This decade got off to a very slow start thanks to the world-wide pandemic which brought life to a standstill in March 2020. Shortly after seeing Jah Wobble and the Invaders of the Heart at Nottingham’s Rescue Rooms in February that year the UK was plunged into lockdown and it would be another 18 months before I would get to another gig. By the time I could go to see bands again I’d actually become a bit of a hermit and, like many other people, I was extremely nervous about stepping out of the house into a big city and entering a room full of people again. I had got comfortable in my peaceful lockdown surroundings, working from home full time etc and I genuinely feared a return to ‘normal’ life again. It took me a little while to pluck up the courage to go to a gig again but when I did (invited by a mate to see the 90s indie icons Bluetones and Sleeper in a ‘double header’ at Manchester’s Ritz) it felt great to be back and supporting artists who had obviously had a tough time not being able to earn a living thanks to the virus. My fears were eased by the reduced capacity in live music venues and the rules around social distancing, wearing masks and proof of covid vaccinations etc. I felt fairly safe.
At the time of writing I have now been to a few gigs since lockdown restrictions were lifted. I am not sure I will ever get into the groove of regular gig-going again and I will probably be a little more selective about the type of concerts I go to now, not because of a fear of crowds but more because I’m older and there’s certain styles of live music I can no longer tolerate (sorry Idles – you’re great and everything but you’re a bit too aggressive for me these days!)
I’ve already been to a few gigs and I have a few more lined up this year (2022) so I will continue to post my (paper or digital) tickets here and on the increasingy popular Facebook and Instagram accounts which have really taken off recently. Come and join the conversation!
Like old gig tickets?
See my stubs from the 1980s HERE