After unexpectedely postposting their last round of UK touring in December, the Counting Crows graced the boards of the Academy tonight instead of the planned Metro Radio Arena.
Never one to complain about photographing a band this large in a more intimate environment, I was quite the happy little bunny 
Things are getting pretty exciting, and the world is going to change a lot on 1st November 2009 for the mrs and me 
“Wind her up and watch her go, where she stops, nobody knows”
Quite appropriate lyrics for Pinks appearance at Newcastle Arena tonight – a sell out months in advance, theres little wonder why as Pink puts on probably the best stage show I’ve seen (bar ACDC), and covers every inch of the floor and catwalk in front of her!
“Mr Burrows – Its Sony Music here. We would like to invite you to be one of four photographers at the ACDC gig in Manchester tomorrow night. Would you be interested?”
Would I be interested? WOULD I BE INTERESTED?
Oh go on then 
Well here I am again. Stood in front of a very large curtain, smoke seeping underneath, wondering what to expect. The trickles of Iowa descend from the speakers and the curtain rolls back to reveal Joey Jordison, three foot long finger nails illuminated by an eerie gold spotlight.
What in gods name comes after this???
“Lets Go Fuckers – we’re trying break the tour record for simultaneous circle pits tonight – show me how you doooooooo it!”
Hahahaha, Machine Head are in town
It seems like I’ve been waiting forever for Apocalyptica to roll into town – 4 Fins – playing Metal – 3 of them on Cellos.
As far as ‘being a bit different’ goes, I’m thinking this gig should qualify, no?
Next up is another band who have benefitted from a Download appearance this year – blending Southern Rock roots with furious metal riffs, Black Stone Cherry made their debut headline gig in Newcastle a memorable one.
Slightly confusingly, it looks like Thunder have all brought along their friends and family to City Hall tonight – of course they havent, but I get the feeling that over the decades, the rock legends have amassed a fanbase so closely knit that I feel like a stranger whos walked into a village pub and the darts have stopped mid air!
The only thing I knew about Stone Gods was the legacy of ‘that band’. After watching their scintillating performance tonight, I refuse to mention what they’ve left behind. Stone Gods are their own band, and its no exaggeration when I say they’ve just delivered the best set I’ve seen in 2008.
