Sgwarnog: In the Field

By sgwarnog

Pumpkins

A visual phone photo record of my first gig at the Piece Hall in Halifax, which has developed a good reputation for open air concerts over over the past few summers.

In theory I was accompanied by 17yo and 20yo, but the latter got there early so he could get down the front, and the former was with her boyfriend and they also moved more into the thick of it, so for much of the evening I was in my more typical solo-mode. It was good to know that we are all experiencing the same event though.

Headliners Smashing Pumpkins were one of my favourite bands in the nineties, but I haven’t really kept up with what they’re doing since their first three albums. They were always interesting as an alternative band that owned their metal influences and leanings, and their drummer came from a jazz background so in some ways they unify my own musical journey and tastes. Given I haven’t really followed what they’ve been up to for the past 25 years, it wasn’t a surprise that half the set was unfamiliar to me, but the first three albums are acknowledged classics so their was plenty from those too.

Earlier support sets came from Rocket and White Lies. I didn’t know either. I enjoyed Rocket.

The weather didn’t prove to be as hot as feared, so it was actually a very comfortable summer’s evening. The venue seemed well organised, we didn’t need to queue very long for anything and there was water easily available on tap. We even just managed to get home by public transport, without having to resort to a taxi, which was a bonus. 

Comments
Sign in or get an account to comment.