I had been waiting for this gig ever since seeing them in Sheffield 2017, that was truly an incredible evening.
Arriving in Leamington early around 5.45pm, doors open at 6.30pm. Where to park that's the question, not the greatest place to find parking but eventually we find a small car park only a short walk to the venue. There was a nice size queue forming & I was glad that we hadn't left it any later. Having only been to this venue once before I had forgotten what it was like other than the Dressing rooms downstairs which boasts a trailer once owned by Tammy Wynette & a few arcade type rides, possibly the most surreal dressing room I've seen.
http://leamingtonassembly.com
Going straight to the bar, we ordered an Amigo, Lime & soda & a bottle of water which was coming to £9.00 The water was £3.50 which was promptly cancelled. Very poor especially as nowadays more & more are drinking water not fizzy pop if not driving, dont drink or just dont want alcohol.
Anyway on into the venue, which is an old art deco ballroom that's been restored by Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen, we manage to get pretty much centre of the stage & just one row of people infront, so I'm very happy indeed.
First up we had the lovely Jessica Lee Morgan who had stepped in at last minute as the billed act John Bramwell from I am Kloot was ill. Jessica played her own songs apart from a fantastic version of Port of Amsterdam. Usually part of a duo she asked if there was a bass player available in the house & we had the treat of Tony Visconti play Love Song with her, well he couldn't say no to his daughter could he....it was a great moment.
Then with a short interval, the anticipation rising, the Holy Holy guys took to the stage. Glen Gregory & co went straight into Width of a Circle, a powerful start to the evening with the 1st track on The Man Who Sold The World album. With Glens great interpretations of the song's, never trying to mimic Bowie which is one of the reasons I love the band so much.
Paul Cudderford & James Stevenson showing off their guitar skills. Berenice Scott on keyboards & Jessica Lee Morgan who is multi talented playing acoustic guitar, saxophone & precussion & of course Woody Woodmansey on drums & Tony Visconti on bass, they played the album in its entirety, the band confirming what a hugely talented group of musicians they truly are.
Tony took to the microphone to talk about why we were all there, to celebrate the man himself and what a way to celebrate.
We are then treated to the awesome Five Years, Woody playing the unmistakable intro, this song always gives me goosebumps & tonight did not fail.
Giving the Leamington crowd who are in fine voice Soul Love, Moonage Daydream, Starman, It Ain't Easy, Lady Stardust, Star, Hang on to Yourself, Ziggy Stardust, Suffragette City & Rock & Roll Suicide. Glen with his powerful voice & rock God poses.
The encore started with the beautiful Where Are We Now, together with Life on Mars had me shedding a tear.
Finishing the evening with Rebel Rebel which I'm pretty sure the whole of Leamington & beyond joined in!
Woody spoke a few words, telling us that we were the best crowd they had had on this tour, sounding fantastic from up onstage! He thanked the band & not least Glen Gregory for doing an incredible job on vocals, Glen was obviously moved, it was a lovely moment.
My concerns around not being able to top the first time I saw the band were totally unfounded, it was indeed a Holy Holy experience for me & will be looking out for the next tour with great anticipation.
Looking around at the crowd I was in no doubt that David Bowie's Legacy does indeed live on & Woody, Tony & Co have yet again done him proud!
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