Acoustic Lindisfarne came to Cox's Yard in Stratford-upon-Avon on Monday 29 March as part of the Final Fling tour, Spring 2004. Cox's Yard is a pub with a large bar area, situated by the River Avon. Early arrivals had the advantage of sitting on the 2 rows of seats at the front for prime viewing, latecomers (including your intrepid reviewer) having to peer through gaps between heads of those stood behind the lucky seated few.

The concert comprised 2 sets of just over an hour each as usual. Highlights for me in the first set were closing songs Log on the Fire, Ghost in Blue Suede Shoes and Born at the Right Time, not least because I had managed to 'worm' my way forward to a position from where I could acutally see all three guys at once!

 

As the audience queued for more liquid refreshment, I managed to get right to the front corner of the stage, allowing me to take the photographs accompanying this review.

Following the interval came a succession of Alan Hull penned songs, much to the approval of the audience. City Song, Pete Brophy Don't Care and A Walk In The Sea -which was added to the setlist after "Brophy"- sent shivers down my spine as I thought about the great legacy that Alan has left. Train in E-Major gave Rod the chance to go back to his earliest song, written about 'the girl who later became his ex-wife'!

Dave got concerned that the supplies of 'The Black Stuff' had run out, but was relieved to find 2 pints for him and Billy nestling on the corner of the stage - Rod sipped water as ever.

The second set finished with Meet Me On The Corner, and drew the seated elite onto their feet to deliver the rapturous applause. The encore followed, with One More Bottle of Wine completing the performance, and the end of an era came one concert closer.

Rod, Dave and Billy returned to the stage to collect their guitars, and then signed autographs a variety of memorobilia, Billy donned a money belt, and became DVD/CD salesman.

I have followed the fortunes of Lindisfarne since the early 70's - Dingly Dell was the first album that I bought. I saw them first in 1973, and have had much pleasure over the years listening to their great music.
        Thanks guys.

 

P.S. if one capo isn't enough, why not use two [RG]