DISQUS

kellifer · 3 months ago

I really enjoyed last night's Union Chapel gig and it was a pleasure to meet Amanda and Neil afterwards as they signed our cushion! I wanted to say so at the time - though didn't have the confidence - that it was the first gig I've been to since June 2004. I've unfortunately suffered from anxiety problems over the past few years and avoided social events, especially with crowds involved.

I couldn't personally have asked for a better reintroduction to live music. Feeling a little intimidated by Amanda's strongly independent and no-holds-barred persona at first, it was really impressive to see how down-to-earth, honest and fun she was to be around. The music had an emotional richness, oddly perhaps, made all the more potent by the few misplaced notes. I felt it was enormously brave to keep the promise to herself and play the classical piece, or even to perform alone in front of hundreds of people at all.

The venue was amazing and refreshingly inviting to someone as nervous as myself. I'm by no means a hardcore fan, but was pleased at the choice of songs and the variety of methods by which they were chosen! I felt Amanda was a little disappointed at how the gig went and that would be a great shame. It was a unique turning point for me and even without being perfectly organized, Amanda remains a mesmerising musician with a powerful and intriguing voice. I wish I'd have had the confidence to say this at the time, but I find it far easier to gush on paper.

Thank-you Amanda, for being such a positive bit-part in my life and hope to be at another gig before too long. Neil was very charming and affable too. If you still wanted the personal question, I'd be intrigued to know which of his vast and wondrous library you read first?

I hope the next gigs go well and you continue to feel blessed.

Kelly

Jon · 3 months ago

In case someone finds this useful: the AFP bit starts around 31:40.

Greta · 3 months ago

Manda-dear, MOST people would be overjoyed if you asked to marry them xD Just a heads up....
Glad as always to hear that you're having fun.

drachenfells · 3 months ago

Listened to both radio shows today. Both were great. And i loved the energy you were putting out on loose ends.

aasiaa · 3 months ago

Dearest Amanda,

Absolutely loved the gig on Friday, it's fantastic when you're so spontaneous, you're just yourself with us and that's so muchly appreciated!! The few lost words or sounds only added charm to your performance, loved every minute of it...!! it was sooo much worth coming all the way from aberystwyth!
Btw. my boyfriend presents a new (fantastic) music show on local radio (live at radioceredigion.net Mon-Thu 7-8pm). He's names Phil Olyott and he plays your and the dolls' music often, he'll be talking about your gig there on Mon :)

I hug you!
asia

llinos · 3 months ago

hey-another Welsh fan! We went to the gig on Friday too (only from Cardiff though so not quite as far to travel:)
We should get Amanda to come to Wales...

Jonmarc · 3 months ago

And another welsh fan! I travelled from Aberdare, I wondered how many welshies where there.

aalis · 3 months ago

aughhh...just listened to Loose Ends. honestly, i teared up a little. I don't know whether you, dear AFP, usually render Runs In the Family live without accompaniment but that shit was intense. here's to praying i'm still on the East Coast come November, and i could end up seeing you on my birthday. shiiiit.

dressmate · 3 months ago

Love, Love Love 'The Bed Song' It's soooooooooooo sad though. Saw you perform it on Sat night at Union Chapel - (fantastic night by the way - definately coming again you are so entertaining, honest an unpretentious - I love it!).
Just listened to you on Jonathon Ross and 'The Bed Song' made me want to cry!
I'm a fan because my 16yr old daughter plays me your stuff all the time. Coin Operated Boy and Ampersand are my favourites but they have now been joined by 'The Bed Song'!
Carol

trypr · 3 months ago

I went to the gig on Friday and loved it: it was as great an experience as when I saw Einstürzende Neubauten, which may mean something to you :)

I went with two friends, one of whom was not at all familiar with the alternative music scene here, but loved the atmosphere and the sense of inclusivity and acceptance she felt about the crowd. They both loved the show and were extraordinarily impressed by the performance; I think everyone really enjoyed how "eventful" it was :D and we were still able to listen to some wonderful music between those funny and charming moments. I left wishing I had a ticket for the following night: I hope to hear what you were planning to do with those two songs someday ^.^

The setting was very beautiful too, but when you mentioned it was intimidating as a performing artist I wanted to apologise: as an audience member, it was slightly intimidating too and I think we all settled to treat it more like a small concert to begin with, so sorry if it was a bit quiet and scary.

I've seen a few live videos of you on youtube and, much as I enjoyed them, they don't touch upon the live experience and what you give to the audience in each song: I feel really privileged, so thank you. A number touched me to the heart and I giggled like an idiot at the hymn: nice one ^^

It felt pretty transcendent, yeah :)

Julia

fiona42 · 3 months ago

I too listened to Johnathan Ross and thought you were amazing; I just wish you could've had longer, maybe next time. Lovely to hear you speak as well xxxx

Marjorie · 3 months ago

I heard you on Jonathan Ross's show & was at the gig on Saturday night and absolutely loved it - Loved the Bed Song, and the Bach, and the whole atmosphere. I'm already longing to know when you'll be gigging in England again :-) It was also lovely to meet Beth, and to have you, Neil & Beth all sign my WKAP book.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in the UK. Thank you again.

Emily Olive Petit · 3 months ago

Sounds very cool. (Twenty-six children?! Dude.)

Emily Olive Petit · 3 months ago

Oh, ah, was it rude just to walk in here and not introduce myself? I know you via Fabulous Lorraine. So, like, hi.

Amadeus · 3 months ago

guys, a supah noob here, can't find Mr. "I'm a bad man" on myspace. link?

CeciTart · 3 months ago

Personally, I thought The Bed Song, while amazingly depressing and heart wrenching was done very well. And so happy to hear Runs In the Family. I don't know how you do it. I can sing almost the entire song, except for the 'me up's. If I do those there is just now wind left in me!

You rock \m/
~Cecily

Ruth_Mariel · 3 months ago

The gig on Friday was fantastic! First chance I managed to finally see you and although my friends don't really know who you are (even after hearing my mention you countless times) they were suitably impressed that my favourite mucisian is one who actually talks to her fans after the show.
There is one thing I don't get and I dont know who is really going to answer it. Why doesnt anyone sing? I read what you said about 'Sing' a long time ago but I didn't really realise that it would be so quiet. I thought the song set us free to sing wonderfully out of tune as much as we like. My boyfriend and I sand along quietly but I felt almost intimidated by the silence. Like I was going to disturb the people near me by singing along. I get that it also shows respect but surely many other bands have fans who respect them but they still love to sing along, I like the sense of being part of something when everyone knows all the lyrics.
This is not a complaint, I just didnt understand it.
I would love to see you many more times! Thank you for a wonderful night.
Also who came from Aberystwyth? So do I! Love it.

armyoflarry · 2 months ago

I had the pleasure of seeing T-Model Ford 6 years ago in a small club here in Columbus, Ohio. He was barely able to walk, but still carried his own amp into the club, and rocked the shit out of that place. It was just him on a guitar and vocals and a crazy drummer named Spam! He was very kind after the show, and I felt I was so lucky to see him play live.