Newcastle
The day after Glasgow was our second day off on the tour. It was a strange, hazy morning with certain members astray. We eventually rounded everyone up and headed off to the country for the day. A step up from the Travelodge we ate and drank well, even unwinding under the stars in a hot tub. The next day we headed down the road to Newcastle, The venue in Newcastle seemed a bit of a cavernous room and there was a slightly subdued feeling amongst the bands. It didn’t stop us from striking a pose in the corridor!

Before the show we headed to the local Oxfam to play a few acoustic songs as part of the “Oxjam sessions”  We found some gems in the Oxfam including Mick Jagger and David Bowie’s 80’s folly; dancing in the street on 12“ and Phil Collins “A groovy kind of love”  Marina and friend joined us on stage for an impromptu dance on  “true romance” in  an attempt to get a slightly morose crowd going- to no avail. After the show we vowed to make Stoke the one!
Bronzebox
The Invisible   Come Together
The XX remix of  you’ve got the love
Lil Wayne   A Milli
Stoke
We arrived at the Sugarmill in Stoke with whiskey and wine and the hope of lifting spirits. A walk around a very deserted Sunday afternoon Stoke didn’t help with our hopes but everyone was pleasantly surprised as people started pouring into the venue as soon as doors opened. It turned out to be one of the best shows of the tour so far all round. Marina and co joining us on stage again for “true romance” and the Sugarmill’s balcony made for perfect viewing of all the other bands.  Thanks to everyone in Stoke for making it a good one.After the show we had a slightly dilapidated wine and cheese party in the dressing room before heading off for Liverpool.
Bronzebox
Neil  Young     After the Goldrush
Arcade Fire    Funeral
The Beach Boys    Today!/summer days summer nights
Burial and Fourtet     The Moth

Liverpool

In the van on the way to Liverpool Ben got cosy with Mariah Carey  and we rehearsed some songs for our Oxjam show. We thought, as it was Liverpool we’d do a few Beatles numbers and ended up going for “That Boy” and “Nowhere man” followed by our own “Fade to Black” and  “Arrows of Eros.” After the show at Stanley Hall A bit of a lurgy seemed to be creeping up on everyone in the dressing room and it felt like a good time for the end of the first leg of the tour. Back to London for a day….

BronzeBox
Dizzee Rascal     Bad Behaviour
Fools Gold    Suprise Hotel  (micachu remix)
Grizzly Bear   Two Weeks
Dr Dre      The Chronic