White Lies at Bristol O2 Academy 8th December

All three of us go to a lot of gigs so we thought it might be nice to blog about some of them. So here's the first.

On Sunday I was lucky enough to see White Lies live once again. The last time I had seen them live was almost exactly four years ago also at the 02 Academy, so I was left with quite a strong sense of déjà vu while having ‘pre-drinks’ at the German Christmas Market (hot chocolate).

The gig started with excellent support from Frankie Rose. With an indie/surf/pop/rock sound, my brother Scott and I were left reminded of bands like Best Coast. 

 

As we stood waiting for White Lies to come on stage, my terrible ‘gig luck’ struck as a man about twice the size of myself took his place right in front of me. Not only that but he seemed to take pleasure in charging into the audience. Needless to say, I was swept away from Scott numerous times.

When White Lies started their set I was delighted to see that they continued to play songs from the album ‘To Lose My Life’, which will always be one of my favourites. I must admit that when they played ‘Unfinished Business’ my eyes may have started uncontrollably watering (again) – White Lies continue to be the only live band that can make me cry.

Amazing Light Show

First album aside, the songs from ‘Ritual’ and ‘BIG TV’ are equally brilliant and it was a pleasure to be able to see them played live. They also surprised us all with a cover of Prince’s ‘I Would Die 4 U’, which of course they pulled off.

Their light show was pretty spectacular. With large LED panels behind them playing live camera footage, it looked like a large stadium performance in a fairly small venue. A few songs featured lasers, which got me planning my dream light show. All in all it was a fantastic performance.

I must say their exit was lovely. The band, Harry McVeigh especially, seemed thrilled and taken back by Bristol’s enthusiasm and wild dancing that they just stood smiling at us after they had stopped playing, and even took a group bow - brilliant. Their look of genuine happiness was heart-warming, and I may have leapt around like crazy at this point hoping they might acknowledge my existence for a second.

Talking of gigs, our last two in 2013 are coming up fast!

19th Dec - BRISTOL, Southbank Club, Bedminster. 7.30pm, Entry £5

(The Jelli Records Christmas Show with Jelli Jelli, Crackers & Wolfhound Home Made Mince Pies)

21st Dec - BRISTOL, The Spiegeltent, Waterfront Square. 2.00pm, Free Entry

(Busking in the Christmas Market) 

Then 2014 starts with a bang and a gig with three of our favourite female acts:

3rd Jan - BRISTOL, The Louisiana. 7.30pm, £5* Advance / £6 Door

(with I Am Horse, Maxi Rai and Scarlett Shocks)

*Contact us if you want to be added to the cheap list so you can pay £5 on the door.

Until next time!

Anja x

Sammy's Guide Dog Fundraiser 30th November 2013

Sammy, Andrew and all the performers

Saturday evening we were down at The Park Centre in Knowle, Bristol headlining 'Sammy's Guide Dog Fundraiser'. We played alongside local musicians Barry Walsh, Bashema, Louise Brent, and Len Liechti. 

Bashema joined us for two songs

A special mention should be made of Bashema as we did a little collaboration with her where we joined her for some of her set and she played in some of ours. We're hoping to work with Bashema some more in the future.

 

Anja

The event was a success and a lot of money has been raised for the Guide Dog charity. 

Thank you everyone who supported it, Andrew Goddard and his helpers for organising it and Taff for giving up his evening to help on sound.

Natalie

We now only have one gig left before the new year. This will be the Jelli Records Christmas Show at the Southbank Club, Bristol. There will be Jelli jelly and crackers plus Natalie and Anja are making mince pies for it too! So if you are free on the 19^th December please come along. Tickets are £5 from Bristol Ticket Shop or on the door.

Sally

 Some exiting non gig related news.

We have been writing new material for an album planned for next year with Jelli Records. I cannot share the details just yet but we're pretty excited with the plans we've seen so far. We will be letting you all know more information in the near future so watch this space. Looking forward to telling you all!

Our single 'Starlight' is now all mixed and finished and we're going to be filming a video very soon.

We now have a mailing list and will be issuing regular newsletters so if you've not already signed up but would like to be the first to know updates on gigs, new releases and maybe a special offer or two, please sign up below.

Sally x