Bodie

Had to pass on them both, too much else going on but keeping the diary free for the autumn, bound to be a few more pre crimbo.

What he said. Little brother has grown into the spotlight. Still buzzing from Wednesday.

Yep, thats the one... I like it, I'm glad that John has recued it from obscurity. I must be honest, I hadn't heard it until he started playing it recently.

Ah yes, Dan Whitehouse The policy at the O2 is that they offer support slots to local singer/songwriters at the ‘3’ venue as most of the headliners would not bring a support with them. So last night we walked in to the last song from one lad and then had a chat with Ant before the next one came on. He walks out of the audience such as it is, plugs in and starts banging out his first tune. The first thing is that he has a very very strong voice, can clearly play the guitar and is not at all fazed by the lack of a crowd. He makes a few jokes, plays a couple more and then instead of starting another one he says ‘Look, this is silly, why don’t I just come and sit down here – (a low bench along one wall) – and play you a few more’… and from that moment there was a magic about it, a real connection between this brave bloke and the few of us there. He asked questions and gave away his CD’s as prizes, did one song that was almost unaccompanied, which must be bloody hard to do and finished off with orchestrating a singalong of the chorus of his final song ‘Somebody loves you’ complete with advice as to when to ‘punch your fist in the air’ like you are in a stadium. He left all of us with a big smile on our faces and if it had been appropriate he would have gotten a deserved encore. He apparently plays around Brum a lot and we will make a point of seeing him again. I bought him a drink afterwards and he gave me a CD and I like it, one song called ‘Raw State’ in particular is very good. www.dan-whitehouse.com

9-30ish, played for about an hour and a quater I think. Thanks, Steve - and for the review. I wonder how many will be in there tonight, to be honest... Looking forward to it, though. One of the guys in the band said he had heard that ticket sales were ok for London Fingers crossed.

9-30ish, played for about an hour and a quater I think. nb...£3.65 a pint in that shithole, an absolute fucking disgrace

It must have been sometime in November that the legend that is Brummie Mick persuaded John to play at the Hare and Hounds in support of his ‘just filling in time’ career. It was quiet, introspective and subdued. The following month at the Zanzi he seemed more confident and the ‘band’ filled out the sound so much better….but tonight was a quantum leap forward. They – because they sound and feel like a band – were exceptional. Seriously, he now has a ‘sound’ and the songs have an identity, the ones from the Shack back catalogue are hardly recognisable from the recorded versions, ‘Miles Apart’ in particular having a really breathy, swirling quality courtesy of the flute. But I’m getting ahead of myself. It’s the Champions league final and Birmingham Academy One plays host to ‘The Polar bear club’, Metal lite for 15yo cretins so John is shuffled to the god awful Academy 3 - not even fit for the toilet circuit Arf. That still doesn’t excuse only 18 people turning up…and some of them were with the support bands. The Pernice Brothers drew less than 50, Lucero less than 60 but this was just depressing and distressing. There were more people waiting to be served next door in McDonalds. However, when john came on stage it may as well been 18,000 for all he and the band cared, I’m simply staggered by the effort he and his band put in. John may have his eyes closed most of the time, maybe that is why he just puts everything into it, but it doesn’t matter why, the important thing is that he does. They played a familiar set list Carnival 1967 Butterfly New day Willow Loaded Man ‘That One’ – What the fuck is the song? Sounds like Jethro Tull, chorus of ‘It’s too late for me now’ or something like that. Miles Apart Cornish Town Encore – 1967 That’s the ‘official’ set list but I’m sure it was slightly longer than that with maybe another song at #3, can’t quite remember. On stage we had Flute (Greg) Trumpet/Trombone (Andy) Double bass (Simon?) Guitar and drums. It really was impressive, John was in fine voice and the whole band seem to be having a good time, Andy in particular playing air guitar to every part that doesn’t require a brass part. But fucking hell, 18 people… Quick chat with John afterwards.. ‘The album I did that heavenly were interested in releasing won’t see light of day, it’s not good enough, I want to go into the studio with this band, playing with them has changed the songs for the better’ So now you know. For those of you going to the other three shows then you are in for a treat, he’s bloody good now and getting better. Anne and I are off to Portugal this weekend…but we both said the same thing.. ‘wish we were going to Liverpool instead’ Have a great time boys and girls !!!

They're on about 8.30-9. It's Timo, John and Si. P.S. As I'm sure some of you already know, I'm Mick and John's sister Joanne, and It's my bar John's playing at tonight. it's hopefully gonna be the first, (or second including Paddy's night) of many acoustic nights here, to include John, Mick and many other local artists. Would be great to see the Shacknet peeps down there, have met a few along the way at various gigs, a good bunch! Jo x x Was it you that sang with Mick at the Liverpool music week thing at the Academy a couple of years ago? You did Daniella? What a voice you have, thanks for a great memory! Hope it goes well and the place is packed.

That's a bit optimistic isn't it Steve? I'm his only customer, it's the least he can do.

Gingerbread Latte please.....and a mince pie

He was excellent. Played solo for the first part then was joined by a woodwind and a double bass player for the second half. The setlist was: Carousel, Metro, Borderline, Revolution, River, Beautiful, Cornish Town, Carnival, Miles Apart, Crocodile, New Day, 1967, Butterfly, Not Afraid, Too Late He played twice in Manchester over the weekend so he's now up to a grand total of four solo shows. Definitely worth catching if you get the chance ( We filmed it for him so I'll give you a shout when the films readyif you want, soundboard audio too). Bloody hell Clarky, well done! UPDATE Still be a week or two before the films ready , waiting for the audio to be engineered should make a nice boot in its own right. Really nice bloke as well JH can see why he would attract such a devoted audience tho' it's quite surreal when the audience stand stock still and silent during each song but they make up for it in between. Ooh, nice one Clarky. Unfortunately, there were a quite a few chatterers at the back during the songs. :angry: Still, it was a great night. You and Vinni were missed. Next time, eh?! ps Here's Andy and Simon doing their (other) thing in The Wizards Of Twiddly: (Dedicated to all the big gobs at gigs...! Grrrr!) They did quieten down after Big G went and had a word though...

He was excellent. Played solo for the first part then was joined by a woodwind and a double bass player for the second half. The setlist was: Carousel, Metro, Borderline, Revolution, River, Beautiful, Cornish Town, Carnival, Miles Apart, Crocodile, New Day, 1967, Butterfly, Not Afraid, Too Late He played twice in Manchester over the weekend so he's now up to a grand total of four solo shows. Definitely worth catching if you get the chance ( We filmed it for him so I'll give you a shout when the films readyif you want, soundboard audio too). Bloody hell Clarky, well done!

Why are Shack/John/Shacknet gigs/gatherings such a blur? It's always over far too soon, things unsaid, not enough time...this one was so good, great to meet some new people and share a drink with some old friends and in the centre of it all was a superb performance from John. 1967 is probably the best song from him so far, can't wait to hear the recorded version....which will be in Feb apparently, the company were looking to Jan but John has some more songs to record and thinks Feb is more likely. 'Not afraid' was a real highlight, such a great song, it's about time it was played more often. I'm still hungover, I'll ramble more another time...