Blue Oyster Cult & Cats in Space - Leicester De-Montfort Hall

It has been a long, long wait to see the legendary Blue Oyster Cult. My printed ticket shows October 2020 but I suspect the original date was prior to that. I've lost track with all the cancelled Pandemic bands. Not the best of starts, as a rogue pint of Greene King IPA meant my first port of call was an extended visit to their fine facilities... Some sort of order restored, the 'merch'  stand was 'cash only'. No sooner were we in, than we were out again, so to speak. Off in search of an ATM machine down the London Road. A couple of BOC fans were already there, one sporting a 50th anniversary BOC Tee Shirt. Just what I was after! I told him, 'just the £35 pounds for Tee shirts tonight' he informed me. Goodness me that is steep, or words similar to that effect came my reply. That is more than the cost of my ticket!!

Back in the warmth of the venue we gave the 'Merch' stand, and their offensively expensive offerings a wide berth.We had pretty good seats though. Front row of the Lower Circle and fairly central.   

We also had a support band tonight ' Cats In Space'. A band I was aware of if not familiar with their work. They have certainly been around a while , I seem to recall they supported Quo in 2017.  They have also supported Thunder and Deep Purple. They are more 'Pop Rock' than 'Classic Rock' I would say. I struggled to get into the first part of their set. I did enjoy their last three songs better in fairness. I just don't think they are really my thing. That said they do have a following and played with plenty of energy and generally went down well with the crowd.

The audience is probably about 90% capacity as the band take to the stage. I've never seen them before despite an I'm really looking forward to what is to come. I can't wait for 'Don't Fear The Reaper' one of my all time favourite songs. They must do it surely? I won't leave until they do, It would be almost illegal not to surely?  They are doing two headline shows, Leicester and Newcastle, before joining up with Deep Purple as support on the UK leg of their tour. 

Two tracks from the eponymous 1972 debut album 'Blue Oyster Cult' kick us off in fine style. Eric Bloom reminds us that himself and 'Buck Dharma' have been writing together since 1969! They released an new album in late 2020 'The Symbol Remains' which is really good. We get three songs off that album tonight. My favourite would have to be 'Tainted Blood' with the highly versatile 'Richie Castellano' taking lead vocals. What a talent this man is too. Originally the Front of house engineer he now is a pivotal member of the band.   

 

'Burnin for You' from the 1981 album 'Fire of Unknown Origin' comes next. Bloom explains this was the height of MTV and the song had great commercial appeal. It goes down well again tonight. We get our first taste of 'Agents of Fortune' with E.T.I (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence). But what s that noise , can you hear it coming? What can it be?  Try not to panic but here comes 'Godzilla' and it nearly does bring the house down. 

'Buck Dharma'

'Buck Dharma' makes it all look so effortless, the driving force of Blue Oyster Cult.The whole band is so accomplished, and the addition of Bass player Danny Miranda seems to have notched them up another level. He was previously with Paul Rogers and Queen.

Before the chaos of Godzilla we had another of my favourites 'Astronomy' from the 'Secret Treaties' Album ( 1974). A fantastic song with Bloom on Vocals, and alternating between, keyboards and guitar too. Metallica also do a fantastic version of 'Astronomy' which is well worth the listen. 

Finally the moment I have been waiting for. I feel the hairs on my neck rise, It's an emotional moment as that distinctive opening guitar riff opens up. For the next 5 minutes I'm totally transfixed  with 'Don't Fear The Reaper'. A dream fulfilled tonight in Leicester. The band leave to a rapturous standing applause.

It is a short hiatus though as they return to the stage with 'Harvester of Eyes' and 'Hot Rails to Hell'. By now everyone is up on their feet, many have made to pilgrimage to the edge of the stage. The night finishes with a thumping rendition of 'Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll.
The band leave the stage again, and this time the house lights come on and the end is nigh. 

It has been a fantastic night without any doubt. I did have an iffy tummy, and lack of a Tee Shirt. But hey it's all about the music isn't it!

They really are a fantastic band who have stood the test of time. Despite the titles of many of the songs they are surprisingly melodic. But at the same time can belt it out when they need to and fulfil the 'Heavy Metal' label. There is no doubt that they were influenced by the likes of 'The Grateful Dead', 'Jefferson Airplane', 'The Doors', 'Alice Cooper' and 'Jimi Hendrix'. 

Judging on tonight's performance the symbol remains very strong for Blue Oyster Cult. 

Lazuli - Oundle Queen Victoria Hall

We are really looking forward to seeing French band Lazuli again. After all it has been a small matter of seven years since we last saw them. That was in Birmingham for the FISH 'Farewell to Childhood' Tour. I remember very clearly FISH introducing the band as the 'best support act that he has ever experienced. High praise indeed!  We are all set here at Oundle after a quick pint of beer and hastily dispatched Sausage in batter and chips. Not exactly the 'haute cuisine' that our friends from France enjoy I'm sure? Oundle , yes I did say Oundle. We have lived in Northamptonshire all our lives, yet still had to use the services of the SatNav to find the place. 

This is a seven date re-scheduled tour that includes the legendary Cavern Club in Liverpool. There are also gigs in London, Glasgow, Newcastle and a headline spot on the last day of 'The Summers End' Festival in Chepstow. Quite how they are here in Oundle with It's floor marked out for Badminton on a Thursday afternoon is a mystery? Much credit should go to Bob Cheatham who is working hard to bring more live bands to the area.

I would say that there are about a hundred or so people in attendance.We are able to get right to the front of the stage with ease. It is a shame that more people are not here , those that are though are very enthusiastic. A band as good as Lazuli should be playing and filling much bigger venues. Maybe they are just going under the radar and are one of musics best kept secrets? Whatever it is I'm just glad to be her tonight for what promises to be an epic gig once more. 

Arnaud Beyney

There is one line up change since we last saw the band. Arnaud Beyney has replaced Ged Byar on guitar. What an addition he is too, a very stylish and accomplished guitar player. We are treated to the 9th and latest album 'Le Fantastique Envoi de c Böhm (The Fantastic Flight Of Dieter Böhm) in it's entirety. Singer Dominique Leonetti explains the story behind the concept. 'A musician on a desert island plants a note, which becomes a melody, then a song, that’s then entrusted to a wave, like a message in a bottle' this then transcends through to the fans and of course Dieter. 

Directly in front of us is Claude Leonetti playing the wonderful léode. An instrument that he invented following a motorbike accident, that left him unable to use his left arm. That really is some achievement, and speaks volumes of the man in my opinion. It is an incredible sound that is operated by his right arm and foot pedals. All the songs are in French, which is absolutely fine and needs no translation. They really do look like a band band who are having fun and enjoy what they are doing. There are a couple in the audience with flying helmets and goggles to match the new album cover. The look is completed with a fluffy Dodo! Dominique quickly spots the Dodo and takes him onto the stage for the night. 

Romain Thorel

They are such a versatile band too, and hard to categorise.Definitely Prog, Electronic and World music for sure.If I close my eyes there are times when I think I can hear the voice of the wonderful Geddy Lee of RUSH on Vocals. I'm also reminded of the early Marillion sound too. Whatever, it is a great sound they make. Roman Thorel swaps keyboards for drums, then French Horn , such versatility. The night just seems to get better and better. It is a great atmosphere and the sound quality is pretty decent too. It's pretty near a two hour set but as Dominique says 'All good things have to end' ' Except for the sausage which has two ends'.  Work that one out ?

No Lazuli performance would be complete though without the famous 'Marimba finale'. Or '9 hands around the Marimba' as it is sometimes called. A little bit like a Xylophone only it has more depth. It's an impressive sight with all band members contributing to the tune. It's another opportunity for some messing around too, with some playful mischief. They even manage to squeeze in 'the George Harrison written 'Here Comes the Sun'. It has been a great night! Brilliant musicians and they really seem a lovely bunch of guys. I really look forward to seeing them again soon. I've even made a couple of new friends!

 

 

 

Heart of England Way(4) Blockley to Chipping Campden Via Broad Campden

After some deliberation we started today's walk from the small village of Broad Campden in The Cotswolds. It will be a curious elongated figure of eight walk to Blockley and then back up to Chipping Campden via Broad Campden again. There is a nice pub nearby too ,although every single Cotswold Pub looks extremely inviting to my eyes. 

Walking down the road we immediately have a choice to make. Do we take the 'Monarch's Way' and come back on the 'Heart of England Way? Or do we do it the other way round? Seems only fair to make use of the 'Heart of England Way' while the sun is shining. 

We do seem to be blessed with great with great weather whenever we are in The Cotswolds. Long may it last! I think we will be fine for today at least.

 

It's  a bit of a climb leaving the village but the views looking back are superb. This area is well noted for the number of walking paths offered up. We are heading in the direction of Five Mile Drive. There are a huge number of Pheasants meandering around. There are six different types of Pheasant I understand in the UK. They make excellent pets too, if you fancy something a bit different. They are social creatures, so it’s best to get more than one at a time. These better be careful as the shooting season started on the 1st October.

The next part of the walk takes us through the equally as picturesque 'Cricket Clump' as we near Blockley. No sign of any 'leather on willow' taking place today.

Blockley is home to 'Watsonian Squire 'the largest UK manufacturer of sidecars and trailers for motorbikes. We didn't see any of those either sadly. We did find two fellow walkers in search of alcoholic refreshment though. Thy were even more pleased to find that the village has two pubs! 

We did a circuit around the village and saw this plaque on the wall of a house. It looks fairly new although the bus crash happened in 1924. I've since tried to do a little research but haven't been able to find out any more detail. 

We also passed the Old Mill (Snugborough Mill) with it's beautiful garden and mill pond. I believe the ground level at least is now an Air B & B.  

The Autumn colours are nearing the finest at the moment.The trees are hanging on to their leaves pretty well too Probably aided by the dry Summer? The next part of the walk talks in a beautiful path through the tree lined 'Norcombe Wood'. As well as the ample supply of Pheasants we spot a very young Muntjac Deer and two Hares. Although conceivably  it could have just been the one Hare who doubled back on himself.

It's a bit of a climb up Northwick Hill, passing the old disused quarry. This area was formerly under the authority of the Bishop of Worcester. It was therefore actually an enclave of Worcester surrounded by the county of Gloucestershire. It is shown that way on all maps prior to 1931, when such enclaves were abolished. 

The gate pictured below looks as though it might take some effort to shut though.... 

 

We pick up the Monarch's Way which takes us back to Broad Campden and our starting position. We pass the Church of St Michael and All Angels,  built in 1867-8 to the memory of Charles Noel, first Earl of Gainsborough, who died June 10, 1866. The church is a Grade II Listed building.We are about to do the second or top loop of the figure of eight route. We are heading towards Chipping Campden via the Diamond Way.  In the distance we start to see Chipping Campden and the distinctive St James Church. As well as a pair of very nice and friendly horses.

St James is one of the finest wool churches in the country. Much of the current building dates from the 13th and 14th centuries.There is also a Gatehouse and two Jacobean Banqueting Houses on the estate formerly of Sir Baptist Hicks. An English cloth merchant and Politician.(1st Viscount Campden).  In 1612 he also provided the 12 Almshouses for pensioners that are still in use today, and are Grade I listed. It is a very historic town. In 1970 the High Street and much of the town centre was designated a conservation area to preserve the architecture. 

One of the oldest buildings in the town is the Grade I listed Market Hall, built in 1627 again built by Sir Baptist Hicks.

 Chipping Campden has hosted its own Olympic Games since 1612. Finally.. Chipping Campden is the official start/end point of the Cotswold Way Long Distance Path.

Having navigated our way out of the narrow lanes of the town, we are on the last part of the walk. I lied this bird feeder very much. Seems to have been modelled on Grade I listed Market Hall, built in 1627 by our old friend Sir Baptist Hicks.

Lovely late afternoon sun now, a gorgeous light you often find in The Cotswolds. We are now on 'The Wold Furlong' path that will take us back to Broad Campden. 

We pass by the side of the Church of St Michael and All Angels that we saw earlier. I hadn't really noticed the lovely village green with it's raised bench. A great place to sit and enjoy the peace and relaxation. 

Just time to call in at 'The Bakers Arms'  and enjoy a pint of North Cotswold Brewery 'Shagweaver' 4.5% ABV. Titter Ye not now...The Cotswolds are famous for the sheep and wool industry. 'Shag' is an old English word for a heavy or rough woollen fabric. So Shagweaver literally means 'Wool weaver'.  

Another great walk completed and a total of 11.5 miles covered.