I found out about this gig purely by chance, with an idle look at Willy Mason's website. All looked closed, and I was about to click away from the site, when I saw a paragraph in grey text at the bottom (it was almost like they were trying to hide it!). A pub gig, in front of 200 people, and tickets were available! So, off we went.
The venue itself was a circular theatre upstairs in the pub (which is a nice pub, if you don't mind being surrounded by rugger buggers called Tim). Very small, with a downstairs and a balcony which went all the way around the room. Thus, the strange prospect of being able to watch Willy Mason whilst standing behind him.
Willy's set was a long one, including most of his debut album, and about 5 or 6 new songs as well. His record deal had just been renewed that day, so we will get a second album soon. And, judging by the songs aired this evening, it will be better than the first - the new songs sounded instantly familiar, and excellent, even if he does have an unhealthy obsession with writing about insects! Willy took requests towards the end of the set, so he quite literally played something for everybody!
The man is an undoubted songwriting genius, the fact that he is only about 20 years old just adds to the amazement - how he writes the lyrics he does at that age is incredible - a very clever person indeed.
After the gig finished, Willy Mason was wandering around the upstairs bar, chatting with various people, and seemed genuinely surprised and overwhelmed with the level of support he has from fans in the UK. Willy then retreated to his dressing room, and a few were allowed to follow. The real treat of the evening was a private gig in the dressing room, as Willy sat on the sofa and strummed a few songs.
A magic evening, and a privilege to see such a talented artist in such intimate surroundings.
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