At the end of 2019, I decided that I would start writing about any gigs that I went to. The world decided it didn’t like the sound of that and just two months later, after attending a measly 3 gigs, an unprecedented global pandemic shut down the whole live music industry. This forced me down the route of album reviews, countless ‘top 5’ lists and a series of reflective memoirs looking back at the ‘better days’ seeing some of my favourite bands.
18 months on and after a number of tests and pilot events, the second half of 2021 saw a triumphant return for live music. There was so much going on in such a short time that I just didn’t have a chance to write about all of it so instead, here are a few of my highlights.
IDLES
It’s crazy for me that, thinking back, it was already the end of August by the time I attended my first gig of the year but I really did pack them in as I spent no less than 3 evenings at the O2 Academy in Oxford in the space of one week. I will never forget Nothing But Thieves granting me a singalong in a crowd and the feeling of the drums in my chest again for the first time in forever and Twin Atlantic were as fun as always but the standout evening was the last of the trilogy.
IDLES put on an incredibly fun and energetic show. It truly felt like all worries and anxieties from the past 18 months had been left at the door as I lost myself in the pit alongside Lee and Bowen from the band who were getting amongst it in the crowd. Live music was well and truly back.
https://thebirdbox.home.blog/2021/08/29/the-return-of-live-music/
Heavy Music Awards
The heavy music awards was a very unique experience. It was the first time I had ever been to an awards show and I loved it! Not only did we see some great names from the alternative music scene collect awards but we also saw some great bands including Hot Milk, Trash Boat and our first Sleep Token ritual. The latter left us wanting more having only played a short set so we made sure to see them again in November. They were mesmeric both times as vessel commanded a captivated crowd.
https://thebirdbox.home.blog/2021/09/04/heavy-music-awards-2021/
Slam Dunk Festival
Slam Dunk is always a good time and it was an especially good time this year. It was my only festival of 2021 but was perfect. Beautiful weather, loads of friends and some fantastic bands. Oh, what a day!(shame about the clashes though)
While She Sleeps
Sleeps have had a great year for gigs this year. They played the Download Pilot, Bloodstock and Slam Dunk but it was one of the shows at the Underworld, Camden that felt most special to us. It was a cathartic, chaotic sweat fest as everyone launched themselves around the room belting out the lyrics. One of the best gigs I’ve ever been to.
https://thebirdbox.home.blog/2021/09/20/live-while-she-sleeps-the-underworld-london/
Holding Absence
Another band that’s had a great year is Holding Absence. They released a phenomenal album and have played shows EVERYWHERE. They were a personal highlight of mine at Slam Dunk and I really enjoyed their show in Oxford in November. Lucas always sounds phenomenal and the rest of the band look like they’re having the time of their lives.
Trash Boat
I can’t talk about live music in 2021 without mentioning the band that I saw the most. I saw Trash Boat 4 times in as many months with the final occasion being a surprise last minute support slot for Enter Shikari at Alexandra Palace! They’ve also been on their own headline tour, smashed Slam Dunk and played a part in getting the HMA’s livestream taken down. I hope they’ve had a chance to rest up over Christmas and new year as it sounds like they have a busy schedule lined up for 2022 as well!
Enter Shikari
I can’t think of a better way to end the year than with an Enter Shikari double. The production at Ally Pally was some of the most unique I’ve ever seen and then comparing that to a much smaller scale show in Bristol was loads of fun. Despite Chris’ absence, Shikari put on some great shows with an unreal setlist!
2021 has personally been a great year for me gigwise and it’s no surprise to me that the live music industry has bounced back with the ambition and strength of community that it has. Things are looking sketchy at the moment but I have no doubts that 2022 will be another great year for gigs hopefully complete with a full summer of festivals!
Stay tuned to the Birdbox and also the Ragamuffin Music Podcast YouTube channel for loads of content in 2022.
Happy new year!
The Birdbox 