David Byrne - 25 September 1994

Having missed out on seeing Talking Heads, the chance to see David Byrne a few years after the band broke up was absolutely not to be missed. It was a stunning gig and it featured loads of Talking Heads classics plus a number of David Byrne solo tracks. The setlist is from the following night's concert but knowing David Byrne, I doubt that our set was much different and I suspect it was identical. I was really impressed with his vocals live, more than I expected. Other than that the gig was bang up to spec - and that's a good thing. A Long Time Ago God's Child (Baila conmigo) (Selena cover) My Love Is You Girls on My Mind And She Was Road to Nowhere Cool Water (Nothing but) Flowers This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) Don't Worry About the Government Lilies of the Valley Stay Up Late Moonlight in Glory I Zimbra Strange Ritual Dirty Old Town Back in the Box Once in a Lifetime Angels You & Eye Encore: Buck Naked Psycho Killer Encore 2: Ready for this World Burning Down the House

Bob Dylan (+ Elvis Costello) - 29 March 1995

This gig at The Brixton Academy was when Dylan still gave good concert and he ranged through his enormous back catalogue and of course every song is brilliant. First off though the support was Elvis Costello. I think this must have been the first time I had seen him live since that memorable gig on Hastings Pier in 1980 and it was when I realised that he was an interesting act live. Always with new stuff to play, although to be fair fifteen years is a reasonable time to write new stuff! I really enjoyed his set and then we had Dylan, in good voice and good form and singing some of my particular favourites such as 'I want you', 'It takes a Lot to laugh...' and 'Boots of Spanish Leather'. What's not to like. Down in the Flood I Want You All Along the Watchtower Just Like a Woman Tangled Up in Blue It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry Mr. Tambourine Man Boots of Spanish Leather Don't Think Twice, It's All Right Dignity She Belongs to Me Maggie's Farm Encore: Ballad of a Thin Man It Ain't Me, Babe Like a Rolling Stone

John Lee Hooker, Albert King, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells 21/05/1983

There used to be a thing where a number of the very best American Blues musicians, unable to get proper recognition in the States would come over to the UK as a package show and over the years I saw quite a few of them and heard some amazing blues. This particular package included John Lee Hooker who was perhaps the biggest draw, but also two of the very cream of Blues guitarists in Albert King and Buddy Guy and Junior Wells, a top notch harp player who regularly played and recorded with Buddy Guy. I can't say I can recollect this particular show in any detail but just re-reading the cast list for this show at my favourite venue, the Hammersmith Odeon sends a shiver of pleasure. John Lee Hooker was an amazing blues singer, Albert King an untutored but visceral guitarist and Buddy Guy - just amazing.

B B King - 4 July 2001

This gig at the Demontfort Hall was the last time I saw B B King who was then in his late seventies, having previously seen him in the UK, Spain and in Memphis, Tenessee. His age did not diminish his plaintive guitar style nor his usual friendly interaction with the audience. He was a large dignified figure who commanded respect - and still a great guitarist. As to the set, he of course played 'The Thrill is Gone' and he also played one of my favourite blues standards 'Key to the Highway'. Other than that it was a standard blues set and I don't recollect the band.