A weekend of loud music and many runners

After last weekend when I went to two gigs I was at another last night. This one had been booked for a long time. I have seen The Fierce and the Dead many times and they are doing some shows to promote their new album. This is their first with vocals. The gig was at The Black Heart in Camden where I have seen them previously.

Firstly I had to meet up with my friend @hockney (John) who has been to several of these gigs with me. I got the train down to St Pancras and then walked to Camden. It was really busy around there as there are several music venues as well as a big market. There was a long queue for the Tube station. Eventually John found me and we went looking for some food. The first place was booked up, but then I spotted a Temple of Saiten over the road. This is a vegan fast food chain.

We both had the Temple burger and I had their potato 'tots' that were really nice. John and I have not seen each other in a while, so we had plenty to talk about. We have both done some travelling.

The venue was not far away. We got a beer from their extensive selection and met Kev from the band. I had to thank him for managing to get the new album to me after if went astray. They really value their fans and I recognised a few.

The support band inviolet were already playing when we got to the room upstairs. I did find the sound overwhelming at first. It was really loud and was distorting in ways it should not. I did wish I had brought my ear plugs to defend my hearing. The later songs in their set sounded better. John liked them enough to buy their album that came in a nice package.

I had to use the facilities before the main act. Toilets at many music venues can be 'interesting' and could have their own section of the LooLoo community run by @livinguktaiwan.

These were no exception. They were unisex with a row of cubicles. Visitors had left many stickers and messages.

I went back upstairs and moved nearer the front before the band came on. They had an extra member playing keyboards and adding backing vocals. The sound was not great at times, but this is a band with dynamics and the 'quieter' moments were better. I think Kev is still finding his way with singing as he seemed a little nervous and had sheets with the lyrics on stage. They still rocked though. The new material is different, but great. The core sound of Kev's bass and Stuart's amazing drums still drive the sound with the two guitars floating around that with fun harmonies. The keyboards did not feature on every song, but they added to the ambience. The audience certainly approved.

There seemed to be more ladies present than previous gigs, but a group by me turned out to be the backing singers from the album. I do think the band should have wide appeal, especially now they have vocals. There are elements of hard rock, punk, prog and even electronic music in there. All their music is on Bandcamp, so you can check it out.

I wanted a picture of their equipment. They use a lot of effects pedals. I posted some photos on Facebook and a guy from this site asked if he could use some in their review of the gig. I am okay with that and will look out for it.

I also got a quick selfie with a couple of the guys. Unfortunately I could not stay and chat for long as I had a train to catch. John and I travelled together to Waterloo Station where we parted company. I was going on to Portsmouth. That took a couple of hours and so I arrived there about 1:30am and then walked to our hotel where my other half was already asleep.

We had breakfast in the hotel before meeting up with our daughter and her friends who were doing the Great South Run. This is a ten mile race around Portsmouth and Southsea with around 20,000 competitors. There were big crowds everywhere.

It was a beautiful day, but not too hot for the runners. They start and finish by the sea. There were quite a few costumes including a knight, Batman, Robin and the Joker, plus some firemen running in all their gear. I expect a lot of money was raised for charity.

We managed to spot our lot and I got some pictures. I have not run in such a big event, but I am tempted to enter next year.

It has been another tiring, but fun weekend, so I need to get a good sleep tonight.

Rock on and run free!