05.12.00 - SUPPORTING REEF @ COLSTON HALL (BRISTOL)

I had been waiting for this gig for rather a long time, as it had been put back due to an injury on Reef's behalf! Unfortunately, the gig had already been sold out before it was re-scheduled, so that fact that I got in was somewhat lucky! Wilt very kindly put down on the guestlist for the gig, but the fact that I saw them was somewhat a miracle!
I found out that Wilt were on first and not second, so I had to hurry down to get there on time. After just about making it with time to spare, I collected my ticket and went to go into the downstairs (standing) bit. Unfortunately, what I had NOT noticed, was that the ticket was for the balcony ONLY! I then spent the next 20 minutes or so, trying to find someone to swap it with for a downstairs ticket; but I eventually had to give up! I decided to give in and go upstairs and see Wilt from a great distance, without being able to take photos. How wrong I was! Even though I was upstairs, my seat was very near the front, and just close enough to snaps with my absolutely-no-zoom-at-all camera. Being upstairs also give me chance to see how many people were there. As the Colston Hall is the largest venue in Bristol, I found it quite satisfying to see the place at about half capacity - this meant about 1500 people were going to see Wilt!
 
Wilt kicked off in to 'Peroxatine', which certainly caught the attention of the audience. A usual support set followed, although the inclusion of 'I Found Out' was a welcome surprise. Like the last time I had seen Wilt, Cormac was not wearing his glasses during the performance which I found slightly disappointing, but at least most of the crowd weren't to know that!
Something that I was disappointed about to begin with, but was pleased about eventually, was the moshing. Or that should be: LACK of moshing! As Wilt were playing to an audience who were oblivious to the band before that evening, I guess a mosh should not have been expected. Because I was stuck upstairs, I was relieved that a mosh did not materialise!
Cormac's usual witty ramblings were even more rambling this evening, as he didn't seem to be exactly sober! Still he managed to get a bit dynamic around the stage with silly walks to boot! I must admit, I was amused when Cormac positioned the end of his guitar just above a security guards head. The funny thing was that although he didn't touch him, it was done enough to be noticed. Of course the dumb security guard never even relised that this was going on!
Unfortunately, as I was upstairs I did not get a chance to grab a set list, but I can remember that Wilt finished (as usual) with 'Expedestrians', which they strung out at the end to very good effect! Wilt went off to a good cheer from the audience, which I hoped meant that they had gained some more fans!
  
Afterwards, I made sure that I met up with Wilt to have a chat and tell them how I thought it went. My best bet was to wait outside around the back, and see who came out. Unfortunately, it was only the Wilt road crew who were loading up all their kit, who emerged from the venue. However, I recognised one of the crew (Denzil), as he has been about at all of the Wilt gigs so far. I asked him if there was any chance that I might see Wilt. He replied that I probably would, although he was too busy loading the van to help any further. I had almost lost hope, when another roade came out (who I didn't recognise) and said that he knew ME from other Wilt gigs! After noticing that he had been locked out, the roade asked me to show him round into the front of the venue. Once I had led him to the downstairs entrance, I quickly asked him if he could get Wilt to come out so that I could speak to them, which he agreed to and disappeared off back stage. After waiting for what seemed an age and much to my relief, Mick emerged! I got the chance to tell him what I thought of their performance, and that I hoped the Reef tour would gain Wilt many more fans etc. As we were talking a girl came out, who must have recognised Mick from the band she had just watched (probably because of his distinctive hair style), and asked him for his signature! Mick, I think was slightly taken aback by this, but obliged quite happily! Then the same girl asked ME for my signature! She must have assumed that because I was in conversion with Mick, I was something to do with the band. I declined, although a give a flier for my website! Two blokes then came out of the downstairs bit, and to our surprise, both had newly bought Wilt T-shirts! Yet again, Mick was quite surprised and pleased to be signing stuff for fans; and as they seemed to be newly converted, I hoped this would leave a good impression with them!
I got the chance to briefly chat with Darragh and Cormac afterwards, and I remembered to ask why Cormac why he wasn't wearing his glasses. He said that he was fed up of looking like a geek, and decided not to wear them on stage. I disagreed, and stated that his glasses gave him character, and DO suit him - I just hope he realises this!

Before I left, I managed to ask the merchandise stall if I could leave some fliers for my site which I did. In conversation with them I found that Wilt had sold 40 albums, which did impress me to no end. While I was there an oldish blokie came up to the stall who had only just arrived and had missed Wilt. After plugging them to no end, I convinced him to buy a copy of their album, even though he had not seen them!
I stayed to watch Reef, although I wasn't that impressed - I guess after seeing Wilt that evening, nothing else could compare!