20 For 20 is a new feature where I look back at 20 of my favourite things that has happened in the music world in 2020.
2020 was the year we really got to appreciate live music when the chance to attend shows was dramatically ripped away from us thanks to Covid-19 and the ensuing lockdown and restrictions. Some socially-distanced shows returned in the latter part of the year until once again the tier system and then second lockdown again kicked in, and whilst they felt like a godsend deep down we all knew it wasn’t the same as the real thing.
Socially-distanced shows are going to continue to be the way forward for a good while yet and lets hope at least every area in the country can quickly get down to Tier 2 at the worst so that shows can continue. At the time of writing this Birmingham and the surrounding areas are in Tier 3, hoping that when the review comes on Dec 16th we get downgraded to Tier 2 so a few more shows can happen before the end of the year.
For someone who attends over 100 gigs every year I have amassed the grand total of 20 in 2020. Some of the highlights have been Italia 90 at The Sunflower Lounge, Girl Ray supported by Vanity Fairy at Hare & Hounds and The Mysterines at The Castle & Falcon. My gig of the year though goes to personal favourites Dry Cleaning for their sold out Sunflower Lounge show.
I’m sure we all look forward to the day we can step back in to our favourite local venue without having to worry about any restrictions.
Morph