Band On The Wall, Manchester. 9 August 2011.

Raghu Dixit’s first UK album release proved to be a joyous, exuberant celebration which I’ve enjoyed immensely since receiving it a few months ago. So, naturally, I had to see the man perform live and where better that one of my favourite Manchester haunts, The Band On The Wall situated in the Northern Quarter of the city. As I approached the city centre the ominous sight and sound of a hovering helicopter was worrying, especially since it seemed to be stationery, like a preying bird, over the part of the city I was heading for.

As I approached the venue sirens were wailing and I sensed tension in the air, and even wondered whether I should turn back - visions of overturned and burning cars flashed across my mind. Hell, fuck ‘em, I thought, parked the car and aimed for the venue just a few metres away. The front of the venue was shuttered and a side door opened for people attending the gig. Venue staff stationed outside was not comforting but they seemed to be in good spirits and offered up their usual warm welcome.

First up was Seamus Mcloughlin, a Preston based singer/songwriter who I had never heard of before. I was impressed… He had a powerful voice with wide vocal range and sang songs with real passion and meaning. He also is sensitive to melody and his short set was bursting with songs that immediately made an impression. He explained that he was a last-minute replacement and observed “why would you burn TK Max?”, lifting his hood as he spoke almost hiding his weather-worn face. It was a good set and strong enough for me to make a mental note to make contact.

Now usually there’s a thirty-minute drinking break to allow venues to make some money as well as setting up the stage. But within minutes of Seamus clearing his equipment a member of venue staff walked up to the mic. He announced that the performance was cancelled due to a strong recommendation from the police. He also advised the half-full auditorium that train, bus and tram services had been suspended, but staff would be on hand to assist with travel arrangements and liaise with car owners who may be able to provide lifts.

But then he said to loud cheers that Dixit would perform one song… And with that Dixit and his band arrived on stage traditionally dressed in the brightest colours and promising to ‘make the song last…’. The song chosen was the uplifting and intensely optimistic ‘Mysore Se Ayi’ performed like it was the last song of the set and not the first. This guy has already garnered much acclaim for his live performances but to witness him and his band ‘in the flesh’ was an inspiring experience. Dixit’s voice has that Indian ethnic sound and is delivered with such power and expression… One song was all that was necessary to confirm that Raghu Dixit is one special performer who can make an audience spark into life.

I was pleased I had ventured out but now it was my journey home through the city centre that worried me just a bit. Sure enough as I approached Piccadilly Square the police presence was tangible and crowds were watching whatever action was taking place. As I headed towards the G-Mex centre I could see smashed windows and even a pulverised pub front door frame. A newsagent shop had been totally emptied - it wa sickening. But in a country of extreme inequalities, I was not surprised.

“Really sad to have to cancel the gig today, but we managed to squeeze one song in. Apologies to everyone who came out to watch us, please drive home safe and leave us a message that you did. We’ll make it up to you soon, keep watching this space. Lets also hope things settle down in Manchester tonight and better sense prevails!” - Raghu Dixit

Some Punters:

” Enjoyed your one song and very glad I decided to come up for the gig - as I have just said on my own status, I refuse to stop living my life just because of idiots. Hopefully will get to see you again somewhere in the near future. Thank you so much to a really nice guy called Chas who went miles out of his way home to give me a lift back to my car.”

” The one song we heard tonight was amazing, and out of the mess on the streets came an act of kindness, a man gave me and my wife a lift home 30 miles to Preston. Hope to see you soon, it was great to see you”