JA_Watts

Unsurprisingly, the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Show was the best of what I saw this year. An emotional and unforgettable gig and the perfect tribute to the great man. A toss up between Tool (O2), Arcade Fire (KOKO) and Idles (Brixton) for best 'regular' gig of 2022. Also caught: - Royal Blood / The Amazons (O2) - Muse (Hammersmith) - Travis (Roundhouse) - Billy Talent (Islington Academy) - Elton John (Hyde Park) - Coldplay (Wembley) - Mad Cool Festival (Metallica, Muse, Killers, KOL etc) - The Enemy (Kentish Town) - Alter Bridge (The O2) - Idlewild (Kentish Town) Not a bad year truth be told, albeit a huge GSH that's been overhanging since 2019. Roll on next year...

NGL, I would love it to be Robbie. Yeah he's a pillock but I've still always had a soft spot for his tunes. Could never quite bring myself to go and pay the big dollar to see him live but a Greatest Hits hour on the Pyramid would be so bloody enjoyable.

Queens of the Stone Age Robbie Williams Spice Girls Idles Gang of Youths

An amazing way to tease what is a very exciting announcement. I caught Elton at Hyde Park in the summer and it was a fantastic show. I've only really come to appreciate him in my later years but am now fully on-board the train. What a way for him to finally bow out. Regarding QOTSA and the discussion about possibly being against Elton on Other; perhaps we shouldn't rule out the possibility of them subbing Elton? Josh Homme and Elton are good mates after all and Homme sang Goodbye Yellow Brick Road tremendously at the Taylor Hawkins tribute a few months back. That would be a hell of a one-two to see out the Sunday.

Shame there's no more UK dates but not unsurprising considering they're pulling double duty at Download too. Hopefully the full tour will come in the Winter/early 2024.

My friend bagged our group tickets yesterday. So pleased to be going back for the first time since 2019. Couldn't make 2020 dates which then eventually became 2022. I laughably tried getting tickets from my mobile phone in the middle of Paddington Station yesterday but barely contributed or got close. Thankfully my pal succeeded from the more secure and comfortable venue of his home. Roll on 2023 and a return to the greatest party on Earth.