Barfly Camden, London, 18th February 2011 Options

[Merica]

I think I dropped my load. The Gracious Few were SICK; totally on point in every area. Every instrument was spot on, and holy shit - you might not *like* Kevin Martin's voice, but you're a dumb, ignorant sumbitch if you deny that the man can sing. His voice is powerful as all hell, and he was on some serious form.

The first support band were called The Targets, and they weren't half bad for a really young group of guys. Gave it 110%, did everything at 100mph, and put on a good show. Not really my kind of music, but all credit and the best to them. Then there was Axel Loughrey or something, who was a moody bastard who wasn't getting on with his hired help for the evening. Quite awkward, like they'd fallen out before they went on stage or something. The final support band was the Gin Riots, a rag tag bunch that were entertaining enough and did a good job.

Sean actually came out from the staff door (which I was stood near all night) and watched a few songs. I thought it was him at the time, but wasn't sure. Later on as he passed with the band (all of them literally inches from me, could've licked them if I felt like it, I opted for some pally back patting instead) it was sort of an "oh hey, shit, it was you!" kind of moment.

Whilst things were being set up for TGF, Gracey came out to set up his own drums. Well, actually he just came out to change things on the same set everybody had used all night. He initially stood outside the staff door and I kind of said hello without speaking. Wanted to show him the Tweet he sent me to show him that I'd turned up as I said I would, but I opted against it as he was busy prepping.

For their set, they were just so TIGHT; really TIGHT. Everything was TIGHT as FUCK and sounded so good. Really, really, REALLY good.

I'm pretty sure they played everything from the record (minus What's Wrong and Nothing But Love - correct me if I'm wrong), a cover of It's No Good, and a new song called Labour of Love which was pretty good, hard to take it in in a concert setting where it's all loud and a bit fuzzy, but Pat has a pretty prominent and funky bass line in it.

Once the set was over, they walked off past me and my mate again, and we both went to shake the very same hand of Patrick D. He kind of did a funny dance as if to say "what do I do, what do I do!", then shook both our hands. I think there might have been an after party or something that I could've stuck around for, but we had to hit the tube so we left it there.

The Gracious Few put on a super show, I really enjoyed it; glad I went!

[live2cd]

I can't wait to hear "Labour of Love"!

[thatsme]

I can't wait to hear "Labour of Love"!

I'm pretty sure we'll get a recording of it soon !!