The Second Hand Marching Band - Pete Liddle

Union Chapel, London, March 19th 2016

I first heard about these guys back in 2008 from my friend Laura who was convinced I would like them (maybe because there were a million members), and she was correct.  Fast forward 8 years later for their first London gig and my first chance to see them, and also their last ever gig!  (although let's hope that unhappens one day in the future)  Standing ovations and encores at the lunchtime Daylight Music gigs are quite rare, but theirs was much deserved after their tearful/smile-inducing joint set with Benni Hemm Hemm (who I collected a story from back in 2006 here).  Nicely fitting story from the super nice main chap, Pete.

Happyness - Jonny Allan

Moth Club, London, March 6th 2016

Their Weird Little Birthday Girl song was one of my most listened to songs from last year, despite being about 900 minutes long.  Had a nice chat with Benji after their sit about some guy in New York or somewhere who got bands to write their favourite lyrics in a notepad, what a geek.  Whilst after a split second's thought, Jonny came up with this superb story.