Saturday 17 March 2018

2012 Tour | Morphilms Blogs



2012 was the going to be the end of the world according to Nostradamus, but thanks to John Cusack, the world was saved and we don’t have to worry about a prophetic apocalypse told by someone centuries ago. To me, 2011 was a year where I saw maybe one gig, Godspeed you black emperor, in December. So I decided that if it was going to be the end of the world I'd have something to look forward to or say I experienced. Like Dave Gorman, I made a ludicrous plan that only made sense in my head, of one gig every month, halfway through including being in a different venue each month. Looking around Liverpool I thought this would be easy but funds, cancellations and blind willingness to just get a venue were what happened.


|| JANUARY ||



Airsoft is like paintball, only with BB bullets instead of paintball pellets. I'd been asked if I wanted to dress up as a zombie in an abandoned military camp and be shot at by other airsoft players to really give that 2012 apocalypse a feeling of authenticity. What the players had to do was shoot at the zombie’s body, the biggest target, the zombie would squat down, the player would get the objective and when the player was far enough the zombie could get back up and respawn. This was a fun one to start off with, the military camp really improved the experience, it went on in three rounds with each round the zombies went from a night of the living dead dragging your feet until nightfall were we became 28 days mad runners! I imagine the night game was scary for the players as there is no electricity so all light is from the player.


|| FEBRUARY ||



The Zanzibar in Liverpool has always been a place where new and upcoming bands can play their music on a stage small in the club. I'd even performed there myself six years earlier as part of my former band, Two Heels Bare. I don’t remember why but I knew the Zanzibar was a staple to view a gig no matter the band. I can’t remember much from this night unfortunately just that it was fun and if you're ever out in Liverpool it's a must go to visit.

This night out I actually can't remember much of, but according to Phil, I had a good time. I adore Zanzibar so I always love going in there and listening to new upcoming music, it's not the biggest of places but that's great as you really get to be close to the musicians and hear their music personally. Zanzibar is a must visit if you're planning a trip to Liverpool. - Alisha Valerie


|| MARCH ||



I got into Pink Floyd late in my life so when the opportunity to see a tribute band cover them I jumped at it. This was back in 2003, I've seen the tribute band multiple times and when compiling my list the Liverpool Echo Arena was going to be sure-fire but it meant I couldn't go back once I had been. Aussie Floyd was just a bonus, but what a bonus. For anyone unfamiliar with Floyd live, they use light shows, guitar solos and a giant pink inflatable kangaroo. I recommend anyone to experience them, tribute act or not they’re a great band that entertain many and reminder of the brilliance of Floyd.

Phil Floyd being one of my favourite ever bands, I was more than happy to go along to watch Aussie Floyd. If you haven't seen them then like Phil said, I would highly recommend if you like that type of music. They really do know how to put on an incredible show! - Alisha Valerie


|| APRIL ||



A bunch of scousers met up with a few people who play airsoft on the Isle of Mann and we ran around a beach setting, shooting each other silly. Which is fine but when your hungover and not fully prepared food wise for this it can get exhausting. Our team didn’t win but some of the games were fun and I’d recommend anyone who enjoys an outdoor experience to give it a go.


|| MAY ||



Joy Division was a band I got into after watching 24-hour party people and they went on to become New Order. The idea of listening to their 1st album in full done by their bass player Peter Hook really interested me, but unfortunately, I knew no-one who was into Joy Division's music so this is the only gig I went to on my own. The 02 Academy in Liverpool, like the Zanzibar, is a staple for bands. However, more veteran bands have performed including, Jimmy Eat World, The Beta Band, The Zutons and more of just the bands I’ve seen but their list is a mix of new and well-known acts. Just like when I saw the Gorillaz, Demon Days album in Manchester, one album is all you get but it was a brilliant performance, plus as I left that night, while waiting for my train I stopped in to the pub next door called The Head of Steam, only to see my former drummer playing, we had a catch up and good times were had


|| JUNE ||



Avenue Q is a mature version of Sesame Street. It deals with real-life problems, like finding your purpose, confronting your sexuality and racism (it also has a live sex show involving puppets). It’s brilliantly written and it's catchy tunes keep the pace up. The Empire Theatre has showcased many great plays as well as comedians and magical entertainers.

When Phil asked me if I'd like to go along to this play I was a little taken back. Not only because we were best friends and I didn't know if this was a date or not, but also because I am terrified of puppets so didn't think this would be a good show for me to go and see. However, I went along anyway as he raved it up so much to me and I'm so thankful that I did! I remember sitting in the theatre waiting for the play to start wondering if I was going to enjoy it or be scared of it, but wow what a show. If you haven't seen this performance then I can't recommend it enough; it had been in stitches laughing and I completely ruined my makeup for the evening from all the giggle tears I had. It was a great night and I really suggest that you check your local theatres to see if Avenue Q is performing, if so book a ticket! Click here to see my previous blog post reviewing a previous Avenue Q performance. - Alisha Valerie


|| JULY ||



Silver Story is an upcoming band from St. Helens and was releasing there new EP at a launch party. This was about the time I realised how sparse some venues are. This was a fun night including the bar staff serving some of my friends only to realise they didn’t ask for their ID and so asked them to leave. It was a pretty packed night from what I remember.

This night was brilliant! I'd gone along to support our friend Gaz as he is the drummer in the band, Silver Story played awesome as always and I even bumped into a couple of people who I hadn't seen in such a long time and had a catch up with a couple of them, as well as making new friends who Phil introduced me to. If you haven't heard of Silver Story then trust me and search for them on Spotify or YouTube! - Alisha Valerie


|| AUGUST ||



This one begins with waiting in the cavern in summer, roasting, watching the Olympics with some sort of Beatles tribute band playing in the background. I was always a fan of The Who, so when a tribute band popped up I took a bite, plus the cavern was somewhere I’d never been for this tour. I’d never heard the Whole of Quadrophenia, which was getting performed for the 1st half, with greatest hits the 2nd, but I loved the whole set. Not the biggest venue in terms of size plus the drinks are a little limited but I was glad I went.


|| SEPTEMBER ||



I had no idea who Jon Gomm was or was the Epstein theatre was, I just knew I needed a gig for September and found this either online or in the NME, I can't remember now so can't be sure. Jon Gomm is an accomplished guitarist that makes the guitar sound incredible. My non-knowledge of the person really helped me go into this with no prejudgements and I'm glad I went, Andy McKee and Preston Reed were also playing and the three of them possess a great talent.

Jon Gomm has been an amazing guitarist who I have listened to for years, my dad was the first one who showed me his music and I completely fell in love with how he played so when Phil posted a tweet asking if anyone would like to go along I jumped at the chance, as to be fair if Phil would have said no I would have ordered myself some tickets and took a family member or friend as he really is that good. I had a really fun night and I'm so glad I went. The bonus of the night was that I even got introduced to new music by two other musicians who were also playing that night which I was so happy about. - Alisha Valerie


|| OCTOBER ||



This was my least favourite gig. I'm not a fan of scream rock, it's just not my thing. I was recommended this by a friend and it was in a venue I hadn't been so taken it instantly. Hawthorne Heights seems quite good and I have nothing negative to say about them or the venue, where it took place in the basement. By this time the gigs were taking a toll on my bank account and I was stressing over not finding a different venue each month because I really didn’t want to repeat myself.

I was the friend who recommended this band to Phil and to be honest, I thought they were going to be a lot better than they were. I'd heard a couple of songs by them which I liked but was so disappointed when they didn't play their well-known songs and only played the new stuff which no-one had heard yet, a couple of other people where excited to hear new stuff but I personally would have liked to hear them play songs which I knew by them. However, they really got the crowd excited and were good performers. The venue was also a little annoying as if you needed the toilet you had to go up the stairs into the main bar and then back down a separate set of stairs back into the other side of the basement to the ladies, all in all, it was a good night but not one I would like to repeat anytime soon. - Alisha Valerie


|| NOVEMBER ||



The WWE. If you've read my other blog post about liking wrestling this was a no-brainer. However, the WWE only do big venues, and I'd already used my Echo Arena card for this year, so instead, I went off to the city of Birmingham on Bonfire Night for a taping of WWE RAW. The show was good, and it was great to hear the crowd in full and unedited, the venue was easy to find and had a giant car park, but the real fun began on our way home. The paths were icy and anybody not in boots or with no grip went sliding about with one girl almost cracking her head on the kerb! Then, as a thick fog, combined with firework fallout meant our visibility had been reduced greatly, it was scary following the back of a truck only relying on its brake lights to keep a safe distance, to know your only a mile from home but can't tell because everything around you is just fog was a bit worrying. Thankfully we made it home safe and sound, and all in all, it was a brilliant night.
 - Click here to read my other blog about my thoughts and views on wrestling.


|| DECEMBER ||



This was it, the end. I'd become quite a fan of the Black Keys after hearing them in the TV show 'Lie To Me' so when the chance to see them popped up I was relieved, and since I don't know Manchester venues that good having the train station right underneath venue is easy enough to get to and from. Originally I was meant to go to this weekender gig, three nights of bands I'd never heard of but it sounded like a nice way to end this year, sadly that fell through and I scrambled for a new gig a new venue. The Black Keys were brilliant, it was a sold out show and loud as hell. I watched on enjoying every part knowing this was the end of a fun gig worthy year.


I hope you all enjoyed reading another Morphilms Blogs post, you can follow Phil on twitter by clicking here. Phil seemed to have a great year in 2012 even if it did leave him penniless it seemed so worth it for him and I'm so happy that I got to go and experience some of these shows with him too. Have you done anything like this before or seen one of these shows yourself? We'd love to know, leave us a comment below and let us know?

With love, Alisha Valerie and Morphilms x


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40 comments:

  1. I didn't even realise that Phil blogged! Definitely gonna check out his blog later!

    Love, Amie ❤
    The Curvaceous Vegan

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    1. He blogs via my blog doing guest posts sometimes doll ๐ŸŒธ✨

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  2. Looks like 2012 was a really fun year

    Rebecca Elaine x

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    1. It really was one of the best years babe ๐ŸŒธ✨

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  3. Ahh this is such a cool idea! I wish I could trust my partner enough to let him loose on my blog haha! xo
    Sian | www.siankathrine.co.uk

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    1. Haha I'm sure he wouldn't do anything embarrasing babe! Thanks for your comment ๐ŸŒธ✨

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  4. 2012 was 6 years ago how crazy is it to think about that! Looks like it was a great year! This made me remember about the ‘2012 end of the world’ situation and i was in school and all day everyone were on edge thinking the world was going to end!๐Ÿ˜‚

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    1. I know right? It's crazy how quickly years ago by! It really was one of the best years babe, haha I remember that so much, I was in a nightmare at midnight and everyone went crazy after thinking the world was going to end! ๐ŸŒธ✨

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  5. This is such a good idea!
    I'm going to see WWE Raw live in May, I'm so excited xx

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    1. Really hope you enjoy yourself darling! ๐ŸŒธ✨

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  6. It's great that you both have blogging as a common interest! My partner couldn't be LESS interested in my blog or blogging in general, haha!

    Jenny
    http://www.jennyinneverland.com

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    1. Aww I'm sorry to hear that lovely, I love that my husband uses my blog to post a blog post sometimes. It proper makes me happy that he shares his life with my readers too ๐ŸŒธ✨

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  7. This was such a cool post!! It's amazing to have so much in common! my bf is obsessed with WWE he goes to all the ones where we live lolol

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    1. It seems that everyone's boyfriend loves WWE babe, and I love that my husband and me have so much in common. Thanks for your comment ๐ŸŒธ✨

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  8. Aw I love this idea of looking back over the years!

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  9. I love the concept of this post!
    So good to reminisce over past memories.
    http://littlemissmelanie.com

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    Replies
    1. I'm so happy that you think so ๐ŸŒธ✨

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  10. Wow! It seems like it was a whirlwind year of gigs for you! How lovely that you both blog - you'll be able to look back in years come to on this like a little online scrapbook!
    Kate x
    http://www.findingkate.co

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    1. That is kind of the plan, thank you so much for your comment ๐ŸŒธ✨

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  11. I like the layout of this post. Such a fun way to look back on life!

    Jessica & James | www.foodandbaker.co.uk / www.foodandbakertravels.co.uk

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  12. Oh yes I remember everyone saying 2012 was going to end! I remember waking up the next morning and looking outside and everything was exactly the same haha! I love this idea of a blog post, such a great idea to look back on the years x

    https://itsmeganelizabeth.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Thanks so much for your comment Megan, I'm super happy that 2012 wasn't the end of the world lol! ๐ŸŒธ✨

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  13. I haven't listen to The Black Keys in ageeees! What a blast from the past. Sounds like you had a wild 2012!

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    1. We both really did, thank you so much lovely ! ๐ŸŒธ✨

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  14. Love The Black Keys! Great idea for a post!

    xoxo, Harley
    http://thebalancedbelles.com

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  15. Cool post! I'm a big Pink Floyd fan! You've defintely given me some new bands to look up. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. You're more than welcome, so happy you're a fan of Pink Floyd! ๐ŸŒธ✨

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  16. This is such a fab idea! Love your post ! xxxxx

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  17. Wow, 2012 seems like a busy year for you for sure! I really need to get out there and attend more gigs, glad you had a great time!
    Love,
    Hayley x
    Lifethroughtsg.com

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    1. It was lovely but it was so worth it! ๐ŸŒธ✨

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  18. I love that Phil wrote a post, it's so lovely that he's so supportive. Those venues are definitely on my list if I visit Liverpool (I've never been!) so I can check out some new music/theatre. Thanks for sharing!

    Amy | hookedonthemusic.com

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    1. Phil is so supportive, I don't know what I'd do without him - found myself a Prince Charming right there! Hope you love all of the places if you do every visit. Thank you for your comment ๐ŸŒธ✨

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  19. This is such a cool way to look back at 2012! Sounds you had a good one!

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    1. Aw, thank you so much! We really did ๐ŸŒธ✨

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