Day of chores prior to The Spinto Band gig, of which more later. I was feeling full of love and soppyness for my darling husband, so made a special trip to the supermarket to get him a nice pizza and salad for tea as I didn't think I would see him. Sat in the coffee shop for a while, people watching. Everyone seemed to be disabled in some way not too serious; limps, surgical stockings, thee smell of ready-rub. They all seemed to be wearing washable anoraks with matching glum faces. Is this the Coventry scene or is it just the Morrissons cafe on a Thursday afternoon? Thing is, I count myself as one of their number on all three counts and yet I crave to hang out with the stylish, gifted and lively, perhaps they do too.
Drove down to the Spintos gig during the rush hour. I made a strange error and took the A45 in stead of the A46. I used to commute that route, how could I get disorientated and forget? It was so bad I doubled back into the city centre and started again. We got to Bucks Uni in good time though, in fact the student doorman laughed at us being so early, the support didn't start until 9.3O.
I can't remember the last time I drank at a student bar. This one was a lot smarter than any I remember, with a huge TV showing cricket, and only a handful of customers all, as you would expect, under 25. I was thinking of the black painted bar at Leeds Poly, sticky carpet tiles and the smell of cider and blackcurrant. It was always packed, my group of twenty or so crammed on to two or three benches, shrieking with laughter. Bucks 2009 is clean, sober, and muted. I'm not sure its a better way.
I sat in state while Nina got the drinks in and sorted out the admission. Maybe the rest of the room thought I was a visiting dignitary. People nodded respectfully in my direction and held open doors for me. It was happy though, me and Nina talking happily, and I was more comfortable there than I was back at the Morrisons cafe. It was also more fun, and no support bandage in sight.
I was amused when the band members started to appear. They were all the approximate age of their audience, but recognisable by their air of anxiety. There was a touching moment when a member of the support act introduced himself to the lead singer of the main band and asked for a photo. Several members of the support band came in to the bar, giving a cool look around as if they hoped to be mobbed. Or maybe at least recognised. The Spinto Band were cooler and more discrete. Maybe this is the confidence of the Americans, or simply that they were tired and toured out. Nina adores the Spintos, and her eyes were everywhere.
As it turned out, I fell in love with Sam Isaac, the support act who appeared with full band. Not so much the man, but the music certainly. Within the first few bars, I remarked to Nina and a member of the Spintos selling merchandise that it was Jaques Penante-esque. Spinto guy asked if I had heard them before, and I hadn't, bub it was an instant draw. Nina later said that he was impressed with me, and that she was glad to have a cool mum. I glowed. Especially since I disgraced myself by falling down a step and on to the dancefloor in a heap, spilling only a little drink. We laughed it off, but I felt even older and half expected to be offered a chair. By the end of the too short set, I had the opinion that Sam is better that Jaques, and if there's any justice, he will be the next big thing. Nina bought me a CD.
The Spintos were as they were last time we saw them. Fast paced indie-rock, indecipherable lyrics, showy stage moves, and, sorry Nina but I still say, one good song (Mandy). I wish they could develop it a bit, and that they would dress a bit better, they just don't look cohesive. The two lead singers approach is odd too. That said, the crowd were mad for it, and the room was almost full.
After, Nina chatted to the two band members that know her by name. They were stressed by problems with their van and the parking ticket they'd got in consequence. They were also delighted that two gigs had sold out and the audiences were much bigger this time in the UK. Maybe they are making it. What do I know. Anyway, they seem decent people, I watched the lead singer gently disengage himself from a gaggle of beautiful, drunk young women. Maybe they just don't have the arrogance necessary to be big stars. Or, maybe that will come, and they'll forget Nina's name. Does Bono remember the names of his first few fans?
Nick waited up for us into the early hours, and was gorgeous. If a pizza is all it takes......
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