Sultans of Ping FC, Meryl Streek – The Ritz, Manchester

Another Sultans gig, my 24th! They now draw level with Carter USM as the band I’ve seen the most.

The first time I’ve been to Manchester for a gig for a few years too, although now it’s an hour and a half away (and my son lives here) I expect there will be more opportunities.

But this weekend we stayed in a really beautiful Airbnb in the town centre, and then had a couple of drinks in a couple of bars and also played video games in a place called the Dogbowl, where we didn’t have a drink. Sorry Dogbowl.

I don’t normally say anything horrible about supports, because each to his own and all that. But I just did not get Meryl Streek at all. Described as a “politically-outspoken Irish avant garde punk”, I just thought he was angry about something and taking it out on the audience with shouting and bad music. Sorry Meryl.

The Sultans of Ping were as glorious as ever and although the set list doesn’t change stupendously from year to year, it’s still great to hear these songs again. Having said that I don’t remember hearing Eamonn Andrews live for a long time.

Also – I am in my 50s now and I am PROPER FED UP with having to get on the floor for Turnip Fish!