TeamHorseTales

Typically I went to gigs on my own, it was always my thing to turn up to gigs early, queue outside and get the best vantage point. This was the routine for the Limelight as back in the day, you could smoke indoors, and I was a fool/smoker back then. I usually drove to gigs too, so in order to not look a complete pleb I would sit and puff away to blend in. The best seat in the Limelight (old version) was at the front of the wee island that jutted out onto the dancefloor. There was a load of leg room there and you had distance so that nobody could stand in front of you. Perfect view of the stage. It was also right below the PA and might explain why my hearing is wrecked! The night US Joy Division copyists Interpol played their first gig in the city, in support of their brilliant debut album, I was queued up outside. The support band on the night was an unknown Scottish band called Franz Ferdinand. As I waited outside a dandy young man with a brilliant mop of blond hair swaggered pass. He...

I only attended 5 gigs in 2001, but what quality shows they were! The return of The Beta Band to the Limelight was one not to miss, given their previous show and the fact they were getting better at this gigging malarky. The charming and wonderfully kooky Isabel Monteiro seduced the Empire crowd with her honey-purr when Drugstore came to visit. Next up three of the biggest names in indie rock. First, Super Furry Animals playing the Mandela Hall at the height of their powers. They had a screen rigged up on the stage for one of the best entries I have ever seen. As the band left their dressing room on the long dander down the twisting corridors and staircases of the Students Union a camera showed them strut and throw shapes building up the excitement. Then they appeared on the stage just as the screen changed. Anyone who has ever witnessed a SFA show will bear testament to their goodness. So many great songs and a lovely way about them endearing them to audiences. I’ve somehow managed ...