CityLife

My partner and I have been lucky; this year we've seen Coldplay, Oasis and now Elbow in Manchester; all were gigs to remember, but this was something special. Coldplay, for all their global aclaim and showbiz glamour seemed somehow tired and pedestrian - sure, they did the business, but the crowd didn't engage. Oasis, on the other hand dragged the crowd screaming and chanting with them, even after a couple of power failures - they were superb. Elbow, however played the biggest club gig in town. I'm an Elbow newbie, but the achingly beautiful melody and lyricism wasn't lost on me. For a band who were potentially by far the most downbeat of the three, they trancended their limits and became something almost spiritual. The MEN arena was lit up by both the pyros and Gus Garvey's voice. we sang, we clapped, we ached with him and for two hours or more i was enchanted.<br /> <br /> They say they'll be away for 2/12 years, till 2012 maybe. That's a long time in music and I hope they come back to aclaim. We all remember what happened to the stone roses in their long hiatus, and I hope Elbow return sooner rather than later. If they lost their way, it'd be a tragedy. As it was, this gig was a triumph.<br />

Not at all impressed by the support act, we were blown away by Elbow, who proved not only their consummate musicianship but their great rapport with the audience.<br /> <br /> We heard some drivel from behind us about why Girls Aloud were too good to be Coldplay's support act and how surprising it was that Elbow could sell out the MEN (!), then were treated to a truly excellent set from Guy Garvey and the boys, along with the Brassnecks, the string section and the Elbow Choir. Although The Seldom Seen Kid was well represented in the set, there was lots of the older material as well and, just as I'd given up on hearing my favourite track, they played "Newborn" as the last number in the first session. This is the third time we've seen them and they just get better. Looking forward to the new stuff.<br /> <br /> Incidentally, the 1.5 hours that Muse played was completely eclipsed by a fantastic 2 hours+ from Elbow - a band that obviously have their audience at heart.<br />

Elbow. The best thing to happen to my "failing" ears in a long time...<br /> <br /> Where they came from I just don't know...... They've been around for years yet only a chance radio listening early last year put me on to them.... ...."There's a hole in my neighbourhood down which................." . I thought it was maybe a Peter Gabriel song. Well I am in my 50's & my ears have taken a bashing throughout my working life. Not to mention the countless rock gigs, from Quo & Slade in the 70's through Genesis, AC/DC , Springsteen to name but a few.... I am no specialist with the fancy & sometimes over elaborate descriptions I read in many band reviews...But I just have to say that Elbow, both musically & lyrically are pure gold.... and last night's gig showed how classy they are... Even my 13 year old son, experiencing his 1st live gig was massively impressed. Guy Garvey created a "closeness" that made me feel part of the family...... ..I was pleasantly surprised to see the enthusiasm of the 4 young ladies sat by us in 106 row X. Maybe no more than in their early twenties ( I hope I haven't offended here!)..... they moved with poetic grace along with each song and sang along to the older tunes.... proving thet "seldom Seen Kid " wasn't the only interest. .........<br /> <br /> .........PURE BRILLIANCE...........<br />