Elbow, Brixton Academy, November 2005

I couldn't resist going to see Elbow performing stuff from their new album, so off I toddled to London. I've never been to a huge, exclusively "Elbow" gig before but it was great. I was surrounded by people who loved them just as much as me and I almost made myself sick by singing along so loud! The set list was well chosen with a good mix of powerful and beautifully delicate stuff and I honestly can't think of one song I wish they hadn't played and one I wished they had. As uplifting as ever. They're the only band I've ever seen who manage to make you feel like you're watching your mates play down the local pub.

Gorillaz, Manchester Opera House, November 2005

This inspiring performance began with a daffy duck cartoon, just to get us in the mood, and then the stage was taken by a huge amount of performers - choirs, orchestras, guitarists, guest singers. Everything ran very smoothly, (apart from the beautifully shambolic performance from Shaun Ryder), and I just got blown away by the creativity of it all. It takes a special group of people to come up with something like this - I feel honoured to have been there. The pictures give you an idea of how great things looked.

Hard-Fi, Cambridge Junction, November 2005

I had my reservations about going to this gig - I've been told they are terrible live. But, I'm a fan of the album and decided to give it a go - and I'm really pleased I did. The band had energy and presence onstage and really worked hard. They may not be the most gifted musicians but they put a lot of effort into giving it their best shot. As a result they came across as really genuine and honest and I wanted to urge them on and encourage them. I felt proud of them. The crowd were hanging on their every word and and chanting out the infectious choruses and I happily danced around in my own little world. It just goes to show that some bands with one album to tour can pull it off.