Best Gigs Of 2013

Although I didn't go to as many shows this year there were still definite highlights and a few shows that I will never forget. I got to see Neil Young with Crazy Horse for the first time, a longtime dream, not to mention seeing Christine McVie briefly reunite with Fleetwood Mac for Don't Stop at the O2 Arena. I didn't do the festival thing this year (after last year's double dose of rain and mud it was something of a relief to be honest) or see as many new artists but I did get to see a few artists that have long been on my wishlist, like Patty Griffin and Grace Potter, as well as old favourites like Dinosaur Jr and Cat Power. So all in all not a bad year and 2014 is already shaping up to be great too. But for now here's my favourite shows from 2013: 

10. Built To Spill at Electric Ballroom

9. Patty Griffin at the Union Chapel

8. Simone Dinnerstein & Tift Merritt at the Purcell Room

7. Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell at Hammersmith Apollo

6. Grace Potter & The Nocturnals at Bush Hall

5. Neko Case at The Forum

4. Arcade Fire (as The Reflektors) at the Roundhouse

3. Fleetwood Mac at the O2 Arena

2. David Byrne & St. Vincent at the Roundhouse

1. Neil Young & Crazy Horse at the O2 Arena

Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell at Hammersmith Apollo

 
Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell
Hammersmith Apollo, 9 May 2013

"People ask me all the time what Emmylou Harris is like," a rather cool-looking Rodney Crowell, in his Dylaneqsue hat, tells us. "I just tell them she has the soul of a poet; the voice of an angel; she's damn good looking and she has the heart of a cowgirl." Emmylou gives an embarrassed grin and shakes her head and although the speech is obviously rehearsed it is clear there's great affection between these two legendary country stars.