An occasional excursion to That London for the band, at a venue which opened with “The Fred Karno Troupe incl. Charlie Chaplin” over 100 years ago. I saw an edition of That’s Life! recorded there once, in the days when it was the BBC Television Theatre. The result of this gig, as usual with the London ones, is that HMHB will get loads of live reviews in the press for once, and about half a million people across the country will be saying: “Wow! Are they still going?” on teh interwebs. Welcome to the site everyone.
And now, here’s The Reviews.
Peter Gandy
Just got back home.
Nine words, nine words: “after the news the comedy continues with ‘My Family'” Vote ACP!
18 June 2011
Peter Gandy
…and to answer Nigel’s question (yes I do know what rhetorical means), Colin Bean will have been dead for two years on Monday.
18 June 2011
TWO FAT FEET
Well I’m just a primitive creature of the heath so excuse my savage ignorance, but apart from who’s Colin Bean, what the fook was that cover version tonight? Everybody else seemed to know it … just brings home how valuable it is actually recognising the song, or just knowing beforehand what it is, because with acoustics like that you have no chance otherwise. The new song (which might as well have been called Go To The Bar for all I could hear) was indecipherable, but at least I managed to make out enough of the preamble to know which one it turned out to be should it be included on the fabled new album.
Great shout on 24HGP though re facebook.
And if I was reserving my judgement on the LFC final for the live versions, ACP would have walked it but then Chatteris doesn’t have much to play with there does it?
And thanks for the entertainment on the train home, to the bloke who felt it necessary to go into the little corridor between carriages to throw up repeatedly, come back into the carriage, go back thirty seconds later apparently to tuck his shirt in, then fall asleep on the floor. Finally emerged back in the carriage to fall asleep on top of his similarly incapacitated girlfriend.
Hmmm. Might have to work on my gig reviews.
18 June 2011
TWO FAT FEET
Having singularly failed to effectively review the gig above, I just have to add that the support act seemed to be made up of Jonathan Ross, Slash, the bloke who plays Doctor Who now, the girls from Doctor & The Medics and a few others who seemed to have been sat at a table at the Bent Auditor or whatever the pub was called half an hour previously.
18 June 2011
Norbert D
Typical London sound mix – ear-splitting treble and buried vocals. Not what you want for HMHB, really. Could barely make out a word all night, apart from 24HGP (“I ♥ IOM TT”) and ACP (“simples”). They’d have been the highlights anyway, but they stood out even more tonight considering how little else was decipherable.
2FF: the cover was “Holiday In Cambodia” by The Dead Kennedys.
18 June 2011
Dagenham dave
Where I was the sound was fine, another great night, the highlight being the Facebook line in 24 Hour Garage People.
That silver oven glove that landed on the stage towards the end of the gig belonged to a mate of mine. Why I feel proud of this is anyone’s guess.
18 June 2011
Trumptonrioter
good sound where I was as well, perched on top of a barrier towards the back behind the bar, a big thank you to the couple stood in front of me who applauded my singing. Highlight for me was Bob Todd and the facebook reference in 24 hour GP. Come back to the smoke soon lads why not try and fill Hyde Park like every other band at the moment….ha ha
18 June 2011
Dave (Or I Could Be Mike)
Just got back to darkest Norfolk and thought I should post before passing out… Yes, the sound was a bit dodgy – Ken spent a lot of time fiddling with his pedals and amp, presumably trying to work out whether the fact that no-one could hear him at times was his fault (I don’t think so). Funnily enough, the vocals seemed fine for the most part – certainly I could hear the ad-libs in 24 Hr Garage People and Country Practice (Olympic version) just fine. Fair point on the newie (Excavating Rita) though, beyond the title and Nigel’s intro I couldn’t make out a thing. But who needs clear vocals anyway when you’re singing along to 95% of the lines. Highlight though had to be Neil unleashing that bass riff in the encore – I’m amazed that anyone in the audience wouldn’t recognise it immediately.
And props to the support act (Lovecraft), who indeed looked exactly as 2FF said but made a most pleasant noise. Top night!
18 June 2011
Barry Mallard
WE WUZ ROBBED. First time I’ve felt disappointed after watching them. My friends gave up and left early and now hate me because I got them there too early and they had to sit through the shite support band. They were good for the extortionate bar’s sales though. Nothing memorable – even I left before the end. At the end of another relegation dodging season I often say I won’t be going again but give in and am already planning trips to the new Chesterfield and Broadhall Way – not sure if the same will apply to going to any more gigs though.
18 June 2011
John Anderson
I enjoyed it overall but agree with the point about the guitar sound. There was clearly some sort of problem which didn’t really get properly sorted out until the encore. It rather spoilt National Shite Day which relies so heavily on that driving riff.
Especially great to hear Turned Up, Clocked On, Laid Off, Tommy Walsh, Left Lyrics, Lark Descending and the new song Excavating Rita (although I couldn’t make out any of the words either). The “Facebook” comment in 24 Hour Garage People was sheer genius and has already become my own Facebook status. There were reverential nods to Roy Skelton band Clive Swift too.
As a Fall fan plagued by the law of diminishing returns, it’s great to see a band who clearly put a great deal of thought and effort into their live shows. I hope it’s not too long before they’re down this way again.
18 June 2011
BIG CON
I completely agree with 2FF and ND about the sound quality as I found many lyrics impossible to decipher. Lovecraft were unusual and worth another listen.
Beer prices seemed huge but I don’t get out much.
As for HMHB I couldn’t pick up anything from the new song or the add-ons in ACP or 24HGP. However the overall sound was more powerful than previous times which made Holiday in Cambodia and EAOR superb.
Paticularly enjoyed Fred Titmus.
I take my hat off to the guy with the white hair moshing with the very tactile moshers as he may have been over 60. Fair play he was loving every song.
Train home was 20 minutes late which was perfect as we should’ve missed it by 10.
Shame Shirt Man and Chelsea Gaz couldn’t make it.
18 June 2011
KSAP
‘This one’s about when the stab victim decides to meet the assailant and the coffee’s shit’
*points at Ken* ‘The only person in Britain to be banned from the Eden Project’
‘..chief’
18 June 2011
MISTER TUBBS
Terrific gig last night. Thought the sound was fine where I was (near the front, right hand side), certainly could hear Ken more clearly than at some other recent shows, although some of the lyrics didn’t register – could make out something about carbon monoxide in the new song, but that was about it.
Any floating voters looking in last night, would surely have been putting their crosses against ACP. I think someone suggested it was a bit dated!?! But last night for “Millennium”, read “2012 Olympic opening ceremony”. For all I know Chatteris may be a bit dated by now, some of the butchers/chandlers may have gone out of business, and the bus service may now be sh*t for all I know.
Support band were entertaining as well, never seen a frontman play the pelvis with such aplomb. I was tempted to buy their album, but £4.55 for a pint of Guiness just about cleared me out.
18 June 2011
Chris The Siteowner
Half Man Half Biscuit at Shepherds Bush, 17 June 2011 on YouTube
18 June 2011
Chris The Siteowner
Watching those videos, you can hear how the sound is great in some places and leaves something to be desired in others. Maybe there’s not much that can be done about that, but you do wonder if a little more effort could be put in beforehand. I’ve seen plenty of bands who walk on stage, pick up their instruments, and the sound is almost spot-on from the first note …and Pink Floyd they ain’t. (Although Pink Floyd tribute bands they often are). Compare that to the amateurism – however endearing – of a band who shuffle on, take over two and half minutes to get ready to play a single note and spend the whole gig being less than happy with the whole technical setup. Even at “only” twenty quid, you can’t help but think there’s room for improvement. Just sayin’.
18 June 2011
epidemic27
Ed’s note: Brilliant! 17 songs so far uploaded on this list, including new tune “Excavating Rita”
18 June 2011
Trumptonrioter
shit the guinness was cheaper than the piss poor lager, off to find cheap trick live at budokan
18 June 2011
Eugene Czauderna
Had to agree about the sound, although as has been said, if you know the lyrics, who cares? Anyway I’m deaf. Enjoyed it apart from the aching feet. What is everyone elses take on moshing at a HMHB gig? ANy way enjoyed it and they did play some of my faves (Trumpton, A lime Harry Quinn, Chatteris I could go on…
18 June 2011
Peter Gandy
As has been said, you probably only notice that the lyrics aren’t as clear as could be when you don’t know the words to the song.
From Excavating Rita (a title borrowed from Richard Herring?) I could make out, “Give me the moonlight, give me the spade…”
Great night though, and not like the Forest of Dean Sculpture Park, “a massive disappointment”.
18 June 2011
Charles Exford
Is this the greatest, darkest ever version of 24HGP?
“The horror! The horror!”
“The sandwiches! The sandwiches!”
Great recording. Thank you, whoever you are.
19 June 2011
Hagerty F
I can’t see what all the fuss is about. Thought it was great, and could not believe they played one of my favourites, A Lilac Harry Quinn. Must see them again sometime.
19 June 2011
Chris The Siteowner
19 June 2011
Charles Exford
Great pics, Martyn!
Con, as a gesture of post-lux truth and reconciliation, because I was less than gracious in the cup final thread, I hereby transcribe for you the additional lines you couldn’t make out in 24HGP on Friday night:
…and he comes back finally, in a slovenly state with a really bad gait, and he shoves them into the tray device that separates us, and he says “96 pence”, as opposed to “That’ll be 88 pence please sir, do come again. Is there anything else you’d like?”
…
“But Sir, there’s a queue forming…”
“Yes, yes, they’re all my friends. We’ve all come from a Conga convention. None of us want fuel. At least 2 of us want Peperami. And Graham the Mormon there, he wants some pre-sliced, pre-buttered malt-loaf and a chat about paradise. A paradise that conceivably would be Frank Windsor handing out pre-buttered, pre-sliced malt-loaf.” I say Frank Windsor, for is he not the image we all conjure up when thinking of God? Anyway he sort of mumbles pompously about “having a list”, so leaning to one side, I say: “I’ll have 2 Scotch eggs and a jar of marmite …chief”
…
The wordsearch gets flung aside [ FRIENDS… NON-EXISTENT… ] and he nearly knocks over the coffee mug which has emblazoned on its side “I Heart IOM TT”. He reckons he once served Guy Martin, who was actually just some guy called Martin on a motorbike.
…
1,249 friends on Facebook? You have a barbecue mate and see how many turn up.
…
Astonishingly and completely unaccountably on my part, I start to feel a bit sorry for him and have some degree of sympathy. I look into his cold, black soulless eyes, and he’s standing there in his v-necked Pringle sweater, and it all comes tumbling out… the situation he’s in and everything. And I’ve just lit the fuse, and it comes out of his mouth:
“The horror! The horror!”
And I can only reply with:
“The sandwiches. The sandwiches.”
19 June 2011
Mark
An excellent gig- and fitting that Fred Titmus was played.
I must belatedly thank Derek Pringle for introducing me to HMHB all those years ago- useless cricketer in my opinion but has great taste in music.
19 June 2011
J Buckley
Re: ACP
I can confirm that the pub ‘Ty Coch’ at PorthDinllaen is indeed an excellent pub. You can’t drive to this pub, you must walk along the beach or over the cliffs & golf course to get to it. True.
Sounded like a great gig.
19 June 2011
Paul F
A first live experience for me and thoroughly enjoyable, although as has been said, it’s just as well we all knew 95% of the lyrics. Some excellent moshing going on from people old enough to know better. The staff seemed a bit bemused by it all but were still committed enough to their jobs to (temporarily) evict three over-enthusiastic fans, including one guy who managed to crowd surf briefly.
Biggest surprise for me was the number of females in the crowd. One in particular I noted before HMHB came on, looked like a stereotypical mail order Filipino bride who I was expecting to be even more bemused by the evening than the staff. That is until I saw the delight on her face at the intro to 99% of Gargoyles…
Great night, capped off on the train back to Reading by seeing a slumped figure in an Anchorman t-shirt, and hearing three blokes heading down the aisle with one muttering “If I were a linesman…”
19 June 2011
nigel, no not that one (nx3to)
I cannot claim it to be a 1st timer as I vaguely remember a gig at Southwick hosted by Atilla some time in the late 80s/early 90s. I think I was persuaded along by a colleague who claimed to be a “mate of a mate…”.
Nevertheless this is my first live experience since actually owning, listening and enjoying the band’s output.
My days in the moshpit, be it sponsored or not, are behind me, so I slouched in the seats upstairs with an overpriced Guinness and a sense of expectation.
The sound was variable, as had been said, and I too struggled to decipher the lyrics of the new songs.
That’s okay as I think we know a site that can help 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed the whole live experience, just sitting back and smiling to myself.
As much as I wanted a show that never ends, I had a train to catch before midnight as I had a day return and no appetite for a discussion with a revenue protection officer.
I legged it to the Underground as soon as the lights came up and made it to Victoria platform 19 with a few seconds to spare.
Even a slow, packed train (4 carriages short) meaning I had to stand to East Croydon could not dampen my mood.
This gig should keep me in smiles for quite a while.
20 June 2011
Petrovic
Speaking as one of the women there, yes it was good to have a few more of us!
I didn’t have a problem with the sound (though I think that was due, like others, to knowing most of the lyrics…), but was at the right near the front, which seems to have been one of the better places.
Thanks to Sinister Pictures for posting the photos and Exxo for the 24HGP transcript!
Re Excavating Rita, I haven’t listened to the Youtube recording yet but the only additional bit I caught on Friday (to those above) were the repeated lines at the end, ‘I’m your Betterware man/ I’m your number one fan’.
20 June 2011
Paul F
@Petrovic – you must have been quite near me then (you aren’t a Filipino mail order bride are you?)
It was definitely a good spot until the drunk bald bloke with the sideburns and the jelly legs started making his presence felt.
20 June 2011
Ally J
This was my ten-year-old son’s first gig – and I don’t think he was the youngest there. This is a good thing. He didn’t know all the songs (unlike his Dad), but had a great time singing along to the ones he did. As the crowd joined in with the ‘chorus’ of ‘Fnckin’ ‘Ell, It’s Fred Titmus!’, he leant forward from his perch and shouted ‘I can’t believe hundreds of people just shouted the F-word!’
We don’t go to football matches.
We left just after ‘99% Of Gargoyles’ as he was flagging, but he enjoyed himself. ’24 Hour Garage People’, being his favourite, was very well received – especially the ad-libbing.
Great crowd, and the efforts of people around us not to block the littlun’s line of sight (we were deliberately right at the back on the raised bit) was appreciated.
20 June 2011
Petrovic
@Paul – not last time I looked…. but must have been near you, as that bloke kept crashing into me. So, if I barged into you as a result, apologies!
20 June 2011
Paul F
No – it was only the guy himself who was bumping into me, but thanks for the speculative apology. The older bloke in the hat had to be the most serene-looking mosher I have ever witnessed.
20 June 2011
chedgzoy
@PAUL F – The slumped figure on the train out of Paddington in the Anchorman T shirt was probably me!
20 June 2011
gordo
here’s my playlist of 10 songs I recorded with my ropey (but surprisingly good for sound quality) digital camera. I tend to find in most venues the sound at the front records better. I’ve added in a couple of photos at the start of surging out of convalescence to illustrate the Judd Trump/Jaap Staam comparisons 🙂
http://www.youtube.com/my_playlists?p=00A2DBE02C31022A
20 June 2011
Steve G
I feel real bad about moaning but the sound was not good … Was stood at back just below the bar and it seemed really bassy? … Anyway it could be worse ~ I could be Garth Crooks washing sieves …. Went last time at The Empire and sound was much better. What is best venue anyone has seen them at? .. My favourites include Bilston and Cornbury Festival …
20 June 2011
Paul F
@CHEDGZOY – Apologies if “slumped” was an overly harsh description of your post-gig demeanour!
21 June 2011
BIG CON
Very very good photos by Sinister Pictures and great transcription by Exxo of 24HGP – maybe my favourite song.
21 June 2011
Arthur Lowe
I’ve been loitering around here for quite a while now with nothing interesting to say, but as I made it to the gig the other night, I thought this would be as good an opening as I’ll get to ramble on for a bit. It still won’t be interesting though.
I’ve been a huge fan since the beginning, but this was my first live HMHB experience. Enthusiastic gig attendance has never been one of my strong points. In my defence, I am in the Irish Republic, so it was never going to be a casual stroll to the nearest venue in HMHB’s case. Anyway, after twenty-odd years of thinking about it, I made a snap decision and set my sights on the Shepherd’s Bush Empire, so myself and another HMHB fan/pal flew over from Ireland, making it to a nearby pub at just around 6. After meeting up with another mate from London, a fruitless attempt to spot anyone recognisable from the BBC and a few swift drinks later, it was off to the venue, in the company of a very decent fellow and man of impeccable taste we’d just met there (Hello Carlos).
Being pretty much awestruck at finally seeing the world’s greatest band, all I can say is I thought they were bloody great. A really superb set, even if the words were a little difficult to work out. It wasn’t easy to see the stage, as everyone seemed to be at least a foot taller than me. Just made out Nigel’s head for a good chunk of the gig. I was at the centre right for a while (not politically), then worked my way to the middle on the outskirts of the moshers. Sort of jumped up and down a bit for a while, then left it to the more energetic souls and stumbled to the gents during ‘We Built this Village..’, after which I had a great view from the bar for the remainder of the gig.
The highlights for me were ‘Turned Up..’, ‘Lark Descending’, ‘Oven Gloves’, ‘Bob Wilson’ and the ever changing ’24HGP’ and ‘ACP’. Particularly enjoyed the Olympics update on ‘ACP’ and guffawed heartily with the crowd at the Facebook line in ’24HGP’. It was also great to hear full blooded versions of 1st album stuff like ‘99% of Gargoyles’ & ‘Fred Titmus’. Basically enjoyed every second of it.
Didn’t make out the final line of ‘Mountain Bikes’, due to some boisterous soul behind me belting out his own punchline. Can anyone enlighten me, as I don’t see it up on Youtube, sadly?
Great clips on Youtube, by the way. Thanks to everyone for posting, especially to epidemic27 for the plentiful sequenced videos. I got back from London on Monday and relived the experience, with a much better view, as my wife looked on with a mixture of bewilderment and mild distaste.
Hope to see them again within the next 25 years.
22 June 2011
Dan Mc
Arthur L.
If you ever want to go to any of the gigs with the Irish HMHB supporter’s club, just let me know. 7 of us flew over to this one from Dublin, we’re doing about one every six months now. Bilston probably the next target.
dan
22 June 2011
Arthur Lowe
Hello Dan MC,
Thanks very much for the kind offer. I had heard whispers of a HMHB cell operating in the Republic, but was never sure if it actually existed. After Friday’s life-enhancing experience (honestly…) I’d certainly be interested in possibly tagging along on future trips. I’m situated about 20 miles south of Dundalk, so if the expeditions set off from Dublin, I’m ideally placed.
I’ll even sit backwards on the train and endure egg sandwiches on the coach,
Cheers,
Ronan
22 June 2011
Paul F
Dan MC – Do the letters TP mean anything to you? If so I’m sorry I missed you.
22 June 2011
John Anderson
As I remember the last line of Mountain Bikes was “I bet they end the set with AOR”. Which they duly did.
22 June 2011
Arthur Lowe
Thanks for clarifying John A. Hadn’t the foggiest. Been puzzling me since the concert.
It would be nice if the song made an appearance on Youtube…
22 June 2011
Dan
Paul F
Not unless TP stands for ‘transfer pricing’ ????
dan
22 June 2011
Charlie ‘Charles Exford’ Exford
Someone’s posted up the latest version of the nation’s favourite. I think I’ve got nearly all the additions for those who couldn’t pick them out on the night:
1. EX-SOAP STARS
Let’s hear it for bitter ex-soap stars who thought they could go on and do other things besides. It’s a bit dated but Julie Goodyear you’re still trading on it. Put it to one side and take a leaf out of William Roache’s book.
William Roache he could not seek the metropolitan throng.
He doesn’t aspire to be on the last night of the proms and bob up and down. He relaxes in North Wales. He does not aspire to join in with the centre court amusement at the ball boy’s mishap.
I saw him once staggering drunk once out of a pub in Porthdinllaen, I dunno if you know it – the Ty Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen He comes out staggering, relaxed and happy. The anti-Julie Goodyear, William Roache.
And he grabs me by the collar in a friendly manner, and he says “Nine words. Nine words and tell me we’re not fucked as a planet (?)
“Go on then Bill – nine words.”
“After the news the comedy continues with ‘My Family’.”
Chapeau William Roche.
He does not seek opinionated weather forecasters. He knows what’s gonna happen. Opionated weather forecasters telling me it’s gona be a miserable day. Miserable for who? I quite like a bit of drizzle so stick to the facts.
…………………………………………..
2. ADRIAN/SOPHIE
Hear him say such words as “surreal, bizarre, matey, yes indeedy, respect, awesome, no worries, not a problem, happy days, simples …” before whipping the audience up….
…………………………………………….
3. ALL THE MONEY’S BEEN WASTED
Cos all the money’s been used on Olympian junkets for fat silly dignitaries. They’re all just a bunch of 3-syllable beauts…
Lord Seb Coe Lord Seb Coe … and I wasn’t even an Ovett man …Doctor Thomas Wessinghage !
23 June 2011
Chris Warwick
@ BIG CON, re your comment of the 18th: “I take my hat off to the guy with the white hair moshing with the very tactile moshers as he may have been over 60. Fair play he was loving every song.”… I’m afraid to say that was me… (see my predictive text of the 11th inst. at the top of the comments here). 🙂
But, I’ll have you know, you cheeky young git, that I’m only 50 (and a half). Can anyone recommend a good hair dye?
Excellent concert. One of my fellow goers is getting tickets for Bilston, see you there gentlemen:-)
23 June 2011
gordo
you know you’re getting old when you go to see the bands you like and the mosh pit looks resembles more of a ‘dad pit’
by the way, did any of you go out jogging on saturday morning?
23 June 2011
Matlock Bath
Can I chime in on the sound quality – band sounded great, but vocals very muffled. Really enjoyed the gig, but friends who came with me who didn’t know so many of the songs had a musical but not a lyrical treat, which is a shame for a HMHB gig.
Cover of Holiday in Cambodia was fantastic – one of the first singles I ever bought and HMHB really did it justice. To make a trainspottery comment, they played the album version (from “Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables”, worth a listen) rather than the 7″. The guitar solo is slightly different.
23 June 2011
Arthur Lowe
“by the way, did any of you go out jogging on saturday morning?”
You must be joking gordo. I just rolled out of the most uncomfortable bed in London, checked out of the dodgy hotel and found a place that did a decent full English breakfast, to set me up for the day. A day that included some touristy stuff like a confused wander round the National Gallery (the Haywain was much bigger than I expected), followed by an immense booze up round Camden’s finest indie kid watering holes.
23 June 2011
Rubber Faced Irritant
Like most of us I thought the set list was excellent and the musicianship was first rate. HMHB are nothing but tight. But the sound needs more attention. I’ve seen many bands from Radiohead to Antony and the Johnsons at the same venue and the acoustics were on a different level. Shame ‘cos I would argue the HMHB songbook is superior.
Couple of between-songs observations that don’t seem to have been elucidated:
“Just heard that Phil Neville is the latest victim of a super-injunction. The girl doesn’t want her name getting out.”
Points to Ken: “His Great Uncle was the first person in Whitehaven to try a Pot Noodle.”
Now he’s introduced the topic I can’t help thinking Pot Noodles ought to feature in a future 24 Hour Garage People extrapolation.
23 June 2011
Charlie ‘Charles Exford’ Exford
Arthur – I didn’t know the National Gallery were doing pizzas now. Good to hear it was nice and big.
But I’m going to ring them up and say that’s not how I would spell Hawaiian.
23 June 2011
Dave (Or I Could Be Mike)
I seem to remember a Pot Noodle turning up in 24HGP when I saw them in Cambridge last year.
And yes, definitely the album version of Holiday in Cambodia – the single doesn’t have the double-speed “Pol Pots” at the end.
23 June 2011
Arthur Lowe
“Arthur – I didn’t know the National Gallery were doing pizzas now. Good to hear it was nice and big.”
Big, but a bit oily, truth be told, Charlie.
24 June 2011
Dirk Hofman
Has anybody come up with a full setlist for the Shepherd’s Bush gig?
Should have taken notes myself, but was too busy enjoying myself.
24 June 2011
Norbert D
“As I remember the last line of Mountain Bikes was “I bet they end the set with AOR”. Which they duly did”
In fact it was a reference to some bloke in the moshpit who kept shouting out for his favourite songs immediately before the band were due to play them (“have you got the set list or something?” quoth Nigel). So “Mountain Bikes” ended with NB pointing at the bloke and saying “that’s when he first said they’d end up with ‘AOR’.” And straight into “Everything’s AOR”.
Exxo, couple of minor corrections: the bit about the Ty Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen goes “the Ty Coch, Porthdinllaen – some of you may know it.” Small chuckle from that London there. And then it’s “nine words that tell me we’re fucked as a planet.”
24 June 2011
Charlie ‘Charles Exford’ Exford
Thanks Norb. Must try harder (to drink less) as you might have seen in the 3 “Roaches” and 2 “Roches” originally in that last post, along with the 1 “Julie” and the 1 unaccountable “Julia”, the “3-syallable” and the fact that I just couldn’t make that haywain/Hawayin joke attempt fulfil its definite potential.
All that, plus the only feedback, the only one single piece of response, that I ever got for the Xmas crossword I did on here was that I’d mispelt Cammell Laird, which was fair enough really.
24 June 2011
Arthur Lowe
As far as I’m concerned, the Haywain/Hawaiian gag was inspired, Charlie.
25 June 2011
Dan
this is certainly not in order of how they played, but this is most of the set list from memory:-
1. light at the end of the tunnel
2. evening sun
3. trumpton riots
4. dukla prague
5. fuckin ell its fred titmus
6. bastard son of dean friedman
7. lark descending
8. bob wilson anchorman
9. 99% of gargoyles look like bob todd
10. turned up, clocked on, laid off
11. running order squabble fest
12. left lyrics in practice room
13. tommy walshe’s eco house
14. excavating Rita
15. for what is chatteris
16. surging out of convalescence
17. joy division oven gloves
18. vatican broadside
19. 24 hour garage people
20. restless legs
21. national shite day
22. petty sessions
23. a country practice
24. look dad no tunes
25. foot up in europe
26. evening of swing
27. a lilac harry quinn
28. we built this village on a trad arr tune
29. everything’s AOR
30. holiday in cambodia
then there was the usual short asides, one of which was Green Sleeves, and I think somebody mentioned Mountain Bikes, but I obviously blanked that.
25 June 2011
gordo
though I only ‘filmed’ 10 songs , I kept the camera recording for almost the entire show, so I’ve managed to piece together the setlist
1. light at the end of the tunnel
2. evening sun
3. Bob Wilson Anchorman
4. Fuckin Hell It’s Fred Titmus
5.Lark Descending
6. Surging Out Of Convalescence
7.Dukla Prague Away Kit
8. Left Lyrics In Practice Room
9. For What Is Chatteris
10. Turned Up Clocked On Laid Off
11. I Went A Wedding
12. Restless Legs
13.Look Dad No Tunes
14. Petty Sessions
15. Trumpton Riots
16. National Shite Day
17. 24 Hour Garage People
18. A Lilac Harry Quinn
19. Evening Of Swing Has Been Cancelled
20. 99% Of Gargoyles Look Like Bob Todd
21 Excavating Rita
22. Vatican Broadside
23. Running Order Squabblefest
24. Bastard Son Of Dean Friedman
25. Joy Division Oven Gloves
26. A Country Practice
27. We Built This Village On A Trad Arr Tune
28. Tommy Walsh’s Eco House
29. Holiday In Cambodia
30. Lock Up Your Mountain Bikes
31. Everything’s AOR
Neil played the bass line to The Damned’s I Just Can’t Be Happy Today a couple of times between songs too
25 June 2011
Mike Cresswell
This review originally appeared on the Yahoo! Groups Half Man Half Biscuit mailing list
It was good to see that in the manner of the dedicated fan, Nigel was in preparation for “Le Tour 2011”. There was a flash and then a brief cameo appearance for the “Dirk Hofman Motorhomes” sign. It was flourished, placed in front of the drums and summarily removed by the stage clearers almost as the band exited; stage left.
My date for the evening and I found this highly amusing, well; Mrs. C. did, once I had explained the significance of it after we fought our way out of the venue, through the detritus that was an unhygienic mound of empty plastic glasses. At those prices, it was probably a good night for The Empire. An extremely tickling conclusion to the evening was the impromptu entertainment provided by the smoking punters outside a bar on The Green. The pavements were damp and slippery; the subject of their folly an extremely ‘refreshed’ gentleman of the streets. They were chucking 10p and 20p pieces on the ground and he was trying to harvest them from the flagstones, in the style of the latest ITV7 light entertainment show, with a hypothetical title along the lines of “Police Drunk Driver Video Fun”.
As ever, I digress and like an almost pukka critic, obscurely start at the end of the events for dramatic effect. However, back to a more customary sequence of events, which should start with some comment(s) on the venue and the set-list. It’s London; innit? So, you have good transport if you want it, hopeless parking and the beer is awful and massively over-priced. I think it has been noted elsewhere, but the sound was idiosyncratic. We had found a position that left me in no doubt that knowing the HMHB back catalogue verbatim was advantageous. It was awful. But there were a couple of videos posted that sounded OK. Like many locals, I have seen umpteen bands at The Empire and at floor level, have yet to leave in receipt of a splendid aural experience. Anyway, the set-list: –
* The Light At The End of the Tunnel (Is The Light Of An Oncoming Train)
* When The Evening Sun Goes Down
* Bob Wilson – Anchorman
* Fuckin’ ‘Ell, It’s Fred Titmus
* Lark Descending
* Surging Out Of Convalescence
* All I Want For Christmas Is A Dukla Prague Away Kit
* Left Lyrics In The Practice Room
* For What Is Chatteris…
* Turned up Clocked On Laid Off
* [refrain] Foot Up In Europe
* Restless Legs
* Look Dad No Tunes
* Petty Sessions
* Trumpton Riots
* National Shite Day
* Twenty Four Hour Garage People
* A Lilac Harry Quinn
* Evening Of Swing (Has Been Cancelled)
* 99% Of Gargoyles Look Like Bob Todd
* Excavating Rita
* Vatican Broadside
* Running Order Squabble Fest
* The Bastard Son Of Dean Friedman
* Joy Division Oven Gloves
* A Country Practice
* We Built This Village On A Trad. Arr. Tune
Encores
* Tommy Walsh’s Eco House
* Holiday In Cambodia
* Lock Up Your Mountain Bikes
* Everything’s A.O.R.
The highlight of the evening for me, and probably for many others, was the absorbing rendition of A Country Practice. It has been explored at length amongst other forums and somebody has posted a cracking version on FaceTube, but I will dwell for a moment.
Better than everything else in the song/narrative, was the soliloquy extolling the virtues of William Roache, not seeking to be anything other than a soap legend (unlike Julie Goodyear, et al). It is not the first time that Nigel has demonstrated his respect for Bill and rightly so, based on my not recent, but certainly soap-infested youth. At a chance meeting outside a pub in North Wales, Bill has had a couple of sherbets and he grabs Nigel by the collar in a friendly manner and says; “Nine words. Nine words to tell me we’re f&cked as a planet.” “Go on then, Bill; nine words.” “After the news, the comedy continues with ‘My Family’.”
I have to confess that I broke into a LOL, a ROFL if you will and an LMAO, as the spotty youths may say. Every time I see an advert for the programme I regret that the BBC did not spend the equivalent budget on the inter-European Volleyball League or something that may be significantly more worthwhile. Perhaps it is just me, or the passage of time, but it really has been a downhill slope for Robert Lindsay since “Citizen Smith” and it is now a black run.
As ever, a brilliant but on this occasion also, near-haunting and somewhat sinister (which the photos were, too; great job Mr. Sinister) version of 24-Hour Garage People. The comment lobbed in the direction of the trainee Leadbelly; “1,249 friends on Facebook; you have a barbeque mate and see how many turn up” was pure genius and there was a heated discussion in the car on the way home about who would have access to this as their FB status. I pulled rank and insisted, as Mrs. C. had refused to drive home because quite legitimately, she despises driving in London and the one thing that she hates more than that particular thing is me in the passenger seat meting out instructions in a state of mild alcoholic befuddlement.
In the queue, Graham the Mormon wants some pre-sliced, pre-buttered malt loaf and a chat about paradise. Putting the two things together is amusing enough in its’ own right, without adding context. We chuckled and felt a slight shiver down our spines after Nigel noted that he had begun to feel a little sorry for the poor boy, who was spilling his heart out and the outpouring ended its’ descent in Jack Nicholson-esque whispered tones, from inhabitant of the garage emporium, with; “the Horror, the Horror.” Nigel’s response was instantaneous and penetrating; “The Sandwiches, the Sandwiches.”
Despite the awful sound, the cavernous nature of the venue and the fact that the audience are generally more boisterous in the Smoke (I think it is that the Southerner’s are just Biscuit-starved and get over-excited when the Boys venture down the M6/M1), Nigel was quite talkative and there were lots of interesting snippets. He opened by declaring that the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail was a massive letdown. I hope that they did not come to London via this venue, lest the ecological effects of such a detour. A song was introduced as being about when a stab victim agrees to meet for coffee and the coffee’s sh1t. That would be seriously disappointing.
Going back, slightly, I had forgotten until now about the support band. I didn’t even catch their name and due to a diary malfunction, we only arrived in time to see that last three songs. However, I thought that the music was ‘interesting’ if not mildly promising; more entertaining was the fact that the lead singer bore a passing resemblance to a slightly more impressively coiffured Peter Serafinowicz. Most amusing were his two backing singers, who until more closely inspected, could easily have been French and Saunders doing one of their amusing masquerades.
Nigel did spend some time regretting that he had left the backdrop in the van. He did consider going to get it and the stage did look cavernous, which they are perhaps not used to! He gave a shout to Clive Swift and Bradley Dredge, who appeared to be on the balcony; “Some night out that”. Nigel had found out immediately before coming on stage that Phil Neville is the victim of the latest super-injunction. The girl doesn’t want to be named. He longingly noted (in a wilting refrain) that at 21 he looked like Judd Trump, now he just looks like Jaap Stam. Mrs. C. caught the look of wonderment on my face (not quite the front of an Anglia, mind) when she joined me in a hearty chuckle and anticipating the question, said that she thinks he used to play for Man U. Fair play to her, we would have lost a round and possibly money on “MR and MRS!” with that one. I won’t tell her.
Ken once again got a bit of stick during his inevitable ‘twixt-song tune-ups. “The only person in Britain to be banned from the Eden Project” and equally mirthfully; “His Great Uncle was the first man in Whitehaven to have a Pot Noodle”. Ken got his own back with a master-class in comedic interludes. A mandatory galoot threw a half-full (or half-empty if that is your wont) plastic pint glass of beer (probably lager) onto the stage, which somersaulted, spraying Ken and almost miraculously finishing in an upright position with about an inch of grog left in the bottom. At the conclusion of the song, Ken picked it up, looked at it knowingly and took a slosh. Actually, I think (and hope) that he pretended to, but it was a nice touch.
At a point close to the median, someone threw a top to Nigel. Nigel lifted it up, somewhat gingerly, to see if there were “any ridiculous slogans” on it. In response to a shout from the congregation, he did confirm that it was a fleece; “Grown man wearing a fleece in June” was uttered with a little disdain. It has unseasonably cold in the South-East, but his point is fair. I think he said it was not a Karrimor, again slightly condescendingly, but he returned it to the bosom of the crowd.
The only other episode of note was the preview of a new song, “Excavating Rita”. This was hugely disheartening experience, not the song you understand, but the fact that (in our section of the audience) you could barely make out a word of what was being sung. I will reserve judgment. I did catch a couple of lines from the chorus; “I’m your Betterware Man, I’m your number one fan.” Nigel kindly explained beforehand that it was a new song about a door-to-door salesman who still sells brushes and pegs and that. He falls in love with one of his clients and she dies. Obviously, she dies. He ends up in a home, but it doesn’t end there for him. I think the title is probably self-explanatory at this juncture. Amusingly, Nigel is interrupted in the middle of his explanation and does sharply, almost School-Mistressly, responds with; “I’m trying to tell a f&cking story, here!”
In all, despite the sound quality, another solid show and I’m sure that the London punters will have gone home relatively satisfied and replete for another couple of seasons. In terms of value for money, the test was well and truly passed. On before 9:00 p.m. and not off until 11:00 p.m., a cracking version (probably album version) of Holiday in Cambodia and a very representative set-list. You can’t ask much more from the boys, especially dragging them all so far away from home. Gawd Bless Ya.
26 June 2011
TWO FAT FEET
Been away since mere hours after the final curtain, thanks to all above for reminding me of the litany of gems that otherwise would have been forgotten forever courtesy of my drunken haze. At least until I find them again online.
The 24HGP ramble would have kept me smiling all the way up Snowdon and back if only I’d remembered more than the facebook line. Thankfully TLP and every album from Bridgewater onwards kept me company. Vagaries sounds particularly good at 1 000 metres above sea level with clouds around your head.
26 June 2011
TWO FAT FEET
“The horror … the horror … ”
“The sandwiches … the sandwiches … ”
The accumulation of so many years following the band, such a familiar old song that still delivers in new ways every time, in a setting where you know you are surrounded by like-minded souls … moments like that will live with you forever.
26 June 2011
Arthur Lowe
Message for Dan MC..
Regarding your message above and the Irish supporters club. I suppose a contact email would help, so mine’s below if you’d like to get in touch and let me know what the story is. I’d certainly be keen to tag along in the future.
Finally getting to see them live has made me realise what I’ve been missing all these years. Life changing stuff.
Thanks,
RonanF.1894@gmail.com
27 June 2011
Steve Playford
First time I had seen The Biscuit for nearly 20 years – last time was at The Venue in New Cross. Really surprised at how busy it was. They seem to have accumulated a lot of new fans since 1991. Anyway I loved it and even though I had to spend a month catching up on all the songs since This Leaden Pall it was well worth it – just like finding treasure!. More gigs in London village please.
27 June 2011
gordo
Here’s an appearance by Dirk Hofman Motorhomes
…watch out for Ken nearly tripping over Nigel’s guitar as he waves to the crowd
The bouncer at the front very much tried to maintain a Len Ganley stance throughout the gig but it has to be said that during 24hr garage people he finally cracked and laughed at Nigel’s Facebook remark.
28 June 2011
Arthur Lowe
Not being into to the bikes and all that, I didn’t get the Dirk Hofman reference on the night.
I’ve worked it out since. Inspired.
Thanks for all the clips by the way, Gordo.
29 June 2011
John Burscough
For those interested in bicycle clips, Dirk Hofman is at 2:50 in this one (just after the crash).
29 June 2011
Chris The Siteowner
And for those of you still confused, here’s what it’s all about.
29 June 2011
Charles Exford
Dirk Hofman is the new John 3:16
29 June 2011
John Burscough
When in Belgium I usually hire my motorhomes from Dirk’s deadly rival, Hertz Van Rental.
1 July 2011
Charles Exford
Just watching last night’s Countryfile and I swear some scenes in Porthdinllaen must have been shot from right outside the Ty Coch, though none of the pub itself.
No mugs that camera crew.
1 August 2011