retiredmartin

October 2023. Newcastle University Students Union.

Young American women make all the best music these days. Back in September I heard 22 year old Alix Page cover Sunshine Baby, a new song by The Japanese House that sounded like an instant classic;

even without that contribution of Matty Healy of the 1975.

So I booked an early ticket for their sold-out gig at Newcastle Uni. When I’d searched for a possible ticket for Mrs RM that morning (she wouldn’t have gone, she hates standing) this came up;

What was Ellie queueing for, 8 hours before the gig ? Return tickets ?

Nope. A place on the barrier. That’s why when I go to gigs you see young women standing outside venues in the rain 2 hours before doors.

Ellie and Evie were, sadly, to be disappointed in their quest to stand in the Newcastle drizzle all day.

I had no idea this behaviour went on till my own 22 year old told me.

I thought I had a relatively youthful attitude, but my bladder wouldn’t last 45 minutes at the barrier, let alone 8 hours in a queue.

So I may be a modern day Fred Wedlock (look it up), but at least I don’t cling to the past like the music critic of the Telegraph (otherwise a venerable newspaper, I’m sure).

The Stones ? Honestly, that’s insane. They’ll be telling us Dylan’s made a good record next.

Inside Newcastle Students Union I find I’m the only punter over 22. That’s quite a shock, as virtually every gig has at least a few token OAP blokes. Come to think of it, the only other places I felt so out-of-place were student unions (Leeds, Wolves) as well. Best stand at the back then.

It’s a good job the students have a Spoons, as their ale choices at the bar are Old Skool.

In the interval between acts Mrs RM sends me a pic from “42nd Street” (feat. Les Dennis”) at the Theatre Royal, quite a contrast with my own gig.

Actually, my interval is SO fashionably long that at 9pm I decide I must eat, even if it is the mini Scampi and chips back at that Spoons.

I really didn’t need that free pint of Abbot (NBSS 3+) with it, did I ?

So I miss the first song from The Japanese House, and as they leave the stage 45 minutes later I realise they haven’t played the song that drew me here.

The best bands do that though, not play their best songs.

But, just as I was leaving, they came back for an encore*.

An encore ? Honestly, it’s 20 years since I saw an encore. They’re the musical equivalent of tasters. Still, it’s a classic.

And then I somehow stumbled back to Gateshead via the Bigg Market, undistracted by both the Bass in the Old George,

and the man with the concertina.

“Don’t wave your mobile phone over the river” shouted Mrs RM.

*Yes I know that’s from Manchester pedant.