A different end to a second Easter Holiday this time, not the normal I’m so stuffed I cannot do anything else then watch LOTR for the one millionth and second time because nothing else is broadcasted on telly anywayz, but this time a better one. Yesterday, we went to see the Levellers in what has now become our local pop-stage: de Nieuwe Nor in Heerlen. Already, in November or December Anke told me to get tickets, and I almost immediately did, knowing their work. First of all, by their good A Weapon called the Word album I got ages ago from my friend Christian, and of course by covering already some of their work ourselves (see the movie two posts down ;)).
Needless to say, I lived up to this gig with quite a lot of anticipation; would the Levellers surprise us, with their reputation of ultimate live band ever, or would they just be what we thought of them before, a band which makes nice music, but when covered mostly outperformed. The result was more the latter than the former, although I must confess I had a great time, most probably because I was in good company, and the combination of live music and nice cold beer is one of my favourites. The music was quite good and luckily they played a lot of their old stuff, which was familiar to us, I even remember singing along with a couple of songs. Also, the musicians were enthusiastic and played their songs with verve (the basist was jumping all over the stage as if he was a recently freed muppet on steroids), even that well that the frail voice of the lead singer wasn’t that apparent.
However (you knew this was coming didn’t you), something was lacking, it was a fine evening and all, but after one hour the band already left the stage for the first time. They did come back for two more extra sessions, but that just couldn’t wash away my idea that for them this gig was a short -compulsory- in between to make some extra money, and apparantly I was not the only one. Especially, with the high ticket price of twenty euros for this kind of venue in mind, this was at least a little disappointing. For example, when I compare this to the Wir sind Helden gig I saw earlier, their enthusiasm and engagement with the crowd, I needn’t think twice about spending my euros next time. All in all, it was still a good evening, but more made by the people than by the band.