I was really looking forward to seeing Sneaker Pimps again. They were great when I saw them earlier in the year (GIG 316), also at The Astoria. That time they’d been supporting Space, this time they were headlining the same venue.

I met up with one of the EMI reps I knew from when I worked at the record store. EMI distributed Virgin Records and Sneaker Pimps debut ‘Becoming X’ was sold through them. I rarely saw the reps I’d known, so it was good to catch up and have a drink and a chat/gossip.

Support was a British singer called Simon Warner. He’d just released his debut album, “Waiting Rooms”, which didn’t do very well and he ended up briefly working with the Sneaker Pimps at a string arranger. I wasn’t enamored with his set. It was ok, but not really my thing.

The Sneaker Pimps, however, were on top form and played a fantastic set. I’d be hard pressed to say if I preferred them at this gig or the one back in January – they excelled at both. I know I saw them one more time the following month at the Virgin Festival, but unfortunately I think that was it. Their singer Kelli Ali left before the second album as the band wanted a slightly different sound, and I’m not sure I ever saw them without her. Of course I might uncover a future gig entry for them so could be wrong. Anyway, great night!