In Review: My Triple Whammy October 2003
Firstly, let me explain what the whole “triple whammy” thing is about. In October 2003 I went to three Kosheen gigs, three nights running. The first in my hometown Southampton and the other two up in London, at the Shepherds Bush Empire. Here are my reviews of the three gigs:
Southampton Guildhall 19.10.2003
"Welcome Kosheen have a top night,” said the 12-foot banner I made for Kosheen as I struggled with the wind outside the guildhall, freezing me nuts off on the Sunday morning.
Like a hyperactive kid before Christmas there I was a the front of the crowd later that day, waiting for Kosheen to play my hometown. I was hoping the LDP set would be short and sweet so the party could truly start with Kosheen. But I was pleasantly surprised by my willingness to shout "everybody in the morning nah nah nah" and " G-double O-D-F-E-double L-A"! The LDP have grown on me and now after seeing them again last night at shepherds bush and meeting one of them, I class myself as a fan.
Kosheen opened with Swamp as always which flowed nicely into Face In My Crowd. Great to hear Wish and Recovery that night too. Top tunes of the night AIMH and Catch which are becoming real tour favourites with the whole crowd-got everyone pumping for sure. Also a poignant rendition of Suzy May made Sian well up, as I think the crowd appreciation of the song and perhaps the legacy it represents, touched Sian. Everyone seemed mesmerised by Sian's vocal and physical gymnastics. Been limbering up recently Sian?
Cheers for the personal mention "Hi Luke..." on stage on Sunday Sian, made night more special.
Living in Southampton I knew about the poor acoustics of the tall walled hall but the effect on the set was minimal. In fact, we were spoiled rotten with 17 songs from the band. But where was I want it all?! This song is a gig must- here's hoping they'll play it on the second London date tonight.
After trying to wait around as long as poss to speak to the guys finally managed to ambush a very bemused and absent Markee. "Where's the party at?" he said. Deciding against trashing my place we made our way to Mono bar with an out of it Darren following somewhere behind across the park.
Really good to finally meet Gary. Top Geezer it was weird that he said "really cool to finally meet you Luke”. I've finally met every member of the band now at some stage or another; really feel they should be appreciated as a five piece these days. Gary and Mitch play a fundamental role in the perfection of sound that is Kosheen. So kudos to them. Made a tit out of myself by saying to Mitch's family "Are you Mitch's family?" Yes came the reply to which I followed with a cringe worthy "WELL DONE!" Still Mitch's Dad got a pic of me in front of my banner that had since been promoted to being attached to the front of the tour bus!
Thanks for an amazing start to my triple whammy of Kosheen gigs guys, hope everyone there enjoyed the show and going to Mono as much as me.... till next time...ummm...tonight again
Shepherds Bush Empire 20.10.2003
The crowd were really buzzing last night, really made it the night it was. Sian seemed genuinely overwhelmed by the crowd of nutters in front of her. Catch was definitely THE song of last night.
Cool to have free beer on tap at the after show party last night. After being cunningly escorted of the premises by a member of staff it was funny we managed to worm our way back to the after show party after seeing Darren and getting our, as promised, passes. Sian was all over the place doing her best to say hello to everyone. Got a fleeting visit after a hug and a big "How's our number one fan?" from Sian (so its official guys). But she said she was saving the drink until the second London show, before fading into the background.
It was cool to meet the band's manager who was friendly and welcoming. So me, Kelly and Charlie are infamous in the ranks of moksha are we? hmmm...
It was funny that some women at shepherd's bush empire on security, (Who incidentally should really see her hairdresser before her next therapy session), wouldn't let Darren and us into the aftershow party to begin with. He's with the band we protested, as Kelly searched desperately for "photographic evidence" on her camera. One guy on security who's mum should be very proud indeed of raising such a varied and deep human being(that’s sarcasm btw) Replied to Darren provocatively "I don't know buddy, I was stood there but wasn't interested." So I gave as good as we got (thanks to a yard of Grolsh and subsequent Dutch courage) and said " You should be buddy, he's paying your wages!" But luckily they gave in to our protests with the help of Charles Cosh (band manager) and let us in backstage. Smiles on our faces the usual bewildered frowns on theirs. Can I just say now how pleasant and welcoming the staff at Shepherds Bush were, can't wait to see you all again tonight.
But seriously people who were really welcoming were the guys from The Colourstone who we met at the gig. The lead singer came to meet us and said thanks for our madcap dancing and singing along. Think we're they're number one fans already. The lead singer was amazing, her voice was effortlessly projected can't wait to see more from this band. Natural talent at its very best. Definitely the best support act ever for Kosheen and believe me I've seen a few support acts now.
Shepherds Bush Empire 21.10.2003
The last night of the UK tour and we weren't left disappointed. They went out with a bang. Sian looked as stunning as ever in a Georgian style corset and suede skirt.
The London gigs are always the best, just because they are towards the end of the tour and there's always such a varied and up-for-it crowd.
Same set list as Southampton and shepherds bush the previous night but whereas Catch was probably the strongest tune then, Hide U was an absolute blinder.
The crowd raised the roof chanting "hide u...hide u...hide u". "Are you in good voice?" Sian asked earlier that night. I think every goddamn person in that room proved they were.
Even Markee and Darren dared show a glimpse of emotion by reciprocating Sian's utter bewilderment of seeing everyone clapping and cheering, shouting and screaming, wanting more. "Pinch me!" Sian declared and to her surprise, Markee did right on the ass! Nice one!
Cruelty has always been one of my faves from Resist but after seeing the song performed live three nights running I have gained an even greater appreciation for it, so thanks. Hungry was also a top tune of the night.
Recovery was absolutely amazing last night. Surely this song has to be released!!??! It had more "umpf" than previous nights, not that it was lacking "umpf" before. And the lighting was perfectly timed (as with Wish), it really added to the passion in both songs.
After another fleeting meeting with the band and a quick pic and hug, me and Kelly shuffled off home, triple whammy complete, tired but still wanting more of the same...
