‘Hidden’ Crisis gig
Some good news for some of you.
David will be performing as a special guest of Amadou & Mariam, a well-known duo from Mali, at a one-off show at a secret venue somewhere in central London on Monday 25 May – all proceeds going to Crisis, the charity for the homeless.
The venue will be revealed to ticket holders by text or e-mail the day before the show. The venue is to be kept ‘hidden’ until this time for good reason: to draw attention to the uncertain reality of the UK’s hidden homeless.
Tickets are now on sale, available online from See Tickets or by telephoning +44 (0)871 2200260.
Tickets are priced at £25 (plus a booking/delivery fee of £2.75).
The first two rows are designated ‘VIP Seats’. These will also go on sale tomorrow, priced at £75 per ticket (plus the relevant fees). There are just 10 seats in each row, so that’s 20 tickets in total. If you want one, you’ll have to be quick.
VIP tickets come with a goody bag, the contents of which are still being decided, but should include a commemorative Crisis T-shirt, a copy of the four-disc version of ‘Live in Gdańsk’, as well as Amadou & Mariam’s latest CD, ‘Welcome to Mali’.
Have a listen to their “Afro-pop blues” at MySpace.
Said David: “I met Amadou and Mariam at the Mojo Awards, where we expressed mutual respect for each others’ music, so it was a wonderful surprise when they called recently, inviting me to collaborate with them on this special one-off occasion for Crisis. I’m looking forward to breaking down a few musical boundaries in the cause of helping the homeless.”
More of Crisis’ ‘hidden’ gigs will take place across London until 17 June.
Now that is typical, I shall be out of the country then.
I spent some time working in Mali when I was younger. Although a very poor country, I look back on my time spent there as very fulfilling and continue to have a soft spot for the people of Mali. I would have loved to have been able to get a chance to go to the concert.
Great news that David is flexing his fingers in public again.
It’s great to hear David is putting on a gig, especially for this very worthy cause. I doubt I’ll be able to stretch to a plane ticket up from Melbourne to attend though.
Guess I’ll have to make do with another lash of my already well viewed Live in Gdansk DVDs.
Best wishes to all involved from Australia. Be sure and let me know when/if David makes it back to Melbourne (it’s been a few decades!).
I’ll bring my towel.
Nate, where’s my towel?
Ooh, this is very tempting!
OHHHH shit, I wanna get down to London for the gig, I don’t think I have the time.
I hope there are some VIP tickets left by the time Katrina gets home so I can check the diary.
Damian.
Hey now, great news indeed!
Budget’s tight and I’m busier than a bee with ADHD, but I wish the event success!
Sounds like a hop across the Channel may need planning soon.
Great occasion for a Blog get-together.
Good on ya David…
If you want to you can use my song… Now that would be cool.
HOMELESS
SHALL WE SEND THE HOMELESS HOME
OR SHOULD WE TIE THEM TO THE TABLES
SHALL WE LEAVE THEM ALL ALONE
JUST IN CASE THEIR LEFT UNABLE
SHOULD WE KEEP THEM IN THE DARK
RIGHT BESIDE OUR DIRTY LAUNDRY
HIDE THEM FROM THE BIRTHDAY SPARK
KEEP THEM COLD ENOUGH AND LONELY
AND I’D LIKE TO TELL YOU ALL
WHAT I KNOW
AND I’D LIKE TO SHOW YOU ALL
WHAT I KNOW
SHOULD WE LEAVE THEM TO THEMSELVES
TO JUSTIFY WHAT’S WRONG WITHIN US
TO HEAR THEM CALLING OUT FOR HELP
THE LONELY HEARTS, THE SAINTS, THE SINNERS
I’D LIKE TO TAKE YOU FOR A RIDE
FAR AWAY TO NEON WATERS
WHERE ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE HIDE
YOUR FATHERS’ SONS, YOUR MOTHERS’ DAUGHTERS
AND I’D LIKE TO TELL YOU ALL
WHAT I KNOW
AND I’D LIKE TO SHOW YOU ALL
WHAT I KNOW
EVERYTHING’S SO NEW TO YOU
NO ONE HAS A CLUE FOR YOU
AND EVERYTHING YOU DO HAS BEEN DONE
BEFORE YOUR TIME
AM I JUST A SINNER
AM I JUST A CLOWN
OR AM I JUST SO TIRED OF FALLING DOWN
WHERE WILL WE GO, WHAT WILL WE DO
WHAT COULD I SAY BUT YOU WON’T HEAR ME
MAYBE IT’S JUST BECAUSE THEY’RE NUMB
MAYBE IT’S JUST BECAUSE THEY FEAR ME
I’D LIKE TO TAKE YOU FOR A RIDE
FAR AWAY TO NEON WATERS
WHERE ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE HIDE
YOUR FATHERS’ SONS, YOUR MOTHERS’ DAUGHTERS
AND I’D LIKE TO TELL YOU ALL
WHAT I KNOW
AND I’D LIKE TO SHOW YOU ALL
WHAT I KNOW…
Great news for you, our British friends, as I think that the next Bank Holiday in the UK will be on 25 May. I’m very happy for you.
Sadly it’s a work day here, so…
Amadou & Mariam are rather well known here in France, they lived and recorded some songs in Paris in the 90s and even worked with French singer and guitarist Manu Chao (Mano Negra). I think they are both blind.
I have some difficulties to imagine David playing his ethereal guitar on their songs, though… Surely it will be a very special show.
A good idea, a great symbol, these ‘hidden’ gigs.
Michèle
Oh, and May 25th is also Africa Day… coincidence?
I’d love to go but I’m broke at the moment, I’m in desperate need of a job!
I hope they will collect a lot of money for the homeless.
Have a nice night!
What is David going to be playing and will he have his mates on stage with him?
I’ve said all I’m able to say, sorry. That’s all I know.
Please bear in mind that Amadou & Mariam are expected to play for about an hour (there will be support acts) and that David isn’t expected to play for more than a portion of that hour.
Thanks to David for playing the whole set with them – it was great! Such a great collaborative process. (I am a fan of Malinese music, Baaba Maal and Amadou and Mariam etc. – and also a Dave Gilmour fan, so it was a double treat this evening…)
The pain of missing out by a week or two for tickets to the show in the Manchester Bridgewater Hall in 2006 has all disappeared in a flash!
I have never enjoyed a blog post so damn much…
Sounds like a really interesting way to go about this gig. I like the hidden venue aspect. Homelessness is a particular problem in Oxford, and since moving here in October it’s really hit home for me how much needs to be done to help a lot of people.
I’m really looking forward to hearing David ‘breaking down a few musical boundaries in the cause of helping the homeless’.
Roll on the 25th May!
So sad I can´t be there. Maybe next time.
It will not be possible for me to attend this show, for obvious reasons including the presence of a puddle between the USA and Britain. Really too bad that a show like this is not likely to be made available for viewing/listening to those who are not actually there, because I’d love to hear this performance.
I feel the same way about last year’s performance of Atom Heart Mother at Cadogan Hall. Yes, it is good that David won’t release every note of every public performance, but all the same I wish there were a way for people like me to have access to these one-off performances.
By contrast, King Crimson in recent years has released concert albums of its shows dating throughout its history — some of which are of inferior quality. On the one hand it is nice to have access to this material, but on the other hand, there are good reasons why artists are usually selective about what they put out there.
What’s the Oscar Wilde one about being able to resist anything but temptation?
I’m getting better though – I lasted 3 minutes this time.
Three WHOLE minutes?? Damn, you are getting better!
Sometimes it’s a drag living in NYC. Would love to see that gig!
My luck with DG related gigs continues!
I have an exam that day.
This is very exciting news for anyone lucky enough to attend, but the rest of us can only hope for video.
Please let us know if anything is in the works. Thanks.
Way to go David, interesting to hear, hopefully, what creativity you will bestow upon us.
Fed, I’d like to say that this blog is opening our eyes and memories to different genres of music. The videos are great. I don’t know how to add to them without help here of course. Thanks.
Eric Clapton to add sometime is a great idea. My favourite to add to a list would be Jeff Healey of course.
Oh buggrit!
Every time something like this happens, I have to be elsewhere.
Drat and Double Drat!
Roger
Hey, wasn’t the appearance at Phil’s gig the first official one?
I’ve no idea, sorry.
I’m so sorry I live too far.
Anyway, trying to put aside the envy… it’s always good to know that David is going to play, moreover if it happens for a good cause like that.
I don’t know Amadou & Mariam’s music, so I just had a listen and it seems interesting. I would be very curious to listen to David playing with them.
Do you think we’ll find a way to do it online sooner or later?
Dear FEd,
Do you know if the £25 tickets will be for standing or for seats at this concert? The web site is only showing for tickets.
The venue is listed as “N1″ so that will be around the Kings Cross part of town.
Gary Hurley, London, England.
Apologies for the delayed response, Gary; a technical hitch prevented me from writing sooner. I only just made it to the chatroom on time.
Yes, it’s all seated.
I read this from my newsletters: now I know that’s true.
And this is just one of a lot of causes because I love The Man.
I will think about you with all my heart,
diana
slightly off topic:
Dave – Sky 111 is showing “Three Men in a Boat” starting this Sunday (there’ll be plenty of re-runs too so no need to miss!)
hey FE’d, hope all well @ DGHQ
andy.
Thanks for letting us know.
Very exciting news for you friends and for the hidden homeless of the UK.
Hopefully many of you will be able to attend and support a good cause.
It’s pissing down rain here again, so if the creek rises enough this time, maybe my ship will come in and I’ll be on ma way there too.
P.S. After the death of my little Ely, I finally broke down and adopted a new dog. I’d like to send a picture if I could, Fed.
Has anyone had trouble receiving their confirmation email from See Tickets? I have not had mine yet and have sent a request to their tech support.
I have my reference number etc. but when I try to ‘track’ the tickets I just get a blank page.
Have you seen Amadou’s Gold Telecaster? Wow!
UPDATE: Can now see Tracking Page.
My newest family member, JoJo, adopted from the East Tennessee Pit Bull Rescue.
He’s lovely – good for you.
… great to hear that DG does a gig, even as supporting musician, bad that I can’t attend it.
Anyway, one can’t have it all, so have fun if you got tickets!
@FEd: I hope that the “this is a DG blog” comments will stop for a couple of weeks.
Have a nice weekend all of you,
Taki
Gotta say here here on Mr Gilmour playing. Always a joy to hear he’s performing.
And also, the vignette of ‘Take Some Time’ on the Stuff and Nonsense page is damn sweet.
Happy Days.
Well, I’m away all of my life.
And it will happen just a day before my birthday. What a way to enter 47th birthday would it be !?
In a week when the personal practices of our (?) elected (!) politicians has again been portrayed at best to be suspect (terms such as “feathering one’s own nest and vested interests” spring to mind), it is heartwarming to know that some people in the public domain do try to do the right thing for the benefit of others.
Well done to all involved with Crisis and congratulations to Miss Lumley to show those in the position of power that morals and ethics still have place in society. It is also worth mentioning that Mr Gilmour and Miss Lumley are heavily involved with two animal charities I am a member of. Proof if ever needed, that those who care passionately about animal welfare/the environment are those that best understand the needs of people, as opposed to the egos of others.
Unfortunately I am unable to go to the concert, but I know it will be “one of those nights”.
Unbelievable, Jeremy, isn’t it? Such shocking, appalling, and utterly shameless greed, which typifies the ‘socialism’ of New Labour.
People are losing their jobs and homes, while this vile lot are allowing the taxpayers to effectively buy their dog food and toilet seats for them. At the very least, I hope they’re made to pay back every penny.
The Folletts, in particular, with all their combined wealth, ought to be thoroughly ashamed of themselves.
Careful F’ed, reading the Telegraph is likely to singe your radical credentials…
I wonder if certain types of people are more susceptible to “Swine Flu” which seems to have gripped the Nation in my absence. I expect they’d only claim private nurses and Lemsips on expenses though…
Oh, I don’t know about that. I also enjoy reading the Daily Mail from time to time. (Loving their exposure of sleazy Liberals at the moment.)
I never buy these newspapers, though, so that must make it acceptable.
This column could be a wish list of venues for David to play. Last year’s Atom Heart gig off Sloane Square was an exceptional venue. Something similar this time around would be much welcomed. No doubt there are scans of all venues within Zone 1 available for the 25th to narrow down the speculation.#
Also what is David to perform with Amadou & Mariam? This opens up a much wider spectrum, one end of which could result in a recorded collaboration with album in the pipeline, surely?
On a charitable note I’d like to make a small contribution to the blog that was initially triggered by that Atom Heart gig last year. The Atom Heart track, as recorded, falls short of the classic Floyd. Surely most readers would agree. But the performance at the Cadogan Hall was, in my opinion, less “abrasive” and “smoother” than the original which set my mind to thinking that it could be re-recorded and the original improved upon, somewhat. But why should they bother?
That’s where the discussion could really open out, but my own thoughts are that, under a charitable umbrella, a revisiting of a dusty old track in the recording studio would reach a wider audience than an intimate gig, could generate more income, and, the thought will prevail, allow Floyd to regroup but not in the public eye.
Just food for thought.
Cheers.
This sounds like it will be a great collaboration – I’m just checking out Amadou & Mariam on Spotify (they’ve got six of their albums on there, together with their “best of” compilation) and it is wonderful stuff. Well worth checking out…
Wish I could be there at the show, but sadly won’t be. All those who are going though, I’m sure you’ll have a memorable time. Enjoy!
Wow! That’s really nice that David is going to appear in this special event, for he has really helped the homeless Crisis center grow.
Do you think that you’ll be able to see the show, Fed?
Plus Fed, you turned me on to the Manics, which I really enjoy. But I was wondering if you ever heard of Arcade Fire and if you haven’t, please do, for I think you’ll really enjoy them. I saw them in concert and it was really good. They have two albums out and they are both really good.
Take Care,
Thomas
I don’t think so, but I must check out Arcade Fire – thanks for the recommendation.
Yes Thomas, they are a great band. I first saw them on SNL and bought the album. They are originally from Montreal.
I back this, saw AF at Glastonbury 2007 and was treated to an incredible eclectic, rousing and uplifting score. Well recommended.
Hi everyone,
I was out of the country over the weekend and didn’t hear about this gig until I checked my emails last night.
I’m a big fan of Amadou and Mariam and thought the gig would be sold out immediately because of the DG connection so I was very surprised and glad to be still able to get tickets last night!
Really looking forward to seeing what David will add to the wonderful Amadou and Mariam sound. Without wishing to sound sycophantic, David is one of the few guitarists (musicians) who is talented enough to be able to play with more or less any other musician and make a real and valuable contribution to the overall performance, he really does have a wonderful ‘ear’. So often ‘star’ musicians (pop stars) are tagged with other musicians just for the sake of it and the results can be generally poor and worthless. Can’t wait!
Great news for a great charity.
All the best,
Kevan.
Hope you enjoy, Kevan. Do let us know how it goes.
Hello all,
Thank you for the gig details Fed.
Despite being hit hard at work by the downturn and struggling with the bills, I have bought two tickets. We still have a roof over our heads and should still help the less fortunate who don’t.
It’s an interesting and provocative idea to not know the venue. I hope they remember to tell Mr Gilmour.
Hope he enjoys the evening.
Best Wishes,
Peter
Well said, Peter. Have a lovely time.
I can’t make it, but good on Dave for doing it.
That’s the day my baby daughter is due to enter the world.
Does one reckon I could make it? I fear not, but those lucky so and sos going, enjoy.
Rgds Geoff Duffy (Dublin)
A little girl on the way, eh? Is Lennon looking forward to being a big brother? Congratulations in advance!
My daughter’s birthday is May 26, a week before my own. She’ll be 29 and I’ll be, ah, considerably older!
My, how times flies.
How cool. I only wish I could be there.
Atom Heart Mother is one of my top five favourite PF albums. On the track, ‘Funky Dung and ‘Fat Old Sun’, one starts to hear David coming to the forefront. I have said this over and over again about AHM, but a whole musical education can be gained by this album. It certainly taught me a lot. I love copying the cello solos on my Strat. I will eternally defend this important album.
Lest we forget it did actually make number 1 in the US.
As for ‘Sunny Side Up’ – part of the ‘Alan’s Psychedelic Breakfast’ suite, only Pink Floyd can make the sound of eating one’s Rice Krispies passionate and as a piece of art. I love it.
Back to the topic at hand, bravo to David for the musical collaboration with Amadou and Mariam which unfortunately I will not be able to attend. I always admire people who have open minds to different styles of music. Good cause too.
Can’t get to this so I will be there in spirit.
Oh how I wish I could go! I hope to hear about it on the blog.
Should anybody have encountered difficulties with ordering tickets, you can e-mail See Tickets here.
Another telephone number is this one: +44 (0)871 230 0010.
0871 numbers are often ridiculously expensive (at least they are when calling from within the UK), so you may find that these are cheaper alternatives:
- +44 (0)115 9129000
- +44 (0)115 9129240 (should you need to check an online ticket order)
- +44 (0)115 9454590 (for Customer Services)
There is also a ticket tracker here.
Hope this helps.
Can I just chip in that it’s probably a good idea for anyone who has ordered tickets to check using that tracker.
The tickets that I ordered on Thursday and got a confirmation reference number for had vanished from See’s system by the Saturday. I called them and had to re-order, they were really helpful and apologetic – but it really is worth checking.
Hello all,
Thanks for the Gig news. Went straight to buy tickets and still some left!
Looking forward to seeing Mr Gilmour, I hope he enjoys the evening. Sounds most unusual.
Will look out for Bloggers!
Peter
Bloggers meet before or after the gig, I’m with it, suggestions please.
Mr Gilmour, come to Russia… I am 16 years old and haven’t the gift to visit your concerts in Europe.
Really cannot wait for this, should be really great.
I think this will be the 9th time I will have seen David in 4 years or something, and the 7th with my Dad, which always makes it that bit better! I cannot wait.
Blog meet up sounds good, will we have a thread on it nearer the time Fed?
We will.
That reminds me, I need to find out if the ‘hidden’ venue has its own bar…
that would be good, feel free to drop any clues about it!
are you going?
Unfortunately, I’m not, but I’m sure it will be an interesting gig.
is at the union chapel?
Could be.
Hi all,
My tickets arrived this morning, no clues as to the venue though! Funny thing, I also received another pair of tickets that I didn’t order! Has this happened to anyone else? I’ve contacted See and await their response.
All the best,
Kevan.
Hi FEd,
My tickets arrived this morning and I notice that they are numbered and wonder if this refers to a seat number?
Any ideas?
Tom from NE Scotland
I should think so.
Hi Tom,
I was told by See that the number doesn’t refer to a seat number, he said it would be first come first served as there would be limited seating. Mind you, See cocked up my order so what do they know!
Kevan.
I found this in today’s Guardian.
I think next Monday is going to be great fun.
Got my tickets today.
Will cameras be allowed in the venue?
Ah, but the real question is this: Will a negative answer stop anyone from taking their camera? And will staff at the venue stop anyone with a camera from using it?
“I doubt it” is the answer to all three questions.
Hi
Although sold out, there is now another pair of tickets for sale, the pair that I returned after See sent me an extra pair by mistake! So anyone wishing they’d ordered tickets or missed out, get in touch with the booking agent pronto!
Best wishes,
Kevan.
Received text and e-mail announcing venue for Crisis hidden gig.
Also heard today that Amadou & Mariam have cancelled their gig scheduled for Sunday (24th) at the Jazz Cafe, based on Visa complications. Not sure if this will affect the show on Monday? Might end up DG solo set?????
Looking forwards to it whatever happens…
Darran
Does anyone else think it is disgusting for people to have bought tickets for this gig and then sell them for a profit on eBay? One guy is doing this – selling 2 for £89. By looking at his history you can see that he does this on a regular basis.
I wrote to him giving my disgust and he replied with a snotty message saying that he gives 10% to charity each year and then started questioning how much I might give to charity. I replied stating that it is irrelevant. The sole act of buying charity tickets and then selling at a profit is disgusting unless you are to donate every single penny of profit to Crisis. Even if he was to give 10% then he would still be making £30 profit for the two tickets!
Have loads of fun tonight in London at the hidden gig.
Cheers,
Ralph
I will try to get there but they won’t let you bring 75 pounds of anything on a plane from Ohio.
Good luck.
I’m afraid you’ve already missed it. See the Union Chapel post for all the reaction.