There is some kind of unwritten law of live music - you go to see a gig and it's really really good, the atmosphere is electric, the performance outstanding but you get rather dodgy seats. Next time the performer comes round you excitedly book top price seats only to find that some essential piece of the magic is missing.

In this case it was the audience. In contrast to last year's Eddi Reader gig at the Lowry where everyone was singing and jumping, last night's audience seemed to go to sleep for the majority of the show - only waking up for the last couple of songs. Poor Eddi was really trying to coax us into some kind of participation for most of the gig and seemed somewhat deflated by the whole affair.

It's a shame really because all the other elements were there, with outstanding performances all round and interesting support by band-member Kris Drever whose down beat performances of Navigator and Green grows the Laurel were particularly emotional for us both.

The main set seemed less spontaneous than previous - Jackie pointed out that Eddi has a new album (called Peacetime) to sell this year - and that this probably had a bit of an influence on the proceedings. Also gone were the "I know you are in the audience, come up here and play guitar" moments. Still, what lacked in spontaneity was made up for by the band being as tight and together as can be. Overall it was still a great night but I think Eddi and her band are owed an official apology from the people of Greater Manchester for being so sleepy.

Back at home, Laurel was especially well behaved for her grandparental babysitters, reportedly not crying a single time.

Also posted on last.fm