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Hallam
University, Sheffield Last Update: 03. oktober 2003
Well after rushing home from work and shovelling some food down my neck I picked up my mate Jim (brother of Paul Barr) and headed down to Sheffield. Got there in just under 90 minutes the spent another 20 trying to get parked near Hallam University. Sheffield is full of one-way systems so you can see where you want to be but just can't get there. Finally got parked up about 7.50 and headed down to the Uni. Only to find that the doors weren't even open! Hung around until they opened and went inside. The venue was small, just the way I like them, and the televisions were on in the bar showing the Sheffield Utd, v Liverpool game, watched it briefly until I saw Mike R. coming in. Went across and had a brief chat with him before he headed off for some food before the show. Positioned myself front right stage and watched the support band DRAW, who played a competent set in front of a sparse crowd. I suspect the football on the television was the bigger draw (pardon the pun). Moved over to the front left stage prior to Love coming on and stayed there through out the show. By the time the band came on the hall had filled up, although it was not jam packed, which was a pity for the band but not for me as it was pleasantly comfortable not being jostled around. The set followed more or les s the same format as the RFH with a few numbers, starting with Seven & Seven Is, followed by FC with the orchestra and finishing with a few more songs. The vocals on the first 2 songs were quite quiet but after someone shouted, " turn up the vocals Arthur", who in turn asked the sound guys, the sound was perfect. Actually I've been to a few Love gigs over the past 12 months and this was probably the best sound I had heard. The same guy who asked for the sound to be turned up kept shouting Arthur's name between the songs and Arthur was having a bit of friendly banter with him until he subtly told him to "shut up". Arthur was in good form throughout the gig although he did look visibly tired at time. I was conscious that Rusty was looking out for him and prompting him a couple of times with the songs. It must be hard for him to keep going as this is a gruelling tour and if he's drinking with that alcoholic Mike Randle no wonder he's knackered. There was a few mistakes made but nobody cared the audience, although somewhat subdued at times, loved it. It was great to see so many smiling faces I the crowd especially among the fans who had obviously bought Forever Changes first time round. After the show I talked again with Mike who introduced me to their roadie Davie who, it turns out, only lives 12 miles away from my hometown in Scotland. It's a small world. Keith Stodart
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