Live at Leeds – Side 1

by chris cunningham

Off to Leeds! After being out late last night we got a late start but wound or way through the country and up a big hill to the middle of England to Leeds. We’re staying at Liza’s sister house. She’s a dentist, so hide your sweets and practice your tooth brush calisthenics.

I’ve always associated Leeds with what some call the greatest live album of all time. The Who’s ‘Live at Leeds‘ from 1970. Leeds University being the exact location. I’ve had every version of that album that’s ever existed. Record, 8-Track, Cassette, CD, etc. Well, not reel-to reel. As good as it was, the original release was a truncated version that contained only 6 songs of the 37 song setlist! Lame-o! But we we loved it and voted it best live album many times over the years. A few years back they released the whole enchilada on 2 CDs and the world was somehow better. Prior to coming here that was what I knew of Leeds. The Who. 1970. Leeds. Live album of all time. Middle of England. The music nerd in me was excited about that.

First we met up with Amira and Old Greg and did a little shopping through town and then met Soraya and Nick for some Japanese food. Sushi plate for me. Yum, the salmon was nice and buttery. Later that night we went to a greek restaurant which was equally as good.

Leeds is a lovely city, and I even purchased a book about it. See the people, all shopping? Victorian arcades, water fountains, iron gates, glass…