Lindisfarne,
Princess Alexandra Auditorium,
Yarm,
Stockton-on-Tees.
2022-02-12

Until relatively recently I'd never seen Lindisfarne outside of Newcastle. Earlier in the year I ventured out to North Shields to see them, albeit only a stone's throw from Newcastle (assuming you can throw a stone 8 miles). This time, I'm "Nicely Out of Toon" in one of the more picturesque parts of Teesside and, whilst tickets for the Christmas Show are already in the bag, I can't pass by the chance to see them in advance.

Whilst the Three Wise Men are associated with Christmas, on this occasion there's the somewhat unholy trinity of the three "should be wiser" men consisting of me, Tempusfugit and Boro Bri gathered at the fabulous Princess Alexandra Auditorium (PAA) in Yarm. Rarely enjoyed finer company. Rarely get any company...

The PAA is part of the very smart Yarm School, and it's a purpose-built facility holding about 400 or so. Semi-circular, banked seating, wide stage. Very welcoming staff and you can even get parked on site (ahem).

Average age of the audience is creeping up (roughly 110 now), and the big difference for me is that I'm no longer dragging down that average. Nevertheless, we're an old but enthusiastic lot. Noticeable that there are a few "first timers" here. The Lads back in the ascendancy.

Showtime is 7:30pm prompt(ish). The band have played a few shows of late and are sharp from the off.

In some respects it's similar to what we've seen in recent times, although performances, feel and atmosphere are always wonderfully unique to each event. Also, from a personal perspective, I'm delighted that Paul Smith is on percussion duty. I like his playing - the variety and subtlety he brings to the table and "gets" the music more than the previous incumbent.

I might have seen most of these tunes performed many times, but I'm still struck by the impact they still have when witnessed "in the flesh". Testament to the brilliant songwriting - meaningful lyrics and timeless musical arrangements. Yes, there's the occasional "good time" number along with the odd sneer at authority (nothing wrong with that, mind), but a lot of the songs still resonate today in terms of message, values and integrity, and I suspect that's why we keep coming back again and again. Championing the underdog and highlighting unfairness.

But, from what's developed into a very strong set...Dingly Dell. when it's played in front of you it's HUGE and arguably the stand-out from a "live" perspective. Bit different from the rest of the band's work but still sits beautifully within. A masterpiece.

Following the conclusion of the one question that it all boils down to, everyone went away very happy indeed, all a benefitting on a number of levels from having been there.

The Christmas Show is...the big one. Really looking forward to it. Equally, heartened to see further shows being announced for 2023.

If the opportunity presents itself, get yourself along.

We were treat to:

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 Any Way 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

S201 Alright on the Night
S202 Numbers (Travelling Band)
S203 Dingly Dell
S204 I Hate To See You Cry
S205 Winter Song
S206 We Can Swing Together
S207 Fog on the Tyne
S208 Thanks & Intros
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

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

Enjoy the shows and take on board the sentiments of the songs. Got some age to them, but they should never be allowed to go out of fashion.