Just got back from 2 weeks in France and have only 2 things to say - 'Happy New Year to Everyone' and 'R.I.P. Joe - gone but never to be forgotten.'

On the radio this morning, Gerry anderson mentioned the Radio 2 series on Irish Rock & Pop. I think he presents it and it features an interview with John O'Neill - tomorrow night at 8pm, I think.

I've said that before about the music before a gig Lindsay...its important.Any venue that is really making the effort should think about this sort of thing, not just have modern dance music blasting out and then the band appear.The Fleadh got it right in 2000, and once or twice other venues have.

have sent an e mail alex with our address ok tssy

Echo and the Bunnymen ALWAYS got it right before gigs in the 80's. Usually Doors songs at full volume accompanied by a pea souper of dry ice.Infact come to think of it I'd never heard of the Doors before their gigs then I had to find out about them.

I think its usually the band that have the tape through the PA before a gig. If done right it should get the crowd really up for it. Recent ones that have been good was Queens of the Stone Age who just played the Ramones Leave Home LP. Wildhearts had Elvis doing 'American trilogy' and Morrisey had a John Betchamin poem 'A Child Ill' - ok poetry didnt really work the crowd into a frenzy but at least you knew it must be time for Morrissey. Killing Joke always played 'Der mussolini' and gary Glitter - superb. Morrissey also had the old TV personalties classic 'Part time punks' which I hadnt heard for years.

Another gem was the Clash's 'Back to Basics tour (I think) which had lots of TV's on the stage which played Sid Vicious doing My Way before they came on - that nearly caused a riot before we even saw Strummer (RIP)et al.

Sorry me again, but I think it is so important whats played before a gig and I am anal enough to remember it. Ash had the Undertones played but I cant remember which song, but I remeber wishing the audience would just shut up and listen in silence which was maybe a little unrealistic. Got a live Elvis CD for my ladies Xmas mainly because the prelude was 2001 a Space Oddessey. Cant top that, 2001 theme then Elvis. You would just die on the spot (happy)

Loudest gig ever? This could be a good topic. Once saw the Moondogs supporting the Pretenders and got the ticket at the last moment so was in the front row on the end seat infront of the stack. That was noisy! Loudest ever had to be Siouxsie. She came on stage banging a cow bell which made the balcony I was standing on shake with each hit.Actually I like loud gigs. Feel a bit cheated if my ears arent ringing by the end. The most horrible loud gig I ever went to was Blanchemange (??) well they were a support band (honest!) and the were on too long and were so loud they made me feel sick. Always hated them after that!

Loved Blamanges 'waves' single, I played it constantly for about a week then never again. Loudest - a close contest between the Ramones (every gig) and Motorhead.I am sure I am getting deaf and blame it on the gigs (rather than being an old fart)

Sunderland come out to the brilliant Dance of the Knights from Romeo and Juliet by Prokofiev. Two years ago when they could actually win a game at home it was a great build up to the game. Apparently now it is the highlight of the day. Mind you they did use to come out to Z Cars. It's helpful if the support band can also get the crowd going regardless of what tape follows. Did blancmange not support Depeche Mode?

Yes George. On one of their early tours. Still have a poster somewhere. Good gig. Recall wearing fingerless gloves, lots of beads and dancing like a lunatic. DG in white shirt, dark tie and red tartan trousers. Funny, I always seem to remember completely useless information about gigs instead of the important things like the music!

went to Charlton the other day and as I got to my seat they played 'into the valley'..it sounded great, then I realised the reason, charlton play at the Valley.George, Sunderland have never(in my lifetime)won many matches in the top division, you should be used to it.

Strange (and totally uncool) as it may seem, one of the loudest gigs I ever went to was Boyzone at Manchester MEN! My ears were ringing for days. I guess they have bigger speakers at these arenas but not good for the kiddies IMO. Not very cool either when the kiddies reach our grand old age to admit blaming their bad hearing on Boyzone!

donald i got the 12 inch of waves by blamange .in the dog house with maureen because she wants to go away for the hols i want to get my house sorted out once and for all. and if the tones play england i want to go over for the gigs.am i been a b%^%&$% or what i think lindsy and jackie might have a view on this tssy

maureen did not her hearing back after the tones gig until sunday night.when derry city come out on the pitch they play teenage kicks.tssy ps its fri night and the tvs shit

maureen did not get her hearing back after the tones gig until sunday night.when derry city come out on the pitch they play teenage kicks.tssy ps its fri night and the tvs shit

can anyone help have just try to get into cd covers uk but its shut down does anyone know any other sites if you can help let me know thanks tssy

Perhaps we just ought to have a spelling competition to see who can be the first to get blancmange right or question why the makers can't be done for false description for the strawberry variety.

I can sympathise Wilke, the holiday thing is a big dilemma. I can save more if I book one now but the end of July is when the band always seem to arrange gigs. DIY is for Winter, that's my advice if it helps!

Wilke, My daughters boyfriend went back to Glasgow with hearing damage also after the Derry gig. I had a ringing in my ear all night until I fell asleep.Is this the sign of old age?