Sheffield - the most stunning set yet?

15/June/2005 - 11:07

While other shows on the tour have had to cope with being seated, auditorium affairs, Monday night's gig at the Sheffield Octagon was a good old back-to-basics student union rockfest.

Initially seated, the venue's 'lock-together' chairs, raised temporary stage and low-lighting affair gave it the feel of an informal 'battle-of-the-bands' style show. This almost standoff-ish quality went right out the window when, seven songs in and prompted by Ben's apology for the seats, the crowd rushed to the front.

With no barrier (a la the Hammersmith Apollo), the crowd came right up next to Ben's monitor only a couple of feet away from the man himself - turning it into a completely different show. The crowd's energy up front was intense, and this was reflected by Ben and the gang on stage. However, when it was Ben's turn to do his solo set, it really became something special as he appealed to the audience for requests, and duly delivered with 'Underground' and the rare 'The Secret Life of Morgan Davis' (which evolved into two other songs before returning for the ending). He was on form and was only too happy to shake hands, blow kisses and accept Jammy Dodgers.

I could probably go on about this night for a long time, but to save you my ramblings why not check out the thread over on the message board where we've got multiple accounts, photos, video (both of Underground and Morgan Davis), the full setlist and noteable moments from the show!

I'd love to see much more media from this tour - if you've got any photos, setlists or recordings (no matter how crappy) then let me know! Also, what happened at Leicester's De Montfort Hall last night?

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