COMMUTERS taking the tram in Manchester were given an unexpected treat on Thursday 30 October, when home grown talent Badly Drawn Boy (real name Damon Gough) played a one-off acoustic set on the Metrolink.
“It's a good way of seeing Manchester though, I might make a point of taking my kids out on a day trip along the tram”
There was a mixture of confusion and pleasant surprise as the singer-songwriter began plucking a number of his more famous hits, such as Once Around The Block, as a crowd of onlookers gathered at one end of the tram to investigate and snap photos.
“Funnily enough it's the first time I've been on a tram. I'm really enjoying it, apart from having to do a gig,” Gough joked, taking a break between tracks.
While his first time on a tram, the musician is no stranger to unusual performances.
“I've done weird gigs," revealed Gough. "I did a tour of chippies a few years ago when the Born in the UK album was out. The album was wrapped in newspaper so we did a fish and chip shop tour - so this is up there with daft gigs.”
Badly Drawn Boy at Exchange Quay
The tram gig was set up to promote Badly Drawn Boy's performance at The Whisky Sessions, a new two day winter festival beginning at Manchester's Victoria Warehouse in November. The singer is to perform on Saturday 22 November alongside a large line-up of other well-known acts, including I Am Kloot. The idea behind the tram set was to follow the route fans would also be taking to get to the festival from the city centre.
Still, Gough displayed his lack of experience with public transportation. While the tram slowed to a stop, he appeared befuddled by the platform's location and announced "Pomona, what is Pomona?” while glancing out of the window. The service though, which does get its fair share of stick from regular travellers, got the thumbs up in the end.
“It's a good way of seeing Manchester though, I might make a point of taking my kids out on a day trip along the tram,” shared Gough. Lucky them.
Badly Drawn Boy to play Victoria Warehouse
Alongside the promotional event, The Whisky Sessions have been running a competition giving unsigned bands the chance to play an opening slot at the festival.
The Badly Drawn Boy gave his opinion on the challenges these new and upcoming bands may face and how it compared to when he was first breaking onto the scene.
“I think it's a struggle for bands, but it's fairly healthy because you don't rely on that idea of getting a record deal, you just get on with what you're doing," he shared.
"I think people think it's negative, but the hardship of it breeds more creativity in some ways perhaps, that might be an idealistic way of looking at it, but I hope it's true.”
See Badly Drawn Boy and other acts at The Whisky Sessions, Victoria Warehouse Saturday 22 November. Tickets £35 + BF. See website.
