Total number of gigs attended in 2025: 23
If I was to sum up the gigs I’ve been to this year I’d say it was the old chestnut, “varied”.
By that I mean a mixture of old and new. Some “bucket list” bands as well as some I’ve seen several times, a good couple of great new finds and some farewells to bands who’ve been massive parts of my life.
Gig of the year: IV and the Strange Band at the Green Door Store, Brighton. Following down the lineage from his great grandfather, Coleman Williams and the Strange Band were simply amazing. Like watching a modern punk’d up take on genuine classic outlaw country, but without any nostalgia or copycat cheesiness.
Notable runner-up: One of my favourite bands ever. Orange Goblin’s farewell show. I first saw them 27 years ago in 1999 supporting Cathedral (another one of my other favourite ever bands) and since then have seen them pretty much every tour they’ve done. Every time they are just superb. Tonight was no exception. Sad to see them go, but they went out on a high.
Bucket list gigs: AC/DC with Lou at a big arena show while we were on holiday in Norway. Another band I first saw 34 years ago headlining the Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donnington (along with Metallica, Mötley Crüe, Queensrÿche and The Black Crowes). I think this will be their last tour, so it was good to see Malcolm up there doing what he does best one last time.
Another bucket list gig – Lynyrd Skynyrd at the Brighton Centre. Ok, so there’s no original members, with Ricky Medlock and Dale Krantz-Rossington being the only legacy from the older days (and Johnny Van Zant keeping the bloodline in the band alive), but they do put on some show with some incredible musicians. They also do pay homage to the original band, so it still felt genuine.
Most fun had at gig award: Had to go to Betty Boo. Just her with Rita Campbell and a backing track – no big effects, no big stage show, but haven’t enjoyed myself that much in ages. Did the Do (twice).
Best new finds of 2025: Daisy Rickman (technically saw her first in Nov 2024 at same venue, but I’m counting it) doing her amazing horror folk soundscapes, and Bobbie Dazzle putting a modern day spin on 70’s glam rock stomp.
Consistently Brilliant Live Music Award: And it goes without saying that my favourites (and probably the two bands/musicians I’ve seen the most live), Tygers of Pan Tang and Du Blonde, were every bit as good as they always are. From their social media, Beth seems to be taking some time off live music, but I’ve got my tickets already for 2 Tygers gigs in 2026…
