It's the 3rd of December, but as far as I am concerned, Christmas has come early. This is the second tour of 2013 for Bristol's Blue Aeroplanes, which in itself hasn't happened for many years, and Nottingham is the first date of it. Entitled the Singles Tour, the Aeroplanes are playing songs they have released as singles or EPs over the years, along with a few promised new tracks. This was much anticipated by this reviewer.
Over the years, the band have been a constantly changing line up of musicians based around chief Aeroplane, vocalist and poet Gerard Langley, and this current band has the renewed vibrancy and energy of Swagger era in the 90's, primarily due to talented guitarists Bec, Mike and Gerard Starkie (they have always been fantastically guitar heavy). Sadly, dancer Wojtek (yes, dancer) was absent tonight, due to family commitments, however how he would have got on with the tiny stage space is anyone's guess.
So with a 10pm curfew (Brudenell, take note), on they came at 8.30 and launched into first released single Action Painting, followed by Broken and Mended, itself often used to open the set.."hi. How are you? How's it going? You look happy, you look glowing.." Great start.
The hundred or so crowd were warming up, and Jacket Hangs, from album Swagger, an ever present in Aeroplanes gigs, brought the loudest reaction so far, until at least And Stones was played. This is the nearest to a dance track the Aeroplanes have ever released, and got some of us middle aged men swaying at least.
New track, I think fantastically called "Walking Under Ladders for A Living" sounded fantastic and bodes well for promised 2014 new album which Gerard himself admits is half written.
Closing the set is Breaking in My Heart..fans favourite and sing along, that just wouldn't be right played in any other position on the set list. Often, many more than the 3 regular guitarists join the stage for this finale as witnessed once at Glastonbury, but not tonight and totally not necessary, this band rock.
So, this was my 3rd time seeing the band in a year, and I'm more excited and optimistic about future tours and albums than I have been for years, which is great news. The evening was finished off perfectly by meeting and talking to the band backstage afterwards. The old adage about being cautious when meeting your heroes as you might be disappointed couldn't have been further from the truth, as they were perfectly charming and engaging and were even kind enough to (feign) interest in my Aeroplanes tattoo!
Here's to the new album and new tour in 2014 and beyond.
Keith
Band Website