Bristol Trinity Centre, 15th April
It’s not everyday you get to see a genuine hall of fame inductee on a Bristol stage. It’s even rarer when said inductee is actually from Bristol.
Elles was back in the city fresh from picking up 3 awards at last weeks prestigious UK Blues Awards: Artist of The Year; Vocalist of the Year; & Album of the Year.
The city couldn’t be prouder & it showed with the iconic Trinity Centre packed to the rafters to catch a glimpse of rock n roll royalty.
The multi demographic crowd roaring in appreciation as Elles took the stage. Ever humble the gig quickly took on the feel of a night out with friends. Elles & her band, what an extraordinary ensemble of talented musicians, joshing with each other & the crowd. It really gave the whole night a positive vibe as Bristol joined together to celebrate “one of our own”.
We’d been waiting a while to see latest album “Shining In The Half Light” performed on a Bristol stage. Oh boy was it worth it. Elles & co instantly hitting their stride with album fav “The Game”.
With the tour very much focused on the album we get 10 tracks from it across the 16 song set. Punctuated by Elles delivering playful explanations of each song, As well as 3 covers & 3 older fan favs.
The Bristol show is towards the end of the tour & it showed in the cohesive nature of the band. This was a uber tight performance that the crowd lapped up. The set list taking us from the beautiful “Spinning Stopped”, & evocative “Perfect Storm” to the floor stomping “Cheats & Liars”.
Each transition careful crafted to demonstrate just why Elles picks up awards like vocalist of the year.
The night had a few surprises for the ecstatic home town support as well. Cardinal Blacks, Chris Buck made a guest appearance. And Tamara Stewart returned to the stage as we geared up for the finale.
The tempo flux continued into the encore as Elles delivered a perfect cover of Mary Gauthier’s “Mercy Now”. Before the foundation’s of the old church were shaken to the ground as band & entire crowd belted out show closing “Sunshine City”. A fitting tribute to both the city & one of its finest performers.
@bristolnomad_gigphotography
@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
Chief, the one that bugs the team for team for their reviews and images. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. Can usually be found swamped in admin or getting cramp kneeling at the front of a gig.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Videography work, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: Republica, circa 1996.
First gig shot: Hands Off Gretel, at The Louisiana!
Dream gig: Huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig, or as festival headliners. And to experience shooting a headline tour outside the UK
