Turnstile, Gag, One step closer, Glitterer
March 9th Manchester Academy.
Its loaded with so much undeniable hype. Its Coffee, Red Bull, Jäger, Pepsi, Gack what ever you need to get a fast buzz and charge.
Ive missed them countless times for i dont know what valid reason. Maybe the live Youtube vids have given the show away or maybe just wrong time wrong place wrong venue?
Im making excuses..
Tonight however im doing it.
It was Dull miserable rainy monday, theirs 4 bands on the bill, ive been offered a space in the car and if anything its a good excuse to sit in the car with Bilzo, Kelly and Dave.
As usual ive not bought a ticket in advance and tonights gig has totally SOLD OUT but i fancy my chances.
In some weird logic i figure the promoter has made his money and if i get there early enough, just on my own and i slip him a tenner there shouldn't be any problem me squeezing in the back and watching the stage dives from a safe distance clutching a pint.
'No chance!' says the women in the ticket booth.
I walk back out in the Rain. No touts..
I peep the van load-in zone but its totally lashing so doors are shut and bus curtains are drawn.
I was back into the academy trying cop any familiar faces.
No dice ( starting to feel outta touch as i dont have buckle back cap or a bum bag )
'Sorry man, no can do ' says a long haired with a laminate at the piss trough.
"Sorry for asking while ya slashing mate .."
...that was low.
Im Getting desperate following crew member into toilets.
Looking back i did thoroughly was wash my hands whilst awaiting his eye contact.
I walk back out in the rain for third or maybe fourth time and theirs my man!
Shufflin on the corner with a large Sports Direct Umbrella.
'' Don't you stress, I'll sort you out matey" he says in a thick Mancunian accent.
'' Tickets will be here in 20 mins, go sit in the pub across the road i'll find ya when they arrive"
I kinda releaved but still anxious , i get £20 out the cashy, fold into my pocket and drink a cold Guiness, in a cold student pub in wet dog clothes.
After 25mins he hasnt show up but i see him out the window across the street issuing his wares to a couple who pick up and then run off into the venue.
Did they get the last tickets!!!?
I leg it over grapsing a pair of soggy folded 10ers
"Whey here he is, how much man?" i say in an eager jokey mannor.
He avoids eye contact and looks over his shoulder.
" 30 "
'What! they were £15 online.. here ive only got £20"
His Manor turns a little nasty and his SP (street presence) instantly dwarfs me.
'"ive been here waiting 20mins for you! ...Now if ya wanna get in, ya better go the jog on to the cash machine matey!! "
Im not gonna raise the fact he instructed me to sit in the pub and wait for him. Maybe he's on commission from the pub?
Its fully cats and dog now.
He's won. Ive caved theirs now rules on the streets!
Lesson learnt hole in pocket burnt
Im in, im morally defeated but im in and im gonna fill my boots and not miss a sinlge moment.
Last time i saw this guy perform he was singing with the band Title Fight in MoHo Live around 2012.
I was going through a break up the bands performance and him in particular his connected with me.
Tonight he's on his own with a mic and a backing track. He's looking a little lost .pacing back forth between his water canteen and his mac book with his grown out hair. Its kinda like heart felt
karaoke with some mild synth pop. Maybe he's is a little lost. Sorry Glitterer im going to check the merch or maybe im still stinging from getting duped by the tout.
Lots of it.
I think Turnstile have some 'Fullfill the dream' era Shortys graphic agenda going on. Werid.
One step Closer have tour only 12'', look kinda cool.
I'll watch an decide.
They are very young, singer reminds me of baby faced Gray Sayle.
There from Philly so im listening. Its tuney, kids are singing.
Very Melodic, my mind drifts back to when Bilzo put Strike Anywhere on with
the xThe Last Chancex, mid way through with play thoughtful shoe gazey instrumental break.
My mind drifts to xSworn Inx / Give up the Ghost in Jillys.
Thier not breaking the mold, but i like. The youth Fuckin love it!
Im gonna buy the limited LP.
If its shit i'll flog it and get double my money back and level the sting on the ticket.
A still panting band member informs me all 100 of the tour 12''s sold out before they even played.
Bare in the mind this was their first gig on the first ever european tour! wow
Bigger press next time Pls.
GAG rule, Marios is fuming cause they have gone before their time slot.
Im pretty sure for the first 2 song the mic isnt even on.
The Singer just rips into the set regardless.
He's got all the 80s' sleevlesd, brusied and shaved head front person maniac going on.
He looks cool, i like his intensity, its real. Their sound is maybe too brutal for some of the audience. Its relentless, fast, in ya face and clears the whole front row of depop Supreme clones.
Midway through their set a pair of side stage hoovers appear.
They kinda distract from the bands gripping stage attack for minute. They stand half mean faced, nodding along in full view of the entire room. 'yea i know your in a band too and you got in for free, but they sound even better down here. Dont be a posey pants potato.
I imagine these with in smaller venue would be full blood, sweat and beers.
The room is now full for turnstile.
Dynmo the magican walks past.
The audience is fully mixed now.
Size? models, Games workshoppers, kerrang boyfriends, skateboarder girlfriends, stoned camo beanie boys and neck tatted pint clutchers.
I see 2 Merseygrit Tshirts!(smile)
The obligitory hooded roadie with laminates keeps walking back a forth across the stage for about 20 mins shining his Mag light at anything important looking.
Im at a safe distant next to the bar, Gag made me beer thirsty.
Its really dark when they come on, i cant really see the stage and their are alot of pillars.
The humans are too tightly pack for any windmills.
Its air gets very dense, the bodys are bouncing.
The play the familiar tunes the room is pogo'in.
The sound is weird or maybe they'd tuned a step down.
Maybe i wanted more outta the front man..
The Side stage potatoes have multipied. i even spot one from a band ive seen many times before tapping the AAA sticker on his pants to the beat on the breakdown. A Detail, but it cracked me up.
Lotta sing alongs, but i dont really connect.
Its too inpersonsal. I turn into a scene observer oppose to a participant.
I wish id witnessed these songs live four years ago, i think i missed the boat on the epic live turnstile experience.
I feel a little alienated but glad ive seen them now.
They play a short set which think is respectable and cool way of getting 4 bands on the bill.
I cant deny they had a good couple of 100 people leaving with smiles on their faces.
I return home with the only af
fordble memento being a stage time ticket poster and ticket stub.
The next day katy and i stop and services just outside Lancaster en route to the lakes.
We sit in the car and eat gregs and who mopes past the front of the car?
Freaky franky, Ned , two Gags and i think young Philly kid.
The tour is in the space across the carpark!!
It was kinda surreal, i didnt speak to them even though i could deffo hold court talking skating but i just shrivelled up.
To think i paid through to teeth to see em last night, now i get to see em for free going to get their KFC ...haha
Turnstile Lancaster Services M6
Looking back now im glad i made the effort.
A week Later the country went in to lock down.
To think of all the Covid 19 multiplying in that pit.
It was the last Pint of cold Guiness i had.
Im glad i half went just to sit in a car a appreciate old friends company.
There proberbly wont be any more gigs this year.
This was my last night out.
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