04/05/15 San Francisco Bimbo's 365 Club, CA, USA

[MSPKYE]

[pcp]

Luckily I did not buy the plane tickets to Chicago yet! Bimbo's was a great place to see the Manics in '99 so I'm sure it will be great this time as well.

[pcp]

Care Le Bon to open in SF? What a treat!

[pcp]

Also opening, DJ Omar?

[pcp]

First off, I have to say Cate Le Bon was great. She did not have her band so it was a very intimate performance with her voice accompanied by electric guitar. Her voice was amazing in this small venue.

As for the Manics....Excellent show in a small venue. Nicky smiled almost continuously. James was on form and had the requisite lyric changes (wink, wink) . The set list was the same as for other US dates, EXCEPT James played three acoustic songs including From Despair to Where. He said he could push his voice as it was the last night of the tour.

And band spotting was a tough task. James was the designated greeter for this show. Sean and Nicky showed no interest in fans outside. James stopped his cab and came out to sign rapidly. This was a first for me as I'd always known them to be patient with us after the shows. It seems that post show meeting tradition was shelved or at least cut drastically for this tour.

Also the merch offering was limited to what the East coasters didn't buy hahahaha! I'm in the market for a signed litho!

[Routine Builder]

did anyone go to this gig?

[hummingbird]

I think PCP did

[MarilynRoxie]

I can confirm that Nicky's infectious smile was a high point. The dim lighting effect before they went on stage really set the mood...The Intense Humming of Evil and Archives were perhaps my favorites from the gig. The deep bass rumbles could be felt easily from leaning up against the stage...I'm very glad I got to hear this incredible album in full live. The crowd was a little annoying, mixed with people who clearly know and like the band a lot and just random vaguely highbrow Marina people.

[Brigade Rosse]

Curious as to when the next stateside tour will be...

[GregRoss]

Great show. Strange venue for the Manics. It is still set up like the old fashioned super club it was back in the day.... People in the back sitting at tables while people in front stood on the dance floor.

The crowd around me seemed to love it.

The only show that was better in my opinion was Boston. (But I didn't go to Chicago or DC)

[slop101]

Since Cate was there, did they do 4 Lonely Roads together?

[pcp]

Originally Posted by slop101

Since Cate was there, did they do 4 Lonely Roads together?

No. James was asked about it before the show and he said they hadn't rehearsed it so there was no chance.

[pcp]

Originally Posted by MarilynRoxie

I can confirm that Nicky's infectious smile was a high point. The dim lighting effect before they went on stage really set the mood...The Intense Humming of Evil and Archives were perhaps my favorites from the gig. The deep bass rumbles could be felt easily from leaning up against the stage...I'm very glad I got to hear this incredible album in full live. The crowd was a little annoying, mixed with people who clearly know and like the band a lot and just random vaguely highbrow Marina people.

Great review. You are correct about the crowd. I noticed a mix of rabid fandom and detached spectators. Also, the bass was amazing this time. Nicky seemed to play with ease. Nailed all his lines and added fills here and there.

[Mandocello]

Can anybody tell me what James' "teaser" was before You Love Us? I'm thinking it had to be Metallica, but I have no idea for sure!