Jeff Tweedy at the Union Chapel

Photo of Jeff and Bill Fay by Marianne (catgirl) via Songkick

Jeff Tweedy

Union Chapel, 30 June 2010

About five years ago I saw Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy play solo at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire and despite it being a magical show, stuck somewhere in the middle, I could hardly see a thing. This time, at the far more intimate Union Chapel, a much more suitable venue for an acoustic show, I wanted to make sure I had a good view and, after turning up early, it paid off and I scored a prime position in the front pew. But before I could enjoy this perfect seat, there was a rather bizarre opening act to endure.

Pearl Jam at Hyde Park

Hard Rock Calling 2010:
Pearl Jam
Ben Harper & The Relentless 7
The Hives
The Gaslight Anthem
Hyde Park, 25 June 2010

For my annual summer festival experience I returned to the scene of one of my favourite gigs of last year (Neil Young), Hard Rock Calling at Hyde Park aka the festival for people who don’t like festivals (camping out and being stuck in mud for a weekend doesn’t appeal much to me these days and getting to go home at the end of the night is a big bonus).

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.