It's that time of year for a countdown... (part 2)

Here's part two of my top 10 gigs of 2013. Counting down from 5 to 1...

(If you haven't already, read part 1)

5. The Reflektors/Arcade Fire - Empress Ballroom, Blackpool 27/11/13
It's not very often I feel underdressed at a gig (I'm a Manics fan, after all) but, following instruction from the band, we were greeted by a queue of the most spectacular gig outfits I've ever seen. And once inside the perfectly suited Empress Ballroom, it felt like we were in the masked ball scene of Labyrinth. I don't even own an Arcade Fire album, but was completely won over by the spectacle and the spectacular sound they created too. It wasn't so much a gig as a huge party... If I was in a band, I'd want it to be Arcade Fire.



4. Conor Oberst - Barbican, London 4/2/13
It's a rare thing to see Mr Oberst in the UK, so traveling to London and staying in a windowless room was a small price to pay. Being able to have pre-gig Dauphinoise potatoes and white wine in the Barbican canteen improved matters, then Conor played us a stripped down set of loveliness. The 'Waste of Paint' finale was just.......no words.



3. St Os Fest - Newcastle University 11/1/13
Definitely the most I have laughed at a gig, ever. Which I'm hoping was the point. The Chapman Family doing Kiss were obviously my highlight, although Frankie's Ziggy Stardust and the Bowie/Queen (Futureheads) duet of Under Pressure was actually genuinely brilliant. And if all that wasn't enough, it was all for a great cause too, with all proceeds going to St Oswald's Hospice.



2. Manic Street Preachers - The Ritz, Manchester 27/9/13
So I didn't think my most-watched band ever could still surprise me. Yes, their live shows are rarely a disappointment and I never fail to get shivers of anticipation as they walk on stage... but this was something else. The crowd reaction to opener Motorcycle Emptiness was like nothing I've ever experienced before. Maybe it was the fact it was a small venue that sold out in seconds, maybe it was The Ritz's famous sprung dancefloor... I don't know, but that first song set the tone for a rapturous night.



1. The Chapman Family - Georgian Theatre, Stockton 26/7/13
It was pre-ordained that this one would be emotional as, a week earlier, The Chapman Family had announced it would be their last ever gig. To be honest, the details are lost in a blur of glitter balls, red velvet, feedback, dancing, vitriol and balloons. Contrary and beautiful to the last.



Get to full albums on flickr if you click through the images.