Blood Bird at The Stanford Arms, Lowestoft, 22 June 2014, review and photos.
The Stanford Arms is a place that has been increasingly coming to my attention through word of mouth and social media as I notice more and more of the acts I love seem to be playing there, and the owners appear to be doing great things. Seeing that Blood Bird were due to play both myself and my friend Steve Howlett (of Grapevine) had the same idea of paying a Sunday afternoon visit. I was going to take a day trip by train but Steve’s other half Jan kindly offered to drive us there and I am so grateful that she did. The afternoon was one of glorious music, fantastic ales, warm sunshine, delicious barbecued food in a wonderfully friendly, old-time feel pub. It comes as no surprise to discover that the Stanford Arms is officially the “Best Pub in Suffolk” with its range of Green Jack beers and Hobgoblin this is a refreshingly lager-free zone! It’s a gem of a pub which is homely, friendly, comfortable and with excellent beers. Excellent music too. If that is not enough they even have their own on-site wood-fired pizzas!
By a strange coincidence, whilst waiting to be picked up by Jan and Steve I was spotted by Chris and Steph, themselves making their way to Lowestoft to perform as Blood Bird, fresh back from some dates in Europe as Kill It Kid. Last week they played a festival in front of about 90,000 people and it says much about them that upon their return they wanted to play this pub in Lowestoft.
Blood Bird
Blood Bird
They really are a talented duo and a couple with immense chemistry, both as people and as artists, and each with incredibly expressive vocals. Chris was asked by someone at the bar to play some slide guitar, and this he did with relish and aplomb. It was superb. Their set featured some of their own songs as well as a few covers and a couple of Kill It Kid tracks too. A real treat for me was hearing Caroline for the first time live, which is the next, imminent single release from Kill It Kid, and I am extremely proud to have one of my photos of the model Lauren Capulet featured as its cover.
Blood Bird
Blood Bird
Needless to say, Blood Bird went down an absolute storm here and have become quite the regulars, so much do they love performing at the Stanford Arms, and I can see why. It has a good-sized room, a more than decent p.a. and the owner loves and knows his music. All the right ingredients for a well run and welcoming pub that is an absolute joy to be at. Even as a first time visitor I felt at home, very welcome, and even saw some familar faces and chatted with loads of new ones. I will definitely do my best to return there soon.
Blood Bird
Blood Bird
Many thanks to Steve and Jan, Chris and Steph, David and all at the Stanford Arms.
words and photos, richard shashamane 2014
@RShashamane
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Norwich: Music City, UK 