Andrew Cushin at Dingwalls, Camden Town, London (2.6.2025) with The Rolling People and Hearts supporting.
Good to return to a Dingwalls back under its original name. My only previous visit to see a band here was A Flock of Seagulls during its Powerhaus branding (name ownership dispute). The Dingwalls name returned in 2023, although the exterior always kept the advertising for an original owner when it was an industrial building: T.E. Dingwall.
Bit of a classic venue that opened in 1973, next to the Regent’s Canal as it runs through Camden Lock, and just north up Camden High Road from Camden Town tube station.
Despite the activity in the late 70s and early 80s I never went there from my suburban London home: I just remember all the ads in NME and Sounds. Bands such as REM, Blondie, The Ramones, Sex Pistols and The Clash played here. There’s a classic Clash photo taken in the nearby market area, used on their first album cover – I went to find it.
It’s into the venue early to see if there is a place to lean or sit. Walked around a bit much today. Also I wanted to see the support bands, especially The Rolling People.
It’s an all standing, 500 capacity venue. The floor steps down to the stage from the bar. I love the set up. Choice – some seats, some leaning and rear and side raised areas.
If you like the raise stepped areas best grab a place at the front rail of any of these as it would be harder to see otherwise.
The mix desk is just beyond the first step down from the bar level and that was our chosen place tonight, after relinquishing our side bench seat during Hearts. I notice Hearts are being referred to as Hearts (SE) as too much confusion with other bands I guess when trying to look up some background. New name required I’d say, at this early stage.
Their opening set of indie rock was fine as just that but as soon as The Rolling People started up there was an evident gulf in the depth of sound and impact. A big part of this must be due to the lead vocals of Rolling People front man, Charlie McNichol.
I’ve been listening to The Rolling People’s singles and EPs on Spotify (no albums yet) and a bit of payback tonight when I bought the 12 inch EP, Before It’s Gone from them at the merch stand after the show. Bold indie rock, laced with guitars and fronted with that strong vocal.
These lads are late teens and hopefully the rock’n’roll world will open up for their brand of indie guitar based rock. Some similar sounds to tonight’s headliner.
And on to the main event – Andrew Cushin has a terrific voice and his songs are more rocky than some solo male singer songwriters. Many songs are quite anthemic and suit the live crowd singalong, but there are slower ones too.
With the band accompanying him there is a lot more to the sound than solo and you don’t lose that voice at all as he rides above it.
I’ve seen him twice before, once supporting The Slow Readers Club at Thekla in Bristol (link to blog) and on his own tour at Southsea’s Wedgewood Rooms. We have both albums on vinyl in the house, signed. Those are Waiting for the Rain (2023) and Love is for Everyone (released in May this year). Here with my wife Sally tonight – she’s the bigger fan I guess.
The age range in here tonight is unusually broad, which is good to see – I don’t feel like someone’s dad who’s brought their kids along. I think that’s a reflection of his musical style(s).
He’s 24 years old and has had some encouragement from the likes of Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher, supporting the latter on tour. Noel also produced one of his tracks. I’m surprised he hasn’t boomed even more really but there’s time yet.
The set tonight celebrates the new albums, with a smattering of others. The tour must be going well as a second leg has just been announced in the Autumn, taking in some different towns and cities. Good to see Southampton included.
Cushin has a powerful voice and all the while he’s giving his all on the guitar – acoustic and electric. I know the new album enough not to crave his first album tracks, but it’s great when you hear them. Check out Wor Flags or It’s Coming Round Again.
Andrew checks out the audience and likes a chat. There are a few Geordies and some giveaway Newcastle United shirts in the house. One song he dedicates to Gemma – we don’t know if she is in tonight – but I capture this one for my YouTube channel: A Song For You.
Plenty of zoom pics tonight. The lighting works for me, so I’ve included a few more.
Looking forward to Southampton already and a very enjoyable visit to Dingwalls. The man is going places.
Gigs with Ivan 