Like quite a few bands in my collection I discovered Gogol Bordello through a film. They were sort of playing themselves in Everything is Illuminated, mainly because Elijah Wood, star of the film, was a big fan and dating one of the singers.
But I liked their blend of Eastern European gypsy-folk music and punk so I got their album. However, you can't really appreciate Gogol Bordello until you see them live, which I've done a few times now, but the first time was unbeatable.
I've been to a lot of 'lively' gigs with Mosh but always stayed near the back out of harms way. With Gogol Bordello, positioned as usual three quarters of the way back from the stage, the gig started with all the vigour that the band could employ and the crowd responded accordingly but this was the whole crowd. And the only thing to do was to join in.
So there I was in the midst of several hundred men, jumping up and down with the sort of wild abandonment and joy normally reserved for childhood. In the midst of all the chaos and energy and while in full flight, Mosh and I happened to turn and look at each other at the same time - he had the biggest grin on his face and I know I did too.
It was one of those moments when you just know that you are sharing in one of the best times and you don't even have to to say it.
And if you get a chance, go and see Gogol Bordello live - but preferably in a small venue, there is far more band/crowd interaction that way. Trust me, it's brilliant and after that I started moving closer and closer to the front at more gigs.
So here is one of my favourite Gogol Bordello songs in honour of that moment: Start Wearing Purple. Oh and the picture was taken by me at a festival on Clapham Common.
Download 09 Start Wearing Purple