Having scoured the February listings, desperate to hook this feature on Valentine’s Day, I give up. Not a single gig of note on the big day itself. One of my most romantic evenings was at a Ned’s Atomic Dustbin concert, but now it’s all smooching over Chardonnay in gluten free gastro pub. What a load of old toss.
So, cracking off – no pun intended, is the glorious return of Shakatak (Jam House, 1st), the early 80’s Brit Funk four piece that shot to notoriety with ‘Night Birds’. A track you’ll recognize from its piano riff, and the demonstration song on many a Casio Keyboard.
Elsewhere is a veritable shout fest with; Biohazard (HMV, Feb 2nd), Rammstein (LG Arena, 25th), Napalm Death’s Homecoming Show (HMV, 25th) and the unnervingly titled – Sex Pistol’s Experience (HMV Institute, 25th). Not a gig to take your missus to.
There’s also a couple of more mainstream hitters in town; Kaiser Chiefs (O2 Academy, 3rd), Snow Patrol (LG Arena, 4th), the man who stole my hair – James Morrison (O2 Academy, 7th) and the most punchable face in pop – Olly Murs (LG Arena, 10th). Although unfortunately Jason Derulo has cancelled his World Tour (LG Arena, 24th) due to a neck injury, occurring ‘when the star was executing an acrobatic move and landed directly on his head.’ And off we go to YouTube.
But the undoubted, unparalleled, lithe and orgasmic (steady on) star attraction this month is… ‘An evening with David Hasselhoff’ (Symphony Hall, 23rd). A booking that totally overshadows; ‘Suggs: My life story in words & music’ (Town Hall, 4th), Big Country (O2 Academy, 17th) and Simple Minds (O2 Academy, 24th) in the anachronistic dollar race. Plus if he enters the stage on an airport buggy, I might wet myself.
So there you have it, a month of screaming, shouting and ghosts from the 80’s. A summary not far from Valentine’s Day after all.
Follow Ed King at www.twitter.com/edking2210