I'd only been to a seated gig there before (Nick Cave) and I'm not sure how close to sold out last night was but it was a great standing venue. Easy to move around, pick your spot, get to the bog or the bar and back. Great sound/lights. Loads of helpful staff. Best of all for me were the jugs of free iced water on the bar (I was driving). Fantastic set, good balance of old and new, and a really good atmosphere. Had to have a polite word with a couple of blokes behind me when it seemed like they were going to carry on yacking into 'Elephant' but they were fine about it - it was an old half-deaf fella and his son! - and we're best mates now!
As is now customary on visits to Stockton, we popped round the corner to the Sun Inn before the support for a couple of delicious 'banked' pints of draught Bass. Nowt like it!
I've got over 10 years on you on both counts and I still feel exactly the same. I must admit I'm starting to prefer seated gigs but managed 2 standing shows in a row this weekend (Say She She and Isbell) without any mishaps.