The U.K. Subs + Guitar Gangsters at the Globe Room in Cardiff, UK on 15 December 2024.
And so, on to my final gig of 2024, the UK Subs in Cardiff. My gig number 102 of the year, and the 18th time that I have seen the Subs in 2024. I was hesitating right up until the morning before whether to go to this gig in Cardiff, but I am so glad that I decided to in the end (more about that later).
Support band, Guitar Gangsters are fast becoming my favourite “newly-discovered” support band. They certainly consolidate that position by a brilliant performance opening for the Subs once again this evening.
A really tight set of memorable songs meant that they win over the audience once again judging by the comments that I could hear around me.
I pick up a couple of their albums and a T-shirt, which I then manage to leave at my guest house when I leave the next morning.
Fortunately, they will post them back to me after Christmas. In the meantime, I have a Guitar Gangsters playlist on Spotify on rotation in my car. Hoping to get them over to play in Belgium in 2025.
The Subs play a brilliant set once again, and as with the previous evening in Guildford, they don their Christmas hats during the latter part of the set (except for “Grumpy Elf” once again 😉 ).
Everything seems “normal” amongst the members of the band, and I don’t notice anything particularly different this evening. But sadly, it comes as a bit of a shock to learn subsequently that this is the final gig with the UK Subs for guitarist Steve Straughan. Buy what a brilliant way to go out with a fantastic festive show in a rather cool venue with no barrier between audience and stage. I have expressed my thoughts about Steve leaving the band elsewhere, but needless to say that he will be sorely missed by me. However, I am looking forward to hearing soon who is going to take over the reigns for their first gig at the 100 Club in January.
A big thank you to Charlie, Alvin, Stephen, Stefan and Yuko for being again a big part of my year (18 times in 2024), and to everyone I met along the way. I look forward to many more “non-touring” dates in 2025. And all the best to Steve in the future. I know that I will see you again soon mate with the Spitfires or Loaded 44 x.
