Lucinda Williams – Belfast

I have been a fan of Lucinda Williams ever since I got her album, Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, when it came out in 1998. For some reason I didn’t think she toured outside of America, so I was surprised and thrilled to see her do a show in Glasgow. It was sold out though and I managed to get one resale ticket. I wanted to take Emma, so I decided another trip to Belfast was in order, especially as it was to be at The Mandela Hall where it was unreserved seating so I could go early and get a seat down the front.

However, there was a storm the day we travelled and the university was shut for the day so it got switched to the Limelight. We queued for an hour an a half before anyone else joined our queue but it was worth it to get in the front row and even closer than we would have been at the Mandela. Result.

Ben de la Cour was the support act and at one point he dropped his pick and said don’t worry about it, but I found it and returned it to him. His songs were really cool and worth checking out.

I couldn’t believe we were front and centre with Lucinda not much more that six feet away. I savoured every moment and wanted to dance before I did but during ‘Rockin’ In The Free World’ I had to let it go a bit. The band were spectacular and her songs are awesome, one of my favourite gigs ever.

Here is ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ including my handshake with Lucinda at the end. A life highlight.