In this edition of Bandpicked, Lots Holloway picks the top 10 gigs she wished she’d attended – including Queen at Live Aid, Nirvana unplugged and Amy Winehouse at Glastonbury.
Earlier in March, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Lots Holloway released her first single, the politically charged ‘World’s On Fire’. It’s the first track released from a recording session in Brian Ferry’s personal studio, which houses a plethora of retro synths and iconic instruments that once belonged to the legendary Brian Eno.
Lots Holloway describes the writing of the track: “I wrote it back in the summer of 2016 when a lot of strange and sad things were happening – Brexit, the Orlando shooting, the Bastille Day attack, the US presidential battle, the refugee crisis and the on going war in Syria, to name just a few. The song wasn’t inspired by any particular event, but more the amalgamation of them as a whole, it’s an observation of the world in which we’ve found ourselves.”
For her Bandpicked choice, Lots has chosen the 10 gigs, concerts or festivals she wished she’d attended…
Queen – Live Aid (1985)
There was a duel concert on the 13th July for Live Aid, one in London and one in Philadelphia. I’d have loved to have been at both, but London without a doubt would have won. Queen’s performance at Live Aid is one of the most famous gigs of all time. It’s unreal to watch, there will never be another showman like Freddie Mercury.
Nirvana – MTV Unplugged (1993)
I was only six months old when this gig took place. But I have it on vinyl and I listen to it all the time. There is something so raw and unsettling about Kurt during this gig, but all the while incredible and enchanting. I’d have loved to have been there in the flesh.
Amy Winehouse – Glastonbury (2008)
Amy’s voice on top form, she seemed to still be enjoying herself during this gig, before the troubles started kicking in. When I die the first thing I will do is attend an Amy gig in the sky.
Oasis – Knebworth (1996)
Quarter of a million people over two days, I’d have been happy with either show. Liam said on stage “this is history” – he was right. The electric atmosphere hand in hand with some of the greatest songs ever written.
Pink Floyd The Wall – The Berlin Wall (1990)
This album for me played a pivotal role in the solidifying my obsession for music. It was the first album I ever listened to as a complete piece of art and from start to finish. I love it, I have seen Roger Walters play it live at Wembley Stadium, but I wish I could have been at the concert in Germany to experience it in that crowd with all of the special guest performers.
David Bowie – Hammersmith Odeon (1973)
During the height of the fame of Ziggy Stardust, this is said to have been one of Bowie’s best ever gigs. I wish I could have been there. The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars is one of my favourite Bowie albums – and I would have loved to have experienced it in person.
The Kinks – White City Stadium (1973)
This was a turbulent gig and was eventually cut short when The Kinks’ manager pulled the plug on the microphone system to stop Dave Davis (the guitarist) from having a public outburst and meltdown on stage. Waterloo Sunset remains to be one of my favourite all time songs, and if only I could have heard it in concert I would die happy.
MGMT – Glastonbury (2014)
Wicked songs, wicked environment, where better than to experience this great music.
Woodstock Festival (1969)
This is one festival I wish I could have attended, just to have been there, and felt the love. Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Janis Joplin, Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Elton John – Tiny Dancer (1971)
Not a concert but I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall watching Elton John compose Tiny Dancer… I wonder if he knew how great it would be.
