Glasgow. Manchester. London. It was called "The Last Weekend" by the promoters. For me it was the weekend I wanted to last forever. I came from New York to see the Comsat Angels play; I had made the trip the previous April and nothing would stop me from going again.
I didn't travel alone. A group of about ten of us attended all three shows; we knew each other from meeting online — kindred spirits in that we all love the band. Other friends joined us in each city. A Comsat fan lives largely in isolation of other fans and the gathering of like-minded people was an event in itself. We arranged to stay in the same hotels and take the same trains. It was like a non-stop, three-day party.
The first concert was in Glasgow. It was a Thursday night, but the band drew a respectable-sized crowd. The setting was intimate and the sound was great; they played a set that included songs from the first three albums, as well as some from later ones, including Valley Of The Nile, Always Near and You Move Me. The band looked very relaxed and Steve Fellows was in great voice.
Friday morning, the fans moved south to Manchester, laughing and trading stories on a lively train ride. The venue that night was right in the heart of the university, the street outside buzzing with youthful activity. I had the extra pleasure of attending the sound check and also helped out with the merchandise stand, having a blast selling Comsat T-shirts and CDs to arriving fans. The venue really filled up with about 400-500 people in attendance. I managed to get a great spot right up by the stage near Andy. The band seemed to gain energy from the packed house and gave us a great set, this time including I Hear A New World and Cutting Edge. We filed out that night with smiles on our faces and with the happy thought that we still had another concert to see!
One more day on the train, going from Manchester to Sheffield (an appropriate detour) and then on to London for the Saturday night show. Another evening of attending the sound check, then helping with the merchandise stand. The number of people was even greater than in Manchester — more than 500 I think— and we sold out of T-shirts in most sizes. I met other Americans from Minneapolis and Chicago, further proof that a Comsat fan will go a long ways to see them perform.
This final show felt more than anything like a celebration of this band who never could get a break back in their heyday. I once again found a spot in front and looking behind me into the crowd, I could see it extend all the way to the back wall; there were even folks high above in the balcony. From the first strains of Sleep No More to the final notes of Our Secret, we danced and bounced and sang along. And then it was over — Steve, Mik, Andy and Terry joined together at the front of the stage to acknowledge the cheers of the faithful. They gave us a great sendoff if this was to be their last ever concert.
My night ended with more magic. After helping to count money and packing up the merchandise stand, I was generously invited into the band's dressing room, a great thrill. I met bass player Kevin Bacon who was in attendance that night, though he didn't play on the tour. And I mingled with the rest, being one of the last fans with them on the street as they boarded the van back to Sheffield.
To all of my Comsat friends who I was with on the tour, I love you all. And to the band members themselves, thank you for so much great music. I can only hope for more from the Comsat Angels... they are going too strong to stop now.
— L.M., November 2009