Miles Hunt – Papillon

I wasn’t a huge fan of ‘The Wonder Stuff’ back in the day, they just weren’t on my radar. So when I got the opportunity to head back to Southampton for a night to see their front man Miles Hunt perform an acoustic set at an intimate venue called Papillon I was in two minds.  I needn’t have been, he was awesome and it was a brilliant night out. 

It was my first time at this venue too, which is surprising given its close proximity to my home.

This renovated church was just perfect for this performance, where Miles’s story telling and acoustic numbers captivated the 300 capacity audience.

It was a great set, accompanied by mesmerising guitar playing on some pretty fancy pieces of kit.

I was invited by my partner’s brother, Jon to join him and his wife, Lorrayne at this event, they had a spare ticket which came my way – thanks.

Jon is a bit of a 90’s indie fan so I really should have known it would be a good night – perhaps I should have more faith in this Mancunian muso!

It was unallocated seating and unbelievably we ended up sat next to two of Jon’s Sheffield University friends who now live in ‘Amazingstoke and had traveled the short distance down the M3 to be here.  It was lovely to meet Paul and Katie.

Looking around, and judging by the tee shirts being worn, I’d say 90% of the audience had seen him numerous times before, but for me, a Wonder Stuff virgin, I was equally appreciative – talent is talent!.

I somehow managed to spill not one, but two pints of beer over the floor during the evening and we were seated! Perhaps my liver was sending subliminal messages!

Would I go again? Absolutely, perhaps a gig with a larger ‘Wonder Stuff’ line up – which I know will have a totally different feel to this rather special and intimate occasion.  

They won’t look like they did in the 80’s but if tonight’s anything to go by they ought to sound great!