I went to see Chas ‘n’ Dave at the O2 Indigo on Thursday. It was part of their “Farewell Tour” (until the reunion). It was a sellout gig and I had a really good time.
Sounds stupid, but I’ve always really loved Chas ‘n’ Dave, and not in an ironic way. I am not ashamed. They make good catchy music, with funny lyrics – and what’s wrong with that?
When I got out of the tube the O2 was swarming with people – most of them young, trendy types. I’ll be honest – I wasn’t really expecting that at a Chas ‘n’ Dave gig – but I was quite pleased. Then I realised that they were going to the Plan B gig at the main O2 arena.
I got into the venue quite early, and straight away my mood started to sink further. I counted about 8 old ladies in wheelchairs drinking pints of beer. Then every old-time skinhead, market trader, spiv or cockney wide boy in all of London started to turn up. This reminded me of a Madness gig I went to at Victoria park a few years back. I loved the experience then and I loved it now; I like to think of myself as an articulate skinhead (when I choose to be). Sometimes I fantasise that I could pass myself off as “a bit of rough”. And maybe I can (although if a fight started I’d almost certainly hide under the nearest table).
Drinks were pretty expensive so I only had enough for about 3 or 4 pints; not nearly enough for a Chas ‘n’ Dave gig.
When the music started – everyone went wild. They were a no-nonsense, let’s play music band. Not a lot of talking between songs, just belted out the numbers. I saw them a few years ago at a studenty pub in New Cross and it was pretty dire – not so this time. Also, interestingly, they started with the same song that they would later used for an encore. Which isn’t actually a bad idea when you think about it.
Anyway, I had a good dance and went home happy.
The following night I went to see Joana And The Wolf, more on that next post…
