LIVE REVIEW: WELLY Reports for Duty at Exeter Cavern on their National Service Tour Part 1....

Welly are a band that make you smile. They are the five fun kids in your G.C.S.E. Biology class that the teacher wants to tell off for being disruptive but secretly finds refreshing. I know this because I was one of those kids, and one of those teachers too!

We love Welly and were over the moon when their über-handsome PR Manager dangled a pair of tickets in front of our salivating chops to see them in Exeter on their National Service Part 1 Tour.

Waiting in the main room at Exeter Cavern, it's obvious that this is a band for the students of the city. There is only myself, my chaperone/photographer and one other person (hoping he's press, not predator) over 30 in the place. Initially we are treated to a one song set post soundcheck - a rousing lip synced rendition of Whigfield’s ‘Saturday Night’ - after which the band bowed and wished us farewell, much to the delight of a crowd that had danced and sung along themselves, and clearly got the joke.

When the purposefully faltering start of ‘Shopping’ was played, the crowd were in full interaction mode and this carried through the night. Welly are a band that connects with their audience like they know them personally, the distance from Southampton to Exeter is over a hundred miles but this could have been a band playing a local venue to gathered mates.

The (not yet) hits came thick and fast and although they don't have the quantity of songs to drop the ones that don't work they didn't have to, as they are all of a standard to get - and keep - the crowd bouncing.

And bounce we did. Welly himself is part Jarvis Cocker / Steve Coogan. Flamboyant and confident, he is an ideal frontman. They are clearly tinged with the influences of Britpop and err on the more social commentary/humourous side like Blur and Pulp rather than the dour Mancunian Beatles tribute band.

Highlights for me were ‘Saturday Night’ (lip sync version) ‘Soak Up The Culture’, some ginger guy being asked to do vocals as he'd been singing along but then not knowing the next line (cue disappointed Welly), discovering what a ‘gogo bell’ was, and the absolutely bouncetastic ‘Me and Your Mates’ during which somehow the stage survived five synchronised pogo artists. All in all a great gig from five young, fun talented musicians. They would fit nicely on a Sultans of Ping or The Lovely Eggs tour to get them to a wider audience and maybe then they won't have to worry about how badly their mock A levels went.

Words by Dickie Dunn - Pics by Andy Gerry (the bloke we talk about on the radio show)

Live Review: David Gilmour's 'Luck and Strange' Dress Rehearsal - Brighton Centre, September 20, 2024

In a unique and intimate experience at the Brighton Centre this past Friday evening, David Gilmour returned to the stage for a dress rehearsal performance, thrilling a select crowd of just 1,500 fans—a far cry from the stadium-sized shows typically associated with the legendary musician. This showcase marked the unveiling of tracks from his critically acclaimed new album, 'Luck and Strange,' his first in nine years, and it was an invitation into Gilmour's world that few fans have had the privilege to experience.

As the lights dimmed, the first voice to resonate through the venue was none other than Guy Pratt, Gilmour’s longtime collaborator. With his charming and humorous address, Pratt reminded fans to refrain from using their mobile phone flashlights during the gig, framing the event as both a rehearsal and a special moment in Gilmour's storied career. Indeed, this performance had an air of authenticity; with no conventional stage set-up, the production equipment, cameras, and packing boxes were laid out across the floor, forging a more personal connection between the artist and audience.

A sense of exclusivity enveloped the room, transporting the audience to a behind-the-scenes glimpse that felt remarkably intimate. Even as production crew moved about, the atmosphere was brimming with anticipation and warmth, heightened by the genuine joy that Gilmour and his collaborators were exuding.

One particularly touching moment occurred during “Between Two Points,” as Gilmour's daughter, Romany, joined the three backing vocalists to play the harp. Her presence added a lovely familial touch, not just visually but also aurally, as her gentle harp notes floated through the venue. A light-hearted exchange between father and daughter showcased their close relationship—when David inadvertently caught a cable with his foot, Romany teased him, quipping, "Enjoy your trip?" The lightheartedness of the moment perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the evening.

Vocal highlights came throughout the evening, particularly from Ben Worsley, whose performance on "In Any Tongue" was nothing short of remarkable. Worsley’s ability to capture the emotional depth of Gilmour’s lyrics resonated deeply with the audience, further enriched by Romany providing the stunning whistle intro for the song. Every note felt like a tribute to Gilmour’s legacy, blending the nostalgic with the fresh sounds of 'Luck and Strange.'

I may be wrong but I'm sure I saw Polly Samson, Gilmour's partner and a notable figure in her own right, roaming the stage with a baseball cap and camera, capturing candid moments of this unique experience—a testament to the close-knit relationships that define not just Gilmour but the artistry surrounding him.

As the night drew to a close, Gilmour left the audience with a deep sense of connection—a rare glimpse into the man behind some of rock's most memorable melodies. For those fortunate enough to attend this exclusive dress rehearsal, it was a night filled with heartfelt performances, genuine laughter, and an overwhelming sense of being part of something truly special.

David Gilmour’s next tour dates in Rome, London, Los Angeles, and New York will surely attract huge crowds, but nothing may quite match the magic of this intimate evening at the Brighton Centre, a rehearsal that felt more like a celebration of music, family, and the artistry that has defined a career spanning over five decades.

Setlist

Set 1:

5 A.M.

Black Cat (Live debut)

Luck and Strange (Live debut)

Speak to Me

Breathe (In the Air) (first live performance since 2006)

Time

Breathe (Reprise)

Fat Old Sun

Marooned (First live performance since 2004)

Wish You Were Here (followed by band introductions)

Vita Brevis (Live debut)

Between Two Points (with Romany Gilmour) (Live debut)

High Hopes

Set 2:

Sorrow

The Piper's Call (Live debut)

A Great Day for Freedom (First live performance since 2006)

In Any Tongue

The Great Gig in the Sky

A Boat Lies Waiting

Coming Back to Life

Dark and Velvet Nights (Live debut)

Scattered (Live debut)

Encore:

Comfortably Numb

Words and Pictures by Julian Baird.