Manchester Academy

[HarperPR]

Add your name if you're going. I think Leyla is for one, to start off...

[Craig_Powers]

I'll be at the Man Academy. There will be 4 of us, including I'm my guitar teacher who seems to be getting into Nick's stuff. I keep spreading the gospel.

Craig

[HarperPR]

Hi Craig

Good stuff!

[Craig_Powers]

Just hoping he puts on a top show. Manchester is usually a good venue and a excellent atmosphere. The first time I saw him there (2002?) was one of the best gigs I've been to....

It would be good if we could meet up and say hello in the bar...but you'll no doubt be dashing about as usual, and Nick will be back stage.

[HarperPR]

Try The Oxford pub over road to the right. I think you'll spot a few familiar faces there! Right, Critch?!

[Craig_Powers]

We usually get there a bit early so will wander across there first.

Craig

[critch]

I'll be going along there. If i can find it eh linn? Last time we were in there, i do believe that you told me we were engaged! Lol.

Anyways, fozz wasn't too happy about it so we had to end that, but yes, i think a pint before the gig in there might be in order!

[HarperPR]

We could always try again - it is a Leap Year!

[critch]

Does that mean you're coming to manchester?

[HarperPR]

Can you book the registry office...?

[critch]

:w00t:

:gnorsi:

[HarperPR]

:w00t:

:gnorsi:

Do I take that as a No then....:mad:

[critch]

That was me dashing off to book it... a good likeness I fought...

[HarperPR]

You may have to un-book. Massive travel prob via train. Anyone with a car travelling south to north?

[HarperPR]

Please read Press & Media forum Manc review.

[Craig_Powers]

Is there a support @ manchester?

Craig

[HarperPR]

I am currently in the midst of filing important copy - otherwise I may not get my birthday party!!! - and trying to sort out Sheff gig reviews and upcoming for Manc and Leeds, so a BIT busy! You can call me but I can't keep texting/typing!

I suggest everyone meets in Oxford, 7-ish. And carry a rolled up copy of the Sunday Sport for recognition!

[HarperPR]

Critch, let me know before 2pm tomorrow your plans.

[critch]

I am currently in the midst of filing important copy - otherwise I may not get my birthday party!!! - and trying to sort out Sheff gig reviews and upcoming for Manc and Leeds, so a BIT busy! You can call me but I can't keep texting/typing!

I suggest everyone meets in Oxford, 7-ish. And carry a rolled up copy of the Sunday Sport for recognition!

Just read the above - so sorry for the PM - I'll get on to it straight away ish if I don't hear from you in say the next 30 mins?

Would Debbie be happy carrying a copy of the sunday sport? I think I will go tomorrow night, so I'll be able to do a review for you.

Now everybody, anyone who wants to call out my name, then make sure you say it right...

And contrary to popular belief, I didn't write the setlist, it was merely dictated to me through the cunning use of a guitar and vocal. And if I had written it, surely I would have remembered the song title Good Bus!

[HarperPR]

Have told Leyla time of meet, look out for her, and Simon too. Is Liam going?

[critch]

I don't think he's going. He's been incontactable since he met his new girl!

[HarperPR]

Critch, can you bring what flyers/posters you have left and maybe Leyla/Simon can take some on.

[critch]

Will bring some! With going to Sheff, I ended up really busy on Friday so I didn't get as much done as I would have liked. :( I know, I was rubbish! But I had loads of extra stuff to do!

[critch]

Trains are rubbish aren't they? Last train back from Manchester is 10.20 so I'd miss half the gig - plus the buses stop running so I'd have to pay 5 quid to get a taxi back from the station! I think I'll end up driving - it's always the easiest way. Clarkson is dead right about that - until there is a way as quick and easy as the car, no one is going to stop using them.

[HarperPR]

Simon - did you read the PM? I need to know whether you are going, like NOW!!!!:biggrin:

[HarperPR]

I want a sterling effort here tonight with reviews and pics! Critch - in the front row with Simon please. And I'd like the results on my desk by late Monday!

Dig on down! Wonder if Nick liked how I named his tour - ha!

[SimonF]

Critch - in the front row with Simon please. And I'd like the results on my desk by late Monday!


She don't mess about, does she Critch?
Anyone would think we're on her payroll :w00t:

Love you really MsPR! But I see from further up the fred that there's a bit of a queue.

For the purpose of identification, I'll be the one NOT carrying the Sunday Sport.

[critch]

She don't mess about, does she Critch?
Anyone would think we're on her payroll :w00t:

Why? Are you not? :D


For the purpose of identification, I'll be the one NOT carrying the Sunday Sport.

You're right. It just wouldn't look right with that zappy little nappy you've got on.

Welcome aboard and nice to hear from you again R2!

[HarperPR]

You are both on my payroll! But as you two know, I do 'pay' with little treats. I never expect anyone who puts in effort for Nick and me to the extent that some here have, to do so without acknowledgement.

[critch]

Well wow! I was seriously bowled over with this one! I was at the stage with R2 taking photos. I took a fair few actually. Maybe 300? Something like that anyway. I'll post them up to flickr soon and put up the link.

Anyways yes. I can't quite put my finger on why this one was so much better- similar set list, similar links. The atmosphere was electric and somewhat quieter than the normal noisey crowd we've come to expect from this venue.

We had a string break in No truth which was unexpected, even to nick, but quickly changed!

Another technical issue with the laptop caused the pa to go off (at exactly the same time as you hung up, mspr! I'm sure it was a coincidence but i was a little worried!) but of course nick makes the best of any given situation and the acoustic version of imaginary friend was fantastic. It just goes to show that he doesn't need all this electronic gadgetry to perform.

Love is music was dusted with snippets of blur and jeff and a presume 4 sticks though i don't know the song. Perhaps chris will enlighten us after his drive home.

At the shout of a "nutter" we also got a quick spice girls excerpt! In nick's words: there's been a girl power cut!

I absolutely loved it. By far the best for sometime. Possibly ever... For me, he's back at peak form.

[Craig_Powers]

Critch,

I saw someone taking pics to the left of the stage so I assume that was you? Were you in the Oxford Road before the gig too?

I took two newbies to see Nick and there were blown away by it all.

Nick seemed to be having hassles with the effects stuff all through the evening. He was looking down at it lot of times throughout the gig. But the way he just copes with technical hitches and string breaks etc just adds to his incredibly skill.

Looking forward to St.H next week.

Craig

[critch]

I think that was simon aka r2d2. I was over the other side taking photos.
Great gig wasn't it?

[Craig_Powers]

Yes a great gig.

Quite a bit of noise from audience on my left....a pain in the arse.

The two newbies that I took were really impressed. Both will go and watch him again. And sufficiently impressed to buy CDs on the way out.

I'll keep spreading the gospel.

Craig

ps can you recall the set list

not in order....

No Truth up in the Mountains
Real Life
Guitar Man, Zep combo
Aeroplane
Field of Cloth of Gold
Galaxy Song
Simple ~ superb
Evo
Imaginary Friend ~ unplanned unplugged
By my Rocket
Treasure Island
Three magpies ??????
Love is Music ~ another 25 minutes of madness
encore...
Blue Sky Thinking

[critch]

3 magpies was 2nd but other than that, i think you were about right. Debbie has it all written down though.

[HarperPR]

Yes a great gig.

Quite a bit of noise from audience on my left....a pain in the arse.

The two newbies that I took were really impressed. Both will go and watch him again. And sufficiently impressed to buy CDs on the way out.

I'll keep spreading the gospel.

Craig

ps can you recall the set list

not in order....

No Truth up in the Mountains



Real Life
Guitar Man, Zep combo
Aeroplane
Field of Cloth of Gold
Galaxy Song
Simple ~ superb
Evo
Imaginary Friend ~ unplanned unplugged
By my Rocket
Treasure Island
Three magpies ??????
Love is Music ~ another 25 minutes of madness
encore...
Blue Sky Thinking
And no T&B, yet again!!!:D:thumbup:

[pd]

I love your new title, Ms Pr.. :rofl:

[critch]

There were a few shouts for pickle! Though he didn't play it, he very nearly did!

[HarperPR]

Where's me reviews and pics then?!

[critch]

Give me a bloody chance! Lol. Been postering all day! Well this afternoon anyway!

I'm gonna upload all the photos to flickr which might take a while. I'll pick out the best and email smaller versions. If you like one and want immediately i'll send the full quality. The lot will be available for viewing hopefully late this evening. I'll get to the review later too? Should be done by 8 ish?

[SimonF]

You are both on my payroll! But as you two know, I do 'pay' with little treats. I never expect anyone who puts in effort for Nick and me to the extent that some here have, to do so without acknowledgement.

'Treats' eh? You mean like a squeaky rubber toy in the shape of Postman Pat, and the odd half-bag of Bonio? :)

[critch]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2233/2242913646_c2a16b429d.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2333/2242144497_110c563218.jpg?v=0

Can people see these pics? I can't check cause I can't log out and keep uploading the rest!

[Craig_Powers]

Yes Critch, can see the pics.

1st one looks like when he was changing strings on No Truth, & tapping frets

Craig

[Craig_Powers]

no, stupid me, can see the excess string...

[critch]

I do have a few of the string change - hang on. *goes away for a look*

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2202/2242097557_ccc4dde00a.jpg?v=0

[HarperPR]

He's put up some of Nick's 'blue period' ones on Flickr too.

[critch]

Yes well... Actually those photos on here are just linked in from flickr! If you wanna post that link now i'm not yam, feel free. Anyways, those photos on there are still uploading so keep checking back to see more. It's doing about 50 per hour so i reckon it'll be done by 2am!
Enjoy!

[Uriel]

Sounds great Critch. Nice Pics.

This is shaping up to be one heck of a tour. On the two showings I had this weekend, I think Nick's on his best form in a couple of years.

[critch]

Thanks Uriel,

All the pics can now be found on This page (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rjcritchley/sets/72157603858868757)

[scotpaulabear]

Critch, you star! Gorgeous pics. You can't go too far wrong with the lovely Hop'n'Grape lighting but you've done fab. Nick looks especially hawt... :blushing: :w00t: :biggrin:

[critch]

Thanks paula! Be sure to grab any that you want for your site. I won't mind! As long as i get a photo credit!

Can i e myther you a few videos to put up? They're not great but ok. I realised how much memory they took when i started filming!