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Steve B

@wordsbysteve.bsky.social
39 followers 73 following 120 posts

Occasional mutterings mainly on music, books and sport

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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Massively enjoyable evening of acoustic goodness. Elanor Moss played a lovely (if brief) in-store at Rough Trade Denmark Street to mark the release of her spectacular debut LP, followed by a short hop to see Sir Richard Bishop's mesmeric performance at St Pancras Old Church. Great stuff from both.
Sir Richard Bishop performing live at St Pancras Old Church on 21st August 2026.Elanor Moss performing live at Rough Trade Denmark Street on 21st August 2026.
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Odd capital letter related double header tonight, MEMORIALS at Stranger Than Paradise and then HAAi at the Courtyard. MEMORIALS stripped back set was excellent, proving they are an absolute joy live in any circumstance. HAAi was superb too, euphoric and emotional. Sore legs incoming.
MEMORIALS performing live at Stranger Than Paradise on 1st April 2026HAAi performing live at the Courtyard Theatre on 1st April 2026
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
My Bloody Valentine at the Royal Albert Hall were nothing short of incredible tonight. The acoustics of the hall made for a very different sound experience than at Wembley last year, vastly clearer but still teeth clatteringly loud. Quite simply, one of the best gigs I've ever seen.
My Bloody Valentine performing live at the Royal Albert Hall on 27th March 2026
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
My first time seeing Mogwai and whilst they were a good, beyond the expected aural assault, it felt a bit underwhelming, the atmosphere not being helped by a lot of empty seats. In support though Craven Faults was absolutely superb, a really immersive performance, great lighting/visuals.
Mogwai performing live at the Royal Albert Hall on 25/03/2026Craven Faults performing live at the Royal Albert Hall on 25/03/2026
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
Heavenly were as joyous as ever this evening on my first visit to Sidney and Matilda (indeed probably my first Sheffield gig in 30 years). An excellent mix of long time faves and songs from the new LP, Deflicted and Excuse Me sounded particularly wonderful. Really enjoyed Tulpa's support set too.
Heavenly performing live at Sidney and Matilda in Sheffield on 21/03/2026
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
An absolutely wonderful evening watching Meilyr Jones play his first gig of the decade at SJQ in Dalston. The new excellent new songs played tonight hopefully mean an album is not far away and on tonight's showing, that will be something very special indeed. An utterly triumphant return.
Meilyr Jones performing live at SJQ on 2nd March 2026
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 27/11/2025
Absolutely incredible album launch show from Iona Zajac at the Social tonight. So many highlights, Dilute, Bang and an utterly gripping version of Anton. One of the standout gigs of what's proving to be an amazing year of live music.
Iona Zajac performing at the Social on 27th November 2025
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Not that this should come as a surprise to anyone, but my bloody valentine still make the most joyous racket (in what I think was my first arena gig since Rollercoaster).
my bloody valentine performing live at Wembley Arena on 25/11/2025
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
Perfume Genius were absolutely excellent at the Roundhouse tonight. I've been really enjoying this year's Glory LP, but tonight strongly suggests a need for me to properly revisit the older albums, Otherside going into Describe was simply stunning.
Perfume Genius performing at the Roundhouse on 11/11/2025
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
McKinley Dixon at the Lexington was easily one of the best gigs I've seen this year (despite a frustrating 15 minute technical stuff up towards the end). An energetic, hugely engaging performance with a joyous 'We're Outside, Rejoice!' and a visceral 'Mezzanine Tippin' highpoints.
McKinley Dixon performing live at the Lexington on October 20th 2025
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 19/10/2025
The Loft split just before I started going regularly to gigs, so it was lovely to see them in fine fettle tonight at The Moth Club. Great renditions of their older songs (Winter sounded particularly good), with lots to like from the new/debut LP. Autocamper were reliably fantastic in support.
The Loft performing live at The Moth Club on October 19th 2025Autocamper performing live at The Moth Club on October 19th 2025
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
Absolutely loved Lande Hekt at the Lexington tonight. Lande's songwriting is a lovely blend of melancholy and joy and next January's LP promises to be rather special. Hopefully there will be more shows then. The always fun Sassyhiya and Perfect Binding were both really good as support too.
Lande Hekt performing live at the Lexington on 15th October 2025Lande Hekt performing live at the Lexington on 15th October 2025, featuring Sam from Perfect Binding
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
Robert Forster was wonderful tonight at the Union Chapel. Brilliantly chosen setlist covering plenty of solo and Go-Betweens tunes. His Swedish Band excelled, with Peter Moren's guitar just superb. Getting to hear Spring Rain live a massive treat.
Robert Forster performing live at the Union Chapel on 11th October 2025
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
Utterly joyous, life-affirming celebration of Edwyn Collins at the Royal Festival Hall last night, genuine privilege to be there. Edwyn on great form, truly beautiful on Low Expectations in the encore. James Kirk and Steven Daly joining for a triumphant Felicity/Blue Boy finale was a delight.
Edwyn Collins performing live at the Royal Festival Hall on 4th October 2025
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
I was starting to worry that The Cords debut LP couldn't live up to expectations, and dear me if it doesn't end up going way beyond. Utterly perfect pop music backed up by a blindingly good set at the Betsey Trotwood tonight, genuinely very special. Would-be-Goods were excellent as support too.
The Cords performing live at the Betsey Trotwood on 26/09/2025The Would-be-Goods performing live at the Betsey Trotwood on 26/09/2025
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
Clara Mann was superb in the Royal Albert Hall's Elgar Room tonight. Rift has been one of the very best albums of the year and songs from it were beautifully performed with perfect accompaniment from Owen Spafford. Great to have a handful of new songs too. Lovely support from Watch Paint Dry.
Clara Mann performing live at the Royal Albert Hall Elgar Room on 25/09/2025
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 14/09/2025
Saw Black Country, New Road at the Albert Hall last night. What a fantastic venue with a great audience completely into things including Titanic who were excellent as support. BCNR were wonderful live, inventive and engaging. Forever Howlong is an LP that repays regular listening.
Black Country, New Road performing live at the Albert Hall, Manchester on 13/09/2025Black Country, New Road performing live at the Albert Hall, Manchester on 13/09/2025
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
Ben Watt & Tracey Thorn at the Moth Club were magical last night. A deep dive into their solo and EBTG songbooks, beautifully performed with Rex Horan and son, Blake. Seems unfair to pick highlights but Winter's Eve and Bridget St John's Song To Keep You Company were superb. Just a lovely night.
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
Great Lost Map records showcase at the Shacklewell Arms last night as part of Label Mates festival. Sara Wolff's solo set was fantastic, and Dominie Hooper was excellent, looking forward to the LP to be released on Halloween and full band show at the Moth Club. Both promise to be rather special.
Sara Wolff performing at the Shacklewell Arms on 17/08/2025Dominie Hooper performing at the Shacklewell Arms on 17/08/2025
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 19/07/2025
Heavenly were on excellent form at Islington Assembly Hall tonight, a cracking set with a sprinkling of great sounding new songs which went down a storm. Very much enjoyed Lightheaded's set too. Coming home with a couple of fanzines and a 7" feels pleasingly familiar too.
Heavenly performing at Islington Assembly Hall on 19/07/2025Lightheaded performing at Islington Assembly Hall on 19/07/2025
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
Blown away by how good Poor Creature were this evening at Rough Trade East. Spellbinding performances of songs from their fantastic debut LP 'All Smiles Tonight. They have a beautiful but slightly out of focus quality which is quite magical. @poorcreaturemusic.bsky.social
Poor Creature performing live at Rough Trade East on 14/07/2025
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 12/07/2025
Hugely enjoyable Daylight Music show at St John's in Leytonstone. Wonderful performance from Faith Eliott, beautiful, wry, deeply affecting songs, far to say I absolutely adore them. Dryas is a truly brilliant LP. Fell were great and Owen & The Eyeballs the party band I didn't know I needed.
Faith Eliott performing at St John's Church, Leytonstone on 12/07/25Owen & The Eyeballs performing at St John's Church, Leytonstone on 12/07/25Fell performing at St John's Church, Leytonstone on 12/07/25
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Kassi Valazza was utterly magical at St Pancras Old Church this evening, a wonderful band performance and an amazing voice. Highlights were Kassi performing solo accompanied by the 10pm church bells and an exceptional version of Matty Groves in the encore. Magnificent stuff.
Kassi Valazza performing live at St Pancras Old Church on 26/06/2025
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Really enjoyed Cassandra Jenkins at Koko tonight, a great band all round but I particularly liked Adam Brusbin's stellar guitar work, equally good when gentle and angular. Magical support set from Anna B Savage, who is a phenomenal live performer.
Cassandra Jenkins performing live at Koko on 10/06/2025Anna B Savage performing live at Koko on 10/06/2025
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
What a night at Signature Brew Haggerston! Kristin Hersh was totally mesmeric, an absolute privilege to see her so close up. Memorials are my favourite live band right now, skronky kraut pop, right up my street. Graham Reynolds mix of unhinged percussion and cinematic piano an excellent start too.
Kristin Hersh performing live at Signature Brew Haggerston on 06/06/2025Memorials performing live at Signature Brew Haggerston on 06/06/2025Graham Reynolds performing live at Signature Brew Haggerston on 06/06/2025Kristin Hersh (on stage with Graham Reynolds and Memorials) performing live at Signature Brew Haggerston on 06/06/2025
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
Did someone mention Patchwork? youtube.com/watch?v=IgEo...
youtube.com
Tindersticks - 01-Patchwork (live MTV Studios)
YouTube video by Mehr Licht!
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
Where to start with Wide Awake, so many highlights. Daniel Avery, Marie Davidson, Gurriers, Acopia, English Teacher all superb. Emotionally though Jasmine.4.t, particularly a beautiful and utterly poignant rendition of 'Woman' hit hard. Great day out, long may it continue.
Daniel Avery performing live at Wide Awake on 23rd May 2025Jasmine.4.t performing live at Wide Awake on 23rd May 2025English Teacher performing live at Wide Awake on 23rd May 2025Marie Davidson and Alli Logout performing live at Wide Awake on 23rd May 2025
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
Lovely to catch up with the super talented Fran, now performing as Mezanmi at SJQ this evening. Great short set supporting Mariam The Believer, new song sounded brilliant. Tickets for what promises to be a special headline show at the same venue in October released today.
Mezanmi performing at SJQ on 22nd May 2025
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
Massively enjoyed Jenny Hval at Islington Assembly Hall last night. Loved the stripped back presentation which really allowed the songs and Jenny's incredible voice to take centre stage. Both in her own right and as Lost Girls, she's put together a stellar run of albums over the last five years.
Jenny Hval and band performing at Islington Assembly Hall on May 21st 2025.
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 10/05/2025
In terms of overstuffing a 1of100 Modern Musette, I can't say I'd recommend trying to carry home seven LPs and four back issues of Disco Pogo from the Independent Record Market, but here we are... 😬 @weare1of100.bsky.social @discopogo.bsky.social
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 10/05/2025
Absolutely absorbed by the Necks performance at Cafe Oto this afternoon, incredible to watch the interplay between three remarkable musicians building layer upon layer of their two long pieces.
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
The Pogues were joyous at Brixton Academy for the 40th anniversary of Rum, Sodomy and the Lash (and of my first seeing them at the Leadmill). Guest vocalists were all fab, highlight for me Iona Zajac's superb performance of I'm A Man You Don't Meet Everyday. Lots of aching bodies in the morning.
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
A magical evening with the incomparable Rich(ard) Dawson at Clapham Grand. I'm not at all ashamed to say I've started to cry at gigs in a manner not dissimilar to Keith on the Pottery Throw Down, Gondola setting off my third gig blub in a week.
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Breathtaking performances at the Old Church tonight from Pefkin and The Declining Winter. Absolutely adored Pefkin, mesmeric music to get completely lost in. The Declining Winter were utterly compelling too, great to hear songs from the Last April LP presented in a full band setting.
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
A wonderful performance by Clara Mann at a packed Stoke Newington Old Church tonight, with fantastic accompaniment from the hugely talented Owen Spafford. Rift is an exceptionally good record, I hope it gets the audience it so richly deserves.
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Fat White Family and Mozart Estate were both utterly magnificent as supports. First time seeing FWF and blown away by them, energy, mayhem, noise, just exceptional. Mozart Estate were glorious and the songs from the forthcoming LP were heavenly pop hits, one and all. Lawrence looking fab too.
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
I know it's not fashionable to like Primal Scream anymore, but I snagged a cheap resale ticket for the Hammersmith Apollo tonight and thought they were really good. Andrew Innes on great form and the songs from Come Again sounded much better live than on the LP. That said...
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
If that was how good the Delines are having just got off a plane, I'm supremely jealous of anyone who has tickets for their tour. An absolutely magnificent hour at Rough Trade West tonight.
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Anna Erhard at the Bush Hall was exactly what I needed at the end of the roughest of weeks, she's a wonderfully dry storyteller with a brilliant live band. A lovely reminder of the restorative power of live music.
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
Magnificent set by Anna B Savage and her exceptional band at the Union Chapel tonight. Particularly loved Joe Taylor's drums, just fantastic. Deeply personal songs, beautifully played (even a stop/start version of Donegal complete with filthy joke diversion whilst retuning...)
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 16/02/2025
Absolutely loved the Ex-Vöid album launch at the George Tavern last night. In Love Again is such a brilliant record and a treat to see it performed live. Really great support from Starter Car and the incomparable Garden Centre, top night all round.
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 09/02/2025
I realise that my sporadic posts here are all slight variations on 'Int Live Music Brilliant', but that's because it is... as proven by doubling up with Nadia Reid's great acoustic set at Rough Trade West and then the mighty Field Music at the Union Chapel, songs from the new LP sounding magnificent
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
The most joyous celebration of the music of the Kane Gang at Dingwalls tonight, Paul and Martin remain simply great singers and their voices still work so well together 40 years on. You could see how much the audience reception meant to everyone involved and the sheer fun of playing together.
The Kane Gang performing live at Dingwalls, 24/01/2025
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 17/01/2025
On an absolutely stacked first big release date of the year, Little Oso, Gentle Spring, Jasmine.4.t, Weather Station, Blue Lake, Prism Shores, all sounding really good, but this is the first truly great record of 2025. ex-void.bandcamp.com/album/in-lov...
ex-void.bandcamp.com
In Love Again, by Ex-Vöid
10 track album
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 12/01/2025
Great night of Winter Sprinter fun at the Lexington. Sassyhiya were fab, songs that stick in your brain as soon as heard. Autocamper have distilled 40+ years of indie pop into something very much their own. Sacred Paws were a joy, perfect performance to round things off, new songs sound amazing.
Sacred Paws performing at The Lexington on 11/01/2025Autocamper performing at The Lexington on 11/01/2025Sassyhiya performing at The Lexington on 11/01/2025
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
Up and running gig wise for the year with a Winter Sprinter night at the Lexington, great to see Holiday Ghosts on the back of their two cracking recent LPs and absolutely loved Suep's fun, infectious set.
Holiday Ghosts performing at the Lexington, 10th January 2025Suep performing at the Lexington, 10th January 2025
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 22/12/2024
Somehow Heavenly have managed to bookend my 2024 gig going, from Rough Trade East in January to the Lexington in December! Add in seeing Swansea Sound twice and it's been quite the year. Both utterly magnificent every time and a great way to finish an incredible year of live music.
Heavenly setlist at The Lexington 22/12/24
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
I'm coming up for forty years as a fan of Stephen Duffy's music, so a real treat to be at Rough Trade tonight for a hugely entertaining Q&A and a handful of songs. I can cope with not being the most handsome Stephen in this photo...
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
Three fab performances at the Lexington last night. Annelies Monseré (perfect Autumnal music, slow, close and beguiling) Robert Sotelo & Mary Currie (lovely experimental tunes) and Nightshift (superb spiky pop songs from the Homosapien LP, making a late dash for my top ten albums of the year)
Nightshift playing live at the Lexington, 8th December 2024Robert Sotelo & Mary Currie playing live at the Lexington, 8th December 2024Annelies Monseré playing live at the Lexington, 8th December 2024
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Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 04/12/2024
Concluding a run of gigs in larger venues with 2 1/2 magnificent hours of Vampire Weekend at Hammersmith Apollo. I'm not the biggest fan of long sets, but with the exception of Sunflower, I wouldn't have wanted anything dropped. Even enjoyed the wonky covers encore, helped I knew it was coming.
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