Who could have anticipated that Mike D's first post-Beastie Boys solo show in the UK would take place in a social club/bingo hall in North Shields? "I don't have a strong bingo background, but I'm open to it. I'm pro-bingo", he told NME's Andrew Trendell.
The choice of the King Street Social Club was very deliberate, though - a clear and material way of showing support for a grassroots venue. In the NME interview, Mike D waxed lyrical about "places that are what they are: they're of a certain history, they haven't been updated or made into a replica of themselves". He may be a superstar, but he clearly hasn't forgotten what it's like to be just starting out: "If you don't have places for bands to figure out what they're doing, then how are you going to have any domestic music scene?"
The venue's proximity to Newcastle naturally meant that the Beastie Boys' on-record love for legendary metal band Venom came up in conversation. Credit to Mike D for also listening to recommendations and making a beeline for a pre-gig meal at Riley's Fish Shack - can't believe he's been there before I have...
No comments:
Post a Comment