”Hi Eric”, I blurted out as I extended my limp, rattling hand forward for an unexpected hand shake.
”That was amazing”, I shrieked before my heart jumped into my throat.
I’ve never been starstruck before. It’s a bit weird….
About three years ago, on a typical evening at university, me and my house mate’s found ourselves typically slouched on the sofa, lost in the blare and glare of one of our most exploited study aids, the television. Despite our best efforts to join our spines in holy matrimony with the mountains of scientifically unidentifiable lint tucked under the age-old cushions, the programme on said television was just about keeping us safe from drowning in the abyss.
Jools Holland has introduced me to a wealth of new music over the years; some ear-splittingly nauseating, some wonderfully thought-provoking and on rare occasions, some downright goose bump inducing. Hearing Eric Bibb for the first time, I realised tonight’s offering was fortunately the latter.
I have always had an affection for gospel roots music. Born, I think, from those seemingly endless family car journeys as a restless toddler, fighting back waves of nausea as Dad performed yet another gut-wrenching gear change on the M4. Despite such unique driving technique, there were occasions when we weren’t all head deep in a carrier bag, and in those rare precious moments the stomach screams were usually replaced with the sounds of Stevie Wonder, Sam Cooke, and if mum was with us, Rod Stewart.
So Last Friday, after three years of listening to Eric Bibb nearly every day, me and my younger brother were understandably excited to finally see our musical hero perform live at the Southbank centre. At first, our guard was a little thrown off when we realised we were about 20 years younger than most of the 500-strong audience. Regardless of such hilarious faux-pas, the gig was by far the best live performance I’ve ever had the pleasure of witnessing. (Even better than the impromptu backpacker amateur sex show I saw in Cairns, Australia earlier this year. But I’ll probably save that for another time… or website.)
I’m not a religious person and never have been, but there is something about gospel music which does seem a little magical. After 20 minutes of finger picking, boot-stomping merriment, there was definitely a profound sense of joy in the air. Even the weirdly sweaty bloke next to me was proudly clapping to the beat and humming along. In fact, by the end of the gig, most of the middle-class British audience were rocking in their chairs and singing full volume.
*On a sidenote, watching people dance while sitting down is a brilliant British theatre convention which I think should be broadcast for humour purposes in every country around the world.
As the gig ended, I started to understand why so many people attend gospel churches. Even without a belief in a higher power, the feeling of overwheliming positivity is enough to keep you smiling for at least a week. I also realised, every sentence which came out of Eric Bibb’s mouth that night was cooler than anything I could ever say. I mean like Morgan Freeman or David Attenbrough cool.
In such fashion, he ended the show with: ‘
‘We like to press the flesh a little after these kind of things. So If you’ve got time we’d love to meet you all outside.”
Brilliant. Hundreds of positivity fuelled fans queueing to meet a man who is often referred to as the modern king of his genre.
Reaching the front of the queue, I confidently stepped forward. Smug in the knowledge I had cleverly prepared a really powerful opening sentence. Shockingly however, before I even opened my mouth, my heart rate went mental and the resulting sense of schoolgirl giddiness turned me into a creepy looking grinner.
”Hi Eric”, I blurted out. (because we are obviously on first name terms)
Eric Bibb: ”Hi brother, what’s your name?”
Me: ”That was amazing” (mumbled)
Eric Bibb: ”What, how’s that spelt man? Come closer.”
Me: ”Oh, my name is Naeem.”
Eric Bibb: ”What?”
Me: ”It’s spelt N-A-E-E-M”
Eric Bibb: ”Right on man, nice meetin’ you.”
Me. ”Nice to meet you. Bye.”
I think it’s safe to say I definitely made a lasting impression.
