A Night For Jon Brookes

“It’s all about the music, everything else is shit” Jon Brookes.

This was an amazing, emotional rollercoaster of a night. It was an event put on in tragic circumstances but a fitting tribute to The Charlatans drummer, and all round top man, Jon Brookes. It was a night I’m sure the man himself would’ve totally buzzed off.

Gigslutz arrived at the Royal Albert Hall at 4 o’clock in time for a swift couple of pints prior to doing some press stuff. Whilst backstage we had the pleasure of listening to some of the sound checks. Listening to Liam Gallagher belting out ‘Columbia’ and Tim Burgess tucking into ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ was an epic moment for me personally. After a fag break outside with Liam and Andy Bell we got stuck into some interviews. The Vaccines rider took a hit after they let myself and Jam Lucklurst loose whilst Tim Burgess was in great spirits. I probably could’ve talked to Tim all night but there were more pressing matters for him rather than talking favourite rappers with me and Jam.

 

More interviews took place with Stephen & Gillian from New Order, again I could’ve kept them all night before it was time for the show. Keep your eyes peeled on Gigslutz for all the chats.

First up was Birmingham band, and favourites of Jon’s, Dumb, before long time friends of The Charlatans, The Chemical Brothers came on to DJ in between acts. Not bad DJ’s to be able to pull out as change over fillers!

Tim & Friends were up next. Tim Burgess pulled together an all star line up including Stephen Morris & Gillian Gilbert of New Order, James Walbourn of The Pretenders, Freddie and Arnie from The Vaccines, Winston Marshall of Mumford & Sons and of course himself on vocals. This must have been a special moment for Tim being such a big New Order fan and their cover of ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ was particularly poignant. They also played New Order’s ‘Love Vigilantes’ and The Vaccines’ ‘Melody Calling’.

James Dean Bradfield then played a nice three song acoustic set of ‘Motorcycle Emptiness’, ‘If You Tolerate This’ and ‘Design For Life’ before Liam Gallagher & Friends took to the stage.

Liam sounded absolutely spot on. When he is on form like this it must be difficult for the Liam detractors to pick fault. The acoustic version of ‘Live Forever’, dedicated to Jon, got the hairs standing on end before the tempo changed completely as they burst into Columbia. What a tune. I forgot how good it sounded live, tuned up to 11.

Following some more Block Rockin’ Beats from Tom & Ed it was time for the main act, The Charlatans. Playing The Royal Albert Hall for the first time since their 1991 ‘Some Friendly’ tour they did a 13 song greatest hits set, with Pete Salisbury on drums doing a sterling job.

Here is the set list.

The set was faultless with particular highlights including Martin Blunt taking centre stage during ‘Only One I Know’. Tim’s dedication of ‘My Beautiful Friend’ to you know who and an absolute rip snorting version of ‘How High’.

After ‘How High’ Tim, Pete and Martin left the stage whilst Liam and Bonehead returned to play a cover of George Harrison’s ‘My Sweet Lord’. This was an unexpected and show stopping moment. Liam again was sounding on top form and the hairs were once again truly up. Watch the video below.

As always, ‘Sposton Green’ closed the set and rounded off an emotion stirring night in triumphant style. Having seen the Charlatans countless times there was something special about this performance. They stepped up a gear and played out of their skin. The night was perfect. Every band and performer did an excellent job. The night was totally faultless. It’s a shame it came about under such circumstances but it was certainly fitting and a night those who were present will probably never forget.

R.I.P Jon Brookes X