Friday, 21 April 2023

What do I do now?

I went to see Sleeper last night, the opening night of their intimate acoustic tour. Just Andy on rhythm guitar (and rudimentary foot-operated percussion), Jon on lead guitar and Louise singing. The show was divided in two, and peppered with ad-libs, chat and anecdotes. They even threw in an excellent cover of Wave of Mutilation that I'd love to have shared with you, but at the start of the show Louise encouraged photographs but asked the crowd not to film, so... here's a grainy photo from my not-very-good phone.

Sleeper at Norwich Arts Centre, 20th April 2023

Anyway, one of the anecdotes Andy told explained how Elvis Costello came to cover this Sleeper track. I had never heard the cover, so naturally this morning I had to find it. And equally naturally, being Declan P. McManus, it is a thing of wonder. Showcases Louise's lyrical prowess too.

Anyway, this isn't a gig review but I will say that if the acoustic Sleeper tour comes anywhere near you, try and get along, it's a lovely way to spend the evening. And for that reason, rather than any photographic merit, here are two more pictures.

Louise Wener at Norwich Arts Centre, 20th April 2023Sleeper at Norwich Arts Centre, 20th April 2023

4 comments:

  1. The Man Of Cheese22 April 2023 at 08:09

    A lovely intimate venue and a top band.
    I love that Louise W asked for no filming,a return to watching and creating memories like the good old days.
    Not that I'm guilt free on taking the odd video but in many gigs all you can see is people's arms and phones as they film most of the show,one of the many things nowadays that irk me....

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    1. She said that we should be in the moment.... And then also that she didn't want to see themselves on YouTube the next day f**king up! Have to say, people seemed to respect the request, and the gig was better for it.

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  2. Sounds wonderful. Also good to hear EC's cover of WDIDN (i'd not heard it before either) - I really like the different treatment. Very much in agreement with The Man of Cheese about the filming and the honest way Louise supported the request must have been very endearing - hopefully it'll sink in with a certain type of audience member for the future too (she says rather too optimistically...)
    .

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