We all want to be rock stars, right? Some of more than others, but it’s in the human DNA to want to ‘make it’ in one way or another.
Anoint My Head is Andy McCleod’s story of how he tried, and failed, to make it as a rock star in the brit pop 90’s, and it is an interesting one to hear.
Having written a book on the subject, this is an intimate live version of the tale in his own words with a sprinkling of hits from his youth up to the present, not least of which is a forgotten classic about a squirrel, but I’m not about to ruin it by telling you more, it’s one of those ‘have to be there’ moments.
This isn’t a comedy show, so don’t go in there expecting to be rocking with mirth, but you will laugh I can guarantee, as Andy has a pleasant to be around personality, and as he tells his story you get the impression you are just hanging at the bar with a mate that’s reminiscing on what could have been.
And oh my, what could have been…
Rubbing shoulders with the stars, being managed by, a now, household name, and cutting demos for some of the most influential people of the time, this could have been a very different story if it wasn’t for those pesky kids in those other bands taking the spotlight.
But he’s not bitter, he tells all, and you can see exactly how he managed to charm others to join him on the journey to stardom, I think I would have too.
Part biography, part musical, part probably therapy for Andy, this show is in the perfect location to enjoy this campfire tale of hope, dreams and failures, a cavernous room with the musty smell of toilet venues and old record shops, which ultimately ends in a lesson for us all – if it’s fun it’s worth doing.
Andy Macleod: Anoint my Head – How I Failed to Make it as a Britpop Indie Rockstar, 13:30 at Just The Tonic at The Caves – Just the Wee One, August 9-14, 16-28
Alex Copeland
