The Bluetones have decided to part ways after their farewell tour this year.
Theirs was the first single I ever bought; "Fast Boy" (2003). Having worked my way through the 60s, 70s, skipping the 80s for the 90s, the first music of the 00s I felt worth going out and actually paying for was The Bluetones.
The chorus line of "If..." was stuck printed to the wall above my bed for the years I was at college.
"It's all that I can do to sing these stupid songs to you,
I give up half my time just tryin' to think up words that rhyme,
I ain't getting any younger,
But you wouldn't know,
'Cos I walk in shadow,
And I never, ever really show my face,
And I'm only ever seen in the right place."
Having had the incredible luck to get a pair of tickets for the first night of the farewell tour at Tunbridge Wells Forum and the stoic perseverance to stand right in front of the stage during the paltry support acts, last weekend I had the privilege of observing the band live from about 2 and a half feet.
 The experience threw into sharp focus the inescapable truth that we'll likely never see a band with such charm, wit, charisma and humour. With quality songs. And no pretension. Or such a captivating front man.
In their absence, they will be more appreciated than ever before.
Favourite Bluetones album - Expecting To Fly
Favourite Bluetones song - Keep The Home Fires Burning
Favourite Bluetones video - If... |
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