View Full Version : Ideal UK tour...
What would be your ideal Uk tour?
For me every BNL tour has to include a birmingham date, they always seem to be the best gig i go to on the tour. I hate it when bands go to Wolverhampton instead, such a hassle.
I would love to go to a scottish date on the next tour, see if all the hype is correct
KingDaveRa
12-20-2009, 03:12 PM
Well for me, it'd be if they played the nice new theatre we're having built.
http://www.ambassadortickets.com/Aylesbury-Waterside-Theatre
But that's unlikely. So it's usually a case of carting all the way into London. OK, we're not a million miles away, but it can be a good two hour journey door-to-door.
Oxford isn't bad for me either, but the venues there are too small for a band like BnL. Then again, quite a few big UK bands play The Academy (nee The Zodiac). The upstairs room is very nice. Downstairs is alright, but the ceilings are too low, so in a few places the acoustics suck big time.
Would love 2 Glasgow shows again that was awesome, Leeds (as I live there), would like to go to Birmingham again enjoyed that venue, I plan to go to all of them lol so anywhere is an adventure
Philip
12-21-2009, 11:48 AM
Wherever I can get to.
To be honest, I've seen them at some pretty horrible venues lately - Carling Academy, Bristol, a cramped basement of an ice rink with restricted views and way too many people packed in, and Shepherds Bush Empire, a cramped old theatre with way too many people packed in - there's a bit of theme there I think.
Selfishly, I'd like them to play in Wales and would suggest Newport Leisure Centre, where I've recently seen fantastic gigs by Feeder, Manic Street Preachers, and Elbow - it's also just a ten minute walk from my house. It's an odd but great venue with a wide floor, enabling lots of people to get in the front row, and banked seating at the back for those not wishing to join in the melee on the floor.
Sean - Wolverhampton may be a hassle, but I think the Civic is a great venue and the atmosphere there is always excellent.
If it all possible, I'd like them to play the Birmingham Odeon on New Street - which was the best music venue I've ever been to... unfortunately, they turned it back into a full-time cinema in 1987 and I (and lots of other music fans) still haven't forgiven them: The end of Birmingham Odeon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdujKfPRftw).
KingDaveRa
12-21-2009, 03:59 PM
Southampton Guildhall is a weird-arse venue. The 'seated' area is about four or five rows of seats on a shelf. They're miles back! We didn't know that when we booked. Even Ed pointed out how far back they were!
I think I'd still prefer these smaller venues to the uber-stadiums. I've seen a few bands at Oxford Academy and because it's so small and intimate, it's good for the bands to just almost play with the crowd, not to it. Duke Special was awesome in that respect. Had a normal gig upstairs, then he and Chip Bailey (his drummer) crowd-surfed to the back, ran downstairs, and pretty much everybody gathered around a candle-lit piano, and sung a whole world of random songs. Including some kid who sang along to some song, so everybody went quiet so we could hear him.
Funniest bit was the roadies getting ansy because they wanted to start packing up.
Small gigs. Awesome stuff :)
I like Bristol Academy. Living in Bristol, I'm a bit biased, but I think it has an excellent atmosphere and I have some really great memories there. With you on Shepherds Bush Empire though - bit of a sh*thole.
Ideally I'd love a UK tour that included Bristol, Birmingham and maybe Plymouth seeing as my girlfriend lives there. Everyone seems to miss out Plymouth on their tours though. I'm always willing to travel though, and I sure would like to catch a show in Scotland - they have a great reputation. ;)
I wonder how long we will have to wait for a UK tour. Hopefully not too long! :)
Philip
12-23-2009, 12:08 PM
Liam, I really enjoyed the BNL gig at the Academy, but that had much more to do with the band and the crowd than the venue.
I've been there a few times and I know that quite a few people give up and go sit in the bar because they just can't find a decent view. And, from a safety angle, I don't like the way people stand on the stairs or how long it can take to get out of there at the end of the night - it always feels like there's way too many people in there.
I really liked the Shepherds Bush Empire, Bristol Academy is very compact. Warwick Arts Centre would be ideal for me. I have missed out on seeing Duke special on the past couple of tours as i overdosed on him after i first saw him supporting Gemma Hayes a few years ago. Definitely suits the smaller venues, the atmosphere he can generate is immense:)
geezabird
12-30-2009, 12:15 AM
I've seen them at Hammersmith Apollo (twice), Shepherds Bush and Birmingham Carling Academy. I do like Shepherds Bush as a venue but Hammersmith was much better for the BNL gig.
So really I'd like a London and Brum date again. It would also be cool to see them playing at my uni now we have a proper venue there, but a girl can only dream, right? :P
swiss lady
12-30-2009, 10:06 AM
The most amazing place I saw them in England was the Royal Albert Hall.
Though I doubt they will ever play there again.
I love the Shepherds Bush Empire a lot too.
The most amazing place I saw them in England was the Royal Albert Hall.
Though I doubt they will ever play there again.
I love the Shepherds Bush Empire a lot too.
I was lucky enough to go there recently, to see Jason Mraz - the place is beautiful! Did BNL sell it out? That was back on the 2001 Maroon tour, wasn't it?
swiss lady
12-30-2009, 07:51 PM
I was lucky enough to go there recently, to see Jason Mraz - the place is beautiful! Did BNL sell it out? That was back on the 2001 Maroon tour, wasn't it?
Yes, Maroon tour March 31, 2001.
Not sure if it was sold out, it was definitely filled up pretty good though.
I was lucky enough to get one of the few standing tickets in front of the stage (second row).
The RAH is definitely the most magical indoors-concert-venue I have ever been to.
Philip
01-04-2010, 12:30 AM
Of course, the best venue would be my front room and dining room (with the double-doors open) - we've got high, Victorian ceilings and pretty good acoustics throughout the house. You could all come over - I'd mix a few jugs of Pimms and put on a nice spread!
becky11
01-04-2010, 05:23 PM
Yes, Maroon tour March 31, 2001.
Not sure if it was sold out, it was definitely filled up pretty good though.
I was lucky enough to get one of the few standing tickets in front of the stage (second row).
The RAH is definitely the most magical indoors-concert-venue I have ever been to.
Except when they open the powder packet in the Kraft Dinner. That was NOT fun. ;)
But I agree, RAH was a fantastic venue. As was the one they played in Cambridge two days before that RAH show.
therealshell
01-04-2010, 06:03 PM
Of course, the best venue would be my front room and dining room (with the double-doors open) - we've got high, Victorian ceilings and pretty good acoustics throughout the house. You could all come over - I'd mix a few jugs of Pimms and put on a nice spread!
Will you have any sausage rolls or oatcakes ?
weemonkey
01-04-2010, 09:46 PM
Would love 2 Glasgow shows again that was awesome, Leeds (as I live there), would like to go to Birmingham again enjoyed that venue, I plan to go to all of them lol so anywhere is an adventure
One week of gigs in Glasgow wouldn't be enough to satisfy the fans!
Hope you went to a gig at the Barrowlands - it's the greatest venue in the world.
The Academy is mince and I hope the band don't play there again.
One week of gigs in Glasgow wouldn't be enough to satisfy the fans!
Hope you went to a gig at the Barrowlands - it's the greatest venue in the world.
The Academy is mince and I hope the band don't play there again.
I want to - no, NEED to - catch a gig in Scotland, if the hype is to be believed. I have always wanted to go to a show there, you can tell even from the recordings that the atmosphere is electric.
Ps - bit of a plug but if any UK-ers are on Twitter then hit up www.twitter.com/bnluk
:)
Philip
01-05-2010, 01:56 PM
Will you have any sausage rolls or oatcakes ?
No, for such an auspicious occasion, I'd go wild in the M&S foodhall.
KingDaveRa
01-06-2010, 06:50 PM
No, for such an auspicious occasion, I'd go wild in the M&S foodhall.
These aren't ordinary ladies. These are Barenaked Ladies.
Philip
01-06-2010, 07:07 PM
These aren't ordinary ladies. These are Barenaked Ladies.
Excellent line, KDR!
just blame craig
01-06-2010, 07:14 PM
Of course, the best venue would be my front room and dining room (with the double-doors open) - we've got high, Victorian ceilings and pretty good acoustics throughout the house. You could all come over - I'd mix a few jugs of Pimms and put on a nice spread!
If they play there, can I come over?
Philip
01-06-2010, 07:19 PM
If they play there, can I come over?
Sure, as long as you bring a bottle and maybe a dessert.
Wow, that Aylesbury Waterside Theatre looks totally cool.
Small venues could be fun, more intimate, more personal. Would you guys have fun seeing the band in a small place, or would you be more frustrated trying to get tickets for it?
Amicustoall
01-06-2010, 09:12 PM
Personally I would take any and all aggravation in ticketing to see them only in small venues.
The UK venues they play are a lot smaller than what they play in the States and Canada. In the UK, we're talking venue capacities of between 1000 and 3000, generally speaking. They are standard venues for touring bands; the Academy venues are a chain and BNL usually tour them over here. The next step down from this would be smaller bars, which I believe BNL are too big a band for - and the next step up would be indoor arenas, which I don't believe they would sell out. I'm quite happy with what they tend to do over here - although I certainly wouldn't be against a few club-like smaller shows, providing we got enough notice. BNL's gigs are very much spread by word of mouth here, there is never too much promotion. So if they did decide to do some VERY intimate shows in the UK, that would be fantastic, but I would really hope they would be pre-announced rather than just sprang on us. (I'm all for spontaneity but to miss out would suck!)
Amicustoall
01-06-2010, 09:44 PM
Liam my favorite venue here seats 1,265. It has the best acoustics I have ever experienced. We have seen tons of concert there, and I would love to see BNL play there. It is half way between LA and San Diego, so they should be able to fill it easily. It is Pechanga Casino in Temecula. That is in case management or anyone connected with management or the guys read this.
I'm like an early Beatles fan, selfishly hoping BNL stay in their current status in the UK so we can see them in the smaller venues. I'd love to go to a Glasgow Barrowlands gig.
How about the IndigO2; the smaller venue inside the O2? Saw Kevin Smith there a few months ago with Lady Trish, Westerveld1 and Lou. Really nice venue and not too big.
El Taco Rojo
02-13-2010, 10:01 PM
If they play in Bristol again, they should return to the Colston Hall (E2E 2004 tour). A lot more space and nicer surroundings.
I also agree that they should play in Newport, either at the Riverfront or Newport Centre. Failing that, Cardiff International Arena.
I'm like an early Beatles fan, selfishly hoping BNL stay in their current status in the UK so we can see them in the smaller venues. I'd love to go to a Glasgow Barrowlands gig.
How about the IndigO2; the smaller venue inside the O2? Saw Kevin Smith there a few months ago with Lady Trish, Westerveld1 and Lou. Really nice venue and not too big.
would have to agree completely (even after my hellish journey there, LOVE tube strikes.. not), woud be a good venue.. Althoough to be fair I enjoyed all the venues last tour as I was there early enough for front row (with the possible exception of Brighton Dome, with a neck-ache inducing height of stage..
The UK venues they play are a lot smaller than what they play in the States and Canada. In the UK, we're talking venue capacities of between 1000 and 3000, generally speaking. They are standard venues for touring bands; the Academy venues are a chain and BNL usually tour them over here. The next step down from this would be smaller bars, which I believe BNL are too big a band for - and the next step up would be indoor arenas, which I don't believe they would sell out. I'm quite happy with what they tend to do over here - although I certainly wouldn't be against a few club-like smaller shows, providing we got enough notice. BNL's gigs are very much spread by word of mouth here, there is never too much promotion. So if they did decide to do some VERY intimate shows in the UK, that would be fantastic, but I would really hope they would be pre-announced rather than just sprang on us. (I'm all for spontaneity but to miss out would suck!)
But all sold out with no promotion to speak of at all ;) Hopefully a range of venues next time round cos I'm there for them all.. :D
of course, the best venue would be my front room and dining room (with the double-doors open) - we've got high, victorian ceilings and pretty good acoustics throughout the house. You could all come over - i'd mix a few jugs of pimms and put on a nice spread!
sold!!!!! :d
Grimbeard
02-26-2010, 03:03 AM
It's been years (Glastonbury err... 98, maybe) since I've seen BNL live. Please please please come and do some UK gigs. :-)
Grim
Serendipitypaul
03-10-2010, 09:44 PM
Corn Exchange in Cambridge was good, Brighton was a bit crap, London's always good. They played the V festival in 99 I think it was , It would be good for them to play there this year as well, Only because I have tickets :p
barenakedfi
03-31-2010, 07:40 PM
They always include one northwest gig, usually Manchester, but they have played Liverpool's Royal Court a couple of times... which is much better than Manchester Apollo (I could be a bit biased, being in Liverpool!). I won the competition to go the the soundcheck and meet the band on the BLAM tour, and asked Steve about Liverpool, he said there wasn't evidence of enough demand for 2 northwest gigs, so Liverpool was unlikely (though perhaps views are different now).
I would also love to get to a gig in Scotland, as it's always a bit disappointing to not be part of their favourite crowd (and this can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, as I'm sure they go into those gigs on a high because they love them).
I would also LOVE to see them at an intimate venue, as long as I could get tickets (though I've won another competition for free tickets and to meet the band on their next visit, so I guess I'm safe!)
(though I've won another competition for free tickets and to meet the band on their next visit, so I guess I'm safe!)
Out of interest, what competition was this?
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