LINDISFARNE BRIDLINGTON SPAR
CERTAIN BANDS bring warm glows to the soul and one of my guilty pleasures is Northumberland’s Lindisfarne. Whilst the last time our paths crossed was at a secret gig near Chesterfield, this enduring unit are back on the road, undertaking what is quite a mammoth outing. If ever you think our country is bereft of mid-sized venues, check their tour details.
Photography By Roy Goodall
With a reasonably full house, they opened up their twenty two song set with No Time, Squire, and Scarecrow Song, and it wasn’t long until we got their first huge song, Lady Eleanor. I’m not big on some band’s big hitters as they’re constantly played via radio stations, thus resulting in boredom. However, Lindisfarne, who are rarely played on radio and comprise Rod Clements on vocals plus various guitars, Dave Hull-Denholm also on the same but contributed more vocally, Steve Daggett on vocals, keyboards and guitar, Paul Smith on drums and new bassist Neal Harland, really have written some gems over their illustrious career, this being just one. Towards set one’s tail end they entered the eighties and nineties area with Crooked and January, which seemed to please one and all.
Photography By Roy Goodall
With intermission over, Road To Kingdom opened up set two with other fan favourites following. It’s worth noting throughout the gig the lads kept swapping instruments as the stage was awash with gear, and whilst stage jumping isn’t their thing, Lindisfarne know their craft backwards. With Swing leading very nicely into Fog On The Tyne and Meet Me On The Corner (my favourite) Run For Home was a nice near closing number.
Photography By Roy Goodall
Certain bands with talent are sometimes just under the radar, so I would urge you to inspect Lindisfarne’s credentials as it will most certainly fuel your musically memoirs. Final praise must go to venue staff members in keeping this lovely seaside building ticking over and hopefully they’ll continue to battle through the fog for many years to come.
