The Race For Space

It was The Minx who first introduced me to Public Service Broadcasting and I loved them immediately: the blend of electronics with some deft guitar, topped with the samples of old public service films was irresistible to me. 

I must admit that I had some reservations about seeing them live but the first time we saw them - at the Picturedrome in Holmfirth - was so good that immediately afterwards I bought tickets for the London date so that I could take John and Ash to see them. 

The Minx and I saw them next at Glastonbury, and then at the launch of their second album, 'The Race For Space', at the National Space Centre in Leicester. Combining an already winning formula with the nostalgia of the space race - and, for me, particularly the Apollo missions - resulted in this being my favourite album of 2015, by a clear margin.

I think we might have seen them once more on the proper tour for the album and then we saw them yet again at Bluedot in the summer. And I've never tired of watching their set. No doubt I would have gone to see them again, anyway, but when they announced they would be playing 'The Race For Space' end to end with a choir, brass and strings, at one of my favourite venues, then, believe me, I was in a hell of a state the day that the tickets went on sale. And, thankfully, we got some.

And tonight was the night. The Minx, Charlie, Hannah and I met up with Simon, his girlfriend, Sharon, and his friend, Martin, for a bite at Pizza Express before crossing the road to the Albert Hall. We'd intended to queue and get in early but it was already packed by the time we go it. Fortunately we found some decent space up on the balcony overlooking the stage. (As you can see, one of my new bow ties was just perfect for the event.)

There was no support act but instead there was a half hour or so's on stage chat between J Willgoose Esq (PSB's frontman) and Professor Tim O'Brien from Jodrell Bank, which was entertaining enough and a nice warm up for the main event...

...which was amazing. The augmented band was on fine form and it was a true delight to hear the album played sequentially from start to finish. It was notable as the first time they'd played 'Fire In The Cockpit' live but for me, as ever, the highlight was 'The Other Side', which never fails to send tingles up my spine and tears to my eyes. 

For those who've never seen Public Service Broadcasting play live, they don't talk to the crown but instead communicate via samples triggered from the stage. Some of these are taken from original sources and some are tailored by the band, such as "Did someone mention illustrious back catalogue?" which heralded the greatest hits part of the set, this evening.

All in all it was a great evening and so happy that we managed to get tickets. If you've never seen them and you do get the chance, I can't recommend them highly enough. (Next best thing might be their live DVD, which is released in a few weeks' time.)