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Cambridge Audio's Top Live Events of 2015

We live and breathe re-creating that feeling of being in front of your favourite artist or being in the heart of a club and feeling the music pulsing through your veins but nothing quite beats the real thing so at Cambridge HQ we each dedicate a lot of our spare time to just that. Can we pick just one moment from 2015 though? Here's what stood out from the rest...

Isle of Wight Festival 2015                                                                      

Isle of Wight is one of my favourite festivals of the summer, and this year the fact that Fleetwood Mac were headlining on the Sunday made the excitement almost unbearable. As they opened their set with The Chain, the atmosphere was incredible. They had drawn in huge crowds who were all belting out the classics as the band stormed through their set with vigour. Landslide was a tender break from the upbeat crowd pleasers, with Stevie Nicks’ heartfelt rendition of the song being one of the highlights for me. As the fireworks erupted during ‘Don’t Stop’ and the band came to the end of their two hour set, I was sad that it was all coming to end. It was a truly unforgettable experience and the perfect end to a weekend of great music which also included the likes of The Black Keys, Paolo Nutini, Blur and The Prodigy. - Rebecca Corderoy

 

Jamie Woon, Shapes Hackney

Following the release of his 2nd album Making Time, Jamie played a surprise gig at one of my favourite venues, Shapes in Hackney. It’s a very basic square, low ceiling venue, but when filled with a keen crowd, the simple set up lends itself really well to focusing the action on good music which Jamie offered up track after track. His set meandered between his two albums seamlessly and his characteristically smooth vocals sounded ridiculously similar to the album recordings – a true pro. For anyone who hasn’t heard his stuff, he creates a lovely blend of r’n’b and soul with a modern hit of electronica which makes for a truly warming listen. - Joel Gardner

 

King Crimson - Aylesbury

One of the most import and influential progressive rock acts of all the time went on tour this year with a peculiar lineup playing a very uncommon setlist compared to what they usually play. Three drummers, bassist, saxophonist, rhythm guitarist, vocalist and lead guitarist all played some of the old songs from Court of the crimson king, Red or Island  as well as some of the “newer” material from Construktion of Light. - Enrique Ramirez

 

San Fermin @ The Jazz Café, Camden

This year, San Fermin (Brooklyn-based ‘Project’ UGH! let’s call them a band…) released new album Jackrabbit with what appeared to be a stable line up now consisting of lead singers Charlene Kaye and Allen Tate (the vocal doppelgänger of Matt Beringer) and it’s fairly excellent. I was chuffed to find them playing The Jazz Café for the humble ticket price of £12, it’s IMPOSSIBLE recently to catch a band in that split second before they go from unknown to playing the O2 and I hope that wasn’t the last time I get to see them in a similar environment. With an 8 person line up and ever changing plethora of instruments being passed about, it was good on the eyes and the ears, and with the low slung stage it felt more like my sister and I were partying with the band rather than in front of them. Definitely my gig highlight of the year, hope you visit London again in 2016 San Fermin! - Charlotte Myson

High Society, The Old Vic

A truly 'swellegant, elegant' production of Cole Porter's musical, this dazzled and lifted the spirits. Staged in the round, with the band belting out the classic tunes from above, this tale of socialites behaving badly was a treat from start to finish. A particular highlight was the dueling pianos between Joe Stillgoe (son of Richard!) and Theo Jamieson during 'Well did you Evah?' while the cast danced on the tables. Such fun! - Jonathan Miles

 

Elderflower Fields Festival 2015

A family event set amongst Sussex fields this is now on its 3rd year and hasn’t lost any of its significant charm. During the ‘Tankus the Henge’ set I got the first signs of learning that my 6 year old daughter is going to love music as much as I do. Watching her jumping up and down with her friends in wild abandon without a conscious care was perfect. Rock on little one. - Ben Carratu

 

Foo Fighters @ Milton Keynes Bowl

After the disappointment of the Wembley Stadium gigs being canceled, due to Dave Grohl breaking his leg by falling off stage in Switzerland, I was truly excited to see the Foos reschedule to Milton Keynes. A highlight of the night was Royal Blood as first support that managed to make a sound as large as a five piece with only Bass, Drums and Vocals. Iggy Pop also provided his usual unpredictable Punk performance as the main support. With Dave sitting atop his custom throne (due to his leg) the Foos still managed to perform a memorable show with all their hits as well as new album tracks such as ‘Outside’ and old favorites like ‘Big Me’ and ‘This Is A Call’. You know it’s a good show when you lose your voice the next day from singing along to every single song! - Sam Meredith

 

Slam Dunk Festival 2015

This year the punk rock, hardcore and ska festival expanded out of the Leeds University building and took over venues across the entire city centre. As I’ve been to this festival every year since its early days in 2007, it’s been incredible to see the event grow from strength to strength. This year Moose Blood particularly stood out for me as they headlined the Fresh Blood Stage to a massive crowd despite it being their first appearance at the festival. Ska rockers Goldfinger also provided a solid set to skank to during the day including their iconic cover of ’99 Red Balloons'. - Liam Ruane

 

Did you happen to attend any of these gigs? We'd love to hear whether it was just a highlight for us or you felt the same! If not what music highlight did 2015 deliver that you just know is going to stay with you for years to come?