Hard-Fi at Brixton Academy, The BBs, and Ping Pong at The Swan Inn - 15th May 2006

Nosher and The Boy Phil go down to Brixton to see Hard-Fi, but it turns out to be a bit of a job getting there. As we get to Vauxhall station on the Victoria Line, it's announced that service has been suspended to Brixton, and so, with groans from all round, an entire train-load of people stream out of the station and try and all get on the same Number 2 bus, the driver all the while looking nervous in case a riot broke out when it turned out he could only fit another 20 people on. Sticking this out for a while, but quickly giving up, Nosher and The Boy Phil get a taxi for the last few miles to the venue, but at least the cab takes us right to the entrance. Following a somewhat incongrous rap act, the legendary Billy "little bit of politics" Bragg takes to the stage and performs a suitably fierce set. Hard-Fi follow, after what seems like three hours, but don't disappoint the crowd by pretty much playing the entire "Stars of CCTV" album, with a couple of new tracks thrown in for good measure. A major highlight is the appearance of an actual legend in the form of Paul Weller, who plays "A Town Called Malice" with the band and then guests for another number. After the gig, almost everyone seemed to be saying "wow, it was Paul f***** WELLER!!". Later on, The BBs are rehearsing in the Youth Services building, there's a Spitfire flyover and Liam Harvey out of the Harvs is playing at the Cock Inn on Fair Green in Diss.

next album: Henry and Fiona's Wedding Reception, Oakley, Suffolk - 2nd June 2006
previous album: Fun With Bellows: Macro Photography, Brome, Suffolk - 13th May 2006