Savages @ The Independent, San Francisco, 27 September 2013

The guitarist sounds like Andy Gill and has a haircut that is precisely half way between Will Sergeant and John McGeoch. The singer sounds like Siouxsie and dresses like Ian Curtis. Like millions of others I like the Savages because they sound like those old bands I used to like. It is possible that they were grown in vats by evil geniuses attempting to create the ideal NME band. For half this gig they are merely good, but a cover of Suicide's Dream Baby Dream gets the crowd to start moving and the band feeds on this to somehow get even more intense. Only a few people broke the ban on using cellphones which helped the atmosphere. All Savages need to do now is write some more songs, and decide whether to be aloof or friendly on stage. I liked the drummer, who seemed to be actually enjoying herself, and even threw in a few rock moves. Overall this was pretty good.

Courtney Love @ The Independent, San Francisco, 25-July-2013

Courtney is happy and enjoying herself, which is a great relief to everyone. She is dressed in a classic Stevie Nicks style with various droopy bits hanging from her arms. She gradually sheds clothes as she warms up. The band are rather diligent and workmanlike. They put me in mind of Morrissey's bands: more likely to overwhelm than seduce. At one point there are four guitarists all strumming away. Courtney's great rock voice is in pretty good shape. What really gets her going is the talking and sparring with the equally happy crowd. Some of the audience are dressed as if for a camp cabaret performance, which they more of less get. The old songs are the best.

Why you should not stick a knife into a toaster