Young Guns @ Camden Barfly 09/07/10

This was a bit of a funny one really....

Thanks to my amazing addiction to Twitter, (and the fact I'd been stalking All Time Low all day) I found out Young Guns had a relatively small album preview just around the corner from where I work. So I worked my Twitterific magic and managed to get on the guest list.
It was a pretty good show. Having never really been to an album preview before, it's pretty much just that; a room full of about 80 people sat on the floor of the Barfly and just listened to the album as it played through the speakers into the room. Accompanied by a few pints of beer then a short acoustic set from the band of songs taken from the new album made for quite a nice, relaxing evening. Considering I'd heard of them, but had to admit to myself that I didn't know any of their songs, they came across as quite a promising new act, and halfway through the set singer Gus held up a new copy of Kerrang! magazine, their picture emblazoned on the front, which caused massive cheers. After, I got my paws on some pretty signed artwork from the band and then made my way home.
Short, sweet and relaxing.

Pete Firman - Edinburgh Preview: Hen & Chickens Theatre 11/06/10

I stumbled upon Pete Firman purely by accident. I went to a charity comedy evening a little while ago, headlined by the legendary Russell Howard. Pete was one of the many warm up acts that appeared on the bill, only he somehow managed to stick in my mind after I'd left. Whether it was because his short but sweet set was full of hilarity and rather odd tricks or because he looked a bit like Russell Kane (a lot) who I willing admit to having a bit of a crush on, we will never know.
However, I decided to check him out at his own show in London's Hen and Chickens Theatre. It was the preview for his Edinburgh show so my expectations were high; it was a tiny little venue, probably only about 30 seats, and the stage was just the floor space in front. I can honestly say it was the most intimate show I have ever been to!
The show was spectacular, Pete came out brimming with confidence as he greeted his audience in his strong Northern voice. His tricks were executed flawlessly and with perfect comic timing. I will admit to having a secret love of magic and I was actually a little bit giddy with excitement. Without giving too much of it away for those of you traveling to Edinburgh to see him. There was stolen money, cakes made out of a shoe, and even poor Pete being shot in the face with a paintball gun by an unsuspecting member of the audience. Overall, it was an hour of fun, laughter and amazement. No one failed to be captivated by Pete's charms and incredible level of technical ability in magic.
It made me want to go out and buy every magic book in existence.