Lindisfarne
City Hall
Newcastle upon Tyne

2021-12-18

Contrast Clause:
Depending on the severity of your illness you may - or may not - need another view of the same show originally shared by Tempusfugit a couple of hours after the show ended (following a couple of pints).

http://www.dimeadozen.org/torrents-details.php?id=720511

- and it’s GREAT!

For some of us, Lindisfarne’s annual Christmas shows have become a bit more than just tradition. Whilst they herald “Christmas proper” in these parts, they’re always hugely anticipated but we’ll worth the wait. Both cathartic, and a reminder of the warmer side of humanity. A tonic for the soul in these especially difficult and challenging times.

It was a big disappointment to have seen last year’s show evaporate in the heat of the pandemic, and whilst this year’s show had additional measures in order to be allowed in, once inside there was a reassuring familiarity. Everyone was pleased to be there and showed a happy tolerance to those around them. The brass band was also back, playing festive tunes. No party hats though.

There was also the local comic back in residence - Simma - to briefly gee up the audience & introduce the band…and add an element of fun from the outset.

“Santa” Simma himself gets a decent enough reception and soon enough the band hit the stage to an “enthusiastic” reception. If anything, this enthusiasm continues to build throughout the course of the two sets. Personally speaking, it’s wonderful to see the Lads playing again after such a long, enforced hiatus. Sole original member Rod Clements is (rightly) front & centre, Alan’s son-in-law Dave Hull-Denholm to his left, lurking around his area of the stage half-hunched over his guitar, outwardly pleased to be back home. Wonderful.

As to the sets themselves, there are about half a dozen or so numbers which HAVE to be played. Most of the remainder of what’s played is reasonably familiar fayre. However, the band always dig out one or two surprises, occasionally dipping in to Alan Hull’s solo cannon. “I hate to see you cry” is one unexpected gem from the Pipedream album. However, equally unexpected and absolutely epic in delivery is “Dingly Dell”. Spellbinding…so deep you could drown in it and it was as if everyone in the hall drew breath & didn’t exhale throughout. Utterly captivating.

If anything, Lindisfarne’s music is more relevant today than it’s ever been. Yes, there’s the “good-time romps”, but then there’s also the “message” highlighting social injustices and those less fortunate which (for me) is one of the key reasons why the band’s music will always endure, always have relevance and which was always a key feature to Alan Hull’s brilliant, brilliant songwriting.

I’m already looking forward to next year’s show, although there’s the prospect of an appetiser in North Shields in February.

This year’s seasonal celebration unfolded as follows:

Set One

S101 No Time to Lose
S102 Turn a Deaf Ear
S103 Scarecrow Song
S104 Song for a Windmill
S105 Lady Eleanor
S106 All Fall Down
S107 Anyway the Wind Blows
S108 Marshall Riley's Army
S109 Road to Kingdom Come
S110 100 Miles to Liverpool
S111 January Song

I N T E R V A L

Set Two

S201 Alright on the Night
S202 Together Forever
S203 Dingly Dell
S204 I Hate To See You Cry
S205 Winter Song
S206 Cardboard Christmas Boxes
S207 We Can Swing Together
S208 Fog on the Tyne
S209 Meet Me on the Corner
S210 Run for Home
S211 Clear White Light Part II

ROD CLEMENTS Vocal, mandolin, fiddle, guitars
DAVE HULL-DENHOLM Vocal, guitars
STEVE DAGGETT Vocal, keyboards, guitars
IAN THOMSON Bass, vocal
PAUL SMITH Drums (welcome aboard)

Lineage
SP-CMC-4U >
TASCAM DR-40 >
Sound Forge Pro 14 >
Trader's Little Helper (level 8) >
Torrent Site

Put joy in your heart - when they pass your way get out & support them and enjoy some spiritual nourishment. Magnificent.