The archived page for getting excited about a gig, pleading for spare tickets, arranging a pub meet, getting a lift, and whatever else comes to mind. To add pre-gig comments now, please visit the new page here.
The archived page for getting excited about a gig, pleading for spare tickets, arranging a pub meet, getting a lift, and whatever else comes to mind. To add pre-gig comments now, please visit the new page here.
Chris The Siteowner
Cambridge 23 24 March: a small and imperfectly formed bunch will be getting together beforehand at The Earl of Derby, between the station and the venue, then moving on to The Junction whenever. You should catch us if you’re there between 7 and 7.30, for sure.
23 March 2010
John Anderson
I won’t be there on March 23rd Chris, but will definitely be popping in for a couple of jars before the gig the following night.
23 March 2010
Chris The Siteowner
Thank you John… 🙂
23 March 2010
Richard Parker
I’ll be there, I’m coming straight from work so will have some time to kill beforehand. Got to drive, so no ale for me unfortunately, anybody know what parking is like round the area?
See you there
23 March 2010
Chris The Siteowner
The Junction is on a new “Leisure Park” development, accessible by car only from Cherry Hinton Road. The huge multicoloured Travelodge is the clue you’re close. When you turn onto the Leisure Park estate, take the first left, if you don’t mind paying, for a big multistorey NCP right next to the venue. Or carry straight on to an industrial estate area for loads of free on-street parking.
24 March 2010
dagenham dave
Currently in Nandos opposite The Junction and guess who has just walked past the window, yep Nigel. Did consider saying something but it kind of took me by surprise!
24 March 2010
dagenham dave
Good to meet you Chris as well as Mel, Mr and Mrs Exford and others.
25 March 2010
Jez
I’ve just phoned the Shrewsbury theatre to find out the time the band will be on stage. They’ve advised they haven’t been informed of a support, so to turn up at the advertised performance time of 7.30pm.
25 March 2010
Richard Parker
Typical, ran late at work, missed the pre-gig pub, got to the junction about 8:15 though, so didn’t miss anything, cracking gig, and thanks for the directions Chris, much appreciated. Hopefully see you next time.
25 March 2010
John Anderson
Good to meet you Chris (and was it Dave?) in the pub. Also spotted Nigel walking up Hills Road as we reached the Earl of Derby.
25 March 2010
s.g.d A Shropshire Lad
Geoff said that there would only be a support if the theatre had organised one.So it will probably be an early kick-off.
Apparently Calvin Party have split up.
25 March 2010
Greasby Shark
Pissed off now!
Won’t be home for another 20 minutes or so (on the train now) and even if I rush I can’t get an earlier train to Shrewsbury than the one that gets in at 8.25 pm.
Looks like I’ll be missing a good portion of the show then.
25 March 2010
s.g.d A Shropshire Lad
It was about 8.50 before they came on stage last night and that was supposed to start at 8.30. have faith.
do you know the way from the station?
25 March 2010
Greasby Shark
Thanks s.g.d.
Just spoken to Geoff. The venue has been trying to get them on as early as possible, but they’ve managed to negotiate an 8.30 pm start (although Geoff did warn me that it may be a few minutes before 8.30 pm).
Fortunately, I was able to get home, get changed, throw some food and booze in a bag and get out again all in the space of 8 minutes, so I have made the earlier train.
I know that the venue is near the Welsh Bridge and, if my memory serves me right, that’s the bridge that isn’t the one by Gay Meadow (R.I.P.) and I just need to go straight ahead when I leave the station and follow the river to the bridge?
25 March 2010
Biscuitface
I’m going to the Preston gig in October and have got a ticket for the Mrs.
Do any women go to HMHB gigs or is she going to feel out of place?
20 June 2010
Ben
@Biscuitface
Plenty of women, plenty of ages. Come one come all (even try and guess the aliens weight sir)
20 June 2010
Biscuitface
Cheers Ben
She’s about 10 stone I’d guess!!
20 June 2010
BrumBiscuit
I went to buy my Bilston gig tickets from The Robin2 yesterday. On the way I called in at the excellent Olde White Rose in Lichfield St. about 2 mins from both the venue & the Metro station.
Steve, the manager (who is most definitely not a HMHB fan), agreed to give 10p a pint discount to anyone wearing a DPAK. This might only apply to the first pint, but it’s worth trying…
They do a good carvery for £4 and other decent food & the beer is excellent, so the perfect pre-gig watering hole.
See you there…
4 August 2010
steam engine
great idea……i hope a Preston bar manager does something similar (tho 10 pints for a bongo could be fatal!)….
7 August 2010
argieuk
Anyone heading to Durham on the 25th of November? Think the Head of Steam might be a decent pre-gig choice for a pub, unless anyone knows otherwise- it is just across from the venue.
2 September 2010
Charles Exford
Good shout if it’s like their pubs in Toon or Huddersfield, less so if it’s like their rather anonymous waiting room on Lime Street. I’ll be there anyway.
And good shout for the Olde White Rose in Bilston too Brumbiscuit – that does sound like a decent beer selection. I’ve never been that tempted by the Bilston gigs till now but I want to do some walking in & the Welsh Marches & Salop while the weather’s half decent so I’m gonna do Bilston on the way back, with a very handy 23.36 train afterwards
I hope you mean we get the mind-blowing 10p discount in a DPAS though – I’m always loath to strip down to the full DPAK until about to mosh.
2 September 2010
Germ
Great to know they’re playing in Durham.
Looks like I’ll be able to get to this gig….my first ever HMHB gig at the tender age of 45!
2 September 2010
BrumBiscuit
Having walked down Bilston High Street a few weeks ago, I’d say The Olde White Rose is the only place to go there. Having said that, the last two times I’ve been to the Robin2, the pub was full of DPAK-wearing fans, so it’s no secret gig venue.
Exxo, happy to share some info about Shropshire (Bishops Castle, etc.) with you before the gig. Can even lend you some OS maps… I’ll be wearing a Dukla Prague shirt.
Ah, look out for the Dickie Davies Eyes black hoodie then.
Having done Leamington and Cambridge earlier in the year, this’ll be my last 2010 gig, sadly
9 September 2010
Charles Exford
Thanks Brumbiscuit, but the walk will start this Saturday in the Black Mountains, incl. Three Cocks & LHK of course, up Offa’s Dyke to Salop (Knighton, Clun, Bishop’s Castle), then I’ll travel up to the gig on Wednesday from the likes of Church Stretton station or wherever I’ve got to. Hope to see you in the Olde White Rose – I’ll be the one with the large red backpack!
9 September 2010
BrumBiscuit
OK, I hope the rain keeps off for you. Brilliant route.
Have a pint in the Three Tuns in Bishops Castle for me. I’ll look out for the backpack!
9 September 2010
Martin
Just reserved tickets for Wednesday. Ooooh yes!
It’s going to be one of these fine nights, can’t wait!
10 September 2010
king tubbs
Looking forward to tomorrow – quite like Bilston.. but are there any decent pubs in Preston? I’ve looked in the Good Beer Guide and it doesn’t look promising..
14 September 2010
Third Rate Les
The Good Beer Guide?
Do you have a Bonneville in bits too?
Not been out in Preston for about 20 years, mind you, so probably best not to recommend anywhere.
14 September 2010
BrumBiscuit
Anything less than 5%, I don’t want to know…
14 September 2010
steam engine
Preston has a fine Wetherspoons amongst other fine pubs. My itinerary will include a visit to The Plough in Churchtown and a glass of Mackeson’s stout with Hilda Ogden. A great night to everyone tomorrow.
14 September 2010
king tubbs
Ooh, Mackies..!
15 September 2010
MysticMeg
The Bilston gig will be amazing, and Graham Nash will make a personal appearance to ensure his Sobers’ infamy is not mocked again.
Someone called Martha will find her loved one tonight by the gents’ lavs.
Neil will plug his guitar in properly.
NB57 will have painted his caravan guitar in a mildly shocking cerise.
The Ballad of Climie Fisher will, at long last, get the public airing that has been clamoured for for so long.
The last Metro back to Brum will run over a hedgehog at the St Paul’s stop, so please do bear reverence.
15 September 2010
Peter Gandy
Graham Nash or Malcolm?
Sorry for being such an arse. If I was in CSNY I’d be Stephen Stills.
15 September 2010
Nick
For your pre- gig pint try
The Bitter Suite
53 Fylde Road, Preston, PR1 2XQ.
Immediately opposite 53 degrees go down the alley to the left of the Mad Ferret, by the big Martial Art Centre sign.
The beer in the venue is awful!
26 September 2010
Charles Exford
Nice one Nick, we’d already picked that one out for our post-match, pre-gig CAMRA-work (we have joint membership – sickening, I know). The place doesn’t open till 7pm on a Sunday, but that suits us as we’ll be in L’pool for the match that afternon, my lads v. Mrs. Exford’s lot. Dunno about anyone else but for me it’s the first ever opportunity ever to see my team and the Biscuits play on the same day !
(The “Bitter Suite” could be a very apt name if my team don’t win, ‘cos a sort of accumulator betting against the hapless chumps over their last 3 games, and then rolling over most of the winnings onto this one, could mean quite a substantial earner. I should think any Preston fans around will be bitter about Mrs. Exford’s Blackpudlian gloating in that case too)
26 September 2010
Nick
Well if you have time before 7 try the Black Horse on Friargate opposite the entrance to the St. Georges Centre, and then stumble down to the Old Black Bull (opposite the aforementioned dreaded Wetherspoons) both do great real ales. I am in danger of making Preston sound like a hot bed of real ale hostelries – which believe me it aint. If you visit these two you have probably done the best pubs in the city – and barely walked 50 yards.
27 September 2010
Greasby Shark
Anyone need a ticket for Sunday?
I’ve got a job on in Grays (Essex) on Monday morning and need to be bright eyed and bushy tailed (which I won’t be if I’ve had to drive down from Preston through the night).
Gutted to miss Preston, but have already been to 3 shows so far this year (Leamington Spa, Shrewsbury and Bilston) and will be at Holmfirth, so I shouldn’t complain really.
I’m only after £15, including postage. A snip at half the price.
27 September 2010
Charles Exford
HMHB on stage 8.30 pm.
Thanks for the tip off on hmhb.co.uk !!
29 September 2010
steam engine
DPA tops at the ready…….and the wonderful X2 bus tomorrow.
2 October 2010
steam engine
Has our evening of swing been cancelled?
3 October 2010
king tubbs
Uh-oh – “Tonight’s Preston gig is ‘90% off’ – Nigel has laryngitis. I’m afraid I won’t be able to update further as I’m off to Portugal early this morning. Could try phoning Geoff or the venue for updates… “
3 October 2010
king tubbs
Nothing on the website at the mo – looks like it’s a rainy night wandering the streets of Preston…
3 October 2010
Charles Exford
Prest-off. Evening of Swing postponed rather than cancelled, whole caboodle put off rather than called off. DPAK removed & folded away. Will we ever go to a match and HMHB gig on the same day?
By a sequence of sod’s laws, Blackpool are now guaranteed to win this avvy, thus putting us in Cuba or somewhere sunny with our winnings for the re-arranged date.
3 October 2010
king tubbs
Is it deffo cancelled? I’m still hanging in for that 10%
3 October 2010
s.g.d A Shropshire Lad
new date 12th November on 53degrees website
3 October 2010
Chris The Siteowner
Looks like Cuba’s the new destination Charles!
3 October 2010
steam engine
oh dear Mr Exford!….
3 October 2010
Dave The Mime
cancelled due to Laryngitis… bloody cop-out, If I had laryngitis, I would still do my job…
Who’s the gobshite now eh? eh?
3 October 2010
Charles Exford
Like the match and the result, it seemed kind of pre-destined that rather than the gig in Prestoff, we spent a wistful evening in B’pool looking at her dad’s photos of her grandad’s football career, amongst them old black and white photos of tours with Stanley Matthews in Eastern Europe and South America in the 60s. Yes he even had a Dukla Prague pin badge in his collection.
As I’ve mentioned before, Mrs. Exford’s grandad would never have even moved to Blackpool if it wasn’t for a converstion between Matthews and Mortensen when it all went tits up at Port Vale in 1967/68, so to say she owes her very existence to Blackpool FC is no exaggeration. She and her family were more than a bit chuffed last night and my insurance cover, rolling over the winnings from the Northampton match, softened the blow for me.
So Cuba here we come, avoiding 12th November (and avoiding the bloody resorts like the plague) of course. The ability to objective about your own team’s chances is a terrible curse I tells yer.
4 October 2010
MickeyMo
I think Nick is being a little unfair on Preston as far as real ale goes. The two best pubs in my opinion are the aforementioned Bitter Suite, where Paula keeps her ales in excellent nick, and The Continental down Broadgate, where the house beer is brewed by Marble Brewery, and is so good that I often drink it all night without trying the guests!
I know Wetherspoons gets knocked but as a CAMRA man I can’t understand why. The Preston one has at least 8 beers on and they are kept well and very reasonably priced. I used to go in The Old Black Bull but the beer in there seemed to go down in quality and the last straw was when I took back a pint that was obviously off and they refused to change it. The Black Horse is ok if you like Robinsons and The Market Tavern usually has some good stuff on – it can be worth a visit just to see some of the clientele.
The Fox and Grapes on Fox Street does a good selection as does TheStanley Arms on Lancaster Road, which also plays excellent Northern Soul stuff and the two pubs near the station (Station and Old Vic) both do real ale.
Preston is far from a real ale desert! I hadn’t realised the gig was off until we got there so managed a couple of excellent pints in Bitter Suite. Unfortunately I’m at The Levellers in Kendal on 12 Nov and had I not been I would have already bought tickets for Edwyn Collins the same night – also at 53 Degrees. Not sure who will be upstairs in the smaller venue on 12 Nov.
Happy drinking!
5 October 2010
Hedley Verity
The Boardwalk have announced a gig on 17th February 2011, cue the Rotherham postie.
9 October 2010
king tubbs
Any news whether the throat’s better? I’ve gone and booked the travel lodge again and I’d hate to be starneded there again..
4 November 2010
Charles “The Count” Exford
We’ll be in the Bitter Suite from at least 7 till 8 pm. Band onstage 8.30pm as scheduled last time.
With an interesting symmetry, instead of the original schedule of going to the gig direct from watching Liverpool FC v. Blackpool FC, we’ll be heading to AFC Blackpool v. AFC Liverpool in the FA Vase the next day !
11 November 2010
Simon Smith
I`ll be the one with the Movember `tache reminiscent of S. Blackwell circa 1990/1. Come say `Hi` ..and then bugger orf!
Mad hair and genius sibling not provided.
12 November 2010
steam engine
top gig tonight……good moshpit …..we all await the Roger Green report…..nigel does Cher!
13 November 2010
Germ
I only live about 10 or 15 miles from Durham but not visited in over 15 years so I’m unfamiliar with the watering holes. Anyone got any suggestions for a good real ale (or failing that at least Pedigree on tap) within staggering distance of the gig?
14 November 2010
Charles Exford
The Head of Steam has been suggested, opposite the venue. Don’t know it, but I certainly like the ones from the same mini-chain in Newcastle & Huddersfield.
14 November 2010
Vendor of Quack Nostrums
If you put the address, 15 North Road Durham DH1 4SH into Google maps and drop the little orange chap onto North Road, a quick virtual stroll will soon locate a boarded up venue called ‘Walkabout – Australian Bar’. (as additional information to entice you in it boasts to be ‘the awesome spirit of Australia’. Not that awesome obviously as it closed down some time ago). However, this has now been reborn as the Live Lounge. I’ve never been inside the place in any of its regenerations so I can’t comment on its charms, but it is handily placed for both the bus and train stations.
Once you become bored of staring at the venue, if you virtually rotate 180 degrees you’ll spot a ginnel, alleyway, snicket, or passageway – depending on your place of origin. Down here is the aforementioned Head of Steam. Further details available at;
http://www.theheadofsteam.co.uk/durham-location-and-about-us/
There is also a Wetherspoons further up the street, next to a Poundstore and opposite a Tesco Express. No shooting people on the way to the gig please, just to watch them die.
15 November 2010
argieuk
Got tickets today- and will be heading for the Head of Steam for a beer or two beforehand …as I bought the tickets- Nirvana’s version of ‘in the pines’ was playing…with PBR of ‘…and his body has never been found’.
18 November 2010
Germ
Finally got my ticket today…..Head of Steam and then my first HMHB gig.
Look for the big,bearded guy with the Devo gig shirt on 😉
20 November 2010
Vendor of Quack Nostrums
Are we not men?
20 November 2010
gNick
Head of Steam is the ONLY pub I would use on North Road in Durham. Alternative, for those who like a range of nice real ales (not sure if they have a barman called Dave though), is the Elm Tree which is up steep cobbled street next to the Tesco TooSmallToBeOfAnyRealUse. I will be there, there or maybe in another pub altogether, wearing an Editor’s Recommendation T-shirt.
24 November 2010
argieuk
The support appears to be ‘Mother Firefly’- described as “Original band from the Gateshead area of the north east, influenced musically by the likes of Foo Fighters, Qotsa, Nirvana, Feeder, Stereophonics melodically by The Beatles, Oasis and atmosphericly by My Vitriol, Eighties Matchbox, Cooper Temple Clause etc etc”
Think might spend longer in the Head of Steam then……
24 November 2010
Germ
With all those influences there won’t be a single purist left unirked.
24 November 2010
argieuk
Think using the word ‘original’- then listing 10 bands (with an etc etc) a little odd. Possibly the promoter’s band- so perhaps forgiven.
24 November 2010
gNick
Elm Tree definitely before the gig.
Looking at Mother Firefly’s Facebook page maybe we should find them in a Camden boozer…
24 November 2010
Germ
Put your wellies and Barbours on….Just looked out the window and we’ve got about 6 inches of snow and I’m about 10 – 12 miles from Durham city.
25 November 2010
Charles Exford
I think it does need emphasising that HMHB have no say in choosing these support bands. It’s a promoter thing.
Looks like I’ll be missing tonight’s rites as Mrs.E’s poorly & transport without her is problematic.
25 November 2010
Argieuk
Aye, getting a little nervy about the gig happening- Colleague took a few hours to get through Durham this morning.
25 November 2010
Argieuk
and there’s little in the way of sunshine….
25 November 2010
gNick
Actually we have got got a little bit of sunshine up in the Tyne valley at the moment, albeit between blizzards…
25 November 2010
John Kettley
What are you all moaning about, there’s plenty in the way of sunshine over here in Johannesburg – just ask Nigel to switch venues so us ex-pats can go to a gig! 🙂
Ô¿Ô
25 November 2010
Kitch
I’m going tonight and have a spare ticket. I’ll be in the Head of steam from about 7.30 onwards. I’ll have a red scarf on. Stop me and buy one!
25 November 2010
gNick
Latest from venue, gig is on, though whether the band are there or they are stuck in a snowdrift I din’t ask.
Doors open 7.30, support on 8.30. HMHB on 8.45-9.00
25 November 2010
Charles Exford
Yeah, I had a nice chat with Debbie at the venue too. Doubtless the band will be at Beamish museum this avvy or some such attraction. All this ‘cos Maud now claims she said “nothing a few painkillers can’t handle” rather than “they don’t make painkillers that can handle this”. Attagirl ! We won’t be fit for much mosh though.
25 November 2010
Germ
Mrs Exford sounds like a good ‘un ,does she stamp her foot like Talula Gosh or would that just be clichéd this close to christmas?
25 November 2010
Thomas
I’m looking forward to my first hmhb gig @ The Picturedrome this Thursday. Just hope the weather holds out and the (expected) snow is kept at bay until Friday. I can recommend “The Nook” for a pre gig pint…
If you’re going, I’ll see you there…
14 December 2010
Charles Exford
Tell you what, pemmican has been a total bastard to find on ebay so I’m not that arsed if it snows or not now.
And if the road gritters have got to work, Huddersfield’s after-gig bus connections are so uncommonly ample that I’m prepared to spare their entire town from the due vengeance following tonight’s Dulux Familiar Cup exit. When did you ever hear of leaving a gig in plenty of time to get the third last bus to the station for the second last train ?
But if it snows and they on haven’t clocked on, I unleash seven shades of hell. And phone a taxi.
15 December 2010
Ronnie B
Email from venue:
WEATHER UPDATE
EVENT: HALF MAN HALF BISCUIT
DATE: THURSDAY 16th DECEMBER
Currently the gig is going ahead, but please CHECK OUR HOMEPAGE before travelling – all information will be updated there.
Also, people who don’t already have tickets (delivered to you), please collect on the door as requested.
Many thanks,
Picturedrome management
Please contact us for further information: http://www.picturedrome.net
16 December 2010
Diggler
My earlier mail to the venue enquiring about tonights showtimes came back with the response:
“main acts normally on stage around 9pm, however best keep an eye on the website…just in case”
Looking out of my office window in Manchester City Centre and keeping my fingers crossed. How can a man with his first HMHB gig in possibly 5 hours be expected to concentrate?
16 December 2010
KEV THE CAP
How much were the Pringles tonight?
16 December 2010
FCUM All
They didn’t play 24 hour garage people last night which was a bit of a surprise.
17 December 2010
Charles Exford
Sheffield Feb 17th gig capacity has been trebled overnight, by switching it to The Plug.
The Boardwalk, though it possibly holds the record for most HMHB gigs, hasn’t been big enough really and always used to sell out quicker than anywhere, so it has to be good news for Biscuiteers everywhere. Not least if you want to let a couple more paydays go by before buying your tickets.
18 December 2010
Argieuk
So what is the pub of choice for Sheffield?
7 February 2011
IggyM
Late notice I know, but I’ll be in the Washington, 79 Fitzwilliam Street S1 4JP if anyone fancies a pre-gig meet. I also have a spare ticket (mate has blown it out) for less than cost price if interested. Email Ian@bongofury.co.uk.
16 February 2011
Toerag
Gig being advertised at O2 Shepherd’s Bush, London on Friday June 17th!
http://www.o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk/Info
24 February 2011
Chris The Siteowner
Indeed it is. One imagines it’s a grubby little ploy to get the band covered by the London-based media just as they release a new album. How could they be so cynical and calculating?
Tickets on sale on Monday.
24 February 2011
Charles Exford
Yes isn’t it typical of HMHB’s relentless PR machine that within a few hours of U2 announcing their Glastonbury headlining set, their fiercest rivals have to trump them by revealing _the_ gig of the summer ? The Edge has never been in less doubt about where he could stick his erstwhile “buy-on” offer.
In a few years people will doubtless be saying this summer’s HMHB vs.U2 race for number one album was the moment that defined the musical decade. Personally, I reckon it’s just a joint marketing conspiracy.
And one thing’s for sure, if they both get bad backs again, I know who my money’s on to just take a couple of painkillers and get on with it.
25 February 2011
Mr Larrington
I am this: cross. Due to a ungetoutofable prior engagement I shall be unable to attend this. Nor will I be able to see Amplifier a couple of days before.
Bah!
25 February 2011
Gregg Z
Those of us with young children know how challenging it can be to apply the firm hand of discipline when needed. I’ve discovered that my kids (ages 4 and 2, Biscuit-lovers both) love to wander from their seats at the dinner table, but respond well to the phrase: “Get back in your technical area”.
25 February 2011
Gregg Z
Oh, I remembered why I stuck this bit in the “pre-gig banter” column..
If only I could find my way to London in June. Just so happens the two best bands in your nation are gigging on subsequent nights– HMHB 17th June in the capital and the Monochrome Set the next evening in Bristol.
Would gleefully donate all remaining (functional) organs for this trip.
Although, now I think of it, I would be willing to stay an extra fortnight through the end of June, in order to attend the annual sword dance on the 27th.
25 February 2011
Paul F
Sold out while I was on the bog!
28 February 2011
John Burscough
Head for the wardrobe…
28 February 2011
Paul F
Not necessary thankfully – found some later on another site.
1 March 2011
FAC 285
Hello all. I have only recently discovered the genius that is HMHB. I can’t believe what I’ve missed out on for so long, but and am well up for the London gig in June.
However I am only familiar with two HMHB albums – Back In the DHSS, and This Leaden Pall. If you were to recommend a further 3 HMHB albums that I should get prior to the gig in order to maximise my recognition of the most number of songs on the night, which three would they be…?? (or is there a new album on the way ?)
7 March 2011
Neil G
FAC 285 I would recommend Four Lads Who Shook The Wirral, Cammell Laird Social Club and Achtung Bono, although you should get them all, including the EPs. You could download the Peel Sessions stuff for nothing (the link to it is on the home page here). Enjoy the gig.
8 March 2011
Gregg Z
FAC 285, I would recommend to start with “Achtung Bono”, “Cammell Laird Social Club”, “CSI: Ambleside”, and “Editor’s Recommendation” (EP). The group has produced their best stuff in the last decade, so you can’t go wrong with any of those. Sounds like the new stuff (link to recent Marc Riley radio sessions) continues to be of the highest quality, as well.
Have fun.
8 March 2011
BrumBiscuit
All good suggestions, but can I suggest that if you’re on Spotify that you have a listen there before buying? I’ve got all the CDs, but I still use Spotify and compile an HMHB playlist with all my favourite tracks. I don’t know if you can still get a free subscription on Spotify, but it’s a great way to try before you buy. The usual disclaimers apply…
The new album will be out before christmas 2010. Well, that was one quote I heard somewhere. At the risk of incurring the collective wrath, Some Call it Godcore is one of their weaker albums.
8 March 2011
Paul F
Trouble Over Bridgewater for me.
8 March 2011
Paul F
And may I be the first person to accuse FAC 285 of talking gobbledygook?
8 March 2011
Vendor of Quack Nostrums
FAC 285, download the Peel stuff, it’s a great place to start and just hearing John’s ramblings is worth it alone.
However, don’t leave it too long before you are ordering the CDs from Geoff at Probeplus.
http://www.probeplus-store.co.uk/
Some folks do have a living to earn!
For what it’s worth I’d start with Cammell Laird, Bono and CSI. (with Editor’s Recommendations as the bonus EP)
8 March 2011
Charles Exford
FAC 285 (intriguing – but may we call you Wendy?) – it’s hard to predict, since the beauty of following this band is that there’s a near 50% turnover of songs from one gig to the next. But I’ve just had a look at the set lists of the last three gigs (as recorded by the doughty Roger Green on hmhb.co.uk). So to answer your question (and don’t worry, I’ve been meaning to do something like this for a while), the CDs which would have helped you most are:
– The last album CSI Ambleside (2008) has had 13 plays including 6 different songs, 3 of them ever-present in each of the 3 squads;
– The penultimate one Achtung Bono (2005) has had 12 plays including 6 different songs, 3 of them again doing the hat-trick;
– Then if you take all the 1985-86 stuff including Back in the DHSS together, that has had about 14 plays, encompassing about 9 different songs.
Those 3 come in substantially ahead of the other albums on the set lists recently, but if you were to lump together the Editor’s Recommendation and Saucy Haulage Ballads EPs together as one album, then they would actually be, sort of, in 4th place. And if you had all the recordings I’ve mentioned so far, you’d only have a third of the opus, but you’d have about 57% of the songs played at the last 3 gigs. Most of the relevant tracks from the EPs are there in the Peel sessions.
It’s a fair guess that the London gig will see a good few tracks from the forthcoming album, and if I wasn’t a betting man I wouldn’t say it’ll probably be out by then.
As far as I can see only one album, Some Call it Godcore, has had none of its songs included in the first team squad recently.
You’ll get about 28½ HMHB songs on any given set list, plus more often than not a cover if you’re lucky. Incredible value even at London prices I’m sure you’ll find. About 48 different songs were played in total at those last 3 gigs, about 53 in the last 4 and about 56 in the last 6 gigs shows you how that particular curve flattens out (my esteemed colleagues will doubtless sigh with relief that I can’t actually draw any graphs on here).
Note that shouting out for particular songs is futile, unless possibly you are prepared to keep it up for about 6 years and you loudly profess support for a club that has at some stage been managed by Ronnie Moore. One exception may be the odd false start to The Ballad of Climie Fisher if it is shouted for at a moment when Ken is fumbling with his tuner and Nigel is glad of something to fill a minute or so.
(By the way Vendor, do feel free to re-write all this with it with the whole squad rotation metaphor, frequent transfer windows between gigs, NB57 as the Tinkerman who stubbornly ignores the supporters’ wishes with his strategies and his tactics, sending on his big foreign signings as cover deep in injury time, etc.)
8 March 2011
Neil G
Very interesting post there, Charles. I wonder if you could do us all a favour and type out those set lists.
8 March 2011
FAC 285
cheers for all the responses, especially the very detailed one from Exxo, much appreciated. As a result have since discovered Spotify which is proving a useful means of sampling the different albums. Will put an order in soon for some of those mentioned above, promise…
yours,
gobbledygook.
13 March 2011
EzekialpunchedDanBrown
So…Edinburgh and Kendal on consecutive nights, June 30 and July 1?
Is this a first does anyone know?
Also, is this a clue about album release or just the usual contrary behaviour that we know and love?
22 March 2011
Charles Exford
(i) No. The marathon West Country scrumpycore tour of 5th-6th August 2009 springs immediately to mind. After that particular well-publicised episode of extreme burn-out, the people of the far north will feel truly privileged that the lads are already back pounding the gruelling circuit this summer.
(ii) Yes. Rumours are rife that with any luck a new platter will be available from K-Tel by the time the June gigs come around. Let’s start a sweep on what colour it’ll be.
22 March 2011
Mr Larrington
Cambridge/Shrewsbury last year, Aberdeen/Glasgow in 2009, Norwich/Leicester in 2008…
23 March 2011
BrumBiscuit
Very, very pre-gig banter, but it’s just been announced (at least I’ve only just heard) that they’re doing a gig in The Assembly in Leamington on 15/9. A year to the day since Dean Friedman’s appearance in Bilston!
Yahey! A gig less than 2 miles from home!
24 March 2011
Third Rate Les
I reckon the Assembly is an absolutely top-notch venue, and indeed it has all sorts of hidden secrets; a top authority told me Tammy Wynette’s winnebago is, for whatever reason, hidden in its backstage area.
Yahey indeed. A gig less than 150 miles from home! That’s a home fixture.
24 March 2011
BrumBiscuit
It’s a good venue, all right, but the last 2 gigs there never really got going for me. There is a new Wetherspoons about 2 mins walk away, so I shall be heading there before and “getting prepared”.
Roll on Leicester…
25 March 2011
John Burscough
This would seem to confirm the venue’s claim to have Tammy Wynette’s Winnebago backstage, as well as a Gatling gun (Gatling gun?).
Perhaps “You’re going on after Crispy Ambulance” could for one night be replaced by “Tammy Wynette’s pink gypsy caravan”.
25 March 2011
MISTER TUBBS
Don’t know if this has already been announced, but according to see tickets, there’s also a gig in Cardiff at the Millenium music hall on 25th august. They did a terrific show in a disused church in cardiff a few years back.
11 April 2011
TWO FAT FEET
Obviously not as ‘disused’ as it claimed to be.
11 April 2011
Richard Lovell
Beer or encore, which is it to be?
The last train out of town is always before the end of the gig. Missed Dean Friedman last year whilst I was on the bus out of Bilston.
This time I’d like to stay til the end but preferably under the affluence of incahol, so is anyone driving back to Birmingham from the Leicester gig and could offer me a lift? Happy to share fuel costs.
19 April 2011
Chris
Just some useless information- Edinburgh’s Liquid Room burnt down about a week after the last Half Man Half Biscuit gig (October 2008- during the Sensational Alex Harvey Band). It’s rebuilt in the same style but a bit more spacious and a bit more shiny. Still got the poor sod with the worst job in the world trying to sell you soap in the toilets.
20 April 2011
Chris
Just some useless information- Edinburgh’s Liquid Room burnt down about a week after the last Half Man Half Biscuit gig (October 2008- during the Sensational Alex Harvey Band). It’s rebuilt in the same style but a bit more spacious and a bit more shiny. Still got the poor sod with the worst job in the world trying to sell you soap in the toilets.
20 April 2011
BrumBiscuit
@ Mister Tubbs: Yes, The Point gig was excellent. The Welsh National Anthem on St David’s Day was a great touch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdOJziRZXIM
The Point has closed down by all accounts, which is a real pity.
I’m reliably informed that The Criterion in Leicester is a good place to meet up beforehand. Anyone know any good curry houses?
24 April 2011
Jitsu_g
Hello,
Anyone any idea of stage times tomorrow evening ?
An early evening of (hopefully) finding a sunny beer garden somewhere in Leicester, so wouldn’t want to get carried away with the ale and miss any of the gig
Cheers
27 April 2011
BrumBiscuit
Just checked the venue’s website & there’s nowt about timings, so I’ll assume it’s a 9pm kick off. Looks like I’ll be in The Criterion from 7 or so.
28 April 2011
Charles Exford
Mrs E & myself quite impressed by what we have found of the support band Echolocation (on their Murdochspace unfortunately), so getting there for 8.
28 April 2011
jitsu_g
Venue bit tricky to find. Ended up asking for directions from a nice man in a birkenhead van hire van. It was Nigel, we were outside. Forgot to get in an early shout for chatteris .
28 April 2011
John Burscough
Any strategies or logistics?
28 April 2011
TWO FAT FEET
Birkenhead Van Hire. None more rock and roll.
28 April 2011
jitsu_g
Head for the market
28 April 2011
jitsu_g
There is a 45 min wait for pizzas in the criterion. They look good though
28 April 2011
BrumBiscuit
The pizzas were good, and the wait allowed time for another pint!
29 April 2011
Jitsu_g
Just suggested to the other half that she might like a nice weekend in the Lakes in early July, she seemed keen – so it will be her first HMHB gig.
I swifly followed that up by suggesting a September road trip to Leamington en route to friends in Essex. It will require a Friday night stop over after the gig – currently looking at B&Bs in Chatteris.
7 May 2011
Robbin Yachts
Saw recently the Millennium Music Hall (venue for Cardiff gig) is
closing down but apparently relocating. Nothing on their website as to where this will be…
26 May 2011
Gregg Z
I weep as I write this, but I will not be flying from the states to your lovely country for the London (Shepherd’s Bush) gig in June. Was 95% certain the trip was a go, but after purchasing the concert tix, the 5% reared its head, and the trip is off.
Needless to say, can’t let these go unused, so my clutter could become your future. I’m not looking for money, as I don’t have the stomach for such machinations.
I think what’s on offer here is a free pair for the gig. I’ve got the tickets on an email, so I could send to whomever. Does this sound too good to be true? Sadly, it isn’t.
Let me know, dear punters.
27 May 2011
Gregg Z
Well..if someone happens to have an extra copy of “Saucy Haulage Ballads” in exchange, I wouldn’t turn it down.
But that’s about as likely as Tranmere winning the Cup Final anytime soon.
27 May 2011
Charles Exford
Gregg – as the one person on this earth who has expressed most discomfort with your brainchild, the Lux Familiar Cup, and as a ticketless person who has only today worked out a way not to be at work in Leeds that day, it would seem that the universe is perhaps after all ruled not by chance and indifference, but by a karmic moan.
I’d like to pay of course. “Face value till I die, whether I sell or buy”, as I often sing to that stupid Man City/Ingerlund tune.
This would be a great compensation on my birthday weekend, even if it’s not National Shite Day that progresses. I’ve already had such a good beginning to the weekend that I’m in danger of becoming blithely assured that football will triumph over evil tomorrow at Wembley. My optimism strikes me as something I hardly know what to do with.
“It’s raining soup and I’ve got a fork
But I just had a good win double at Cork.”
27 May 2011
Charles Exford
Oh and there’s a saucy little platter here with your name on it.
27 May 2011
Gregg Z
This is all a bit too heartwarming. As soon as you send me your email address, the tickets are yours.
Cheers.
28 May 2011
BrumBiscuit
@Jitsu_G: I assume you’re joking about the Chatteris B&B? Hope so, cos it’s a 2 1/2 to 3-hour journey. If you’re really doing an overnighter, the Travelodge in Leamington’s 5 minutes walk from The Assembly & had rooms for £35 last time I checked. There’s a Wetherspoons opposite for a cheap brekkie too.
28 May 2011
Narberther
Any news on the Cardiff gig? The venue has closed down for some reason. I knew it’d be too good to last
1 June 2011
Jitsu_g
@ Brumbiscuit. We are going to stay in Leamington after the gig (Thursday – probably Travelodge or similar) , Chatteris on Friday, Party in Essex on Saturday back to Bradford Sunday !
1 June 2011
Chris The Siteowner
Apparently the Cardiff gig is moving to the university, according to this chap on Tiwtter.
9 June 2011
Charles Exford
Gregg! Unfortunately I can’t make it to London after all … our hippy dog-sitter is now setting off for Glasto several days earlier than planned, probably in order to avoid the gun towers, and this is one of several factors that messes things up.
Plus, or should I say Probe Plus, it’s now confirmed that there’s no prospect of the new album being sneaked out at any of the forthcoming gigs till (reasonable rates) early September. The prospect that it might have been launched at the home of the Crackerjack pencil was always the main draw to this one for me.
Anyway, folks, that means Gregg’s 2 spares are still available.
10 June 2011
Dave Wiggins
The Cardiff gig has definitely moved to the University (‘Solus’, or similar, is the place). Sod’s law just after I book a hotel near the original venue …
10 June 2011
Dave Wiggins
I can sort Gregg with a ‘Saucy Haulage Ballads’ unless Charles has, but I don’t need the tickets (and nor do I require anything as vulgar as ‘money’ for it).
10 June 2011
Dave Wiggins
Just posting so that I can update my email address. I wasn’t sure how else to do it. But I do have a very powerful magnet.
10 June 2011
Neil G
DAVE WIGGINS
“I can sort Gregg with a ‘Saucy Haulage Ballads’ unless Charles has, but I don’t need the tickets (and nor do I require anything as vulgar as ‘money’ for it).”
Dave, I’m on the lookout for a second hand car. You don’t happen to have one lying around, do you? Obviously, I wouldn’t be so vulgar as to offer you ‘money’ for it.
10 June 2011
Gregg Z
Shame if the tickets don’t get used. That’s the rub, far as I’m concerned.
As for “Saucy Haulage Ballads”, I certainly wouldn’t turn down a copy if it’s going idle in someone’s upstairs room. Vulgarian that I am….
11 June 2011
Chris The Siteowner
…ooh, a rare away fixture for me, just booked m’ticket, passage and a mate’s room for Edinburgh at the end of the month. See you there!
11 June 2011
Charles Exford
No takers then for two free tickets for a band, some would say a super-group, that features former members of Venomous Youth, Split Gut, North of Watford, Jegsy Dodd and The Sons of Harry Cross ?
At a venue whose boards were stomped for so many decades by Peter Glaze and Don Maclean, and upon which so many of Jimmy Saville’s putrid cigar stubs were extinguished?
12 June 2011
Charles Exford
Huzzah! Tickets gone to a good home, or at least friends of a good home: the man who took this – in fact, the man who has taken more HMHB gig photos than anyone else in recorded history.
Check out his protest-y photos on those Flickr pages.
13 June 2011
Gregg Z
Perfect! I’m happy that the tickets have found a home. Enjoy all…
Send more pictures from the gig please….
13 June 2011
TWO FAT FEET
Heartwarming.
13 June 2011
Third Rate Les
I have four tickets for the gig on Friday which I no longer need as I will be out of the country and Jeff Dreadnought has done his back in.
Happy to give them for free to a good home if anyone’s interested. It seems a shame to just not use them.
Not sure how you would contact me, mind you. Put some kind of clever link up, I suppose.
14 June 2011
Jeff Dreadnought
Bastard slip of a disk ruined my weekend. I can’t stand any more because I can’t stand any more.
14 June 2011
Chris The Siteowner
If anyone on the site needs to get in touch with anyone else, I’m always happy to forward your email address to them. Just let me know.
14 June 2011
Toffo 78
Looking for a decent B&B in Kendal. One night only of course. Cheers.
14 June 2011
FAC 285
T R Les,
I haven’t got round to getting tickets yet – was hoping to turn up on the night and get standing tickets, but having just checked the Sheps Bush website there may not be any standing left. So if you’re still looking to offload any I’ll take two off you and sort you out with some cash/ale somehow. Will get in touch via Chris the Siteowner.
cheers
15 June 2011
Third Rate Les
Hi FAC 285
I’ve sent them. Hope you enjoy it.
16 June 2011
John Anderson
Looking forward to tomorrow’s gig. I’ll be in the Defector’s Weld pub from around 7pm if anyone fancies a pint.
Glasses, black jacket, Fall Lie-Dream T-shirt.
16 June 2011
Paul F
As a HMHB gig virgin with a train to catch in from West Berkshire, what’s the best suggestion for what time to get there?
16 June 2011
TWO FAT FEET
Doors open at seven of the clock by all accounts, I’m more concerned with what time it finishes. Am off to Snowdonia in the wee small hours and don’t want to miss the last train out of Liverpool St …
16 June 2011
Sarah
According to the Shepherds bush Empire website, the support is on at 7.30-8, and HMHB are on at 8.30
17 June 2011
Paul F
Cheers.
17 June 2011
Neil
Free Tickets for tonight.
My fellow HMHB ticket holder and I are prevented from attending Shepherd’s Bush tonight by wives who do not appreciate the enormity of the tragedy they have precipitated. Email me at neil dot beddoe at raidllp dot com if you want them.
Be nice and polite or I’ll ignore you.
17 June 2011
Norbert D
According to someone I know who got it from the horse’s mouth, as it were, the whole show’s over by 10.30 tonight. Early start, early finish. Shouldn’t be a problem getting a train home (although travelling from Shepherd’s Bush to any major train station except Paddington can take a bit of time, if you use public transport).
17 June 2011
TWO FAT FEET
Thanks Nobby, I thought about 10 – 10.30 allowing for an estimated two song encore.
17 June 2011
Paul F
Mrs F has been singularly unimpressed about me disappearing out tonight, but I think the proximity to Father’s Day has had an impact, so no outright hostility. At least the tickets for this weren’t allocated through a bizarre system that favoured people with the financial clout to risk having £5,000 taken out of their bank account without warning. Even risking £700 and not pointlessly applying for the 100m Final didn’t get me a single Olympic ticket. Coe should swing for this shambles.
17 June 2011
Neil
I wish I’d used the Father’s day ploy. Never mind. I’m home to watch Tron Legacy (not my choice but he’s 9) and keep the peace during a sleepover.
Nobody wants my tickets then.
17 June 2011
Chris The Siteowner
Right, that’s That London over and done with for another few years. Next question: where’s the Designated Pub which will be filled with yellow and maroon before the Edinburgh gig?
18 June 2011
BrumBiscuit
Just a quick note to say that the Travelodges in Cardiff are £15 for the night of the gig there. Get in fast.
18 June 2011
ChrisH
The Edinburgh gig is one week today!
Support band, The Mannequins, are well worth checking out- they’ll be on stage at 7.30pm.
23 June 2011
Chris The Siteowner
…and ChrisH suggests The Bow Bar just down the road before and after the gig…
23 June 2011
Murray Meikle
The Bow Bar is the traditional meeting place for those of us of a certain age before and after gigs at the Liquid Rooms. It’s small but has a decent range of ales. Dave and Barbara will refer you to the blackboard.
24 June 2011
Jitsu_g
Anyone doing Thursday and Friday nights ?
Only going to Kendal but hotel booked in Leamington – that will be the other halfs 2nd Biscuits gig – hope she likes her first on Friday !
Been trying to teach her songs based on most often played at recent gigs – she is getting there , at least she knows who Bob Wilson is now
26 June 2011
Toffo 78 Huyton
Friday only. Can’t wait.
26 June 2011
Argieuk
Also Friday only- decent pubs nearby? Or is the one at the venue the best choice?
28 June 2011
Geordie Paul
Don’t go further than the Vats bar upstairs at the Brewery Arts centre in Kendal. Lively with a good choice of real ales. Make sure you try the Hawkshead – Ale and Arty.
28 June 2011
Charles Exford
We weren’t going to rely on a long range from the Met. But as at least two opinionated medium-rangers have forecast a fine weekend we’ve just booked ticket numbers 300 and 301 for Friday.
28 June 2011
S.G.D A SHROPSHIRE LAD
a bit late for a preview but…
Half Man Half Biscuit play the Liquid Room in Edinburgh on Thursday June 30. One of the great unwritten rules of lyricism is that any attempt to inject songs with comedy should only be attempted if the humour is of either an acerbic or pithy nature. It is testament to HMHB that they continue into their fourth decade as one of the few great satirical and observationally comic voices in British music, without losing their appeal. Expect reference to Joy Division Oven Gloves, the incredible ability of football referees to run backwards and bad losers at online chess. Imagine the news, as written and read by Mark E Smith, set to a Bob Dylan track and you can comprehend something of HMHB.
taken from STV by Thom Watt.
2 July 2011
Toffo
Thanks to the lady who was giving out Dukla Prague badges at Kendal the other night. As always, wonderful.
3 July 2011
Toerag
Today’s Daily Mirror (I know, my wife buys it!) lists a Biscuits gig at Manchester Ritz on Sat Dec 17th!
19 August 2011
Dave Wiggins
Good shout, er, ‘Toerag’. I am doing Cardiff, next week, as December seems so far off. First time I have seen them in Wales since the legendary Llandudno West Shore show, many Summers ago.
19 August 2011
Neil G
Nothing on the Ritz website about HMHB. Maybe they don’t know yet. Steve Malkmuss and Gary Numan are booked though. http://www.hmvritz.com/
19 August 2011
John Burscough
Saturday? A HMHB gig on A Saturday? The first one (apart from two festivals) since 1999? Where’s the inconvenience in that?
19 August 2011
colin
Dave a warm welcome will await you in Cardiff next week gig is about a 10 minute walk from the town centre its full of great boozers and some shite ones as well if you get a chance pop into a bar called Live Lounge (opposite William Hills on Queen Street and undernetah JJb sports) as you can imagine its live music and very cheap beer agreat way to start the night
19 August 2011
Gregg Z
Lastly, couldn’t help but notice on the Manchester Ritz website, that Adam Ant is not only playing a gig, but still dressed in the same ant gear from 1981.
No wonder Andy Warren and Lester Square didn’t stick around.
19 August 2011
TAYLO
I have Gary Numan on the 8th December, Adam Ant on the 14th, New Model Army on the 15th and now potentially Biscuit on the 17th…all at The Ritz!
22 August 2011
Dave Wiggins
Colin; very grateful for the info. You have made me a happy man, as I was convinced that the change of venue would see me having to traipse halfway across the Capital from my city-centre accommodation. Appreciated; you have generated a warmth around my plans that augurs well for Thursday night.
22 August 2011
argieuk
Manchester gig now on the Ritz site
http://www.hmvritz.com/
£18+ booking fee, apparently.
Now to justify spending weekend before christmas is Manchester..
22 August 2011
S.G.D A SHROPSHIRE LAD
Tranmere are at Stevenage that day – 180miles, could be a late night!
22 August 2011
colin
Dave …and thats what lifes about
23 August 2011
BrumBiscuit
Next gig: Leamington. Within walking distance along the Grand Union from Warwick. Not often you can say that about a gig.
I will probably be fuelling up in the nearby Jug & Jester. It’s always been a decent-ish pub, but I haven’t been in since it was wetherspooned. Still, Thursday is curry night. Not sure if that’s good preparation for a bit of mosh pit action, but all & sundry will know if it isn’t.
The Avenue pub is opposite the gig and is OK, if nothing special.
This may have been mentioned before, but the changing rooms at The Assembly are Tammy Wynette’s Winnebago.
3 September 2011
Jitsu_g
Can anyone with any local Leamington knowledge advise of any other pre gig pubs with decent ale ?
Ordered Manchester tickets for December. At least I know my way around the pubs there !
10 September 2011
Graham Paine
The Jug and Jester is 100 yards away (a reasonable Wetherspoon’s). There is another Wetherspoon’s on the Parade called the Benjamin Satchwell which is also quite good (in new 2012 GBG), but for the best pub in the locality you will have to venture out to Warwick and visit the Wild Boar – near the hospital – 5 beers on tap but sadly not eligible for new GBG.
10 September 2011
Paddy
Just been listening to David Wainwright’s feet. Anyone got any more info/insights into this? I have just played it six times in a row it is utterly brilliant. Did Nigel write it?
10 September 2011
BrumBiscuit
@Graham Paine: The Wild Boar’s 2 mins from my house. I must’ve seen you there!
Leamington has some decent ale pubs, but the two mentioned above are OK, really!. The better ones are up in the other end of town and not that close to the venue. The town centre is a student haunt with all the shite that throws up. I doubt you’ll get more convenient than the Jug & Jester.
The Cricketers isn’t all that far away, but is a bit pokey and chintzy.
Roll on Bilston with the Olde White Rose!
11 September 2011
Gillyramone
Another decent pub for beer in Leamington is the Talbot, which is about 10 minutes walk away (and just off the Grand Union Canal), does Wye Valley beers amongst others.(postcode CV31 1JA). Landlord has a decent taste in music and good chance he’ll be at the gig (if not him, certainly a few of the regulars.
12 September 2011
Jitsu_g
Cheers for the pub advice.
Just booked tickets for Bilson in Jan so will be able to try out the Olde White Rose !
12 September 2011
BrumBiscuit
@GillyRamone: I cycled past The Talbot a couple of weeks ago when riding to the ale delights of Long Itchington. It looked closed down, though I only had a quick glance as I went past. Sounds good though & is an easy stroll and will have more soul than the Jug & Jester.
Does anyone know the start time for the gig? 9pm?
12 September 2011
Graham Paine
Would expect it to be 9 or very soon after – certainly no earlier.
13 September 2011
BrumBiscuit
They’ve never done The Len Ganley Stance live. Me & a mate got a chorus going in the Hibernian, Selly Oak, Brum in 1995 (?), only for Nigel to say he didn’t know the words.
Wonder if they’ll break the duck on Thursday? I imagine Len’s view of “his” song was a little more positive than Fred Titmus’!
13 September 2011
John Burscough
Titmus’. Apostrophe chapeau.
13 September 2011
TWO FAT FEET
Never heard it performed live either, although I have heard it at a gig, so to speak. That is to say, someone was singing it as he walked into the bogs at Shepherd’s Bush in June, presumably an observation of the people standing in front of the urinals.
13 September 2011
Charles Exford
Arrangements were very cloudy but are becoming clearer. Mrs. Exford organising a frisbee competition in Northumbria so not coming. I booked a train to arrive in Leamington early morning, just in case there was glory to be hunted in Somerset, which could have then been fitted in on a separate day return ticket before returning to Warwickshire (how ironic) for the gig. It wouldn’t have been a cheap ticket that one from Leamington to Taunton, but it’s the closest Lancashire CCC have come in my lifetime, so it would have been worth it.
Doesn’t look likely now, what with Warwickshire just needing 7 more wickets in Southampton, so will have all afternoon to work out what Leamington and/or environs has to offer. I only know that the Wetherspoon’s curry night served us well before the Leicester gig so it may well be thus again. I will look out for others in DPAS and those I know off of here , but as for me, the withering look of Neil Crossley in Carlisle made me feel like a Bad Wool and maybe it’s time to retire the shiny replica DPAK.after 11 years? Anyway I’ve carrying some tendonitis so might not be up for 2 hours in the mosh. Late fitness test for Exford.
14 September 2011
S.G.D A SHROPSHIRE LAD
Len Ganley was frequently played live in the early days – Leeds,Birmingham,Chelmsford etc
14 September 2011
Charles Exford
Yep, Kendal it was, not Carlisle.
14 September 2011
BrumBiscuit
I will be around after 4pm & possibly eating in the Jug & Jester a little later. The weather seems set fair, so Jephson Gardens is worth a genteel stroll. I’m a Warwick lad meself, but it’s only a 45-minute stroll along the Grand Union (access near the railway station). If your tendonitis will allow it, the climb up the tower of St Mary’s (£2.50) will reward you with spectacular views & the crypt is a good way to waste half an hour, should you be of the cultural bent. The train will take you the short hop in 5 mins from L. Spa to Warwick, but make sure it stops at Warwick & isn’t one of the ones that only stops at Warwick Parkway, where you can smell the yuppiemobiles. Forget Warwick Castle, unless you have £20 to blow.
In what must be the ultimate in cheapskatery, I have a 20% off voucher for the other Wetherspoons pub, The Benjamin Satchwell, so might go for that instead. Might also dig out the CAMRA 50p off vouchers. Anything less than 5% I don’t wanna drink it!
I have put the DPAS on the bench for tonight, so I can give the Barnstonewrorth Utd Davitt shirt its first airing, along with the Primark FM t-shirt for during the gig.
The Talbot is about a mile from the venue. Like a saddo, I measured it on me bike after signing on yesterday!
Come on You Bears!!!
15 September 2011
Dave Wiggins
Brumbiscuit; for reasons I am struggling to articulate, I just loved that post! Taking ‘VR’ in April 2012, I shall also be signing on (with no hope in my heart) for the first time since I turned up and clocked on 31 years ago.
15 September 2011
Greasby Shark
I definitely recall Len Ganley Stance being played at my first HMHB gig (at the Mardi Gras in Liverpool). Mind you, that was some 25 years ago!
15 September 2011
John Burscough
…though there may be a few wools who disagree with the last line of BB’s post.
Come on Carberry!
15 September 2011
BrumBiscuit
I see the Hampshire boys have forced The Bears to bat again.
Two important updates: 1) I’ve found me Wetherspoon vouchers. 2) The Brum to Leamington line via Solihull was blocked this morning by a goods train carrying aviation fuel with its engine on fire. Would be worth checking it’s reopened, if you’re coming that way.
There might be a bus replacement service!
The Benjamin Satchwell looks favourite for food, as it’s opposite the Travelodge that shall be my lodgings tonight. Yes, I know I only live a couple of miles away, but I got a £10 room in the sale & I don’t have to face the missus post-gig. She just wouldn’t understand. The look of disdain on her face when I excitedly explained about Dean Friedman at the Robin2 made me realise that.
Enjoy the delights of Royal Leamington Spa & I’ll see you later perhaps.
15 September 2011
John Burscough
Anyone prepared to bet that the cover at Manchester will be “A Song From Under The Floorboards” again? I may not have been at the Lesser Free Trade Hall, y’all, but I did see Magazine play the Mecca of the Modern Dance, The Ritz in 1978.
(JCC was support, the night they recorded ‘Salome Maloney’ (Queen of the Ritz) for release on Disguise In Love.)
30 September 2011
Dave Wiggins
Name-dropper alert. Spoke to ‘Let it Happen’ today, and Neil said they are looking forward to their Ritz debut. Still a query over whether Calvin Party will be the support, given that the lead singer lives in The Netherlands, and it’s quite a way to travel for a stage-time of 6.45! There’s no way on earth……..
13 October 2011
SPENCER THE HALFWIT
I’m sure the advert in the music mags this month said it would be Lovecraft again.
13 October 2011
John Burscough
If Calvin Party are coming over from The Netherlands, why not bring Novelle with them?
14 October 2011
Dave Wiggins
Meh, John!
14 October 2011
Lippy Kid
Hello, as a relatively new convert (I own AB, 90B, CLSC & TLP – although I found that one less accessible), I was looking forward to my first gig in Manchester. However, having looked through some of the comments on here, I’m now a bit scared. It seems like there’s a big club and, as someone who’s not really a joiner, I’m going to spend the evening feeling like someone on the outside of a joke. What do I need to know? What are the running themes? Of what regularly played songs do I need a working appreciation?
Cheers.
12 November 2011
Lipa Kid
Oops, got my name wrong, I meant it to be this. Sorry.
12 November 2011
Vendor of Quack Nostrums
Relax LK. A while back Chris the Siteowner gently prodded the good folk on this site into helping him analyse every gig this century. (Although he himself did most of the hard stuff). Pour yourself a glass of a classic red bottled by a medal-winning estate on the banks of the Garonne and peruse this.
12 November 2011
Chris The Siteowner
Most of the gigs I’ve been to split fairly evenly between the diehards who are really sociable (a lot of gold Dukla Prague away shirts), some diehards who don’t seem to be quite so sociable (mysterious in-joke T-shirts), those who know the stuff but only go to the gigs in their area (i.e about once every few years), and a bunch of people who don’t even know the material that well and who have come along out of curiosity (some of the students in this group wouldn’t have been born when DHSS came out, so good for them). It’s a really good mix, and I’ve never come away from a gig without having met and chatted to some really interesting people. There’s no other band for which I can say that’s been the case. It’s certainly not a big club, but it is a friendly crowd. I suspect that the choice of Manchester venue and the encouraging sales and publicity for the new album will bring a lot of first-timers out for that gig.
12 November 2011
Lipa Kid
Thanks chaps.
21 November 2011
Gregg Z
Not sure if this has been covered yet, but I can’t help wondering about the scheduling of a fixture in Manchester at 8pm, when Tranmere visits Stevenage the very same day at 3pm.
Had to search distance from Manchester to Stevenage, and it looks to be 2 hours plus, at best, from door to door (as a Yank, I’m not as familiar as I’d like with the vagaries of navigating the byways of Hertfordshire and its surrounds).
So, assuming NB57 will attend the match (does he do away matches??), how in hell do you get from the grounds to the gig by 8pm? Even with a SatNav? Just Who is the 8 o’clock Hero, indeed?
Welcoming feedback from the locals.
Now, leave me alone with my pitiful competition onions….
22 November 2011
Charles Exford
You’ve done the maths there Gregg, and exiting the ground at 4.53pm it could be done quite feasibly if the getaway car was craftily parked, but Nigel doesn’t do quite as many aways as he used to or would like to.
Don’t forget Nigel himself doesn’t drive, and band driver Neil doen’t do too many aways these days.
22 November 2011
Jitsu_g
Manchester pre gig plans now in place.
Afternoon in the excellent Stalybridge Train station buffet bar for a few light ales (due to early start and my age will be sticking to pints under 5% !)
Moving onto the Christmas Markets (to keep the ladies of the party happy !) and perhaps a mulled wine or 3 and a German sausage.
And then (hopefully) a short stroll to the gig – although not having been to the Ritz before I fully expect to be frantically searching for it at 7.55 !!
4 December 2011
John Burscough
If you’re at the Albert Square market, Jitsu, walk down Mount St to the Midland Hotel, turn left down Oxford St then right at The Cornerhouse, past the railway station and you’re there – about 1/4 mile.
8 December 2011
Jitsu-g
Ta John, I was in Manchester the other night visiting the venue that used to be g Mex. I spotted the ritz so I think there will be no pre gig panic ! I’ll be wearing my retro honved shirt so say hello if you are there
9 December 2011
Warden Hodges
Wish I was at the gig next week but I’m at the big non-league game on Merseyside that day, Marine v Chester.
Too much hassle to get to Mcr by 7.30-8. I await the Exxo/Roger Green reviews.
10 December 2011
John Burscough
I’ll look out for you, Jitsu. (I also may be fairly easy to spot, wearing a ‘King of” Hi-Vis jacket in a doomed attempt to get them to play it live for the first time ever, so please come and say hello, anybody.)
Since it’ll be only a week before Christmas, here’s a HMHB Festive Four:
It’s Clichéd To Be Cynical At Christmas
All I Want For Christmas Is A Dukla Prague Away Kit
Shit Arm, Bad Tattoo
The Referee’s Alphabet
Any other suggestions?
12 December 2011
Vendor of Quack Nostrums
Epiphany.
12 December 2011
John Burscough
Good one.
Fear My Wraith
We Built This Village On A Trad. Arr. Tune.
12 December 2011
rapscallion
Given the early kick off is their a support bant if so hom and at what time?
13 December 2011
rapscallion
band and Whom the typos. Sorry.Pesky android phones
13 December 2011
John Burscough
Lovecraft supporting, according to the Ritz website (presumably the Widnes Victorian folk-gothic-indie-electro-art rockers rather than the 60s San Francisco-based psychedelic rock band).
14 December 2011
Diggler
The buffet bar at Stalybridge station is good for a pre-gig drink for those travelling in from the east by train. I’m up for the Briton’s Protection – beer at the venue is overpriced and with little change from £5 for a beer a complete ramp.
16 December 2011
John Burscough
Briton’s Protection, excellent. (Far be it from me to nitpick, but their website states that they have a collection of 200 hundred whiskies to choose from, so I’ll be lodging a complaint if there’s only 19,999.)
16 December 2011
King Tubbs
What is it with venues and overpriced beer?
Is it Lovecraft that are on at eight, or HMHB?
17 December 2011
Charles Exford
We’re saving for a big trip in Jan-Feb, and had a few big bills come in lately (dog’s bollocks, etc), so wasn’t going to go tonight … until that is (sorry Mr. Siteowner Sir) ….GRANT HOLT FGS 12-1 …. TWELVE TO FLIPPIN’ ONE …. and I’m on Norwich DNB at 9-2 so if Norwich don’t lose …I’m THERE, and if they WIN … I can even afford venue beer prices.
(I’m so glad the Canaries could be of service, he said through gritted teeth – Ed)
17 December 2011
Diggler
I would think that it’s HMHB at 8pm, as there is something else on at 10:30, hence the 10pm curfew. Wondered what could be on after? Puppet show and Spinal Tap
17 December 2011
jitsu_g
Some sort of club night after gig so be there for 8. Stalybridge train bar on form as usual, off on the next train to the Britons Protection
17 December 2011
Diggler
Just on my way for my train – see you at the Britons, y’all
17 December 2011
BrumBiscuit
Well, it may be cliched, but I’m sitting here at home on my own, cynically, of course, looking forward to the Bilston gig and a pre-gig jar & carvery in the Olde White Rose before.
And, as if by magic, I’m also in my DP away shirt.
Bah, humbug!
24 December 2011
Third Rate Les
Got my Bilston tickets. That’s going to be tough as I have a flight from Heathrow at 6 the next morning, but if all goes well I should be able to get at least 45 minutes uninterrupted sleep (medal please…)
Mr “Steve Kean Is Alive – Why?” Espley – let me know if you’ll be there.
5 January 2012
Why Steve Kean is Alive
The Knighthood for Steve Kean campaign starts here.
5 January 2012
Gregg Z
Bilston, eh? What sort of a town is this? Anyone care to paint a picture for those abroad?
9 January 2012
Third Rate Les
Been there a couple of times and quite like it. A village that has been mainly subsumed into the wider run-down urban sprawl of Wolverhampton, which in itself is part of the wider run-down urban sprawl of the Midlands. In US terms think of perhaps Cleveland. Still, there’s a bit of local character. The venue itself reminds me a bit of a big scout hut, and is over the road from a good curry house. Couple of pubs, one of which is pretty good CAMRA man kind of place. There’s also a chip shop and a take-away Balti. I stayed once in a hostel which was £19 including big cooked breakfast. I suppose it’s a bit mean summarising a place which you’ve only ever been to in the evenings for one specific purpose and I may be missing its other glories.
9 January 2012
John Burscough
The CAMRA pub around the corner is the Olde White Rose, far better than Woody’s Bar at the venue – named after Roy Wood (whom we saw hurrying out of it to get to the OWR before playing there last year).
10 January 2012
Charles Exford
In my opinion the Olde White Rose, Gregg, would be worth your air fare on its own, easily reached from Birmingham Airport as it is. I’d advise that you drink halves though, because there are so so many fine ales to sample, and that you shun its range of good value a la carte meals, perfectly fine though they be, and pile the more-or-less-free carvery high on your plate. Allow at least two hours for digestion before the mosh of course.
I shall, unfortunately, be in Brazil while next week’s gig is on, perhaps even bobbling cheekily along the Tropic of Capricorn on a lilo at that particular time.
10 January 2012
Dave Cooper
Further into the town is another wonderful pub, The Trumpet. The locals an be a bit strange (it IS near Wolverhampton) but if you even slightly interested in jazz it’s a must just for the memorabilia. Holden’s pub with the odd guest ale.
10 January 2012
Jitsu_g
Looking forward to Bilston – Bearing in mind that my train gets in to Wolverhampton early afternoon and I want to kill a few hours (to avoid sitting in the pub) is it walkable to Bilston, added bonus also of passing very close to Monmore greyhound track.
11 January 2012
John Burscough
We drove into Wolverhampton from Bilston the morning after the Roy Wood gig (and later rued it) – I expect it’d take an hour or so to walk. First hare running at Monmore at 7.25pm on Thursday.
12 January 2012
Mac
Jitsu_ G it’s probably an hour walk.
I recommend walking to the Tram Station and catching the Metro to Bilston. And using the time in the pub. I know you said you didn’t want to but it does have some great bear and will be full of fans
Tram stop to Robin 5 minute walk.
http://g.co/maps/7w22j
12 January 2012
2 Chevrons
Sonia Lannaman used to represent Wolverhampton and Bilston. Wonder if they’ll do ‘Whiteness Thy Name Is Meltonian’ …
12 January 2012
jitsu_g
Ta for the info Mac, my train gets into wolves at 1pm so walking won’t cut into pub time that much. These days too many pre gig pints and I struggle to remember the gig ! A steady afternoon is the order of the day I think ! As I will be on my own for this gig I shall be seeking conversation so don’t want to come across as (too much of ) a stumbling mess at tea time.
13 January 2012
jitsu_g
Are you going to bilston john ?
13 January 2012
John Burscough
You betcha. Look for the stumbling mess in the Hi-Vis jacket.
13 January 2012
BrumBiscuit
I hope there are no Bilstonians on here, as the place is a post-Thatcher era ghost town. OK, I went there on a cold January Saturday, but I wouldn’t have been surprised if tumbleweed had flown down the High Street past us.
The next time I was there – last year – I saw two different piles of flowers where two murders had taken place within days. The OWR & The Trunpet are saving graces – make sure you try Holdens’ beer – but it’s a grim place since the steel works went & Merry Hill opened.
Well, you did ask Gregg Z!
14 January 2012
Mac
Cant believe I typed “bear” and not “beer”.
15 January 2012
Dave Cooper
Mac – I can!
16 January 2012
BrumBiscuit
Last Saturday I called in to the Robin2 to get me tickets and after to meet a mate in the Olde White Rose. Great choice of beer it may well have, but don’t ever, ever go there on a Saturday! The “disco” was not of I Went to a Wedding standard by a long chalk! He did not know his craft well, but thought he did.
Anyway, in true CAMRA Man spirit, I tried the 5%+ brews and can vouch, heartily, for the Sarah Hughes Ruby Mild, brewed a few miles away in Sedgley. The Kelham was nice, but the biggest surprise was the Snowdonia summat or other – only 3.8% – gorgeous! It might be my parsimonious nature, but prices at the OWR seemed to have leapt markedly since my last visit – Deano Night.
I suspect there will be a few DPAS there on Thursday. See you there.
24 January 2012
SIMON P
I couldn’t make this gig originally but due to a Michael Gove-esque screw up in our Local Education Authority I am now in London next Thursday as opposed to this one … so I will be there! Driving, sadly, but you can’t have everything. With a bit of luck someone will nick my malfunctioning car.
24 January 2012
SIMON P
Ooh hang on, I’ve just read upwards. Is it definitely a 10pm curfew? If so I could make the last train!
24 January 2012
SIMON P
Oh bollocks, I’ve read too far up. That was Manchester. As you were.
24 January 2012
jitsu_g
All set for tomorrow, 2 days booked off work. If you see middle aged fat bloke in retro honved shirt come and say hello. I am looking forward to paying a visit to the olde white rose (feel free to use my real name if you see me ( Graham) rather than my user name.)
25 January 2012
Floreat Ultonia
Every day is Australia Day- Sons and Daughters, Home and Away. End of the century party preparations, Sting singing on the roof of the Barbican…
PS quite heavy drizzle, sticking to the facts…
26 January 2012
BrumBiscuit
@ Jitsu_G/Graham. You’re the bloke from oop north I met in Leamington, aren’t you? I’ll be in the OWR from about 7. I’ve got a spare Honved shirt I’ll be lending me mate, so that’ll be at least two of you. I’ll have me Dickie Davies hoodie and/or Primark FM t-shirt on. Please don’t let me get as pissed as I was in Leamington. I read the setlist the day after & couldn’t remember half the songs!
26 January 2012
jitsu_g
Thats me, can’t promise that I’ll be able to keep you off the ale though ! See you later
26 January 2012
Steve Kean is Alive,Why?
Mr ‘Third Rate Les’ Kennedy,
Sorry but couldn’t make it to Bilston in the end as the wife had a prior engagement and had to stay home to look after our daughter. Sure a good time was had by all and hope to be able to meet up at the next gig in the Midlands vicinity -hope you made your flight on time!
26 January 2012
Jitsu_g
Oooh, gig in Leeds in June !
9 February 2012
Charles Exford
Ooh yes, thanks for the heads-up Jitsu, a gig amidst the Dreaming Spires of Academia…. and one down in Oxford too. A particularly useful heads-up for me personally, ‘cos I’d actually started looking into promoting one in Leeds meself (it surely can’t be as difficult as Keenan makes it look).
9 February 2012
Gregg Z
Still trying to sort out a visit to the UK for a gig. Looks as though Leeds is in the running, but planning is in the early stages, so I thought I’d get this missive out right away.
What’s the venue like? Clean, cheap hotels nearby? Also, anyone have an opinion on whether to fly to London or Manchester from USA. Manchester is closer to Leeds, naturally, and I’m guessing the trains are as frequent.
The spanner in the works is, of course, that you lot decided to hold some sort of “Olympics” in your fair nation. This arrangement does not sit well with my desire to attend an HMHB gig at a reasonable price.
13 February 2012
John Burscough
Leeds will be pretty much your standard city centre Student Union gig, big dull venue with a lot of bars. Several hotels within 10 minutes walk, cheapest on booking.com looks to be the Ibis. Good Transpennine train service, not yet electrified so takes an hour from Manc to Leeds, £6 if booked in advance online. Megabus is only £1 but takes longer.
(Unfortunately I’ll be heading in the opposite direction, missing both Oxford and Leeds by being in California chiz.)
13 February 2012
Vendor of Quack Nostrums
If you are just coming for the gig then Manchester is more convenient, but it’s not as if London is out of reach. Depends on prices, flight times etc. Even though it’s a British pastime to moan about our transport systems, they are fairly efficient.
What I would say though is that both travel and accommodation in the UK is considerably cheaper if you book early. Leave it until the last minute and you can easily pay 3 or 4 times more for the same journey / room. For example, a room for tomorrow night at the Leeds Central Travelodge is £63.60; on the night of the gig in question, they are currently selling for £19.50.
Most British budget hotel chains are clean and well run. There are plenty of them in the major cities; supply generally outstrips demand most of the time. Don’t expect feeding though, the rates are generally room only. If they offer breakfasts then they tend to be rather poor fayre at best. Plenty of cheap restaurants however, so you won’t starve. The Olympics isn’t until the end of July, so hopefully that shouldn’t really be a problem.
13 February 2012
Duchess of Westminster
If you are here for a visit, dare I venture that Oxford is a jolly nice place for a stroll? Number two holiday destination after London apparently. Get up early and wander round the quads before 9.00 am on a June morning and you’ll have a very nice place practically to yourself. Lots of really good but cheap bars and eating houses near the venue too.
14 February 2012
Paul F
There aren’t many dreaming spires down the Cowley Road, but the venue’s pretty close to the centre of town, so easy to combine the two.
I was in Oxford on Sunday and noted (to my great joy) that Wetherspoons have named their pub by the station the “Four Candles”.
14 February 2012
John Burscough
Ronnie Barker went to the High School (now the university Faculty of History) on the same street.
14 February 2012
Duchess of Westminster
So what did they put on the sign?
If you have the time I recommend this place. Barking mad in a good way. Close to the venue, truly good food, although the beer is a bit strange. Troll along after the gig. They are open till 2.0am.
14 February 2012
Paul F
Thanks John B – that would explain it.
As for the sign, they use the Corbett interpretation, just like this t-shirt which I received for Xmas.
14 February 2012
Duchess of Westminster
Shame, they should have had fork handles.
14 February 2012
Paul F
According to “Beer in the Evening” they have some framed inside.
14 February 2012
Duchess of Westminster
Excellent. I shall pay it a visit.
15 February 2012
Gregg Z
OK, very excited right now…a quarter of a century on, Oxford in May will be my FIRST HMHB GIG! I believe you lot would call it “dead chuffed”, but we don’t hear that phrase much in these parts (Eastern USA).
Anyway, I managed to qualify for a sales trip to Barcelona (I’m a wine merchant) at the end of May, so I’ll be landing in Spain, “working” (visiting winery, and what follows..) the first day, then next morning, flying into Heathrow, coach to Oxford, bags down, walk, drinks, dinner, drinks, gig, and then (ostensibly) a night’s rest before next day’s coach back to LHR and Barca for three more days.
Whew! Hate to encumber with such detail, but I’m about as excited about this as anything outside of births and marriage.
Would love to meet up with any and everyone on the site.
!!!!!!!!!!!!
17 February 2012
BrumBiscuit
Wow, Gregg Z! I used to think my journeys from Budapest to Blighty to see them was an epic trip! Nowadays, I’m half an hour’s walk from The Assembly in Leamington Spa which seems to host them on an almost annual basis.
17 February 2012
Charles Exford
Gregg – was about to say I’ve got a spare bed for you within a mile or so of the Leeds gig – mi casa es su casa and all that., especially after your generosity with that Shepherd’s Bush ticket. I was also going to say that I wouldn’t be surprised if one or t’other of those two weekends ends up with further Whit Week malarkey being scheduled by the Lads, especially since the Leeds one is followed at the start of the following week by a double bank holiday. I’m keeping my own arrangements suitably flexible for now.
19 February 2012
John Burscough
Damn, wish I’d thought of that.
19 February 2012
Steve Kean is Alive,Why?
Third Rate Les,
After the disappointment of missing out on Bilston I was delighted to see what is tantamount to a home fixture (well less than an hours drive at any rate) in Oxford at the end of May. Ticket has been duly purchased and date diarised on communal calendar to avoid any potential conflict re childminding duties. Hope you are able to make it also? If I’m not mistaken that would be your old university stomping ground so are there any local hostelries you can recommend for pre-gig refreshment?
19 February 2012
John Anderson
I’ve seen The Fall a couple of times at this venue and The Hobgoblin which is very near the Academy on Cowley Road has proved to be a decent meet up pub.
19 February 2012
Gregg Z
Exxo,
Many thanks for the offer, but I believe I’ll be attending the Oxford gig, rather than Leeds. Since I’m due to fly out of London the next morning, sadly, I won’t have much time to do much else.
Perhaps we’ll meet up in Oxford?
20 February 2012
Gregg Z
Since Oxford will quite probably be my one and only HMHB gig, I was wondering if anyone knows if Nige and the lads tarry after gigs to socialise with the punters.
Hate to sound liggerish, and not feeling at all entitled, but flying a very long distance for the one and only reason of seeing the band play live, I’d love to simply shake the man’s hand and thank him, not only for the music, but for helping me become far more knowledgeable about Snowdonian culture than are most Americans…
20 February 2012
Third Rate Les
Steve Kean – look forward to it! The Hobgoblin sounds like a good idea.
Gregg Z – no, they don’t. You could try lingering around the stage afterwards – I’ve nattered with Ken and Carl doing that in the past and they always seemed amusingly startled that anyone would be interested in meeting them.
20 February 2012
Dave Wiggins
TLR, likewise when I bumped into Nigel in Waterstones, Liverpool, in December, he seemed ‘amusingly startled’ that I actually knew who he was. My advice to Gregg (and, Gregg, I sent you Saucy Haulage Ballads last Wednesday, so let me know when it arrives) – depending on your schedule – is loiter around the venue at soundcheck time. Worth a try, and you can be assured that you won’t be ‘blanked’ by Nigel. Quite the opposite, I would imagine, provided you don’t try and become his new best-friend.
20 February 2012
John Burscough
If you have a laminator at work, a triple-A dangling from your lanyard wouldn’t do any harm either.
http://media.livenationinternational.com/lincsmedia/Media/d/j/o/1b28711d-edd5-405e-a78f-dacf52c6dd85.jpg
20 February 2012
Tim (and Rob)
Looking forward to Oxford after breaking our cherry at Bilston. Will be part of a group of five this time rather than two. Haiving been selling the HMHB experience enthusiastically.
Still hoping for news of a Gloucestershire date as well.
20 February 2012
Charles Exford
Surprised that none of my fellow pedants have yet picked me up on my Whit Week bank holiday date confusion. It is of course the Oxford gig that should kick off a five-day weekend, with any luck.**
Anyway yes Gregg, I should be there. Look forward to a pre-gig beer or ten.
** BTW it’s Attila’s Glastonwick weekend on the South Coast 1-3 June folks. Best festival of the summer IMHO.
20 February 2012
Gregg Z
Dave,
Thanks for the tip– Saucy Haulage Ballads received. Obliged..
27 February 2012
Android, Eyes Rolling
Re 286: If you do loiter round the venue waiting for the band to show up you’d best leave your copy of Catcher in the Rye at home. Makes musicians nervous.
28 February 2012
Vendor of Quack Nostrums
I’ll catch your eye if you should want to look for me.
I want you at the end of my itinerary.
29 February 2012
Gregg Z
I’m attending the Oxford gig, but I have only a 24-hour window to get from Barcelona to London (to Oxford) and back.
Flying into Heathrow Thursday afternoon, then coach to Oxford, dinner and gig.
Leaving Oxford early am on Friday, June 1st, does anyone have an idea if it’s better to go by bus or train? How’s traffic on the bus route at 6-7am?
And is there a “train replacement service” in Oxford?
5 March 2012
Duchess of Westminster
I’d take the “Airline”. The trains are never on time and subject to random cancellations. Most Oxfordians take the “Tube” bus into London. The routes are always busy but if you get away at 6.00am you should be OK.
http://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/main.php?page_id=24
6 March 2012
Neil Pinnell
Bus is bye far the best route, If you wander down from the Cowely road to Queens college (abouts 5 mins walk) you can catch the bus no problems, other then that, it goes from the main bus depot in town and a few other places.
I will be in the Hobgoblin around about 5pm for a few pints of old scruttocks originals if anyone is wanting to meet up.
Cant wait to see them, havent caught up with The Biscuit since 97 at the Royal Festival Hall
12 March 2012
John Burscough
@Neil: Peel’s Meltdown was 1998, if Google serves me right. (Nice room, the RFH. Saw Randy Newman there last month.)
12 March 2012
drab olive
Missing Leeds as parting in Thailand – absolutely pissed off right proper ….anbody heard owt about gigs later in year ?
22 March 2012
drab olive
Gregg Z – As per Les – At the Roadhouse Manchester many moons ended up ver drunk and managed to get on stage at the end of that gig and had a chat with Karl and Nigel …but cant remenber what the or i said – but i got a handshake …vaguely remember telling him i a was from Rotherham and Nigel asked if i knew the Postie from Roth who always shouts God gave us life – unfortnately i do – but he wasnt with us – Thank GOD ………
22 March 2012
John Burscough
Nice little ad, featuring the Airstream guitar, for the Oxford/Leeds dates in this month (June)’s Mojo. (I only read the gig guide anyway.)
20 April 2012
Charles Exford
Things are falling into place very nicely for the Oxford & Leeds gigs. As a freelancer in a seasonal trade I can’t really afford it, but so that I can make it to these two gigs & other near-contemporaneous events, I’ve given up a whole month’s work from mid-May to mid-June
But hurrah! As of today it looks like I might at least get travel & expenses paid for Oxford on the 31st and back to Leeds (after a detour via the legendary Glastonwick festival in Sussex), if I do a bit of Whit Week Malarkey in Oxford meself on gig day.
The reason I’m making it a priority to get to these two gigs is that I am reliably informed there is likely to be litle else in the way of HMHB Roadshow sunshine this summer.
So I suggest you all get Oxford and/or Leeds booked. Should help all of us get through what could otherwise be a thoroughly depressing National Shite Weekend.
Where’s the post-gig lyrics project piss-up in Oxford? We need a bar open till the early hours. Like I say this will kick off a big long weekend.
Leeds is home territory (adopted) so I can be Social Secretary for that one.
26 April 2012
Paul Campbell
Leeds here I come.
26 April 2012
Mark E P
Im bringing a HMHB virgin to Oxford! Hopefully we will find a late night drinking hole as we dont want to return to our real hole which is Swindon!
27 April 2012
Gregg Z
Another (Yank) HMHB virgin here. I’m venturing into Oxford, and near as I can tell, the Hobgoblin looks like a pretty decent option to get a few jars in before the gig. According to various internet reviews (all I have to go by), the place serves real ale and the food is quite good.
Not sure if anyone has something to add/subtract, but since I’m new to your territory, I’m in your hands.
28 April 2012
SIMON P
I shall also be bringing a HMHB virgin to Oxford (well, she thinks she might’ve seen them 20 odd years ago, but it’s a bit of a blur). Like the O2 Oxford, it’s a decent venue. Last time we were there had a splendid meal at the Lebanese restaurant just down the road (La Kesh, I think?).
More of a worry is dragging my 44 year old carcass round all the gigs that have wedged themselves together in that week – Mogwai and Afghan Whigs at the weekend, followed by Coldplay on the Tuesday (look don’t start, it was the missus’ birthday present), and then HMHB on the Thursday, followed by one of the Future of the Left gigs after that. Quite tempted by Manchester for them, because it’s at the Deaf Institute, which is splendid.
1 May 2012
J Buckley
News is reaching me of a new gig right on my door step!!!
*********** GIG CONFIRMATION ************
HALF MAN HALF BISCUIT to play The Tivoli on 7th September 2012
The Tiv is in Buckley, Flintshire, North Wales. Confirmed on their Facebook page. They played here in the very early 90s & it was my first HMHB gig. I can’t believe they’re coming back!
I’ll level with you, I’m besides myself!
4 May 2012
Charles Exford
Yeeees, just when I was thinking I might never get to spend 3 hours in Wrexham station in the early hours of a Saturday morning.
The bookies will surely only be offering short odds on an outing for Gok Wan Ackoes at a venue situated approximately half-way on a slightly circuitous route from Loggerheads to Hope.
900 capacity.
4 May 2012
J Buckley
Hope to Loggerheads you say. A slightly hilly route as well to go via Buckley. Not that would bother Nigel, I hear he tackles Bwch Penbarras reguarly!
I’ll be the one in drab olive, could never wear red!!
4 May 2012
John Burscough
Buckley, I thought, Buckley, Buckley. Unlikely, getting from Lincolnshire to Flintshire on a Friday after work.
But then, hah-hah! Realised I’ll be in Preston that week for t’ Guild, so should be able to make it (possibly with my bro who’s still a HMHB virgin, having cocked up the postponed 53 Degrees gig in 2010).
4 May 2012
Jitsu_g
Another new venue to add to the list
Tickets purchased this morning, now to find a place to stay. Anyone with any local knowledge for pubs / hotels ?
11 May 2012
J Buckley
Yep, its my old home town. Loads of pubs in the town, but no B & B. Best staying in Chester or Mold. Nearest hotel is the St. Davids Park hotel. http://www.village-hotels.co.uk/hotels/chester-st-davids/welcome
Hope some of this helps.
11 May 2012
Neil Pinnell
Hobgoblin in Oxford has now been renamed the Cowely Retreat just in case anyone is looking for it as a meet up place on the night of the gig (its a strange name considering Cowley is actually 4 miles up the road)
15 May 2012
Jude Hawley
A CAUTIONARY TALE
or: Get your Tickets early Folks
I fell asleep on a bus replacement between
Casterbridge and Melchester,
And I saw in a dream…
The End of the New Jerusalem?
*********************************
Christminster is a place of posh, peaceful privilege,
The sort of place that rarely panics;
The sort of place that lost its cutting edge
Sometime before you got into the Manics.
But when Half Man Half Biscuit were coming to town
We learned what life was all about;
The walls of Jericho came a-tumblin’ down
The day the Christminster gig sold out.
At first the madding crowd was far from certain,
But soon they could have no doubt;
A motley crew with croquet mallets went mad in Merton,
The day the Christminster gig sold out
The pervy scholars soon self-flagellated
When the sell-out became common knowledge;
The Dons who had tickets were all rusticated
By the jealous Dean of Rubric college.
The infirm at the Radcliffe sat up in their death beds,
On the High the mime artists started to shout;
The martyrs of St. Giles totally lost their heads,
When the Christmister gig sold out
A baldlng librarian turned bad in the Bodleian
Grouting stonemasons turned to grouchy demolition;
A bad-ass crew looted weapons from the Ashmolean
The day the Christminster gig sold out.
They besieged the ticket agencies, burned them to the ground
Hunted down every ticketless tout;
The Mob turned its wrath upon every Don they found
The day the Christminster gig sold out.
Like Shelley turning atheist and being sent down
Two hundred and one years before,
The desperate mob lost their faith and ran around town
Nailing phD students to every church door.
Tess was looking for tickets with Angel Clare,
But he said she was truly accursed,
Cos everywhere Angel went to ask for a spare
Alec D’Urberville had got there first.
Michael Henchard was there in the pub as well
He’d spent the whole day boozin’.
He slurred as he sweared he had spare tickets to sell
But accidentally sold his wife Susan.
Little Father Time turned up, looking for three,
But “all gone”, “no, none”, no-one had any;
He hung himself from the Greenwood tree
“Because we are too menny.”
Divine retribution? No, for there is no god !
But in ivory towers there must surely be spares!?
If not, they swore there’d be blood on the quad,
In which they slipped, and were crushed on the stairs.
The Trumpet Major played his final Last Post,
Nero got his fiddle back out.
New Jerusalem burning, turning all to toast
The day the Christminster gig sold out.
15 May 2012
Tom
I’ve got a spare ticket for the Leeds show if anyone wants it. I’ll obviously sell it at face value (£19.50 with the booking fees) or I’m open to offers. You can email me at hy10ts@leeds.ac.uk
15 May 2012
John Burscough
Hey Jude – poetastic! Beaucoup de chapeaux.
(Could this be the work of a long-standing member, the country’s second- greatest living Biscuit-related poet?)
16 May 2012
Duchess of Westminster
Most excellent. I shall frame it and hang it up in the kitchen. It will be a fine talking point and an excuse to educate friends in the way of the biscuit.
18 May 2012
GREGG Z
Anyone know if there’s a curfew for the Oxford gig? Couldn’t find on the website. Need to be at Heathrow next morning for a 7am flight out. My thought was to book one of these space-age pod-hotels inside the airport, to get a few hours sleep. Would have to leave Oxford bus station at midnight, putting me at LHR at around 1:45am, I reckon. I’d love to meet up after the gig, but would hate to be on a coach to London at 2am (or later). Not out of the question, though, particularly if anyone has had a bad experience at these Heathrow hotel thingys.
Now that I think on it, since I’ll be on a “coach trip” after midnight, it will officially be the first day of June. Egg sandwiches, perhaps?
19 May 2012
Charles Exford
Hi Gregg, looks like the Oxford Academy have club nights on Fridays & Saturdays so on those nights gigs will end at 10pm, but on a Thursday no worries. All previous form points to either a 9pm KO for the lads and an 11pm finish after extra time or occasionally an 8.30 start with a 10.30 finish. Not sure if there’s a support act on this occasion – if there isn’t, the earlier schedule becomes more likely, especially down sarf with along journey home.
But I bet you wish you could stick around for the Academy’s gigs on the following two nights: a heavy metal Bee Gee’s tribute on the Friday and then Smiths and Joy Division tributes playing simultaneously at separate gigs in their two different venues on the Saturday. Manctastic!
19 May 2012
Charles Exford
Can’t believe I put that apostrophe in. Well, I can in fact, but someone shoot me now.
19 May 2012
Chris The Siteowner
I just assumed some random Heavy Metal Bee Gee was playing a tribute to someone.
19 May 2012
Twitterfacerumourmongershockhorrorinnitterrible?
I notice that the band’s hectic touring schedule is causing nationwide confusion once again, with Gez saying that the Buckley gig has been cancelled, which has presumably come straight from Geoff, but the venue’s website just shifting the gig back a week to the 14th September.
21 May 2012
J Buckley
Very confusing. The official site is now saying that the gig is cancelled but, like you say, The Tiv site is saying its moved back a week. Also, I was talking to a ticket distributor from The Tiv Buckley on Friday & she said the tickets would be back from the printers & on sale from today.
http://www.tivolivenue.com/articles_hmhb.htm
21 May 2012
Chris The Siteowner
Hi JB – maybe a good opportunity to point out, as I do regularly, that the “official site” is nothing of the sort, which is why many people here refer to it as “Gez’s site”. It’s just a site (albeit a fine one) run by a long-standing fan. Gez gets his gig information from Geoff Davies, so it’s accurate as far as the band are concerned!
21 May 2012
Will This Agriculture Insider Mask Do?
It seems to me that Geoff uses Gez as if he was an official outlet, and everyone else is too polite to point out that they wish Gez would put the word “unofficial” up there in big letters ‘cos a few (just a few) of his references are a bit wide of the mark and might be taken as gospel by the lost & gullible.
21 May 2012
Krispo
Do we know for definite if the Buckley gig will go ahead? I want to get tickets for me and 2 mates, but can’t find anything concrete anywhere.
21 May 2012
SIMON P
Is the Hobgoblin/Cowley Retreat the generally accepted meetup point for Oxford? Myself and HMHB virgin Sarah will be down quite early and it would be nice to meet some of the folks who have provided such entertainment on this site …
24 May 2012
TAYLO
The Fifth Biscuit will be bringing her Brass Section for the Leeds gig 🙂
25 May 2012
John Byrne
Someone should tell Ticketweb Buckley is cancelled – got my ticket through yesterday.
27 May 2012
Charles Exford
There are pubs in Oxford called both ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ and ‘Jude the Obscure’, as well as the Lamb and Flag in which some of that last great work was supposedly inspired or even penned.
Although Mrs Exford is unable to get us to central Oxford much before 6pm, it would be rude not to try to visit each and all of these establishments and probably eat at one of them, before kick-off. But we’re also meeting that legendary projectista Gregg Z. at some point, so a visit to the Cowley retreat should also be fitted in.
Any further information on Hardy-related pubs in this nothernmost extension of outer Wessex will be gratefully received and added to the list. We can always have a lunchtime session the next day if there are too menny.
29 May 2012
Malc
I hope they don’t start too early tonight. We probably won’t get there before 8.45 so there’s no rush, guys!
31 May 2012
TAYLO
So Oxford put to bed and next stop Oxford in this Jubilee Mini Tour.
Any chance of NB57 doing some hula hooping Grace Jones style tomorrow night?
6 June 2012
Bede of Jarrow
First Newcastle gig in 8 years announced for the Academy, 15th November.
Not sure Holmfirth Picturedrome, outstanding venue, 7th December, has been officially mentioned in this thread yet either.
11 June 2012
John Burscough
Mmmm, Picturedrome.
11 June 2012
2 Chevrons
Ah, my prayers have been answered. A home fixture on 15 November. Will be spreading the word
12 June 2012
Jitsu-g
Just had a call to refund my outlay on Buckley tickets,I had given up a bit of hope foe my 30 quid, I shall invest in a holmfirth Friday night !
22 June 2012
SIMON P
Holmfirth – oh aye, that’s rather marvellous. Will be there in August for Wedding Present + Cud as well.
22 June 2012
Strumski
Got my tickets booked for Bath today. As someone who is not keen on getting on a plane theres something quite exciting about jumping on a train from Scotland and heading down to merry old England to see HMHB, really looking forward to it. Hopefully bump into some of the folks I met in Leamington, all of whose names I sadly forget!!
4 July 2012
Hagerty F.
Some Call It Godcore has now gone 12 gigs without a song. I wonder why NB57 has decided to neglect this album which contains the gems “Friday Night And The Gates Are Low” and “Even Men With Steel Hearts”
11 July 2012
Drab Olive
Anybody tried getting tickets for Holmfirth off hte website…..what a performance…and it doesnt work
Ring up – far easier
14 July 2012
jitsu_g
just got my tickets for Holmfirth. It will be Biscuits gig number 10, number 1 was Holmfirth 2 yrs ago, My mate had DHSS back in the 80s and i was a fan. 2 years ago I picked up Actung Bono and CSI from Halifx library (good taste) knowing nothing about them other than liking DHSS. My other half (Holfirth will be her 5th ) now comes to expect the phone call at work .. “do you fancy a Thursday night out in Newcastle ?” – her reply ” Biscuits gig ? ”
Big thanks to all the folks I have met from this web site in various boozers around the country for making a Thursday night out something to look forward to ,
Cant make Bath but I will be down the front in Newcastle and Holmfirth in my retro Honved top – come and say hello
20 July 2012
Drab Olive
@ Rubber Face Im on dressing for the Holmfirth Gig in our adopted names…. but is everybody …???? !!
Tricky Ones :
Malcolm of Arimathea
Blood on Chapel Court
Vendor of Quack Nostrums
Tonto’s Expanding Waist Band
Easy Ones:
TWO FAT FEET
Duchess of Westminster
Snooker Ref
Kendo Nagasaki
Pop-Tart Mark
Precocious Mckenzie
Mrs Medlicott
Third Rate Les
31 July 2012
Gregg Z
I’m thinking of hopping back over for the Newcastle gig, and could use a bit of feedback (not the kind that gives the “air of look aren’t we dangerous”). I can do a quickie from Paris on EasyJet, but I know very little about Newcastle City (other than i reckon mid-November is jumper season…) and less about EasyJet (other than they fly to Amsterdam every now and again..) Reliable? Lots of delays/cancellations? (I’m talking here about EasyJet, not Newcastle).
Yes, the Yank is dead crazy..Cheers.
10 August 2012
Vendor of Quack Nostrums
@ Gregg.
Go for it! EasyJet are Britain’s leading budget airline and have an excellent record on safety, price and punctuality. Daily CDG – Newcastle flights use Airbus A319s which are new stock mid-range commercial jets; journey time is about an hour and three quarters. Newcastle airport is great (if I ignore the hour I spent last Thursday trying to get past border control at 2.30am), and transport links are fantastic. A Metro train takes about 30 minutes to reach the city centre and costs about £3. Plenty of hotel accommodation available near the venue.
Finally (I may have to admit a slight bias here), Newcastle is the finest city in England and Northumbria is the second most beautiful part of the country.
10 August 2012
Gregg Z
Anyone have a line on impending gigs? I’m still planning on a trip over for the Newcastle thingy, but flights are prohibitive at that time of the year (Why can’t a body get from NYC to London for under $800?). Would love to have a fall-back plan of January/February, when air travel is a bit cheaper. Maybe I’m living in a fool’s paradise…
18 August 2012
BrumBiscuit
Over a week off yet, but can anyone in the know recommend a decent Bath boozer? We’re staying in the Travelodge, so fairly central would be good.
First gig for me since Bilston, so well upfrit!
12 September 2012
Steve Malkmus
@BrumBiscuit I plan to get average-to-mashed at the salamander, which is pretty near the Komedia I think, so central. I don’t really know Bath.
16 September 2012
Tony Monopoly
I’m unexpectedly unable to make the Bath gig, so have a ticket going spare. Happy to pass it one to someone here – I’m not looking for anything for it. It’s just an e-ticket, so if anyone wants it and is willing to post an email address below, they’re very welcome to it and I’ll send it on.
17 September 2012
Android, Eyes Rolling
Hometown gig for me. Near to Salamander you have the Raven, which is also very nice and real ale-y. The Old Green Tree in Green Street is very good too, though quite small. Coeur de lion is Bath’s smallest pub – there’s more table space on the street outside than there is inside. The Westgate is literally just up the road from the venue and has improved on what it used to be – now has a very nice selection of ales and ciders.
I’m going straight from work though, and don’t want to get too hammered. May need to break the habit of a lunchtime and buy some food from one of these gastropubs.
17 September 2012
BrumBiscuit
Plenty to choose from there, ta. Convenience may throw the dice in the Westgate’s favour. Does it do food?
17 September 2012
Third Rate Les
Is it near the station? I have to get the 22:47 and fear I’ll end up doing a Mars Ultras.
17 September 2012
Phyllis Triggs
Can anyone local to Bath suggest the best place to park as I’m driving down in the hope of picking up some rhubarb on the way.
18 September 2012
Pap-Tort Mark
Plenty of Blue Badge places a short walk from the venue, Phyllis. A walk in hell is a small price to pay on the day you’re finally accounted for.
18 September 2012
Phyllis Triggs
It’s certainly worth considering if it means avoiding a walk in Bath.
18 September 2012
Nigel Scott
T R L
It’s probably 10 minutes
Haven’t got a ticket yet – if I make a late decision to go, there might be two of us running for that train!
Hope it’s one of their “on time” gigs
18 September 2012
Android, Eyes Rolling
@ 348
Yes, though I’ve not eaten there. This link advertises some nice looking food:
http://gkpubs.co.uk/pubs-in-bath/westgate-pub/
I accept no responsibility if on the day they only offer a bag of out of date pork scratchings and a scotch egg.
@ Phyllis Triggs – there are several pay and display car parks in the area, but they’re not cheap. The one in Kingsmead Square is only two minutes from the venue. It’s maximum stay 4 hours but it goes off the clock at ten, so if you park any time after six you can stay till the end of the evening.
Usual disclaimers apply…
18 September 2012
phyllis triggs
Android
Won’t be there till 7ish so will go for that. Many thanks.
19 September 2012
BrumBiscuit
Ta for all the boozer tips. I shall not be eating there as I have found a link to Seafoods chippie (another “Best in England” one), that I shall stodge up in before chipping (sorry) away at my weekly units allowance.
19 September 2012
BrumBiscuit
Anyone want to have a sweepstake on the price of Pringles? I’m going for £1.85.
19 September 2012
Third Rate Les
£2.24
19 September 2012
John Burscough
£2.05.
19 September 2012
MISTER TUBBS
if the pringles were bought while the Olympics were on, they’ve got to be at least a fiver
19 September 2012
Android, Eyes Rolling
Brum – Seafoods is a decent takeaway, but surely chip shops that encourage eating on the premises are more to be feared than embraced. Harry Ramsden’s have a lot to answer for.
19 September 2012
SIMON P
@Tony Monopoly – that would be superb, just made a late decision to go. eliminator.junior@gmail.com
20 September 2012
Tony Monopoly
Simon P – YHM.
20 September 2012
BrumBiscuit
@Android: I was assuming it was a take away. Never keen meself on eating in at a chippie. Just wrong! We’re going to be at The Raven at 7.30 in regalia.
20 September 2012
Robin Yachts
Just spoken to Komedia. Support act will be on stage between 8 and 8.30, although no confirmation as to who they are (TBA? Perhaps they’ll be particularly glib?). HMHB scheduled to be on stage at 9.
20 September 2012
phyllis triggs
Pringles – £3.10 – It’s a spa town don’t you know.
@ Robin Yachts – Just went on the website to print directions and saw Support TBA. You beat me to it.
20 September 2012
SIMON P
Thanks to the wonderful Tony M for the ticket – just leaving now for a saunter through the Cotswolds.
Pringles? £1.88
20 September 2012
Android, Eyes Rolling
Brum – Seafoods is a takeaway, but one of those pretentious ones that also put in tables for those who want to eat with a knife and fork, in the full glare of the passing crowds. Always found the place a bit odd as it would shut at 10.30 every night, including weekends, which you’d think would not be the best business model for a city centre chip shop.
20 September 2012
Exxo
Have a good ‘un folks. For those of us at funerals today and festivals tomorrow, please review early and review often.
20 September 2012
Mark C
Got Newcastle tickets a couple of weeks ago and have spent the time since arranging all sorts of very important meetings at our office round those parts. Just had it confirmed today that the company is paying my travel and accommodation for the week of the gig.
Expenses included so I should be up for something delightful in the Clayton Street Chipper round the corner after the gig,
It’s been a while (Cambridge 2010) so really really really unfeasibly excited!
21 September 2012
BrumBiscuit
1p out on the Pringles, but that won me a tenner from my mates. Bath seems a good place for a session.
21 September 2012
John Burscough
Mmmm, Sheffield Lomas Hall 8th Feb 2013.
2 October 2012
Jitsu_g
The venue (village hall) for the gig announced in Feb next year seems somewhat interesting. And on a Friday too !
4 October 2012
SIMON P
Capacity 400 – http://www.lomashall.s5.com
16 October 2012
BrumBiscuit
Yay! They’re playing the Robin2, Bilston on 23/5/12! I just need them to confirm the Assembly in Leamington, 2 miles away, and I’ll be well happy.
27 October 2012
BrumBiscuit
23/5/13!
27 October 2012
2chevrons
Looks like I have a spare ticket for Newcastle if anybody is interested.
29 October 2012
GeordiePaul
Hi 2CHEVRONS, I’m going but I havent got my ticket yet so I am interested.
1 November 2012
GeordiePaul
An arrangement has been made..
1 November 2012
Garciasfinger
2 tickets for Thursday available due to non football injury. Buy one face value and you can have the other one free.
11 November 2012
Krispo
Hey guys, me and 2 mates are coming to Holmfirth from Liverpool next month. Any thoughts on where is good to stay around there?
14 November 2012
John Burscough
@Jitsu_G: You in Toon tomorrow night?
14 November 2012
Jitsu_g
Certainly am, and bringing the other half too. Not worked out a pre gig pub yet though. We are getting there early afternoon so happy if anyone has got any pre gig boozer suggestions
14 November 2012
argieuk
The Bodega a little further up Westgate Road is a decent place for a pint
14 November 2012
vendor of quack nostrums
Tilley’ bar (opposite the venue), Bodega (up the Westgate Road), Toon Waal and The Forth (Pink Lane) are all within a minutes walk of the O2 and are all worth a visit. No doubt the Vendoress and I will pitch up to one of those at some point. You’ll not be surprised to learn that the beer in the venue is shite and expensive, so I’m assuming a 9 o’clock kick off. Into the ground at about 1/4 to.
14 November 2012
Jitsu_g
Based on various other o2 venues I was fully expecting to be avoiding the beer in there. I shall check out all of the above but as bodega has had two independent recommendations I shall definitely be giving that a whirl. I’ll be in the retro Honved top as per usual.
15 November 2012
John Burscough
Three recommendations now, Bodega it is then. It’ll no doubt be a bit dark, so I’ll wear my Hi-Vis jacket. (I’ll be popping into Travelling Man in the afternoon for a Fiona Staples/Richard Starkings comic book signing, part of the Leeds Thought Bubble convention. Organised by my son, as it happens.)
15 November 2012
Ben
Yay ! Been looking forward to today for some time ! I’m getting queried in the office about my Dukla Prague Away Kit but hey ho – small price to pay.
15 November 2012
Charles Exford
Just posting on the offchance that anybody’s got a late night lift back to W. Yorks after the gig? Just one way. Will gladly give petrol money.
I’ve been a bit complacent about this one and just assumed that I could get out of my commitments in Leeds tomorrow morning, but alas, I can’t really.
15 November 2012
Ben
So are we set on the Bodega?
Here’s the map of the locality and as can be seen it’s bloody close to the Academy.
15 November 2012
Ben
And it’s a nice enough pub
15 November 2012
jitsu_g
From the academy Twitter kick off tonight is 830
15 November 2012
Charles Exford
What a great big silly old Hector I am. If I’d just checked the stage time I could have been on the 10.44 train back without missing a note.
Ah well only 3 weeks till Holmfirth.
15 November 2012
BrumBiscuit
Yebbut, the burning question is how much were the Pringles?
15 November 2012
vendor of quack nostrums
No tfhgp. No pringles.
16 November 2012
vendor of quack nostrums
Shite day,
Shite week,
Shite fortnight.
Help, I need somebody, Help, not just anybody.
Biccies gig…….Perspective………Even keel.
16 November 2012
Ben
Oh Arse – I put my review in the reviews bit and thought I was first – Bah !!!!
Brilliant gig – loved Papworth General in the current climate.
Please God I hope they come back sooner next time. Thanks to the guys around who were brilliant. Especially the one who was so embarrased about grabbing my wife’s “titty” when she slipped while dancing 🙂
16 November 2012
Eric Olthwaite
Krispo (Letter 381) – there is a big pub with rooms called the Old Bridge Hotel right next door to the venue (so close that auditorium fire exit opens onto the pub car park – a few years back the doors were open and we listened to the HMHB soundcheck in the pub’s beer garden). It’s a half-decent pub (not the best in Holmfirth though) but I have no idea what it’s like as a hotel. Failing that, I can recommend Durker Roods Hotel. Me and Mrs Olthwaite had our wedding reception there and stayed afterwards and it’s spot on. About four miles from the venue mind, so a taxi is required if you’re avoiding post-gig driving. Trivia – before it was a hotel it was David Brown’s house (David Brown being the DB of Aston Martin fame).
21 November 2012
Chris The Siteowner
O2 ABC Glasgow gig announced for June 2013…
26 November 2012
Pail Merk
Deep joy.
Just learned about the O2 gig in my home city. Decent venue, central location and a rare way to finish a Friday.
A long weekend, mum’s home cooking and the chance to cheer on the glorious Glasgow Tigers speedway team on the Sunday. (HMHB trivia: Ivan Mauger has guested for the Stripes).
26 November 2012
Martin A
Pail Merk: I’d have thought Galashiels was your home town based on your name
27 November 2012
Pail Merk
Martin A: Weegies move in mysterious ways. There is much missionary work to be done.
27 November 2012
That Swan
Gala is beyond redemption.
(I’m a Soutar btw)
29 November 2012
Martin A
Having worked in Selkirk, I’m surprised someone could say that about Gala. Beats Hawick at least.
30 November 2012
Charles Exford
Bill McLaren used to make all those borders placenames sound so glamorous and so I thought probably worth ‘checking out’ one day. It’s always great to cross more places off the list though.
30 November 2012
Charles Exford
Anyway, talking of checking them out, catch them on tour at STOCKTON ARTS CENTRE 8th June.
I might be treating that one as my 50th birthday gig and who knows whether other participants may be doing similar!
30 November 2012
Chris The Siteowner
For a moment I thought you may have meant me, and then I realised you meant someone much more important *NB57* *ahem*.
But I might make it my 50th birthday gig too, anyway. In fact, we could restrict entrance to people having 50th birthdays…
30 November 2012
Charles Exford
Funnily enough I did mean you Chris 🙂 , and if Neil is the same age as us & NB57 it might be his 50th birthday tour too, but that date would be a good few weeks early for the lyricist’s own half-century.
30 November 2012
That Swan
Borders towns may not be glamorous, but are steeped in a unique and bloody history that is still meticulously and reverently commemorated every year in all three of the towns mentioned in their respective Common Ridings. If you ever get a chance to be involved in any of these, I promise it is something you will never forget.
30 November 2012
DIGGLER
Looking at the forecast for later this week, we could have identical weather to when they last played in Holmfirth.
Presuming “The Nook” over the road will be one of the pre-gig meeting places?
3 December 2012
Charles Exford
My review in the gig thread from 2 years ago reminds me that it had actually got too cold for snow then, which might not be the case this week. Re-reading that review makes me hungry for good chips, thirsty for something from the likes of the Elland Brewery and sniffy for piney smells. It also makes me wish that word association with the name of the Holmfirth chippy, The Hollowgate Fisheries, hadn’t made me keep alluding to TS fucking Eliot.
3 December 2012
Charles Exford
Haha, was thinking it was a Thursday night gig. Right you are Diggler, temperatures set to plummet on Friday….
3 December 2012
DIGGLER
A635 Holmfirth Road from Greenfield is predictably closed, but there’s always another way…
7 December 2012
Krispo
We’re going in a campervan, any thoughts on where will be good to park up for the night?
7 December 2012
DIGGLER
Holme Valley Camping and Caravan Park..
01484 665819 .
Our address is:
Holme Valley Camping and Caravan Park,
Thongsbridge,
Holmfirth,
West Yorkshire,
HD9 7TD
7 December 2012
M50455
BBC Travel news reporting that the A6024 Holme Moss Road is closed between the A635 Greenfield Road junction in Holmfirth and the A628 Woodhead Pass junction in High Peak, because of snow.
The same site is showing the A635 as open – any update Diggler?
7 December 2012
M50455
And the snow warning for the A6024 has gone off the BBC at 11:35 – hopefully it has all melted.
– Sorry for any confusion..
7 December 2012
DIGGLER
Yes the road is open again
7 December 2012
la
We’re in Holmfirth now. Where is everyone drinking? I’m with some bell with a ginger afro…
7 December 2012
jitsu_g
The nook.
7 December 2012
la
as are we. cheers pal
7 December 2012
Simon
When you’re in Matlock Bath…
23 December 2012
Iguana Andy
Anyone got a spare ticket for the Sheffield gig? Just got my shit together and found the boat has been missed, mightily pissed off, any help appreciated.
12 January 2013
John Burscough
Looks like there’s demand for badminton courts at t’ Lomas Hall. Bring your racquets and we can have a pre-gig knock-up. (Or pretend that we’re Kendo Nagasaki.)
20 January 2013
Chris The Siteowner
No wonder the gig sold out so quickly. The venue can apparently accommodate 400, but if they’ve sold that many tickets, I assume latecomers will have to watch from the Green Room or the car park.
20 January 2013
BrumBiscuit
Can anyone recommend any accommodation in Matlock Bath? Googling only throws up Matlock results and I can’t be arsed walking after a gig…
21 January 2013
Warden Hodges
Interestingly, the Matlock gig is on the eve of what could be a TRFC promotion party.
21 January 2013
Paul F
I’m not overly superstitious, but really Warden Hodges…
21 January 2013
Charles Exford
As well as the badminton possibilities, we note via John’s link that this is probably the nearest ever HMHB venue to both a full-size park football pitch (goalmouth 20 yards away) and a graveyard (roughly 25 yards away from venue entrance).
it’ll be pitch dark but we’re bringing a ball. And expecting to get worms in our shoes.
Let’s have a re-enactment. Dukla Prague kits against the rest.
22 January 2013
John Burscough
The Rose and Crown is also 100 yards down the road (unless it’s been renamed the Bannister and Shamrock by then).
23 January 2013
Charles Exford
Thinking about it I do have a full team set of hi-vis bibs upstairs, so all we need for the footy is a halogen lamp.
23 January 2013
Drab Olive
Tickets Tickets Tickets …tried every avenue and proper snookered …..any spares going anywhere plss….
25 January 2013
Anchorman
Forgot to pull my finger out and get any tickets? Anyone got one for sale? There will be a few pints in it for you too
31 January 2013
SleeplessSoul
Anyone know what time doors are open on Friday at Lomas Hall?
5 February 2013
Jitsu_g
Doors are 6.30 according to ticket, which seems a tad early to me
5 February 2013
John Burscough
Any word on support? (Tried ringing the Hall, but I only got a nice lady from the Stannington Under-Fives who knew nothing about it.)
6 February 2013
Baldy Davitt
Says doors open at 7.30 for Lomas Hall gig on my hometown gig ticket. Lots of pubs within a short walk , Rose and Crown, Crown and Glove and The Peacock. The Hare and Hounds opposite is now sadly closed though.
No word on support either, the good people of the Lomas Hall seem blissfully unaware of it all….
6 February 2013
Charles Exford
TOMORROW’S GIG HAS BEEN CANCELLED due to illness. Official.
7 February 2013
Paddy
Noooooo. Depressed beyond tablets.
7 February 2013
Baldy Davitt
Babar , now I’LL have to take the kids swimming!!!! Time for a haliborange OD
7 February 2013
mick bates
Hi All, Geoff has just contacted me so I can put it on the http://www.probe-plus.co.uk site and could I get in touch with everyone I know, The gig will be re-arranged in 2 weeks time, I will get in touch later with a firm date; Geoff is at a funeral so I’m trying as hard as poss.
7 February 2013
Steve Molyneux
Please don’t re-arrange this for the 22nd. I’ve already got another gig to go to that night.
7 February 2013
Jitsu_g
Just had an email from ticket booking agent that it has been rearranged for 22nd Feb – same place
7 February 2013
mick bates
22nd of FEB is Correct, Same Place. Just been confirmed
7 February 2013
Loins 71
Oh no. I’ll be in chichester. Anybody want 2 tickets?
7 February 2013
Loins 71
I guess my evening of swing has been cancelled 🙁
7 February 2013
STRINGY BOB
Me too. Disaster!
7 February 2013
Devvvine
Hey, i’m looking for a ticket if anyone wants to sell one
7 February 2013
Loins 71
I’ve got 2 if you want them. Loins71@hotmail.com
7 February 2013
Dickie Davies Eyes
Can’t make the re-arranged date so I’ll reallocate my ticket via Wegottickets.com if anyone wants it. hdavies1927@yahoo.co.uk
I’ll need your name, email and postcode.
7 February 2013
Spike
Same here,1 ticket going spare to be reallocated
7 February 2013
Dickie Davies Eyes
Ticket gone now.
7 February 2013
Lee
Will the tickets purchased through weve got tickets still stand and to be collected on the night, or will we have to rebook them/ and get a refund for all?
7 February 2013
Matt
I won an ebay auction for a ticket. Can’t go to new date. I paid £33 plus £5.50 postage. If anyone can match this then the ticket is yours and I won’t add additional postage. Hate to ask this price as I know it is much more than face value, but that’s what I paid and I will include the proof in the sale. Any takers please email me.
millingtoncrablane@yahoo.co.uk
7 February 2013
mick bates
Thick end of 40 nicker!! I think you’re going to struggle there mate.
7 February 2013
Mal Practice
You’ve got to have a touch of shuddering admiration for ebay convincing people to say they’ve ‘won’ stuff. The Reader’s Digest must look on in awe. It even beats ‘playing the lottery’ as a bit of Newspeak.
Anyway good luck.
7 February 2013
Loins 71
If you want an ebay ticket experience try searching for wilko johnson tickets. You wouldn’t believe how many ghouls are cashing in on the poor bloke’s terminal illness
8 February 2013
LesMcQueen
@LOINS71 – Re. Wilko. Too true. Disgusting. Seen tickets for sale at £170 plus, whilst proper fans can’t get a look in.
8 February 2013
John Burscough
If you’ve received the e-mails, then you know somebody (NB57)’s got a cough. Hope he’s better soon.
I hope no-one will be offended if I admit it’s ruined my weekend. (Friday night and I just love complaining, and no I haven’t got anything better to do.)
8 February 2013
John Byrne
Spike – how do I contact you about that ticket?
Lee – tickets through wegottickets will still be collectable as usual on the night.
8 February 2013
Paddy
Surely there must be an Ombudsman for this situation?
8 February 2013
Charles Exford
With all due sympathy for all those who can’t make it, but surely Maud & I can’t be the only ones delighted by the change in date? We immediately thought of about six reasons why the 22nd was better for us. And now I’ve started to get a cough myself so that’s seven! I’m off to see fine old troubadour Andy White in Otley tonight instead. He played in Stroud last night and Cropredy tomorrow, so for the sheer geographical ineptitude of his tour planning alone, he deserves my support.
8 February 2013
Richard Drabble
I’ve 2 tickets for Sheffield and can’t make the revised date. If anyone wants them please email me at radrabble@hotmail.co.uk
Free to a good home.
Cheers
8 February 2013
CaznGiles
Gutted… 140 mile round trip to view a poster on the door of a village hall 🙁 Hey ho – wish I’d found this earlier. Also wish I hadn’t been so busy at work I didn’t check my emails… won’t make that mistake again but we weren’t the only ones – met folks from Newcastle & Manchester in the car park! See y’all in a fortnight – keep fingers crossed it doesn’t snow – that place is up a really steep hill…
8 February 2013
Spike
Mine’s gone now…gutted I can’t go 🙁
9 February 2013
Spike
Everywhere in Sheffield is on a bl**dy hill :-):-) 🙂
9 February 2013
FCUM All
Thanks for the email about available tickets.
Just got one, 44 remaining now.
11 February 2013
The Jannie
There’s one ticket less now.
The hill’s not only steep it’s farking rough!
12 February 2013
Age-old Eel
Thank god for viruses!
Got a ticket for the rematch…my life coach said I should post here to tell everyone….I’ve……………….
…….
…….
…….
Been in a mental hospital, but I don’t want to talk about it…
16 February 2013
Iguana Andy
Have to say I agree completely, all set for Friday, ticket missed tragedy now averted and on for Matlock Bath and Stockton too – result!
Oh and BRUMBISCUIT: Princess Victoria (PV) will be about the closest B&B to the Matlock Bath gig, followed by the Temple Hotel. Probably not the cheapest but the PV is a. A pub and b. over the road from the gig.
16 February 2013
Loins71
Is there any reason why the cambridge gig isn’t advertised on the hmhb website? I’ve received tickets but daren’t book a hotel in case there’s a chance it’s not happening. (tight yorkshireman)
21 February 2013
Chris The Siteowner
The “hmhb website” is just a fan site, nothing to do with the band, and if Gez – who runs it – is indisposed, it doesn’t get updated, which is why he points people here. The Cambridge gig is definitely happening, and I can’t wait, as it’s about 500m from my house. There’s a Travelodge next door, by the way. You might also want to be thinking about taking the day off, because you may well want to be in this part of the world the night before too. But that news is still under wraps. 😉
21 February 2013
BrumBiscuit
The Travelodge, bang opposite The Junction, has rooms for £32 as I write (21/2). Apart from The Robin2 that has its own rooms, I don’t know of any venue with more convenient accommodation!
(And we have a Nando’s next door too. Don’t forget the Nando’s! – Ed)
21 February 2013
BrumBiscuit
And The Earl of Derby a stone’s throw away. Don’t forget TEoD!
I just realised that this thread has come full circle. The very first post was about the March 2010 Junction gig. I hope the weather’s better!
21 February 2013
Exxo
Stuff yer Travelodge. My accommodation might be a couple of miles away and built a mere eight centuries earlier, but what a fine pub crawl that 2-mile walk is.
21 February 2013
Loins71
Thankyou for your help everyone. Booked in the travelodge wed and thurs night on your recommendation. Looking forward to finding out why I’ve been encouraged to splash out another £35…
21 February 2013
Drab Olive
Boozer Tommrow folks – Whats the general concensus – Not sure about Crown and Cushion….
And lets pray the snow doesnt come bad as Stannington is like Everest ?!
21 February 2013
Drab Olive
Apparently Crown n Glove is ok – real ale( 1966 ) n all that and minnies / rose and crown ( county basoon etc etc ) is ok for jukebox pool table etc …
be a couple of us in both with me borussia muchengladbach top on from about 5 if anybody is meeting early
lee 07983487536
22 February 2013
Drab Olive
As you can tell from my postings im like a dog with 2 willies…seen biscuit 20 times or so but not seen em for over 2 years probably longer so if you see a pancake with a borussia top on going mental and singing me head off pls accept my apologies
cmon LOMAS HALL
ps… its a proper ‘ in church hall if wet ‘ venue …but it may be a classic …im getting that feeling in my boneser seen
ps…has anybody ever seen Nigel do Jan 6th epiphany …i so wish he would play it
22 February 2013
Jitsu_g
I’m designated driver tomorrow but will have 2 thirsty passengers so will be having a few pre match shandies.
I have heard lots of talk of Sheffield being hilly so I am interested to see how it compares to the big hill I live on in Bradford.
Here’s hoping it is all a snow/ice/trouble free journey for everyone tomorrow.
See you all down the front, I’ll be the sober (for a change) fat bloke in the retro honved top.
22 February 2013
John Burscough
I’m DD too tonight, heading over straight from work.Woo-hoo! (Hi-Vis jacket.)
22 February 2013
BrumBiscuit
@Exxo: after The Earl of Derby last time, we got into the crawl from hell. I already knew The Flying Pig and that was OK, but there was a boozer almost next door that was most bizarrely shite! It all went downhill after that, culminating in missing the first few songs due to an 8.30 start. Any pointers as to a decent crawl, albeit one 4+ months away, would be helpful. Would The Free Press be on the list?
22 February 2013
Chris The Siteowner
The boozer next door was The Osbourne Arms, which was being run down to give the owners more chance of getting permission to demolish it, which they have done. However, they’re meeting more resistance in their efforts to demolish the Flying Pig too, which is a decent pub and needs support. That and the Earl of Derby are the only two pubs between the railway station and the gig venue, but if you’re coming from the city (like Exxo) and don’t mind taking the long way round (via Mill Road), my recommended pub walk from the city would be the Free Press, the Cambridge Blue (15 mins walk), the Kingston Arms (2 minutes), the Flying Pig (15 minutes), finishing at the Earl of Derby (5 minutes). The first four are amongst the best Cambridge has to offer. All are on Google Maps.
22 February 2013
Exxo
I just checked with Sir Geoffrey at Probe Towers. The support (Lovecraft) are on just after 8 pm and HMHB at about 8.45 tonight. I think he said no later than 8.45. Nigel’s apparently much better, probably not 100% voice-wise, but adopting a Shackletonian resolve to get everyone through safely.
22 February 2013
John Burscough
Brilliant, thanks Exxo – we won’t break our necks trying to get up the hills before 8 then. Always best to go to the source.
If Nigel’s less than 100% that’s probably a few of the more yodelly songs that can be crossed off the potential setlist.
(In operatic circles this might have led to a call to the audience for anyone who knows the repertoire, followed by an unseemly scramble/stage invasion.)
22 February 2013
jitsu_g
Liking the new page design, especially when reading it on my phone. I have noticed a lack of the Matlock Bath gig on lists of up coming shows. Is this an oversight or is there something you should be telling us! (D’oh! – Ed)
26 February 2013
Pete aphid
Hello everyone,
Never posted on here before, but since I saw HMHB last week in Sheffield – for the first time in 27 odd years – I thought I’d say hello. I know it’s the wrong way round, but I can get excited about future gigs from this point on… I was thinking of leaving it less than a quarter century this time, so the question is: Cambridge or Stowmarket? Like the siteowner himself, I live in Cambridge, so I know what a rubbish venue the Junction is, and Stowmarket will have lots of fen charm, no doubt. I think I’m making my mind up as I write. Great site, by the way!
26 February 2013
Chris The Siteowner
Hi Pete – welcome! I’d have to politely disagree about the Cambridge Junction – I think it’s a pretty decent venue, TBH. Nobody knows what the Stowmarket venue is going to be like, but it looks interesting enough. Go on; do both!
26 February 2013
Chris The Siteowner
WeGotTickets is supposed to be the only ticket outlet for Stowmarket in July, and they’re currently saying they only have 18 tickets left. I wonder if the gig is nearly sold out already?
6 March 2013
Dr Desperate
Quite possibly. It’s a 220-capacity venue (easily the smallest within the past few years).
6 March 2013
EMERGING FROM GORSE
Thought I’d throw this one open to Joe Public and the General Consensus……..
For several months now my little lad, who’s 4 and a half years old, has been going absolutely nuts over M-6-ster and Whit Week Malarkey. I’ve not yet been able to convince him that any other HMHB tracks are worth listening to, but you know what they’re like at that age. Besides, it’s a bloody good start, and there’s something immensely satisfying and pride-inducing about hearing your offspring belting out such lines as “just up and leave” and “Ivan Mauger robbed my car”.
Anyway, point is, is it too early to take him along to his first gig at Cambridge Junction? Obviously it’ll finish way past his (and my) bedtime and if they don’t play either of the aforementioned tracks I’ll be buggered, but you’ve got to get them started sometime, haven’t you?
11 March 2013
BrumBiscuit
I don’t know where else to put this, but has anyone already spotted that they’re “in concert” on Gideon Coe’s show tonight? 21.00 – 00.00.
13 March 2013
CHRIS THE SITEOWNER
The live recordings on 6Music were from John Peel’s Meltdown Festival, London, 1998.
Incorrectly back-announced by Gideon Coe, but the songs were “Shropshire Lad”, “Deep House”, “Runningorder…” and “Bad Review”.
All have been knocking around for a while but I’ve stuck the set on YouTube here. A couple of other songs from the same gig have been on YouTube for a while.
14 March 2013
Chris The Siteowner
Anyone who was curious to just how small the Stowmarket gig venue is (or who wondered why it sold out so quickly) might like to look at this photo and this one.
25 March 2013
John Byrne
Anyone got a spare for Stowmarket?
29 March 2013
DRAB OLIVE
Digs in Matlock Bath anybody …im having no luck whatsoever…and looking like driving …which is a disaster option ??
10 April 2013
Dr Desperate
The Boathouse Hotel, a mile up Dale Rd towards Matlock, currently has 1 room left: £70 for 1 person, £85 for 2 B&B for the night.
10 April 2013
Scally
We got a room at Alison House £90 for a double
13 April 2013
DRAB OLIVE
Nice one Scally…Boathouse now gone …but somehow just got a single at Willersley Castle ( near Alison House ) so just over a mile away ….worth the walk at that price though and ready for a proper session !
Dont forget your torch for the walk !
18 April 2013
DRAB OLIVE
And the rate was only £30 – Think they got that one wrong but hey ho confirmed now so their problem !!
Anybody else staying there ? If so lets join up for the walk down ?
18 April 2013
cyclops
there’s no bog roll for £30
19 April 2013
dEACON IN MISGUIDED TROUSERS
I’ve got a spare for the Bilston gig if anyone needs it.
22 April 2013
BrumBiscuit
@Deacon. If Chris can put us in touch, I may be upfrit…
22 April 2013
gargoyle 100
Anyone experienced this ticketless system like I had to use online for Matlock Bath Pav? Feels wierd not actually having a ticket in my hand.
22 April 2013
Scally
Echo and the Bunnymen at the cavern was something similar I think
23 April 2013
dr desperate
Are you driving round with thousands in the bank, @G100?
23 April 2013
Eric Olthwaite
@Gargoyle 100 The Lomas Hall the other month was ticketless – you’re right, it is weird. We just had to give our names at the door and they ticked us off a list; I obviously stood there worried that my name might not be on it (it was).
23 April 2013
dr desperate
Fairly common experience these days, the non-ticket ticketing method. You can print off the email confirmation with the booking reference number on it, if you want to take proof of payment. (I believe some people can find these on their telephones, but I’ve never had the knack, no matter how hard I stare at the bakelite.)
23 April 2013
Jitsu_g
There was a similar ticketless system used at Holmfirth last year. Only slight draw back is that if you have bought more than one ticket everyone has to turn up together to get in. Apart from that they seem to work.
I have got my handy 16 digit code written on a scrap of paper in preparation for Friday night !
23 April 2013
Gargoyle 100
Ok, thanks it’s reassuring to hear that its a well understood system.
23 April 2013
john downing
I have tickets for cambridge junction and John peel centre, that I can no longer attend. I have just 1 ticket for each event. The junction is a physical ticket the other is we got tickets email that can be reallocated. My son has his graduation in Edinburgh so I need to be there. I will be at Matlock Bath on Friday.
Ed’s note: email me if you’re interested and I’ll forward John your contact details
23 April 2013
Exxo
Good to see that Matlock has sold out.
Mrs Exford’s mum told me she heard Gideon Coe mentioning the gig in his breakfast time slot, last Friday morning.
24 April 2013
Scally
I take it the Matlock venue is licenced?
25 April 2013
MaTE OF THE BLOKE
I know its ridiculously late in the day but due to a cancellation I have a spare ticket for the Matlock Bath gig. There’s a b&b booking for 1 up for grabs too in Matlock for the night, if you don’t mind sharing a twin room- 20 quid for the ticket or £60 with the room as well. I’m bluetiger at hotmail dot co dot uk if you’re the drop-everything sort.
25 April 2013
Graeme Williams
Looking forward to Matlock Bath; the Pavillion is in a sad state of disrepair from what it was in its heyday but now gigs and events are being held once more as a group are trying to restore it, oh and best pint for those wanting a beer beforehand is the Princess Victoria pub just down the road… Not the pub opposite
26 April 2013
John “Shorts” Waters
Wondering how to get to Bilston and where to stay – any suggestions?
26 April 2013
Age-old Eel
Missed the pre- , but the Princess Victoria was the place for the after party, that’s for sure. Still regretting not asking the singer if he knew Vatican Broadside…
27 April 2013
BrumBiscuit
@John “Shorts” Waters
I will be staying in the Wolvo Central Travelodge. It’s not that close to the actual gig, but it’s £26 for the room for the evening in question. I’ll be taking the Metro to Bilston from Wolvo – a 10-15-min journey.
The Robin2 does B&B and so does the Olde White Rose – a proper real ale pub. Both are either at the venue, or a stone’s throw away, but they ain’t cheap.
I shall be drinking and eating at the Olde White Rose that night IF they get their act together and have more than one very put-upon barmaid on duty. If not, it’s the Trumpet; a well-known jazz haunt that sells the very good local ale – Holdens. The Olde White Rose’s carvery is a real steal. It must be good – take a look at the size of the chef!!!
27 April 2013
BrumBiscuit
Being a CAMRA Man, I did recommend the Olde White Rose and The Trumpet, both bostin’ boozers in Bilston. However, there is a Wetherspoons in the High Street and I may be tempted to take my 50p-off vouchers along there. Then again, The Great Western, near Wolvo station is also a very good Holdens’ joint and sells Bathams – Black Country’s finest, IMHO.
I got my ticket this week & my latest t-shirt has just arrived. Rather good it is too, if I say so myself. The Harry Quinn project has temporarily stuttered to a halt, but should be ready in time for Cambridge.
It’s nearly three years since Deano strutted on stage in Bilston. I wonder if Ian “Sludge” Lees can be dragged along, seeing as he’s a sort-of local. On second thoughts, I hope not…
11 May 2013
Dr Desperate
Last time they played Bilston it was CAMRA night at the OWR. After waiting half an hour to get served Jitsu G + I despaired of ever tasting the hops and repaired to the Wetherspoons (The Sir Henry Newbolt), which is OK.
Play up! play up! and play the game!
12 May 2013
jitsu_g
I shall be paying the OWR another visit next week but as I have got an afternoon to kill in Bilston I’ll be there before the hordes descend. The fishpond in Matlock bath the other week was struggling to keep up with demand pre gig. Perhaps an early warning message can be sent to these understaffed boozers warning them of what is to come
18 May 2013
BrumBiscuit
@Jitsu_G
I’ll be at a loose end too on Thursday. TBH, Bilston probably will allow you to kill 5 minutes, so we will possibly/probably go to the Great Western near Wolvo Station first, then head on down to Bilston on the metro – <10 mins away.
The OWR has a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Olde-White-Rose/257364700974737?ref=ts&fref=ts&rf=111393028922436 so I shall also remind them that hordes will be descending on Thursday.
18 May 2013
John “Shorts” Waters
Hope to see many of you in Bilston (may have a spare ticket – depends how bad I’ve screwed up :~
By the way has anyone tried compiling a list of places in Biscuits songs that I can visit – probably something to do rather than write on the soles of my slipper with a biro
18 May 2013
John “Shorts” Waters
The Old White Rose sounds okay(ish) but I’m not English so may need directions – due to arrive in Wolver 16:30, shave, shower, etc and put my Four Lads Who Shook The Wirral shirt on and should be there for food 7ish
See anyone who’s there there, otherwise I wont
18 May 2013
Jitsu_g
@ brumbiscuit
I am getting into town ealy afternoon and staying at the robin hotel. Will probably get the tram back upto wolves and check out the great western. Look out for the retro honved.
18 May 2013
BrumBiscuit
The Great Western is here: http://goo.gl/maps/ZKWr7
However, it is really hidden away. When you come out of the main Wolvo entrance, turn right and walk along the station facade, towards the Transport Police nick. After 30-40 yards, you’ll come to some steps on the right. Go down those and turn right at the bottom and keep going. You’ll embrace the margins of a car park for a couple of hundred yards until The Great Western appears, as if by magic.
Should Chris, the Siteowner wish to pass on my email address to you and John Waters, I shall give you my mobile number. I’ll be in a Dickie Davies hoodie.
@ John “Shorts” Waters, the OWR is here: http://goo.gl/maps/NME18 with the route to the Robin2 on. <5 mins walk between the two places. I've added the Trumpet (Holdens) and the Sir Henry Newbolt (Wetherpoos) to the map, but they are in the wrong direction, though only 10 mins walk or so. (Enough for me to miss Joy in Leeuwarden last time!)
19 May 2013
BrumBiscuit
And another thing…
@John “Shorts” Waters, if you do have a spare ticket, let me know & I will buy it off you.
19 May 2013
BrumBiscuit
And yet another thing…
@ J “S” W
Go to the home page and look for Stuart Vallantine’s Half Map Half Biscuit for place references.
19 May 2013
BrumBiscuit
Monmore Green opens at 6.30 on Thursday evening for a 7.25 start of the racing, should anyone fancy a pre-gig flutter and PBR.
I’ve told my mate that the Great Western does Bathams, so he’s up for it. He’ll be in a short-sleeved Dukla Prague Away top. Following that, it’s the metro to Bilston Central and the delights of the OWR – hopefully.
20 May 2013
Nigel
Don’t want to upset Brumbiscuit, so I won’t tell him that my room at the “not cheap” Robin cost me less than his travelodge! (although I did book it last October).
I remember wandering round Bilston the morning after DF joined them on stage – it saya something about the town when you think the nicest looking shopfront was the local undertakers.
20 May 2013
BrumBiscuit
Yebbut, we’re getting three in our room and I was quoting the price when I posted – my room, booked last September, was £15, so there with brass knobs on! Last time I looked, rooms at the Robin were £50+, so you got yourself a deal there. I just hope you don’t have brooms for company 😉
The first time I went to Bilston, it was a bleak, foggy January Saturday. My birthday to be precise. It was dire. I was expecting tumbleweed to come flying down it was that desolate. It hasn’t got any better.
20 May 2013
John “Shorts” Waters
Brum Biscuit – cheers for info, I won’t know if I have spare ticket until I get stood up bt as she’s not replying to texts & e-mails @ the mo 🙁
20 May 2013
dr desperate
@ Brumbiscuit In Bilston, every day is National Shite Day.
21 May 2013
thetube82
I am heading down from Newcastle, staying in Wolves, no idea where the pubs are in Wolves or how to get to gig, never mind will look for various tee-shirts/football shirts/etc. and hopefully tag along.
Might even wear a Gateshead FC football top to confuse the masses, ‘Heed Army! ‘Heed Army!
22 May 2013
thetube82
oh, and if anyone wants picking up along the way from Newcastle (via A1, M62, M6(ster)), happy to pick-up, cant do drop-off tho as staying there a few days.
22 May 2013
Dr Desperate
@TT82: The gig’s about 3 miles along the A41 from Wolverhampton centre (you can get a tram direct to Bilston though, 4 stops from St George’s).
22 May 2013
BrumBiscuit
@TT82
A few of us are having a jar or two in the Great Western in Wolvo, then hopping on the tram to Bilston to eat in the Olde White Rose – or elsewhere if it’s as disorganised as last time. We’ll be there from about 6. Feel free to join us for some of the Black Country’s finest ales, a la CAMRA Man.
22 May 2013
jitsu_g
Well the olde white rose isn’t too busy at the moment although there does seem to be a pensioners darts tourney going on. Maybe I’ll hide a few pints around the place in anticipation of chaos at the bar later on
23 May 2013
jitsu_g
Just heard sound check of tonight’s cover. Clearly I am not going to spoil it for everyone .
23 May 2013
JMAC
I’m not there..please do! Hope Dean Friedman turns up again! I was there for that one.
23 May 2013
JMAC
Really good curry house directly opposite the Robin if I remember right. More a takeway actually but couple of a tables available.
23 May 2013
Lee
When are the lads back in Sheffield or the surrounding areas? i.e. Rotherham, Albion Road WMC would be a great venue!! 🙂
23 May 2013
Rich B
At 41 I’m heading to my first HMHB gig, and first gig of any sort for many years. I have to go my my own as no one I know listens to HMHB. Will it be weird going on my own? Are these gigs seated? Seems strange.
25 May 2013
Bobby SVARC
Why will it weird? I’ll be great man you’ll love it, all standing as well, bugger the Taylor report
25 May 2013
jitsu_g
Which gig is it you are going to Rich B ? I have been to plenty on my own, there is usually a friendly face or two to have a pre gig pint with.
25 May 2013
cyclops
Nothing weird mate, I was in the same position at Matlock Bath.I’m 49 and hadn’t been to a gig for many a year due to fiscal/ too many offspring/ shift work. Top night, just soaked up the whole situation. You be fine. Cheers now
25 May 2013
Rich B
Going to the Arc in Stockton. I was going to buy another ticket and convince a mate to go, but having a non-biscuit-fan with me might ruin it. I’ll just go on my own. I can’t wait actually. I’ll have to take a drive there before and find a nearby pub.
30 May 2013
Dr Desperate
Any suggestions as to pubs in Stockton? My lady friend Elizabeth’s granddad used to run one there but it closed down long ago. The Real Ale Guide website mentions only the local Wetherspoons (The Thomas Sheraton).
31 May 2013
Mick Ransom
I live in Stockton. There is a pub 40 yards from the Arc called ‘The Storytellers’ – newly done up small lounge with live music on Saturday nights. We’ll be in there pre-gig.
2 June 2013
Mick Ransom
… just to add.. decent pubs are few and far between in this area.. The Thomas Sheraton mentioned in an earlier comment is one we generally swerve, yes it’s a bit cheaper and there will be a good number in there, but the good value ales tend to attract your all day drinker and shell-suited pit-bull owner. It’s like the Star Wars bar at 10 p.m
2 June 2013
SIMON P
We went to see The House of Love in Stockton in April. Went in the Sheraton – typical Wetherspoons, decent ale though – and also the Green Dragon, which was an interesting sociological experience. Ate in an Italian called Caruso’s however which was bloody excellent.
2 June 2013
Rich B
‘Storytellers’ it is then.
How should I recognize fellow fans? I don’t have a HMHB T-shirt myself.
3 June 2013
BrumBiscuit
When in season – as it is – the usual way to identify yourself is to have a bunch of asparagus hanging out of you back pocket, a le Morrissey.
Failing that, I’m sure you’ll spot more than a few Dukla Prague away tops.
3 June 2013
Dr Desperate
There may be the odd person there in a ‘Crossley & Blackwell’ T-shirt. Or ‘King of Hi-Vis’ tabard.
3 June 2013
Jitsu_g
I shall be there in my trusty retro Honved top.
I have a feeling that based on recent events at the old white rose in Bilston and the Fishpond in Matlock Bath, strolling up to a nice quite bar for a pint or two may be replaced by a 10 deep scrum. Hopefully there will be more than one person serving
4 June 2013
mick ransom
The Storytellers will only have a few in around 7 ish – chances are we’ll all be there for the gig. All up for a game of killer on the pool table? Two shots on the black…….
7 June 2013
jitsu_g
At Boro bus station en route to storytellers pool table
8 June 2013
Gregg z
I just emailed Geoff Davies to inquire about a possible HMHB “tour” of the States next year. Yes, I know, I know, Nigel doesn’t fly… They’d never come over and for what reason anyway?
Well, there is no good reason they’d come. I needed to send the message, just in case in 30 years, I come across an interview with NB57 in which he states, “yeah, you know, it’s funny. We would’ve played a few gigs in the U.S., it’s just that no one ever asked”.
So, I’m asking…
Resume laughing.
13 June 2013
EXXO
Gregg – ahoy there! That’s the spirit. Your optimism strikes me as punk mail addressed to the deaf, but good luck all the same! I know a man who’s been trying for many years to persuade the band to go as far away as….(wait for it) …
… Brighton…. (about 270 miles). They’ve played there before of course, but too far these days for Neil to drive there & back in a day & night.
How did your Monochrome Set tour go, then? (They’re the only band anyone’s heard of that I ever shared a stage with when I was the pathetic frontman of a crap student band by the way).
13 June 2013
GREGG Z.
Yes, Mr. Exxo, I am driven by the blindest optimism. Nigel’s aversion to air travel is widely-known, and would preclude such Stateside follies. I’d like to find another mode of transport, but alas, my hovercraft is full of eels. (I’ve always hankered after using that line in something resembling suitable context).
I feel a bit like the producer of “Saturday Night Live”, back in the late 70s, when he offered the Beatles $3000 to re-unite and play 3 songs on the late-night show. There was a story bouncing around that Lennon and McCartney were together in New York, watching that show on TV, and actually considered taking a taxi down to the studio, but were too tired. I’d love for HMHB to call my bluff….
…and yes, the Monochrome Set “tour” (such as it was…. six dates) went very well.
For a band that hadn’t visited these shores in over three decades, they were warmly received (by those punters who were spry enough to make it off their sofas). A West-Coast tour of the US is in the works for 2014.
So, not having done this sort of thing before, I’ve done much better in the vulgar realm of “marketing and promotion” than, say, Artie Fufkin.
Best.
14 June 2013
More LIKE KEN BARLOW
Getting prepared for Stowmarket next week. Where is everyone gathering for the pre gig refreshments?
26 June 2013
Exxo
Anyone fancy a little drink at John Peel’s grave, a mile or two from the gig in Great Finborough churchyard?
26 June 2013
Dr Desperate
New gig, it would appear (2 miles from Rothersthorpe South).
(Ta – Chris)
26 June 2013
Bobby SVARC
Visited Sir Nigel Gresley’s grave the other week in Neatherseal, I think we’re doing Bonzo’s next weekend
26 June 2013
Charlie
The King’s at the station is a good bet. GBG, good range of local micros and real cider. If you have the afternoon free Earl Soham Victoria (half an hours drive) and Laxfield Low House (45 minutes drive) are gems.
26 June 2013
NIGE
It’s a bit more than 2 miles – nearer 4 I’d say – you certainly wouldn’t want to try to walk it in half an hour.
Anyone needing help with whether hotels etc are close etc, just ask, I lived in the town for 17 years
26 June 2013
Dr Desperate
Thanks, Nige. As a local, perhaps you could answer my query from last year on the 2 Chevrons discussion page about the pronunciation of ‘youth’ in Northampton: is it anywhere near ‘yowth’, or is that just a Blackwellism?
27 June 2013
Exxo
@ Nige – at first I thought you were talking about the distance of Peel’s grave from Stowmarket, and I went back to the O.S. & measured it – in fact about two and three quarter miles, but with one pub half-way and another in the village near the grave.
My train gets in before 4pm, so plenty of time to explore.
As for Northampton – that’s great news. Very accessible.
We had to pull in at Rothersthorpe the other week, when a bit fell off Mrs. Exford’s car in the fast lane. Very lucky for the vehicles behind that they were indeed keeping more than one chevron apart. And even luckier that the component in question, whatever it was, can’t have been too important ‘cos the charabang has been going fine without it since.
27 June 2013
Exxo
At Stowmarket next week by the way, the support is the excellent JD Meatyard.
I was v. glad to hear this for the Peel Centre gig meself, as something like the recent supporters Roja, although perhaps blending in very nicely with sleepy middle class Suffolk, would surely not have been very Peel, sound-wise.
27 June 2013
NIGE
I always pronounced it yooth but maybe that’s because I’m originally from “that London”
On the other hand, I can’t remember ever hearing anybody say “yowth” – a bit more of a brummyism I’d have said
27 June 2013
BrumBiscuit
If anything, “yowth” might be Black Country. It isn’t Brummie. By the way, the Northampton Travelodge, not too far from the gig, had family rooms for £26 when I looked on hearing the news.
28 June 2013
Nigel
Good price – anyone else tempted make sure you get the town centre one, the other travelodges in the town are a heck of a way away. The Gold Street one (town centre) was an old traditional hotel that fell into disuse about 10 years ago, but travelodge tarted it up and it’s all modern and only been open a couple of years
28 June 2013
Chris The Siteowner
Birmingham Gig Alert.
28 June 2013
BrumBiscuit
My first ever HMHB gig was in 1995 or 96 at The Hibernian in Selly Oak (that later became the Bannister & Firkin). I got absolutely bladdered, so recollections are very vague. Calls for a rendition of The Len Ganley Stance were ignored as much then as now.
28 June 2013
BrumBiscuit
I am thinking of taking a certain lilac bike to the Cambridge gig next week. It will have two good locks to secure it, but what is the likelihood of it still being there after the gig?
28 June 2013
Exxo
That’s a coincidence. I was about to post some bike-related nonsense when you posted that. But there’s so many poorly-locked bikes in Cambridge freely available to rob, that a well-locked one will surely be sacrosanct. I look forward to seeing the LHQ (though I’m no connoisseur meself, and when questioned by a copper a few weeks back I couldn’t even tell him what make and how many speeds my own humble velocipede-about-town jobbie was).
I’d decided to bring it with me to both gigs, ‘cos the distances, footpath availability and road-types between the various ‘sights’ in Stowmarket (namely the gig, a place to camp, Peel’s grave and Peel Acres) made walking around in the hours before the gig seem like a bit of a drag. And it’ll be useful in Cambers too – I’m hopefully going to be looking at 17th century books out on Grange Road).
So for the first time ever I have tried to book a bike on Greater Anglian Trains. Oh dear oh dear – dear readers, please NEVER attempt this on their phonelines if you want to retain your sanity. The Leeds to Peterboro’ leg and vice-versa is fine – exemplary marks to East Coast trains there. But the hours of my life that I will never get back, going round and round in circles with Greater Anglian, and can I book my bike?? …. can I feck.
Anyway, I’m going to take my chances with it, and if I get lucky and if anyone wants to share a glass of red wine with meself and Peelie at about 5 pm, we’ll be there.
28 June 2013
Dr Desperate
Brumgig – My birthday! On National Shite Day (if I can’t get the day off work).
28 June 2013
Simon
And a Brighton gig the following night…
28 June 2013
Exxo
Brilliant news – if Attila’s got his way at last (he’s been trying to get the band back to the South Coast for over a decade now) then who knows …. maybe Gregg Z is next to get his wish come true!
28 June 2013
Chris The Siteowner
That also makes 10 (ten) gigs in 2013, double figures for the first time in a calendar year since 2005.
28 June 2013
nigel, no, not that one (nx3To)
A gig in Brighton!
I think I was there the last time Atilla dragged them down, to Southwick, I think.
It must have been well over 10 years though EXXO, unless I missed on in the noughties which is a possibility.
1 July 2013
Dr Desperate
26th Feb 1999, according to Gez, NX3TO.
1 July 2013
nigel, no, not that one (nx3To)
Yup, that was the one I was thinking of.
It seems longer ago somehow.
I do not think I have ever been back to Southwick Barn since.
1 July 2013
Tangerine Wizard
Hello, all. A bit of a long shot I know, but does anyone have a spare ticket for Stowmarket? It’s an emergency. Ta.
1 July 2013
Charlie
Hello Tangerine. I’ll know tomorrow morning if I have a spare. I think the chances are quite high and I can get back to you as soon as I know.
Charlie
1 July 2013
Tangerine wizard
Charlie, that’d be boss, mate.
I’d be eternally grateful, and obviously shout you a pint or two on top of the ticket price.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Cheers!
1 July 2013
BrumBiscuit
Is there anywhere decent to eat near the venue for after the gig in Cambridge? I was thinking of a curry house or balti place. Is it The Earl of Derby for pre-gig drinks?
2 July 2013
Chris The Siteowner
I guess I’d better step up here, living a whole 500 yards away. The venue is part of the Leisure Park (usual 21st century stuff, Cineworld, TenPin, Nando’s, etc), most of which will be closed by the time the gig’s over. The only eat-in curry house around is the Taj Tandoori, but it’s pretty decent and only 2 minutes walk away. It’s open until 11.30 although you might like to check last admittance, and it’s BYO for alcohol, but Sainsbury’s Local by the Junction is open until 11pm.
I guess The Earl Of Derby is going to be the pre-gig pub, just because of its proximity to the venue, just over the railway bridge, but anyone coming from the station (or who fancies a stroll) should try the under-threat-from-developers Flying Pig, on Hills Road opposite the end of Station Road and about 10 minutes from The Junction.
2 July 2013
Exxo
@ me & the other Nigel (579, 581)
In fact Attila says the Brighton gig has nothing to do with him, despite all his efforts over the last 14 years.
Mrs Exford saw him at the festival with the four-syllable name that shall not be abbreviated to two, and she tried to congratulate him on something that he knew nowt about.
2 July 2013
Chris The Siteowner
I know the Stowmarket gig is a somewhat smaller gathering than usual, which may explain why there haven’t been any questions here about pubs etc., but for anyone interested, I have it on good authority from a local that the pubs near the John Peel Centre are “not recommended” and the best pub for decent beer is the Kings Arms by the station. No food though, so if you want to eat, she suggests the Little Wellington (“basic and friendly with a nice garden”) or the Oak (“Greene King big screen Sky type place”) on the High Street.
Me, I’ve been invited to an intimate alfresco curry + beer event for HMHB-loving Tractor Boys’n’Girls beforehand, so by the time the gig starts I shall be all depressed after discussing the prospect of yet another season of mid-table mediocrity. Blue Army.
2 July 2013
SIMON P
I presume the Birmingham gig is in Academy 2? The main hall holds 2,000! If so, I saw Therapy? there a few months back and the sound was utterly shocking… not to mention predictably shit beer
2 July 2013
Dr Desperate
Yep, it’s in Academy 2 – capacity 600, so book early. Tickets go on sale tomorrow Wednesday 9am (unless you’re on O2 Priority).
That Rudimental are playing in the main hall the same night (cap. 3009 according to Ents24). Did I mention it was my birthday?
2 July 2013
cawseetiger
Like buses, they never seem to arrive then bugger me, two come at once. Much like the 2 East Anglian gigs tonight (Stowmarket) and tomorrow (Cambridge). Despite buying Back in the DHSS (on tape) when it was first released and all the albums that followed, these are my first ever HMHB gigs. Pretty chuffed and looking forward to them.
I will also be able to don my DPAK shirt that I purchased in celebration following my divorce.
Ta
3 July 2013
Chris The Siteowner
Re: Cambridge – Anyone here going to be in the Earl of Derby beforehand?
4 July 2013
BrumBiscuit
Back in Feb, Chris, you laid out a crawl starting in The Free Press, then The Cambridge Blue, The Kingston (?) Arms, The Flying Pig – for support against developers – and finally the TEoD. We should convene in Cambridge about 3 and then decide whether to be sensible and sober or to go for the above crawl, but, to answer your question, yes, we will be in TEoD some time in the early evening.
Is it a 9pm start this time or is there a LGBT roller disco after to bring it forwards?
4 July 2013
Chris The Siteowner
The venue said they won’t know the on-stage timings until later today. However, support is not from one of the normal acts but from Model Village, who were only booked at less than 48 hours’ notice. May be worth a look.
4 July 2013
John Anderson
I’ll be in the Earl Of Derby from about 6.45pm with wife, daughter and a couple of mates. What are the chances of the gig finishing in time for the 10.30pm train back to London?
4 July 2013
Chris The Siteowner
Minimal, I’d say. Can’t see the band being on much before 9. You’d need to leave by 10.15, so you’d miss the last quarter of the set.
4 July 2013
Mark liptrott
there is a train at 10:51 to liverpool street and the last is 23:15 to kings x, so should be fine judging on them finishing at half 10 last time they were here?
4 July 2013
Emerging from gorse
Breaking news:
Model Village on stage at 8pm. HMHB due on at 8.45pm.
4 July 2013
Bobby SVARC
Is the ice rink open?
4 July 2013
Dr Desperate
First gig of 2014! Tickets available from Wed 21st August on Ents24 for Bristol O2 Academy Sat Jan 18th 2014.
29 July 2013
More LIKE KEN BARLOW
Have just booked a twin room at the Ibis Budget, one block down from the O2 in Birmingham for 17th October – 40 quid including breakfast for the two of us. They have triple rooms as well.
30 August 2013
Dr Desperate
Trouble under Bridgwater:
http://www.ents24.com/ilminster-events/square-and-compass-inn-plus-the-barn
5 September 2013
Beagle(ex-human)
Quick work Dr Desp. All you others saps had better get a shift on for this one. Looks like 250 or so capacity semi-secret warm up gig out in the sticks. Let’ s rock.
6 September 2013
cuthbert muttonchops
concorde2 sounds good….sure this venue was in quadrophenia….booked ticket and hotel….always wanted to see brighton…. stevie foster,stevie foster what a difference you have made what a difference you have made[flashback to old wembley stadium 30 years ago]
14 September 2013
len h
Just to let everyone know that although the Square and Compass gig is in a converted barn it is a very nice venue with decent beer cider and food in the pub. Also while it is in what you metropolitan types like to call “the sticks” it is fairly easy to get to from the M5 and A303 as long as you keep your nerve on the last lane which seems to go on for ever and may well be home to people selling asparagus.
19 September 2013
Steve harman
Anyone got a spare for the Brighton gig? The Half Man Half Bike kit team have been uncharacteristcially disorganised.
21 September 2013
InsidepOcket
Brighton’s sell-out was disappointing to say the least, so I’ve taken a diversion to Northampton. Any pre-gig beer trails which we (female, mid-twenties plus best mate, male, early thirties, both travelling from Belfast) may be welcome to? Thank you!
28 September 2013
NORTHAMPTON ROAD DAMAGER
Damn, I have perfect beer trail suggestions for various other age combinations but nothing to fit that profile. Unlucky there.
29 September 2013
DOC MaRtenS
Excuse my non-existent alter ego there. Couldn’t resist such a gaping opportunity for sarcasm. And welcome to Northampton.
Biscuit folk of course are famed for their pre-gig hanging around in Wetherspoons, showing off expensive vintage-style football tops, and they will find The Moon on the Square to be the handiest place for this, less than 5 mins walk away from the gig. My favourite review on the interweb makes it sounds as if those of you avoiding proper work since 1985 will be truly at home:
“Full of people who don’t want work, but want to drink all day. Liked: Value. Disliked: Food, Service, Atmosphere.”
But as well as being independent in their dress sense, Biscuit kids will sometimes be independent in their choice of pubs too, thank you very much , and will be glad to hear that “every day’s a beer festival” at The Malt Shovel pub in Bridge Street (no, definitely not the overhead railway Bridge Street), again about 5 mins from the gig. Quiz night Thursday I think. Definitely NOT a Wetherspoons.
So back to some more Wetherspoons, then. They’ve turned The Cordwainers in The Ridings, a little further from the gig, into a “Lloyds Bar”, themed on the town’s famous shoe industry (first referenced in 1202. A few years later, King John, on one of his many visits to Northampton, bought a pair of boots for nine pence. The town’s first guild of cordwainers, or shoe-makers, was established near here at the beginning of the 15th century, etc etc blab la bla) Despite their fine ale selections, the “Lloyds Bar” chain is a load of old cobblers, if you ask me, and there’s another one called The Eastgate, named after the errm, most easterly of Northamptons former, errm, gates, long since demolished by a vengeful king. It looks no more interesting than that suggests, so I’ve never been in, even though these 3 Wetherspoons outfits are undoubtedly 3 of the widest ale selections in town.
As for other independents within 10 mins or so, which deserve to be cherished and frequented with your custom, a small brewery called Vale Brewery owns the Victoria in Poole St and it usually has some good winter ales at that time of the year, not to mention superb wireless internet facilities, but it is a bit out of the way compared to the others.
The Racehorse Inn , Abington Square, has also featured in various good beer guides – yes it has been known to have a decent ale selection but is a bit rough and ready, not an odds-on favourite for outsiders I’m afraid.
29 September 2013
RanKin1974
Me and my mate ( both potential Camra men) are popping to northampton to see the mighty HMHB on the 29th. Not being a resident of this midland town can any of you lovely afficiandos out there recommend any good Camra based drinking? Or places where the madding hordes will be meeting before hand?
4 October 2013
Bobby SVARC
We’re all meeting up at the Swan and Rushes in Leicester then venture into Northants under the cover of darkness
4 October 2013
nige
the malt shovel in bridge street is big on real ales – its about 10 minutes walk through the town centre from the roadmender
or the thomas a beckett a couple of minutes from the station ( but the wrong way for the mender)
5 October 2013
BRUMBISCUIT
Those of you going to the Brum gig may wish to meet up in The Post Office Vaults, which, as the name suggests, is a rooftop bar* in New Street. Possibly not the cheapest pub and certainly not the closest, so we may move on. The venue is renowned for having shite beer, so best to stock up beforehand.
*This bit may not be true.
7 October 2013
BrumBiscuit
By the way, should you feel the need for a lovely (as defined by me), custom HMHB t-shirt, you could do worse than go here. Sorry about the price. Short print run, mouths to feed, etc.
8 October 2013
Phyllis twiggs
Any of you fine people able to suggest a car park for brum next week? Bromsgrove St appears to be nearest.
9 October 2013
schoon
HMHB are playing London. Is anyone familiar with it? Any pubs or big ferris wheel things of interest there?
9 October 2013
BRUMBISCUIT
@Phyllis Twiggs: I suppose you’ve seen the venue’s suggestions: http://promo.o2academybirmingham.co.uk/info.html
I can’t think of anywhere nearer. The Maibox is also close, but that’s a really poncy mall, and will be priced accordingly. I’m staying at a nearby Travelodge and this is what they say:
Parking Nearby (Chargeable) Pershore Street (Multi-storey ) – Car Park Pershore Street Birmingham B5 6PA
Type: Pay and Display, Multi-Storey
Accepted Payments : Coins, Pay-by-Mobile
Height Restrictions: 7′ 7″ (2.30m)
Mon-Sun 24 Hours: 1 Hour 0.70. Up to 4 Hours £1.50. Up to 24 Hours £3.50.
There is also an APCOA car park nearby. APCOA Parking, The Arcadian Centre, 41 Bromsgrove Street, Birmingham, B5 6NU.
Up to 1 hour: £1.80. Up to 3 hours: £3.50. Up to 5 hours: £5.00. Up to 8 hours: £7.00. Up to 10 hours: £8.00. Up to 12 hours: £9.00. Up to 24 hours: £13.00.
Hope that helps.
9 October 2013
BRUMBISCUIT
I think I’m right in saying that the O2 Academy used to be The Night Out cabaret venue. If so, the last gig. I saw there was Gary Glitter!
9 October 2013
Toerag
As Birmingham will be welcoming the mighty HMHB on the 17th there will be some pre gig entertainment in the street outside the venue from 7.00. – 7.30. I can promise you something unusual and who knows who may be in the crowd? You didn’t get that in London or Manchester. x
9 October 2013
EXXO
Brum modelling his handiwork outside the Cambridge gig.
I didn’t believe it was his last Big Issue (don’t they all say that), but I just gave him the £2 and told him to keep it anyway.
10 October 2013
Bobby SVARC
We’ll be starting early doors with a few in The Union in Hinckley, One or Two in the Cherry Tree in Nuneaton, a quick session in the Bull & Butcher in Corley, A bit of kip in the car park before we get stuck into a party 7 and maybe a little toke
10 October 2013
warden hodges
Mass exodus (of 1) from Liverpool Lime St, 10.04am. Will have a few in the Shakespeare by New St, poss ‘Railway’ (Wethys type pub) and the Wellington.
10 October 2013
Bobby SVARC
Sounds like the “Marine Massive” are on the way 🙂
10 October 2013
warden hodges
Allez les blancs!
10 October 2013
Dave Wiggins
“Billy Morrey on the wing, na, na, na, na, na”*
*Also Wayne Rooney’s uncle, for anybody interested in Scouse lineage.
11 October 2013
warden hodges
Pre-floodlights, tools down Wednesday afternoon hero v Rochdale 1974.
11 October 2013
schoon
anywhere cheap for a family of four to stay near the Brighton gig this Friday?
12 October 2013
schoon
I have a spare ticket for Brighton. Anyone want it?
Email me and I’ll pass on your request to Schoon – Chris
12 October 2013
toastkid
Schoon – not a specific recommendation i’m afraid but Booking.com have always worked well for me, especially for late booking. There are tons of guest houses in Kemptown (east Brighton, near the venue) so you should find something (reasonable rates, early October).
14 October 2013
Exxo
I notice that the support band for the Northampton gig are Shifty Chicken Shed, who also supported HMHB at Bilston recently. They are from Oswestry and recently played a benefit gig for HOOOH? For who? HOOOH, that’s who. Who’s HOOOH? These are HOOOH, that’s what, and please sign their petition.
14 October 2013
BrumBiscuit
@Warden Hodges: The Shakespeare’s just around the corner from the Post Office Vaults, so I’ll look out for you there. I should be in town about 7.15pm with a few other punters. I’m still undecided whether to entrust the “Harry Quinn” to the delights of Birmingham.
14 October 2013
Exxo
Anyway, I wanted to read some reviews of Shifty Chicken Shed, as I considered this an interesting means of avoiding doing anything else whatsoever during this particular phase of a grey Monday morning. Their website is difficult to negotiate, and I discovered that selecting and copying was the best way of making their lurid yellow text actually appear on screen at all. So I thought I’d paste it all somewhere and then read it. Here for example. There’s quite a lot of it, so let’s start with some short quotes.
BBC Radio Shropshire’s Trystan Jones said, “we consider you to be too niche for this local radio station”.
Faithful hmhb.co.uk reviewer Roger Green said of them at Bilston:
“Yet another “slightly different” band. Apparently they got together at a Wilfred Owen Peace Evening in Oswestry. Not many can say that. ‘Bear’ was a particularly interesting start to their set. And their cover of ‘Army Dreamers’ did it justice. It was good to see the washboard is not totally redundant as a musical instrument.
They got 8 out of 10 in ‘Jockey Slut’, OK not ‘Jockey Slut’ then but something called ‘Whisperin’ and Hollerin’ ‘, whose hack Tim Peacock knows where it’s at: “Self-styled purveyors of “charity shop pop”, anarchic Shropshire quartet SHIFTY CHICKEN SHED have worked their way up to their debut album the hard way: slogging through the foothills of freebie pub gigs but finally scaling the illustrious peaks of support slots with the legendary likes of The Blockheads, Half Man Half Biscuit and – drum roll, please – The Rutles. It’s taken ‘em three years (and mostly likely considerably more disappointments and existential crises than most of us wolf down hot dinners) to get to the LP stage, but the bluntly-titled ‘Town’ suggests it’s been worth their hanging on in there. Because, put simply, SCS are the sort of awkwardly brilliant provincial buggers the modern-day DIY scene produces all too infrequently these days. They hail from deepest Oswestry (the ‘Town’ the title refers to, from what I can gather) and they write songs about Matthew Kelly (‘Dirty Hands’) and blokes from the forestry commission smashing up local radio stations (‘Black Tie Piss Up’). Y’know, the really important stuff in life. So who are Shifty Chicken Shed when they’re at home or else holding court down the pub? They are primarily Innes Reid, Deborah Harris, Dean Newton and Mikey Hopkins, though they aren’t averse to guest appearances. Refreshingly, instead of Camden and Shoreditch, their songs reference far-flung places such as Welshpool, Gobowen, St. Martin’s and Llanfair and the melodica-enhanced rustic folk of ‘Pomegranate Beliefs’ features the unlikely chant of “Wrexham, Wrexham…championship contenders.” Well, we can all dream, can’t we? Musically, eclecticism is the watchword. Wassailing away like an unholy alliance of the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band and Blurt, Lexus Lumberjack-driving opener ‘Shropington Lad’ gives you some idea of the stylistic maze you’ll be plotting sans compass. Crucially, though, while SCS’ couldn’t-give-a-flying-one sonic attitude prevails, their tunesmithery happily keeps pace. ‘Bee’s saucy, shape-shifting boogie, for example, re-locates ‘Safe As Milk’-era Captain Beefheart to the mysterious Welsh borders, while on the wonderfully elegiac, almost Eastern European ‘Come’, Deborah Harris does her stood-up, torch song thang beautifully before finger-clickin’ Bon Tempi-style beats kick in. They occasionally meet themselves coming back, as on the psych-tinged ‘Jabby Paws’, which lurches around agreeably enough, but ultimately can’t decide which privet hedge to throw up on. No such problem with ‘Dirty Hands’, however. Robust, ribald, boasting both an ace chorus (“get yer dirty hands off!”) and Innes Reid’s fabulously gruff criticism of Matthew Kelly (“I expected more from the man on the telly”), it’s a right ol’ rum boogie and arguably the best of this fabulously surreal bunch. Shifty Chicken Shed, then, are heady and headstrong, but never headless. Let’s hope they can continue to find enough free range in this increasingly conservative industry to lay golden eggs aplenty.”
TOWN ALBUM REVIEW “It’s been a while in the making but Shifty Chicken Shed, Oswestry’s musical maniacs, have laid down 11 tracks and released an album called simply, ‘Town’, the town in question being Oswestry. We are all used to place names in American popular music, but it doesn’t happen so much here. In ‘Town’ there are lots of local references like Chirk, Llanfair Caereinon, Welshpool, Wrexham, St Martins, and Gobowen. So this is music that is rooted in this area and it’s very English in a Bonzo Dog Doodah Band kind of way. Like the BDDB, it is fairly whimsical and you wonder whether this kind of whimsy will travel, but the band have been getting some good gigs outside of Oswestry supporting The Blockheads and Dr Feelgood.
“Shifty Chicken Shed’s music is a strange mix of surreal, psychedelic storytelling on top of driving R & B, featuring wailing saxophones, harmonica, and blistering slide guitar. Most of the vocals are spoken by Innes Reid or Dean Newton though Deborah Harris does a bit of singing and in ‘Come’ she has a whole song to herself. She has a great voice, a bit like Meri Wilson (Telephone Man 1977). There could have been more. There are lots of references to popular culture: ‘Shut that door Everard’, ‘Blankety Blank’, ‘Tonight Mathew, I am going to be…’, ‘Hands that do dishes can be soft as your face…’ Depending on what age you are you’ll get some of them, but not others. The album begins with Shropington Lad, who drives a Lexus Lumberjack and has been short changed in Aldi (surely that could never happen?) Dominoes features two alternating tempos; a slow loping beat alternating with faster upbeat sections. It has a “pride cometh before a fall’ punchline in Welshpool (yes, yes). Bee is a plea to help endangered bees ‘I’ll drink in your pub but the trouble is you keep a bee up your arse… That ruddy Cameron, yeah well, he holds one up there’ (allegedly). ‘Needed in Gobowen’ starts with surreal sound effects and settles into a kind of ‘home on the range’ cowboy rhythm. It develops into a funky 12 bar with some tasty slide guitar. Come, Deborah’s song is a tale of being stood up. ‘I’m tired of waiting in the pub alone; I’ve got better things to play with than my mobile phone.’ Black Tie Piss Up is the story of Malcolm who begins as a lumberjack at the Forestry Commission and ends up a shelf-stacker and destroys a local radio station. Pomegranate Belief starts being about Ifton Colliery Club and descends into a chant of Wrexham, Wrexham, Championship contenders (wishful thinking). Jabby Paws is psychedelic driving music, just right for the A483. More great slide guitar on Dirty Hands and like a few of the other tracks, it has a weird coda. End is just that, a short sequence of ethereal chords. Track 11 begins with 4 minutes of silence, so you will think the album has finished and put the kettle on. But it hasn’t.” Chas Ncholson
DOMINOES REVIEW 20/12/12 Another Review for Dominoes It’s hard to pull off slow songs on a first impression (with unaffiliated listeners) but this song is very good. The vocals have great character, and the guitar/strings combination sets a very calm mood immediately. The melancholy melody transitioning into the upbeat section caught me by supprise. The transitions are very well done throughout. This unique sound should not go unnoticed. Keep it up, Shifty Chicken Shed.
EMERGING ICONS OCT 2012 Are you familiar with a band called Gong? One of our team attended a gig of theirs once and it was the trippiest experiences of her life; grey-haired fifty year olds off their tits as far as the eye could see as the late sixties were revived in one of the most intense live experiences she’d ever had. While we can’t say that Shifty Chicken Shed’s show will be EXACTLY the same as that, we can say that their music bears a lot of likenesses to the psychedelic mind-shag of that aforementioned band. It’s expansive, organic, daring stuff… but it really works. Influences of jazz add a new dimension to the mix too as rich sounds of brass and creative approaches to lyricism meld and continue to challenge you with something entirely new. Go with an open mind and prepare to be swept along on a kaleidoscopic wave of wonder.
RED DOG MUSIC REVIEW, JUNE 6TH 2012 ‘Dominoes’ by Shifty Chicken Shed When I first laid ears on them, they reminded me of 70s trippers, Gong, meets Louis Armstrong. A weird combination perhaps, but normal music can be a little boring at times.; Band members include: Ed Rivers on drums, Guy Turner on bass, Mikey Hopkins on Moog, Dean Murray Newton on vocals, Innes Reid on guitar, bass and vocals and Deborah Harris on sax, clarinet, melodica and vocals. They all play percussion, they all write, they all produce and they all do their own artwork. That’s my kind of band. Their album “TOWN” is out this summer.
So there you go, that’s 10 mins of a Monday morning none of us will get back but what the heck.
14 October 2013
Ralph malph
Anyone know who’s doing the Birmingham and Brighton supports?
14 October 2013
Dave
I have never been to Birmingham before so I’m looking for suggestions for pre/ post gig beers close to the venue. Tks
15 October 2013
BrumBiscuit
@Dave: There are a couple of posts about the evening higher up.
Look here: http://goo.gl/maps/ldoBY for pre-gig pubs
A = Where you’ll exit New St – approximately
B = The Shakespeare, where I think Warden Hodges will be in Temple St.
C = The Post Office Vaults (a cellar bar on the left walking up New St)
D = O2 Assembly
I’ll be in town about 7 – 7.15pm. I may or may not have a lilac bike with me, but I will have HMHB kit of some description on.
15 October 2013
Simon
According to the Concorde2 web site, HMHB will be on stage at 8.15 (presumably a 10pm curfew).
Support band is Roja.
15 October 2013
toastkid
Thanks for the info Simon! I’m [ref]going to the pub with a load of mates from work[/ref] beforehand and would probably have turned up a bit later, assuming they’d be on at 9 at the earliest.
15 October 2013
Richard Lovell
For Brum there’s also the Wellington on Bennett’s Hill, which has recently been refurbed and now has an upstairs. Well, it always had one…
15 October 2013
Bobby SVARC
ROJA both nights.
15 October 2013
BrumBiscuit
@Richard Lovell: Good though the Wellington undoubtedly is (I can’t wait to see it post-refurb), I think it might be one for post-gig beers. At least for me. I’ve only got <2 hours in town, and it's a bit of a dogleg to get there. Having said that, the Victoria, near the Alex theatre, is about the nearest decent beer place. Hmm, decisions, decisions!
15 October 2013
SIMON P
I have a spare ticket for Brum if anyone wants it…
15 October 2013
Ste
Feeling a bit left out with no gigs in the North announced for next year
15 October 2013
Bobby SVARC
Hang in there STE, You never know
15 October 2013
Ralph malph
Thanks Bobby, I was hoping it was going to be Humdrum Express again
15 October 2013
Ste
Thanks Bobby, sometimes hope is all we have
15 October 2013
Dave
Brumbiscuit, Thanks for the info
15 October 2013
Dave
After a terrible shock in Manchester airport on the morning of the Sheffield gig where I got the text telling me the gig was postponed, can anybody confirm that the band are all currently in good health?
16 October 2013
Bobby SVARC
STE, Don’t worry man everything will be OK, You WILL go to the ball 🙂
16 October 2013
Bobby SVARC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKnoffPV8m0 Tomorrow’s Cover Song?…………….Surely Not!!
16 October 2013
BRUMBISCUIT
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yF83aaIV0Jo would be better. Unlikely though. Pringles £2.05, should they revive TFHGP as a live number. Alternatively, Joy in Leeuwarden as first song. First Brum gig for >17 years. Make the most of it.
16 October 2013
Krispo
Well, I’ve made a last minute decision to come to the gig tomorrow. Thankfully I’m off work so can travel to Birmingham any time. Are any of you wonderful people driving from Liverpool at all? A lift home would be very helpful, I would of course contribute towards petrol. If not I’ll find a hostel to get my head down in and get an early train back on Friday. I’m in work at 10.
16 October 2013
mac
The exit from New Street has changed following the part-refurb. It’s in Navigation Street, more like the second arrow after Point C: http://goo.gl/maps/ldoBY for pre-gig pubs.
16 October 2013
Dr Desperate
Still disappointed they didn’t play this as the cover at Bilston, 50 yards from Woody’s Bar, but maybe tomorrow, maybe this time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQEPYfXWWnI
16 October 2013
SIMON P
New material being unveiled …
17 October 2013
Simon
Holmfirth gig Sat Apr 19th (Easter weekend)
21 October 2013
Paddy
I have made a rather clumsy error and now find that I cannot attend the Northampton gig on November 29th. I therefore have two tickets that I am willing to let go for less than face value (£18). This also means I shall have to wait ’til March to see them in London. Any takers? Offers? Email me.
22 October 2013
NICE DRESS
Indeed, Holmfirth added to the gig list next April. Huzzah.
22 October 2013
Bobby SVARC
STE, See what I mean 🙂
22 October 2013
Bobby SVARC
Nice One Geoff.
24 October 2013
BrumBiscuit
Yay! One I can walk to!
When though, when? The Assembly site isn’t listing it yet.
24 October 2013
Chris The Siteowner
Pah. I had it on the Gig News and Breaking News pages much earlier this afternoon. Dunno why I bother sometimes. 🙂
24 October 2013
Bobby SVARC
I know you did me’duck, I noticed that no one else had said owt 🙂
24 October 2013
BrumBiscuit
I shall consider myself duly admonished…
24 October 2013
SIMON P
Excellent. 10 miles away. Great venue, last one at the Assembly was a corker.
25 October 2013
Brumbiscuit
At £16.50 at The Assembly it’s a veritable bargain compared to the £22.50 the shitty Assembly charged. Friday night, too.
26 October 2013
BrumBiscuit
Bugger me, I really must read my posts before clicking on submit. For the second “Assembly”, read “O2 Academy”!
26 October 2013
More like ken barlow
Thought I’d put a comment here prior to Illminster. ( I can’t make Northampton) With regards BUFC XI, Brumbiscuit have #11 Davitt, I have #9 McIntyre (sorry Dave Cooper). Rest are up for grabs I think.
8 November 2013
nigel
Anyone else staying in Northampton to watch the 2 strongest teams in League 2 go head to head on the Saturday?
12 November 2013
Chris The Siteowner
Is there an official pub for Northampton …or at least a recommendation?
22 November 2013
EXXO
I don’t know the town and don’t yet know if I’m going to this one, but the Malt Shovel has been mentioned twice above. The Moon on the Square (‘spoons) is a bit closer.
22 November 2013
Chris The Siteowner
Hmm, leaning towards The Moon on the Square, as it’s only a couple of minutes’ walk from both the car park (opposite the venue) and the venue itself. Feel free to suggest otherwise, local folk.
22 November 2013
jitsu_g
just had a look in this years good beer guide and The Malt Shovel stood out as looking particularly good. And it is on Bridge Street. HELLLLLLENNNNNN !
23 November 2013
Bobby SVARC
Never mind Chris (TSO), You’ll get over the result by Friday night , I might even buy you a glass of ale as a thank you for the 3 points, Good old Ted Nugent
23 November 2013
Dr Desperate
@Jitsu_G Blimey, welcome back! Been expecting telephone call, telling me…
(Can’t make Northampton, but we’ll be at Bristol.)
24 November 2013
nigel
Roadmender website says this lot are the support
http://www.shiftychickenshed.com/#!
24 November 2013
nigel
Oh, and don’t panic if you come into Northampton on a double decker, there is no overhead bridge in Bridge Street
25 November 2013
EXXO
See also post 632 above and do please sign said support band’s petition.
I see that the Pythons sold out 20,000 seats in 43 seconds this morning and then another 4 nights “added” and sold out within the next hour, call it 100,000 tickets, about 8 million quids worth I’d guess, mostly to corporate touts no doubt.
Meanwhile plenty of tickets still left for the Roadmender.
25 November 2013
BrumBiscuit
4,954th signee. Worthy cause. Only 46 more to go, though for what, I’ve no idea. I’m more a fan of further south in Shropshire, but I should explore up north one of these fine beer festivals.
25 November 2013
GRAHAM PAINE
Looks like an early start at Northampton on Friday as there is a night club event at the Roadmender later and doors open at 7. Does anyone know when Nigel and co are likely to be starting/finishing as I have to get a train and the last one leaves Northampton at 22.55?
25 November 2013
nigel
8.30 to 10.30 according to this so plenty of time to get from the gig to castle station for your 22.55.
25 November 2013
GRAHAM PAINE
Thanks Nigel – I had failed to spot that when looking at the Roadmender website.
26 November 2013
Rich Scopie
For Northampton beer, the Malt Shovel’s excellent, although quite a hike from the venue, the Wig and Pen’s very good, esp. if you want to eat – again, a bit of a trek, the Moon on the Square’s a lot closer and decent for a Wetherspoon, and I’ve also been recommended the Lamplighter.
27 November 2013
Chris the siteOwner
Cheers Rich. Looks like we might end up either scattered to the four winds or doing a pub crawl. I’ll be in the Moon on the Square from about 6pm, all being well. Do say hi, any site regulars! I’ll be the 50-year-old bloke in the Dukla Prague away shirt. Oh. That might not help. I’ll be with a couple of ladies. That might.
27 November 2013
Bobby SVARC
Not wearing your Ipswich top then flower?
27 November 2013
Age-old Eel
Hi Chris.
Nice shirt.
28 November 2013
Steve field
I’ve known the bar at the Roadmender to be a bit difficult. With this in mind we’ll be getting a couple in beforehand at the Lamplighter
28 November 2013
Proud salopian
Re: Post 670
Nigel, I will be stopping over as my sister lives in Silverstone. As much as I would love to visit Sixfields on Saturday (last time I was there I saw 9 goals, 7 for my lot) I will be travelling a little further south and east to Stevenage to see if the mighty Salop can pick up their first away win of the season.
29 November 2013
Rich Scopie
Chris – were you the bloke with a mate who managed to look like both David Moyes and Ronnie Jepson?
2 December 2013
Chris The Siteowner
I’m not sure either of the ladies I was with would hold their hands up to that description.
2 December 2013
Rich Scopie
No. To be fair, there were quite a few DPAKs in the Moon on the Square. Including mine. 🙂
2 December 2013
James
I can’t make the Bristol gig anymore, so I’m selling a train ticket from Taunton to Bristol, a family room at the Travelodge, and a ticket for the gig. Would prefer to sell them all together if possible. Also have a train ticket back to Manchester the day after Bristol on the off chance anyone wants to come up here.
4 December 2013
CARRIE
Is anyone travelling to the Leamington gig from the Notts./Derby area? Would gladly share expenses, just one – I have no (HMHB-appreciating) friends!:(
7 December 2013
Bobby SVARC
I Will be going from Leicester but the gig is 4 month away.
7 December 2013
Charlie
I’m heading over from the in-laws in Rugby, but trying to avoid the drive.
7 December 2013
CARRIE
I know it’s premature Bobby Svarc, I’d normally train it and stay in accommodation, but come April, there’s a good possibility I’ll be unemployed.
8 December 2013
sharon
Can anyone suggest accommodations within walking distance of the Ilminster gig? The Square & Compass Inn is booked up for that night. We’re a couple of Yanks trekking out there for the show.
12 December 2013
No Legs Best
New gig – King George’s Hall, Blackburn on Saturday 24 May.
13 December 2013
LeN h
Sharon The Square and Compass is fairly isolated and I’m not sure there is anything within walking distance especially in January. Your best bet is to look on the internet for a bed and breakfast in Ashill/Broadway/Horton.
I’m fairly local so I can ask around and post anything I may find on here.
16 December 2013
neil g
Can someone please tell me why the band never seem to play any gigs close to home? I live just up the road from Tranmere in Ellesmere Port (I must have been a great sinner in a previous life) and, for various reasons, I can’t get away to the West Country or Oxford or Cambridge or Sheffield or Leeds or any of the other places that they play. Why are there no gigs in Liverpool, Birkenhead or Chester? I’ve been waiting for a long time to see a gig within about fifty miles of here.
17 December 2013
Len H
For accommodation close to the Square and Compass these two pubs are about 2 miles away and have good reviews for their food around the office, unfortunately no one has tried the rooms as we live here and have our own houses.
http://thebellinnbroadway.co.uk/
http://www.thefivedials.co.uk/
17 December 2013
CHARLES EXFORD
When you confabulate all the sometimes contradictory answers & hints that NB57 gives in answer to this question, Neil, it seems to boil down to something like … I generally don’t like the extra fuss & attention that comes with local gigs, but I don’t rule them out either.
The answer in one interview about not wanting to get asked to play a neighbour’s son’s twenty-first (or something like that?) is a lovely combination of this and of the usual self-deprecation.
But you can imagine the fuss – getting asked for photos, interviews, freebies for mates of mates, support slots, won’t you play a benefit for the striking bee-keepers? Which all could lead to getting recognised more and having people coming up to you in shops and saying ‘why don’t you write a song about….’ Real horrorshow.
It’s a lot easier if you can just say (via Geoff) ‘won’t be getting there till just before the gig and have to get straight off after.”
Result – your neighbours, teh people down the precinct and most of the people round you at the match don’t even know you’re in a band, and you can cary on getting by doing music without having to do any of “the business”.
(Just guessing – I’m no Mr. Spokesman and I don’t know what anyone thinks).
17 December 2013
jitsu_g
Blackburn appears to be a town devoid of hotels. Looks like a nice venue though. Bit of a change from soulless concrete nightclub types
21 December 2013
Bobby SVARC
It makes no odds to me but I think that’s the evening of the Champions League final
21 December 2013
Bobby SVARC
I really ought to try and make the gig at Blackburn, I rejected Layer terms to go there in 1975.
…I read the news today, oh boy.
21 December 2013
Dr Desperate
I shall be at Blackburn, oh yes. The last time I was at the King George’s Hall was in 1978, to see The Rezillos supporting The Gang of Four. I don’t think there were any decent hotels there then (but there were 4000 holes).
22 December 2013
Sharon
Thanks, Len, for the tips! Both of those options look outstanding. Is there taxi service in the area, or if not, would anyone be willing to offer us a lift for a pint or two? Also we’re thinking it might be better for us to stay closer to the train station in Taunton for an early departure the next morning.
25 December 2013
More like ken barlow
Me and little brother are staying at the Premier Inn near Taunton for the Illminster gig. I’ll have room for two big uns or three little uns if anyone is looking for transport from there. Chris, feel free to give anyone my email address. (Just email me – Chris)
26 December 2013
LeN h
Sharon if you decide to stay at one of the pubs in Broadway I would be happy to give you a lift as I have to go past there on my way to the gig. Also I would say a taxi from there to the station should take abot half an hour on a Saturday morning.
27 December 2013
Jimathon
Long time site reader, short time commenter (around six seconds so far). I’ve decided 2014 is a year of pointless aspirations, so I’m going to try to get to every HMHB gig, safe in the knowledge there’ll probably not be too many. Hope to meet some of you along the way.
30 December 2013
DESMON
ILMINSTER GIG JANUARY 17TH
Due to highly regrettable circumstances, am unable to go to the HMHB gig below (which is at a great venue) so I have two tickets for sale.
Friday 17th Jan 2014 – The Barn at The Square & Compass, Ashill, Ilminster
I’d like to sell them at face value but would consider a reasonable offer – the tickets are ‘E-tickets’ bought from wegottickets.com and are transferrable, so there will be no difficulty in anyone (other than myself as the purchaser of the tickets) attending having transferred the tickets in this way.
For reassurance, the policy is here: http://www.wegottickets.com/faqs/19#faq
Chris, please give anyone who is interested my Email address. Thanks.
DESMON
5 January 2014
Michael
Ilminster will be my first ever HMHB gig – excited doesn’t do it justice – any chance of Paintball & Oven Gloves on the set list ?? Roll on Friday
7 January 2014
Bobby SVARC
“Roll on Friday”? It’s a week on Friday (17th) Michael.
7 January 2014
Dr Desperate
JDOG is pretty much a permanent fixture on the setlist, @Michael; Paintball’s a much longer shot. As far as I know it was last played at Newcastle in November ’12. Have a great time at The Square and Compass – I’m just as excited about Bristol O2 the following night.
(Any news from Bristolians about the weather down there? Any flooding?)
7 January 2014
Michael
thanks Bob – you’ve saved me a hell of a bar tab
8 January 2014
Justin Derbyshire
Looks like I’ve got two spares for Ilminster if anyone wants ’em. Can meet any takers at the venue or, if preferred, can do that re-allocation thing. Giz a shout on ‘ere or email me through Chris. Cheers.
9 January 2014
Dr Desperate
Any pub suggestions for Bristol at all?
12 January 2014
James
I’m still looking to sell these:
Train ticket from Taunton to Bristol
A family room at the Bristol Central Mitchell Lane Travelodge
A a ticket for the Bristol gig
Train ticket back to Manchester the day after
12 January 2014
EXXO
For various reasons our preparations for the ‘Trouble over Ilminster’ mini-tour 2014 have only been made today, so had to cast the net quite wide for accommodation in Scrumpyland. Appropriately enough we could have gone for the Ammonite Lodge or we could have checked out the Quantocks suite at a nearby b&b …. but let’s face it, dirt track to a darker place and all that, don’t want to get talking. Let’s book the Travelodge.
See you in the Square and Compass for tea folks.
15 January 2014
Jimathon
I’m heading to both the Ilminster and Bristol gigs, hopefully meet some of you chaps and chappesses there. Decided to cycle from the first gig to the other, mainly because this means I’ll go through Bridgwater on the way. Unfortunately I suspect they might all be reasonably underwater still.
Any locals from the area reading this? Is bringing my bike with me a totally mad idea?
Cor, I’m excited.
15 January 2014
Lenh
Jimathon it depends how experienced and confident a cyclist you are. At the moment you would have to stick to the main roads (A358 and A38) for most of the route through Somerset which are two of the busiest roads in the county. Oh and be prepared to be disappointed by Bridgwater.
16 January 2014
EXXO
I heard the Old Rhyme had broke its banks and there’s a flurry of slurry in North Curry.
But it turns out it’s the Old Rhyne with an ‘n’ so maybe I misheard.
16 January 2014
lenh
Rhyne is pronounced “reen” – a little local knowledge to help people fit in.
16 January 2014
Dave
Any suggestions for pre/post gig drinks in Bristol? Never been
18 January 2014
Dr Desperate
Tried The Drawbridge last night (on a Bristol mini-break pre-gig) and found it a bit of a disappointment, if truth be told. Couple of decent ales but no atmosphere apart from what was coming through a hole in the ceiling, If you do decide to go and want to play pool, don’t stand at the rack end of the table if it’s raining out (and in). I think we’ll be heading for The Hatchet (oldest pub in Bristol, apparently).
18 January 2014
Phyllis TRiggs
According to the venue website the band are on at 9 tonight. So plenty of time for an ale beforehand.
18 January 2014
sharon
Len, belated thanks for the offer of a ride! We managed to get a lift from some kindly folks on here and had a fantastic time at the show.
25 January 2014
MickeyMo
I bumped into Carl Henry again at the Liverpool beer festival on Friday (scary photographic evidence available on the HMHB Facebook page – probably NSFW). He said they have ten songs complete, a few others ‘work in progress’ and the new album is due later this year. See you at Holmfirth and Blackburn was my witty riposte.
23 February 2014
Dr Desperate
Excellent news indeed Mike, thanks. Looking forward to H & B too.
23 February 2014
Dagenham dave
I’ve got a spare ticket for the Shepherds Bush gig, face value for anyone who fancies it.
26 February 2014
Rubber Faced Irritant
I also have a spare ticket A pint of bitter will secure. I believe CtSO kindly does his Sky Andrew bit and masterminds such transactions if you care to email him.
16 March 2014
Chris the siteowner
Do we have a designated pub before the Shepherds Bush gig?
17 March 2014
Paddy
I will be in the Defectors Weld purely on proximity to venue, but I don’t really recommend it. There is a Brewdog pub on the Goldhawk Road a couple of seconds away. But the best pub in the area is the Duchess of Cambridge. If you can be arsed and have the time it is worth getting on a 237 bus it’s about a mile away. 50p discount if you are a CAMRA man and Dave and Barbara will refer you to the blackboard. Very excited.
17 March 2014
John aNDERSON
I’ll be in the Defector’s Weld with my wife and daughter around 7pm prior to the gig.
17 March 2014
Paddy
I will be wearing a Look Dad No Tunes t shirt which is about 5 sizes too big for me.
17 March 2014
Brumbiscuit
I am very envious of you darn sarf. Leamington’s my next gig. I am hoping to show up with two lilac Harry Quinns; one kosher, one jarg. The kosher one is proving to be both time-consuming and troublesome, mainly down to my cack-handedness. Neither Sturmey Archer nor Campagnolo on either machine. I’m on Shimano Exage now, ain’t you heard?
17 March 2014
jedenáct československých ligových titulů
I’m after two Stalls Standing tickets for Shepherds Bush – if DD’s and RFi’s tickets are still available (and are standing) i’lll take them?
Paddy – what’s the name of the BrewPub on GHR? Ta.
19 March 2014
Paddy
Hi I think it is just called Brewdog, 15-19 Goldhawk Road. It’s opposite the O Neills a few doors up, you can’t miss it. It has some very strong beers (all kegged mind) and some of them are eye wateringly expensive. But a nice enough place. If the Defectors gets too packed and too annoying (Friday night is cocktail night and they can’t pull a pint, you always, always have to ask them to top it up) I might decamp to the Brewdog. But as said if anyone gets there early enough and has the time I would recommend the Duchess of Cambridge.
19 March 2014
Chris The Siteowner
Cheers Paddy. Not sure we’ll be there too early, so based on your advice, we plan to look in at the Defectors Weld, and if it’s annoying, decamp to the Brewdog. As usual, if anyone finds themselves in the same place, do come and say hi. I’m the bloke in the maroon and yellow top. Oh.
19 March 2014
Third Rate Les
Yeah – I’ll be in the maroon and yellow top, getting near middle age; losing my hair a bit, drinking some kind of ale. You can’t miss me.
Ooooh looking forward to this one.
19 March 2014
PADDY
Great will look you out for you chaps. In the interests of fairness I should I suppose mention a few other pubs in the area. Opposite the Defectors is The Green which is a bit rough and ready but ok. Above the run down shopping centre (opposite Westfield the posh shopping centre) is a Wetherspoons. There is the Adelaide about quarter of a mile up the Uxbridge Road which is now a bit gastro but does a decent pint of Harvey’s. Of course next to the venue is an O’ Neill’s. The more they try to recreate the craic (spare us) of home, the more miserably they fail. Please do say hi if you spot me.
19 March 2014
Jason
I have 1 spare standing for Friday. I will be in the boozers around the venue from about 7 pm. Alternatively I will be in London for most of the day. No idea how you contact me on here though.
19 March 2014
Simon
Stage Times
J D Meatyard: 7.45pm
Half Man Half Biscuit: 8.45pm
20 March 2014
Paddy
Breaking news. The O’Neill’s pub next to the venue is now closed.
20 March 2014
G100
Does anyone know what the support act are like for tonight? It will determine how much of a rush I’m in to get there.
21 March 2014
exxo
It’s Probe Plus veteran JD Meatyard’s intense folk. Quite direct and hard-hitting. Deserves a wider audience, but obvious drawbacks for this sort of thing in a large theatre of chattering sceptics. Always hard to know whether anyone else will like the support. Youtube recommended.
As for the main course, I hope there will again be a youtube video debut-ing a mysterious new song with unfathomable lyrics ‘cos of utterly appalling sound quality, like there was at this venue 3 years ago.
21 March 2014
Paddy
I listened to a few of his songs on YouTube last night and were pretty decent. He was wearing an Achtung Bono t shirt in one of the videos which obviously endeared him.
21 March 2014
Bobby SVARC
John has took over tonights support slot from Roja, Simon Bradshaw is to become a dad very soon. JD was in for the support slot at Lembo but that won’t happen now.
21 March 2014
Bobby SVARC
Biscuiteer 6/1 Wins on Gig Night!!
21 March 2014
Paddy
Apologies to everyone for mentioning the Defector’s Weld and the Brewdog, how God awful where they? apart from the pubs, apart from the terrible sound, apart from the awful Guinness in the venue this was one hell of a brilliant occasion. Song after song after song of Nigel genius. Thank you so much. Hard to single out a favourite moment but We Built This Village was utterly amazing. happy days.
22 March 2014
Bobby SVARC
http://www.probe-plus.co.uk/index.php/news
23 March 2014
Brumbiscuit
Bobby Svarc has started the Leamington gig build up elsewhere by suggesting The Talbot as a pre-gig venue. I’ll not argue with that, though I am a Talbot virgin. Everything I’ve heard about the place is good though. It’s not the closest pub to the venue – that goes to The Avenue right opposite the venue and OK. There’s the Jug and Jester, a Wetherspoons place about 150 yards away too. OK, but it’s a Friday night & the gate won’t be low.
Looking at Google Maps, you’ll see that the canal takes you conveniently from the station to The Talbot. Nice walk it can be too. However, it’s been something of a muggers’ hangout the last couple of years by the Clemens Street bridge*. OK if you’re a group, but maybe not so if you’re on your own. This being Royal Leamington Spa, you’ll be asked nicely before being robbed, of course. There is a perfectly good road route to The Talbot. Make sure you see the mural on the pub wall.
*Right by the local (tory) MP’s office. And a right, short-arsed, jumped up twat he is too.
23 March 2014
Charlie
I’m thinking of the Wild Boar in Warwick, brewpub a couple of miles away I think. Does anyone know any more about it?
23 March 2014
Brumbiscuit
The Wild Boar is about 200 yards from my house. A bit sedate, though a lovely pub. If you want to do Warwick, I’d suggest the Punch Bowl. Much more rock ‘n’ roll and it is run by the team that made the Wild Boar as good as it is. I still think Bobby’s Talbot idea is the one to go for personally, if only for logistical reasons.
24 March 2014
bobby svarc
We used the Talbot in 2011, cracking pint, Proper pub
24 March 2014
Bobby SVARC
I’d like to have a mosey down George Street in Leamington if we have the time, spent a bit of time down there in the Eighties, there was a pub called the Colonnade, I don’t suppose it’s still there now.
24 March 2014
Brumbiscuit
“Pubs & Bars in the CAMRA Heart of Warwickshire Area“
24 March 2014
Charlie
Thanks for the heads up on the Punchbowl and the Wild Boar. The Talbot sounds like a good bet too. Cheers lads.
25 March 2014
BrumBiscuit
The Punch Bowl has just won the Heart of Warwickshire CAMRA Pub of the Year Award.
Is anyone going to the Leamington gig in a Barnstoneworth United Kit? Anyone going as Crapper?
3 April 2014
Charlie
Thanks for this Brumbiscuit, will deffo pop in beforehand on the way to the Talbot.
4 April 2014
BrumBiscuit
@Charlie. Let me know what time. We’ll be cycling into Leamington, but could easily divert to the PB. The food there is good, so it would be an alternative to filling up at a generic Wetherspoons. Are you local?
5 April 2014
Charlie
Will do. Timings are a little up in the air at the moment, but we are driving over to Rugby (where my wife’s family come from) from Norwich via Bletchley Park. Hoping to get into the P and PB between 5 and 6 if I’m lucky.
7 April 2014
BrumBiscuit
We’ll be heading off from Warwick about 6 on the bikes, so may not be around if you’re much later. How are you getting to Warwick? If it’s the train (which seems unlikely seeing as you’re coming from Rugby) then the Wild Boar is about a minute from the station. Make sure you exit via the hospital exit, not the town centre one. Then turn right at the bottom of the steps (though not an immediate right down the back alley sort-of road) and walk about 100 yards to the end of the road, turn left and you’ll see the WB. Getting to the Punch Bowl is somewhat more convoluted. I would do a Google map for you, but a) it’s so close it would be silly and b) the map of the area is wrongly & confusingly labelled.
To be honest, if you’re on public transport, you’ll be on the bus from Rugby to Leamington and you’ll get to Leamington before Warwick, so best stay there, I reckon. If you have a nominated driver (poor sod), parking is easier at the PB than the WB.
7 April 2014
BrumBiscuit
Well, having said that all above, I have been having a chat with the manager of the Punch Bowl. Her kids go to my kid’s school, so not tricky.
Anyway, the PB will knock 10p off a pint for anyone wearing a DPAS/K or summat HMHB-related. I’m hoping the Harry Quinn counts.
https://www.facebook.com/ThePunchbowlWarwick?fref=ts
Ask for (the very fetching) Ellie and mention me (Andy) to make sure of the discount.
8 April 2014
EXXO
Do you have to mention yourself (Andy) yourself when you ask yourself whether the Harry Quinn(s)count or not?
8 April 2014
Brumbiscuit
Well, EXXO, I shall ask at school in about 20 minutes. Maybe only 5p for the jarg one?
8 April 2014
Bobby SVARC
Friday’s Cover……………Hopefully
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEkvrzimU5c
8 April 2014
Rubber Faced Irritant
I’ll second that Mr Svarc. One day when I find an hour to spare, and I’m not prostrate at the Temple of Bacchus, I will post my fantasy setlist. 20 songs plus a 4 song encore, including a cover. All I can say with any certainty is that the cover would be Last Night a DJ Saved My Life. No better reason than it has a fabulous bassline which Neil would play with aplomb.
8 April 2014
Krispo
Hi guys, if anyone is driving to the Blackburn gig (or indeed any gig in the long run, really) from Merseyside and would be kind enough to offer me a lift, (I will of course chip in for petrol) I would be very grateful.
9 April 2014
Bobby SVARC
Running Order For Friday
http://probe-plus.co.uk/index.php/news
Cheers
9 April 2014
bobby svarc
Biscuiteer runs today at Wolves, Spooky, the last time it ran it won, on March the 21st, night of the Shepherds Bush gig
11 April 2014
floreat ultonia
Evening of Swing, all.
I’m wimping out tonight as a recent bout of migraine leaves me wary of anything too loud. Wishing you all an enjoyable gig in sunny Leam.
11 April 2014
Dr Desperate
Sympathies, FU (but I told you 158 times I can’t stand little notes on my pillow).
11 April 2014
Dr Desperate
Holmfirth – The Nook?
16 April 2014
Dr Desperate
(which used to be The Rose & Crown)
16 April 2014
Craig Larner
Looking forward to Holmfirth on Saturday. Travelling over from Dublin just for the gig, so Nigel et al, if you read these, how about a shout out for your fans in Ireland, who never get the chance to see you in concert without paying extravagant amounts of money on ferries, accommodation , petrol, and, erm, beer?
Thank you.
17 April 2014
Jitsu_G
We shall be in the Nook for a pre gig shandy.
And hopefully a bit of explore round town earlier in the day
17 April 2014
EXXO
You there tonight then Chris ? Look forwardtoseeing you if so. The ‘drome is just an ace venue in every possible way.
I don’t understand twitter, when someone is saying something or when they’re just repeating what someone else said (or their lyrics) for no apparent reason, but I’m guessing that’s your ticket over there >?
Mrs E. not well but at least that means I’ve managed to persuade her she doesn’t have to be an Easter martyr and drive to Bristol & back for a good cause & this may mean she feels well enough to accompany me tonight instead.
19 April 2014
EXXO
Incidentally, come the new album, HMHB reference completists who drove in a leisurely fashion to and from this Holmfirth gig may regret it if they didn’t make the pleasant 13-mile detour across Saddleworth Moor to Delph.
19 April 2014
Mickeymo
Just standing at Oxford Rd station waiting for my connection to Huddersfield for tonight’s gig. I’ll be the one in the Half Man Half Century t-shirt and the burning red face following being unexpectedly caught in the sun at a rugby league game yesterday. Panda eyes also available for viewing.
19 April 2014
Chris the sIteowner
Just leaving Todmorden (base for the weekend), swinging through Huddersfield to pick up a mate, should be in Holmfirth by 6. See you all there!
19 April 2014
fred titmusa
What time will they be on in Blackburn. Working til 8. Cheers
4 May 2014
korpuskrypto
Long time listener, 1st time caller. PLEASE HELP! Does ANYONE know details (dates, support etc) of either of the gigs the lads played at Gullivers in Grimsby circa ’93 & ’95? I attended both and both were most splendid but, being a mere youth, the stats are lost to time. Perhaps the fixtures of the time may hold some light? Thankin yer.
4 May 2014
Dr Desperate
JD Meatyard supporting at Blackburn (if Facebook is anything to go by).
6 May 2014
Dr Desperate
Pubs, Blackburn? Any thoughts?
20 May 2014
Dr Desperate
Anyone staying over in Blackburn after Saturday’s gig might be interested in the free festival taking place four miles down the road in Darwen, on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.
http://www.darwenlive.com/Darwen_Live/Welcome.html
21 May 2014
Jitsu_G
East Lancs CAMRA website has 4 pubs near to the venue. Jubilee, Sun Hotel, Zy Bar, Postal Order. Not being a local I wouldn’t like to vouch for any of these. Any local knowledge out there ?
23 May 2014
Simon smiTh
Blackburn lad at your service. Zy Bar is not for the faint-hearted. Transvestism holds sway. Swan is The Flying Bottle- a UKIP paradise. Postal Order is a Wetherspoons with all the pros and cons that entails. Jubilee is a Curates Egg depending on clientele. The ale is appalling.
The Charles Napier is favourite in the area. Perhaps ‘Live Lounge’ if you like bottled ponce beer and Coldplay.
23 May 2014
jitsu_g
cheers for the heads up Simon. Was planning on getting into town around tea time so could be an interesting pre gig pint or 3.
23 May 2014
Simon smiTh
For ‘Sun’ read ‘Swan’; they are practically next door to each other on the Barbary Coast.
23 May 2014
Dr Desperate
The Charles Napier it is then. (Until proved otherwise, I’ll assume it’s named after the bloke who played space hippy Adam in Star Trek.)
http://www.dangermouse.net/blog/images/trek/TheWayToEden.jpg
24 May 2014
EXXO
If i’d have have been able to make it tonight Simon I’d have definitely offered to but you a pint and asked to hear those 80’s roadie stories. But after a day that has brought me within a few miles of Blackburn I have painted myself into a corner in Blackpool. So near yet so far. Have a good ‘un.
24 May 2014
Chris The Siteowner
Ritz, Manchester in November – see News page for ticket link.
27 May 2014
NIGEL SCOTT
late November looking good. Carter usm on 21.11 and biscuits on 28.11
27 May 2014
Krispo
Finally somewhere I can go to from Liverpool in a day! Very exciting news. Gonna listen to all them gig recordings from the start again!
28 May 2014
warden hodges
Re Krispo, agreed we could be back at Lime St and in The Crown by 10pm if the gig is a 6.30 (?) start.
31 May 2014
Krispo
I didn’t realise that it was an early KO. I wonder why that is.
Aye, certainly bodes well for a good session when we get back anyway!
2 June 2014
Jitsu_G
Last time they played the Ritz it was an earlyish finish as they have a club night afterwards. Think they were on stage about 8
3 June 2014
Kendo nagasaki
Very much looking forward to seeing the mighty biscuit back in Manchester in November. was hoping they drop a new album before then. it feels like one is due. Has anyone heard any whispers to this end?
7 June 2014
BrumbiscUit
With a near four-month wait to the Robin2 gig in Bilston, all I could do was to go onto Google Maps Street View to check out the bike locking possibilities outside the gig. There appears to be a very handy signpost almost outside. Leamington was very poor for that. Anyone want a jarg Harry Quinn?
22 June 2014
Bobby SVARC
http://www.o2academyleicester.co.uk/event/68734/half-man-half-biscuit-tickets
17 July 2014
BrumbiscUit
What’s the Academy like in Leicester? If it’s as bad as the Brum one, I’ll stick with the Bilston gig. Mind you, The Criterion does do very nice pizzas!
17 July 2014
Bobby SVARC
Sound as a pound, it’s the old Queens Hall, Leicester Uni.
17 July 2014
Paul f
“melodic, high energy indie folk songs” – a musical description to rival Flight of the Conchords’ “guitar-based digi-bongo acapella-rap-funk-comedy folk”.
17 July 2014
Krispo
Bugger! I’ve just realised, I’m going to Germany for Wolfsburg v Everton in November and I don’t land until 10:30pm on the day of the Manchester gig. Bloody fixture clash! I therefore have potentially 3 (I’m not sure if the other 2 will fancy it now that I can’t go as they don’t know each other, I will have to give them first refusal on my ticket though) so if anyone is interested contact me on Twitter (@Krispo1878)
4 September 2014
Charlie
Hello everyone. I’m heading west to the Leicester gig. Two questions are there any real ale pubs in Leicester I shouldn’t miss? (that are non GBG). I say this because where we live in Norwich, the Coach and Horses a Chalk Hill brew pub, never makes it in. Also does anyone know my best way back to Rugby by train? I’ve checked, but I can’t find a half decent route.
Cheers, Charlie
21 September 2014
Bobby SVARC
Leicester to Nuneaton then change for Rugby, After 10.30pm you’ve no chance.
Plenty of real ale (twats) boozers, Swan and Rushes, Critereon,The Pub and The Last Plantagnet. And The Ale Wagon.
21 September 2014
EXXO
What when it’s Curry Night at the ‘spoons?
If Leicester score a late winner here Micky I’ll even buy you a pint.
(As opposed to my usual cans from Aldi in the park routine).
21 September 2014
EVENYORE
Wooooohoooooo
Pint for you on the 23rd October Micky lad
The famous Man United went to Rome to see the Pope
The famous Man United went to Rome to see the Pope
The famous Man United went to Rome to see the Pope
And this is what he said ….
21 September 2014
EXXO
I’m serious about Wetherspoons cos they do the cheapest Thai curry in Leicester and after this afternoon all things Thai are surely to be supported.
21 September 2014
Bobby SVARC
Jamie Vardy’s having a party, you bring the vodka and I’ll bring the charlie. By the way Exxo, What time is it?……. 5 past United 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbRsrJuPMdA
21 September 2014
Charlie
Is anyone going back from the Leicester gig anywhere nearish (I’ll happily jump out and get a cab) to Rugby? I’ll happily share the petrol.
23 September 2014
Bobby SVARC
Charlie, I might be able to get you a lift to Lutterworth which is 10 miles nearer to Rugby, can’t promise but I’ll try for you
23 September 2014
Charlie
Thanks a million.
25 September 2014
bobby svarc
Leicester Advance Warning. A lot of city centre pubs and bars will be closed due to thousands of Chip Hawkes fans invading Leicester before that nights gig at the DeMont.
29 September 2014
BrumbiscUit
I’ve been pointed to the Swan and Rushes in Leicester. Any good?
As for Bilston, I’ll be in the Great Western near Wolvo Station and moving into Bilston later. The Olde White Rose, good though it is, has failed miserably to staff adequately for the last two gigs. I might try the Trumpet in the High St.
I’m a bit worried that I have to get the 23.22 from Wolvo with the Harry Quinn. Going to be tight.
30 September 2014
Bobby SVARC
Don’t go into City much so can’t help you.
30 September 2014
BrumBiscuit
http://www.swanandrushes.co.uk/
Nearer the venue than The Criterion according to someone local.
30 September 2014
WARDEN HODGES
Did like the look of the The Olde White Rose from the outside on a recent test run but with me bring a Bilston virgin, I’m gonna play it safe, bus from WV station- only about £2.
30 September 2014
BrumbiscUit
@WH: the Great Western is a stone’s throw from Wolvo train station. Great local beers and I might even have an early curry in town. Feel free to join us. CtSO might put us in touch, so we can exchange contact details. I’d be looking to hop onto the Metro about 7-7.30 to be in Bilston before 8 for a last pre-gig jar.
30 September 2014
jitsu_g
myself and Mrs J_G will also be in the GW with Brumbiscuit from about 6 ish. would agree about the OWR flattering to deceive a bit. Hop on the tram to the GW for a pre match shandy or two
30 September 2014
Dr Desperate
Righto, GW it is then (1/2 mile from the Metro stop, no bikes allowed on the tram, unfortunately, BB.). Any suggestions for curry night?
1 October 2014
BrumbiscUit
I seem to recall that some punters went to a Bilston curry house post-gig last time. Can you back track and find out where that was?
Pre-gig, if I have time, I may call in here: http://jivansbalti.com About as basic as they come and all the better for it. The fish starter is excellent if a little sparse in helping size. Unlicensed, so stock up from the fridge a few doors down. Afro-Caribbean place, so they do Guinness Foreign Export.
1 October 2014
CARRIE ANNE
Does anyone know if the trams will be running from Wolverhampton to Bilston for the gig, or is this just a rumour?
1 October 2014
BrumbiscUit
Didn’t know about that! Even the operator’s website’s vague. My mate works for Centro (he can’t do Bilston, as he’s ham-dramming it up in Walsall), so I’ll ask him. Watch this space.
1 October 2014
EXXO
The White Rose carvery was excellent value 4 years ago (not that we’ll be getting there in time for much pre-gig malarkey of any kind this time, if we make it at all).
1 October 2014
Dr Desperate
Right well, that explains why the network west midlands tram timetables don’t go any further than Priestfield: details here. There is a bus replacement service connecting Wolverhampton town centre to the end of the tram line.
1 October 2014
DARA
Fenstanton.
1 October 2014
Bobby SVARC
After wondering to myself whether or not it should actually be called a tram replacement service
1 October 2014
BrumbiscUit
Journey planner here. It’s an option, even an indulgence perhaps, to take a mini cab from the GW or walk back up to the station for a black cab. Only 2 1/2 miles, so shouldn’t break the bank. No backers on the HQ, sorry. I’m running 23s and they’re barely adequate for my carcass.
1 October 2014
CARRIE ANNE
Thanks for confirming that, I’ll investigate other travel options then.
1 October 2014
BrumbiscUit
You can still travel to Bilston from Birmingham Snow Hill on the Metro…
1 October 2014
Dr Desperate
Looks like the 79 bus is the best bet, running every 1/2 hour from opposite Prouds Lane and taking 1/4 hour to get to Wolves bus station stand R (or vice versa). Jivans Balti is apparently licensed now; the Bilston curry house favoured in 2010 was the India Gates, 50 yards from the gig.
1 October 2014
BrumbiscUit
Looks like Jivans has had a makeover. At least you can still take your iwn booze though. Due to circumstances, it’s looking likely that the Harry Quinn will not be making an appearance. Taking it along will make the homeward journey very awkward and preclude me from any post-gig beers.
2 October 2014
Bobby SVARC
Are you bringing it to Leicester?
2 October 2014
BrumbiscUit
Oh yes, I’m staying at the Travelodge there, so it’s a cert.
2 October 2014
BrumbiscUit
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Faux-Harry-Quinn-Bike-/161440780893?
Go on, you know you want it!
3 October 2014
CHARLES EXFORD
Our appeal against being cup-tied has fallen on deaf ears and we’re out of Bilston. Shocker.
Mick if I paypal you some cash will you do me the honours?
6 October 2014
Bobby SVARC
Exxo, No worries mate, There’s always Leicester
6 October 2014
Bobby SVARC
@Exxo, you have mail, Anyway I’ll nick a photo of Roy Wood for you as a memento of a great gig. (In other news: Leicester v Pool’ 2nd December now on BT Live 7.45)
7 October 2014
Bobby SVARC
Robin2 Bilston THIS THURSDAY – Still Tickets Available or Pay on the Door
Half Man Half Biscuit + jd meetyard
http://probe-plus.co.uk/index.php/news
7 October 2014
BrumbiscUit
A few of us will be meeting in Wolvo at the Great Western pub very close to Wolvo Station (but not easy to find!) about 6pm. I may go for a balti at Jivans about 5pm if it’s open then. The GW doesn’t do food. http://www.holdensbrewery.co.uk/where/4582983075
After that, it’s the 79 bus to Bilston about 7pm. We may poke our heads into the Olde White Rose to see how busy it is, otherwise it’s the Spoonies in the High St., or The Trumpet, a well-known local music pub.
8 October 2014
bobby svarc
Monmore, Hare’s Running…..First race 6.39 tonight, even money about it being the last song before the encore?
9 October 2014
Dr Desperate
Or even the last song before the second encore, like last time at Bilston?
9 October 2014
Phyllis triggs
Secret Gig as the opener? Assuming that they will be unveiling some new material.
9 October 2014
MORE LIKE KEN BARLOW
Hoping to get to Leicester next week. Any pre gig metting up for a pint been arranged yet?
15 October 2014
MORE LIKE KEN BARLOW
Its late – pre gig meeting up I mean. What is metting anyway?
15 October 2014
Dr Desperate
Academy website promises tongue-in-cheek Northern wit and melodic, high energy indie folk songs.
15 October 2014
BrumbiscUit
My mate who’s going out with a Leicester lass suggested this place: http://www.swanandrushes.co.uk/page2.html
I can’t vouch for it personally, but it is close to the gig, I think, although the website isn’t up to much.
My missus is, very unreasonably, booked in for some minor oral surgery that day, so I’m hoping the ‘minor’ element is indeed pertinent.
15 October 2014
bobby svarc
@Brumbiscuit: Met up with some proper Leicester lads last night and they use the Kings Head on King Street for their pre match, Black Country Ales first East Mids pub, they say you’ll no go far wrong there and also there the Ale Wagon which is good, They reckon that the gaffer at the S&R is horrible and hates football, a big rugger bugger
16 October 2014
BrumbiscUit
Thanks Micky. The Kings Head it is then? I like Black Country Ales pubs. Only found out after the gig at the Brum O2 Academy that their Craven Arms is two minutes away. I hope there isn’t a next O2 Academy time in Brum, but if there is I can console myself that there’s a good pub nearby.
16 October 2014
bobby svarc
Oh god that O2 Brum was awfull, I hated it. I think there’s a red line gone through it, GD stayed the night in a Premier Inn, he called at 3 before he got the right one, he called at one twice 🙂
16 October 2014
Bobby SVARC
Leicester Drinker
http://www.blackcountryales.co.uk/the-pubs/the-kings-head/
16 October 2014
EXXO
Jealous ‘ere. Charlie ruled out of another fixture. Mrs. E off on a far-flung football tour, with our usual dog-sitter amongst her team-mates. Just assumed another dog-sitter would be found but for various reasons it’s not happening (not least the old ctenocephalides canis -despite Muttley being up-to-date on his treatments, at this time of year there can just be the appearance of infestation so it’s not fair on people is it).
16 October 2014
EXXO
Too much unnecessary information there I suppose really – soz.
16 October 2014
SIMON P
If there is to be another Brum gig it should be at the Library at the Institute – far better venue for sound and general ambience and a couple of decent pubs nearby too.
16 October 2014
Bobby SVARC
Really looking forward to Thursday, The first time the Biscuits have played the Uni since 1986, unfortunately I’ve lost a bit of my brain since then so the memory isn’t too good but I think that Gone to Earth was the support and it was a good gig, The Uni was always my favourite venue in Leicester in the 70’s and 80’s, Shame that I missed Don back in 1973 (too young) as it was one of the last gigs that the magic band played together, of course there was the famous rumble between ‘The Ratae’ and The Who when Townshend was supposed to have decked “Big Roger” with his guitar, Daltrey got a cut head though, that was true!. I saw most of the punk bands there in the late 70’s, Ian Dury played a mega gig there when the Stiffs came to town in 1977, I’d love to find a Uni gigography for the Seventies and Eighties, Anyway the old Percy Gee is still rocking under it’s new O2 guise and Thursday should be a cracker.
19 October 2014
peter mcornithologist
@ Ah Bobby Svarc I am old enough to have to have seen the Captain in 1973-Newcastle city hall.It seems like yesterday-Big Eyed Beans Encore.Magnificent.
19 October 2014
Bobby SVARC
@Peter, This was the playlist from the Uni, One of my best muckers (now away with the fairies I’m sorry to say) went to the ’72 and ’73 Beefheart gigs in Leicester, he’s 5 years older than me
1973 Magic Band:
Don Van Vliet- Vocals, Harp
Bill Harkleroad ( Zoot Horn Rollo)- Guitar
Alex ( pyjama) St. Clair – Guitar
Mark Boston ( Rockette Morton )- Bass/guitar
Roy Estrada (Orejon) – Bass
Art Tripp ( Ed Marimba)- Drums
Hair Pie Bake III
Suction Prints
Sue Egypt
Mirror Man
Low Yo Yo Stuff;
Crazy Little Thing
Sugar N Spikes
I’m Gonna Booglarize Ya Baby;
Electricity
Peon
Sugar Mama
King Bee
19 October 2014
peter mcornithologist
Thank you Bobby.
19 October 2014
Bobby SVARC
Geoff (Davies) actually spoke to Don at a gig at the Liverpool Stadium in ’72, Unbelievable stuff, Geoff was in his element, I wish I could’ve taped it
19 October 2014
acidic regulator
Grrr
20 October 2014
Bobby SVARC
Looks like being a Frankie Miller (Full House) http://probe-plus.co.uk/index.php/news
21 October 2014
Bobby SVARC
Right I’m off, They’re digging Leicester up, Chip Hawkes is on at the DeMont, is Harry Roberts still in Leicester nick?, Anyway luckily I only live 8 miles away so I should be there by 6.00, I’ll see thee
23 October 2014
BrumbiscUit
We’ll be in the Kings Head about 6.30, I reckon. Any post-gig curry house recommendations?
23 October 2014
Bobby SVARC
@Brum: The Kayal on Granby Street is a good un so they say on my messageboard.
23 October 2014
Bobby SVARC
Also Brum: This gets rave reviews for its food if not for its decor. Close to the venue. Remember it’s Diwali weekend mind. Might need to book.
http://www.thecurryhouse.net
23 October 2014
BrumbiscUit
Thank you, sir! The Kayal got recommended by someone else too, so might be worth a try.
Barnstoneworth Utd or DP home top? Decisions, decisions!
23 October 2014
Bobby SVARC
I’d leave the 1980 Zulu shirt at home
23 October 2014
BrumbiscUit
The problem with the BUFC top is that it looks rather like a Stoke one. Not good.
23 October 2014
Dave
Anyone have an idea of stage times tonight?
23 October 2014
jitsu_g
edinburgh gig on a Saturday. wonder what are the chances of a double header with somewhere like Kendal the night before.
25 October 2014
warden hodges
Kendal was one of the warmest nights in history and first time I heard NB10 mention travel sweets covered in talcum powder. We shall see.
25 October 2014
Jitsu_G
Heres hoping – tickets for Edinburgh booked.
25 October 2014
Bobby SVARC
Don’t think it’ll happen somehow.
25 October 2014
EXXO
16,000th comment is a negative prediction about the likelihood of a gig. Seems appropriate.
Anyway Kendal is a nice Arts Centre and that but a shite venue for HMHB where only about 50 people can see at once, and if we moshed (which nobody did last time) probably only about 30.
Like we were all very polite about it in our reviews at the time, ‘cos dissing the venue is like dissing the lovely old dears who work there and it might seem like dissing the gig, but without dissing a great, great gig I want to put it on record now that it’s an unsuitable venue.
I don’t remember it being that warm outside (and we were camping). The dog was in the car outside the gig and there were no concerns about his welfare.
25 October 2014
Bobby SVARC
The 15,000th comment was Stoke Golding being on the new album, How close was that?
25 October 2014
EXXO
Suspiciously close, Mick. But then you probably already know where the band will be gigging when you post the 25,000th.
“I’m a mate of the bloke, a mate of the bloke,
Who makes the models for the bloke who does the P.A.”
25 October 2014
Bobby SVARC
Oh I don’t think so, 25,000? That’ll be about March time then
25 October 2014
Graeme stevenson
Who’s heading to Edinburgh at end of January 2015? Where are the pre gig drinks arranged for?
1 November 2014
Chris The Siteowner
That’s quick off the mark, Graeme. But for what it’s worth, count me in. Ticket already arrived, and £41 return flight with Ryanair from Stansted already booked. Even missing my team’s home match against Wigan, so it’d better be good. (Like it’d be anything else)
1 November 2014
EXXO
Is The Last Drop still good? Was there last time they played this venue – just round the corner – we should perhaps use the old Yahoo list to ask Pars Paul what he recommends.?
http://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/thelastdropgrassmarketedinburgh/
1 November 2014
EXXO
and right by the venue we were also in the Bow Bar afterwards
http://food.list.co.uk/place/22427-the-bow-bar/
1 November 2014
warden hodges
The very early Manc gig, may get train to Piccadilly as there’s a good Wetherspoons nearby then a slow walk up to the Oxford Rd area.
If all goes to plan, I’ll be back in Lime St by 11pm and Crosby before midnight.
1 November 2014
Jitsu_G
Booked flights & hotel for Edinburgh today. Not been to Edinburgh for about 20 yrs so I imagine it has changed a bit since then.
3 November 2014
EXXO
20 years? Isn’t that about when they started building the tram lines? They’ve nearly finished building half of what they promised for about three times the price. It slows the buses down though so its easier to cross the road. You won’t see much difference apart from that.
3 November 2014
Dr Desperate
Tickets for Manc now arrived, giving times as doors 6.30pm, curfew 10pm. However, I had an email earlier this week stating that doors were 7pm, curfew 11pm. I’ve checked with the venue, and the latter times are correct, giving us an extra half hour to get across the Pennines hoorah!
13 November 2014
STE C
Anybody know who the support at the Manchester gig is?
16 November 2014
TAYLO
I don’t know who the support is for Friday but I have heard rumours of some Brass involvement.
24 November 2014
EXXo
There had been rumours of an ‘early gig’, but now it looks like it’ll just be the (quite common nowadays) routine of set ending at 10.30 to allow building cleared by 11. So on stage about 8.30 or shortly after? That right as far as everyone knows ?
25 November 2014
EXXo
Not sure how I posted that without seeing Dr. Des’ post above. So it’s official, good stuff.
25 November 2014
TAYLO
I hope they park the Birkenhead Van Hire real close to the back doors because when Grimes played The Ritz in 2012 she had all her gear stolen whilst packing away!
Bloody mancs.
25 November 2014
MICK EZ
They have a proper van now with tinted windows and stuff, and unmarked.
25 November 2014
warden hodges
The now ‘later’ show will now mean a Lime St black cab on Black Friday. Miseryrail stinks of shit.
25 November 2014
MICK EZ
Hope that none of the band catch this bastard cough
25 November 2014
Markr
Any meets planned for Friday? We’re planning on being in town around 7.00 -7.30, Wetherspoons around the corner from the Ritz, but hoping for some better ideas…
26 November 2014
Dr Desperate
I had previously proposed The Temple, but on second thoughts it’s a bit small for meet purposes (it was previously an underground gents’ toilet, after all), and mainly provides a massive range of bottled beers, so might be the place for an the after-match lager.
In which case, The Salisbury on Oxford Rd opposite the Palace Hotel (behind the ghastly Grand Central, under the railway arch) would probably be a better choice.
“Retro boozer with good music; fantastic ales on tap and a great jukebox” according to Google reviewers.
26 November 2014
Jitsu_G
Salisbury looks good – not been in before but certainly handy for the Ritz.
26 November 2014
Dr Desperate
The Salisbury it is then, G. We’ll be in between 6 and 6.30 (depending on M62 traffic). Look out for CP Lee (ex-Alberto Y Lost Trios Paranoias), possibly also wearing a Hi-Vis jacket.
26 November 2014
Eric Olthwaite
I can’t make Manchester (new baby in the house so unfair on Mrs Olthwaite for me to go off gallivanting), but at the last one we went to the Peveril of the Peak. Near to the venue, cracking old pub. The Deuchar’s IPA was most pleasant.
26 November 2014
TAYLO
The Salisbury is very much a rockers pub so plenty of Futuredoom on the jukey. Won’t be able to make the boozer due to my role as The Fifth Biscuit’s roadie but might make The Paramount.
26 November 2014
Dr Desperate
Any Final Countdown progress, Taylo?
27 November 2014
TAYLO
2 songs, sworn to secrecy but it’s not The Final Countdown
27 November 2014
EXXO
Might as well just do ‘Victoria’ for the cover ‘cos that’s what’ll surely be getting another outing from the audience.
27 November 2014
Kendo Nagasaki
There is the Brewdog bar just the other side of st peters square for high quality craft beer and such, even font bar might be worth a trip, very “studenty” but they have some cracking beers on. I am hoping that, on this the ninth time i have been to see the mighty biscuit that the might bother to have learned something of Godcore. I will however not be surprised should this not turn out to be the case
27 November 2014
Jitsu_G
See you in the Salisbury Dr D.
Will be in town in the afternoon but got a plan to see the Vimto bottle and Turing memorial en route to pub
27 November 2014
CARRIE ANNE
With the fifth biscuit (possibly) joining the line-up tomorrow, we’re speculating on one of the new songs making a debut appearance, fingers crossed it will be “Adam Boyle”. As for the other, maybe the cynical at Christmas one?
27 November 2014
EXXo
Too early for Xmas song surely? Hopeful of ‘Gubba’ here.
Victoria, Victoria … Oxford Road, Piccadilly.
27 November 2014
Bobby SVARC
They sang it at Norfamtun last year.
27 November 2014
Geordie Paul
I am quite excited about this gig. My last was 2 years ago at the O2 in Newcastle. I wanted to go to Holmfirth in the summer but it didn’t work out. I’ve got the train tickets and seat booked. Pub accommodation for the night. Finally managed to print out my ticket, and I have worked out how to get out of work in time to comfortably make the 1358 from Kendal station. So I’m all set.
I’ll be going to The Peveril of the Peak, The Briton Protection, The Circus Tavern, Corbieres. I’ll be half cut by the time the gig starts but that’s the way I like it.
Do you think that we’ll hear some of the new songs for the first time live tomorrow?
It’d be cool to say I was there first time Westward Hope was played. Especially in Manchester as it sounds like a Joy Division song with a Carry On lyric.
Never been to The Ritz before, Smiths played their first gig there.
Looking forward to it all, see you themorra.
27 November 2014
STE C
The Salisbury is a bit of a rockers pub. Slipknot and Korn tee shirts to the fore.
28 November 2014
bobby svarc
Blackwell Friday, Enjoy the show folks.
28 November 2014
EXXO
That’s good enough to be nicked for the title of an online review by some pretentious blogger that is Mick: Blackwell Friday Saves Hundreds from Pre-Xmas Shite Day.
All puns gratefully received.
28 November 2014
Ste c
Support is Broken Men. Liverpool band that sound a bit like Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Made up with this, I really like them.
28 November 2014
EXXO
“while they will happily gush about their hometown (“it’s a boss vibe”), they’ve got their sites firmly set beyond Liverpool.
Drummer Mike Bennett says: “It’s very important for us to think outside of Liverpool, to instantly move out of Liverpool. Imagine playing 15 shows here in a year – no one’s gonna give a shit in 20 minutes.
You’ve got to get off straight away. It’s not a disrespect to Liverpool, it’s that you can’t just stay.” When the band played a show in Rome last year the city made a huge impression on them.
Mike: “Rome inspired Broken Men as a whole. We’re walking around parks and there’s loads of broken statues – men. Videos and design; loads of it’s based on ideas that come from Rome – Rome’s made up of broken fucking rock, broken stone broken everything.”
The vintage feel of the videos the band have released, as well as the moody artwork posted on their Facebook site, give the band a distinct aesthetic and they insist it’s something they will continue to explore alongside the music. As for the future, the band have plans to play in New York this year and will soon be announcing tour dates closer to home.
One thing is for sure though, the band have momentum: Says Mike: “We wanna move, we wanna keep moving. 2013 is for movement.”
No doubt after a warm reception from the Biscuits’ crowd and a few listens to ‘Mileage Chart’, 2015 will be for staying at home.
28 November 2014
John rufford
I have a spare ticket for Ritz available for £15. Will meet at door.
Text 07854 365 814 to arrange
28 November 2014
Ste c
According to Broken Men Facebook page, they are on at 7:45pm with HMHB at 9pm.
28 November 2014
Dr Desperate
Blackwell Merry Night, everyone (one for the Carthyites, there).
28 November 2014
EXXO
On the off-chance that anyone who knows Stuart Vallantine’s face and knows mine could introduce as we pass by tonight, I would love to shake that man’s hand. I’d love to pore over maps with him too but that will have to wait.
Not got much time before or after gig but will see a few of you in there no doubt. Apparently we’ll be in the Lass O’Gowrie while the support are on.
As of last night Mrs. Exford’s given herself the old ‘This is England’ haircut so you’ll probably have a marker to work out where I am.
28 November 2014
jitsu_g
Exxo, not sure where I heard , but lass o gowrie may not be open any more. Hope I am wrong
28 November 2014
TAYLO
9pm biscuits on stage CONFIRMED
28 November 2014
jitsu_g
Good news about Wakefield gig, no need for a hotel for me. Not a bad venue but would of thought unity hall round the corner would be better. Some good boozers near by though
3 January 2015
EXXO
Good news and thanks for the heads-up there Juey, but took me ages to find any reference on t’web whatsoever. Finally found it on the ‘See Tickets’ site.
Warehouse23, Wakefield, Friday 5th June, doors 7.30, capacity 1,000, for anyone else who didn’t know.
5 January 2015
Chris The Siteowner
Anyone would think it hasn’t been on this site on the home page, the news page (with links) and the gigs page, ever since the gig was announced, Exxo.
5 January 2015
EXXO
Couldn’t you make it flash or something?
(I’ve been away).
5 January 2015
Bruiser McHuge
Is the gig in Edinburgh now sold out? Can’t get tickets through the website, waiting nervously for the shop to open so I can phone…
22 January 2015
Dr Desperate
They’re sold out according to the Liquid Room website, and it’s not on Ents24 now.
It looks like you can still book on Tickets Scotland but I wouldn’t leave it too long.
Soooo, any pub suggestions?
22 January 2015
EXXO
Up the thread I suggested The Last Drop – was there last time they played this venue – just round the corner
And right by the venue we were also in the Bow Bar afterwards.
Both served some decent ales.
I’ve wangled some work in Edinburgh to pay for the trip as last time, but the work is on the Thursday only and Mrs Exford can’t make it, not sure I can be arsed with 3 nights in Edinburgh on me own in January, so now I dunno if I’ll be there.
22 January 2015
TAYLO
Myself and Loop will be there. Our first trip to Edinburgh so looking forward to the gig and then being tourists on the Sunday
23 January 2015
dr desperate
Bringing the horn?
23 January 2015
TAYLO
yup
23 January 2015
dr desperate
Excellent.
Looooooop!!
23 January 2015
parsfan
The Skinny, a local free what’s-on monthly (and generally quite good), says in their bit about the Edinburgh gig “…sardonic post-punk veterans known for their relentless touring schedule…”.
Ripping had loads of tickets left a fortnight ago when I got mine and Ticket Scotland still had some earlier in the week. Both now saying sold out and I’ve still got to get my wife one.
23 January 2015
MJ1924
Does anyone have a spare ticket available to buy for Edinburgh, if so e-mail moses.jenkins@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, was surprised it sold out early or I would have ordered ages ago…
23 January 2015
Ian carter
I have two tickets for Edinburgh gig for sale at face value . Would prefer to sell both together .
I also have two train tickets booked from lime St liverpool Friday afternoon before coming back Sunday afternoon . Hotel booked two nights holiday inn .
I know its along shot to sell all together but you never know . My dogs been taken ill so cannot go . Would sell package for 200.00 cost me £310. Or will just sell gig tickets
24 January 2015
Graeme stevenson
Anyone have any idea of stage times for Edinburgh next week?
24 January 2015
Ian carter
Two tickets for edinburgh gig for sale at face value if anyone interested . Email cartercld@aol.com
25 January 2015
Keef
I’m on the lookout for one or ideally 2 tickets. If anyone can help me out, please let me know. captainwacky@hotmail.com
26 January 2015
Ian carter
The tickets I had for Edinburgh have now been sold. Thanks.
27 January 2015
KenDO
Hi,
I’m looking for a pair of tickets for the Edinburgh gig on Sat 31st. Please email kendo.nagasaki@sky.com if you’ve got a spare pair!
Thanks!
27 January 2015
dr desperate
The Last Drop for pre-match drinks then?
27 January 2015
jitsu_g
I have been doing a bit of research on Edinburgh boozers and I am coming to the conclusion that 3 days won’t be long enough! last drop looks to be a good option
27 January 2015
Iguana andy
Anyone got any further tickets to sell please?
27 January 2015
Jitsu_g
Hope Birkenhead Van hire vans have snow tyres fitted !
29 January 2015
Dr Desperate
How do the snow tyre fitters get to work?
29 January 2015
EXXO
I’m in a sunny Edinburgh for work today, where I can confirm the pavement gritters got to work fine and I’ve seen a heavier dusting of powder on most week nights in Leek.
Between now & the gig there are about 2 snowflakes predicted on the way past Tebay, but they’ll be gone by Saturday.
I must say that North Yorkshire & Co. Durham were particularly pretty from the train this morning though.
Feeling very silly to have to be heading home tonight after the original plan was three nights here including the gig, but que no sera, no sera.
Me train’s not till 9 tonight, so I might go and tell The Last Drop they owe me a free pint for putting your business their way. That’s bound to work.
Have a good one folks.
29 January 2015
Dr Desperate
Thanks Exxo – on to Wakefield?
29 January 2015
bobby svarc
6″ of snow fell on the Ratae overnight
30 January 2015
Kenny pollock
Anyone looking for a ticket for Edinburgh tomorrow night? I have a spare.
30 January 2015
Kenny pollock
Re ticket kenneth.pollock1@btinternet.com if you’re interested.
30 January 2015
TAYLO
I will try and make The Last Drop at some point beforehand. Not sure about The Fifth Biscuit as she may be going through her pre gig yoga routine with NB10.
30 January 2015
dr desperate
We’re staying a few doors down, will probably be in from about 6 (King of Hi-Vis jacket). I’ve just spoken to the venue and they operate a strict *10 o’clock* curfew on Saturdays, so I imagine the support (they don’t know who it is) will be coming on soon after doors open at 7:00.
30 January 2015
Chris The Siteowner
I’ll try to get to The Last Drop too – will be with a mate and his teenage son. Do come and say hello; unlike Northampton and London, I won’t have the unmissable @laurejames going round pointing out who I am to a largely mystified public, fortunately (but we will miss you, Laure!).
30 January 2015
mjenkins
Kenny, i’m after a ticket for tomorow, e-mail me at moses.jenkins@scotland.gsi.gov.uk if still available, could just meet you outside liquid room at 7?
30 January 2015
Chris The Siteowner
STOP PRESS
I’ve just been told that although the gig had been advertised as sold out, “unfortunately one of the agents had hidden 50 tickets at the back of a drawer, and so they are back on sale. Available at both Ripping Records and Tickets Scotland.”
So the gig is NOT sold out. Yet.
30 January 2015
TAYLO
Gutted @laurejames can’t make it as I sent her the videos of Loop parping at The Ritz and she loved it. Support is the magnificent JD Meatyard.
30 January 2015
Dr Desperate
Looking forward to seeing JDM again.
Play ‘Standing On The Shoulders’, eh Uncle John? There’s a hip priest in Salford…
30 January 2015
Bobby SVARC
Eels, Eels, Eels
30 January 2015
TAYLO
HMHB 8.15 On stage
31 January 2015
MR GALBRAITH
Did I dream that there might be a gig scheduled in 2015 for Bournemouth? I’m sure I read about this somewhere in the past but can’t find anything now. Any ideas?
5 February 2015
brumbiscuit
It’s a long way off, I know, but accommodation in Bury St Edmunds is both scarce and expensive. Word on the street, however, is that Premier Inn are currently converting a place in the town. The confusing thing is that their site isn’t acknowledging this and is showing Thetford as the nearest of their places. There is always the campsite…
15 February 2015
Jitsu_g
The last Glasgow gig was part of a double header with Stockton the next night – anyone think similar is possible or will it just be one night in Scotland again
7 March 2015
bobby svarc
1 nighter I’d say
8 March 2015
Bobby SVARC
Hell of a wait but the Crimbo gig at my favourite place.
23 April 2015
Bobby SVARC
Latest Gig – Kentish Town ‘The Forum’
Thanks – CtSO
27 April 2015
peter mcornithologist
Kentish Town. Feckin Hell. Birthplace of Fred Titmus., according to me Dads ancient Wisden.
27 April 2015
Bobby SVARC
Another “Biscuit Boozer” bites the dust, The Talbot in Royal Leamington Spa is closing down in the next few weeks, a real shame that is.
12 May 2015
eric olthwaite
Maybe an early start at Wakefield on Friday – doors are advertised for 7.00pm. Any word yet on whether there will be support, and so what time HMHB might be on stage? I’m traveling straight from work so time could be a bit tight.
1 June 2015
CUFC_Biscuiteers
Any decent boozers near the gig in Wakefield , hoping to be there for mid afternoon for pre gig curry and drinks..
1 June 2015
argieuk
A few decent pubs near the venue in Wakefield- The Hop, Harry’s Bar, and Henry Boon’s all fairly close- not sure if any do food. Unity Works has a cafe bit now I think.
1 June 2015
EXXO
We Built this Town on a Mystery Cycle
I can’t help noticing that the band’s first ever appearance in Wakefield coincides with the weekend of Corpus Christi, when ye olde medieval fayre would have been in town and the Wakefield Mystery Plays would have been performed around the streets – probably about 30 instructive little numbers including encores, each year for about 200 years. That’s longer than the panto in the Archers.
I might pop in the Red Shed pre-gig if possible, a beacon of DIY culture & real ale righteousness on the threshold of hell (the Trinity Centre) which always desreves a couple of quid of any CAMRA Man’s cash. It’s nearly half a mile from the gig however, and I won’t have me mystery cycle with me, so the ‘if’ is appropriately large.
3 June 2015
Dr Desperate
My ticket says 7.30 start; bloke at the venue says support at 8.30, HMHB 9.30, finish 11 (but no curfew, TG & the BVM).
The Old Printworks (as recommended by Jitsu_G) is 3 minutes away and looks OK.
I shall be debuting the Black Satin Tour Jacket with Detachable Sleeves, BTW.
3 June 2015
brumbiscuit
For the Bury gig, I’m hoping to be in the Old Cannon brewpub by 5pm or so, although I may eat at a ‘Spoonies beforehand, assuming there is one there. There will be at least one Harry Quinn joining me. I’m also hoping to meet a gent I last missed just before the Kentish Town Forum gig of 10/2008. He’s the Mayor of Mortagne-au-Perche, don’t you know?
3 June 2015
Chris The Siteowner
Three of us driving over from Cambridge for the Bury gig; won’t be able to get there that early unless the employed member of the group gets off early, but drinking venue noted.
3 June 2015
Dr Desperate
A ‘spoons in Bury, you say? Well, there is this one.
3 June 2015
TAYLO
After passing her driving test last week, Loop has decided on a jaunt to Wakefield on Friday Night 🙂
4 June 2015
Jitsu_g
Harry Bar in Wakefield is next to Old Printworks and also worth a visit. Both have an outside area to enjoy the balmy West Yorkshire summer evening
4 June 2015
parsfan
Sounds like a result for you Phil.
No fifth Biscuit tonight then?
5 June 2015
TAYLO
No just a watching brief for The Fifth Biscuit tonight which is still nice.
Loop is also a lot more pregnant than she was when she played at Edinburgh in January. Indeed the day we found out about “The Ginger Biscuit” (named by NB10, who else) was the day she was playing Bass for HMHB at The Liquid Rooms- a pretty cool start in life I’m sure you’ll agree!
5 June 2015
parsfan
An even better result. Congratulations.
5 June 2015
brumbiscuit
Enjoy tonight’s gig everyone!
Is anyone able to get to Bury St Ed’s early enough next Friday to do a brewery tour at The Old Cannon? Tours cost £10 and include a free glass and a rather measly three third-pint samples. Four of us are wondering whether or not to bother. The danger is that a 3pm start might not otherwise be conducive to coherence later in the day.
5 June 2015
EXXO
Don’t go on a tour at Greene King though. Look at the kind of corporate twats that run it and the kind of other corporations they’ve worked for
http://www.greeneking.co.uk/index.asp?pageid=147
When is real ale not real ale? When plastic people like those produce it.
And never book a 3pm tour down the National Coal Mining Museum for your band on the way to a Wakefield gig. There’s no point worrying is there?
Congratulations Loop & Taylo. And hi Paul, great to see you unlurking.
5 June 2015
EXXO
By the way Andy, renewed our CAMRA membership the other week and, rather scandalously, we get another another set of Spoons vouchers for the same quarter as one we already have, meaning I have to use up double vouchers by the end of this month, and I haven’t started yet. This means a detour to a bit of a shithole tonight.
5 June 2015
parsfan
Box officer says band on “about 9”.
Very quiet in Old Print Works, except for the sounds of Nik Kershaw.
5 June 2015
TAYLO
Yep it says 9pm on the posters inside the venue.
5 June 2015
Eric olthwaite
Lovely pint in Fernandes Brewery Tap. A few in on the way to the gig, Dukla Prague away top spotted.
5 June 2015
Bobby SVARC
Went to Wakefield Kirkgate Station when I was visiting a mate in Menston, What an absolute shite hole, the station was crap as well
5 June 2015
brumbiscuit
The Old Cannon does allow football tops, I checked, but they won’t be offering any discounts, I asked. Worth a try, I spose…
8 June 2015
lee from rotherham
Any one travelling to Bury st edmunds from or passing through yorkshire with a space seat? ill pay for petrol obviously 🙂 And also a spare ticket wouldnt go a miss too.
10 June 2015
brumbiscuit
Final call for Bury St Edmunds. We’ll be meeting to eat in the Corn Exchange ‘Spoonies early doors, then moving to The Old Cannon about 5pm or so. Brewery tour forsaken after the rather blunt reply to my discount request. Only one Harry Quinn will be making the trip. I can’t be arsed to reassemble the jarg one. Rides 50p.
Blimey, eight months since my last gig. Must do better.
See you tomorrow!
11 June 2015
brumbiscuit
Bugger me! I can’t even get me brew pubs right! Apparently it’s the Beerhouse we’re supposed to meet at and looking at the website: http://www.suffolkcamra.co.uk/pubs/pub/143 it’s far more down to earth than the Old Cannon, albeit a little more out of the way. Anywhere with ‘brasserie’ in its description raises both my suspicions and hackles. So, 5pm or so at the Beerhouse.
11 June 2015
EXXO
The stupid thing about the use of ‘brasserie’ is that
(i) it’s just French for ‘brewery’, so why the frick use it to say your eatery is any way classy?
(ii) the main thing that it’s given the English language is a vile regional word for ‘prostitute’, of WW1 derivation. So why the frick use it to say your eatery is any way classy?
11 June 2015
Dr Desperate
Beerhouse, Roger that.
11 June 2015
Chris The Siteowner
Sounds like a plan. I’ll be accompanied by @fenlandgent and @baggieboy61 coming over from Cambridge, and will be at the Beerhouse about 6. Anyone else in the neighbourhood, do say hi – always good to meet folks from this site. For those I’ve never met, this is me (you have to mentally add the DPAK).
12 June 2015
nigel
anyone got a recommendation of a place near the Glasgow gig or somewhere between the station and the 02. Ta
26 June 2015
nigel
(I mean a B&B or similar)
26 June 2015
Schoon
Anyone from Kent going to London or Bilston?
12 July 2015
Matt
Hi all. I am sure I am posting wrong I hate all this stuff!! But I am a huge fan of HMHB ( in fact the only band I’ve ever bought the albums rather than download!) I am 31 but have been lucky enough to have a punk dad so have been enjoying Nigel’s and the bands talents since I was 8.
Now for my boring questions. I’ve never been to see a live band and I’ve decided the only group I am interested in seeing live is HMHB. I live in Salisbury and would like to know if any one has any info on any possible plans on a tour which could end up this way? I would also love to know what I could expect on a night with the one thing that has remained constant in my life and that’s the love of HMHB!
15 July 2015
Dr Desperate
Anyone going to the Forum Kentish Town gig who hasn’t booked tickets yet, it might be as well to do so soon, as I just tried on ENTS24 and their allocation of downstairs standing tickets is apparently sold out (Balcony only available). I was able to get a downstairs ticket easily enough off the Forum website via Ticketmaster, but y’know, not everyone has a Hi-Vis jacket.
16 July 2015
Dr Desperate
Incidentally – 1000! (and 1, now.)
…and the page continues here – CtSO
22 August 2015