My son and I went to see Nick at The Studio last Friday. He had two support acts this time, a young girl called Charlotte Grayson and another lady whose name I didn't catch. Charlotte did mostly covers of modern acts like Taylor Swift and Elle King (not that I would have known but David told me); not really to my taste but she did them really well and David liked her. The second act was more to my liking, a singer/songwriter with acoustic guitar with echoes of the sixties and a really good voice. She was joined by a bass player who added a little something but who I didn't think was particularly necessary. Nick started his set with his usual flashy fretwork and was going in to his first track when a photographer at the front of the stage started taking photos. A bit of banter between them ended with Nick jumping off stage, handing him his guitar and taking the camera. Photographer jumped on stage and posed while Nick snapped him. Nick took his guitar back and launched into 'In Our Time' among the audience before climbing back onstage to continue. I think Nick was quite disappointed at the turnout - I did a quick count and came up with roughly 40 heads - but he didn't let it affect his performance, which was as ever incredible. A couple of string breaks, one during Blood Song which he found quite difficult for a change, complaining that he didn't have his glasses, and one fortunately at the end of a song so he could change it without having to play. He asked the bar for a bourbon and some wag called out 'Custard cream!'. I was a bit disappointed with some of the people in the crowd who called out for cover versions, especially one guy who (a bit worse for the drink I believe) asked for Lou Reed, Neil Young and David Bowie. Nick politely declined saying he only knew about half a dozen but promised us a couple later. The set list was much the same as at The Cumberland Arms three weeks ago and as always was magnificently played and sung. His 'Purple Rain' is getting better by the gig and is turning into a real showstopper. Can't wait for his next visit to the North-East (although I doubt that it will be at Hartlepool). Set list In Our Time The Magnificent G7 Breathe Juicy Fruit Girl Simple Treasure Island Blood Song Shine On You Crazy Diamond Building Our Own Temple/Four Sticks/Don't Believe The Hype Field Of The Cloth Of Gold Karmageddon The Galaxy Song This Is The Beginning Purple Rain Blue Sky Thinking
Me and my hubby were there. Nick tried so hard and we enjoyed it. I have a photo of the photographer and Nick swapping their camera/guitar. Looking forward to Allendale, Hawick and Durham (work rotas will have to be checked) and hopefully a chance to see him performing with the band.
