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BELLATRIX
4th February
King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
support : Crashland, Akira

Bang! What better way to start the new century than with a Bellatrix dounle-header. The girls
were on fine form as usual, but what's this, no "Crash" tonight? Still, everything else was in
 place as usual, and got a setlist, t-shirt and some fine photos. The main event of the night was
actually the discovery of support band Akira, who seem to be a fine pretender to Lungleg's
 vacant crown of Glasgow's premier punk girls.


BELLATRIX
5th February
Cas Rock Cafe, Edinburgh
support : Crashland

Sadly no Akira tonight, however, after having a word with the manager Paul the previous
night, we managed to get "Crash" re-instated on the setlist (which, naturally, I pinched at the
end of the show!) The crowd didn't seem to know much about the band, just out for a Saturday
night at thier local, y'know? However, they were soon won over by me and Jacob's enthusiastic
dancing, and by the end of the set, there was some fine old moshing going on, with "Jediwannabe"
being a particular standout on this night. The best Bellatrix gig I'd seen to date.


BRASSY
4th March
13th Note Club, Glasgow

Had to pull a sickie at work to get to this one, and it wasn't really worth it to be honest. Brassy
 weren't bad, but the audience didn't seem too bothered, and it looked as if the band started
 to lose interest themselves after a while. Not quite as tight and full of themselves as when I
 last saw them (who can forget the dodgy in/out of time middle part of "Secrets" when the
 band seemed to be on four completely different planets) Setlist and photos, but no t-shirts to
 be seen. A bit of a letdown really.


CHEMIKAL UNDERGROUND 5TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
12th March
The Garage, Glasgow

Barely in the door and already they're forcing a free cd in your hand - how good a night was this
going to be? Everything started on a bouncy note with BIS, who gave us their usual feisty
stuff with "Why are we waiting", "Kandy pop" (obviously) and "Eurodisco". Next up were MAGOO,
who I didn't really know but they were entertaining enough. ARAB STRAP we all know about,
they were depressing, but funny. The treat of the evening was the discovery of SUCKLE, who
I'd never heard of, but they were mighty fine. Unfortunately, their set was slightly ruined by the
arsehole behind me who loudly repeated the joke Frances had made at the start, I won't bore
you with all the details. MOGWAI next, who were also depressing (and intense) and didn't
play either of the songs that I like. AREOGRAMME weren't worth mentioning (damn, I just did)
but by being rotten, they helped make THE DELGADOS seem even mightier when they
 finally appeared, which was good. A storming "13", a beautiful "Pull the wires", and new song
"American Trilogy", which I missed the very end of, 'cos it was getting mighty close to last
bus time. So, to my great regret, I was unable to stay for John Peel's dj set, but I did at least
have the pleasure of watching him compere. Eight bands, free cd and John Peel, a bargain
at a tenner.


BROADCAST
24th March
13th Note Club, Glasgow
support : Woodbine

Had some unfinished business with Broadcast after having to leave early the last time I saw
them. This show made up for it a thousand times over. The place was packed, the band were
tight as fuck, there was an excellent film-show in the background to compliment the music, I
got a setlist, tons of pics, a couple of t-shirts and a smart Broadcast carrier bag. "The book lovers"
was cracking, so was "Come on let's go", the whole sound and feel of the band was spot on. Best
show I've been to in a while, and this time I saw it all. 


MOGWAI
4th March
The LIquid Room, Edinburgh
support : ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, Akira
 
Had a very pleasant surprise tonight. Came in the door to find the lovely Akira onstage
kicking ass, we'd no idea they were supporting. We made our way down the front immediately
to groove unashamedly, and even earned ourselves a dedication from the band for our
efforts. The rest of the night was a bit of a downer after a fine start. The band with the long
 name were very energetic and rock n' roll, without really leaving a lasting impression (although
my friends all thought they were superb) As for Mogwai, they were as intense and er, intense
as ever. To be honest, it was all a bit much after seven or eight numbers, there was much
staring at watches and uncomfortable shifting of feet. Still, we didn't expect Akira, so the
night wasn't a total loss.


LAIKA
7th April
13th Note Club, Glasgow
support : ?

At least one good thing came out of the Brassy gig last month, for it was the new Laika cd
that impressed us all in the bar upstairs, enough to make us come and see them. It took a
while for a disappointingly small crowd to get going, but eventually everyone in the place was
caught up in the irresistable groove. Acoustics were shit as always at the 13th Note (barely
heard a word Margeret sang all night) but the band were very tight, loved "Red river" at the
end. An excellent merchandise stall, with t-shirts, cd's and matches galore, and I was happy
to part with loads of cash after such a good night.


THE DELGADOS
14th May
The LIquid Room, Edinburgh
support : ?

Much re-arranging of dates, but finally the show went ahead. This really is one of the finest live
bands around, and at the peak of their career too. The stuff from the new album was all there,
even bigger and better live, although sadly no "Russian Orthodox". Still, bagged a setlist
and a nice poster. And it finished quite early, which meant...


BELLATRIX
14th May
The Venue, Edinburgh
support : ?

It was such nuisance having two gigs you really wanted to see on the same night, but, as I
walked down the Royal Mile after The Delgados gig, it occured to me that if I ran all the way
down there, I might get to The Venue in time for the Bellatrix encore. Five breathless minutes
later, I arrived to find the band literally just coming onstage for the start of the show. I
 immediately made my way to the front and proceeded to enjoy my best Bellatrix gig ever,
 probably because it was such an unexpected treat to see the whole thing. I was struggling a
 bit physically by the end, but I did my best to keep pace with the rest of the crowd. Loved
 Esther's black hair too. And we had the welcome return of "Great expectations", which made
a truly legendary night.


BELLATRIX
15th May
King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
support : Glitterbug, Riser

Not quite as dramatic and exhausting as the night before, but still enjoyable. As with the other
two Bellatrix gigs I'd seen at King Tut's, the highlight of the night was discovering a fine new
band in support, this time being Riser, who cranked out some fine tunes indeed. Same old
show as usual from the girls from Iceland, which is no bad thing.


THE DANDY WARHOLS
4th June
The Garage, Glasgow
support : JJ72

This show had a lot to live up to after the last time at the same venue. And on the 4th June
too. Once again they started with "Be in", which didn't kick off quite like the last time. But the
inevitable was only delayed for a few minutes. With such a strong back catalogue, they could
afford to treat us to "Holiday" and "Junkie" early on to get the crowd going. Only minus points
to this were the weegie crowd who were a bit too enthusiastic at times ("if you throw water again,
I can just stop playing until everyone beats you up for me") and the fact that, with the album
a few weeks away, we didn't really know the new stuff enough to enjoy it thoroughly enough. Good
t-shirts though, and still a damn fine show.


THE DANDY WARHOLS
5th June
The Liquid Room, Edinburgh
support : JJ72

This was more like it, best gig of the year. The crowd were a bit more enthusiastic (in the right
way), and the band seemed to enjoy it more. Plus, this time we had a bit more of a feel for the
new stuff, and everything just went off top style. Down the front was the place to be (hello Crispy!)
both for the moshing and Zia's strip show too. Too many highlights to go through them all, just
a fuckin' damn fine rock n' roll band on top form. Legendary.


SLEATER-KINNEY
24th July
13th Note Club, Glasgow
support : Mary Timmony

I had a lot of time for Helium, but I 'm afraid I found Mary Timmony terrible - why was she
singing Rangers songs? Still, a poor support makes the real band look much better. A few
favourites missing from the set, but still plenty to keep us entertained. Frustrating to get three
seconds of "Get up" only for Carrie to abort it. Managed to pinch a setlist (against stiff
competition), but I didn't think much of the bright orange t-shirts.


SLEATER-KINNEY
25th July
The Liquid Room, Edinburgh
support : Mary Timmony, Akira

A much better show tonight, mainly due to the added attraction of Akira, who continue to
impress with each listen (although they insisted later it was a poor show because they were
nervous playing in front of the girls from S-K) Mary Timmony sounded slightly better, but not
much. As for Sleater-Kinney, this was one of those "exactly the set I would have played" sort
of nights. All my faves were there, "End of you", "Joey Ramone" and "Get up". No setlist, but
we did procure some Akira t-shirts. Result, as Jacob would say.


ANGELICA
12th August
The Attic, Edinburgh.
The A-team tour with Astrid and Aerial

Missed Angelica earlier in the year due to work, so I made sure I saw them this time. However,
come the night of the gig, I was pretty ill with some food poisoning, and the show wasn't the
most enjoyable for me. All I really remember is they did "Kitten" and "Bring her head", and
that was all I needed. Didn't hang around for Astrid, had to get to my bed. Urgh.


BIS
23rd August
The Attic, Edinburgh
support : ?

Hmm, where to begin with this one. It was obviously going to be a curious night when the
support turned out to be a death metal band. And there was obviously something going on
 when we noticed the roadies were setting up a lot of keyboards and no guitars. On came Bis,
announcing to all that this would be a special all-electronic for Edinburgh show. So it started.
At first it was clever. Then it gradually deteriorated until it was embarrasingly naff. As they
themselves had said, it seemed like a good idea at the time. I had to leave, it was too much. Guys,
much as we love you, please don't subject us to any more experiments like that. The only plus
point was the live debut of "Skinny Tie". Oh dear.


BELLATRIX
1st September
King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
support : Turn, Policechief

What do you mean, again? It's not my fault they keep touring. Tonight was more or less the
same as usual, two new songs for us to enjoy. But no encore of "All together now", absolutely
unthinkable! Again, another good band discovered in support, Policechief providing a fine
cross between Surreal Madrid and Primal Scream. If I'd been more drunk I'd have danced like
mad to them.


BROADCAST
10th October
The Venue, Edinburgh
support : ?

The name of the support eludes me for the moment, but they were poor anyway. Broadcast
were as mighty as before, really tight band, film show was there again too (although slightly
disrupted by the Venue's pillars) Some new material on show too, with the unusually fast (for
Broadcast) "Drums on fire", and a towering encore of "Illumination". No "Book lovers" though, but
it wasn't too disappointing. Every bit as fine as the last time.


THE DELGADOS
14th October
The Garage, Glasgow
support : Clearlake

I know I keep saying this, but they really do get bigger and better sounding every time. But I
do feel that nowadays I'm really just going to see "13". A few more old numbers than the gig
in May, including, surprisingly, "Blackpool" and "Monica Webster", which  went down very well
indeed. So too did the rousing finale of "No danger", and everyone went home happy. Should've
bagged a t-shirt, but I was desparate to get to Canton Express for my chicken chow mein. The List
later reviewed this as the best gig of the year, which I think was a bit much, but it was very good
indeed.


ADD N TO (X)
23rd October
The Venue, Edinburgh
support : ?

A bit like the time I went to see Sereolab. Didn't really know any of the stuff, but felt it was
someone I should go see. Had a nice surprise as it was supposed to be Echoboy. I was also pleasantly surprised by Add N to(X) too, 'cos
I thought it would be a bit more hardcore and electronica than I might've liked. Loved "Plug me
 in", and the French film show too, a useful solution to the forever boring standing around
between bands at a gig. It's alright Gayle, you missed absolutely nothing during the last two
minutes. Good show.


AKIRA
28th November
The Liquid Rooms, Edinburgh
supporting : And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, Pilotcan

So maybe it's sad being the only person at a gig who's there to see the second support band, but
who cares? And so what if they had to borrow a guitar, fell apart during one of their songs, and
didn't even play I Dizzy You, if you're gonna' be a sad fan, this is what you have to do. I don't think
they like playing The Liquid Rooms, but it was still a good show. Did feel slightly sad and tragic down
the front with my Akira t-shirt, but the band seemed impressed with it later on. As for the rest, Trail
of Dead kept me extremely nervous during their, er, exuberant set (complete with broken stage, and a
 guest appearance on guitar from Akira's drummer) And surely Pilotcan's cellist was Allie from
 Heartbreak High (which, of course, is no bad thing...)


LE TIGRE
2nd December
13th Note Club, Glasgow
support : Pro Forma, Kirby

Never keen on Glasgow on a saturday night, but this was well worth it. A chance to see the mighty
Kath (a legend in many peoples lunchtimes) and her new band. Played all the stuff I like, and
none of the ones I wasn't too keen on, although I could've done without all the feminist politics
and stuff, so much so I didn't bother going down the front. Didn't feel right for me to be there, eh?
A great show though - Pro Forma (think that's what they were called) entertained us with some
self-indulgent synth-twiddling, which kept Gayle happy. And Kirby gave us some excellent spunky
girl-band vibes, which, of course, kept me happy. Nice pink and black t-shirt too (much better than the
"Glasgow, England" ones at the AC/DC gig, ha-ha), and I got the chance to pester Akira for the
second time in a week.


BJORN AGAIN
31st December
Princes St. Gardens
support : El Vez, Tartan Amoebas

The end of the millenium (for the second year running), and what better way to celebrate than
dusting off the fur coat, getting on the nail polish and body glitter, and standing out in the cold
and the rain for four hours in the middle of a winter's night. The Tartan Amoebas weren't too
bad, but it was really too cold at the time for the audience to elicit any real enthusiasm for their
celtic rock party tunes. However, once El Vez, Mexico's premier Elvis interpretator exploded into
action, the party started to get going, although I feel some of his genius was lost on much of the
crowd (surely I'm one of the few who'd actually heard of Quetzelacotl) Still, politics aside, he was
worth watching, if only for the numerous costume changes, and the antics of the Elvettes. The
main event, though, was of course Bjorn Again. Everyone loves Abba, everyone knows all the words
to all the hits (including, er, The Boys Are Back In Town and Sympathy For The Devil), so a good
time was assured. Much dancing and merriment amongst even the most po-faced of the revellers
in the crowd (hello Derek), and the weather even cleared up enough by then for us all to get some
much-needed circulation back in our extremeties. All in all, a great night. And hey, guess what? If
 you're right at the front of a New Year's gig in the Gardens, you see absolutely fuck all fireworks at
 midnight! However, the rest of Edinburgh assured us they were very spectacular indeed.

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