Live at Aviva Studios

My first live concert in years. A few weeks ago I visited Aviva Studios in Manchester for a tour around as part of my judging duties and noticed that Richard Thompson was coming so booked a ticket.

Arriving a bit early I had a walk around the city centre. On an early Friday night it was getting busy, and a young demographic. Average age 25 I would think. Arriving at Aviva Studios it was a much older demographic, average age more like 65 - I first saw Richard Thompson at a University folk club 1972 or 1973, shortly after he had left Fairport Convention. He was then clean shaven, long curly hair, and no beret. His audience has grown up with him.

For my record, the other band members are Zara Phillips (Mrs RT) on second vocals, Zac Hobbs (grandson) on guitar, Dave Mattacks on drums, and Taras Prodaniuk on bass. Support was Jim Moray. A good concert, and nice to chat to a couple of people I know.