Friday night is here and it’s a little train journey jaunt over to God’s very own country to see the wondrous Sharon Van Etten and The Attachment Theory. Tonights venue was Leeds and the o2 Academy conveniently placed next to a decent Wetherspoons…
This gig has been on my ‘must see’ list for a long time. Having had to miss the Manchester leg I was determined that tonight I would get to see Van Etten and hear those songs that kept me company through a very lonely lock down period.
I was advised to also catch the support so I got to the venue nice and early, an eventful walk from the station saw me witness two fist fights and a fairly amusing handbag slanging match between two intoxicated ladies outside H&M.
The support was well worth the effort. Angie McMahon was instantly likeable, dry humour between the most emotive of songs, and her voice was so powerful it hit in all the right places. A beautiful support act for the main event. Check her out here! You will not regret it.
It has been a while since I’ve been this excited about a gig. I know that I am fortunate to see many wonderful artists in the job I do but this had been one that I’d hoped would be a highlight of my 2025.
I needn’t have worried, the evening was just as I had hoped. Van Etten and her band were on fine form. The first song “Live Forever” set the tone of the evening. The lighting made for a very atmospheric and intimate set. After song one, the band paused due to a medical incident in the crowd, Van Etten quite rightly stopped play and ensure the audience member was safe. All was ok and the show continued.
The highlights were without a doubt “Afterlife’ which showcased Van Etten’s gorgeous vocal range. Crowd favourite and mine “Seventeen” was well received and it was truly an honour to see it played out live after listening to it on repeat on so many arduous journeys to work.
“Everytime the Sun Comes Up” was perfect, haunting and at this point I felt somewhat disappointed that (having had a peek at previous track listings from this tour) the set was drawing to a close. Van Etten is up there with one of the most talented of song writers, and tonight having the privilege of seeing so many of my favourite songs played live has made my summer.
FOR MORE ON SHARON VAN ETTEN HEAD HERE
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