Supergrass
Town & Country Club, Leeds
11 May 1999

Before the show started, we were treated to most of Suede's new album, Head Music, and the support band, Ultrasound, were a lot better than I was expecting them to be - certainly recommended listening.

As soon as Supergrass took to the stage, though, the sell out crowd went mental and didn't let up for a minute throughout the whole show.
Starting off with an excellent performance of Richard III, and the crowd doing a very good performance of 'Crush the people at the front', Supergrass looked in fine form - it was hard to believe this was only their second gig in more than eight months.
Once the roar of approval from the crowd died down a bit, Gaz introduced the next song, Mary, the first of the five new songs they played, all of which sounded stunning - just... can't... wait... 'til... September... 13!
Next up was the oldest new song, Out Of The Blue, which got it's first airing at last years' Reading Festival. I'd not heard it before, but I immediately liked it. I'd Like To Know followed, then they dropped the tempo a little for Late In The Day.
That song (Alright) was next which just made the crowd go crazier than ever and the crowd surfers came out in force.
Gaz introduced the fourth of the new songs, Jesus Came From Outta Space, which has to be my favourite of the new songs (with Mary a very close second).
Sun Hits The Sky, one of my favourites from 'In It For The Money' was next, which was followed by the new single Pumping On Your Stereo which received cheers from the crowd (and, of course, lots of clapping at the end).
Three more favourites, in the form of Going Out, Strange Ones and Lenny ended what was (quite literally for us at the front) a breath-taking set.

The encore began with It's Not Me with Gaz on acoustic guitar and Bob and Mick on keyboards and backing vocals.
The final song was one of my all time favourite's, Caught By The Fuzz, which seemed to send out some subliminal 'You Must Crowd Surf Now' message, as loads of people started coming over my head! Less than three minutes later, and that was it, it was all over. The show had simply flown by - but what a show! And, that wasn't even the best part for me...

I managed to get a backstage pass so I could meet the band and have a chat with them after the show - half a dozen JD's and my nerves were calmed a bit!
As I approached the dressing room, I spotted Danny sat down chatting to Bob, Mick was reading the new issue of NME, and Gaz was buzzing around chatting to people. There were plenty of journalists and photographers there, so expect articles in next weeks Melody Maker and NME and next month's Select (and possibly Q).
After being introduced to the band, I immediately started annoying them by asking for signatures which, fortunately, they seemed cool about.
Later, I asked Danny about the new album which he told me they still haven't got a name for it. He said they were crap at coming up with titles, but he and Mick had been coming up with more funny ones. I think Danny's hoping the record company will come up with one again, like they did with 'In It For The Money', and offer them a bribe.
As set-lists were handed out by the Press Manager, I decided to get one signed so I could give it away as a competition prize to one of you lucky people!
Which meant I had to go round and get another signature off the lads!! A couple of drinks later, and it was time to go.
That had to be the best gig I've been to ever!

David Wilcox, The Strange Ones Supergrass Site - 12 May 1999