The Pixies, Art Brut - Brixton Academy, London - Thursday 8th October 2009

As reforming bands go, there aren't many bigger than The Pixies. They had a crack at reforming a few years ago, and played a load of concerts to generally rapturous audiences and reviews. This time, they got back together to play a series of "20th Anniversary" gigs, to celebrate the release of Doolittle - their most popular album. With tickets at £30 a go, merchandise at high quality and high prices, and £15 CDs of the gig on sale - it was safe to say that they were being paid quite well for their efforts.

This was one of four shows at Brixton Academy, each of which had a different support band. The support for my night was Art Brut - they played to a half empty venue, most of whom had never heard of them before, but I enjoyed every minute. Eddie Argos shambled on stage during thr opening riffs of Formed A Band, in a suit which looked like he'd just come from work (like most of us actually had). He looks like a very unlikely band frontman, but the cleverness of their lyrics and the quality of the guitar riffs, make them a mesmerising band to see live - if you "get it". I do, but I suspect that a majority of this audience did not, and were probably thinking "what the hell is going on here". So, I really enjoyed the set, but it played out in front of quite a few bemused onlookers, especially those in their late 30s as most Pixies fans seem to be.

After what seemed like an eternity, during which anticipation in the venue was almost reaching fever pitch, the film Un Chien Andalou (or at least an edited version) started up - at the end of which the band walked on stage and played a couple of b-sides. They then proceeded to play the whole of Doolittle in order. The opening bars of first track Debaser witnessed cheers the like of which I don't think I've ever seen at a gig before, it was like the venue was going to explode with happiness. One of the good things about this particular album is that the "hits" are fairly evenly spaced throughout, so there was never too long to wait for a real crowd pleaser.

Overall, I have to say, the album sounded great, the band really seemed to be enjoying playing it, and the crowd certainly enjoyed listening to it. After Doolittle, we were treated to a couple of encores - some more b-sides, and a couple of hits from other albums. This was a pretty expensive night out, to hear some admittedly fantastic music - you get the feeling that the Pixies could spend a good many years yet, just milking the cash from an adoring fanbase. Gig review here.