So with my last gig to the Manics, I have finished my first ticket album... Started on 15 November 1995 with the Foo Fighters at Brixton Academy, finished with the Manic Street Preachers on 28 May 2009 at the Roundhouse.
I know this isn't complete - if I did a comparison with Kevin's I know he has tickets for gigs we went to, that for some reason I have not managed to keep hold of. And there are some bands here that I know I've seen more often than I have tickets for - eg I'm pretty sure I've seen the Manics more than 3 times, James more than 2 times and Gene more than 3 times... And this doesn't include gigs from when I was still in NZ either - so very London focused.
Anyhow - in amongst the 200 or so tickets I have are: 44 for the theatre (including plays, musicals, comedy), 18 footie matches (17 of which are Villa), 9 cricket matches, 5 rugby matches, 3 sporting events in the USA and the following bands (number of times seen in brackets)...
The Amps (1), The Muttonbirds/Don McGlashan (6), Oasis (1), Boo Radleys (2), Tanya Donnelly (2), Billy Bragg (3), Manic Street Preachers (3), Beck (2), Babybird (1), James (2), Pavement (1), Wilco/Jeff Tweedy (4), Tindersticks (1), Nick Cave (1), Go Betweens (3), Teenage Fanclub (2), Ocean Colour Scene (3), Son Volt (1), Prodigy (1), Kristin Hersh (1), Echo & the Bunnymen (2), Smashing Pumpkins (1), Eels (1), Vic Chestnut (1), Lambchop (1), Calexico/Iron & Wine (2), Fat Freddys Drop (3), Salmonella Dub (1), Julian Cope (1), Bruce Springsteen (1), Gene (3), Embrace (6), Mark Eitzel (1), Badly Drawn Boy (1), New Order (1), Waterboys (1), Snow Patrol (2), Ian Brown (1), Rufus Wainwright (1), Franz Ferdinand (1), Finn Brothers (1), The Thrills (1), Starsailer (4), The Killers (1), Bloc Party (3), Doves (1), Interpol (1), Marshmellow (1), Mark Olson (2), Elbow (3), James Blunt (1), Hard Fi (1), Sufjan Stevens (1), The National (1), Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (1), Bluetones (1), Marah (1), Silver Jews (1), The Raconteurs (1), Arcade Fire (1), The Hold Steady (1), The Guillemots (1), The Hours (3), Band of Horses (1), Portishead (1), My Morning Jacket (1), Autumn Defense (1), Hot Chip (1), Dodge Brothers (1).
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Very hot London Loop sections
Completed another two sections of the London Loop - Kingston to Hatton Cross (8.5 miles) and Hatton Cross to Hayes & Harlington (3.8 miles). A total of 12.3 miles, but it took us AGES... I've blogged before about our different walking speeds, but yesterday felt very long to me. A lot of that was the heat - we're in the middle of a wee heatwave here, so it was very hot walking, but even so I still feel like it took too long...
The start of the first section was lovely - through Bushy Park, which despite the fact that its on my doorstep, I've never been to before. En-route to the park we saw a very amusing sign at a pub, which I've posted below - made us all smile! After we left Bushy Park and got closer to Hatton Cross we were also getting closer to Heathrow, so the plane noise got louder and louder... We had a 'plane spotters' picnic as it felt like they were literally taking off just next to us, so for the particularly loud ones we'd all look up to try and identify it from the tail fin. The conversation ebbed and flowed depending on when a plane was taking off... It was a real relief to start to head away - I don't know how people manage to live so close without going insane - a couple of hours of it was doing my head in...
The start of the first section was lovely - through Bushy Park, which despite the fact that its on my doorstep, I've never been to before. En-route to the park we saw a very amusing sign at a pub, which I've posted below - made us all smile! After we left Bushy Park and got closer to Hatton Cross we were also getting closer to Heathrow, so the plane noise got louder and louder... We had a 'plane spotters' picnic as it felt like they were literally taking off just next to us, so for the particularly loud ones we'd all look up to try and identify it from the tail fin. The conversation ebbed and flowed depending on when a plane was taking off... It was a real relief to start to head away - I don't know how people manage to live so close without going insane - a couple of hours of it was doing my head in...
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The fab Manics
Went to see the Manic Street Preachers play their new album at the Roundhouse on Thursday. A fantastic band and a great venue. We were stood upstairs at the back, which meant we had a great view, and as its a relatively small venue, it still felt very much like we were part of it.
The gig was two sets - the album first, then they came back on and did 'hits' - a bit like the Echo & the Bunnymen gig I went to last year. Very cool - played a lot of my old faves so I went home very happy :-).
The gig was two sets - the album first, then they came back on and did 'hits' - a bit like the Echo & the Bunnymen gig I went to last year. Very cool - played a lot of my old faves so I went home very happy :-).
Monday, May 25, 2009
Real live TV...
Second time lucky for Simon, Mhairi, Owen and me as we got in to see the filming of 'The Apprentice - You're Fired'...
We had lucked out the first time, but it worked in our favour as this time we had priority tickets. We did make sure we got there very early tho! Very interesting to see the show being filmed - although I don't think we made it on to tv! Quite funny to sit there and be told to laugh and clap when nothing is going on - knowing that your sound is just going be used somewhere else!
Great evening tho!
We had lucked out the first time, but it worked in our favour as this time we had priority tickets. We did make sure we got there very early tho! Very interesting to see the show being filmed - although I don't think we made it on to tv! Quite funny to sit there and be told to laugh and clap when nothing is going on - knowing that your sound is just going be used somewhere else!
Great evening tho!
Monday, May 18, 2009
The Hours (again)
Went to see The Hours (again) with Divya on Monday night - this time they played at Cargo. Another great set from them, although it was somewhat on the short side. They now have two albums, but still only played just over an hour. Bit disappointing.
And this time our famous person spot was Jarvis Cocker (see earlier post for the last famous person spot).
And this time our famous person spot was Jarvis Cocker (see earlier post for the last famous person spot).
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Back from wonderful Wales
And as I was clever and took my MacBook with me, I have my posts all ready to go! So read on below for the holiday - I'm about to start uploading my photos as well, but that may take a wee while...
Highlights were:
Highlights were:
- Summiting Tryfan
- Finding the lovely Welsh farmer and realising we were no longer lost in the wilds of Wales
- The great company
Friday, May 15, 2009
Lazy Friday
Friday was a low key day. The Kershaws headed out early-ish, but we just mooched around the house. Owen and I then went to meet them at Beddgelert to go for a wee stroll with them all.
Beautiful wee village - very different from where we were staying. Stunning - although looking quite thunderous as it was a bit grey and cloudy when we were there.
Owen and I then went back to pick Finbarr up and we headed off to try and find Owen's 'ancestral home' - Vaynol Hall, where his great grand-father had been gamekeeper. Cue much amusement, as Owen seems to be from all of the country, but we did find the somewhat imposing entrance to the estate. Which was all we got to see as it was definitely 'Private Property'.
Saturday we had to be out by 10, and we had left by about 9.30. We all felt very sorry to be going!
Beautiful wee village - very different from where we were staying. Stunning - although looking quite thunderous as it was a bit grey and cloudy when we were there.
Owen and I then went back to pick Finbarr up and we headed off to try and find Owen's 'ancestral home' - Vaynol Hall, where his great grand-father had been gamekeeper. Cue much amusement, as Owen seems to be from all of the country, but we did find the somewhat imposing entrance to the estate. Which was all we got to see as it was definitely 'Private Property'.
Saturday we had to be out by 10, and we had left by about 9.30. We all felt very sorry to be going!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
The best laid plans...
Very early start today – out of the house by 8.15! The plan was that me, Craig, Owen and Finbarr would head out early, climb Cnicht (5.5 miles – approx time 4 hours) and then meet Sarah and the kids in Betws-y Coed. Oh the best laid plans…
The morning was a bit grey, but not too bad when we set off, and the climb up to Cnicht was ok. Getting closer to the top the cloud started to come down, but we persevered. It was meant to have stunning views, but as you can see from the photos all we saw was cloud. So far so good…
The descent was where it all went wrong… We were meant to be looking out for a lake – quite hard to do when visibility was about 5 feet ahead of us… However Craig had a plan that as long as we headed north east we’d eventually hit the lake. 3 hours later we finally end up at a farm (after walking across very boggy peat bogs, crossing and re-crossing streams, and walking around the corner of a field to be faced with 6 bulls) and found a rather dashing young Welsh farmer who promptly told us where we were – which was miles away from where we were meant to be (about 5 to be precise). We’d gone so wrong it was incredible – thank heavens for finding that farmer!
We learnt many lessons on that walk – like a map and a compass aren’t that useful when you don’t actually know where you are on the map… or when you can’t see any landmarks to map yourself against… However it all ended ok – we ended up back in the land of people again!
The morning was a bit grey, but not too bad when we set off, and the climb up to Cnicht was ok. Getting closer to the top the cloud started to come down, but we persevered. It was meant to have stunning views, but as you can see from the photos all we saw was cloud. So far so good…
The descent was where it all went wrong… We were meant to be looking out for a lake – quite hard to do when visibility was about 5 feet ahead of us… However Craig had a plan that as long as we headed north east we’d eventually hit the lake. 3 hours later we finally end up at a farm (after walking across very boggy peat bogs, crossing and re-crossing streams, and walking around the corner of a field to be faced with 6 bulls) and found a rather dashing young Welsh farmer who promptly told us where we were – which was miles away from where we were meant to be (about 5 to be precise). We’d gone so wrong it was incredible – thank heavens for finding that farmer!
We learnt many lessons on that walk – like a map and a compass aren’t that useful when you don’t actually know where you are on the map… or when you can’t see any landmarks to map yourself against… However it all ended ok – we ended up back in the land of people again!
Me & Fin at the summit with Craig in the distance
Me & Fin at the summit with Craig in the distance
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
Perched on the edge of the world in the cloud...
The 'Carry on Walking' team
The 'Carry on Walking' team
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
An 'in' joke... not as funny as the films are (apparently...)
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
A climb but no summit...
A late start – I didn’t get up until after 9.30! So a somewhat slow morning, but eventually about midday me, Fin and Owen headed off to do our designated walk of the day – Moel Siabod.
Weather had changed overnight – no more glorious sun, but dull grey cloud and spots of rain flying around. We got most of the way up to Moel Siabod, but at the crucial point the cloud came down and I didn’t fancy doing any climbing/scrambling in the mist, so we admired the view from a lower ridge and headed back down. And still managed to get a bit lost!
Stunning views tho – and something quite spooky about walking past the ruined slate houses – presumably from the disused slate quarry just over the hill. Must have been a very bleak place to have lived and worked…
Weather had changed overnight – no more glorious sun, but dull grey cloud and spots of rain flying around. We got most of the way up to Moel Siabod, but at the crucial point the cloud came down and I didn’t fancy doing any climbing/scrambling in the mist, so we admired the view from a lower ridge and headed back down. And still managed to get a bit lost!
Stunning views tho – and something quite spooky about walking past the ruined slate houses – presumably from the disused slate quarry just over the hill. Must have been a very bleak place to have lived and worked…
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A fantastic castle and changing of the guard
Another lovely day weatherwise – amazing for Wales! This was our designated ‘lazy’ day. Partly as we were tired from Tryfan (many aching muscles…), but also as Julia had to head back to London later in the day which meant no big excursions. Craig and Sarah etc headed off to Port Meirion, but we decided to venture into Caernarfon and go and check out the castle. It was a seriously cool castle – looked just like the ones we used to draw when we were kids! We also ambled out along the bay for a while which was just lovely. Unfortunately that sparked the urge for fish & chips in us, which then sparked a fruitless hunt in the town as there didn’t seem to be a chippie – despite it being a town on the sea! So all feeling very disappointed we settled for a very sub-par lunch at a café on the town square. It is a lovely town – but some of the inhabitants were a tad odd… Loads of Welsh being spoken tho – more Welsh than English which was interesting.
Then it was back to Rhosbodrual, Julia left, me and Fin enjoyed a beer in the sun, and waited for Craig and Sarah to return from their adventures. And about 7.30ish the changing of the guard was complete with the arrival of Owen.
Then it was back to Rhosbodrual, Julia left, me and Fin enjoyed a beer in the sun, and waited for Craig and Sarah to return from their adventures. And about 7.30ish the changing of the guard was complete with the arrival of Owen.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Climbing Tryfan - we knocked the old girl off!
So today was designated as ‘Tryfan’ day. It had the best forecast – clear and sunny, with some wind. I’d had real reservations about doing Tryfan – it is a pretty full on climb and I hadn’t really enjoyed that aspect of Crib Goch, but when push came to shove, I couldn’t stay at home and watch Craig, Julia and Finbarr head off, so of course I went…
The climb on the whole was actually not too difficult, but it started immediately, and we were then climbing for two hours to get to the top… There were a couple of hairy bits where I felt like I was stuck, but aside from that it was manageable. I’m typing this on Tuesday morning, and I’ve got some great bruises and very sore muscles today! The path was pretty indistinct at times which I didn’t like very much, and as we got close to the top we took a wrong turn so we missed one of the iconic views of the mountain… And then we couldn’t find the top – Finbarr who had mountain goated off up a different route was up there before us, so we called out to him and from that worked out how to get up to the top! We admired Adam and Eve (but chose not to climb up on to them…), had lunch and then headed down.
The second half of the walk involved climbing up to Glyder Fach via Bristly Ridge, and I was really uncomfortable with that. The wind was really quite strong, and I was a bit wary about tackling it so I decided to walk back down via Llyn Bochlwyd and Cwm Idwal. Julia also came with me as she has been having trouble with her Archilles heel so she didn’t want to push her luck given that it had got her up and down the mountain. So we wandered off and left the boys to their own adventure. And watched all the fighter jets swooping up and down the valley as we descended – very cool! Down at Cwm Idwal we paddled in the water (boy was it cold!!), sat in the sun and waited for Craig and Finbarr to reappear via the Devil’s Kitchen. Which did take quite a while as they got a bit lost up there – we were just wondering at what point we would call out mountain rescue when they appeared!
Then it was back to the house for a well deserved beer, and a whisky before bed – which wasn’t late as we were all absolutely knackered!!
The climb on the whole was actually not too difficult, but it started immediately, and we were then climbing for two hours to get to the top… There were a couple of hairy bits where I felt like I was stuck, but aside from that it was manageable. I’m typing this on Tuesday morning, and I’ve got some great bruises and very sore muscles today! The path was pretty indistinct at times which I didn’t like very much, and as we got close to the top we took a wrong turn so we missed one of the iconic views of the mountain… And then we couldn’t find the top – Finbarr who had mountain goated off up a different route was up there before us, so we called out to him and from that worked out how to get up to the top! We admired Adam and Eve (but chose not to climb up on to them…), had lunch and then headed down.
The second half of the walk involved climbing up to Glyder Fach via Bristly Ridge, and I was really uncomfortable with that. The wind was really quite strong, and I was a bit wary about tackling it so I decided to walk back down via Llyn Bochlwyd and Cwm Idwal. Julia also came with me as she has been having trouble with her Archilles heel so she didn’t want to push her luck given that it had got her up and down the mountain. So we wandered off and left the boys to their own adventure. And watched all the fighter jets swooping up and down the valley as we descended – very cool! Down at Cwm Idwal we paddled in the water (boy was it cold!!), sat in the sun and waited for Craig and Finbarr to reappear via the Devil’s Kitchen. Which did take quite a while as they got a bit lost up there – we were just wondering at what point we would call out mountain rescue when they appeared!
Then it was back to the house for a well deserved beer, and a whisky before bed – which wasn’t late as we were all absolutely knackered!!
Craig looking back up at Tryfan - the way we descended
Craig looking back up at Tryfan - the way we descended
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
Look in awe!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Sunday - managed a walk!
Slow start today as a couple of members of the party stayed up a wee bit later than others drinking whisky (not the author I hasten to add!). But in the afternoon, me, Finbarr and Julia headed off to do our first walk – Llyn Crafnant and Llyn Geirionydd.
We went back to the same café Julia and I had had lunch in Betws-y-Coed and bought a ‘hikers pack’ – sandwich, flapjack and drink. The walk covered all terrain – forests, rocky paths and lakesides. Walking alongside the side of Llyn Geironydd was very much like walking along the side of Loch Lomond. Beautiful lake, but as the guidebook told us ‘the clarity does not indicate purity’. Lead mines above the lake have ensured that the run off has contaminated the lake and killed off most of the animal and plant life…
Llyn Crafnant was not quite as stunning as Llyn Geironydd, but it isn’t poisoned as it acts as a reservoir for the Conwy valley. It was a great first walk – not too strenuous and some great views. And no rain once we actually started walking!
We went back to the same café Julia and I had had lunch in Betws-y-Coed and bought a ‘hikers pack’ – sandwich, flapjack and drink. The walk covered all terrain – forests, rocky paths and lakesides. Walking alongside the side of Llyn Geironydd was very much like walking along the side of Loch Lomond. Beautiful lake, but as the guidebook told us ‘the clarity does not indicate purity’. Lead mines above the lake have ensured that the run off has contaminated the lake and killed off most of the animal and plant life…
Llyn Crafnant was not quite as stunning as Llyn Geironydd, but it isn’t poisoned as it acts as a reservoir for the Conwy valley. It was a great first walk – not too strenuous and some great views. And no rain once we actually started walking!
Saturday, May 09, 2009
London to North Wales
Early start – had to be at Earlsfield at 7.30am to meet Julia – I had to get up earlier than I usually do for work! She was running slightly late – but we were on the road by just after 8. The trip up was ok – no traffic in London – which is the good thing about leaving so early! Most of it was bog standard, but once you get to North Wales it gets so scenic. Windy roads, stunning scenery – and lots of rain!!
We went through Betws-y-Coed where Craig, Julia and I stayed when we did the Snowdon Horseshoe, so that was a nice trip down memory lane. We stopped for a very nice lunch there and just had to drop into one of the many outdoor shops that line the road… We are now proud owners of very cool boot bags ☺. Then finally we headed off on the last stretch towards Llanberis. We passed Plas Y Brenin – sparking much discussion about coming back to do a course there - very excited about that!
Craig, Sarah and the kids had got to the house slightly earlier than us so they were off doing the food shopping – great for us! The house was lovely. Finished to a much higher standard than the photos on the site would suggest – lovely big open plan kitchen and lounge area. Craig picked Finbarr up from Holyhead and then we were all set to go!
We went through Betws-y-Coed where Craig, Julia and I stayed when we did the Snowdon Horseshoe, so that was a nice trip down memory lane. We stopped for a very nice lunch there and just had to drop into one of the many outdoor shops that line the road… We are now proud owners of very cool boot bags ☺. Then finally we headed off on the last stretch towards Llanberis. We passed Plas Y Brenin – sparking much discussion about coming back to do a course there - very excited about that!
Craig, Sarah and the kids had got to the house slightly earlier than us so they were off doing the food shopping – great for us! The house was lovely. Finished to a much higher standard than the photos on the site would suggest – lovely big open plan kitchen and lounge area. Craig picked Finbarr up from Holyhead and then we were all set to go!
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
'Staycation' number one...
So this Saturday I'm off on the first of my two 'staycations' to Wales. I'm unlikely to have internet access so will be off the radar for a while - no suprise there you all think!
Anyhow, the first staycation will be in Rhosbodrual in Caernarfon - we have booked a cottage for a week. The plan is to do some quite serious walking on a couple of days, and touristy stuff on the others. Hoping to climb Tryfan (although I'm a bit nervous about it), and also get to Portmeirion (where they filmed The Prisoner).
Core group will be me, Craig, Sarah and their two wee ones, and Finbarr, with Julia and Owen for half the week each. I'm greatly looking forward to it! Will take my Macbook with me so I can at least write my blog while I'm away so once I'm back I can just do some copying and pasting...
Anyhow, the first staycation will be in Rhosbodrual in Caernarfon - we have booked a cottage for a week. The plan is to do some quite serious walking on a couple of days, and touristy stuff on the others. Hoping to climb Tryfan (although I'm a bit nervous about it), and also get to Portmeirion (where they filmed The Prisoner).
Core group will be me, Craig, Sarah and their two wee ones, and Finbarr, with Julia and Owen for half the week each. I'm greatly looking forward to it! Will take my Macbook with me so I can at least write my blog while I'm away so once I'm back I can just do some copying and pasting...
So The Apprentice never happened...
Very annoying - they issued too many tickets so we missed out. Apparently whoever gets 'fired' this week took up loads of tickets for their friends so there was less room for the plebs. Not sure if The Apprentice makes it to NZ - if not this may be meaningless. Suffice to say I was very cross!
Monday, May 04, 2009
Bank Holiday bliss
Right now it is the Monday of the first May Bank holiday - and we've had good weather which has been fantastic!
Saturday I went to see Picasso: Challenging the Past at the National Gallery with Nicola which was very good. I really enjoyed the rooms with the still lives, and also the portraits. Interesting new look at Picasso to see how he was inspired by so many of the old masters. Then I went round to Julia's in the evening to admire her new sofa - watched Sex & the City (the film) as well - which I thought was pretty dire...
Sunday was a lazy day, but I met up with Maya in the evening and we went to have dinner at Chris's pub. Lovely roast lamb, and we then all had dessert as well - we shared spring fruit crumble, custard tart and rhubarb fool. All very delish!
Later today I'm off to meet Mhairi and Simon for a stroll along the Thames and then we are off to see the filming of The Apprentice: You're Fired. Very excited about that!!
Saturday I went to see Picasso: Challenging the Past at the National Gallery with Nicola which was very good. I really enjoyed the rooms with the still lives, and also the portraits. Interesting new look at Picasso to see how he was inspired by so many of the old masters. Then I went round to Julia's in the evening to admire her new sofa - watched Sex & the City (the film) as well - which I thought was pretty dire...
Sunday was a lazy day, but I met up with Maya in the evening and we went to have dinner at Chris's pub. Lovely roast lamb, and we then all had dessert as well - we shared spring fruit crumble, custard tart and rhubarb fool. All very delish!
Later today I'm off to meet Mhairi and Simon for a stroll along the Thames and then we are off to see the filming of The Apprentice: You're Fired. Very excited about that!!
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