Live Music: Free of charge

[SAI]

I've been to a couple of instore gigs (Kings of Leon and KT Tunstall, both at HMV Oxford Street) and enjoyed both immensely.
HMV generally has a band playing every week or two in its biggest stores, particularly Oxford Street and the sets tend to last 20 minutes to half an hour which you can't argue with for just the price of a train ticket.
The next one I'll be going to is The Duke Spirit, again at HMV Oxford St, on May 3rd.

Keep an eye on hmv.co.uk and virginmegastores.co.uk as there are always announcements of sets and signings on there (The Tears; for example are signing at Virgin Oxford St, but are not playing as far as I can tell)

[Psychocandy]

I remember one day I was browsing through the CDs in one of the Glasgow HMVs when I noticed some equipment being set up in the corner. After asking someone what was going on I was informed, much to my surprise, that Bernard Butler (ex. Suede) would be playng a half hour solo set. That was my first experience of an in-store gig. Since then i've seen a couple more one of which was (ahem) Bon Jovi at the now closed down Tower Records in Glasgow (I wonder whether there's any connection between The Jovi playing there and it closing down?).

[Scorpio24]

I've never heard of this.

Gutting I love KT Tunstall. Got really into her music recently. Would love to have seen her up close live. She not long ago played a small gig down Cardiff which I also missed.

Phsyco I think it's a racing certainty that the shop closed down directly due to Bon Jovi singing there.:D

[SAI]

Originally posted by Scorpio24
I've never heard of this.
Gutting I love KT Tunstall. Got really into her music recently. Would love to have seen her up close live. She not long ago played a small gig down Cardiff which I also missed.


I liked Tunstall, wasn't sure before seeing her but her set was great; just her a guitar and an effects pedal to create the backing track. I'd recommend getting to see her

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by SAI
I liked Tunstall, wasn't sure before seeing her but her set was great; just her a guitar and an effects pedal to create the backing track. I'd recommend getting to see her


Yea I'd love to. Going to try and sort something out soon. Really have never heard of such a thing as an instore gig though. It's a great idea. I love watching live bands, and watching artist's like Tunstall play with nothing but her guitar is a great privilage.

[paul calf]

over the years i have done pretty well in scamming free gig's,i saw james play a mini 5 set gig on the top of piccaddily radio,i saw the white stripes in a radio one give away,and the missus managed to pick me up some free tickets for the inspiral carpets and charlatans from her work .

[SAI]

Just back from seeing The Duke Spirit at HMV and I'm suitably impressed. The highlights of a great half hour 7 or 8 song set were the fantastic title track of their Album 'Cuts Across The Land', album track (please God make it a single) 'Stubborn Stitches' and current single 'Love is an Unfamiliar Name'. Great stuff, and free, that's the price you want to pay.

Next Up: The Tears HMV Oxford St 6th June 6pm

[SAI]

Okay. Sons and Daughters fans.

Just read this on S & D's website.

Live Acoustic set
May 25th
Rough Trade
16 Neal's Yard
London
1pm

See you there then.

[SAI]

Just a note first the gig noted above was postponed, i'll post the new date when i get it.

Saw The Tears today and was disappointed.
Bernard Butler immediately set the wrong tone, throwing his drink over the front of the crowd within seconds of getting onstage. Tosser.
Then it quickly became clear that, capable musicians though they are, The Tears don't have the songs yet.
Refugees is a great single and was the highlight here by a LONG way and like the other decent track; new single Lovers, it sounds so like Suede that you might as well go and listen to Dog Man Star. Otherwise we got two dull ballads (including the closing song a tedious B Side complete with ill advised 'I am a Golden God' posing from Brett Anderson) and a perfunctory rocker. Overall it was a set that made you want to shout 'play Animal Nitrate'.

Next: The Magic Numbers: Virgin Oxford St, June 13th, 6pm

[SAI]

http://www.alwaysontherun.net/goldfrapp01.JPG
Saw Goldfrapp at Virgin Megastore last night. A short set, just four songs, kicked off in fine style with Train in a brilliant extended version. A jaw droppingly sexy rendition of Tiptoe followed. Then we got two from the new album Supernature (album of 2005 so far) beginning with Ride A White Horse, a brilliant slice of disco before the set closed out with current single Ooh La La, which had the crowd jumping and punching the air.
It was tremendous, as well as her excellent voice Alison Goldfrapp has real stage presence, you simply can't take your eyes off her (though that may also have had to do with the one piece skintight outfit). Frankly it was far too short a taster, i must see them on tour in October.