So, the survey says I went to 53 gigs in 2012. This is actually an increase on 2011, where I managed “only” 47, but down on the 2009 high of around 96. One a week is about right, I reckon. More than that just becomes exhausting.
It would have been more this year, but after a very active October gig-going feel away in November and December with a very below-par three gigs for that two-month period. I’m blaming both work and some ridiculous movie about a stupid fat Hobbit for that.
In particular, this is the first time in just about forever that I’ve not done a Christmas gig. Both the Darren Hanlon and The Gin Club Christmas bashes were on my to-do list but ultimately fell by the wayside. It’s been ages since I photographed either of those bands too, and I really would like to do so again. This year, I hope.
Busiest month was October with nine gigs in just 31 days. Heathen Skulls and Lawrence English were responsible for that: both toured some fantastic acts that month. Shellac, Benoit Pioulard and Grouper were outstanding. Yet September (with seven gigs) was the only month where I went to two in a single day: an afternoon effort at the Powerhouse to catch Dreamtime and The Moses Gunn Collective followed by a trek to The Waiting Room that night to see Do The Robot launch their fantastic album Midnight Mirage (the vinyl artwork is stunning). Read more
