Franz Ferdinand, Master Peace, Great Leslie – Empire, Shepherd’s Bush

My 8th Franz Ferdinand gig (in 20 years) and my first visit to the Shepherd’s Bush Empire in over 6 years – although back then, pre-Covid, I was living much nearer London and I didn’t have a 3 hour 45 minute drive down.

We weren’t necessary going to go down to London since we saw them in Liverpool recently, but it is our anniversary (penblwydd priodas hapus!) and the tickets were a present from our son who had bought them and then forgotten he was also due to see Japanese electronic band Porter Robinson at Brixton Academy the same day.

Another reason of course is The Human Fear, Franz Ferdinand’s new album which I have been playing relentlessly for the seven weeks it has been out. In a crowded field I think it could be their best work.

We were in the seats in level 2 upstairs – having had problems with seats at O2 venues recently we decided to get there early, and if the supports were no good, we could at least scroll pointlessly on our phones. Luckily the supports, the Great Leslie and Master Peace, were good – worth putting your phone down for (except to take photos of course).

By the way, considering we were nearer the roof than the stage, I was happy with the way our photos came out – I think my new OnePlus 13 is quite a bit better than the old Samsung S21 Ultra for gigs.