Monthly Archives: July 2026

Comic Con Midlands 2026

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Comic Con Midlands

Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th July 2026

NEC, Birmingham

Much time has passed since I last attended a Comic Con at Birmingham NEC. However my good buddy, Adam, and I decided to venture back to the cavernous halls of this huge venue, to visit Comic Con Midlands, organised by the Monopoly group. These same guys run the huge Liverpool convention that I’ve been to several times recently.

The reason for our trip was because Adam had convinced me to go halves with him on a photo with a celebrity. This is not usually my kinda thing. I’ve queued up for signed autographs from actors etc in the past, and often (though not always) been very underwhelmed by the experience. For a big cash outlay I’ve been left with a colour pic and heaps of embarrassment. It would take something major to drag me out of my celeb-meeting retirement.

Something big would be the cast of cult 90’s comedy Mallrats, including Jason Lee, Renee Humphrey and Ethan Suplee. The cultured amongst you will know that Lee and Suplee also starred in legendary comedy series My Name is Earl, of which I am also a huge fan. Of course, the really hip cats out there will also know that Jason Lee is also an ex-professional skateboarder – one of the greatest to ever do it and a living legend.

So it didn’t take too much persuasion to sign me up for the My Name is Earl duo photo with Jason and Ethan.

Doors opened at 9am, and we were there bang on time. That meant a very early start for me on a Saturday morning, which is NOT a good thing. Waking up at 6.30am at the weekend? That’s pure criminality. Never mind, there would be plenty to keep us occupied till our photo op at 3.15pm.

Well, you would assume so. Usually these events (and certainly based on previous experience at the NEC) have hours worth of merch stalls to wander round. Merch stalls there were, but not enough – we’d completed a circuit by 10.30am. What??! Absolutely crazy. I mean, OK – I picked up a few comic books for my collection. Action figures were a scarcity, however (this would’ve been unbelievable in the past) – so it was relatively slim pickings on the merch front.

With hours to kill, we did some more circuits of the merch and explored outside the events hall to find refreshment. It was like a ghost town out there – even the Wetherspoons was shut.

Eventually it was time for the Mallrats Q&A session, featuring all three of the guests. The panel was very entertaining and informative, each of the cast members came across very well. They all seemed relaxed, happy to be there and divulged some interesting and funny stories. I later decided to quickly say hello to Jason Lee at his signing station. We had a really quick chat about skateboarding and I got a fist bump from the master. A very cool and memorable experience.

Later (much later) it was time for the photo op. Adam and I waited in line on our best behaviour, and soon enough were ushered in to have our photos taken with Lee and Suplee. Both stars were friendly, greeting us warmly with handshakes. The assistants barked orders at us and the photo was taken, then milliseconds later the same assistants barked at us to get out.

I was left feeling embarrassed and as if I’d been rude to two of my heroes. But the assistants were just doing their job, Jason and Ethan were lovely and I got a cool photo of us all together.

After that, it was time for the journey home. It had been a successful day – my experience of the Mallrats/My Name is Earl stars was very positive and I got a bunch of Marvel comic books. In future though, a later start wouldn’t hurt. I learned to my cost that no one needs to be in Birmingham at 9am.

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – Gig Review

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Joan Jett & The Blackhearts + The Meffs

Saturday 4th July 2026

Manchester Academy

Another busy weekend for Daughtertron and I – last week Metallica in Cardiff, this week a shorter trip to Manchester to see Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. We’re both big fans of this Rock’n’Roll icon, and as this was the band’s first headline tour of the UK for many a year, the decision to attend didn’t take much mulling over.

Our support band tonight were The Meffs, and the Academy seemed fairly lively and busy for their slot. I’ve head of The Meffs, but knew nothing else – I was to learn that they’re from Essex and they’re a two piece band (vocals/guitar and drums) – all of which was news to me. I was aware that they are highly regarded though, and their short but energetic set was ample proof of that. Covers of ‘Breathe’ by The Prodigy and ‘Identity’ by X-Ray Spex nestled comfortably next to their own raucous tracks like ‘Stamp It Out’ and ‘Deathwish’. Great noisy fun, plenty of attitude and something to say – a superb set.

July 4th being Independence Day in the once mighty realm of the Orange Chimp had slipped my mind, but I guess Joan and her band probably weren’t bothered either. Instead the massive audience were amped up and ready to rock out with a genuine icon, celebrating 45 years since the release of Joan’s earliest solo recordings. Starting things off with the rowdy ‘Victim of Circumstance’ followed with a very welcome rendition of The Runaways’ ‘Cherry Bomb’ was a confident, bouncy, sing-along success.

After that, we got ‘Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)’ – a Gary Glitter cover that left me confused and a bit queasy. I know Joan’s been covering this song for years, but it still seems surprisingly tone deaf. I don’t even want to type that guy’s name in this review! We were soon back on track though with ‘You Drive Me Wild’ (another Runaways number), ‘The French Song’ and ‘Fake Friends’ – all diamonds that are often overlooked by the casual listener.

More recent output was showcased with ‘(Make The Music Go) Boom’ and ‘If You’re Blue’ the former being a real highlight. Predictably, it’s the final run of mega hits that lights up the entire performance. From ‘Everyday People’ the energy in the room rises, then explodes for the legendary anthem ‘I Love Rock’n’Roll’. But that’s not all, kids! With ‘Crimson and Clover’ (Daughtertron’s favourite), ‘I Hate Myself For Loving You’ and ‘Bad Reputation’, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts unleash a tsunami of powerful, unforgettable Rock that lifts spirits and moves the bodies of all those gathered.

The sound was also very impressive throughout: Joan’s rapport with the audience and unmistakeable voice, along with the band’s instruments – never seemed to waver. It was a solid performance, expertly put together by a bunch of total professionals. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts’ music was all the fireworks and all the party we needed in Manchester tonight. A legendary artist and a classic gig!

Metallica Gig Review – Cardiff June 2026

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Metallica + Gojira + Knocked Loose

Sunday 28th June 2026

Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Cardiff city centre was literally swarming with people, nearly every single one of them wearing a Metallica t-shirt from one era of the band or another. Fans of all ages crowded the streets and bars, as music poured from the speakers. I’ve never witnessed anything like it before. And the atmosphere was crackling as soon as we got there.

Last time I saw Metallica live was at Sheffield Arena in 1993, on their Nowhere Else to Tour tour. I was a student, 21 years of age, seeing them for the first time and having been a fan for several years already. Metallica were rising in popularity on the back of their mega selling, self titled album.

Thirty three years later, I was finally going to see a Metallica gig again, this time with my old friend of fifty years. Joining us were our fifteen year old daughters, as we set about passing the torch to the next generation. We met up with another old pal and his family, ate some great burgers and headed to the venue. It was set to be a special event.

The Principality Stadium is bloody huge, let’s put it that way. Mightily impressive, the air was still full of excitement as we bumbled around to find out seats and get our bearings. Feeling like a mountaineer as I climbed to my seat, it was dizzying seeing the acres of people below. From my eagle like vantage point, the circular “in the round” stage was clearly visible, surrounded by huge poles supporting cylindrical screens.

The first band of the day, Knocked Loose, were already on stage as we entered the stadium, earlier than expected (probably due to a Sunday curfew, I guessed). Described as a Hardcore Punk band, their distinct crunch and harsh vocals gave them a more Metalcore sound. They came across well from what I saw, appearing confident and happy to be there. A band to keep an eye on.

Up next were Gojira, who were definitely comfortable on the huge circular stage. Their confidence shone through in the exquisite delivery of their technical yet emotional music. I’m not hugely familiar with their work, though I have listened to Gojira albums in the past. Based on this performance, I’m intrigued to revisit their albums and investigate further. With a sound that covers various Metal genres – Thrash, Death, Progressive – and an enticing lyrical content, I enjoyed what I heard and I’m keen for more.

Anticipation was set to boil over as AC/DC’s ‘It’s a Long Way to the Top’ teased the audience. By the time the traditional intro song, ‘The Ecstasy of Gold’ played (I’d warned my daughter that this tune heralded the main event), I was full of fire and ready to burn. The four members of Metallica appeared like tiny demons, miles away on the huge stage, and burst into ‘Creeping Death’. Perfect!

This diamond quality start was followed by a ferocious ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’, and both Daughtertron and I were very happy. The band hopped about through time, performing tracks from various albums – I’d forgotten how great the riff to ‘Cyanide’ actually is – the most recent being ’72 Seasons’ from their most recent offering. Two tracks from “Reload” were aired, ‘The Memory Remains’ and a blistering, explosive ‘Fuel’ that lit up the entire stadium and with pyrotechnics that warmed our faces.

Rob and Kirk’s now familiar ‘doodle’ spot gave us a surprise treat with a rendition of Tom Jones’ ‘Delilah’ – I’d never had expected that back in the early 90’s! But it was the “Black” album that dominated the setlist, with five tracks including ‘Sad But True’, ‘The Unforgiven’ and an emotional ‘Nothing Else Matters’, played in a darkened stadium with thousands of phone lights gently bobbing like fireflies. The song may divide hardcore metal fans, but you’d need a heart of stone not to feel the magic this evening.

As is expected, the band rotate around the stage and James seemed particularly on fine form, absorbing the audience energy. The set official presumably ended with ‘One’ which was truly engrossing and showed off some great Thrash skills from Lars. There was no “off they go and come back in ten minutes for the encore” – Metallica raged straight through with the classic ‘Seek and Destroy’. ‘Master of Puppets’ was justifiably held back till the end before it was aired, given the respect that defining song deserves. Finally ‘Enter Sandman’ wrapped things up in a glorious, euphoric crescendo.

Manging to cover most of their albums wasn’t going to be easy for a band with as many enduring tracks as Metallica have, but that was a damn fine setlist. Both Daughtertron and I were very satisfied, being able to hear some of our favourites in a live setting.

For over forty years, Metallica have been at the forefront of what they do. That a bunch of guys in their sixties can put on that good a show is encouraging enough – but the real success of this was seeing the multitudes of fans, of all ages and walks of life, coming together and loving the music. So many of us grew up with Metallica and we’re in the midst of introducing the next generation to this passionate, life-affirming music. This gig was genuinely exciting, moving, inclusive and more important than I expected.