Nick played ULU in central London last friday (25th September 2004), he agreed to play a small set as part of a tribute
to the late Elliot Smith, all proceeds were going to a kids charity in London.
I went to the ULU gig last Friday night, having travelled all the way from Germany the week before primarilly to see
this 20 minute slot! (now there's dedication for you!)
Well....actually I went over to the UK to help my parents and was able to wangle the week so that it fell during last
week. Thus I was able to go, armed with my digital video camera in order to capture a rarity, Nick playing solo accoustic
for the first time in 30 years!
The other acts were...shall we say....erm...interesting! Nick was top of
the bill and well worth the wait. He
struck me as slightly nervous at first, but I guess playing songs on your own when you are used to the full band behind you
or at the very least the stalwart support of Ade must have been quite something to do after a 30 year gap, but he played brilliantly
and clearly enjoyed himself.
He kicked off with "He'd be a diamond" went into "Thankless task" then
"Jay" then an Elliot Smith number I didnt quite
catch the name of but was off of the "either or" album and then "Waving". After which a guy walked on and whispered into Nicks
ear, "Right" he said, "last song as I have just been told I have to fuck off!" (each act had a strict 20 minute slot including
Nick) he laughed and asked if we wanted "Goodbye from the band" or "Lights are changing"
He plumped for the latter as it was his "almost hit". He played it
wonderfully and was so enjoying himself that at
the end twiddly bit that finishes the song off he twiddled a little more demonstrating his maestery of the guitar. It was
great to watch.
Nicks wife Jan was down the front giving visible support to him and some of his old mates were there too, including
Bari Watts and Ric Gunther who as you know of Infinity who will be supporting the Bevis
Frond at Walthamstow in October.
I am desperately trying to work out if I can get to this gig, (three
visits to the UK in as many months is rather
expensive!) I also am trying for the German festival just prior to it as this will be filmed for the German tv programme "Rockpalast".
Bari
has also invited me down to the Outskirts rehearsal before the gig
and "If" I make it, I will go armed with plenty of video
tape.
