PIXIES | THE BIG MOON – 21ST SEPTEMBER 2019 – NEWCASTLE O2 ACADEMY

Legends return to Newcastle following the release of their latest album Beneath the Eyrie pummelling fans with an epic 2 hour set which comprised of nearly 40 songs.


Support for the tour comes from hotly-tipped act The Big Moon. They made a pleasant start to the evening with their irresistible slow burners. Pop tinged songs such as Sucker and Cupid will appeal to fans of the softer-toned Pixies songs. As the venue fills, they win over many in attendance, I think that is their power, they certainly reward the patient listener and although there is a lot to like on the first play of their material you need to invest a bit of time in them before the magic really clicks. With support slots such as a tour with the Pixies, I see great things ahead for The Big Moon.


Tonight marks my third time seeing one of my all-time favourites the Pixies and I find myself anxious with excitement to see them again. It’s been a good 5 or 6 years since I last saw them at Glasgow Barrowland and my first time with their new bassist Paz Lenchantin. It is quite a privilege to get to photograph this band, I’m not gonna lie! Tonight will certainly be remembered for many years to come. A band I’ve been obsessed with for a good 20-plus years and one of the bands that were pivotal in my musical education.


They are back with a new record and I must admit I haven’t listened to anything after the disappointing Indie Cindy. For a band with a stunning back catalogue it came as a bit of a let down to me, lacking the fire and abrasiveness I’d become so attached to. I just didn’t click with it. Tonight they’d only play one song from Indie Cindy and I wondered if maybe I had been a bit harsh on the new material, or the lack of songs from it proves my point? That said, I have it on good authority that the new album is indeed a return to form and much to my delight, I found myself really enjoying these songs in a live setting. They played the entire new album, interspersed with highlights from their entire career. The set worked remarkably well and I was astonished to see the reaction of the fans. The atmosphere in the Academy was one of awe, a hugely enthusiastic audience there to take in the night and experience one of the greatest bands of all time. I didn’t see many mobile phones in the air, just people dancing and having a great time. Just as it should be!


PHOTO GALLERY