In December of 1999, Blur undertook a short jaunt around the UK they called the "Singles Night Tour," where they played a handful of dates and the set consisted of all of their singles (to date), played in chronological order. The tour dates were (available recordings are in bold font):
December 1999:
4th - Centre, Newport, UK
6th - Waterfront, Belfast, UK
7th - Corn Exchange, Edinburgh, UK
9th - NEC, Birmingham, UK
10th - Centre, Brighton, UK
11th - Wembley Arena, London, UK
The set list (no surprise) was:
I Know
She's So High
There's No Other Way
Bang
Popscene
For Tomorrow
Chemical World
Sunday Sunday
Girls & Boys
To The End
Parklife
End Of A Century
Country House
The Universal
Stereotypes
Charmless Man
Beetlebum
Song 2
On Your Own
M.O.R.
Tender
Coffee & TV
No Distance Left To Run
While these concerts have passed into legend in Blur lore and are a unique part of their history, fan opinion is split. Many fans (myself included) think of it as quirky little tour and the last chance to hear some songs the band absolutely hate and have no intention of ever playing again (Charmless Man, Country House, both brought back in 2009, Bang, I Know). Other fans think the predictability of the set lists made the shows uninteresting and boring. I can see their point, even though I like the shows.
Only the final night at Wembley is available, both in a complete audience recording and a nearly complete soundboard recording patched together from two sources. I find it shocking that more recordings from this tour aren't available...I had heard rumors of a tape of the Brighton show, but so far nothing else has surfaced other than the London show. If anyone out there has some Singles Night shows (or any others) please contact me privately.
What are all of your thoughts on this tour? Comments welcome!
I was at the Wembley show & had a great evening, although playing the singles in order meant there were frequent dips in energy from the band - most noticeably on the closing numbers.
ReplyDeleteMy most abiding memory though was Country House. Every knew they hated it yet they tore through it with gusto, Graham & Damon pogoing around the stage during the outro as the former wrung a mangled solo out of his guitar.
In retrospect, it was a fun thing to do & it was good to hear a couple of tunes that I'd never heard live before.
Hooligan, thanks for the memories and the story! I always love reading/hearing from people who have seen them live. Hope you enjoy the blog and hope to see you comment more in the future!
ReplyDeleteAlso, if you would like to trade, contact me privately :-)
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ReplyDeleteI was at Wembley at the chronological order was perfect to know when to plan further for the bar and toilet! The sound of No Distance Left to Run fading to end as people started to leave was a pretty epic ending.
ReplyDeleteA nostalgic celebration of Blur's hits, the Singles Night Tour of 1999 showcased the band's evolution and the enduring popularity of their music. If you want to visit Leh Ladakh Read this Blog Ladakh Tour Cost
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember who the support act were? I recall them being quite good, if I'm thinking of the right tour!
ReplyDeleteGreat reading yoour post
ReplyDeleteI was at the Wembley show and loved it, it was a bit of a novelty to be sure and I much prefer many album tracks and b-sides to the singles, but I'd just seen them play a very varied set at Reading Festival that summer so was just happy to be having a communal experience with likeminded fans. Abiding memories are that I missed a couple of songs due to an anxiety attack where I had to step out, being charged what I thought was a scandalous £5 for parking (!), and before the band came on watching an advert for the latest Charlatans album over and over again, which used the video for the excellent Forever, so no complaints from me.
ReplyDeleteI did actually see them at the Birmingham NEC, but didn't actually go in. I lived locally, so on a bleak and drizzly week night I drove my Metro up to the NEC and got as close as possible to the hall, and snuck around the back where the loading bays were. There was only a metal roller shutter separating us from inside the venue, so we could hear everything quite clearly. There was an unlocked side door which I nervously walked through, only to find myself in a brightly lit room, assuming it was some sort of office/admin area. Hearing voices I legged it back outside and peered through the partially open blinds, and the band, sweaty, and their entourage filed in for post-gig drinks and revelry. I recognised some of their label bosses, Ifan the tour manager and I'm sure Phil Daniels was there. We watched for a bit, but eventually had to move on as the loading bay doors opened so they could pack up the props from the show, which I recall included a giant burger from the Mile End gig (half remembering here). We waited in my car by the exit to the NEC and briefly followed their tour bus, before peeling off and heading home.