I guess we’ve reached that time of the of year when we reflect on this year and look forward to next year.

Gig wise 2015 was a little quieter than I would’ve liked but, as we all sadly know, we can’t go to every show.

Way back in January (seems a very long time ago) I went to see Hayseed Dixie for the first time, starting the year in my favourite venue in Glasgow, the O2 ABC. The evening was certainly a musical experience. Some classic rock songs will never be the same again!

February brought Black Label Society, who were ably supported by Crobot. Zakk Wylde in a kilt is a sight to behold! Amazing night even if Boy Child’s nose hasn’t been quite the same shape since…

In March, it was Halestorm at Barrowlands. A memorable evening for many reasons! It also introduced me to two new bands to keep an eye on – Wilson and the fabulous Nothing More.

At the end of March I caught the Rival Sons show at the O2 Academy. I’ll never forget those kilts!

April should have started with Pierce The Veil and Sleeping With Sirens with my Girl Child but unfortunately I was ill and missed that show. Girl Child missed out – something I still feel guilty about.

April ended with Theory Of A Deadman at the O2 ABC. Great show!

Next up were The Gaslight Anthem at the O2 Academy at the start of June. Another great show and glad to have seen them before they announced their “hiatus”.

June 15^th was most definitely a highlight show – Tremonti at the O2 ABC. Absolutely awesome show! And add in the pleasure of meeting Mark Tremonti and the rest of the band. Lovely guys.

Then began my musical drought!

(True, there were shows I could’ve gone to but I was planning ahead for 2016 and economics coupled with a modicum of common sense had to come into play)

The drought ended on 12 November in The Cathouse! Crobot were back in town and this time they were headlining! I finally got to keep my promise to be on the rail, centre front, when they headlined a show in Glasgow. Awesome night! Love those boys! Precious memories and I finally remembered to get those autographs!

And the calendar was brought to a close in December with Ghost at the O2 ABC, back where I’d started the year. A bizarrely brilliant experience.

So what lies ahead for 2016?

I’ve five shows lined up so far….

February sees The Carnival of Madness come to the UK for the first time ever, bringing Highly Suspect, Halestorm, Shinedown and Black Stone Cherry to the stage. Three of my favourite bands all on one night! No wonder I’m going twice! (Glasgow and Manchester)

At the end of February, I’ve tickets to go back to see Theory Of A Deadman.

Early April I’m going to check out Brian Fallon and the Crows (front man with The Gaslight Anthem in case you were wondering)

At the end of April I’m going to see Chris Cornell’s acoustic show.

All things going to plan there should be a few more dates added to the diary throughout the year!

Here’s to 2016 being a rockin’ good year!