European Tour reports

Scottie · Loudmouth

European Tour reports

noelindublin · Loudmouth

I'm sure The Roads Of Germany will get an airing on the current tour. It is quite interesting that Bob has a decent following in places like Germany and Scandanavia and the Netherlands.

Scottie · Loudmouth

Good set of Zurich pics on http://orlandi.zenfolio.com/p1001211029

No cameras allowed at Vienna infortunately. A german review said consistant quality and cannot be beaten as an aging rocker. Think that is a compliment. Bob will be on radioeins today at 2.15.

-- Edited by Scottie on Thursday 6th of October 2011 12:33:29 PM

Scottie · Loudmouth

Radio interview from Germany today Croaky voice alert! Good job no gig tonight.

http://www.radioeins.de/musik/interviews/2011/bob_geldof.html

Scottie · Loudmouth

Some good quality Zurich vids on this channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_J7DtOLYgw

noelindublin · Loudmouth

Scottie wrote:
Some good quality Zurich vids on this channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_J7DtOLYgw

Bob seens to be really 'living' How I Roll. Very convincing, and the song and lyrics obviously means a lot to him personally. Great performance of one of my favourite songs from How To Compose.

Scottie · Loudmouth

From Berlin last night

Also some good pics

http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/search/Search.aspx?eventid=128716601#

-- Edited by Scottie on Sunday 9th of October 2011 08:15:00 AM

Scottie · Loudmouth

noelindublin · Loudmouth

Enjoyed all three songs One For Me, Mudslide and Systematic Six Pack from Berlin and glad to get to hear a more upfront vocal performance of Systematic rather then the strangulated version on the cd.

Scottie · Loudmouth

Amazing reviews coming in for the Mannheim concert. One journalist who writes reviews for the music press said it was the best gig she had ever been to. Another talks about a world class performance. I have asked her for links to any articles. Well done!

Scottie · Loudmouth

Scottie · Loudmouth

google translation from a journalist who said it was the best gig she had been to.

BOB GELDOF enthusiastic rockers in Mannheim

The old fire station is not sold out, as Bob Geldof on Saturday reaching for his acoustic guitar. And that's good. Because storm on our third song, the fans on the edge of the stage. The 60-year-old turned the hall into an Irish pub and a protest march. "The Great Song Of Indifference" begins and ends with an evening that is for viewers to tape as an intimate experience. Geldof sings, dances, kicks, jumps, accosted, laughed at, warbles, swearing and screaming - by suffering each song. The audience loves him for it.

His voice still sounds sharp and nölig. Geldof is not a great singer nor a gifted guitarist. He relies on his six-piece band. Sir can trust them, not only in the choruses. Usually with eyes closed, he sings his way through four decades, rocks out with "When the Night Comes" and "Walking Back to Happiness" by the Boomtown Rats - the latter with a lovely violin solo by Vince Love Pump and a tasteful response from guitarist John Turnbull - as well as Songs from his commercially unsuccessful "Sex Age & Death" album (2001) and his latest work with the ironic title "How to Compose Popular Songs That Will Sell" Then he shows with the psychedelic number "Systematic 6-Pack," " How I Roll "and the almost ten-minute" Mary Says ": The folksy old rocker is back.

t is loud, the sound is clear and compelling, the bass vibrate in the body. Again and again, the Irishman tells the story behind the songs; also stick with long passages of speech which listeners to his lips - such as "Banana Republic" in which he criticized the abuses of the 1980s in Ireland. Geldof makes no difference whether he is in his modern, gray suit, his black ruffled shirt and his silvery mane in the Old Fire Station or in front of an audience of millions with his Live Aid concerts all over the world. As a speaker he is less charismatic than as a musician. He is always a bit snotty so; the chewing gum keeps the whole concert.

Comes naturally, "I Do not Like Mondays", Geldof can afford to play his most popular hit too far before the addition. Twice to get him back to the fans on stage with his band, he danced again with "Young and Sober". Wait 15 minutes for the fans to the addition of three, but can not offer the 60-year-old. After two hours he has heard hoarse. He has given everything.

original is http://www.allgemeine-zeitung.de/region/kultur/musik/11242877.htm#init

Scottie · Loudmouth

According to friends who were there. the Koln gig was the best one yet. In an old church full of Bob worshippers. happiness and B republic were the highlights. Cant wait till he comes back to UK got Bradford and Manchester booked.

Scottie · Loudmouth

Vince is getting a lot of praise in Germany. Desevedly so. One new convert on twitter said "Loved the music. This violin player is outstanding. A true character" Johnny also posted that he played a blinder of a violin solo.

-- Edited by Scottie on Wednesday 12th of October 2011 02:49:28 PM

Scottie · Loudmouth

Short video from German TV

http://www.rtlregional.de/player.php?id=17211

Scottie · Loudmouth

Another 2 positive reviews

http://www.welt.de/print/die_welt/kultur/article13657950/Klingt-wie-Dire-Straits-ohne-Klarsichthuelle.html

http://www.abendblatt.de/kultur-live/article2057962/Bob-in-Bestform.html

Derek The Dane · In the Long Grass

DENMARK CANCELLED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.Nothing mentioned on bobgeldof.info about why.Not sure but I think the whole of the scandinavian tour is off.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Derek The Dane wrote:
DENMARK CANCELLED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.Nothing mentioned on bobgeldof.info about why.Not sure but I think the whole of the scandinavian tour is off.

Just as well you came to London. Looks like they are all off.

http://www.livenation.se/event/238074/bob-geldof-tickets?LID=&c=api-000001

http://www.debaser.se/nyheter/992/

Bob Geldof har valt att ställa in konserten i Malmö på Debaser. Vi beklagar detta och ber er att kontakta respektive försäljningsombud för återlösen av biljetter. Ni som har handlat via debaser.se får tillbaka era utlägg automatiskt inom 3-5 bankdagar.

Bob Geldof has cancelled concert in Malmö at Debaser. We regret that and would ask you to contact respective sales for refund of tickets. Those who have booked via debaser.se will get a refund automatically within 3-5 banking days.

21st October - Gothenburg - Teatern

22nd October - Copenhagen - Studie 2 - DR Byen

23rd October - Oslo - Sentrum Scene

24th October - Uppsala -Katalin & All That Jazz

26th October - Stockholm - Nalen

27th October - Malmo Sweden Debaser

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Just returned from great gig in Franeker. Think there were about 200 or so people there.

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150418971822349.408239.709427348&type=1

Photos from Franeker

Derek The Dane · In the Long Grass

I just found out I cannot get my train fare back for the Copenhagen concert and I am pretty pi55ed of that the concert(as of all the scandinavian tour) is still listed on the official home page disbelief .Has the tour sold so badly that it is ALL cancelled?.Some news from somewhere would be nice. confuse

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Derek The Dane wrote:
I just found out I cannot get my train fare back for the Copenhagen concert and I am pretty pi55ed of that the concert(as of all the scandinavian tour) is still listed on the official home page.Has the tour sold so badly that it is ALL cancelled?.Some news from somewhere would be nice.

It's a shame this has happened as until now, all the gigs had gone ahead. I suspect low ticket sales are the reason, but don't expect to be told that officiallly.

Maybe you can talk to wildo... Beware he may threaten to kill you again.

Derek The Dane · In the Long Grass

I am not worried ArrGee,he has probaly blamed you for the cancelation.On the subject of these cancelled shows according to the Malmo homepage it was cancelled by Bob Geldof and NOT them.

Scottie · Loudmouth

I am going to Bradford and Manchester and I know Jules is going to St Albans. Anyone else?

Ian D · House on Fire

I'll be at the St Albans gig. What's the Arena like, anyone been?

Scottie · Loudmouth

Johnny's replacemenr guitarist is Paul Cuddeford

suss · In the Long Grass

Ian D wrote:
I'll be at the St Albans gig. What's the Arena like, anyone been?

Went there for Rats supporting Blockheads last year.

It's a modern theatre - guess it seats maybe 800-900 (can easily be checked I'm sure). Fairly plush inside (velvet cinema style seats) with some room in front of the first row for dancing.

Bar area is on same level behind the seating area. You pass through bar on the way in.

Venue is about a mile from station, with a few pubs/eateries en route, and there's a big Wetherspoon's style pub 50 yards from the arena.

Main high street is ahead of arena, with all the fast food etc.

Not sure about hotels as I didn't stay over. Last train to London wasn't late (enough) though, think I missed last part of Blockheads encore.

There's also a car park atached to/beside venue as I recall.

Hope that helps a bit.

Ian D · House on Fire

Sounds excellent Suss, thanks!

Scottie · Loudmouth

Bradford was great and a wee bit different, with some experimental backing to some of the songs. Most people would not have noticed, but if you knew the songs, you would. Just something different for every gig. Looking forward to Manchester tomorrow.

Scottie · Loudmouth

Tweets from St Albans

Great tweets from St Albans "Bob Geldof rocked St Albans. Loved it. Tears in my eyes" "Just seen Sir Bob Geldof at St Albans - fantastic gig - the man is awesome - go and see him if you can" "Coming home from seeing Bob Geldof gig. Awesome gig! Nice one Bob"

Just getting ready for Manchester Train at 11.10

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Great gig, Paul the guitarist was a good stand in for Johnny but I did miss Johnny.

noelindublin · Loudmouth

Johnny Turnbull is the guy who sings the start of Scream In Vain- 'Money in my pocket down at Scream In Vain, come on...' and he has quite a good voice if that little snippet is anything to go by.

Apart from Bob and Pete he is, for me, the coolest other guy in the band and looks the part on stage.

-- Edited by noelindublin on Sunday 20th of November 2011 01:42:34 PM

suss · In the Long Grass

noelindublin wrote:
Johnny Turnbull is the guy who sings the start of Scream In Vain- 'Money in my pocket down at Scream In Vain, come on...' and he has quite a good voice if that little snippet is anything to go by.
Apart from Bob and Pete he is, for me, the coolest other guy in the band and looks the part on stage.

-- Edited by noelindublin on Sunday 20th of November 2011 01:42:34 PM

Interesting you bring this up as in my limited exposure to seeing Geldof I'd pretty much agree he comes across as pretty cool (wouldn't necessarily rank the band myself) but I found he had a very different stage persona with Blockheads.

Was/is very animated with them and more than once ended songs with a sort of exaggerated fixed grin pose for the imaginary camera. All very amusing I hasten to add, but very much in keeping with Blockheads sense of japester fun on stage, which I daresay is not uppermost in mind when playing with Geldof. This is not to say that Geldof or his shows are earnest, far from it, but for me there was a different JT on each occasion. Guess it serves to remind the operative word in stage act.

Both bands provided blinding shows though.

Ian D · House on Fire

So what has happened to Johnny Turnbill?

Agree about Paul, had a great gig apart from a few things out of his control before the end.

A storming gig and not a bad turn out.

Anybody else got peed off with that jobsworth from the Arena who kept walking around the audience telling them to stop using their mobiles to take a few photos?

suss · In the Long Grass

JT was playing with Blockheads at Guildford on Friday and they were off to Deal last night, so presume his primary commitment/contract is to them.

noelindublin · Loudmouth

suss wrote:
noelindublin wrote:
Johnny Turnbull is the guy who sings the start of Scream In Vain- 'Money in my pocket down at Scream In Vain, come on...' and he has quite a good voice if that little snippet is anything to go by.
Apart from Bob and Pete he is, for me, the coolest other guy in the band and looks the part on stage.

-- Edited by noelindublin on Sunday 20th of November 2011 01:42:34 PM
Interesting you bring this up as in my limited exposure to seeing Geldof I'd pretty much agree he comes across as pretty cool (wouldn't necessarily rank the band myself) but I found he had a very different stage persona with Blockheads.
Was/is very animated with them and more than once ended songs with a sort of exaggerated fixed grin pose for the imaginary camera. All very amusing I hasten to add, but very much in keeping with Blockheads sense of japester fun on stage, which I daresay is not uppermost in mind when playing with Geldof. This is not to say that Geldof or his shows are earnest, far from it, but for me there was a different JT on each occasion. Guess it serves to remind the operative word in stage act.
Both bands provided blinding shows though.

I would imagine a lot of the Geldof set is pretty introspective for Geldof and therefore John Turnbull's stage antics/persona is restricted to the 'limitations' that such downbeat music imposes.

There are some really jaunty Geldof songs like Love or Something, and The Great Song of Indifference where the band can pull out all the stops and go a bit mad, as it were. A little bit of faux Irish folk never hurt anyone. At least in small doses.

suss · In the Long Grass

Thinking about it, it's quite likely that JT is being more expressive during things like GSOI, and I've just been guilty of concentrating on Bob. Suppose it's the more introspective songs that allow the eye to wander from front man more often, hence me only catching JT when he's more downbeat.

Blockheads have (or at least when I've seen them) mikes in parallel across stage front, so the front man duties are more shared as is the attention to them.

Prob needs Jules or Scottie or another frequent Geldof attendee to give a more balanced view than mine.

Ian D · House on Fire

Some pics from St Albans

Scottie · Loudmouth

First review out for this set of gigs. Good review, though he does not get Bob's irony. http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/lifestyle/arts-entertainment/music-and-gigs/review_bob_geldof_1_3998388

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Scottie wrote:
First review out for this set of gigs. Good review, though he does not get Bob's irony. http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/lifestyle/arts-entertainment/music-and-gigs/review_bob_geldof_1_3998388

...he asks wryly whether he and her mother had been intimate.

He and her mother - ooh eer! Not the first time Geldof has been heard on the tranny.

As for the empty seats, the venue holds about 1,500. Even half full it would be an impressive turnout.

Scottie · Loudmouth

Pics from Manchester

Scottie · Loudmouth

A few more (trying to resize them)

Scottie · Loudmouth

Last ones

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Ian D I was told off 3 times for using my camera, whilst others around me weren't. They threatened to call the manager on the third occasion. I ignored them and carried on. What does it matter to them????

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Jules wrote:
Ian D I was told off 3 times for using my camera, whilst others around me weren't. They threatened to call the manager on the third occasion. I ignored them and carried on. What does it matter to them????

Bullies! Maybe Geldof was having a bad hair day and didn't want his picture taken ...

... mmm, every day is a bad hair day for Geldof smile

I find it annoying when I'm at gigs and people constantly use their mobiles so they can post on You Tube. But then again I like watching the videos on You Tube.

Essentially I'm happy if people stood/sat behind me use their mobiles as long as no one in front of me does. I will even admit to taking a few sneaky pictures myself.

Still on the upside at least you don't have all the banners obstructing you at a Geldof gig. And you get a nice comfy seat. In the middle of the front row. In a really nice venue. Whadda you moaning about? smile

Ian D · House on Fire

Jules wrote:
Ian D I was told off 3 times for using my camera, whilst others around me weren't. They threatened to call the manager on the third occasion. I ignored them and carried on. What does it matter to them????

The old bat didn't spot me as i was further up at the back Jules! Even if she had i would have pointed out to her that the recorded message played when the auditorium was opened up said 'no FLASH photography'!

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

I had my flash switched off through the entire show. Noone behind was bothered. They didn't understand it either. We told them that Bob doesn't mind having his picture taken lol. They seemed to be picking on some people only. Perhaps those at the Rows because they were too lazy to bother anyone else.

Scottie · Loudmouth

Lowry review

http://www.citylife.co.uk/news_and_reviews/reviews/10020055_review__bob_geldof

Scottie · Loudmouth

Good job nobody minded about taking pics at Bradford and Salford. I have a very intelligent camera with a good zoom. I just set it to auto, never use flash and it does all the work itself. A Lumix. When I bought it, I asked for one that would be good at gigs, and it sure is. Got anti shake as well.

Re- the lady Bob was talking to at Bradford about shagging her mum. This was a fan who knows Bob well and has met him many times. She was shouting out and loving it. She got bright red lipstick all over him backstage.

-- Edited by Scottie on Saturday 26th of November 2011 10:48:30 AM

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Mines a Lumix too.

noelindublin · Loudmouth

Jules wrote:
Ian D I was told off 3 times for using my camera, whilst others around me weren't. They threatened to call the manager on the third occasion. I ignored them and carried on. What does it matter to them????

Not sure who makes the policy on whether photo's can be taken at gigs- the band themselves, or maybe it's some obscure health and safety issue.

Would have been a good laugh if lots of photos were taken during Dazzled By You, or if Bob did the old Rats classic Having My Picture Taken and insisted on no photos.

Geldof himself is a good photographer as his photos in the Geldof in Africa books testify. He also took a famous photo of the Rolling Stones which was used a lot, but claims he never got credit for it. This was back in the early seventies, I think, in Hyde Park.

-- Edited by noelindublin on Sunday 27th of November 2011 01:42:17 PM

Scottie · Loudmouth

Good Chatham review, but so funny "very fine band who look as though they have been recruited from a bus queue in Ranham"

"There are few things more Rock n roll than a massive Zimbabwean playing a fiddle in a string vest."

http://www.themedwaybroadside.com/2011/11/27/bob-geldof-at-the-central-theatre-chatham/

noelindublin · Loudmouth

Scottie wrote:
Good Chatham review, but so funny "very fine band who look as though they have been recruited from a bus queue in Ranham"
"There are few things more Rock n roll than a massive Zimbabwean playing a fiddle in a string vest."
http://www.themedwaybroadside.com/2011/11/27/bob-geldof-at-the-central-theatre-chatham/

Good observation from Mr Fentiman about Bob's band and bus queues in Rainham. Bob's band for me never had the coolness of the Boomtown Rats and I keep forgetting their names.

The piano player wearing the striped teeshirt and bowler hat must be one of the most uncool looks ever in rock music. Bob Loveday must be a fan of that great Scot Rab C Nesbitt. The drummer and percussionist just seem very bland. Bob and Pete are rock gods, to balance it out a bit. No insult meant it's just for me Geldof's music is supreme and his backing band have just never really interested me in the way that the Boomtown rats did. I'm sure they're all nice people.

Wonder is that 'Chaversham' joke a Geldof original- if so maybe he might try for the next Perrier comedy award

Scottie · Loudmouth

Bob decrees what the band wear. I think Vince would love a change, but not allowed. And you are right, they are all lovely guys, without exception.

noelindublin · Loudmouth

Scottie wrote:
Bob decrees what the band wear. I think Vince would love a change, but not allowed. And you are right, they are all lovely guys, without exception.

Well the Hagrid beard is gone, so they're progressing in the image stakes. Bob always was a bit of a dictator but I never knew he was so fashion aware and passed his 'advice' on to the band!

Bob seems to have about two suits, but he always looks cool.