elbow

Dear Sheddists,

once more we're back in the O2 Birmingham to see one of our very favourite bands.

Sometimes it's all too easy to knock those that succeed, but with commendable determination Elbow rarely move far from their roots.  Boasting a vocalist of some considerable substance in Guy Garvey, a man who could easily secure a second career as the back-up goalkeeper at Sutton United, they enjoy a virtually unprecedented connection to their diverse and highly enthusiastic fan-base. Which is why it's even more special to see Elbow play a comparatively small venue - the O2 has a capacity of just 3,000.

The band are on form for their second night in Birmingham, running through a seamless blend of new material from their latest album, 'Little Fictions' and much loved hits from their highly impressive catalogue. The likes of 'Mirrorball', 'Lippy  Kids' and 'One Day Like This' are all greeted with rapturous applause.

Guy Garvey must surely be one of our greatest modern poets, capturing the joys and sorrows of life in what at first-sight appear little more than throw-away lines to catchy pop-music. And behind him, a highly disciplined and tight band of musicians that have been together now over quarter of a century.

Birmingham salutes you, Elbow!

Best regards,

electrofried(mr)