I’m about to make myself sound old. Not that long ago I was someone who always went to gigs. I would quite often go to some unknown band once a week.  There was a spell, around about 2006/2007 when I saw a whole heap of my favourite bands in the space of a few months.  I’m not sure what’s happened since then, but I think I’ve maybe settled down a bit.  I’ve not been to see a band in ages.

This week however I’ll be going to 3 gigs in the space of 5 days. Suddenly my diary looks quite healthy again.

Idlewild, Proclaimers and Kasabian all in one week.  I’ll blog my thoughts.

Idlewild @ The Warehouse (06/11/09)

Idlewild @ the Outsider Festival in 2007,  from Flickr

I sway over who my favourite band ever are.  It usually boils down to Oasis or Idlewild. But I go through spells of skipping Oasis when they come up in the media player on my computer. I never skip an Idlewild song. That pretty much convinces me who wins the title.

I’ve seen them 5 or 6 times, I lose count.

I first saw Idlewild when Radio 1 took them to play Shetland. As a 15 year old desperately trying to get in to radio, for my favourite radio station at the time to come to my island and take one of my favourite bands was an amazing experience. My peers couldn’t quite grasp how in awe I was at meeting Steve Lamacq.

I’ve seen Idlewild (well Roddy and several members of Idlewild) play at  a gig where I was 1 of 10 people. Roddy came out, introduced the band and then asked in turn the names of everyone attending. I’ve seen Idlewild at the Music Hall in Aberdeen when they recorded their ‘Greatest Hits’ DVD.  I’ve seen Idlewild do a sound check prior to interviewing Roddy.

I’d say as an Idlewild fan, I’ve done quite well.

Every time I’ve seen Idlewild I have been impressed. They’ve set the bar quite high.  This time round they were good, but probably the poorest I’ve seen them.  I put it down to the venue more than anything else.  As someone who likes their space at gigs the Warehouse isn’t a good venue.  Also as casual Idlewild fans, Emma and Tom pointed out, they played a lot of unknown tracks.  For me that wasn’t so much of a problem.

Idlewild remains for me one of the most underrated bands around.

Good Points: The new album sounds good live.  It’s not had many rave reviews but I think it’s up there with some of the best work Idlewild have ever done.  And I’m glad I’m not the only man who has a daft beard, Roddy now sports one.

Bad Points: Not a massive fan of the Warehouse, or Moshulu, whatever it’s called. Especially when it’s sold out like it was on Friday.