Gigs/Concerts I've been to Part 6

1996 was a relatively quiet year for me for gigs. Yet somehow, I managed to see The Prodigy three times in the one year. They were support to Oasis at Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork. I’d ventured down myself on the coach, as was my wont back in those days. Oasis were touring ‘What’s the Story Morning Glory?’ and I suppose at the peak of their powers before the bloat kicked in. The Prodigy were also at the peak of their powers with the full squad of Liam, Maxim, Keith and Leeroy also in the band. Leeroy’s gangly stomping dance style was amazing to see in the flesh as he effortlessly bounded sideways across the stage. Maxim had some red lenses on his eyes which made him look demonic, they played as the sun started to go down and it scared the living shit out of me as he cussed and hissed into the camera onto the big screens.

I’d go see The Prodigy again at their King’s Hall headline show. Al was hanging about with some Lurgan lads at that time, and they liked to partake of the ol’ Ebeneezer Goode. One of the entourage had necked a dodgy one and was having some sort of freakout overload which pished me off as I was staunchly anti-drugs and was sober and wanted to watch the gig.

The only other gig I attended that year was a Radio 1 broadcast show featuring Lush and Portadown’s (other) finest Joyrider. The only time I ever saw them play bizarrely. I remember Phil Woolsey trying frantically not to get the band chopped from the broadcast “don’t swear Phil, do not swear! Yer on Radio 1” he berated himself. He probably did swear though, the scamp.

1997 was most notable for outdoor concerts. They don’t come much bigger than U2, who were touring with the big glittery lemon and the massive M sign. The Pop Tour. I’d never seen them play before and it was such a thrill to see the band being led onto the stage like a boxing entourage. Bono resplendent in boxing gown throwing punches under a massive light. Some people can take the wee man or leave him, but he always manages to get the hairs on my neck standing with what he says. So to tell the mighty crowd that “it’s so good to play here when our own city wouldn’t have us” (or words to that effect) got the prickles going. They’re one of the best live bands I’ve ever seen and this was a highly memorable experience on so many levels. Ash were the support and whilst they’ve one hell of a back catalogue themselves, Tim Wheeler’s voice was all over the shop. To be fair, I’d have been shitting myself too playing that show!

I also made it down to the Trip to Tipp, in Thurles, County Tipperary. I’d heard so much about these concerts so wanted to find out for myself. The town was a mess of drunken people, at 11am in the morning. You literally had to pick your steps. On show that day was a lengthy bill of Foo Fighters, Manic Street Preachers, Reef, The Supernaturals, The Cardigans, Fluke, Kula Shaker and once again, The Prodigy! I don’t remember much else about this line-up other than on the day, nobody offended. I’m not so sure I would say that now!

It was a good year for visits to my favourite venue, the Limelight. I went to see The Divine Comedy on St. Patrick’s night. The place was heaving, and Neil Hannon merrily swung a pint about to a delighted throng. I also went to see a fledgling Placebo, who had just burst onto the scene with a swagger and glamour like nobody else. Their debut album has so many great songs and they were so vibrant back then. Scottish indie greatness AC Acoustics were the support, a very much underrated band, it’s great to have it to say I saw them perform.