Ray Davies at the Royal Albert Hall

Ray Davies
Dead Flamingoes
Royal Albert Hall, 4 October 2012

I was surprised when Dead Flamingoes walked on stage, not only because I didn't know there was going to be a support act, but also because I recognised both members. Firstly, I had seen James Walbourne last year supporting Laura Cantrell and then Kami Thompson, the daughter of British folk legends Richard and Linda Thompson, I saw supporting Elvis Costello a couple of years back.

Elvis Costello at the Royal Festival Hall

Elvis Costello
Kami Thompson
Royal Festival Hall, 20 June 2010

Looking a cross between a 30s gangster and a vaudeville man, Elvis Costello seems glad to be back in London despite showing a reluctance in recent years to return home. Bouncing onto the stage full of energy, his surprisingly booming voice fills the Royal Festival Hall and it becomes quickly apparent that this is to be the loudest acoustic show I’ve ever been to.