The Hold Steady play Glasgow tonight and yes, of course I am going. I’m then, rather tragically, trooping round England to see them with my equally sad friend to such hotspots as Wolverhampton and Bristol. It is, as they say, 24/7 round these parts.
What is it about rock music that does this to us? Is idiotic devotion to the cause a modern way of professing love for something undemanding in these post-secular times? Or is it just a really good kick to get drunk with your pals and air-guitar for a few days?
I rarely do the following thing anymore, one gig is usually plenty for me. Indeed, the last time I remember following someone around like a demented puppy dog I was in my teens and it was Morrissey, and let’s face it, I’m not alone in having trodden that particular path. (True, though, what Sean Hughes prophetically said about Moz – ‘everyone gets over their Morrissey stage. Except Morrissey, of course.’)
Due to a strange set of circumstances, I’ve seen THS in a few different places, London, Newcastle, Inverary, Colorado – and I think that the thrill of going somewhere new and strange and alien, then seeing a band play songs I know backwards, has something to do with it. A lot of Hold Steady shows I have been to have been an event rather than just a gig, and I’d like to keep it that way.
I think that’s what it’s about, anyway. But maybe not. Maybe it’s just great to feel like a teenager again, to be standing waiting really excited before a band come on, to hear obscure oldies and be actually giddy about it, to get annoyed when you hear the opening chords of something because you know it’s the last song. At ELM, we see a lot of live music. We appreciate it the majority of it, and most often enjoy it. But it’s rare that we are absolutely captivated by it. The Hold Steady may not do that for you, I know, but I’m sure you have someone in mind who does, where it transcends some people playing music, even very good music, and becomes something different, elevated, more. That’s why I am so excited now.
Of course, if they turn up and they suck baldy chickens, I reserve the right to turn on them instantly. It’s a music bloggers prerogative.
Filed under: gigs Tagged: | gigs, the Hold Steady, the hold steady live, tour
