Curtis Allen

A Rockin’ Night at The Actress & Bishop: 4th May 2024

Hello everyone!

I’m excited to share a recap of my recent gig at The Actress & Bishop on the 4th of May 2024. This was my second weekend shift at this fantastic venue, and I was buoyed by the success of the previous week. The atmosphere was electric, and the warm spring evening only added to the vibrant energy.

As the sun set and the night came alive, I kicked off the evening with a high-energy set that got everyone moving. Starting with The Fratellis’ “Creepin Up the Backstairs” and The Strokes’ “Last Nite,” the dance floor quickly filled up with enthusiastic patrons ready to let loose.

Throughout the night, I played a dynamic mix of indie rock, classic hits, and some unexpected gems. Here’s a glimpse into the playlist that kept the crowd buzzing:

1. The Fratellis – “Creepin Up the Backstairs”
2. The Strokes – “Last Nite”
3. Feeder – “Just A Day”
4. Ash – “Like A God”

Early in the evening, a group of fans requested some Nickelback, which I played to their delight. I followed it up with The Darkness’ “Get Your Hands Off My Woman,” during which, the bar staff asked for some indie tracks. I was more than happy to oblige, blending in Blur’s “Coffee & TV” and Arctic Monkeys’ “Teddy Picker,” which brought a wave of nostalgia and excitement.

As the night progressed, I made sure to mix it up, blending tracks from different genres and eras to keep everyone on their toes. Here are some more highlights from the setlist:

• The White Stripes – “Fell In Love With a Girl”
• The Cure – “Boys Don’t Cry”
• Van Morrison – “Brown Eyed Girl”
• Mark Ronson feat. Amy Winehouse – “Valerie”

The dance floor was packed all night, with everyone singing along to classics like Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ’69” and Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.” I wrapped up the night with crowd-pleasers like Florence and The Machine’s “Dog Days Are Over” and Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” ensuring everyone left with smiles and memories of a great night out.

After the set, a group of women approached me and shared how much they enjoyed the music. They said they had been dubious at first; they weren’t into the heavier start of Nickelback and The Darkness, but once that finished, they’d thoroughly enjoyed the whole rest of the night and hoped I’d be back to play again soon. Their feedback was incredibly rewarding and reminded me why I love what I do. I’ll bear in mind the heavier stuff can be a tad divisive here in future…

Here’s a snapshot of the variety that kept the energy high:

• Third Eye Blind – “Semi-Charmed Life”
• Blink 182 – “I Miss You”
• No Doubt – “Just a Girl”
• Wild Cherry – “Play That Funky Music”
• The Jam – “A Town Called Malice”

Reflecting on the night, I’m thrilled with how it went. The warm spring air, the lively crowd, and the eclectic mix of tunes made for an unforgettable evening. My only regret is forgetting it was Star Wars Day (May the Fourth) and not playing any Star Wars-related tunes. I can’t wait to be back at The Actress & Bishop, bringing more of the music that gets everyone dancing and singing along.

Full Playlist from the Night

1. The Fratellis – “Creepin Up the Backstairs”
2. The Strokes – “Last Nite”
3. Feeder – “Just A Day”
4. Ash – “Like A God (Extended Version)”
5. Nickelback – “Something In Your Mouth”
6. The Darkness – “Get Your Hands Off My Woman”
7. Blur – “Coffee & TV”
8. Arctic Monkeys – “Teddy Picker”
9. The White Stripes – “Fell In Love With a Girl”
10. Raconteurs – “Steady As She Goes”
11. Caesars – “Jerk It Out”
12. Black Kids – “I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You”
13. The Cure – “Boys Don’t Cry”
14. The Clash – “Rock the Casbah (Remastered)”
15. Billy Ocean – “Get Outta My Dreams”
16. Huey Lewis & The News – “I Want A New Drug”
17. Stevie Wonder – “Sir Duke”
18. Van Morrison – “Brown Eyed Girl”
19. Mark Ronson feat. Amy Winehouse – “Valerie”
20. The Courteeners – “Not Nineteen Forever”
21. Jamie T – “Zombie”
22. Bryan Adams – “Summer of ’69”
23. Kings Of Leon – “Sex On Fire”
24. Natalie Imbruglia – “Torn”
25. Alanis Morissette – “Ironic”
26. Bryan Adams feat. Melanie C – “When You’re Gone”
27. Westlife – “Uptown Girl”
28. Third Eye Blind – “Semi-Charmed Life”
29. Smash Mouth – “All Star”
30. Opm – “Heaven Is a Halfpipe (If I Die)”
31. Toploader – “Dancing in the Moonlight”
32. Lighthouse Family – “Lifted”
33. Queen – “Don’t Stop Me Now”
34. The Kooks – “Naïve”
35. The Libertines – “Can’t Stand Me Now”
36. Oasis – “Mardy Bum”
37. Madness – “Our House”
38. Michael Jackson – “Can You Feel It”
39. Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell – “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”
40. The Marvelettes – “Please Mr. Postman”
41. Cher – “The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s In His Kiss)”
42. The Beach Boys – “God Only Knows”
43. T. Rex – “20th Century Boy”
44. Pulp – “Disco 2000”
45. Stereophonics – “Dakota”
46. Foo Fighters – “All My Life”
47. The White Stripes – “Seven Nation Army”
48. Don Broco – “Everybody”
49. Avril Lavigne – “Sk8er Boi”
50. Feeder – “Buck Rogers”
51. Ash – “Kung Fu”
52. Bruno Mars – “Locked Out Of Heaven”
53. The Weeknd – “Blinding Lights”
54. Eurythmics – “Sweet Dreams”
55. Depeche Mode – “Enjoy The Silence”
56. Soft Cell – “Tainted Love”
57. Måneskin – “Beggin'”
58. Halestorm – “Get Lucky (Daft Punk cover)”
59. Blink 182 – “I Miss You”
60. No Doubt – “Just a Girl”
61. Wheatus – “Teenage Dirtbag”
62. Wild Cherry – “Play That Funky Music”
63. The Jam – “A Town Called Malice”
64. Cameo – “Candy”
65. Justin Timberlake – “Señorita”
66. Fugees & Ms. Lauryn Hill – “Killing Me Softly With His Song”
67. Rag’n’Bone Man – “Human”
68. Florence And The Machine – “Dog Days Are Over”
69. Scouting for Girls – “She’s So Lovely”
70. Kate Nash – “Foundations”
71. Lily Allen – “Not Fair”
72. Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean”
73. Muse – “Resistance (Spor Remix)”

Thank you to everyone who came out and made the night special. If you’re curious about the kind of music I play or want to experience a night like this, check out my upcoming events or get in touch. Let’s make more memories together!

Rock on,
Curt