Back in the saddle for their first gig of the year.

Is anyone on here going? We would appreciate a full report...

I've never been a big fan of "Crystal", but appreciate that it's a fan favourite that's been ignored of late. And of course they were going to trot out their "redneck song" in Texas. As far as "Love Vigilantes" goes, I hope it was a better rendition than what was on Education Entertainment Recreation.

To me, the spiciest thing about the set was how early "The Perfect Kiss" was slotted in. I like when the set ebbs and flows instead of having all the dancey stuff together. I still insist they should consider ending the main set with Joy Division tracks (if they must be played) and have a dancey encore every once in a while.

Max capacity of The Factory is 4,300. Smaller venue, shorter set?

My friend Buzz was there for his first-ever NO gig. He said it was everything he hoped it would be.

Edited by user 10 March 2023 07:23:06(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

The only time I've heard Academic live was during the Berkeley soundcheck in 2017. It remains one of the high points of Music Complete for me.

Sounds like a decent gig from the videos posted on YouTube, glad to see Love Vig back, never been much of a fan of Crystal, think we heard it way too often 2001-6 (like every bloody gig bar the JD only sets).

The set seemed two light on what they were playing pre-Unity, but was probably still 90 minutes.

And yes I wish they'd drop the JD ones or just save them for treats, but I'm afraid LWTUA will always be on every setlist now as they've latched onto the homage idea. Just pray they don't butcher Shadowplay or SLC again! Deacdes is actually quite good but it's the only one they do well.

My worry is that there won't be much rotation, but optimistic that the likes of Love Vig, 1963 and Academic will be the rotated ones and there could be something interesting lurking. Might even be a new one, they have been working on stuff apparently. Now that'd be good!