2023 had it all – killer new acts, perennial favourites, stunning innovators, jazz legends, and a hefty dose of nostalgia.
This year I got to see Pulp, Moldy Peaches and Kerbdog all perform live – three bands that have occupied huge chunks of my musical life for over 20 years.
The Pulp show was mind-blowing – a career-spanning set, epic in sound and staging. An altogether different experience but everything I had hoped for, Kerbdog were raw and euphoric; huge chugging riffs, killer hooks and lyrics that I could scream out loud.
I went to see the Moldy Peaches with my brother and my dearest friend Becca – a reunion within a reunion. The band have always felt like mine and I’d not seen them since Reading Festival 2001. It was pure joy to see them again- full of nostalgia and fuzziness, like finding your way home.
Moldy Peaches
Roundhouse, London – May 29th
Pulp
(support Baxter Dury) Cardiff International Arena – July 12th
Kerbdog
The Fleece, Bristol – March 6th
Wynton Marsalis Leading THE Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
Barbican, London – July 7th
Joanna Sternberg
Kings Place, London – November 11th
Brìghde Chaimbeul, Ross Ainslie & Steven Byrnes,
The Cube Microplex, Bristol – April 22nd
Natalya Beylis
(Support SOPHIE COOPER + YOKE) The Cube Microplex, Bristol – september 28th
Trust Fund
(SUPPORT Hamburger) The Cube Microplex, Bristol – April 12th
Yo La Tengo
SWX, Bristol – APRIL 13th
Read a review of the show by incredible writer and gig buddy Tom Blake.
Golden Dregs
Louisiana, Bristol – May 8th
Colin Stetson
(Support Andy Hayes & Dan Johnson) StrangeBrew, Bristol – April 27th
darren hayman
Thunderbolt, Bristol – November 30th
Mould
The Lanes, Bristol – August 11th
Read my review of Mould’s debut single – Birdsong.
DJ Honey
Ill Repute, Bristol – September 15th
STEREOCILIA & THISQUIETARMY
The Cube Microplex, Bristol – APRIL 6th
Bug Club
StrangeBrew, BRISTOL – April 11th
I am immensely thankful to all of the acts for doing everything it takes to play live and tour, the Cube Microplex for being the best venue on the planet, Headfirst for being invaluable and ethical, and all of the promoters for doing what they do.
Check out my best albums of 2023.
