block booked and I’m travelling with (a very young) family…I’ve found one called Rowter Farm, but wondered if anyone was local or had any previous knowledge..Hoping to tramp up Kinder Scout early on the Friday…
13 April 2019
Me Ed
Cambridge rescheduled to 6th September.
15 April 2019
hendrix-tattoo
Ticketmaster have just informed me that the 5th of April tickets will be valid for the new date….
15 April 2019
transit full of keith
Yay, good news that. Worth posting maybe that the email from the Junction says if you can’t make the new date, *refunds must be requested before 29 April* with the tickets returned to them (I don’t know if it’s the same for Ticketmaster etc).
16 April 2019
GORDON BURNS
Very impressed with Cambridge Junction. They’ve sent me several emails now about the postponed gig. They could have just washed their hands. It’s not like any of it was their fault.
16 April 2019
EXXO
Having known the place for 30 years, I have to say it’s always been the same – a proper caring community arts centre, nothing like a corporate venue, though it always seems odd that it’s there on the ‘leisure park’ with all the corporate chain stuff.
16 April 2019
I, problem chimp
It looks like it depends where you got your tickets from as to refund request dates – Gigantic are saying 14 days before *rescheduled* date, which is useful as I’m not going to be sure if I can make the new one until much nearer the time… At least there’s a decent chance I might with it being September – any earlier and it would have almost certainly been a ‘no’…
16 April 2019
transit full of keith
The Junction is Cambridge’s best venue & better than the cavernous Corn Exchange. The Portland Arms is also good for smaller and obscurer gigs, around 150 capacity – incongruously, it played host to 80s pop sensation Tifanny last year, presumably in some kind of (Climie) Fisher-style late career move.
An acquaintance reckons he was at HMHB’s first Cambridge gig, and that it took place at the Alma pub, probably in 1985. I would be impressed indeed if anyone on here was there, or can confirm the venue …
16 April 2019
0902FRIENDs
Who’s got Ron Seal now…? And will we get to see him in Newcastle?
17 April 2019
Mr Ed
Ron Seal has gone to see the Dr as he had a slight blowout. I am sure he will be in Newcastle. I am really looking forward to this one.
17 April 2019
INJURED BUZZARD
Any recommendations for pubs in Newcastle?
22 April 2019
dr desperate
Bridge Tavern, possibly? On-site microbrewery, so you’ll really be able to smell the hops.
23 April 2019
0902FRIENDs
Mint! Would love to take Ron for a Tyneside roam but got dinner booked with friends (also gig-goers) at 6. If traffic allows might pop in just to take him for a walk. If not I’ll find you lot and tag along for a bit after the gig!
23 April 2019
Mr Ed
Bridge Tavern looks good to me. They serve artisan beer, not sure about the gossip. Conveniently close the Quayside Premier Inn.
24 April 2019
argieuk
Box Social near the venue very good (but small) The Bridge Hotel (different to Bridge Tavern) also good- larger and still near. Beer Street and Split Chimp also worthwhile- and Newcastle Tap and Head of Steam opposite the station.
26 April 2019
Low drone
I have a spare e-ticket for tonight. Have reluctantly agreed to go pick up the keys to our new house rather than drive 10 hours to see the four lads. Not sure how to get it to anybody who wants it. Free to a good home or any donations gratefully received.
26 April 2019
hendrix-tattoo
Docs polished, Punk pants and Satisfying the Bloodlust of the Masses Tee-shirt ironed.
“Howay man! We gannin’ doon the Toon….
26 April 2019
Ben
Careful with the bridge tavern – big walk uphill or upstairs to the venue. Bridge Hotel more walk friendly. Telegraph even better cos its 2 mins from venue
26 April 2019
Lee’s 21st
I’m struggling to find any place to stay in Castleton for the cave gig. Being a tourist-hotspot, plus absolute peak season, all places are 2 night stays only, and not cheap.
At the similarly isolated Roadwater Village Hall gig in 2009, a local fan managed to convince the village pub to allow us to sleep in our cars overnight in their car park. Is there anyone with local Castleton knowledge that could try and swing a similar solution? I really want to go to this gig!!
28 April 2019
BOBBY SVARC
You only need a tent, sleeping bag and a spade.
28 April 2019
Bloke out walking the dog
Might be worth trying accommodation in Chapel en le Frith or Buxton, then taxi share with others via this site?
3 May 2019
Dov
After 3 tickets for Edinburgh cos I’m a procrastinating gonk.
4 May 2019
cream cheese and chives
@ DOV I have two spare. I ordered two and- after a drink-forgot I had done it so ordered two more. I think CtSO might put us in touch if we ask nicely.
4 May 2019
Dov
Happy for my email to be shared with you. Me and bairn very keen.
4 May 2019
Cream cheese and chives
@Dov Let it happen bass player.
5 May 2019
CARRIE ANNE
The Liquid Room website is indicating that the Edinburgh gig is a sell out.
21 May 2019
parsfan
I picked up the June edition of The Skinny earlier today. I wasn’t expecting anything on the lads in it, there never is, but they do have a mention in the listings:
HALF MAN HALF BISCUIT
THE LIQUID ROOM, FROM 19:00. £22
Sardonic post punk veterans know for their relentless touring schedule and surrealist humour.
Lots of good stuff in there nonetheless, interviews with Meursault, Honeyblood and Sacred Paws would have made it worth paying for.
29 May 2019
Graeme
I’m looking for two tickets for Edinburgh gig, anyone able to help me out?
30 May 2019
Gipton Teenager
LFC about to start, ticket for Holmfirth arrived this morning, games night at the pub tonight, I think I may burst.
5 June 2019
Dog on the pitch
Need an additional ticket for Edinburgh. Any spares?
5 June 2019
alan
anyone driving to Holmfirth there and back from merseyside with space in car willing to take my petrodollars?
7 June 2019
dr desperate
Leading up to another gig in The Athens of the North, RIP the man with the best nickname in football, Justin ‘Musselburgh’ Edinburgh.
9 June 2019
peejaygee
Where are folk going for a drink pre and post gig in Auld Reekie ( Edinburgh’s nickname from more industrial times ) ?
9 June 2019
Edward Ian L’Ampoon
Anyone got any idea of what sort of time support and main band will be on in Edinburgh?
10 June 2019
dr desperate
JD Meatyard, the man in the know, says he’ll be on 7.30 – 8; HMHB 8.30 – 10. Stage curfew 10, Disco Doors 10.30.
(Probably best to swerve Disco Doors – I believe their version of ‘Light My Disco Inferno’ is particularly glib.)
11 June 2019
Edward Ian L’Ampoon
Thanks for info Dr D. Their version of ‘No-one here gets out of staying alive’ is worth a listen though. Docs polished and ‘Cresta’ t-shirt’ ironed, I’m ready to go.
11 June 2019
Edward Ian L’Ampoon
Mind you if they played either ‘Not to touch the earth wind and fire’ or ‘All hail the American night fever’, I’d stump up the money to sponsor the mosh-pit myself.
11 June 2019
Ian c
Early start in Edinburgh. Anyone heading up or down looking for a decent ruby you could do worse than Zest.
12 June 2019
Phyllis Triggs
Unfortunately I can’t get to the Holmfirth gig so now have 2 tickets available if anyone wants them. Cost price, 20 quid apiece to any takers – be great if someone could help out. Contact via Chris TSO who says he will put us in touch. Cheers.
12 June 2019
hendrix-tattoo
Docs polished, Punk pants and Motorway sign tee-shirt ironed.
Och aye a noo….
14 June 2019
Bobby Svarc
Enjoy your gig folks, I hope they do Footsteps for you Carrie Ann.
14 June 2019
GORDON BURNS
Lothian bus times checked. The last few 27s are going my way. Might even try a different bus, given the early curfew.
14 June 2019
dr desperate
Anyone staying on in Edinburgh might consider stopping in at the National Gallery for the Bridget Riley exhibition opening tomorrow (though admittedly she’s not the sort of thing to spring on a chap with a morning head).
14 June 2019
INJURED BUZZARD
After the disappointment of missing Edinburgh, compensation awaits in Holmfirth. Staying at the Old Bridge Inn. Any plans for pre-gig hostelries?
17 June 2019
eXXO
@ Gipton T – you going Friday? Train & then bus? Anyone who fancies the Huddersfield station pub crawl before the bus to Holmfirth – and it is probably the only station in the world to have two pubs of this quality – let me know.
17 June 2019
eXXO
By the way, H-Tat Tony, I can’t ever remember you commenting on the King’s Head sign … I hope this doesn’t mean you have never set foot therein.
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g190748-d12156977-Reviews-Kings_Head-Huddersfield_West_Yorkshire_England.html
Will you be travelling via Huddersfield station perchance this Friday?
Less relevantly, I’m reminded to show you what I’ll be wearing the next time I see Karl playing Hey Joe
http://www.twipu.com/Kopculture1/tweet/1132954048234250240
17 June 2019
Gipton Teenager
@Exxo. This Tony will be in ‘Udders on Friday, Nigel. I’ll be getting my train ticket tomorrow ( £8.70 train & bus)
17 June 2019
EXXO
Splendid. I shall engage you in some telephony later on.
17 June 2019
hendrix-tattoo
Exxo, I always pop in the Kings Head before getting the bus into Holmfirth and will be doing so on Friday around 2-ish….
Less relevantly “I remember you from previous bad shirts.”
17 June 2019
EXXO
Yees, we’re having the so-called ‘banter’ already. See you there then, around 2-ish.
17 June 2019
INJURED BUZZARD
@Exxo & H-T. Arr, Huddersfield 14.07. See you there.
17 June 2019
Gipton Teenager
Kings Head 14.07 for me too?
19 June 2019
EXXO
Excellent. As you may have surmised, the phone that briefly held your number like a mayfly on a Berkshire trout river a few weeks back is either no longer the phone I have, or no longer has your number. I could honestly not tell you which, because Mrs. Exford has juggled at least 3 of the same model of phone recently and at least one of them has crashed and stuff. I’m definitely not bringing a phone to the gig but I will have a pen and paper.
19 June 2019
Amusing Epithet
Aged 41 and it’s my first HMHB gig tomorrow. Having nosed through a few comments I feel massively under prepared. That said I have been to watch Cammell Laird FC (away win for my team) and also saw Elbow at Delamere although both of these actions were carried out entirely without irony. I do have a few spare tickets if anyone knows of anyone who needs one…
20 June 2019
Gipton Teenager
@AMUSING EPITHET- Welcome aboard. Hope you enjoy the show. It’s always nice when youngsters come along.
20 June 2019
ThAt chinese guY
(Could explain the nick later)
Hi all, this is Thorsten from Hamburg. If someone is looking for a ticket tomorrow (or knows someone who does): my ticket is available at the Picturedrome. Free to the first caller. I can’t pick it up myself because I missed the ferry tonight so I have to stay this night in Rotterdam which renders me crossing the North Sea when HMHB enters the stage 🙁
They say one needs official identification, but I’d guess showing the confirmation email (which I will forward to you of course) should be enough. I could even throw in a paid double room at Coddy’s Farm in Holmfirth. If someone needs a bed after the gig. As above, it’s paid anyway.
@CTS: I haven’t thought about the contact handling, actually. Is there a way to do that without publishing my email address?
Thank you and best regards
Thorsten
Email me at chris@chrisrand.com if interested – CtSO
20 June 2019
EXXO
Ouch! Thorsten that is so unlucky … and all the more admirable that you have come straight on the Project to give the ticket away. You are a star (we already knew that, but you have proved it again).
Let’s all do what we can to make sure that, at the very least, Thorsten does not pay for a beer next time he comes over for a gig.
BTW – @Niall and HAHB – Hamburg is calling!
21 June 2019
That chinese guy
Dear Exxo, Thank you! Still nurturing fond memories of the Magical Biscuitery Tour last year – that was a truly magnificent experience, thank you so much!
21 June 2019
EXXO
Cheers Thorsten. Well since nobody’s snapped it up yet, I’ll find a deserving home for your ticket and next time I’ll buy the beers and the pub dinner. Emailing you now.
This could be Rotterdam or anywhere
But Liverpool or the Holme
‘Cause Rotterdam is anywhere
Anywhere alone
21 June 2019
dr desperate
Ouch, Thorsten, sorry we won’t be seeing you this time. Coddy’s Farm is really nice, too. What’s the opposite of cock-a-hoop in Rotterdam?
21 June 2019
hendrix-tattoo
Docs polished, Punk pants and bad tee-shirt ironed.Holmfirth here I come….”Eeh by gum!”
21 June 2019
hendrix-tattoo
So sorry Thorsten that you can’t make tonight. Here’s a little joke that may lift your spirits….
A dog was drowning in a pond. Luckily a German man walked past and pulled it from the water to try and save it.
I asked the man, “Are you a vet?”
The man replied, “Am I vet? I’m fucking soaking!”
21 June 2019
EXXO
At ye olde signe of Jim’s Head about 2.50, and intending never to be closer than a pint behind.
21 June 2019
That chinese guY
@DD, @HT et al. Thank you for your support! I hope you all will enjoy a splendid night & looking forward to seeing you some time soon!
Btw: the room is still available.
21 June 2019
That chinese guy
I guess you are assembling around the Picturedrome now… While I sit here with my Some Fell On Stony Ground t-shirt in the Pride Of Rotterdam vessel‘s cafe… :-/
Regarding the room: as there was no interest to take it I found it decent to report the landlord my no-show, so the room is now cancelled.
Have a great night!
21 June 2019
Gipton Teenager
Sorry if someone has mentioned this before, but it just occurred to me the other day that one of my favourite imprecations, which I use often, presents itself at that there cave. I refer to “Arse Biscuits”, Father Jack’s finest moment.
27 June 2019
mister tubbs
Hello there, I’ve got a ticket for the re-arranged Cambridge gig in September, which I can’t make, so if anyone is looking for a ticket, they can have mine. Email CtSO.
3 July 2019
EXXO
Half-heard on the wireless before that Jarvis Cocker, who did an Arse gig of his own last year (is his current record, with its troglodyte scenes, inspired thereby?), is doing a programme on the wireless on 11 August about wandering the Peaks, the mass trespass, his ‘art trail’ and that. Can’t remember what station they said, and can’t find it on the web yet, but it can only be R4 or 6Music really, and it’ll be a nice taster before the Castleton trip. So I’ll put this to this’ll remind me to find out when it’s on, nearer the time.
Leave it as it is:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-48844018
10 July 2019
dr desperate
Any pre-Chartist demonstrators disappointed at not being in Manchester for the 200th anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre on 16th August might consider joining one of these marches, planned for the following morning. They’re timed to arrive at St Peter’s Field (Windmill St M2 3GX) for a Six Acts Illegal Picnic at 3pm.
Or you could just pick up some craft beer and get there in time for a nice picnic.
http://www.peterloomassacre.org/images/namesmap.jpg
https://www.all-things-considered.org/peterloo-marches-2018
23 July 2019
Chris The Siteowner
First gig of 2020 announced.
23 July 2019
Clown in a yaris
Does anyone know what the Northampton venue is like. Never been to Northampton.
(New name suits me to a tee).
25 July 2019
Matt
Hello all – I’ve got digs booked for Castleton but not going to use them now. Unfortunately it’s 2 nights minimum in the pub there (The George) and I can’t make both nights (annoyingly as the Wedding Present are on on the Saturday!). I’m going to cancel the booking and release it back into the wild on Booking.com in a day or 2. Just a heads up in case anyone was looking.
(Interested? Email me and I’ll pass on details – Chris)
29 July 2019
Matt
Had no interest so cancelling it now. In other news, I need one more ticket for said gig if anyone has one.
Thanks.
1 August 2019
kittymc
I’ve got one going spare for Peak Cavern … booked for a friend but she’s done gone going to Bulgaria instead. Don’t quite know how this works but perhaps Chris will sort it?
1 August 2019
Matt
Kitty, that would be great, thanks.
If Chris lets can pass on details that would be fab, ta.
1 August 2019
dr desperate
Received the long-range from the Met (well, Peak Cavern) yesterday: “Unfortunately, due to the excessive rainfall over the last two days, the inner part of the cavern is still flooded”, though today they’re saying “The water is now receding.”
The Devil’s Arse is 10 miles from Whaley Bridge, whose inhabitants were evacuated last night amid fears they were “in mortal danger” of the Toddbrook Reservoir dam collapsing. The A6 and East Midlands Trains line from Manchester to Hope are closed (bus replacement service in operation). An RAF Chinook helicopter is currently dropping 400 tonnes of aggregate onto the surrounding watercourses to prevent more water getting in, and avoid Nigel having to call the whole caboodle off.
2 August 2019
Transit full of keith
It’s like the plot of Evening of Swing come to life.
Not going myself – fingers crossed for the ticket-holders, but even more so for the residents of Whaley Bridge.
2 August 2019
EXXO
As I understand it there is no Hope on the replacement bus service, no Hope Valley transport.No train tickets being sold for any date.
If the batcave drains and is declared playable, but public transport is not restored, that will be a massive dilemna at best for The Gig Cartel. Who would presumably lose a bit of good faith if it went ahead in such circumstances.
[NB at this stage it is not much to do with the band – venue & promoter will decide according to contract ]
2 August 2019
CARRIE ANNE
Except there is regular public transport to Castleton, the 271/272 service from Sheffield Interchange, so I doubt The Gig Cartel will be too worried.
2 August 2019
EXXO
You may be right.
2 August 2019
GORDON BURNS
One to follow during the run-up…
https://twitter.com/DevilsArse
2 August 2019
dr desperate
Anyone hanging around Castleton the day after the gig (and swerving the Peterloo marches, see post 249 above) might consider making use of the Hope Valley Explorer bus. For 6 quid an all-day hop-on, hop-off ticket will take you as far as Blue John Cavern, Edale, Bamford and Fairholmes. The timetable also shows direct extensions of the bus routes to Dronfield (Sheffieldish) and Chesterfield.
https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/yorkshire/hope-valley-explorer
3 August 2019
pop-tart mark
Meanwhile in Furness, word has taken wing upon the wind of an Eastertide pageant on the feast day of St. Donan.
4 August 2019
Charlie
I have stuffed up massively. By hook or by crook I’m looking for 4 tickets for Peak Cavern…can anyone help in part or total….
6 August 2019
Charlie
Got two this morning. If anyone has a ticket spare or sees one advertised please can you give me a shout. Thanks so much.
8 August 2019
Bloke out walking the dog
Anybody else staying on the caravan club site for the Castleton gig?
9 August 2019
IDIOT SAUL
Camping also available at Blackwell in the Peak. You have to drive through Blackwell Dale to get to Castleton from there. Just saying.
https://beechcroftfarm.co.uk
9 August 2019
Bloke out walking the dog
Other camping sites are, indeed, available?
9 August 2019
dr desperate
Stage times at the Devil’s Arse, from the horse’s mouth:
Arse opens: 7:00 pm
JD Meatyard: 7:20 – 7:45
HMHB: 8 – 10
Curfew 10:30.
Any thoughts on drinking establishments in Castleton? There appear to be seven within 350 yards on the main strip, including Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (not to be confused with The Cheshire Cheese, 2 miles away in Hope).
10 August 2019
EXXO
You find us another national treasure of a broadcasting legend to chat to John, and I’ll be wherever you are. Failing that, Sheffield CAMRA provide this excellent page, indicating that 2 or 3 of the pubs can be expected to have decent selections, the others very mainstream.
https://sheffield.camra.org.uk/2015/11/a-pub-crawl-in-castleton/
@Dog Walking Bloke. Where be my camper van? We were due to be staying there at the CC place, but our dog’s knee op last week means 3 out 4 of my party (Dog, Mrs. Exxo & Van) won’t be around after all. So guess I’ll be rough camping somewhere around. It’s the harvest moon – memories of surprisingly chilly nights on previous August full moons – so I guess it’ll be a 4/5 season bag with a hip flask then.
10 August 2019
EXXO
Oh and by way of atmosphere and setting the scene, Mr. B recommended that we watch this. Think on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DOdK45sBnk
10 August 2019
Bloke out walking the dog
Good luck with the rough camping Exxo – hope your dog is ok.
We had a chat a few years back in the Salisbury in Manchester; I was wearing a Nerys Hughes t shirt and come from where the beak is weak ?
11 August 2019
dr desperate
Thanks for the CAMRA link, @Exxo: my pin-in-the-map choice of Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese looks as good as any.
I’ll do what I can about broadcasting legends.
11 August 2019
FErencvaros fan
Am also staying on caravan & motorhome site in Castleton, arriving Thurs 15th. New to here but do know Dr Desperate from back in the day. Know Castleton well. All pubs are ok. Happy to join up wherever the action is Fri, and maybe also Thurs. Will probably be wearing a dark Ferencvaros hoodie. Cheers for now.
11 August 2019
Ben Woodcock
@Charlie (or anyone else who is in need)
Tragically, I think I have to cancel my visit to the Devil’s Arse due to rain-based disasters at my house.
So I have 2 spare tickets. Do you still need them ? Would face value be ok ?
12 August 2019
Bloke out walking the dog
@ferencvaros fan, we will be there Friday/ Saturday, in a Laika motorhome. Say hello if you spot us ?
12 August 2019
FerencvaroS Fan
@BOWTD, thanks for your response. Meeting Dr Desperate @ Co in the Cheese Fri. Will no doubt catch you then ?
12 August 2019
dr desperate
@Jitsu_G: if you’re wearing your Honvéd shirt on Friday, don’t start anything with Ferencváros Fan.
12 August 2019
Ben Woodcock
OK – I definitely have 2 tickets available and Charlie doesn’t need them now.
Does anyone need 2 for the Devil’s Arse ?
Cheers
Ben
12 August 2019
EXXO
I need one, but I won’t mention that yet, as (i) it might be easier for you to sell a pair and (ii) am fairly confident that supply will edge in front of demand in the final straight as the going eases.
Forecast now ‘one drop’ every hour from 8am Friday through till 11pm Sunday. Need new military goretex type fishing jacket anyway, so maybe if I ebay now it’ll be here by end of week? The complete opposite of pumpkin Paramo, if push comes to shove I’ll be so well camouflaged, I can just slip in unnoticed through a pot-hole.
12 August 2019
Ben Woodcock
@EXXO
OK – if I still have them by Wednesday then I’ll give you a shout – selling one is better than none and if I post first thing Wednesday then a ticket would almost certainly be with you by Thursday
Cheers
Ben
12 August 2019
alan
anyone know the stage times friday, booked for inn keeper’s pie at Ye Old Cheshire Cheese at 6pm?
Making our way from Loggerheads to Hope about 4pm
12 August 2019
dr desperate
@Alan
See post 269 above.
13 August 2019
alan
cheers Dr Desperate
13 August 2019
Matt
Hello again.
Has everyone who bought their tickets from SeeTickets had them through yet?
Got one of mine off the resale link there but had nothing through yet.
Thanks
13 August 2019
Charlie
Hi Matt,
I’ve had nothing but I spoke with John at Speedwell Cavern, who contacted the Gig Cartel and they had down me on the database and confirmed I was on the list.
Charlie
13 August 2019
Ben Woodcock
@Matt
I got mine through SeeTickets but not the resale version. Unfortunately, mine are now on the resale site because I cannot go.
Ben
13 August 2019
Matt
Cheers.
Will give them a ring and see what’s doing then.
13 August 2019
Ben woodcock
@exxo
I think one of my tickets had better come your way. What’s the best way to get it to you?
13 August 2019
EXXO
So it’s an actual old school real ticket? If so I’d better give you some extra on top (paypal?) to post it first class recorded. Please e-mail Chris the Site Owner and we can sort it.
13 August 2019
Ben woodcock
Meh – I’ll happily stump up postage. I’ll shout Chris now
14 August 2019
Bobby Svarc
The met say its going to be very difficult for wet in the Central and North Midlands today with 13 hours of heavy rain and thunderstorms. I think we’re gonna need a bigger boat.
14 August 2019
A24, m25, M1…
(Soft Southerner Alert!)
Some of you are camping?!
14 August 2019
Littlegrafter
I have a spare for Friday night if anyone needs one, face value or best offer. I’ll be loitering around Castleton beforehand.
14 August 2019
hendrix-tattoo
In the next few weeks I will be flitting.
So that means my Cambridge gig ticket is up for grabs if anyone wants it.
I’m sure CtsO will put you in touch with me if anybody is interested….
14 August 2019
Bloke out walking the dog
Will the Castleton gig be the closest ever staged to a place named in one of the songs I wonder?
14 August 2019
Chris The Siteowner
Well there was this!
(Actually, while we’re on that site, I didn’t realise how many of the very old gigs they had listed. Must be as comprehensive as anywhere online, I’d have thought)
14 August 2019
Bloke out walking the dog
Rock City – how stupid of me. What I should have asked , ( of course) is, other than Rock City, will the Castleton gig be the closest ever staged to a place named in one of the songs?
14 August 2019
Welsh goth
The light at the end of the tunnel is the light of the oncoming tramshed?
14 August 2019
Helen Carr
Matlock Bath?
14 August 2019
Bloke out walking the dog
@ HelenCarr
Hope.
14 August 2019
Mike mccarthy
Has anyone still got a spare ticket for Castleton on Friday please?
14 August 2019
IDIOT SAUL
Is Mam Tor closer?
14 August 2019
Bloke out walking the dog
@idiot Saul – I think that’s probably correct.
15 August 2019
Littlegrafter
@MIKE MCCARTHY
Yes I have one, you still need it?
15 August 2019
CARRIE ANNE
The Leadmill (and indeed The Boardwalk) in Sheffield are both less than a 10 minute stroll from The Crucible.
15 August 2019
The Bongomaster
Spare ticket available for Friday night in Castleton! No reasonable offer refused. I’m still going but wife can’t make it due to sick pet. Email me if interested ianmaynard@msn.com
15 August 2019
alan
spare ticket here for Devils Arse, we’ll be in ye olde cheese inn after 6pm
15 August 2019
EXXO
Obviously we can’t include the names of the various regions and cities they have played in, from the Wirral Peninsula to Leicestershire to Blackpool to Bradford or Leeds to Matlock Bath to Lincoln to Camden. Nor actual venues – Glasto & Rock City Notts. Nor spoof venues – though the Deptford Abyss could just be an actual identifiable venue that they have played.
Mam Tor would be the closest of The Blackwells (see lists thread) to a gig*, but at over a mile and about 20 minutes away, by no means the closest topgraphical feature. This honour I immediately suspected would probably go to a river, HMHB having played within 150 yards of the Wensum and probably within 20-30 yards of the Severn (just trying to remember the position of the stage there in Shrewsbury).
City centre locations are also hot contenders, as Karen points out. I immediately went running to revise where the Met Bar and Groucho are – no, of course not, not too near a HMHB venue – and then of course The Blob, Rodney Street and the LIPA car park will be within a few minutes’ stroll of various venues they have played, The Blob surely closest?
Then of course Birkenhead. Karl plays every month or so within a few yards of Cammell Lairds, and HMHB have also performed in the early days within yards of the A552 … on yeah and within yards of the A47 in at least one city, maybe two.
*second nearest Blackwell probably The Wrekin, just 3 miles from the famous Telford Tax Office Redundancy Party gig.
Well you did ask.
15 August 2019
Bloke out walking the dog
@EXXO – superbly comprehensive answer!?
15 August 2019
Ferenvaros fan
@BOWTD
#79
Cheers for now
15 August 2019
Bloke out walking the dog
@Ferenvaros fan – will look out for you.
15 August 2019
Cream cheese and chives
Just seen the Four Horsemen buying gaiters and kagouls in Castleton.
15 August 2019
Littlegrafter
Safely pitched up at Pindale Farm, the evening sun has just gone down over Kinder Scout and Mam Tor, and post tea cards are being dealt. Shame we’ll not get the view tomorrow, but it should be special nevertheless.
15 August 2019
brumbiscuit
@ Ferenvaros fan: I’ll overlook the accented ‘á’, but not missing out the ‘c’.
16 August 2019
Ferencvaros fan
@Brumbiscuit
Guilty as charged. No excuses. Sorry!
16 August 2019
alan
bring a snorkel, or Elon Musk’s mini sub
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DOdK45sBnk
16 August 2019
Mike
Hi, I’ve got a spare ticket for tonight as one of the travelling party has dropped out with a gammy arm. Drop me a line at mchlfryer@gmail.com
16 August 2019
lord leominster
Bad tattoo?
16 August 2019
Mike
@LordLeo Encounter with a swan
16 August 2019
Exxo
Wandering the peaks. BBC now showing less than 50% chance of rain after midnight tonight -whoopee. Might yet put up tent by the odd glimpse of the silvery moon. And I’m pretty sure I’ve got all the right poles.
16 August 2019
lord leominster
@MIKE
Careful now
16 August 2019
hendrix-tatoo
Snorkel and flippers at the ready. Devil’s Arse here I come….
16 August 2019
BOBBY SVARC
Netweather reckon that it will only rain twice after 3pm, once for 7 hours and once for 3 hours.
https://www.netweather.tv/weather-forecasts/uk/7-day/5697~Castleton
16 August 2019
Bloke out walking the dog
@ ferencvaros fan – we have arrived. ,#2. Waiting for the chip van to fire up, then heading to the Cheshire Cheese.
16 August 2019
Ferencvaros fan
@BOWTD
In the Cheese now with Dr Desperate and a few more hard core! Going for a pizza in about 45 mins. Hope to see you later ?
16 August 2019
Mike
Spare ticket for nowt if anyone wants it. I’m in the Peak Hotel pub now, leaving for cavern after I’ve finished these chips
16 August 2019
Ferencvaros fan
Back in the Cheese. Far end.
16 August 2019
The harbinger of nothing
… presumably before heading up the Arse. Far end?
16 August 2019
Clown in a yaris
Will be I Cambridge for Fridays gig but only have my ticket from April’s non event. Is it valid or do I need to get it changed.
2 September 2019
dr desperate
I got mine through Ents24, and they emailed me in April to say “Tickets remain valid for the new date, or face value refunds are available if tickets are returned”. If you’ve still got yours it should be valid.
2 September 2019
GORDON BURNS
Dear Customer,
Thank you for booking tickets for Half Man Half Biscuit originally on Friday 5th April 2018 at Cambridge Junction.
Unfortunately due to illness this event was postponed. We have arranged for the event to take place on Friday 6th September 2019.
All tickets remain valid for the event if you wish to go to the new date. If you cannot make the new date, A refund of your order can be made in full and should be back in your account in 3-5 working days upon request. Refunds must be requested before 5pm on Monday the 29th of April.
Any tickets already issued must be returned to the Box Office before a refund can be processed
If you would like to attend the new date please let us know (you can reply to this email) and we will transfer you over! Any customers that have not requested a refund by the deadline will also be transferred to the new date.
Our apologies for any disappointment caused by the postponement and we hope to see you at the new date.
Kind regards,
The Events Team
Cambridge Junction
Clifton Way
Cambridge
CB1 7GX
Box Office: 01223 511 511
Admin: 01223 578 000
Tickets@junction.co.uk
2 September 2019
That chinese guy
Dear all, sorry for the last minute shot in the blue:
Anyone having a spare ticket for Friday? Willing to pay obviously. As it turned out I’m in London this week “for business reasons” 🙂
If Apple Maps is not completely off track it should be possible to reach Cambridge within 1 1/2 hours from here either by train or hire car.
Thanks in advance! (And thank you @Chris TSO for handling email contacts?!)
Kind regards
Thorsten
2 September 2019
hendrix-tattoo
Sorry Thorsten, Mine was up for grabs and because of no takers I’ve now decided to go.
Why don’t you contact the venue to see can you pay in on the night.
@Gordon Burns has kindly posted the number above….
2 September 2019
That chinese guY
Hi Tony, thanks for the suggestion. Let’s see where that gets me.
2 September 2019
Chris The Siteowner
Also, the venue is 5-10 minutes from the railway station, and under an hour from Kings Cross, so you might find it easier to jump on a train.
2 September 2019
Alice van der meer
…though if you do decide to drive, Cambridge does at least have Park and Rides that work, unlike Oxford.
2 September 2019
Chris The Siteowner
Weeeeellll, sort of. The obvious P&R to use, riot-free Trumpington, will only take you to the railway station, and a long way round via the hospital. The P&R which gets you close to the gig venue, Babraham Road, is much less accessible. And buses back to both stop about 8pm anyway, which makes then all but useless except for commuters. If you’re driving, I’d head in and park on the industrial estate behind the venue, or in the NCP car park right next to it. Cambridge’s congestion problems are well documented but at that time of day it’s your best bet.
I’ll take my ‘Secretary of Smarter Cambridge Transport’ hat off now.
2 September 2019
GORDON BURNS
…don’t forget that the A14 is a disaster area. I’m guessing it’ll mostly be closed late on Friday, after the gig.
3 September 2019
hendrix-tattoo
Viel Glück mein Freund….
3 September 2019
Alice van der meer
OK, Boss, I’d like that to read “The one I use works”… (at the gogs end)
3 September 2019
dr desperate
One is reminded of the episode of ‘Yes Minister’ where Jim Hacker asks his PPS why there were two really good roads to Oxford but only one to Cambridge. Bernard replies, “It’s been years since Transport had a Permanent Secretary from Cambridge”.
3 September 2019
Transit full of keith
Good point about the A14. Avoid if possible and allow loads of extra time if driving from the North or Midlands to Cambridge on Friday. Full closure of the section near Huntingdon at the weekends. While you’re capturing the zeitgeist, they’re widening the motorway.
3 September 2019
I, problem chimp
Do we have any idea of stage times yet? As someone who uses the A14 on a daily basis (albeit further west, but still part of the redevelopment) I am well aware of the need for careful forward planning!
3 September 2019
Chris The Siteowner
If anyone’s wondering about a beer venue before the gig, I’d suggest reconvening at the Flying Pig, a fine real ale and live music pub between the railway station and the venue which is fighting a rearguard action against property developers. If you want to eat as well as drink, the Earl of Derby pub is an alternative. Anyone who hasn’t been to the venue before will find that it’s surrounded by chain eateries (Nando’s, Frankie & Benny’s, Bella Italia, Subway, Five Guys) as well as a reasonable music-themed indie burger joint (Rocker’s). Best choice though is Cambridge’s favourite curry house, the Taj Tandoori, which is magnificent but do book ahead as it’s full most nights.
3 September 2019
Alice van der meer
Living near “the other place”, I can tell you that all roads to Oxford are rubbish!
If anyone is spending a bit longer in Cambridge, in a previous existence the landlord of the Castle Tavern (Inn? Anyway, it’s just downhill from the non-castle) used to be Barry Wom of The Rutles.
3 September 2019
JIM HARRISON
Hi Thorsten – I have a spare ticket available if you still need one.
Will be in London Thursday afternoon, or can meet at the venue.
Jim
3 September 2019
That chinese guy
Hi Jim, thank you for the kind offer! Actually I got the issue successfully solved with Cambridge Junction this morning! I just had to sit through an exam this afternoon so couldn’t reply earlier. So I’m fine now. From what I understood they maintain a waiting list at box office so this might be an alternative way to sell on a ticket?
Again thank you so much for your support – will work out my way to and fro the venue tonight!
See you on Friday!
3 September 2019
DOB
Jim
If that ticket’s still going, would love to take it off your hands. Didn’t think I’d be able to do the show but can now go and have been looking out for a while. Would have to meet at the venue.
I’m at dob66atyahoodotcom
Cheers
Denis
3 September 2019
James Harrison
No worries, Thorsten, glad you got sorted. Denis, I have sent you an email and will see you on Friday!
4 September 2019
DOB
Cheers James
Now no longer a man of constant sorrow.
Denis
4 September 2019
Gary dEvine
I have 2 tickets available for Cambridge on Friday, £40 for the pair.
email at garydevine60595@gmail.com
5 September 2019
brumbiscuit
Due to parsimony, I shall be selling my soul to the Pro-Brexit Spoonies outfit at the Regal from around 4pm. We may show our faces later on at the Flying Pig.
Harry should be parked outside the Junction from about the same time.
5 September 2019
Clown in a yaris
If you see anyone loitering around the Flying Pig in an Evil Gazebo tee shirt it’ll be me. Please come say hello. Will be my first HMHB gig.
6 September 2019
hendrix-tattoo
Honved shirt ironed.
Cambridge here I come….
6 September 2019
Transit full of keith
Junction ‘not 100% sure’ but expect unidentified support 7.30-8, then Half Man to take the stage at 8.30. I’ll be aiming for the Pig at 7-ish but not sure if I’ll make it. Irritatingly my Colin Kirkus themed T-shirt seems to have gone missing, either on holiday or in my tip of a house…
6 September 2019
INTHEFIELDS
We had tickets for the April gig. The day before I broke my arm – badly. While waiting in A&E that evening a text came through saying the gig was postponed. Imagine our relief. Hope Nigel is on top form now. I am and can’t wait for tonight.
6 September 2019
Gary devine
One spare ticket remaining contact – garydevine60595@gmail.com
6 September 2019
Lux inferior
Model Village are tonight’s support.
6 September 2019
EXXO
Have a good one people – especially Thorsten – glad you got sorted. I was so glad when this was re-scheduled, as I assumed I could be there tonight. But once again I am chief conspirator in crushing my own hopes and dreams (I’ll email you this av Keith).
Meanwhile I’m glad these jokers have no tickets as they reckon tonight’s gig is at the Union Society.
https://www.tickx.co.uk/event/2060317/half-man-half-biscuit/
Proposed: Nigel Blackwell. Seconded: Neil Crossley.
Opposed by the Preston, Heston, and Crazy Razor.
6 September 2019
EXXO
@myself (comment 248, 10th July 2019)
The Jarvis Cocker programme was not in the end broadcast until this week, which if you ask me was a bit of a Jarvis Cock-up, ‘cos the wandering-the-peaks art trail it’s about will only be in situ for one more week! One imagines exasperated phone calls from the Jarv to the producers … He mentions Mam Tor (the other etymology) but does not wander as far as the Hope Valley. Would have been a good warmer for Casteton if they’d broadcast it earlier, as originally hoped:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00081ws
Note to Radio 4 though – Maxine Peake does not need to be in everything.
7 September 2019
GOK WAN ACOLYTE
Anybody know if there’s a curfew at the Sheffield gig? Am contemplating travelling over but would need to get last train back to Liverpool (22:11 if National Rail Enquiries are to be believed) and I hate leaving a gig before the end
9 September 2019
EXXO
Friday gigs usually end 23:00 at the Leadmill. You’d only see half the set.
9 September 2019
GOK WAN ACOLYTE
Thanks – guess that plan bites the dust unfortunately
9 September 2019
EXXO
Liverpool? If you were I, you’d be on the 23:27 train to Piccadilly, and hour there, the 01:44 to Manc Airport, half an hour there, then the 02:30 National Express from there to Paradise (St.). Had a lot worse nights than that after HMHB gigs
9 September 2019
Howard Rigby
I’d check with the Leadmill, nearly saw the Inspirals the a few years back arrive during Saturn 5, end of encore
11 September 2019
Chris The Siteowner
Acoustic covers session of Half Man Half Biscuit songs in Sheffield: see the Breaking News page.
12 September 2019
EXXO
Interesting one – ta for the heads-up and great to see the songs being disseminated in this sort of way. Hope I can manage two consecutive day returns. See some of you there no doubt.
13 September 2019
GORDON BURNS
A covers band. Sounds like a superb excuse to linger longer.
13 September 2019
dr desperate
New gig announced at the Rock City, Notts next May.
https://www.rock-city.co.uk/gigs/half-man-half-biscuit/
16 September 2019
BOBBY SVARC
Shite, Best get tooled up.
16 September 2019
Steve Fletcher
Yes! Rock City….finally. I might have to change my name 🙂
18 September 2019
mister tubbs
Just had an email to say that there’s a gig at Durham Gala Theatre & Cinema on Friday 5th June next year
23 September 2019
GORDON BURNS
So it would seem: https://www.galadurham.co.uk/galapost/half-man-half-biscuit/
Cool. Another trip up north coming up.
23 September 2019
Dave
Merch stand at HMHB gigs, cash only or do they take plastic?
Serious question, have to work out how much sterling I need to bring if cash only. Ta
24 September 2019
Clown in a yaris
I see the Durham gig has not yet been listed on the ‘Breaking News’ page. Does this mean the gig is not yet confirmed?. Don’t like to book anything ’til its certain. It’s a bloody long way for me to go. If it’s on, i’ll be there.
25 September 2019
cream cheese and chives
I have a spare for Sheffield as my wife “thinks she needs a break from HMHB” and a mate is trying to get his wife back as she thinks she needs a break from him. Face value of course. I hope CtSO will do his contact thing. Thanks.
25 September 2019
CHarles w.
The Durham tickets are available on the venue’s website.
https://www.galadurham.co.uk/galapost/half-man-half-biscuit/
An odd venue for a HMHB gig. Very much a provincial theatre, velvety seats, that sort of thing. Capacity with the stall seats removed is 800. I’ve never seen it with the seats taken out but it has a good rake, so those of shorter stature should get a pretty good view from the standing area. Seats in the balcony too.
I could be home about 10 minutes after this gig has finished. I case you haven’t worked it out, I live a mile or so outside Durham. If anyone needs any advice or queries about anything that I may be able to help with then post here. I’ll keep an eye on the thread.
25 September 2019
hendrix-tattoo
@CIAY
according to their website they are selling tickets for the 5th of June and I have already recieved my ticket through the post….
https://www.ents24.com/durham-events/gala-theatre-and-cinema-picturehouse
26 September 2019
Clown in a yaris
Cheers @ H-T See you there.
26 September 2019
Clown in a yaris
Where’s the best meet up pub pre-Sheffield. Is it the Rutland?
27 September 2019
EXXO
Station tap for unbeatable beer selection.
27 September 2019
dr desperate
New gig announced for 17th April 2020 in Ulverston, birthplace of Arthur Stanley Jefferson.
http://corohall.co.uk/half-man-half-biscuit/?fbclid=IwAR29fwcJTdOCNLW-thGpD_18n5Znb45EP3JoCLCiGHOpN52w5wCp-b4zUow
30 September 2019
EXXO
Whence a beck and a canal lead straight to the Leven estuary. But it goes down as a no-river gig.
30 September 2019
GORDON BURNS
I needed to look up Ulverston. Sounds cold (and deep).
30 September 2019
EXXO
‘CSI Ambleside’ was actually ‘launched’ the last time they played Ulverston – in April 2008 – though the new album hadn’t been rehearsed much yet, and only 3 of the easier new ones were played, none of them in fact live debutants. National Shite Day made its debut in Nottingham 6 days later.
1 October 2019
WARDeN HODGES
Could be wet but could be pleasant.
If David Guest of Northwest Tonight stays away it’ll be fine.
£22 ticket, £22 train ticket, yep happy.
1 October 2019
dr desperate
Twin town (q v) Harlem, Georgia, birthplace of Oliver Norvell Hardy.
1 October 2019
transit full of keith
Hmm, following a Biscuit gig on a Friday with a wander up Great Gable on the Saturday, … Very tempting indeed.
1 October 2019
Alice van der meer
Can’t imagine NB10 won’t fancy at least one hill while he’s in the area, can you?
Wonder what Glaramara is like from the south? it’s overshadowed by lots of neighbours, but as you get higher from the north the views of Base Brown, Great Gable etc are absolutely stonking.
1 October 2019
dr desperate
Just tried booking a room at the Stan Laurel Inn by phone (they’re not accessible by booking sites), but they’re already full. Shame, I would have loved to stay in ‘Another Fine Mess’. I happen to know that someone on this site has bagged ‘Laughing Gravy’ – their website doesn’t say if they allow dogs.
1 October 2019
cream cheese and chives
My eyes lit up when I saw the Ulverston date. We are due to move house to Kendal at the end of the month and the thought of a Cumbrian date had me licking my lips.I was planning a two day walk there and the same back, slaying the ghosts of the wettest walk I have ever done from Coniston to Stan Laurel’s birthplace. Fortunately, before I could order tickets my wife reminded me that we are have booked holidays for then. What are the chances of a date in Leverburgh or Stornoway?
1 October 2019
POP-TART MARK
Always pay heed to the word on the wind in Furness (post 263 above).
1 October 2019
dr desperate
Support at T’ Leadmill (see their neon sign) on Friday will be provided by The Crapsons, two lads currently shaking the Wirral. Their website promises heavy, distorted punk riffs with comical, tongue-in-cheek lyrics about everyday pressing topics (such as) death, sheds and biscuits.
7.30 Doors
7.45 Crapsons
8.30 – 10.30 HMHB
11.00 Curfew.
7 October 2019
Alice van der meer
The Doors are only playing for 15 minutes? I guess they’re not the same without Morrison or Manzarek, but all the same…
7 October 2019
lord leominster
Never mind 15 minutes of The Doors, last Friday night I saw MC50 (and, yes, they’ve got Kramer) who played for a grand total of 30 minutes in support of Alice Cooper (it’s a long story and it was a even longer night). But they gave me Kick Out the Jams, so that was nice.
7 October 2019
Alice van der meer
My (similarly pseudonymous) namesake certainly doesn’t go in for short sets! I guess AC and the MC5 were pretty much Detroit contemporaries.
7 October 2019
lord leominster
I hadn’t made the Detroit connection but that makes sense (but I had made the Alice connection). The Stranglers were in support, too, who did a 40 minute ‘best of’ set, so it was worth the ticket price for the support acts alone.
7 October 2019
lord leominster
The Stranglers didn’t play ‘Curfew’ which is I see (post 394, above) is due to be played at 11.00 at T’ Leadmill.
7 October 2019
Bloke out walking the dog
Does anybody here know if Sverencvaros Fan will be at the Sheffield gig? I met him at Castleton and would like to meet up for a pre gig pint of he’s about.
7 October 2019
dr desperate
As far as I know his next gig will be Northampton in Feb. I’ll let him know you were asking after him.
7 October 2019
Bloke out walking the dog
Much appreciated.
8 October 2019
Cream cheese and chives
Spare ticket for Sheffield available . Face value.
8 October 2019
FERENCVAROS FAN
@Bloke Out Walking The Dog. Hope you are keeping well. Dr Desperate is correct. Next gig is Northampton, to be followed by Nottingham. Part timer.
Would be great to catch up with you and other Biscuiteers at one or both of these events.
Cheers for now.
8 October 2019
EXXO
@ Gipton Teenager
You going Sheffield Friday?
By the way I was told on Saturday of a Leeds gig next year. Usual venue. Can’t remember what month. Probably October. I’m a newcomer to smart phones, and at bad football matches they are a terrible distraction – at one point I was looking up the previous career of the latest free transfer, which was quite a long career, and didn’t realise for another 40 minutes that I’d missed a sending off.
8 October 2019
Gipton Teenager
@Exxo. ‘Fraid not Nigel. Don’t get back until fairly late Wednesday and what with all this fizzy muck in me (someone has to drink it) I feel like one of Bathsheba’s sheep, so I’ll need to pace myself for a few days.
8 October 2019
EXXO
Keeping the noiseless tenor of their way, is it? Suit yourself. I’ll have to respect your sober wishes to stay far from the madding crowd, though after a fortnight on the Efes I’d have thunk just one hour in the Sheffield tap could be a reet cure all. Şerefe!
8 October 2019
Gipton Teenager
Tuborg, as it happens. I think a short stroll on the dark side is the way to ease back into the wonderful world of proper ale. Gorusuruz (Sorry, don’t know how to get Turkisk alphabet up in the middle of text).
8 October 2019
Alice van der meer
Tuborg? You’ll be nicely warmed up for Oxford then. You know the beer’s shite when the person serving tells you it’s just about drinkable with lime in!
8 October 2019
Bobby Svarc
Exxo: Did you miss the penalty at the end? I thought it was a bit harsh. MFIR
9 October 2019
Bloke out walking the dog
@Ferencvaros fan, pity you’re not going to be there Friday. No doubt will meet up at a future gig. Give our regards to your good lady wife.
9 October 2019
Rushy
1 spare ticket for Friday if anyone needs one, face value naturally.
(Email me if interested and I’ll pass on your details – CtSO)
9 October 2019
Clown in a yaris
Roll on tomorrow night. Hope to meet a few of you in the Tap pre-gig.
10 October 2019
FERENCVAROS FAN
@Bloke Out Walking The Dog
Thanks for your post. It was great to be able to meet you and your wife the evening after the Castleton gig. Best wishes to you both. Hope to catch up soon.
@All bound for Sheffield. Enjoy the gig. Great city and love the Tap. Looking forward to reading the reviews post-gig.
10 October 2019
EXXO
@ Mick. Bit lucky, yes. I wouldn’t normally have been at Prenton while there was a match going on at Anfield, but I basically forgot to check the latter KO time before I arranged the former. Three o’ clock on Saturday after a CL game? How unusual. It’s been a decade now since I could afford to go to Anfield, but I would normally have been following on a dodgy middle-eastern stream of some kind, and it may well be that in fact I missed the Tranmere red card through a combination of browsing the picaresque life story of Tranmere’s latest veteran scouse free transfer – Neil Danns – and reading about Mane’s opening goal across teh water. It’s weird when you suddenly count the players at a set piece, more than half way through the second half, and think “Where’s Connor Jennings? Oh. That might explain why they’re playing quite this shit.”
@ Tony. Still the same boring fizzy beer duopoly that existed when I lived in Turkey 32 years ago, but at least if I lived there now I wouldn’t be thinking “shall we have Efes or Tuborg today?” Turkish Tuborg is now Israeli-owned, which I’m surprised doesn’t affect their business more.
@Anyone intending to be there for the more-than-useful support duo, The Crapsons. Check out some of their stuff before you go and you’ll get more out of it. This is the sort of local DIY scene outfit that should be supporting our lads, not some odd mis-match from another genre that Geoff just happens to have signed because they’re good at their instruments and shit. But The Crapsons do make a raucous racket so it’s good to have some tunes and lyrics in your head before you go.
Having said all of which, support bands alas are not for the likes of me at the likes of the Leadmill because, unfortunately, I LIKE GOOD BEER. Only when the punky support act compose a song so shaming of venues that do not provide a decent range of ales at reasonable prices and/or shaming of beer snobs so fond of fine ales and so alienated by venue prices that that they are unwilling to support supports, will I consider coming in early to listen to it.
10 October 2019
Gipton Teenager
@Exxo- Didn’t know that about the Tuborg.
Bugger.
I did drink lots of raki though, so less money the Israelis maybe.
Back home now and a pint of Dexter’s in the Bridge. Bliss.
10 October 2019
Bloke out walking the dog
Ticket available for Sheffield – Being somewhat of an ignoramus, I’m not entirely sure how to go about this, but I have a spare ticket for tomorrow ( face value obvs ).If you are in need, let me know and we’ll arrange a meet up.
10 October 2019
Alice van der meer
Imagine my delight when a Norwegian colleaugue (though from Tromso, not Stavanger) stopped me in the corridor and said “I see Half Man Half Biscuit are playing in Oxford – are you going?”. I was so staggered I forgot to enquire where he’d seen it, but I did send him the link to Toestub.
10 October 2019
Master of The strat
Similarly, I don’t know how this editor thing works but I have an extra ticket for Sheffield. Anyone?
10 October 2019
knockedonthebonce
Anybody going in the Rutland pre gig tomorrow?
10 October 2019
Cream cheese and chives
First visit to Sheffield for about 15 years and first solo HMHB gig. I’ll be the one with the carnation in my buttonhole and the newspaper under my arm. Other than hi vis jackets and DPAKs are there any clues to attendance that I should look for? I normally attend with my wife and have never really thought what the rest of the pre-show crowd looks like.
10 October 2019
Clown in a yaris
Somebody said The Station Tap was the better pre-gig meet but The Rutland does look nice and close to the venue. Anyway if you see some idiot loitering around in an Evil Gazebo T shirt it’ll be me. Feel free to come say hello.
11 October 2019
dr desperate
@KOTB/CIAY For maximum inconvenience I shall probably be in The Rutland mid-afternoon, moving to The Tap pre-gig. This will allow me to limit my CRAP BEER consumption at the venue to a single pint, possibly two, three at the most.
@CC&C I don’t wear the Hi-Vis in public (houses) as I don’t wish to stand out – only the black satin tour jacket with detachable sleeves, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Focus tee-shirt and triple-A dangling from my lanyard. What colour carnation?
11 October 2019
Embrace the margin
In case not seen elsewhere – timings are:
Doors: 19:30
Crapsons: 19:45 – 20:15
Half Man Half Biscuit: 20:30 – 22:30
Curfew: 23:00
I suspect there will be a quorum in the Rutland. I.D.wise – homemade National Shite Day t-shirt in my case…
11 October 2019
Master of The strat
Those in the area tomorrow, don’t forget the afternoon acoustic session upstairs at the Rutland.
Twang-g-g!
11 October 2019
Alex
Just watching a knob head on itv before heading out for a drink. Interested to see the crapsons, not seen them before.
11 October 2019
Embrace the margin
Am having to cry off the Saturday acoustic as Mrs H has pulled rank and is heading to the Bakewell Wool Gathering yarn festival Which surely deserves a place somewhere in the HMHB canon.
11 October 2019
knockedonthebonce
Quick one in the Red Lion then heading back to the Rutland
11 October 2019
INJURED BUZZARD
Always a tough one when I can’t make a gig especially when having to work. Normal service to resume at Bilston. Have a great night folks and I’ll see you all next month.
11 October 2019
Acthungthommo
Any spares still floating around?
11 October 2019
THE BASTARD IN THE HAT
Just in case my previous comment got blocked because it had a weblink: The covers session is expected to be fun, starting around 1pm, upstairs at the Rutland. Look at the Facebook page “Half Mandolin Half Biscuit” for some taster videos. Right! Off to the Sheffield Tap. I’ll be wearing a Trumpton riots T-shirt and a Burberry fez.
11 October 2019
Master of The strat
Anyone know AchtungTommo, please ask to check his twitter messages! Thanks.
11 October 2019
Exxo
Missed last night somewhat unexpectedly. Good to have this acoustic thingy to hopefully compensate. Just shovelling brekky (a Boots meal deal) down on train and might even be on time. See some of you there
12 October 2019
parsfan
This is the sort of local DIY scene outfit that should be supporting our lads, not some odd mis-match from another genre that Geoff just happens to have signed because they’re good at their instruments and shit.
Great idea, and if anyone’s taking suggestions Martha would be ideal for the Durham gig in June.
14 October 2019
Parsfan
Hull – 24th January according to a text I received yesterday. Might have to bump Bristol in favour of this.
26 October 2019
Gipton Teenager
Hull looks good to me
Oh look…palindrome.
27 October 2019
GORDON BURNS
Bilston approaches. Vacations/hotels/socials booked. 🙂
Why do they choose a Thursday for this venue? Anyone know?
30 October 2019
dr desperate
Could be because it’s a re-scheduled date and the Fridays were all booked.
30 October 2019
EXXO
I’d have won my bet with Swanny (see comments 1215-1218 in the pre-gig thread Vol. 2) if there had been a free Friday in September 🙁
30 October 2019
mister tubbs
I can remember turning up for a Bilston gig on a Monday night not so long ago. In the old days nearly all the gigs seemed to be on a Thursday (at least the ones that I went to). There’s probably a list somewhere on this site showing how many gigs have been done on each day of the week.
30 October 2019
transit full of keith
I’d gleaned from comments on here that they never Saturday gigs these days, and especially not in the football season, but Northampton in February is an exception.
30 October 2019
transit full of keith
^ never *did
30 October 2019
INJURED BUZZARD
Any plans for the pre gig curry at Jivan’s next week?
31 October 2019
floreat ultonia
I’m probably up for that, IB
1 November 2019
dr desperate
Ian (The Humdrum Express) Passey reckons running order on Thursday will be 8.00 (him, supporting) and 8.45 (HMHB).
This from recollection of last time rather than anything official, so not set in stone.
4 November 2019
dr desperate
New gig announced, Blackpool Opera House 9 Oct 2020.
https://www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/whats-on/half-man-half-biscuit
5 November 2019
EXXO
Great news – can it really be 12 years now since their last appearance in the light entertainment capital of the empire? Same evening that I met Mrs. Exford’s folks for the first time…
First thought was yippee who’s going to be on keyboards?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVWwQZXo_mc
But then I thought about going to Rebellionand the whole complex of different halls and theatres in there … they aren’t going to play the all-seater with the Wurlitzer, are they?? Both fortunately and unfortunately …
5 November 2019
Warden Hodges
Been there a good few times with the missus, hope they sack the popcorn and ice cream though.
Laughing for a cheap room and a post gig pint/fish n chips.
5 November 2019
Bobby Svarc
I shall be absent from the Robin again this year, hopefully I will be at the Rock City Notts when the weather warms up.
6 November 2019
EXXO
That’s part of your 60th celebrations, surely Mick? I’m sure we can help (as individuals and as a community) with most issues that might arise in getting you there and back!
6 November 2019
BOBBY SVARC
Yes, it will be Exxo. Never been to the Rock City which is hard to believe but true. Went to the Boat Club plenty of times and the Theatre Royal. All this gig talk is given me the Urge For Going now.
6 November 2019
dr desperate
Count me in on that (as one of Micky Bates’ Biccie Mates).
6 November 2019
Alice van der meer
Are we close enough to the Oxford gig to get excited yet?
I’ll have to see if I can get the gen on where’s drinkable on the Cowley Road.
6 November 2019
dr desperate
Might I suggest Jivans Balti House (WV1 1HP) when they open at 5pm tomorrow for anyone interested?
Bit early doors I know, but that timing has in previous years allowed us to get to The Great Western (WV10 0DG) 6.30-ish for a couple of pints before tramming back to Bilston (past Monmore Green) in time for The Humdrum Express at 8.00.
6 November 2019
Brumbiscuit
I should be there, but the group I’ll be with has fragmented regarding the gig, so I haven’t stepped forward this time. Will definitely make the Great Western, thobut…
6 November 2019
Brumbiscuit
…and another thing: you don’t go down those dank steps to get to the GW any more. Coming out of the station, turn left, walk across a car park, then turn left down a cobbled road and the pub should appear, as if by magic, round a bend under the rail bridge. The remnants of Wolverhampton Low Level Station sit opposite the pub. If the Bathams is on, make sure you try it.
6 November 2019
lord leominster
I shall be attending my 1st ever HMHB gig at Bilston tomorrow night (I know, all those wasted years..). I am easy to spot in a crowd. I am male, white, in my mid-fifties, 5’9″ tall with rapidly receding short brown hair and I am slightly too fat for my Half Ramones Half Biscuit t shirt. To help identify me I shall also be sporting a pair of misguided trousers, a pair of Bridgedale socks and the leather belt I purchased from Bunner’s. Be sure to say hello when you spot me.
6 November 2019
Floreat ultonia
Bah, looks like a no show for me but looking into Oxford
6 November 2019
BOBBY SVARC
Watch out for them Bratislava lot, tidy firm.
Re Birthday Bash: Everyone is welcome, it’s an open house. 26/06/2020. At the mo 5 have already confirmed.
6 November 2019
INJURED BUZZARD
Jivan’s at 5 then. Health permitting, see you there. Thinking of changing my moniker to Injured Albatross.
6 November 2019
Bobby Svarc
Have a very safe journey everyone, very poor conditions out there that will only get worse according to Mick Fish. I shall be playing UFO all day me thinks.
7 November 2019
EXXO
Yes, hopefully no tangles with the Dentressangles, no worries with the Curries for our M6-sters today. After a long-anticipated email job rejection caused me to cower back beneath the duvet this morning I finally open the curtains to see the motorway lights full on at 10am, but still barely cutting through the dank gloom of the day. Can’t make it tonight so hopefully Karl’s gig in New Brighton tomorrow will raise my sodden spirits.
7 November 2019
INJURED BUZZARD
Health didn’t permit. Can’t make Oxford so see you all at Hull.
7 November 2019
hendrix-tattoo
Get well soon Andy.
On the Ratler now on the way to Wolves.
Staying at the Robin2.
Hope to make the meet for the curry if not see you all at the gig….
7 November 2019
EXXO
Yes, get well soon Andy! And what about the other Andy – I’m very sorry to hear about your group fragmentation issues! Hopefully some de-fragging in the mosh later on – don’t just wait for your scheduled weekly task.
7 November 2019
JD O’GLOVES
On my way tonight but not sure of arrival time so will probably head straight for the gig. Might not wear my Dukla Prague shirt in case The Dingles confuse me for a Bratislava fan. That might take some explaining!
7 November 2019
EXXO
Ha, that is a scenario that really gets the creative juices flowing. If nothing kicks off tonight with either Wolves or (more liklely) the Slovaks giving a chasing to someone in a DPAK, then someone needs to write a TV play about it.
7 November 2019
dr desperate
The other Andy has made it to Jivans and The Great Western, wearing his DPAK without any problems (so far). Now on the tram back to Bilsto.
7 November 2019
cream cheese and chives
Moving house in three days,up to my neck in cardboard boxes and unable to get to the gig tonight. I trust that it will be up to standard. Currently in shock after a colleague where I work asked if a vegan mum was allowed to breastfeed her own child. Are there knobheads who set questions on quiz shows? Have a top night.
7 November 2019
BOBBY SVARC
Has Ian sung the ‘Harvey Barnes’ song yet?
7 November 2019
Clown in a yaris
Can anyone throw any light on as to why ‘Baguette Dilemma’ is not played live more frequently?. With its driving guitars and humerous lyrics delivered with high drama i would have thought this would be an absolute live barnstormer. Do the band not like the song or is it maybe too difficult to reproduce live?. I’m no muso so i wouldn’t know. I can find it on very few setlists since its release. What am i missing?.
9 November 2019
Paddy ShenNAn
At their Oxford 02 Academy gig on May 31, 2012, HMHB were supported by Sonnenberg and Ragged Claws – the latter made up of my son, Tom Shennan (vocals and guitar), Sarah Thewlis (vocals) and Niall (son of Steve, lead singer with Marillion since 1989) Hogarth (drums).
Ragged Claws were on for about 20 minutes, and stalwart HMHB fan and reviewer Roger Green later wrote: “You couldn’t accuse them of outstaying their welcome. And they deserved a rousing farewell when they ended with a version of She’s In Broadstairs.”
I wrote about this magical occasion, as Tom’s understandably proud dad, in my Liverpool ECHO column https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/paddy-shennan-jokes-half-man-3341535
Ragged Claws are no more, but Tom and Sarah now make up Dogminder (Tom, vocals and guitar; Sarah, drums and vocals). They no longer live in Oxford but, for old times’ sake (thanks Nigel), will be supporting HMHB again at the Oxford 02 Academy on November 22.
And yes, they will again (with Nigel’s blessing) be doing a version of She’s In Broadstairs.
Dogminder are on Instagram @dogminderuk
13 November 2019
Alice van der meer
I shall definitely annoy the missus by telling her about Niall’s dad, then – that was our first HMHB gig, and we too thought the first act on were pretty decent. And asking if the cover was OK was a nice touch too.
13 November 2019
Dave Wiggins
@paddyshennan – I shall certainly check out Dogminder. Thanks for the 2012 memories, and the update on Tom and Sarah’s current project.
14 November 2019
Alice van der meer
OK, so who’s coming to the city of Dreaming Spires and incessant tourists then?
I’m not sure that I’ll get much pre-gig lubrication in as I’ll have to get in from work, dump the car at the out-laws, and walk/cycle over, but I shall have a go. Last time I think a lot of people were watching the rugby in the Cowley Retreat, which is about the last “proper” pub on the Cowley Road itself, though I think there’s a couple of decent boozers on side streets off (gods, I am so out of touch with where to drink in Oxford these days… and I only live at the other end of the bus route!).
As for food… well, the whole world can be found on Cowley Road – though I’d skip Kebab Kid, who’ve just been given one star for hygiene by the council.
If you’ve not been before, Park and Ride or take the train – it’s a ‘mare finding parking anywhere in the city.
15 November 2019
Bobby Svarc
Alas, not me. I shall most probably sit and watch some super eight silent film of their sell out gig at the Physio and Ferkin.
15 November 2019
Alice van der meer
Pity, we could put blades on your chariot like Boadicea and sack the city with Exxo and Lord Leominster. Brighten the place up no end.
15 November 2019
lord leominster
Unfortunately, there is a Section 5, Protection from Harassment Act 1997 Restraining Order against me which prevents me from entering within the confines of A34/A40/Eatern By-Pass (or the Necklace of Death, as I like to call it), so the good people of the City of Screaming Tyres remain able to sleep soundly at night.
15 November 2019
Alice van der meer
Righty ho, suggestions from a mate of this bloke:
The Library, almost next to O2 – good beer, cheap for Oxford (so expensive for everywhere else), quite hipster
Cowley Retreat – another four doors down from the Library. Used to be the Hobgoblin, if you haven’t been in a while.
Big Society on Cowley Road – good beer, “Quite trendy”.
Bit further away, Fir Tree on Iffley Road (GK), Rusty Bicycle, James Street Tavern.
Fuether away than that – Port Mahon (GK), used to be charmingly scuzzy, Angel and Greyhound (Youngs, presumably now Wells and Youngs). Cape of Good Hope (at very end of Cowley Road) – Brew Dog.
If you are arriving early enough to spend some time the city centre (someone has to, I suppose) or overnighting, I’d ignore the Turf Tavern which is now just an outlet for beers supposedly from breweries that Greene King closed and head for the Royal Blenheim instead. White Horse brewery lease it from Everards so there’s always the White Horse range on, plus Everards Tiger, plus interesting local brews, and often soemthing from Titanic Brewery as well.
Disturbingly, I’ve just looked up an appropriate song for an end line to this CAMRA-esque ranble, and er… I do do archery on Mondays. Eek!
16 November 2019
dr desperate
Dank je, @ Alice – we’ll probably try the Angel & Greyhound, as it’s only a minute’s walk from a Friday Night Pizza joint. There are those among us who may also need The Library, as they’re advertising peanut butter milk stout.
17 November 2019
EXXO
Mmm. Served à la crème débordée, en boîte avec coquilles d’arachide,* according to what one sees on their website.
*in the can, with gunky spilt cream dripping off their raw nuts.
17 November 2019
Phyllis Triggs
Yuk! Thought it sounded suspiciously crafty. I’m all for real ales but tend to steer clear where craft beer is concerned. A micro brewery opened up here recently – a lovely little place, cosy, convivial, and their own beers are great but I can’t abide all the nonsense that goes along with it – the poncy glasses, the soft drink styled 330ml cans that cost upwards of 7 quid, the Mr Whippy style beers that you need a feckin’ spoon to get through – wrong, wrong, wrong! Tread carefully Dr D and let us know how you get on.
17 November 2019
Alice van der meer
Hmm. Personally I’d rather rim Satan than drink beer with peanut butter in!
I’ve manged to blag a bed for the night in town so I can drop the car there as soon as I get in from work, and head for the O2 area. Hopefully I’ll be in time to manage a quick half of shandy somewhere first and who knows, maybe afterwards too if anyone can still move apres mosh? Though the location of the pre-pint may depend on timings.
As far as I can find out, the A&G is still branded a Youngs pub, and Youngs beers are now owned by Marstons, so you should still find a decent pint there. If a weirdo in a homemade Enschede T-shirt wanders by, it’ll be me.
17 November 2019
LU
Getting rather excited about the Oxford gig – it was approximately 33 years since my last HMHB gig (time flies by etc). (Actually, in the-reading that sounds like the start of a confession!). So – can anyone who’s been to a more recent Biscuit gig help me out with rough timings for the evening? Husband may have to arrive fashionably (but annoyingly) late and “doors 18:30” sounds like a very early start without him!
Thanks
18 November 2019
Laure
Trying my dang hardest to get to Oxford on Friday… Trust there will be a man over there who said I could meet – well, anyone?
18 November 2019
Alice van der meer
If the worst comes to the worst, just stick your nose through pub doorways until you spot a Dukla Prague away kit!
18 November 2019
dr desperate
We’ll be in the Angel & Greyhound before decamping down St Clement’s St to La Cucina for pre-gig pizza at 5.30, Laure.
(I see you’re still tracking all darts-related posts.)
18 November 2019
Alice van der meer
Anyone know what the timings are for Friday, help me time my mad rush in?
19 November 2019
Jitsu_g
There is a club night on after the gig (Craig Charles again) so curfew is usually 10pm in O2 venues when there is a club night after, so I would of thought an 8pm start time
20 November 2019
dr desperate
Perhaps Paddy Shennan could ask Tom what time they said to Dogminder?
20 November 2019
EXXO
Given all that, there’s really not much leeway is there? Geoff hasn’t answered email this week (if he still gets to know about these things), hope things OK with him. My money’s on Dogminder 7.00-7.30/40, HMHB 8-10, but if HMHB were on a few mins before 8, it would not surprise.
FWIW our participation on Friday is of unknown likelihood but we’re hoping to make it happen. If we do attend, Mrs Exford will be driving a fair way afterwards, so it’s unfair on her for if I want to spend more than the basic pre-gig pub time. This may well be spent taking in some historical architecture (so that’s most likely a Spoons, then).
If any liveliness happens to ensue at the front of the gig we’ll be (in) it, so do say hello.
Here, again, is a video Mrs Exford made at and around the same venue in 2012, on the first day of a long National Shite Weekend, when the shops were full of National Shite.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQQZBpaEcsg
20 November 2019
Alice van der meer
It was a far from National Shite Weekend for some of us, combining my first ever HMHB gig with my first ever overseas cricket tour (Holland). Though some of the National Shite is in a friend’s shop window (I’ve never mentioned it)…
The Spoons is on George Street, so quite a trek from the O2, but you probably already know that.
20 November 2019
dr desperate
And is called The Four Candles, as it’s two doors down from the building that used to house Ronnie Barker’s old school, but you probably already know that too.
20 November 2019
Lu
Thanks for the possible timings! Hopefully Mr LU won’t be held up, or our daughter will have to use his ticket instead!
20 November 2019
lord leominster
@ Dr D. That could well be my dad’s old school, then, as he went to school with R Barker, and Heinz Wolff too (but that might not have been the same school at the same time).
In all seriousness, I am sorry not to be able to attend on Friday and my no-show is entirely due to boring domestic arrangements. The Cowley Road has bags of character (and characters) and is well worth a visit. Just don’t waste your time trying to drive along it, that’s all.
20 November 2019
MALCOLM of arimathea
@ Dr D @ Lord L. My dad was also at school there with Ronnie Barker, a few years younger. By the time I went to what was nominally the same school it had been merged with another on its present site in Glanville Road, off the Cowley Road and closer to the O2 than the original. It’s called the Oxford Spires Academy these days.
Very much looking forward to Friday, I think the last time I saw them was the previous Oxford O2 gig.
20 November 2019
Alice van der meer
Is this a good moment to confess that I’ve *only* seen them in Oxford?
No? Bother! Ah well…
20 November 2019
dr desperate
Is it a good moment to confess that I’ve seen only *them* in Oxford?
20 November 2019
Alice van der meer
Given the number of tribute acts on the O2’s schedule any time you look at it, that’s probably not a bad call, actually. Apart from a band night at the Jericho where I can only remember the one act that impressed with their shiteness, I think the only other bands I’ve seen in Oxford in almost 20 years are John Otway and Wild Willy Barrett and All About Eve (now there’s an interesting night’s line up – HMHB, O&B, & AAE!). Actually, tell a lie, I forgot Richard Thompson.
20 November 2019
Alice van der meer
Write-up in Daily Information (Oxford’s daily events listing sheet) – though I’m sure I’ve seen it before, I like the strapline.
https://www.dailyinfo.co.uk/events/223186/half-man-half-biscuit
21 November 2019
Bloke out walking the dog
@ EXXO, what an absolutely spiffing national shite day video – never seen it before and I can honestly say it’s made my day.
21 November 2019
Schoon
Oxford’s the closest gig to me. I was there Wednesday, annoyingly enough. Only took me 4.5 hours and £65 on the train.
21 November 2019
Alice van der meer
Now I just need to shake this effing cold…
(Couldn’t Go To HMHB Gig Because of Cold… Hmm, wasn’t that a secret track on the Godcore CD?)
21 November 2019
EXXO
@Alice, re that listings page, my eyes were drawn to the epithet for the WNO: “strong, defiant and sexy,” and there was another one on there this morning as well which would also do for HMHB – though it has now been replaced with the one for The Crucible, which is less appropriate.
Anyway, our participation at Christminster has been confimed. Hurrah! Wetherspoons here we come! Be very afraid – I do hope for their sake that Tim Martin’s staff don’t bother putting up his rabid drivel in their pubs in student towns. We’ve often had to deface his tripe in Thirsk, Ross-on-Wye and them sort of gaffs.
21 November 2019
Paddy Shennan
Times for Oxford…
Doors open 6.30pm
Dogminder 7-7.30pm
HMHB 8-10pm
Curfew 10pm
21 November 2019
Nige
Thanks
21 November 2019
Alice van der meer
Unless it all goes horribly Pete Tong I should be there for 8, anyway – hopefully I can get through work in time for a pint and Dogminder, but we shall see.
I shall be be giving my homegrown train to Enschede T-shirt it’s first outing, so you now know who to avoid.
21 November 2019
dr desperate
Thanks, @Paddy.
21 November 2019
EXXO
Wetherspoons can relax! A re-routing has been plotted that avoids the citadel entirely, taking us east of the city’s defences, walking the dog at dusk in South Park and having a pint in the James Street Tavern near the venue, probably still with the dog, which ironically will mean one or both of us will miss Dogminder, while he stays in the van from about 7.30.
21 November 2019
Alice van der meer
Gave up Dogminder ironically for… dogminding?
Hmm, there’s a lyric in there somewhere.
22 November 2019
Mr Ed
Any concensus on location for pre-gig drinks around Oxford?
22 November 2019
Alice van der meer
I think that’s a fairly solid no! I suspect the Cowley retreat is where people will end up as it’s just down the road, and the Exxos will be in the James Street Tavern, but beyond that the only call has been Dr D who’s leaving the Angel and Greyhound about 5…
22 November 2019
BOBBY SVARC
Just got the Dogminders set for tonights Oxford gig
Walk on music: Kia Ora crow advert
Bark at the moon
I wanna be your dog
Diamond Dogs
Black Dog
The Boxer
The bitch is back
Hound Dog
Gerdundula
22 November 2019
Paddy Shennan
@BobbySvarc There’s the surprise gone ?
22 November 2019
Alice van der meer
I hear they’ve signed to Ruff Trade….
22 November 2019
BOBBY SVARC
They wanted to do ‘The Intro and The Outro’ as the encore but didn’t want the hassle of lawyers and all that.
22 November 2019
transit full of keith
Reminds me of when I visited a zoo only to find all they had on display was one small dog. It was a shih tzu. I’ll show myself out.
22 November 2019
BOBBY SVARC
If The Donkey Botherers had been support then I’d have gone.
22 November 2019
dr desperate
@Paddy Someone on this site tells me you’re from Fulwood. Can this be true?
22 November 2019
Laure
Thanks indeed for the info, just made it to Heathrow so I’ll be turning myself around like an Ulsterbus for tonight. Looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible! Pre-gig pizza sounds entertaining, might be a tad early for me.
22 November 2019
Exxo
On M40. Just noticed that under our jackets I’m in DPAK and Mrs E in DPHK, not planned honest, but no problems ID-ing us.
22 November 2019
Paddy Shennan
Yes @DrDesperate – it’s true. Spent the first 19 years of my life in Fulwood.
22 November 2019
Alice van der meer
ON MY WAY!
(not over-excited at all…)
22 November 2019
SON OF CRAP
Crapsons who recently supported the boys in The Leadmill – Sheffield last month are delighted to announce that we will be back supporting HMHB in Rock City – Nottingham in on 22nd May 2020
Looking forward to seeing some of you again and some new faces then
Mike – Crapsons
http://www.facebook.com/crapsons
http://www.crapsons.bandcamp.com
27 November 2019
BOBBY SVARC
Excellent, early finish too, bet it’ll still be light.
27 November 2019
BOBBY SVARC
Digbeth O2 11/09/2020
2 December 2019
dr desperate
Brum tickets on O2 presale since yesterday, to normal people from tomorrow morning (Wed 4.12.19).
https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/half-man-half-biscuit-tickets/artist/741031
3 December 2019
Gipton TEENAGER
I’m thinking of going to the Welly gig, but the last train home is at 23.08. Will the gig be over in time for me to avoid 6 hours in the train station? (Bearing in mind I am a bit of a slack get).
3 December 2019
EXXO
Good question Tony. I didn’t go to the 2017 Hull gig ‘cos the last train was even earlier – around 22.30 I think – and don’t recall anybody reporting the kind of early stage times which occasionally in the past have resulted in a teeth-gnashing realisation that I could perhaps have made it after all.
I’ll ask Mrs. E if she’ll consider driving – which she did for Oxford the other night, as part of a complex trade-off that saw me spending seven nights I didn’t particularly want to spend near Bridgnorth. What sort of price will be demanded this time we shall see.
3 December 2019
Ferencvaros fan
Digbeth next September?! Home fixture. Yay!
3 December 2019
EXXO
Arguably the best connected gig venue in the country, with night-time National Expresses to major airports like Manchester, Heathrow and Gatwick, and some reasonable night connections therefrom. I’ll probably be looking at the 23.50 from Digbeth to Manchester airport (arr. 01.40) meself and a train from there.
3 December 2019
Ferencvaros fan
Number 6 bus to and from Dibgeth for me. It’s as good as that.
3 December 2019
Ferencvaros Fan
Or even Digbeth…
3 December 2019
BOBBY SVARC
Shame it’s at the disabled un-friendly O2. I’ll not bother.
3 December 2019
JODRELL BANKSY
Ooh, I’ve been waiting to plan a foray to Scotland next fall until a September date was announced…
3 December 2019
brumbiscuit
@Ferencvaros Fan: Is that the new number 6? I’m still reeling from the 37 (on which I returned after many a good time) being relabelled the 4. That was always a Stratford Road route to me.
4 December 2019
Ferencvaros fan
@Brumbiscuit: You are correct that the number 6 takes in the Stratford Rd. It it had a previous incarnation it was before 2002, when I moved to my current address. The 37 like the 6 finishes up in Solihull but goes via Warwick Rd. I haven’t worked out the 4. I’m usually tired and have enjoyed the evening when travelling by bus from Birmingham, so a combination of tunnel vision and auto-pilot get me home on the 6!
See you in Digbeth next Sept…?
4 December 2019
gipton teenager
@Exxo. Alas Nigel I’ve booked myself in for a Burns’ Night supper on the 24th (I know) complete with various whisky sampling, the Address, piping in of haggis by a real live piper, no less, so I’ll have to miss the Welly.
7 January 2020
EXXO
@H-Tat – I dare say N&N are quite relieved that the unlikely possibility of a TRFC home game on the 24th (Hull gig night) was ruled out by St. Brendan this av.
The Watford game will now take place on Thursday 23rd, and the winners will play United/Wolves on Sunday 26th at 3pm on BT.
I found out about today’s postponement while killing time in the Museum of Liverpool, where I hadn’t been since it first opened in 2011 and where alas nothing even music-related or football-related, never mind HMHB-related, is currently on display. There is however a tatty box telling me among other things that Yoko Ono once awarded a peace prize to Lady Gaga.
14 January 2020
hendrix-tattoo
Let’s hope they have a decent cup run then.
Super White Army….
14 January 2020
EXXO
Imagine having to be associated on a regular basis with a group of supporters calling themselves the ‘Super White Army.’ What were they thinking of? Nigel Always pretends he can’t hear it and that they’re chanting “Super White Barm Cakes.” I’m little more than a ‘commodore’ these days and glad my regular Tranmere days were well before the chant emerged in the nineties.
15 January 2020
BOBBY SVARC
We call em BAM’s down Filbert Way
15 January 2020
dr desperate
I recall the Preston chanting “Nobby Stiles’ Super White Army” at Deepdale in the late 70s.
15 January 2020
EXXO
Have there ever been any good chants involving the word ‘army’? Apart from those based on ‘Ally’s tartan Army’?
There was a phase in the very early 80’s – and I think it probably started with West Ham – where the hard core of away fans tried to keep a chant like “we love John Lyall and his claret and blue army” droning over and over for the entire match, only stopping when their team did something of note. That was OK, but ‘army’ chants are otherwise shite. Discuss.
17 January 2020
hendrix-tattoo
“Tommy Docs Red and White Army’
“Tommy Docs Red and White Army’
“Tommy Docs Red and White Army’
“Tommy Docs Red and White Army’….
17 January 2020
BOBBY SVARC
I hate anything to do with LCFC being called ‘The Blue Army’, it was started with Brian Little back in the early nineties. “Who are we, Blue Army, who are we…..etc, etc” that was OK for a while but some still carry on with it. The commentator on BBC Radio Leicester insists on calling the fans ‘The Blue Army’ which is nauseating enough but he calls the team ‘The Blues’ or ‘The Foxes’, any self-respected 1970/80 hooli would sooner eat glass than use those names, “Jimmy Bloomfield’s Blue and White Army” was always chanted with venom. Anyway, it’s all gone tits up now, happy clappers, light shows and VAR. I still follow them from my armchair, I won’t be in a rush to go down the King Power Stadium any time soon
17 January 2020
hendrix-tattoo
“Cod Army’
“Cod Army’ and
” Bobby Svarc is a football hooligan’….
17 January 2020
cream cheese and chives
I remember marching round the school yard in a long line when we were about eight years old chanting,’Join on if you want to play army!’ That was a great chant. The games tended to be roundly disappointing.
18 January 2020
Bobby Svarc
Hendrix: ‘was’
18 January 2020
hendrix-tattoo
“Don’t go down to Filbert Street’
“You’ll get Mickey’s fisticuffs’
“Don’t go down to Filbert Street’
“You’ll get Mickey’s fusticuffs’….
19 January 2020
hendrix-tattoo
Fusticuffs…
19 January 2020
Michael Bates
Micky
19 January 2020
Intheshadowoflilly
Gordon Strachan’s Red & White Army sticks in the mind, usually followed up with “we hate Pompey” by a section in the Northam end. No, still shite.
I seem to recall “Sit down you ginger c*nt” sung by the Villa fans at the same game, to the tune of La Donna È Mobile, naturally. Cultured bunch I suppose.
In the very same game I witnessed one P. Crouch play for the first time in person. We signed him the next off-season of course.
20 January 2020
dr desperate
Just had notification from The Welly that times for Friday’s gig have changed. The tickets originally stated doors 6:30, start 8:00; now apparently “Jan 24 at 7:30pm – Jan 25 at 11pm”. Not sure I’ll be able to last the whole 27½ hours.
Nearest pub is The Ringside, a few doors up Beverley Rd, a sports bar best described as “cheap and cheerless”.
21 January 2020
parsfan
Sports bar you say? I wonder if Scottish Championship counts. The first review I saw, admittedly 10 years old, described it as “a horrible looking pub and its not a lot better inside”.
If I do catch my game somewhere I expect I’ll be cheerless as well.
21 January 2020
EXXO
there’s English FA cup games on same time (on BT) Paul, so I-player on your laptop your best bet? How far’s your accommodation from the venue (as you’re obviously aware, the match will finish a few minutes at best before the lads take the stage.
Enjoying the Robbie Burns doc on BBC Scotland right now, as it happens.
21 January 2020
dr desperate
Just had notification from The Welly that times for Friday’s gig have changed back. It’s now apparently “Jan 24 at 6:30pm – Jan 25 at 10pm”. Still not sure I’ll be able to last the whole 27½ hours.
22 January 2020
dr desperate
Incidentally, @Exxo, you may have noticed that this Saturday marks the first time since 1982 that Chinese New Year will have coincided with Burns’ birthday.
Elizabeth had a letter in The Times of London last week pointing this out, and saying that we intend to celebrate Chinese Burns Night.
22 January 2020
JIM IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA
After 34 years the planets aligned, the lottery numbers came in – hurrah! I will be between two surveys – Malaysia then Angola – in early March. I’ve convinced the people who write my paycheques that I should leave one job and go to the next one via London rather than Dubai. What on earth am I on about? Simply that I’ll be at the Bristol gig on March 6th. I know all you regulars in HMHB-land are completely used to NB10 gigging, but this will be my first since 1986. I’m officially very excited. Hard to convey in text, but ’tis true. OK folks – I’d love to buy you beers before, during and after the gig. Go…….
22 January 2020
Mike Dean oven gloves
Have decided to do a trip to HMHB gig instead of local ones. So enjoyed The Leadmill in October that we decided to do The Roadmender in February. I am setting off from Rotherham after the football (sorry) so it will be a bit tight for time. Does anyone know if there is plenty of parking close to the venue?
22 January 2020
dr desperate
Oh for fu*k’s sake, they’ve just changed it back again, to 7:30 – 11:00. No answer on their phone line, post permission turned off on their FB page.
Let’s assume it’s going to be some time between 6 and midnight.
22 January 2020
GORDON BURNS
This, from the Welly’s Twitter feed this afternoon:
“That was a small mistake on our part while editing the event page 🙂 The gig is taking place at 7:30pm as stated on the website and ticket. If event details are to ever change, customers are notified via email from their ticket provider.”
and this:
“That was a small mistake on our part while editing the event page 🙂 The gig is taking place at 7:30pm as stated on the website and ticket. Thank you for pointing this out to us, we have now fixed this on the event page.”
But that’s not what’s on my ticket and See Tickets haven’t emailed me.
22 January 2020
parsfan
@exxo, ta but I’ll take my chances where the evening takes me. Looks like I’d maybe only get the first half anyway. I knew the game had been switched before I booked anything so am fine with it – I’ll settle for Friday Nights and the Gates Are Low.
As for hotel, not that it matters, this rivals Wakefield for tightness of station/hotel/venue grouping. If I’m particularly unadventurous I think I can manage my entire visit on the same road (albeit with different names at either end).
22 January 2020
INJURED BUZZARD
Once again health threatens my attendance but I’m a stubborn git and after missing the last 4 gigs, am determined not to make it 5 especially after the last minute cancellation of the Bilston trip. I’m actually ‘on the ‘roids’ (prescribed) so should see me thru. Looking forward to seeing everyone again but should probably avoid kissing/sex etc. Sorry…
23 January 2020
Paddy Shennan
Stage times tonight…
Dogminder 8pm-8.30pm
HMHB 9pm-11pm
24 January 2020
dr desperate
Excellent, Paddy, thanks very much.
(If you want the truth, ask a man from Fulwood.)
24 January 2020
Warden Hodges
Paddy, will tonight’s gig get a mention in your Wednesday column?
24 January 2020
Benw
Safely ensconced at me dad’s house in Hull. Hope he enjoys the gig – he’s got no idea what to expect Hahahahahahahahaha
24 January 2020
Paddy Shennan
Warden Hodges – Possibly!
24 January 2020
warden Hodges
Cheers from Crosby, have a great night!
24 January 2020
EXXO
Pars doing well, Paul. Hope you got to see the first half goals. I’m watching four games at once in four different competitions and your one is as good as any. A great start for you to a brilliant night I hope.
24 January 2020
Ferencvaros fan
Can’t make Hull tonight but am in Fulwood tomorrow. Such is life!
Enjoy the gig all. Hope to catch up with some of you at Northampton.
24 January 2020
Bloke out walking the dog
@ ferencvaros fan – any chance you’ll be at the Bristol gig?
25 January 2020
Ferencvaros fan
@BOWTD: Good to hear from you. Hope all is well. Sorry, can’t really shoehorn Bristol in between day at Liverpool 5th March and day at the races Hereford 7th.
It’s Northampton, Nottingham, and Birmingham for me this year as it stands. Commodore. Maybe catch you at Bhm if all else fails. God bless.
25 January 2020
nige
Family illness suggests I may struggle to get to Bristol and Northampton. So to make sure the ticket for each goes to a good home (free) I’ll see if anyone wants either or both.
They’re both PDF tickets so can email
27 January 2020
Pies
@Nige, I’ll take either or both off your hands if possible? Cheers.
27 January 2020
d list paul ross
Got my Leeds tickets before the gig has appeared on the site, 52 and I’m finally ahead of the game.
28 January 2020
Graeme Stevenson
C’mon guys give us a Scottish gig, ideally in Glasgow, for 2020!
3 February 2020
brumbiscuit
@Ferencvaros Fan; I might try and dig out my Honved top for the Northampton occasion, we’ll see. Bear in mind that the current, rather unpleasant Magyar PM is a Fradi fan, as well as a ‘seggfej’ [‘sheg-fay]!
As for 15/2, I’ll be staying in the Premier Inn and heading over to the Princess Alexandra micropub for a pre-gig pizza dinner around 5pm, then to the St Giles Ale House micropub before heading on up to the venue. I’ve never been to either before (nor to Northampton for that matter!), so I’ve no idea how good or crowded both places will be, but can I look out for a Fradi top? My new t-shirt has done a Goodyear Airship over the heads of the two people I’ve shown it to, so I might have been too clever for my own good this time. But I like it. It’s got an Irk The Purists theme to it.
5 February 2020
dr desperate
We’re at the Ibis, but a 5pm pizza dinner at the Princess Alexandra sounds good, even though it’s not a Friday. I suppose having one with a Punjabi base would technically make it an Indian, and at least it wouldn’t cut into @FF’s weekday Pointless-watching.
6 February 2020
FERENCVAROS FAN
@Brumbiscuit: I like the cut of your gib. I’m also staying at the Premier Inn. Will be arriving early in order to use the afternoon as an opportunity to explore a town that I hardly know. Had already planned to target the St Giles, but hadn’t spotted the Princess Alexandra, so thanks for that. Happy to find my way there for 5pm for a pre-gig pizza. Sounds good, and suspect we will not be the only Biscuiteers present. Will be wearing grey trademark club hooded top. Should be easy to spot. Have some knowledge of the club’s somewhat chequered history but, thanks to Florian (apologies for the missing acute accents) Albert circa 1968, I am stuck with them. See you next week.
6 February 2020
Ferencvaros fan
@Dr D: think our posts must have arrived seconds apart. Look forward to seeing you and Elizabeth in the PA then. As for Pointless, still trying to get over Tuesday’s episode when IMO a bad mispronunciation and a wrong answer (Bond movies, odd number of letters in the titles, The Spy Who Loved Me) were both allowed…
6 February 2020
Ferencvaros fan
…although after spending most of Tuesday evening having to convince myself that I could still count to 16 I was left wondering if it was words as well as letters!
6 February 2020
gipton teenager
Sorry about interrupting your flow there FF (there must be a word for that kind of thing).
While I’m on P-GC, regarding the Leeds gig in November (at the risk of looking like a long-range advert for my home city), the 6th is a couple of days into the Leeds International Film Festival. There will be around 300 screenings of every kind of film imaginable at all time of day, mostly in the city centre.
6 February 2020
dr desperate
Northampton might be our best chance of hearing ‘Epiphany’ in a live environment, as the gig’s only 5 miles from Billing Aquadrome (well it worked for ‘Monmore’ last time).
9 February 2020
EXXO
Hmm, 38 months since the last performance of 24HGP, chance would be a fine thing.
9 February 2020
transit full of keith
Other points of interest on a Biscuit Northampton Tour would be Rothersthorpes North and South. Hope to bump into some of you Saturday … first away gig for me since 2018, will be there in a subtly “Mod Diff V. Diff” themed T-shirt.
10 February 2020
BOBBY SVARC
Went to the last Roadmender gig, good venue. The last time I ever spoke to Steve. I suppose they’ll drop into Naseby en route. If the snow aint to deep then I might make a surprise appearance. Is that car park opposite still in use?
10 February 2020
EXXO
Never been there, always wanted to, but not to be this time. A mate used to run it, but that was before I knew him. If it was the summer we’d come down and fish the Nene
Anyway, yes – Mayorhold Car Park, Lady’s Lane, opposite the venue, max headroom 2.1m
10 February 2020
Bobby Svarc
It’s a true fact that I’ve only been to Northampton three times in my life even though only live 40 minutes away, apart from the gig at the Road ender once was a B&H cup quarter final, the Northants fans were throwing bananas at Andy Roberts and the other was Northampton Town v Blackpool circa 2002 as guests of a company that I delt with, ‘Pool won, 1-0, a good centre forward got the winner, John something.
11 February 2020
FERENCVAROS FAN
@ Bobby Svarc: Sounds like John Murphy.
11 February 2020
nige
it was. 90th minute winner apparently
https://www.11v11.com/matches/northampton-town-v-blackpool-23-august-2002-13163/
11 February 2020
BOBBY SVARC
John Murphy, that’s the fella. A Friday night and the gate was low
11 February 2020
Rude Kid
I live in Northampton during the week. The Princess Alexandra is a fine pub. Lots of craft ales on pumps (expensive) but tucked away at the end of the bar are some decent and reasonably priced real ales. Pizzas are excellent. Never been to the St Giles Ale House and i heard some poor reviews about it a while back. A few doors down is the Wig and Pen which Is probably still the best pub on that street – why not try both?
Sorry for being serious.
11 February 2020
Bobby Svarc
Storm Dennis might put the mockers on it this Saturday. Travel from the Wirral won’t be a barrel of laughs that’s for sure.
12 February 2020
dr desperate
It does look a bit menacing.
(Yellow wind and rain warnings across the whole of England; luckily no yellow snow forecast.)
12 February 2020
A2031, A24, M25, M1…
Below the M6/A14 corridor… Practically a home fixture! Bristol next month: two trains. Easy! Most times, it’s a two-night stop.
12 February 2020
brumbiscuit
@Rude Kid: Good tip about the Wig & Pen. Will try it out. My latest t-shirt creation hasn’t arrived yet, bugger! Can’t find the Honved top either. We’re still aiming for the P. Alex for 5pm…
13 February 2020
Bobby Svarc
All I can say after looking through my weather watchers crystal ball is that it’s a shame the gig wasn’t on Friday. I’ve abandoned all plans of making the small hop from West Leicestershire to Northants. Its gonna be a white line nightmare out there so please stay safe.
13 February 2020
FERENCVAROS FAN
Have abandoned plans to drive thanks to Dennis. Crap driver in any case, so probably doing other motorists a favour. Have purchased a cheap train ticket, which, if I have to write off, is no worse than a losing bet. Hotel room can be cancelled up to 1pm on the day. Will have to make a decision before then, as, unlike the train ticket, that’s not throwaway.
Echoing Brumbiscuits’s thanks to Rude Kid for the pub advice. It’s always good to have inside information. Nevertheless, if all goes ahead, I will visit the St Giles as it’s the current CAMRA pub of the year for the region. I would hope to be going out to play by 4pm, and would aim for short stops at Wig & Pen and St Giles before pizza at Princess Alexandra. Here’s hoping then…
13 February 2020
Rich Scopie
I’ll hope to see some of you in the St Giles on Saturday – it’s a cracking little pub.
13 February 2020
Chuck
Needing lift back to Rugby after Roadmender gig for 2 people. Any offers ?
13 February 2020
dr desperate
Some people staying at the Ibis Northampton Centre have received notification that their reservation has been cancelled, as part of the roof blew off during Storm Ciara last Sunday.
The Chron says “All businesses at the (Sol) complex, as well as the Ibis hotel in Marefair, remain open but are only accessible through the pedestrian routes in the car park. The main entrance remains shut.”
The Horsemarket and Marefair streets to the east and south of the building are closed, but no mention of problems with St Mary’s St to the north, so at least the car park’s not sealed off.
14 February 2020
TRANSIT FULL OF keith
Yikes. We’re supposed to be staying there, but heard nothing so far. Also not able to leave Cambridge till after 4, so not exactly looking forward to driving though Dennis. Good luck all…
14 February 2020
EXXO
Watching a ‘dramatic viral video’ of the gripping roof panel saga, it seems that they are really the eaves panels designed to stop pigeons and other undesirables from taking up residence. Worrying. Looks like as many as several of the 151 rooms are affected, so you are truly unlucky if you are one of them.
In other news, Northampton has narrowly missed out to Swansea in the award for “the UK’s best alternative night out,” receiving especial plaudits for “cost-effectiveness” and ease of getting to the bar(s).
14 February 2020
EXXO
Anyway it’s good to see Dennis has been significantly downgraded in terms of potential windspeed along the M6. They’re saying that The Lads will probably not now be buffeted by much above 40-45 on their way down, where plenty of 60-65 gusts had previously been predicted.
Also much improved prospects for Saturday’s sporting activities. Hurrah!
14 February 2020
BOBBY SVARC
Latest update from Netweather for Saturday
The weather quickly going downhill Saturday morning as Storm Dennis arrives to the northwest, any dry conditions not lasting long as cloud, outbreaks of rain and strengthening winds sweep in off the Atlantic across all parts through the morning. Becoming very wet across all parts through the day, rain particularly persistent and heavy across Wales and western parts of England. Gales developing too, gusting to 50-60mph locally inland, 60-70 mph around coasts and over western hills. Heavy rain coupled with strong winds will create difficult travelling conditions, with some travel disruption possible from flooding and high winds. Storm Dennis whipping up some rough seas too, with risk of coastal flooding with high tides around southern and western coasts. Despite the wet and windy conditions, it will be rather mild, particularly in the south – where temperatures will reach 12-14C, in the north reaching 9-12C.
14 February 2020
EXXO
That looks like the Met forecast from 2 days ago. Met (BBC, Accuweather) have tomorrow’s winds less severe than that now.
14 February 2020
brumbiscuit
I’m due to head out about 1pm, so I’ll check on here to see if it’s going ahead. Fingers crossed. If it’s cancelled. I’ll have to wait until September.
14 February 2020
EXXO
Good job the gig’s not in Capel Curig. Blimey.
15 February 2020
Automorph
Despite, or maybe because of, Storm Dennis, was wondering whether to give the Final Dressing Gown an outing tonight, on top of the Ultimate Pyjamas. But I also wonder if the risk of carrying all the extras weight of rain soaked towelling will be balanced by the chances of inclusion on tonight’s setlist of ‘When The Evening Sun Goes Down’….. Great Dilemmas Of Our Time #97
15 February 2020
BOBBY SVARC
Just registered a gust of 56mph in West Leicestershire. Hell, far too much lamb bhuna last night.
15 February 2020
hendrix-tattoo
Just at Piccadilly train station having a Guinness or two before getting the rattler to Northampton. Was thinking about wearing my punk gear including my new punk pants but because of the weather and Storm Dennis battering the country I thought waterproof clothing would be a better option. Looking forward to seeing fellow biscuiteers later hopefully….
15 February 2020
EXXO
@ Tat – have a good one mate. Look out for idiots, roof panels and pigeons.
@ Automorph – the chances are not as high as the 42% on the Giant Set List Chart might suggest. From 2011 to 2016 Evening Sun was a 96% shot, but since the ‘First Eleven’ solidified 15 gigs ago, it’s been a 27% choice. It’s due an appearance so I’d give it 33% tonight. A 2/1 shot.
15 February 2020
Mike dean oven gloves
Setting off for Northampton straight from the Rotherham game in a Transit van as soon as the match finishes. Not enough time to drive carefully so this wind better be behind me! Wish me luck
15 February 2020
Automorph
@EXXO ta for the excellent stats based advice. Remind me to get your tips Grand National time
15 February 2020
EXXO
National schmational, but I’ve never made a loss over the week of Cheltenham.
15 February 2020
EXXO
Soz that should have been 2011-2017, when over 6¼ years it appeared in 51 out of 53 gigs. One of the best examples of how the choice to really stick with the 5 songs from the latest album has changed the setlist.
Chatteris looks like a similar case, almost an ever-present for 13½ years but now a far from a reliable bet in the Hedge era?
Both of those omissions would have the general effect of more animation in the crowd, so both fine by me.
15 February 2020
Luke O’Rourke (the Australian / ex BIRKENHEAD biscuit Goose)
Looking forward to my first biscuits gig, I’m glad one happened while I was in the UK. I’ve been a HMHB fan for a while now, being from Birkenhead originally I always pine for it being back in Australia, but I found a Birkenhead in Auckland! Not as good as the Birkenhead I grew up in.
15 February 2020
EXXO
Have a good one Luke – whereabouts in B’head?
15 February 2020
LUKE O’ROURKE (THE AUSTRALIAN / EX BIRKENHEAD BISCUIT GOOSE)
Opposite Mersey Park in Yelverton Road in Higher Tranmere.
15 February 2020
Brumbiscuit
After a somewhat turbulent journey, we’ve beaten Dennis and we’re safely settled in the Premier Inn and looking forward to meeting folk old and new later.
Drink!
15 February 2020
Injured buzzard
Any idea of support & stage times?
15 February 2020
Clown in a yaris
A few of us will be in the bear from 5. Happy gigging fellow biscuiteers.
15 February 2020
gipton TEENAGER
Have a good one, you hardly lot. I used to have two Uncle Joe’s.
In other news Exxo. Atilla. Fox.16th May.
15 February 2020
gipton TEENAGER
I didn’t put in the ‘ . I am a member of the AAAA.
15 February 2020
Luke O’Rourke
I’m at The Bear, having a pint (Australian pub beer isn’t the best, I much prefer good old British beer)
15 February 2020
EXXO
@Luke. Nice one, I know that area cos it’s by a fishing tackle shop, and only about 400 yards from TRFC (I’m not from there – born Upton, grew up Wallasey, school in B’head). Have a great time mate.
@Gipto. Aye, I’ll be there. Was tempted to go to see him at an 18 capacity gig in a tiny back room in Halifax next Sunday, but looked at pics of the space and decided 18 was too many. Bills itself as UK’s smallest gig venue. Trapped inside a porch sort of thing.
15 February 2020
Luke O’Rourke
I’m in a Joy Division t-shirt (no oven gloves sadly!)
15 February 2020
Clown in a yaris
And so on to Bristol. Any pub info greatly appreciated. Never been there – am staying at Premier Inn Haymarket, hope its not miles and miles from SWX.
24 February 2020
Rich
In case anyone else bought tickets through Bristol Ticket Shop and hasn’t seen the email…
Dear Half Man Half Biscuit customers,
As you may already be aware Bristol Ticket Shop has sadly closed due to the proprietor’s ongoing illness and a debtor failing to pay back a large debt owed to BTS. The promoters of this event have asked us to inform you that they will not be honouring BTS tickets for this show. Processes are underway in terms of selling assets to pay the debts left by the debtor and the closure of the business. As soon as BTS has the funds you will be issued with a refund for these tickets.
BTS is so sorry for the inconvenience caused by this and are working to get you your refunds as soon as possible.
Kindest Regards
BTS
27 February 2020
rich
A subsequent email says that the tickets are now being honoured. What actually happens next Friday is anyones guess.
27 February 2020
dr desperate
Good luck, @Rich.
Stage times for Friday, from the vegan horse’s mouth:
7pm Flux Capacitors
8pm HMHB.
(The ‘Farfetched’ students’ club night starts at 11, so curfew probably soon after 10.)
28 February 2020
Man out walking the dog
Any suggestions for a pre/post gig pub for Bristol?
1 March 2020
The harbinger of nothing
There is an abundance of good pubs on King Street. The Royal Navy Volunteer has unusual craft beers as well as more traditional offerings, King William Ale House is a Samuel Smith’s pub, and the Beer Emporium is a cellar which has just about everything. I don’t know of many good pubs which are closer to the venue, although The Strawberry Thief on Broad Street has a good range of Belgian beers.
2 March 2020
Bloke out walking the dog
Thanks for the info THON. Do you think any of the above might be a likely gathering spot for fellow Biscuiteers?
2 March 2020
The harbinger of nothing
I forgot the King Street Brewhouse, which is a good all-rounder.
2 March 2020
INJURED BUZZARD
If anyone is looking for a pre-gig curry, I can recommend the Urban Tandoor on Small Street. Went there last time and it one of the best Indian meals I’ve ever had. Just a short walk to the venue as well.
2 March 2020
The harbinger of nothing
Oops, just seen your reply, BOWTD! Those are all good pubs and they would all work, I should think. I’m not sure what people usually go for.
If anyone is looking for somewhere really close to the venue then there’s a place called The Lanes which you can see if you come out of SWX and look to your left. I hear it has a selection of beers which is unexpectedly quite good, but having not been I can’t vouch for it. It is also a suitable venue for those who like to go ten pin bowling after work.
Other favourites of mine in Bristol are the Barley Mow, which is close to Temple Meads, and Elmer’s Arms in Old Market. They’re probably a bit far from the venue though.
2 March 2020
The harbinger of nothing
Oh, there’s also The Christmas Steps, at the bottom of the Christmas Steps. That’s quite close to SWX and would also be a good choice.
2 March 2020
Bloke out walking the dog
Thanks again THON ; your suggestions are very much appreciated.
2 March 2020
JIM IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA
Great to see the pub suggestions building here. I’m shaking off the salt water and heading to my first HMHB gig since 1986. I’m very excited – far more than an old idiot should be, but there it is.
Is the actual venue licenced? Even if it is, is the beer any good? (doubt it). All ale-related information gratefully received. Ta!
3 March 2020
Mr ed
That is a lot of pubs. I had better get there early.
3 March 2020
Clown in a yaris
BOWTD if you fancy meeting up in The Lanes sounds as good a place to start as any, bound to be a few Biscuiteers floating about.
3 March 2020
The harbinger of nothing
Jim – I’m afraid the beer in SWX would not be suitable for a picnic, and there is no ale to be found. The sound quality is usually pretty good though, so hopefully that might compensate.
It’s a shame the gig’s not at the Thekla.
3 March 2020
Bloke out walking the dog
CIAY – that seems a good plan.
4 March 2020
JIM IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA
Thank you Harbinger! Reading the thread I don’t think I’ll die of thirst…
5 March 2020
Clown in a yaris
Have arrived early in Bristol to do a proper reccie. The Lanes or Christmas Steps seem to be the best bets for meets. Hope to see some of you there. Will be loitering around in trademark Evil Gazebo tee.
6 March 2020
Ray Daley
Don’t forget Bristol’s premiere vegan rock and roll band The Flux Capacitors as warm up act on at 7 – “Playful Wholesome Low-Level Mayhem” featuring ex Blue Aeroplane Hazel Winter and Turbo-Hybrid guitarist Michael McNeil. We are one of the best bands in our postcode.
6 March 2020
Mr galbraith
Looking forward to tonight. Saw the Flux Capacitors at the Exeter gig and particularly enjoyed their song about drinking piss.
6 March 2020
Chris The Siteowner
3pm: Bunch of us in the Christmas Steps now (me, Dr D, Jitsu G etc). Do come and say hi.
6 March 2020
Android, eyes rolling
Still waiting for my bus from Bath to lift off. Missed the 5.00 one by minutes, 5.15 one was cancelled…
6 March 2020
Ray Daley
Most of the Flux Capacitors at the Bank Tavern post gig near SWX, come and join us!
6 March 2020
dr desperate
We should know next week what the government intends to class as “mass gatherings” which will be banned – if it’s anything less than 800 people (the standing capacity of the Coro Hall) we have to assume that Ulverston will be cancelled. The Times of London reports that new laws could remain in place for two years, so the rest of the fixture list would probably go too.
NSD.
14 March 2020
Geoff Unlikely
Sky reports that it will be any gathering of over 500 people.
14 March 2020
Bobby Svarc
I have a nice venue booked for my 60th bash in June. A intimate gig, £50 a ticket. It would be jolly good fun
14 March 2020
Clown in a yaris
I’m praying that the Ulverston gig happens…but i’ll be amazed if it does.
14 March 2020
dr desperate
Sky (under the link “Why you can trust Sky News”) admits to quoting The Times, which says on its inside pages “Westminster officials are still consulting on the threshold that will constitute a mass gathering in England and Wales”. It’ll probably be 500 though.
14 March 2020
BAD LOSER
Having had to say goodbye to my football trip to Mallorca this weekend and, likely, any more such trips until next season I only have the HMHB gigs in the diary to look forward to. Not having made it to one since Sheffield, was going to make up for lost time with Durham the only one that I only had marked in pencil for the rest of the year.
500 seems unnecessarily restrictive and is one step away from telling people they have to forget about having a life altogether. They are going to need the public’s backing to see off this situation and if a 2 year restriction is indeed on the cards then they’re not gong to get it.
14 March 2020
BOBBY SVARC
Fish, the gargantuan rocker out of Marillion (c) VIZ has cancelled tomorrows gig at Holmfirth
14 March 2020
Warden Hodges
Same here.
Ulverston is nice esp with the museum just around the corner from the Coro but it ain’t looking good so far. Cartmel worth a visit too. Sticky toffee pud, yummy.
14 March 2020
Bloke out walking the dog
Terrible thought, but those of us lucky enough to be at the wonderful Bristol gig last week, might have witnessed the lads in action for the last time for quite a while – I sincerely hope that I’m wrong, of course.
14 March 2020
THIS LEADEN PAUL
https://twitter.com/corohall/status/1239873146037121024?s=21
“We are working with event organisers to explore best options for upcoming events.”
Unpromising.
17 March 2020
BAD LOSER
Coro is closed up to and including 5th April. Seems we will be informed then if the gig is on or not.
17 March 2020
EXXO
Not sure why anyone thinks there’s any realistic chance it’ll be on, nor any gig in the next several months at least, though I understand the financial and contractual reasons why it can’t be definitely cancelled until it’s definitely cancelled and feel every sympathy with everyone involved, especially of course jobs at the venue.
18 March 2020
dr desperate
The government’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, giving evidence to the Commons health select committe yesterday said, “I don’t know how long these measures are going to be needed for. It is certainly not a couple of weeks. It is going to be months”.
All the bands I’ve heard from so far are trying to re-schedule rather than cancel tours; The Lovely Eggs have posted “PLEASE PLEASE don’t get refunds on tickets. If you can’t make the rescheduled date then pass the ticket to a mate or re-sell or just don’t turn up. By not applying for a refund you are really supporting bands like us who are in the shit right now! Solidarity going out to all the bands, venues and promoters with cancelled/postponed tours.”
18 March 2020
dr desperate
(A fan on the Eggs’ FB page has suggested they could stream some performances, but I think that would be taking things to… never mind.)
18 March 2020
Clown in a yaris
Birmingham may be the first possibility. I have tickets for Ulverston,Nottingham and Durham.
Depressed beyond tablets……
18 March 2020
Clown in a yaris
Maybe the boys will use the gig hiatus to write some new material and return with a vengeance. Seems a good opportunity as long as they’re all fit and well. Light at the end of the tunnel? Trying hard to cheer myself up, but just keep playing ‘Coroners Footnote’ over and over. Makes me smile a bit tho…
18 March 2020
warden hodges
I would have enjoy a few pre-gig pints of Wainwrights at The Mill, Ulverston as well.
Not to be, sadly
Blackpool October…please!!!
18 March 2020
WARDEN HODGES
enjoyed even..
18 March 2020
hendrix-tattoo
If you want to help the best band in the fucking(Escuse my french) world.
And if you can’t make any re-scheduled dates(If any are cancelled)
Please keep hold of your ticket because you may need it to wipe your arse with because of the shortage of toilet paper in shops(Escuse my french again) instead of asking for a refund….
18 March 2020
IDIOT SAUL
Best band in the fucking world or the best fucking band in the world? Probably both.
18 March 2020
transit full of keith
“There is nothing better in life than writing on the sole of slipper of a biro on a Saturday night instead of going to the pub”. It never really hit home before. The solace a battered nation needs in harsh times. They should reissue it as a singalong novelty single.
18 March 2020
professor abelazar woozle
I keep wondering about the possibility of getting the lads to set a webcam up in the practice room and streaming virtual gigs to us all – maybe set up a donations jar or have a requests auction; how much would you be willing to pay to hear that seldom-played favourite done live?
18 March 2020
alan
Has Ulverston gone?
18 March 2020
Bobby Svarc
They have a practice room?
19 March 2020
Parsfan
@Dr D – thanks for that about The Lovely Eggs. I hadn’t bought a ticket for the Edinburgh gig as I was planning a football trip to Inverness that weekend. Now neither are happening so I’ve bought one now and we’ll see when it eventfully happens.
Porridge Radio cancelled their tour this week and did a stream “gig” on Tuesday. I found out just after it finished.
19 March 2020
dr desperate
Another bright idea from the Professor – we should be sponsoring the webcams. Half Mandolin supporting?
19 March 2020
mister tubbs
Just received an email about the Rock City Notts gig in May:-
“We’ve been informed that HALF MAN HALF BISCUIT
at Rock City, Nottingham on 22/05/2020 has changed date.
This event will now take place on FRIDAY, 19/02/2021.
All tickets remain valid for the new date.”
20 March 2020
The harbinger of nothing
If you turn up on the original date, you will probably be locked out of the Rock City, Notts.
20 March 2020
INJURED BUZZARD
Notice on the ‘Coro’ site:
In the current situation with COVID-19, we have unfortunately had to close The Coronation Hall until the end of 10 May 2020* in line with government guidance and the best interests of the health and well-being of our customers, staff and volunteers.
With the high rate of enquiries we are experiencing, we ask for your patience and understanding whilst we manage this unexpected and impactful closure. We will be contacting all ticket holders in the week prior to events that are cancelled.
23 March 2020
dr desperate
*(the inevitable asterisk)
“We will review this on a weekly basis and hopefully see you soon.”
23 March 2020
INJURED BUZZARD
With social gatherings now limited to 2 people, I think the best we can hope for is Nigel & Carl streaming an acoustic set from the car park. Hallelujah, unlikely…
23 March 2020
Alice van der meer
Half Band Half Man Half Biscuit?
24 March 2020
INJURED BUZZARD
As I’m sure a lot of us will have pre booked trains & hotels for the postponed gigs, Avanti West coast, Premier Inn & others are offering full refunds. Check websites for details.
24 March 2020
BAD LOSER
New date for Ulverstone. Roll forward exactly 52 weeks. Now 16 April 21.
Hopefully these rearranged gigs will be additions to the 2021 fixture list rather than instead of planned dates.
26 March 2020
dr desperate
Durham now re-scheduled for 26.3.21.
(I doubt they’ll be doing twice as many gigs as usual next year, assuming those band members currently in gainful employment remain so.)
26 March 2020
Parsfan
Well I know what I’ll be doing a year today.
I wonder where will my birthday gig next year will be instead?
26 March 2020
hendrix-tattoo
The only thing we have now to look forward to is Bobby Svarc’s 60th birthday shindig….
26 March 2020
BOBBY SVARC
I wouldn’t hold your beath Tony, I can’t see it happening in June
26 March 2020
hendrix-tattoo
Micky fingers crossed yeah!
26 March 2020
BOBBY SVARC
Bit of a lash up radio show that I’ve done today, boredom buster. If you like it I’ll do another next week. kills an hour anyway
https://www.mixcloud.com/micky-bates/rockin-me-duck-slung-together-show/
26 March 2020
Lord leominster
Uplifting. Thanks.
26 March 2020
Gagarin
Good to hear my magnificent achievement recognised once again.
26 March 2020
Mr Ed
Looks like this has become pre-gig chat 2021.
28 March 2020
mister tubbs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSIrQBGfUtw
If only Ken could’ve come over here and saved us all from covid 19, we might still be looking forward to going to Ulverston in a few weeks.
31 March 2020
aiwacat
Suddenly struck me that I should be wrapping myself round scallop and chips, washed down with a handful of pints, in a leisurely buildup to the evening’s jollity.
17 April 2020
Chris The Siteowner
Supporters of my third-rate football team do #TweetLikeThe FootballIsOn before, during and after matches that are now only happening in our imaginations. perhaps we should all go into fantasyland and do #TweetLikeTheGigIsOn.
17 April 2020
hendrix-tattoo
Should be around this time now when I should be tucking into a Pizza and looking forward to a couple of pints of guinness in sunny Ulverston but nevermind….
17 April 2020
WARDEN HODGES
Would have been shuffling along Market St now after some fine Lancastrian beers…
17 April 2020
Chris The Siteowner
Well, I hope Twitter will make up for it a bit.
17 April 2020
Phyllis Triggs
Who’s the support tonight? Should we head off now or stay for another?
17 April 2020
Chris The Siteowner
Haven’t seen this lot before. https://twitter.com/hmhb_lyrics/status/1251217715475472387?s=20
17 April 2020
Phyllis Triggs
Plumpton Riot! That name alone’ll draw me in… I direct them towards Avid Brewery’s Morpheus Stout (8% but I’m sure they can ‘andle it) and head up the road to join Postman Tony, John and Elizabeth, who are just leaving the pizza place..
17 April 2020
Eric t’viking
What was the walk on music again – I didn’t quite catch it..?
@Warden Hodges – I think by definition, all Lancastrian beers are fine (with the exception of those some have misguidedly put fruit into).
17 April 2020
INJURED BUZZARD
Would be on my last post-gig pint before heading to the station for my digs in Barrow. Bugger…
17 April 2020
dr desperate
I don’t wish to be pedantic – let me put that another way, I wish to be pedantic. Ulverston is no longer in Lancashire, the North of the Sands region having been ceded to the Cumbrian aggressors in the 1974 Anschluss.
It’s described in The Cumbria Directory as a “busy market town”. The Ulverston Brewing Company lists amongst its ales ‘Laughing Gravy’, ‘Lonesome Pine’ and ‘Another Fine Mess’. They had been about to unleash Ulversteiner Pilsner and Weissbier, so it’s not all bad news.
18 April 2020
WARDEN HODGES
Eric. Agreed.
Oh well, an incredibly slow walk past Cartmel (and Races), M6 southbound to Blackpool for October I hope. We go again in 25 weeks.
18 April 2020
EXXO
I assumed that by ‘Lancastrian’ the Warden was referring to the products of the mighty https://www.lancasterbrewery.co.uk/
with the excellent https://www.mill-at-ulverston.co.uk/
being one of their three permanent outlets.
One of my favourites in our small beer glass collection too.
On the plus side, we can reasonably hope that the same Friday night next year won’t be as bloody cold as last night was.
18 April 2020
Phyllis Triggs
That made sense until I pressed send and the line about meeting Exxo and Gipton Tony on their way into the pub disappeared. Never mind, as it didn’t happen anyway it makes no odds. Anyone get the setlist?
18 April 2020
WARDEN HODGES
Exxo Aye, that’s the beauty!
18 April 2020
hendrix-tattoo
Neil kindly threw me his setlist Phyllis.
And like Cts0 mentioned the first song was 13 Eurogoths Floating in the Dead Sea, Highlight for me was them playing Len Ganley stance and a superb cover (because of Karl’s brilliant guitar work) of There’s No One Quite Like Grandma. Which reminded me of the time when I did see St Winifred’s School Choir supporting the Damned at the Manchester Apollo in 1980….
18 April 2020
CARRIE ANNE
Probe have a lockdown t-shirt sale for a limited period. At least it’s some way of supporting the lads during the gig hiatus, and you get a stylish bit of apparel to wear in the queue at B&Q.
http://new.probeplus-store.co.uk/?fbclid=IwAR1qagFvTH0PI2j2s5VMtuvl_4tYwa9eAUchE_igLCMqEiLpslMk3kzAqXA
26 April 2020
EXXO
Well played Karen – I came on here to post exactly the same thing, and vaguely remember Mrs. E saying something last night about “oh well it might be a bit big for you but at least it’s only £11.” We’ve been doing our bit for the economy by buying at least the recommended 30% extra booze during all this (including a whole firkin to help out the local brewery), so with any luck by the time my birthday comes round it will fit.
26 April 2020
BOBBY SVARC
Some Tunes, Take it or leave it
https://www.mixcloud.com/RoofRadio/rockin-mduck-radio-lockdown-show-6/
26 April 2020
professor abelazar woozle
My redundancy money comes through on Tuesday so I’ll be going on a shopping spree! New job starts (remotely) tomorrow BTW, so I can splurge without worrying.
26 April 2020
wunt be Druv
I’m guessing that quite a few of us will have similarish music taste, if so can I point you to Richard Lattos show Stereo Underground which is on a Saturday night normally 6pm to 8pm but during Lockdown 6pm to 10.00pm. It is normally only available in the south but i think it has been extended to most regions now. There are I think roughly the past 5 weeks shows on the BBC Sounds App with full setlists, btw I have requested HMHB as a featured artist waiting to hear, Apologies if already on everyone’s radar .Vince
27 April 2020
dr desperate
I’m sure everybody knew, but for the sake of completeness on the Upcoming Gigs page, the Coro Ulverston has been re-scheduled to 16 April 2021.
9 May 2020
Clown in a yaris
If it wasn’t for a mixture of common sense and this website i would be under the impression that Ulverston went ahead. Heard absolutely nothing from the venue,very disappointing. The notice as posted by IB on post 682 doesn’t seem to have happened.
22 May 2020
dr desperate
Good point, @Clown. One does begin to wonder if these independent venues are just going to go permanently dark.
(It took me a while to search out my original confirmation email, as their address was noreply@patronbase.com.)
23 May 2020
Clown in a yaris
Hope this venue pulls through, this was the gig i was/am most looking forward to.
23 May 2020
EXXO
Interesting if you look at PatronBase’s own website, the advice to venues on how to react to the current situation hasn’t been updated since just before Lockdown, when they did offer their clients a fairly full a quite impressive advice bulletin.
https://patronbase.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Coronavirus_guide.pdf
When you look at their list of clients, they are nearly all Coro-type charities, as if they targeted those organisations by offering them a good deal, hoped to build their business, never did really build into much of a profit, and perhaps lost interest.
Their USP is all about how much better they allow their clients to communicate with customer than the Toutmasters of this world, but it must be that in this case that the Coro have furloughed their only tech-savvy staff. It’s noticeable that their board members when you look them up are all fairly long in the tooth. A few Facebook posts is all they have managed since lockdown.
If I was any such organisation I’d be all over social media every day keeping myself in the public eye, getting artists on board with interviews, competitions, raffles, pledges, inviting suggestions for future festivals, sponsoring the moshpits and tweeting about strange versions of online ‘Pointless’ about HMHB, etc.
Hopefully charities like the Coro are well placed to survive and if privately-run small venues do go under, such community-run organisations will spring up in their place. As long as they team up with local real ale breweries and not fucking Carling, eh?
25 May 2020
BOBBY SVARC
We’ve heard some disturbing news regarding music venues in Leicester. If true, then I fear for the majority of the small venues all over the country.
26 May 2020
Alice van der meer
I have a very nasty feeling that it’s not just going to be small music venues. I know that’s our concern here, but a lot of things are going to be very different, especially if we get a second wave, or if there’s no immunity/vaccine…
All we can do is try to stay safe and hope the hospitals and the scientists win. Good luck with that, Mickey, and everyone else too.
26 May 2020
Mark Griffiths
Glyn pardoe passed away ex Manchester City Left back and apparently used to play shuttlecock according to Nigel at a Manchester Ritz gig.
26 May 2020
Parsfan
2:33 that should be me train to Durham just leaving.
How much confidence do people have that Blackpool will be on? Brum a bit too soon I think.
5 June 2020
BOBBY SVARC
Can’t see any way the remaining gigs will take place in 2020. Word has it that football stadiums will be a sixth of the capacity; every other row empty, and two empty seats between each person. How can you run a gig with those types of restrictions and still hoping the punters enjoy it?
5 June 2020
dr desperate
This announcement from The Lovely Eggs seems to cover it (substitute Biscuits for Lovely Eggs throughout):
“We’ve made the decision to postpone all our live touring until February 2021. This is an absolute gutter for us but with little direction from the government, we don’t want to put people’s safety and lives at risk. We imagine that even by autumn even if gigs can happen they’ll be very different to the usual Lovely Eggs experience and we don’t want that! We want the normal chaos that you’ve come to expect from a Lovely Eggs gig, so we’ve taken the decision to postpone our touring until next year.”
5 June 2020
WARDEN HODGES
Fraid you could be right there Mick, after 33 years , 50 odd bands and 200 plus gig memories, will there be no more sweat, bruised ribs (Shrewsbury 2010) , tinnitus and joyful smiles?
6 June 2020
TRANSIT FULL OF keith
It’s a grim state of affairs, National Shite Year in so many ways. You just have to hope that the right venues, bands, breweries, etc will still exist at the end of it. Not much you can do, except maybe donate the price of a night out to a decent venue under threat if you can spare it? (Plenty of them asking for funds online).
6 June 2020
Chris The Siteowner
Just done this in support of Cambridge’s Portland Arms, which was the recipient of the most recent of Frank Turner’s magnificent weekly fund-raisers. I know Turner has done pretty well for himself, and can probably afford to support small venues rather than needing to look after his own bank balance, but it’s a terrific initiative regardless.
6 June 2020
EXXO
Nice one Chris. See also the big-nosed balladeer’s recent ‘live party’ for the Sheffield Leadmill, one of HMHB’s favourite venues these days. Google the gig up if you’re a big BB fan and bung a couple of quid to the ‘Mill.
Oh and since Mark Steel was mentioned today in another thread, here’s something another marvellous comedic Mark – ie Mark Thomas – is doing tonight, live, for £5 in support of the wonderful Trades Club and other even more fantastic causes (including the two Palestian performers who are on the breadline with nowhere else to perform, it) . I saw this show live in Leeds a couple of years ago and it was very moving, vert funny, very educational.
9 June 2020
BOBBY SVARC
Brum OFF. New June 2021 date tbc
9 June 2020
dr desperate
Thanks @Bob.
The B-NB was also on the running order of the Wakefield Long Division online festival LD:TV on Saturday night.
He’s on at [1:33:13] (but watch from a few seconds before he starts for a splendid outburst about electronic drumkits from Hands Off Gretel’s drummer) and again at [1:40:40], with a nice dig at Mozzer (q v).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GblKW5KTMpY&t=5595s
9 June 2020
BAD LOSER
According to Ticketmaster, Brum is 4th June 21
13 June 2020
dr desperate
I have it on good authority that Blackpool now postponed until October ’21.
20 June 2020
WARDEN HODGES
Cheers Doc, had a feeling.
21 June 2020
dr desperate
Blackpool confirmed as 8.10.21.
26 June 2020
mister tubbs
Just received an email about the now cancelled, rescheduled Ulverston gig:-
“Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic we regret to inform you that
HALF MAN HALF BISCUIT
at Coronation Hall, Ulverston on 16/04/2021
is cancelled and will not be rescheduled.
A face value refund will be credited to the card used to make the booking or
your Paypal account respectively and tickets are not required to be returned.
Please allow up to 28 working days for this refund to clear.”
7 July 2020
BAD LOser
Just got that too Mr Tubbs.
Hugely disappointing. Seems strange timing given the funding package launched yesterday that included music venues.
I heard suggestions yesterday that we can’t expect to see live music this year. I’m guessing The Coro reckons it won’t still be around next April.
7 July 2020
dr desperate
See post 721 from six weeks ago. Anyone who heard the Culture Secretary yesterday saying that the funding package will “prioritise those crown jewel institutions” won’t have been holding out much hope for those institutions where the likes of us go.
On the other hand, you can buy a lot of plywood boarding for £1.57bn.
7 July 2020
transit full of keith
The immediate future of live music looks like Gary Numan booked to do “Cars” at various drive-in festivals in Park & Rides up and down the land … I don’t begrudge him the late career boost, but it’s not an appealing prospect is it?
7 July 2020
Bad loser
My refund has come through already. Well £40 out of £47 because Seetickets think I deserve to lose £7 in fees not to see a gig.
8 July 2020
hendrix-tattoo
Well that’s it folks no more gigs in 2020.
Just got an e-mail that Leeds will be now 28th May 2021..
14 July 2020
Parsfan
No great surprise, let’s hope the rearranged ones go ahead as currently planned.
With one out of three gigs in 2020 this was my best showing since 2006 (4/9). Not coincidentally the year I met my wife.
14 July 2020
Bad loser
I’d been looking almost every day expecting this final piece of bad news.
I normally get to 3 or 4 gigs a year and was looking for a new PB (HMHB gigs, not 10K) this year. Unfortunately, that didn’t include any of the 3 they did play so, The Leadmill last October remains the last.
16 July 2020
dr desperate
Another domino falls: Hull DJ Burnsy has announced on FB that VMS Live, owners of Hull clubs the Welly (where HMHB have played twice recently), Polar Bear and Asylum, and the Hull Box Office ticketing organisation have gone into administration. The VMS website is currently closed, so we’ll have to wait for news on their other venues, including Manchester Academy, Norwich Waterfront, Preston LiVE, London ULU and several other student unions.
16 July 2020
dr desperate
Looks like it’s just the Welly and Polar Bear closing (so far), as VMS owns six companies and only two of them are going into administration. The remaining four, which run Liverpool Olympia, Hull Asylum and the William Aston Hall in Wrexham will continue to operate.
On the negative side, Mission Mars have just announced that Manchester’s Gorilla and The Deaf Institute won’t be re-opening.
16 July 2020
dr desperate
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lt4O-EHNnw
16 July 2020
Phyllis Triggs
Gutted to hear that news John. Was prepared for some of the outliers to fall but Gorilla is an integral part of the circuit. Saw Julian Cope there in Feb. Was my first gig of 2020 – looks like being the last too.
16 July 2020
CornishBIsCUIT
On the subject of the cancelled gig at the Coronation Hall in Ulverston in April, and the email about refunds – I’m a very cautious little so-and-so and the email asks us to reply with our bank details for a refund. This is absolutely kosher isn’t it? I mean, it is, isn’t it?… I’ll just do it.
17 July 2020
hendrix-tattoo
Tweet from Sacha Lord….
Gorilla and Deaf Institute update: There is hope. Over night I have received interest from potential buyers. This morning I have written to Mission Mars asking them to share with me the sale details. Further updates will follow.
17 July 2020
hendrix-tattoo
@Cornishbiscuit, You have a choice not to ask for a refund. And in not doing so you could help in the Coronation Hall’s survival….
17 July 2020
EXXO
Jobs and ‘provincial’ small-town venues are the tragedy in all this. In the big cities there will always be more entrepreneurs and promoters to replace any that go under. There are plenty of actual and potential gig spaces in the big cities, and supply will meet demand pretty much as soon as it is allowed.
18 July 2020
dr desperate
I don’t know whether Leeds has a ‘Night-Time Economy Adviser’ like Sacha Lord: I know Hull hasn’t.
18 July 2020
EXXO
We don’t need an elected mayor, so s/he doesn’t need a gimmicky high-profile tsar or adviser of that type. The council have managed the nightlife scene pretty well here for several decades now and the number of types and sizes of venue, especially independent ones, was still expanding prior to Lockdown. It’s such a central part of the economy & culture that it will not be allowed to wither.
18 July 2020
dr desperate
New gig announced for Manc Ritz 22nd Jan 2021, JD Meatyard supporting. For those optimistic enough to believe it’ll go ahead, general ticket sales open 10am this Wednesday 22nd July.
20 July 2020
BAd loser
I’m optimistic enough. Well, probably more desperate to have something resembling normal life and to see the lads in action again.
Just got two tickets via O2 priority.
21 July 2020
hendrix-tattoo
Retweet from Pete Hooton.
Good news; Tokyo Industries have stepped in to buy Gorilla and Deaf Institute, saving the venues from permanent closure….
21 July 2020
dr desperate
Booked my non-priority ticket for The Ritz – more in hope than expectation.
(M’partner says she doesn’t want to risk getting Covid, so I said I’d go and bring some back for her.)
22 July 2020
hendrix-tattoo
Also booked my non-priority ticket for the O2 Ritz.
If it does go ahead own bog and bed for me….
22 July 2020
INJURED BUZZARD
Got mine also. Looking forward to see some safe distance moshing.
@H-T I’ll bring a flask of coffee, just in case… Big game Sunday.
23 July 2020
hendrix-tattoo
Cheers Andy two sugars please….
23 July 2020
BOBBY SVARC
I hope I’m hopelessly wrong but I think there’s more chance of platting sawdust than that gig taking place.
23 July 2020
Clown in a yaris
Hate being a pessimist my glass is nearly always half full. However, as a betting man i’ll wager the first gig we’ll be seeing is Leeds in May.
Have you got change for the fruit machine chief i’m all out.
1 August 2020
dr desperate
Announcement today of 135 venues that will be receiving money from the Emergency Grassroots Music Venues Fund. As far as I can see, HMHB have played two of them: the Boiler Shop in Newcastle and Bath Komedia. Better than nothing, I suppose.
22 August 2020
Bad liser
Sports today told to anticipate no-one being allowed to attend till the end of March. 3 gigs due before then. Rock City and Durham getting postponed more than a 1970s 3rd tound FA Cup tie in all probability.
22 September 2020
transit full of keith
Never sure if these things do any good, but with the newly announced version of the “jobs protection scheme” doing sod all for musicians, live venues, etc., it might be worth helping get this petition on the subject over 100,000 names and debated in parliament. //petition.parliament.uk/petitions/329174
25 September 2020
EXXO
Venues added today include the following where the Lads have played: Sheffield Leadmill, Stockton Arts Centre, Kendal Brewery Arts Centre, Roadmender Northampton, Manchester Uni SU, John Peel Arts Centre, Stowmarket, Hebden Bridge Trades club.
And a few on Merseyside where they might go to gigs including: Parr Street Studios, Future Yard B’head.
12 October 2020
EXXO
I will doubtless have missed two or three Biscuit venues that weren’t in the right places on the Spreadsheet, not least the £398,459 for the Cambridge Junction:
“After months of holding our breath and nerve, today’s announcement of Culture Recovery funding for Cambridge Junction comes as a huge relief. We’re very grateful to the DCMS and Arts Council England for these vital resources and this vote of confidence in our ability to reshape and recover over the coming months. The money we’ve secured will enable us to refocus our programmes, to re-engage with audiences, to work with communities, to support young people’s creative learning and collaborate with freelance and independent artists, practitioners and creatives in developing new work. We will also further explore socially distanced, online and outdoor performance. Through all of this we want to bring joy to people’s lives again, though a joy that is inclusive of the hope, grief and sadness we might also feel. We want to continue old and start new conversations, with people in communities and with artists, that begin with a simple question; what do you need from us? And we’re properly excited by where these conversations, this space for imagining, might lead us…”
12 October 2020
EXXO
Exeter Phoenix, Norwich Arts Centre, and going way back in time … how could they leave it off the list, after all? … The Bullingdon, Oxford.
13 October 2020
transit full of keith
Glad my local venue the Junction is dodging the bullet. A decent, non-corporate place.
13 October 2020
dr desperate
Good news for all those venues, fingers crossed that it keeps them afloat long enough to get to the other side.
13 October 2020
parsfan
Talk on here a couple of weeks ago about the rearranged gigs at the start of the year possibly being put back again. I have tickets for five gigs in February/March, mostly put back from this year. One of them, The Mysterines, has just been put back to June. I wonder how long before the others follow suit?
In terms of the lads, I’ve only signed up for Durham so far but have just noticed Birmingham is next year’s birthday gig. If I keep buying a ticket for one a year I might get to go on the whole “tour” by the time they finally go ahead.
Or is that being too pessimistic?
14 October 2020
dr desperate
Manchester Ritz gig now put back to 28th January 2022.
15 October 2020
EXXO
On the plus side, with less than 1,000 days till my 60+ railcard now, I don’t reckon I’ll have to pay full fare to get to many more gigs.
15 October 2020
dr desperate
Mine ran out last week, but the basta*ds refused to extend the expiry date even though I hadn’t been on a train for seven months.
15 October 2020
hendrix-tattoo
Nottingham Rock City now Fri. 25th March 2022….
5 November 2020
EXXO
No sooner did Toutmaster start encouraging us to believe there’s be no Anti-vax conspiracy bumpkins in the post-war moshpit … than they immediately felt it necessary to deny this.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-54920146
12 November 2020
Paul f
Clearly they were concerned about a backlash from the Right Said Fred fan base.
13 November 2020
Bobby Svarc
When will we see you again
https://ibb.co/4dtXNzY
30 November 2020
HENDRIX-tattoo
Let’s hope soon Micky, Brilliant model by the way, Superb….
30 November 2020
dr desperate
New gig announced at Frome Cheese & Grain, 26.11.21.
If we’re spared.
9 December 2020
Parsfan
That’s Durham been put back again. Now Friday 29th April 2022.
I don’t think I’ve ever had a ticket that for in advance before.
14 December 2020
Cream CHEESE AND chives
I remember asking a friend from Durham about things I should do when there for the original date and now it has turned it reminds me of a horrible Roald Dahl Tales of the Unexpected twist on the unwanted season ticket. Tickets for future gigs no longer able to be used. Cue strangely erotic female silhouette doing unimpressive dancing…
15 December 2020
ADC90
Just so you all know, there is a HMHB subreddit at r/HalfManHalfBiscuit.
16 December 2020
Uncle joe
Hope everyone’s coping without a live outing since Northampton last Feb, most of the 11 newbies I brought along very much enjoyed themselves.
A little help please, what’s that song that sort of goes “They came for the martial artists but I’m not a martial artist so I didn’t care” etc. I’ve looked down the entire song list but nothing rings a bell as I’m not over familiar with all 205.
13 January 2021
POP-TART MARK
Turn a Blind Eye.
13 January 2021
Uncle Joe
Thanks Pop-Tart Mark!
How many CD singles are there by the way? I’m assuming that the 4 EP’s mentioned are Look Dad No Tunes, Eno Collaboration, Editor’s Recommendation and Saucy Haulage Ballads – how many CD singles are there? I’ve only got Let’s Not. And how many Peel Sessions, just the one?
Bearing in mind how deep some of the chats go and how almost impossible some of the quizzes I’ve seen are (and I’m not that shabby at remembering stuff and have listened to the whole canon a fair amount), surely someone at some point has broken down the amount of mentions the different sports get? Football way ahead with probably about 1,500 but after that? And to my increasingly obviously limited knowledge, the great game of Rugby League fails to get a single mention (even though the shithouse other code gets at least 3 I can think of) – please tell me I’m wrong?
For the mate that got me into going to see them live, I thought I’d do him a little game of anagrams of names of people mentioned in the songs (I know, but lockdown etc) and thought it might be fun to put some on here but now realise that would be utter child’s play to the cognoscenti having seen some of said quizzes – has this been done before?
17 January 2021
Uncle joe
By the way, ta to Bobby Svarc for the transcript of Channel 9’s footy results from the Fast Show (Feb 12th) which reminded me of the thread about “aplomb” which hopefully culminated in Ron Manager’s timeless “As sure as eggs is eggs, mantle with aplomb”. And The Day Today’s horse racing odds too for some reason (Zeinab Badawi’s Twenty Hotels 9/2, Onion Terror 33/1 etc).
And someone mentioned Viz – don’t get me started…
17 January 2021
Parsfan
Uncle Joe, you missed Trumpton Riots.
Look Dad only has three tracks so the same as Let’s Not.
I have 12 Peel sessions, two Kershaws and a Lard.
17 January 2021
paul f
Once upon a time there was a Johnnie Walker session on Gez’s site (Doreen and Whit Week Malarkey). I have it on a CD somewhere but don’t know if it’s available online these days. Johnnie discussed TRFC, Neil Diamond and Gaffer tape with Nigel before memorably signing off with the phrase “Half Moon Half Biscuit”.
18 January 2021
Uncle joe
Cheers Parsfan, so Trumpton Riots, having come true at Capitol Hill recently, is also an EP on CD.
Are Let’s Not and Look Dad the only released CD singles then?
12 different Peel Sessions on CD?! Crikey, your Kershaw and Lard (no idea what that is) are CD’s too are they?
19 January 2021
PARSFAn
Cheers Parsfan, so Trumpton Riots, having come true at Capitol Hill recently, is also an EP on CD.
I don’t know but maybe not, I don’t think I’ve ever seen one. I only have it bundled in with Back In The DHSS.
Are Let’s Not and Look Dad the only released CD singles then?
Again, I don’t know for sure, but you might be right. I think the only other possibility would be No Regrets. I only have it on vinyl but I think it came out after Let’s Not so it’s feasible.
12 different Peel Sessions on CD?! Crikey, your Kershaw and Lard (no idea what that is) are CD’s too are they?
Nope, none of them are. They’re sessions recorded off the radio and/or downloaded from the internet.
20 January 2021
nige
I’ve got
Lets not
Look Dad
Saucy Haulage Ballads
Editors recommendations
Eno
No regrets
20 January 2021
Millard rausch
So…has anyone put Bernie on a HMHB album cover yet?
23 January 2021
dr desperate
I have.
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10225157749396607&set=a.1327563594928
23 January 2021
Parsfan
Just realised it’s a year to the day since my last Biscuit gig and, I think, my last gig.
24 January 2021
Cream CHEESE AND chives
Last as in last or last as in past?
25 January 2021
Parsfan
Written in the expectation of there being more – hopefully before the next anniversary.
25 January 2021
Brumbiscuit
The anniversary of the Roadmender gig is approaching. Even when I lived in Budapest I managed never to go as long between gigs.
25 January 2021
transit full of keith
The Roadmender was also the last one I was at. I recall that NB cracked jokes about the first UK Covid cases flown back from China and just then being isolated in a hospital on the Wirral, and distributed some face masks … flipping heck. Had we known then what we know now …
25 January 2021
EXXO
Arrowe Park is within a mile or two of NB, and was in the news all the time, but they weren’t Covid cases and none of them tested positive.Surely satire of the idea that the band might be infectious was the way anyone would have gone at time?
28 January 2021
dr Desperate
New gig announced for Holmfirth 12.11.21. You never know…
2 February 2021
gipton TEENAGER
A palindrome with a particularly nice symmetry.
2 February 2021
dr desperate
That’s not how I would spell Picturedrome.
2 February 2021
EXXO
Yesssss just had me first (Oxford) vaccine, 14.5 months after me last (Oxford) HMHB gig, and 13 minutes after I booked it.
Spent 2 weeks struggling with the online system, finally booked the appointment sitting on the sofa with a beer at 18.11 pm this evening and was vaccinated at 18.28pm, back on sofa with another beer by 18.45 pm. Lovely!
I’ll be happy if there’s a HMHB gig within another 14.5 months. In fact IMHO that would be about right. Start in spring, when we’re hopefully all springy, sort of thing.
4 February 2021
Alice van der meer
I actually know the person who runs the plant that made the trial doses. In fact many years ago I was interviewed for their maternity cover (I didn’t get it, obviously, which in the grand scheme of things was probably for the best all round). Mind you, and Dr D will back this up, Oxford is that sort of place.
4 February 2021
EXXO
Well, my old folks only went to Oxford once (for one of our kid’s many graduation ceremonies) but never tire of telling people how the spoke to a living god in the college garden … the future emperor of Japan.
4 February 2021
dr Desperate
I agree, @Alice, Oxford is that sort of place. I was there myself in 1975 for an interview at St Catherine’s, and within ten minutes of arriving had spotted one of my all-time University Challenge heroes, Jerzy Drahun of Keble College (who went on to win that year’s competition).
In retrospect, shouting his name at him across Magdalen Bridge wasn’t the coolest thing I’ve ever done.
4 February 2021
Alice van der meer
..as opposed to an academic, who just thinks they are a living god…
(Dr D – I was prompted by remembering that SWMBO recognised one of your cruciverbalist friends in Oxford as the dad of one of her friends)
5 February 2021
Lord leOminster
When I worked in Oxford (commuting from Leo, staying Ox week days only, 2013 – 2016) I had a Partridge-esque period living in the Wheatley Travelodge (oh, the glamour). I would eat my evening meal in the adjoining Harvester (oh, the glamour) where, about a decade and half earlier, two members of Supergrass had worked and met. I didn’t meet either of them.
6 February 2021
mister tubbs
Apologies if this has already been mentioned elsewhere, but according to Crapsons on the facebook, the Leeds gig has been changed to 10th june next year
6 February 2021
EXXO
Nice one, thanks for info, and will even make an effort to be drunk enough early enough to be able to catch the support set. The first gig date I’ve heard about since last March when I’ve thought “that will probably happen.”
6 February 2021
EXXO
Ha, just realised too their facebook that Mikey and/or Andy Gilbert of the Crapsons is Neil Crud’s lad. That makes a lot of sense, both in terms of creativity, vision, genre and the name … sons of Crud…
6 February 2021
EXXO
“From their Facebook” I meant.
6 February 2021
D list paul ross
Leeds gig now 10 June 2022
10 February 2021
dr Desperate
New gig announced for Cardiff University, Solus Great Hall May 13 2022.
18 February 2021
dr Desperate
Also Sheffield Leadmill, 11.2.22 (that one was announced last week).
18 February 2021
EXXO
Alone in a great hall? They’re even giving you clues!
19 February 2021
dr Desperate
Ents24 refers to the venue as “Cardiff University SU (The Great Hall, Solus, CF10, The Taf, Y Plas)”, but it looks like we’ll be in the nightclub bit, which used to be called Solus before it was redeveloped in 2014 and the students voted to rename it Y Plas. 2200 capacity, though it can apparently be linked with the Taf pub and the Great Hall to create a 4000-capacity superclub. That sounds nice.
19 February 2021
CARRIE ANNE
The venue last hosted the band in August 2011.
19 February 2021
EXXO
I like it that the students these days still have a slight residue of humour, with their homophone jokes playing on pretentious pseudo-academic latinalia like ‘solus’ and ‘stylus’ and their media image of being ‘soulless’ and ‘styleless.’ Chortle.
19 February 2021
dr Desperate
I recall the top floor at Manchester SU used to house the Solem Bar, named for the University’s motto ‘Arduus ad Solem’. Quoting from Virgil’s Aeneid, “Struggle to the Sun” punned on both the several flights of stairs required to reach the bar, and the city’s reputation for high rainfall.
It’s now called Academy 3.
19 February 2021
EXXO
I guess the bogs were nicknamed the Pisser Solemnis.
20 February 2021
Chris The Siteowner
Hmm, under Boris The Clown’s “roadmap”, if everything goes to target, gigs will be able to take place from 17 May in front of half-capacity venues, up to a maximum of 1000 punters. For the O2 Institute in Birmingham, that’s the same thing. The gig there on 4 June was never postponed/cancelled, so I’m guessing there’s a chance that it could happen…
23 February 2021
dr Desperate
If we do get to Stage 3 of the mileage chart by June, I wonder how they’ll decide which 1000 punters to let in (assuming they’ve sold that many tickets). First come first served, probably.
24 February 2021
Parsfan
I’ve just received an email – it’s been rescheduled to Friday 16/9/22.
24 February 2021
Chris The Siteowner
So that’s ten gigs scheduled (must be approaching a record) going forward over 18 months (definitely a record). For anyone worried that the band might ever be thinking of packing it in, that’s got to be good news I guess. But it’ll also be over 18 months between gigs. Hard to cope with.
27 February 2021
EXXO
A lot depends on what if anything Sunak announces about helping venues with reinsurance for cancellation, as the biggest gig organiser in Leeds tells me they’ve been told they can expect temporary lockdowns going forward, whenever new virus variants cause flare-ups or of course if case clusters are associated with gigs.
27 February 2021
IDIOT SAUL
Announcement from The Welly in Hull
Legendary Hull music institution the Welly has been saved and will reopen in May when Government lockdown restrictions permit Live Music Venues to restart.
The venue has been saved from administration by Tokyo Industries who stepped up to save Manchester Live Music Venues Gorilla and The Deaf Institute back in July and has since been working on a rescue deal for The Welly.
3 March 2021
Snout
Possible gig announcement coming up for Shrewsbury?
I received a presale alert email from Ents24 this morning. The link is broken but mentions The Buttermarket in Shrewsbury. No discernable date.
12 March 2021
Snout
Got a followup email from Ents24. Gig confirmed Friday 10th Dec 2021 @ 7:30pm in The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury,
Tickets £22 plus handling/delivery available now on Ents24 and presumably other hawking sites.
That makes one gig per month from October through to June next year. A pleasant pace, methinks.
12 March 2021
Bad loser
Not pre-gig but a gig anniversary. Today is the 35th anniversary of my first HMHB gig at the Manchester International. Support was by a terrible band called The Walking Seeds. Their leads singer looked a bit like Jimmy Connors and jammed his microphone in his mouth. I deciphered one line ‘Who shot my leather. You did, you bastard’. More admiral support was provided by Jegsy Dodd though Ken, on guitar, was unknown to me then.
The days when I could survive a whole gig in the mosh pit.
19 April 2021
EXXO
This was a very similar support set by the Walking seeds 2 weeks later on May 4th 1986. Sounds very familiar, like I might have seen them support someone too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuzyOqvhgUg
20 April 2021
dr desperate
Hmm, interesting. They (styled Walkingseeds) were on Probe Plus, who released their first EP in June ’86, and their first album the following year.
They moved to Glass Records for their second album, which was produced by (Mark) Kramer (q v).
They also had a single called ‘Mark Chapman’ (q v) and a split single (q v) with The Bevis Frond.
Four Peel sessions, apparently.
20 April 2021
dr desperate
(For more on that topic, see Exxo’s post 28 on the ‘Get Kramer’ thread, two years ago.)
20 April 2021
PADDY SHENNAN
First came yesterday’s good news – and now today’s bad (another gig postponement). Some of you may have seen my Twitter thread tribute to living legend Geoff Davies yesterday, which included the more than welcome official confirmation from Nigel that the band plans to put its own records out in the future, following Geoff’s retirement. Today, though, there is disappointment for those of us who were looking forward to Blackpool this October. Nigel tells me the next gig will now be Holmfirth in November (unless there are further lockdowns/restrictions, of course). Blackpool Winter Gardens has been rescheduled for Friday October 7, 2022. Roll on Holmfirth on Friday November, 12, then!
21 July 2021
Chris The Siteowner
Thanks for that information. Disappointing news about the gig. I’ll update the listings pages when details are on the venue website (not that I don’t believe you Paddy!).
21 July 2021
Bad loser
Didn’t see that Paddy had recently posted on here.
Gutted about Blackpool as it’s the wife’s birthday and The Leadmill was our last gig.
I know how to treat a girl (HMHB, not Blackpool, obviously)
21 July 2021
Bad loser
The bad news about Blackpool is now confirmed on site 🙁
31 July 2021
BOBBY SVARC
Anyone going to Holmfirth from Leicester who wouldn’t mind dropping off some ‘merchandise’ backstage? It’s only the size of a shoebox.
5 August 2021
Hendrix-tattoo
Micky I may know someone who might be able to help you. She’s from Loughborough who I tweet on Twitter. I’ve just messaged her to see could she help you out….
5 August 2021
Hendrix-tattoo
I’m afraid my friend isn’t going to Holmfirth, Micky. Sorry….
5 August 2021
BOBBY SVARC
Cheers for trying mate.
5 August 2021
brumbiscuit
I’m negotiating with a Huddersfield mate to see if I can stop at her place that night. If I can twist her arm into going along, I’ll be driving up and could swing by. Far from certain, though…
6 August 2021
BOBBY SVARC
There’s an Andy BlueFox who goes to most gigs and uploads vids on YouTube, I thought he posted on here, plenty of time yet. I’m loathed to send it via RM or Herpees. Rock City is not a million miles off, is it!
6 August 2021
Hendrix-tattoo
Andy does post on here as Injured Buzzard.
But I’m afraid he lives in Scotland, Micky….
6 August 2021
BOBBY SVARC
Christ, He’s not Jock Wallace’s lad is he?
6 August 2021
Injured buzzard
Alas no Micky. Do reside in Scotland tho. Shame it wasn’t the Frome gig as I’m coming down for the Legia Warsaw game at the KP the day before.
13 September 2021
BOBBY SVARC
That’ll work Andy if you don’t mind doing a bit of a detour to Earl Shilton. I’m a bit loathed to send it via post or else Nigel could end up with a box of bits.
13 September 2021
BOBBY SVARC
The last time I saw us play Warsaw Alun Evans knocked us out of the FA Cup in 1978
13 September 2021
Injured buzzard
@Bobby Svarc. No problem, I’ll be getting the train down via Hinckley. Are you still on Facebook?
13 September 2021
EXXO
@Svarco. Can it be a coincidence that just 3 days before that cup tie Warsaw became Joy Division?
13 September 2021
BOBBY SVARC
Buzz: I am yes. Do you want our first 3 issues our new paper Fanzine ‘The Roof’? it’s full of wit and shit – give us a shout on mickythehoss@outlook.com I’ll post em to you
14 September 2021
Len Hampson
https://www.cheeseandgrain.com/events/half-man-half-biscuit/
I see the HMHB publicity machine is on top form for the Frome gig.
“Their latest album CSI: Ambleside…”
25 September 2021
CARRIE ANNE
New gig in that London, Jan 20th 2023
https://electricballroom.co.uk/half-man-half-biscuit/
4 October 2021
dr desperate
Holy mackerel, first gig of 2023!
4 October 2021
EXXO
Blimey, 2023. Won’t be long now till gigs are announced for dates when N & N will be in their sixties.
Today marks 600 days till I’m 60 myself (I worked this out as a good date to start a campaign towards a very gradual return to fitness and health), and so for Mr. B it must be 650.
5 October 2021
Chris The Siteowner
It’ll be just a few months before the next Lux Familiar Cup. My computer has barely cooled down from the last one.
5 October 2021
Lee Gillingham
Frome b& b
Anyone found anything good near by .
8 October 2021
clown in a yaris
Tyson Fury, Tyson Fury You’re hard You’re hard.
10 October 2021
dr desperate
New gig announced for the Peak Cavern (Devil’s Arse) Fri 19th Aug 2022. The same week as the 2019 gig there, hopefully a bit drier.
1 November 2021
EXXO
Ooh that’s brilliant news. Who was I talking to recently who thought they wouldn’t be playing there again, cos he thought that they thought the sound was bad (for the audience)? Think it was Hocky I was talking to at Carl’s gig at the Swinging Arm in the summer?
I said I thought they would play there again, cos the sound was fine, they played brilliantly and not least that I guessed they’d like the chance to hopefully get there earlier and have a proper look round.
2 November 2021
EXXO
Karl’s gig, I meant.
2 November 2021
INJURED BUZZARD
Anyone else doing a double header of Holmfirth and Petrol Bastard in Huddersfield on Saturday?
5 November 2021
EXXo
Not me. But as I read your comment while listening to the Champion the Wonderhorse theme song on Youtube, as one does, it was good to then follow it with Petrol Bastard are Fucking Shit
5 November 2021
Chris The Siteowner
Worth a detour for Holmfirth gig-goers…
9 November 2021
dr desperate
Or people who live 2½ miles away from it (like Jitsu_G).
9 November 2021
James
Just tested positive for Covid so have a spare ticket for Holmfirth – can get it posted out. Anyone want?
(Email me if interested and I’ll pass on your details – CtSO)
9 November 2021
EXXO
Come on FPTV Steve, throw a sickie (ironic to do so these days I know, but …), you know it makes sense. PDX (0705)-JFK-Amsterdam Leeds(1645), tomorrow or Thursday. 943 Bucks return Skyscanner says. You can stay at mine. We can even go to see Petrol Bastard on Saturday 🙂
9 November 2021
EXXO
Obviously that’s a 25-hour journey but +8 hours so you’d best do it tomorrow morning eh, or you’ll be at the mercy of the Amsterdam connection (albeit far less of a lottery than Paris, especially if you’ve got no luggage).
9 November 2021
EXXO
Oh. Got a bit ahead of meself there and forgot ten days quarantine still applied for arrivals from the US. Soz.
9 November 2021
dr desperate
Get well soon, @James.
9 November 2021
EXXO
Indeed. Commiserations on missing the gig James & friend, and fingers crossed none of the rest of us miss out after the 88-week wait.
9 November 2021
EXXO
Sorry dunno why I imagined the +1 there. it probably follows me only booking my own tickets a couple of nights ago, thinking that there was bound to be a few Covid drop-outs with a +1, so no point booking it yet … but then I thought about the band’s finances and me being in work at the mo’ so just fricking booked it.
9 November 2021
transit full of keith
Enjoy Holmfirth all … it’s Frome for me, though. Can’t wait.
9 November 2021
JITSU_G
@Injured Buzzaed
We are doing the double header of Wonk Unit in Huddersfield on Thursday followed by Friday in Holmfirth (plus crap record covers exhibition on Saturday)
10 November 2021
Injured buzzard
@Jitsu_G. Not down till the Friday but will be doing the album covers on Saturday. Be interesting to see how many I have.
10 November 2021
FEATURELESS TV PRODUCER STEVE
Exxo, I was off to book my flight when I came across the 10-day quarantine information. My bucket-list trip to a HMHB concert will have to wait until the pandemic is over, I guess.
10 November 2021
Cream CHEESE AND chives
Will not be at Holmfirth as a 40year reunion cancelled many times due to Covid is happening this weekend. I will seek solace in the fact that I will be near Lord Hereford’s Knob, will be with good mates and may drink some Gwatkins cider. Sure it will be a belting night. Enjoy.
10 November 2021
mister tubbs
https://www.ents24.com/whatson/near/norwich/from/2022-11-11/to/2022-11-11 – In exactly a year from today, almost a home town gig
11 November 2021
EXXO
Nice one. I notice that the Cambridge Junction does not as yet have an advertised booking for either the previous or next day.
11 November 2021
Mr Ed
Anybody heading to The Nook for food and a beer beforehand tomorrow?
11 November 2021
EXXO
On the broad and noble banks of the Ribble? The only beer garden in the UK where you can gaze upon a river that flows into another river that flows into another river that flows into another river that flows into another river that flows into another river that flows into the sea?
Hopefully, if we have enough time. Mrs Exford has decided she’s got to cut it fine and so driving.
11 November 2021
INJURED BUZZARD
Elephant & Castle for me as it seems to be the closest with Sky Sports so I can (hopefully) watch the Scotland game although it clashes with racing from Dundalk. I wonder if they do soup? The only horse with a reference I could find was Pro Bono in the 7.15 so may fork out a small wager on that.
11 November 2021
dr desperate
I seem to recall being at the E&C for an England/Wales match prior to the 2016 gig. (Different footie code, of course.)
No soup on, unfortunately: garlic mushrooms, seafood stack and trio of melon.
11 November 2021
Ferencváros fan
I don’t know Holmfirth at all, and it’s been a busy week for me, but I did manage a bit of research about the place this afternoon, and the pub that really caught my eye was the Holmfirth Tavern, which I plan to make my first stop mid-afternoon. I’m aiming to have a proper wander around the place before then though. Once HT has been ticked off, I’m open-minded about how things go pre-gig. Just hope to catch up with some familiar faces and meet some new ones.
Hope you get to watch your football, @Injured Buzzard, and good luck with your wager if you place it. I might try and dip into Cheltenham during the afternoon, although at first sight nothing jumps out, Biscuit-related or otherwise.
11 November 2021
EXXO
I.J. – experience suggests that if you have a suitable device, you’d be way better off establishing a reliable wi-fi connection, setting it up on a stream like hesgoal.com and only then having a wander to see if any pubs are showing it. A suitable wi-fi connection in a decent pub, even better. All the pubs of downtown Holmfirth are within a 5-minute walk of each other.
11 November 2021
EXXO
Blimey. IB I meant not IJ. Really losing it since I started doing mindless admin temping.
12 November 2021
dr desperate
@FF The Wrekin in the 1.10? Or Stolen Silver in the 1.45?
I’ll be checking in at the Old Bridge 3-ish, might see you mid-wander.
12 November 2021
warden Hodges
One of my Bilston visits was same day as England San Marino. After gig, room upstairs, watching highlights, had 2 cans, went to bed happy.
Enjoy gig tonight everyone.
12 November 2021
dr desperate
Support tonight from self-proclaimed “socially inept misfits from Saddleworth” The Stepford Wives. According to their FB page they’ll be onstage at 8pm (following, as is traditional, The Doors at 7.30); looking forward to playing us their new songs.
12 November 2021
INJURED BUZZARD
@Exxo. Have tried the wifi route before with limited success. If all else fails, could resort to the old fashioned holding a tranny to my ear.
12 November 2021
Ferencváros fan
Will confess to totally tying myself in knots trying to work out the puzzle that is the last at Cheltenham, to the extent that I missed The Wrekin in the 1:10. This race usually goes to one of the fancied runners but TW could definitely place. Stolen Silver has as good a chance as any in the next.
I’ll keep a look out for you @DD at check in.
Safe journey to Holmfirth, all who are travelling. Laters.
12 November 2021
warden Hodges
I’m sure after Roger’s review, it’ll whet the appetite for Shrewsbury in 4 weeks.
12 November 2021
Lux inferior
@FF – Stolen Silver only has a chance in the 1.45 if Magic Saint doesn’t make it to post. Still some 3/1 available, which is mighty generous.
Have a sublime time, all you gig-goers. I’ll be making do with Curry Night :/
12 November 2021
EXXO
Malaysian in the 5.15 Dundalk is no shire horse, and makes an e/w trixie with The Wrekin and Pro Bono.
12 November 2021
Hendrix-tattoo
I’ve just voted for my three favourite Worst Record Covers in the World at the WRC exhibition well worth a visit.
I had to ask why Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge over Troubled Water cover wasn’t on display….
12 November 2021
EXXO
Ah well I had 5 places for my single, if not in the trixie.
Good memories of always winning hockey matches at Wrekin College. Think we sometimes got a lesson or two off if we were going down there for a match.
12 November 2021
ALICE van der meer
Blimey – I’ve got BoTW, and I’d never spotted that!
12 November 2021
Hendrix-tattoo
When I pointed out to him why it should be on display he agreed it would be added to the exhibition….
12 November 2021
Ferencváros fan
Danny, the manager of the Holmfirth Tavern, informs me he will be screening the Scotland match this evening. So there you go.
12 November 2021
EXXO
That is good news. Half expected him to send Injured Buzzard homeward tae think again.
12 November 2021
transit full of keith
I think the Cossack ‘tache enhances it, personally.
12 November 2021
EXXO
Blimey Mrs E’s in an uncharacteristically bad mood after a tough day and she can’t drink. Be nice to her (Burgundy Harrington)!!
12 November 2021
BOBBY SVARC
Walk on music, Match of the Day, Golden Gordon version.
12 November 2021
EXXO
Thanks Mike. Great setlist and almost certainly the “oldest” ever average age of songs at a HMHB gig, though some oldies given slightly different treatments, especially when it came to little guitar embellishments from Nigel.
13 November 2021
Lee Gillingham
Southampton to Frome
Anyone else I know going to this one .
21 November 2021
Lee Gillingham
Oh and the other Gillingham coming from Northampton
As Phill Taylor once said to us at a Blackpool gig ,the Hampton duo.
21 November 2021
dr desperate
Anybody’s Mama letting them out on Saturday night for a double header in Frome, with Sweet on at the Cheese & Grain?
22 November 2021
Ten kit kats
Long time reader, first time poster. Not sure what the accepted etiquette is, so sorry if this is not it! I have a spare ticket for Frome on Friday as my wife can’t make it. Is it acceptable to offer it up on here at a reduced cost? Perhaps you could visit the zoo with the money saved?
22 November 2021
INJURED BUZZARD
@Dr. D. Doing a double header but it’s Thursday night (under the lights) at the K.P. for Leicester v Legia Warsaw. I guess I’ll be the only one doing that. Saturday involves a blockbusting 453 mile, 11 hour journey home. Not sweet at all.
22 November 2021
dr desperate
Tickets for the Frome gig have finally arrove, and I discover that I’ve accidentally double-booked. If anybody would like a brace of semi-comps let me know here and I’ll arrange handover on Friday (half-price, £20 for the two).
23 November 2021
EXXO
I like the way that in order to undercut Ten Kits Kats your reduction for the pair, when you count saving the booking fee, is exactly the price of Bristol Zoo for one adult and two kids.
23 November 2021
transit full of keith
Shocked to discover that the King of High Vis buys tickets like the rest of us.
23 November 2021
Chris The Siteowner
So yay for us, Friday night is also Frome’s lantern parade and Christmas light switch on, at 5pm!
“As always, there will be the magical Light the Night lantern parade through the town centre led by the joyous Jamma de Samba. There will be the usual treats in store with music and food available and the Christmas light switch-on itself with some added flair from the Mayor of Frome, Cllr Andy Wrintmore. Alongside the Enchanted Winter Garden lanterns there will be music and merriment to build the excitement on the night. Performances from Frome Town Band, Rock Choir and The Street Bandits will get us all in the mood for the countdown to the switch on.
Those of you who have better things to do than be a local politics activist like me may not know that community stuff in Frome is really interesting. The people’s republic of Frome has been a beacon of hope to the governance of politically institutionalised towns for the last ten years, and the resurgence of the non-profit Cheese & Grain venue is a great example of what can be done by having a town council that sees a venue like this as an asset. There are ‘Flatpack Democracy’ movements inspired by Frome all over the country now, hoping for a non-tribal future. We can dream.
23 November 2021
dr desperate
See also the Preston (q v) Model, based on those of Mondragón in the Basque Country and of Cleveland, Ohio.
I second that yay for the Lantern Parade, which I expect will be joined by many like-minded Biscuiteers. Gather at 5.45pm by the Rook Lane Chapel for start at 6, processing towards Market Place, where the council have asked the mayor to switch on the lights at 6.45. Follow the samba band and an electric tricycle in the shape of a swan. Careful now…
(Doors open at the Cheese & Grain at 7, support provided by West Wickhams.)
23 November 2021
dr desperate
The 2-minute stroll from Market Place to the C & G takes us via Bridge St – fortunately, no need to take the bus.
23 November 2021
Lee Gillingham
Seems like the B&B I was going to use has put the £80 for a double room for one night ,up to over £200
Seems us Biscuit fans have a lot of money .
Well I’ll tell you this for nothing…..
23 November 2021
GORDON BURNS
Email from Cheese and Grain…
= = = = =
Doors to the auditorium open from 7pm. Rough set times for the evening are as follows:
Doors – 7pm
West Wickhams – 8pm – 8.30pm
Half Man Half Biscuit – 9pm – close
Please note there is limited parking in the Cheese & Grain car park, due to the Christmas Night Market event. There is another car park at the top of North Parade, and street parking on Welshmill Road.
= = = = =
So parking is going to be “fun”. I wonder if it’s feasible to walk back to the Lighthouse after the gig?
23 November 2021
Borough surveyor
Looking forward to Froome(dog). Down here in North Somerset Frome is very much considered the kind of place that should have got a mention in Alehouse Futsal, TBF or other songs so on point about the bearded coffee classes, so should offer some Joyce.
23 November 2021
Injured Buzzard
Having listed to the 4 tracks By the support band West Wickhams on YouTube, I’m quite impressed. Love the old horror stuff and sound like a mix of early Cure, Nephilim, Bauhaus and Death in June. Look forward to seeing them.
24 November 2021
dr desperate
They were quite impressive as support at the Northampton gig in Feb ’20, though I have to admit that, having stopped off to watch The Ramonas’ soundcheck at a pub round the corner, I caught only their last song, ‘Goathland’ (noting that from their appearance, the first ‘a’ seemed moot).
Their FB page suggests that they originate from “the Isle of Sicily, Tresco”, and play “psychédélique garage noir”. One of those may be a misprint.
24 November 2021
Chris The Siteowner
Do we have a pub? Hope to be there fairly early in the day.
25 November 2021
dr desperate
Unless anyone has more locally-based knowledge, I’d go forThe Three Swans (vaguely PBR), which is listed on the Fabulous Frome website as a “recently renovated, quirky pub with beautifully kept ales and the best pork pies and Scotch eggs in the whole of the South West”.
25 November 2021
EXXO
I dare you to ask them how they can be so sure – surely it takes so long to eat all round every pork pie and Scotch egg outlet in the South west that by the time you’ve checked them all someone could be offering a better one.
25 November 2021
Chris The Siteowner
Let’s find out.
25 November 2021
TINA
Hi, im a birkenhead girl currently exiled just outside Frome. Id recommend the old bath arms myself, altho its pretty pleasant to wander down from the top of catherine hill to the cheese and grain calling in at the various establishments on the way. The Christmas light switch on is going to make getting into frome and parking a nightmare if youre planning on getting there any time after late afternoon as theyre closing the main road but on the plus side frome independent put on some great street food and real ale stalls. Ill be there if i can park, do say hi if you see me
26 November 2021
PETER MCORNITOLOGIST
Nigel Blackwells knowledge of obscure sportmen is wonderful but I wonder if he has heard of Colin Dredge . the Somerset bowler who was known as The Demon of Frome ,It would be great to see him in the mosh pit with Exxo, Brumbiscuit et al,
26 November 2021
dr desperate
Thanks, @Tina! Hopefully the street food will include Friday two pizzas – I see they used to have a pop-up pizzeria at the Cheese & Grain called ‘Stanlio E Ollio’.
As to the pronunciation of the next two gigs, perhaps a clerihew would clarify:
Sir Alec Douglas-Home
Said “My surname rhymes with Frome
Unlike The Earl of Rosebery
With Shrewsbury”.
26 November 2021
EXXO
I can’t see him missing it tonight Peter, unlike me. In this interview he’s still wearing his Gig Cartel green wristband from Holmfirth. He says he’s got ‘No Regrets’ but doesn’t mention any other tracks. Just hope he’s not moshing with his six equally gangly cricketing brothers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zdbsuyl31Fk
Incidentally, read the Wikipedia page for the chap who gave him that nickname, Alan Gibson. One of those old school cricketing journalists who led the life.
26 November 2021
PETER MCORNITOLOGIST
Thank you for that Exxo. Seems as if The Demon is steaming out of Taunton with a cargo of cocaine.
26 November 2021
Phyllis Triggs
Have a great time in Frome everyone. Shrewsbury’s the next one for me. Saw Levellers at Morecambe’s Winter Gardens last night. Brill gig and what a fantastic venue! Worth considering if the lads want an alternative to Ulverston?
26 November 2021
Chris The Siteowner
Tony and I are in the Three Swans, if anyone’s lost.
26 November 2021
warden Hodges
Morecambe would be superb. Would be a night at the Midland Hotel, breakfast looking out to the Bay. Enjoy you gig-going lot.
26 November 2021
Birkenhead girl exiled near Frome
Would highly recommend the old bath arms too, fantastic italian opposite. Looking forward to hearing some local accents tonight. Say hi if you see me
26 November 2021
Tina
@ Dr Desperate, youre welcome. theres a great Italian opposite the old bath arms, best pizza for miles altho frome independent market caters for all tastes. I dont know how to pronounce dougles home 🙂 but youll be escorted from the premises if you dont say frooom…
26 November 2021
Chris The Siteowner
The band just came in to the Swans. Which was nice. Then left again when they found that there was no food on. But they said hello. And at least they’re here. So we’re happy.
Still never had the chance to buy them a pint and say thanks for James Norwood and Aaron Cresswell.
26 November 2021
Lux inferior
Still hugely envious of all you Biscuiteers who seem to have the time and resource to follow the band anywhere and everywhere. Do you have no other responsibilities, or are you mostly just early retirees with massive payoffs?!
Desperately hoping for another Cambridge Junction gig in the not too distant, perhaps backing up the recently announced Norwich show next November (which, I notice, is yet to be listed on this site’s ‘Gig News’ page). Was at the Junction on Wednesday for my first gig in almost two years – The Wedding Present’s Seamonsters 30th anniversary tour. Spectacularly good. Regular visitors to Cambridge will no doubt be saddened to learn of the demise of The Flying Pig, however.
Enjoy your evenings!
26 November 2021
WoolleyTowers
I’d recommend the 3 swans, some of the best chairs I’ve ever sat on.
26 November 2021
Ferencváros fan
Only 2 weeks till Shrewsbury, and my football top is all washed and good-to-go, but I’m still feeling envious of all those at Frome. Highlight of my day has been receiving my booster jab. Queued for 45 mins outside the walk-in centre in pish atrocious weather, which at least gave me the opportunity to test out my new waterproof walking trousers (they work) prior to a hike on the Long Mynd on Sunday.
Having resisted the temptation to get stuck into the racing this afternoon, I’ll have a bash at making predictions for tonight, so:
1. God Gave Us Life, Totnes, Broadstairs, Paintball and Depressed Beyond Tablets.
2. Totnes
3. Sealclubbing, 27 Yards and Vatican (replaced by Paintball).
4. 42.62%
5. X-Ray Spex and Germ Free. My first thought was actually The Clash but then I succumbed to the lure of the long shot.
Have a fab evening, all who are attending the gig!
26 November 2021
warden Hodges
Wonder what the walk-on music will be?
26 November 2021
Android, eyes rolling
Getting annoyed now, bus from Bath yet to leave the station. 25 minutes late already….
26 November 2021
Bloke out walking the dog
Sadly unable to be at the gig tonight. Some compensation in Alan Hull documentary on BBC 4. Have a good un everyone.
26 November 2021
BOBBY SVARC
Walk on music, ‘When you’re smiling”.
26 November 2021
FerencvÁros fan
@BOWTD – good to see you are still out there. Hope all is well and that I see you at a gig before long. Yes some good stuff on BBC4 tonight. I’m recording the programme about the American 60s protest singers. Starts at 11pm.
26 November 2021
Mike D
Cracking gig at Frome. My only gripe, the people shouting “woo” . WTF is that about?
26 November 2021
Tina
Fantastic gig last night. Takes me back 30 years or more to nights stumbling out of Stairways and other random birkenhead venues. If I may offer an explanation, I do believe ‘woo’ is how somerset folk express their appreciation. Given the respective ages of the crowd last night it both stops the dental bridges from falling out and registers with all recommended hearing appliances
27 November 2021
Lee Gillingham
It was indeed a very fine day .. evening , the effort getting there was well worth it .
Lee
27 November 2021
Brumbiscuit
Envious of the good night out that all seem to have had in Frome. Shrewsbury is my next’un. Been a while since I was there. The Dolphin used to be a gaslit haunt by the fire station, but it appears a little gentrified since I was last there. It’s the Premier Inn this time and we’ll be arriving around 2pm. If anyone is up for a late lunch, suggestions are welcome…
27 November 2021
GORDON BURNS
A Saturday morning assault on the Stiperstones, is clearly on the cards, post Shrewsbury. Any others going? Or will Bunners be inundated?
6 December 2021
dr desperate
Or a wassail in Uffington?
6 December 2021
ALICE van der meer
Bit of a trek from Shrewsbury to Uffington – it wouldn’t be hugely convenient even from Oxford!
6 December 2021
James
After missing Holmfirth thanks to covid, now can’t make Shrewsbury due to a scheduling clash. Got two paper tickets which I can get sent out Special Delivery if anyone wants them?
6 December 2021
dr desperate
Sorry, @Alice, I should have explained it’s a different Uffington, 3 miles from Shrewsbury.
6 December 2021
Zig Zag Wanderer
I ordered a ‘resale’ ticket through Ticketmaster which hasn’t turned up yet, and reading some reviews of Ticketmaster it looks like they are renowned for scams through the resale platform. So in all likelihood I’m probably still going to be in need of a ticket, even though I’ve paid for one!
How do I get in touch James?
6 December 2021
ALICE van der meer
Consider me educated, in that case!
6 December 2021
dr desperate
Don’t know about scams, @ZZ, but Ticketmaster are renowned for being somewhat last-minute when it comes to sending tickets out.
6 December 2021
EXXO
So I’ve got an afternoon meeting in Leeds, Mrs Exford can’t come and this week’s rain is too cold for the barbel to be feeding on the Severn at the weekend. The result of this is that my entire pub drinking time will be 7pm-8.40pm even if the train is on time. And we’re talking Arriva Wales so that’s a mighty big if.
However, despite the fact that the venue is just round the wrong side of the station, I will be making the 6 or 7 minute walk up to two of my favourite pubs at the heart of the old town – the Loggerheads and the Three Fishes – might even squeeze in a pint in one more – if anyone wants to meet me in either of those at about 7pm (+Arriva time).
7 December 2021
Parsfan
I’m due in at about 5. It looks like they’re both between my hotel and the venue so I’m sure it won’t be too difficult to find myself in one of them for 7.
7 December 2021
Steve Jones
@James I was about to buy a ticket for Shrewsbury so will buy one of yours if they’re still available. I will also be driving back to East Northants after the gig if anyone on the M6/A14 corridor would like a lift.
8 December 2021
dr desperate
May be partaking of Friday night pizza at one of Shrewsbury’s fine pizzerie by then, but I’ll probably be at Loggerheads during the afternoon.
8 December 2021
EXXo
Nice one Paul would be great to see you 7pm ish at the Loggerheads – I’ve just emailed you my number.
.
Don’t miss the cobbles and timbered halls of Fish street, and nearby the semi-authentic medieval timbers of Barracks Row off Wyle Cop. The Loggerheads is atmospheric and it is utterly obligatory to engage in random conversations with locals. It has 4 rooms I think, but it’s the one called ‘Poet’s Corner’ which is the let down, as alas not one of the daft schoolboy verses that festoon the walls is anything other than trite doggerel.
My 3 fave pubs there are Nag’s Head – Three Fishes- Loggerheads. In a circular loop where you also pass a few others. Had a v. nice proper Italian meal very close by there at ‘La Lanterna’ on one visit … great value. But they don’t have a pizza oven.
8 December 2021
James
@Steve Chris sent me your email address, I’ve just dropped you an email. Check your spam folder too, I’ve been having a few problems recently!
8 December 2021
Mr Ed
I will be arriving early afternoon and will happily meet up for a beer or two beforehand.
8 December 2021
dr desperate
Doors tomorrow 7pm, starts 7.30pm (support West Wickhams again) according to the Buttermarket FB page. They put up an ad yesterday for “additional bar/floor team for immediate start,” presumably following the COVID Plan B announcement.
Speaking of which, vaccine passports won’t become mandatory at 500+ indoor venues until next Wednesday, but masks will be required from tomorrow. However, there’ll be exemptions for drinking, exercising and singing, all of which I intend to do.
9 December 2021
EXXO
A5 – A483 – M53 is pretty quick so I’m guessing the band will be happy not to finish until about 11pm? There isn’t a curfew is there (apart from, in my case, the 11.17 train to Manchester)?
Did the venue’s website tell give you any ideas what the Birkonian invention was by the way Doc?
9 December 2021
dr desperate
One for the money…
9 December 2021
dr desperate
Knock, knock.
10 December 2021
Matt
Afternoon. All is well in Shrewsbury. Except my tickets are on my shelf in Liverpool. Don’t suppose anyone is travelling down later that could grab them? Massively unlikely I know.
Venue uncontactable as well so currently stumped!
10 December 2021
Injured buzzard
Anyone travelling by train via Wigan, expect massive delays due to a signalling problem. I’m currently stuck at Preston and there’s nothing moving south for the foreseeable.
10 December 2021
Parsfan
I’m coming down that way. We started 20 minutes late but looking at the live updates we’re due at Crewe only nine minutes late.
10 December 2021
GLT
@Matt.. I may be able to help. Whereabouts in Liverpool are your tickets? Maybe Chris could pass on my email to you?
(Done – CtSO)
10 December 2021
Laure
Evening all, my fella and I will be there tonight. I’m all hoopy gold earrings and Christmas party dress, what with the hi-vis at the dry cleaners. Do say hello if you see us!
10 December 2021
Brumbiscuit
Fatality at Coseley has delayed our arrival in Shrewsbury, but we’re now on our way to Wolvo. Can I just say that Coroner’s Footnote would be an appropriate accompaniment…
10 December 2021
Ferencváros fan
Just popped into Loggerheads but didn’t recognise anybody there so decamped to The Three Fishes, which is a beer drinker’s paradise. Will watch the 3:35 here then try Loggerheads again.
10 December 2021
Matt
GLT – Have sent you an email.
Thanks very much.
10 December 2021
Brumbiscuit
Parsimony decrees that a Spoonies visit will precede a call in to the Three Fishes at 6 to 6.30…
10 December 2021
Dr desperate
New gig announced for 16th Dec 2021 at the Tower Ballroom, Hull (which is an old cinema without much of a tower or a ballroom, more recently a club called Funktion).
Get tickets from their associated agents New Cross Live and avoid booking charges.
https://newcrosslive.com/events/half-man-half-biscuit
31 January 2022
INJURED BUZZARD
Always welcome another gig announcement but that’s another year without a Scottish date. It’ll be February ’23 at the earliest, nearly 4 years. The Liquid Room in Edinburgh was the last in June 2019. The O2 in Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow is gone now but the SWG3 has a range of capacities including a 1k. Been there a few times and is an excellent venue but about 2 miles from the city centre. Alternatively, the Classic Grand is right next to Central Station and has a capacity of 800.
31 January 2022
Parsfan
I’m sure it’s not too late to organise a doubleheader with Durham or Blackpool. ‘mon lads, you know it makes sense.
31 January 2022
Eric T’Viking
#981 (above) – Doctor, won’t that gig date cause an anomaly in the space-time continuum…?
1 February 2022
Dr desperate
Sorry, it usually takes me a month to get used to the new year. 2022.
2 February 2022
Mr Ed
Any suggestions for a pint or two on Friday?
9 February 2022
Mr Ed
Sheffield Tap is always a favourite for me.
9 February 2022
Ferencváros fan
Most of my previous trips to Sheffield have been to see my team, Preston North End, win silver at Bramall Lane. They usually start with a visit to the Tap, and Friday will be no exception. I’ll spend lunchtime there whilst waiting to check into the hotel. No firm plans for late afternoon/early evening, but both the Industry Tap and the Triple Point Brewery & Bar are handy for the venue and seem to be well worth a visit. Hope to see plenty of you on the day!
9 February 2022
Pop-tart mark
Blimey. No wonder they struggle, after a visit to the Tap. Reassuringly amateur match preparation.
9 February 2022
dr Desperate
Like The Tough of the Track, North End would usually finish their pre-match preparations with a large portion of fish and chips. We’ll probably visit the Tap at some point, though the Rutland Arms also beckon.
9 February 2022
Brookly Bay
What sort of stage times are usual these days? My travel arrangements have become tedious, so trying to work out if/when I’ll make it.
11 February 2022
Bad loser
@Brookly Bay. Doors are 7.30 so support will be at 8.00 and HMHB will be 9.00
11 February 2022
Fetencváros fan
Just the one pint in the Tap. Felt like asking for my money back. No pished up footballers after all, maybe cos my lot are away to Peterborough tomorrow. There was also a fillum crew present. I mean, ffs. Can’t even have a quiet drink without being bothered by paparazzi. Just decamped to the Triple Point Brewery and Bar in need of food (have walked just short of 20 mls these last 24 hrs). If, like me, you’ll eat the occasional burger, a tenner will get you one, along with a pint, before 6pm.
11 February 2022
Brookly bay
@BAD LOSER Thanks – my travels will not be in vain!
11 February 2022
Exxo
Ok ed. Outside the mill 7.40 to 7.45. You in the hat. Me all in black.
11 February 2022
gipton teenager
Have a good ‘un people.
11 February 2022
Bad loser
Sign up at the merch stall says ‘No we haven’t’.
Have to wait for the postman then.
11 February 2022
Mr Ed
My suggestions for Friday, finally a gig in my home town.
Food
Pizza Pizzamisu. Superb but I recommend booking
Chinese Shanghai Shanghai Authentic chinese
Pub food Faradays Decent pub food
Craft beer
Junkyard, expensive but very good, some nibbles as well
Neon Raptor, local brewery with guest beer
Partizan Tavern, small craft beer bar
Barley Twist, small selection of good craft beer near the station
Pubs
King William, local boozer with a few craft beers
Six Barrels, nice pub in the centre with decent choice
Cured, decent bar with bar food near the station
Other
Broadway, small cinema with bar and reasonable food.
23 March 2022