any idea what time they are due to start?

its for an extra couple of pints im planning before paying over the odds for the insipid pish in the venue, ta

Or...

Given that Elbow aren't the kind of band where you need to be beered-up to have a good time, come earlier, listen to the support and enjoy the atmosphere of the venue?

I would agree that they are not in need of alcholic enhancement, but the last 2 gigs I went to, as perfect as Elbow were, had been almost ruined by the constant chattering and messing around of curious giggers around me.

I find that a few beers helps me to move around to look for a more appreciate section of the crowd, although I don't want to be as wrecked as I was at my first Elbow gig.

If you ring the MEN they should tell you the running order

I take back the bit about listen to the support. Unfortunately not at all the cup of tea of anyone near us.

Sitting at the back of a huge arena watching, what were they called? was surreal; It was like a scene from a 70's documentary, possibly called The Decline of Progressive Rock! I couldn't figure out if it was a male/female singer as she sounded like a gravelly Geddy Lee to me. Anyway, I ventured down to the front of the hall before they finished and they sounded no better there either.

Near the end she announced a song called something like Near the End and a guy behind us said loudly "thank **** for that". I think it says it all - shame about the Howling Bells really.