Category: gig review

Review: Goodbye Mr. Mackenzie – The Garage, Islington, London 7 October 2022

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Remember those flimsy plastic discs you used to occasionally get free with the likes of NME and Sounds?  Well, that’s how I got into Goodbye Mr. Mackenzie, sometime in the late 80’s.  The taster track was ‘Candlestick Park’ – I was hooked and have been a fan ever since.  Life and technology (lack of it in the last century) and the bands hiatus got in the way so this was the 1st time I had the chance to see them live in 36 years.   Over the years I’ve amassed all their LP output on CD and know they have a wonderful back catalogue so was rather excited by the prospect of finally seeing them in the flesh.

The band sauntered on stage with Big John Duncan slowly coming on last (to huge audience adoration) trying to negotiate the small stage with his crutches and escorted to his seat by guitarist Jim Brady.

The opening salvo of staccato keyboards and guitar brings on the first song ‘You Generous Thing You’ played throughout in backlit moody red light – a haunting monstrous sound.  Now I’m going off track here but the Garage reminds me very much of the 229, also in London and similar layout/size, and both suffer from exactly the same problem crap inhouse lighting!! But hey what a fucking start – mean and moody, then ‘Open Your Arms’ another classic from their outstanding debut LP.  They pretty much continued in this vein throughout the show, and boy were they LOUD – I think every instrument was set to 11 😊.

The 7-piece band comprised of many original members (wonderful); frontman Martin Metcalfe; lead guitar Big John Duncan; drums Derek Kelly; bass Fin Wilson, keyboards Rona Scobie, guitars Jim Brady (a sometime Rezillos man) and backing vocals/guitar from Tippi Hedron – looking very rock chick.  Wonderful, I had a huge grin to my face, never expected to so many together again. 

Martin Metcalfe is an enigmatically striking frontman dressed in black bar a burgundy waistcoat.  His Maria Rudd designed jacket and top hat have emblems embroidered onto them and add dark glasses he looks an imposing sight.  Theatre indeed.

They really are a tight outfit, giving it everything throughout.  Martin was right when introducing the band to say “and kicking the shit out of the drums – Derek Kelly”.  Obviously, it’s hard to take your eyes away from Martin and the physically imposing Big John resplendent in tattoos and shorts sat at the front of the stage. John and Jim interacted brilliantly on guitars between solo and rhythm with Kelly and Fin’s bass holding down the backbeat to precision.  Overlaying all of this was Rona’s soaring keyboards hidden at the back of the stage. Martin prowled the stage and conducted the audience for gleeful singalongs, and when he finally took off his hat and glasses revealed a bald panda eyed shamanic messiah.  I’m sure he could start his own cult 😊..

It would appear to me that GMM have a much bigger following ‘up norf’ given that this was by no means a sell-out, but the audience were total diehard fans and loved it all.  All songs getting a thunderous reception, which I feel led the band on to produce such an excellent display.  They know when they are appreciated and loved.

Setlist (8:30 – 9:50) – (Click on link to see video on YouTube)

  1. You Generous Thing – (Good Deeds and Dirty Rags, 1989)
  2. Open Your Arms – (Good Deeds and Dirty Rags, 1989)
  3. Hard – (Five, 1994)
  4. His Master’s Voice – (Good Deeds and Dirty Rags, 1989)
  5. Love Child – (Hammer and Tongs, 1991)
  6. Niagara – (Five, 1994)
  7. Working On The Shoo-Fly – (Live: On the Day of Storms, 1993) unreleased!
  8. Green Turn Red – (Fish Heads and Tails, 1989)
  9. Here Comes Deacon Brodie – (Fish Heads and Tails, 1989)
  10. Normal Boy – (Five, 1994)
  11. The Way I Walk – (The Way I Walk EP, 1994)
  12. Now We Are Married – (Hammer and Tongs, 1991)
  13. Goodbye Mr. Mackenzie – (Good Deeds and Dirty Rags, 1989)
  14. The Rattler – (Good Deeds and Dirty Rags, 1989)

Encore:

  1. Blacker Than Black – (Hammer and Tongs, 1991)
  2. Goodwill City – (Good Deeds and Dirty Rags, 1989)

An extended version of ‘Niagra’ is nothing short of stupendous, total stand out and ‘Here Comes Deacon Brodie’ is an   up tempo joyous thing of beauty. On this form the Mackenzies are untouchable.  Ironically, Big John takes centre stage to sing ‘The Way I Walk’ to much applause.  The last 4 songs are a triumph, all exceptional with band and audience really letting loose. A flawless, consummate performance. ‘The Rattler’ is sung in unison with the euphoric crowd.  For the encore the band don’t leave the stage given Big John’s mobility problems – as he succinctly put it “if you think I’m gonna fucking walk all the way to the door to fucking walk all the way back then you can all fuck off”.  We then launch into a couple of my favourites ‘Blacker Than Black’ and ‘Goodwill City’.

As the band leave the stage, Martin leads the crowd into a short acapella reprise singalong of ‘The Rattler’ – thus enabling Big John to finally get off the stage. We sing along, dance and smile and clap I’m ecstatic.

Tonight Goodbye Mr. Mackenzie have been on top of their game throughout, simply untouchable.  An outstanding gig and an unforgettable evening.  They surpassed my wildest expectations; I’m still buzzing weeks later.  Spread the word, tell all your friends, go see GMM one of the most under-rated bands ever, they will not be disappointed.

Marko [ 26 October 2022]

PS – The have such a great arsenal of songs that were not played – ‘Candlestick Park’, ‘Calton Hill’, ‘Bold John Barleycorn’, ‘Amsterdam’, ‘Knockin’ on Joe’, ‘Face To Face’ – hopefully next time!

PPS – The merch stand was a tad bland – I’m sure they can do better with t-shirts etc.  That said I did purchase the ‘Good Deeds and Dirty Rags’ LP on marble vinyl no less.  The guy manning the stall was a true gent and though it was difficult for him to get it autographed for me he gave me a free copy of the autographed CD to accompany it – even better it had 3 extra tracks on it!

Review: The Black Crowes at London Brixton Academy 27 Sept 2022

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Originally a 13 Oct 2020 show twice re-scheduled finally arrived at London’s Brixton Academy. We finally get to celebrate the 30th birthday of their wonderful debut album ‘Shake Your Money Maker’ and special guests Reef are also added to the card.

For those not acquainted with the Brixton academy (my oversees followers) it holds 4,921 people and is a Grade II listed building (i.e. they can’t knock it down).  Originally a cinema and theatre called

the Astoria in 1929 the building has a semi-domed entrance porch and a slope towards the stage so you are ensured a good view from the stalls and balcony.  Equally impressive inside, Europe’s largest fixed stage (based on Venice’s Rialto bridge) with 140ft dome and Art Deco interior make it one of a kind.

REEF

Reef have been around since 1993 and are from Glastonbury. The band currently consists of originals Gary Stringer (vocals, looking like an American blue collar steel worker) and Jack Bessant (bass, scruffy but striking Gandalfesque appearance) along with Jesse Wood (guitar), Amy Newton (guitar) and Luke Bullen (drums).

I missed the first few songs due to still being in the pub – oh well😊. In fairness I know little about them, I recognised one song ‘Place Your Hands’ which is ok and I’d put them down as just another middling rock band. They did however play a mighty fine version of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘The Chain’ which I thoroughly enjoyed and went down a storm with the packed house.

Reef Setlist (Click on the links to see the video’s)

  1. Shoot Me Your Ace
  2. Naked
  3. Stone for Your Love
  4. I Would Have Left You
  5. I’ve Got Something to Say
  6. Place Your Hands
  7. Best of Me
  8. New Bird
  9. Lucky Number
  10. Revelation
  11. The Chain (Fleetwood Mac cover)
  12. Yer Old

The Black Crowes

The roadies do their stuff and set up a southern style bar, Wurlitzer juke box and a corrugated iron shack bearing their iconic logo at either side of the stage.  It’s all very southern Georgia from a bygone era.  The strains of Elmore James 1961 hit  ‘shake Your Money Maker’ start and the band saunter on stage – straight to the bar for bourbon shots and beer from an impeccably clad bartender.  Then Atlanta’s finest move to their stage positions and go straight for the jugular with ‘Twice as Hard’.  Wow what a start! Chris Robinson is wearing a gold Lame shirt and striped jacket with Fedora hat – he looks and sounds great.  Brandishing an open Black Crowes umbrella he struts his stuff – part Mick Jagger, part Rod Stewart in their 1970’s heyday – which reminds me of the New Orleans funeral scene in the James Bond film ‘Live and Let Die’.

The current band is Chris Robinson (vocals), Rich Robinson (guitar), Sven Pipien (bass) with Brian Griffin (drums), Isaiah Mitchell (guitar) and Erik Deutsch (keyboards) for touring.  They are all on song, a very tight but fluid outfit making both the rockier and slower number come alive.  They all look like they are having a top time and enjoying themselves in front of a sold out ecstatic audience.  Chris is full of wonder and constantly on the move, striking poses like a proper rock star and ace front man.  My mate Nick said he’d forgotten the rest of the band was there as he couldn’t take his eyes of Chris and all his stage antics and strutting – in fairness Chris was the enthralling focal point for the whole show.  Mind you his brother Rich was not to be totally outdone with his cowboy boots, jeans, velvet jacket and black hat.

Lots of tempo and melody changes keep things moving along nicely.  The classics just keep flowing – just check out the setlist – boy their first two albums were so damn good.  The slower anthemic ballad ‘Seeing Things’ is wonderful, full of emotion with the rich tones of the Hammond organ.  The partisan crowd are just lapping it all up and go into full overdrive for ‘Hard to Handle’ – singing the chorus in unison with Chris pointing his microphone at the crowd.  Quite frankly the entire set is a joy to behold there are no low points at all. They played full-throttle for the ‘Shake Your Money Maker’ part with little chitchat between songs

Setlist (Click on the links to see the video’s)

  1. Twice as Hard*
  2. Jealous Again*
  3. Sister Luck*
  4. Could I’ve Been So Blind*
  5. Seeing Things*
  6. Hard to Handle* (Otis Redding cover)
  7. Thick n’ Thin*
  8. She Talks to Angels*
  9. Struttin’ Blues*
  10. Stare It Cold*
  11. No Speak No Slave – (The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, 1992)
  12. Sting Me – (The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, 1992)
  13. Wiser Time – (Amorica, 1994)
  14. Thorn in My Pride – (The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, 1992)
  15. Remedy – (The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, 1992)
  16. Rocks Off  (The Rolling Stones cover)

* Shake Your Money Maker (1990)

Even the bartender ,frilly shirt, white jacket and bow tie, who has undoubtedly seen the show x times, is bopping along and loving it as are the two superfluous backing singers (looking good but you could barely hear them above the band).

‘Thorn in My Pride’ and ‘Remedy’ are things of beauty and the archetypical of the southern rock/blues sound that is The Black Crowes. Chris twirls his mic stand and dances like a dandy.  A great finish.  Then the encore – just as you thought they couldn’t do any better they do a barnstorming rendition of the Stones classic ‘Rocks Off’ – which if you think about it is the 70’s sound they have cultivated to become their own.  The crowd are going bananas, I haven’t seen so many happy faces in one place for a long time.  And that’s it folks, the band do a quick bow and off they trundle to on another successful night’s work.  The beautiful rootsy blues rock mish-mash of what simply is good ole ‘rock and roll’

It’s been an absolute belter of a night, well worth the wait and ticket price.  I also got myself a great psychedelic t-shirt – had too really their cartoon crows logo is just way too iconic!

Marko [30 Sept 2022]

Review: Fantastic Negrito at Camden Jazz Cafe on 27 July 2022

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Yeah another gig, this particular artist I know nothing about.  I bought tickets (£25 each massive bargain as it turns out!) based on an email flyer I got.  I took one look at him and thought if he looks that great his music is surely a match.  My hunch served me well as Mr. Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz (made up surname apparently) aka Fantastic Negrito was the dogs.

Before the gig I happened upon him in the street and we chatted for a while and had the obligatory pictures and he even signed my LP at the end of the gig.  A very lovely charming man and instantly recognisable. 

So he is in the UK promoting his latest album ‘White Jesus Black Problems’ based on what he discovered researching his family history.  Turns out he has some white Scottish blood in him, he wasn’t who I thought I was – his seventh-generation great-grandparents were a black slave and a Scottish servant woman, who came together in Virginia in 1759 – so 27% European.

Fantastic Negrito is not your run of the mill musician.  Firstly, he looks like a cross between Mungo Jerry’s Ray Dorset mixed with a tinge of Sly Stone/Prince/Hendrix with a 70’s wardrobe to match 😊.  Image is all important after all and he certainly stands out from the crowd – see hair and sideburns!  Secondly his music crosses many different styles blues, soul, folk, R&B, country, and rock riffs.

Tonight in a packed Camden Jazz Café he swings his hips, shakes his ass, and struts his funky stuff on pretty much every song.  Supported by a band of seasoned pro musicians he can’t fail to whip the audience into a frenzy throughout his delightfully charismatic and energetic set.  It’s a small stage and he uses every inch with cool moves and hand gestures.    

The set featured the new album heavily as you’d expect and was interspersed with songs from all of his albums.  Everything was totally new to me and I was awestruck with his stage presence, humour and crowd manipulation – they were putty in his hands.

Between songs, Negrito informed us of his history which informed his new LP.   He has plenty of his own tunes but still added a couple of covers – “Ain’t No Sunshine” and the traditional “In The Pines” all done to his unique template. Once he stopped mid song “I’ve got great professionals in the band who have spent a great deal of time learning to be this good, so if you want to talk then we will walk” – that stopped them!

Fantastic Negrito wore white shoes, purple flares (hello 1973), and a blueish checked shirt with an interesting add-on funky collar.  As far as I can tell he is pretty unique in both sound and vision.

Setlist (click on links to watch videos on YouTube)

  1. Transgender Biscuits – (Please Don’t Be Dead, 2018)
  2. Oh Betty – (White Jesus Black Problems, 2022)
  3. Chocolate Samurai – (Have You Lost Your Mind Yet?, 2020)
  4. Ain’t No Sunshine – (Bill Withers’s cover)
  5. An Honest Man – (Fantastic Negrito, 2014)
  6. Man With No Name – (White Jesus Black Problems, 2022)
  7. About A Bird – (The Last Days of Oakland, 2016)
  8. Nibbadip – (White Jesus Black Problems, 2022)
  9. Trudoo – (White Jesus Black Problems, 2022)
  10. They Go Low – (White Jesus Black Problems, 2022)
  11. Venomous Dogma – (White Jesus Black Problems, 2022)
  12. Bullshit Anthem – (Please Don’t Be Dead, 2018)
  13. A Boy Named Andrew – (Please Don’t Be Dead, 2018)
  14. Afrobeat – (The Last Days of Oakland, 2016)
  15. Highest Bidder – (White Jesus Black Problems, 2022)
  16. In the Pines – (The Last Days of Oakland, 2016)
  17. Virginia Soil – (White Jesus Black Problems, 2022)
  18. Plastic Hamburgers – (Please Don’t Be Dead, 2018)
  19. The Duffler – (Please Don’t Be Dead, 2018)
  20. Lost in a Crowd – (The Last Days of Oakland, 2016)

‘Virginia Soil’ is a laid back track with a southern Baptist churchy gospel chant “I know that one day I’m sure that freedom will come” with added slide guitar for effect.  The songs go through multiple stylistic detours with ease, whilst Negrito’s voice varies wildly and most of the lyrics are far from fathomable but it’s live and in your face and expressive.  He’s a ball of energy that just keeps exploding .

His performance was pure unadulterated fun.  A born showman.  By the end I was a convert and a fan.  I bought his LP and he kindly signed it asking “did I live up to the hype?”, the response was “You most certainly did Man, you totally kicked ass!”.  I will be back for more.

Marko [1 August 2022]

Review ¦ Montreux Jazz Festival 2022 – Van Morrison, Jeff Beck / Johnny Depp

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I was lucky enough to be flying in to Geneva on the penultimate day of the Montreux Jazz Festival 2022, so thought lets get a ticket, it’s a once in a life time opportunity.  Luckily for me that night was Van Morrison and Jeff Beck.  Although well famous, I personally know little of their music but in for a penny etc.  It was a bit of a tight squeeze getting there thanks to Easyjet moving my flight to the afternoon, but I eventually got to Montreux around 18:00 thanks to my cousins speedy driving.

Montreux is in a wonderful setting on the lake, the streets were rammed with people and there was plenty of free music available outside.  So I grabbed a burger and beer and watched a band called Soft Loft, who were actually pretty good.  Then off to the main event at the Montreax Stravinski Theatre.  The place was already very full so I picked my way through to the middle as close as I could get to the stage so I could get some good shots and videos with my camera.

Van Morrison did a 90 minute setting commencing at 20:00.  Resplendent in a light blue suit and big shades, and Panama hat he proceeded through his set without once talking in between songs – he has a reputation of being a miserable sod after all 😊.  His backing band consisted of eight, 2 percussion, 2 horns, guitar, bass, keyboards and a lovely black lady singer with an amazing voice.  Van mainly sang or joined in with sax, harmonica or guitar as required.  The set had a jazzy feel with each song extended so that all the band could have a little bit of a jam in turn – typically jazz ! 

Montreux Jazz Festival – 15 July 2022
Montreux Jazz Festival – 15 July 2022
Montreux Jazz Festival – 15 July 2022

As it turns out I did know a few of his songs – ‘Baby, Please Don’t Go’, ‘Moondance’, and ‘Gloria’ which were fine.  Van basically stood centre stage and didn’t move much, but hey he’s 76 so good on him for even being there.  In fairness his voice was really rather good (unlike say Rod Stewart whose is totally shot) and he used it to good effect on a couple of audience singalongs.

Van Morrison Setlist (click on link to watch my YouTube video)

  1. Dangerous
  2. Thank God for the Blues
  3. Up County Down
  4. Days Like This
  5. These Dreams of You
  6. Centerpiece / Every Day I Have the Blues / Times Are Gettin’ Tougher Than Tough
  7. The New Symphony Sid (Lester Young)
  8. Goin’ Down Geneva / Brand New Cadillac
  9. Baby, Please Don’t Go / Got My Mojo Working
  10. I Can Tell (Bo Diddley)
  11. Moondance
  12. Broken Record
  13. In the Afternoon
  14. Laughin’ and Clownin’  (Sam Cooke)
  15. Early in the Mornin’ (Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five)
  16. Cleaning Windows
  17. Down to Joy
  18. Help Me (Sonny Boy Williamson)
  19. Gloria (Them)

I’m not a fan and don’t own any of his records so for me he was ok, I’ve seen him now but wouldn’t want to watch him again.

Now I was hoping that the audience would dissipate somewhat (beer, toilet etc) but alas I was sadly mistaken.  Hardly anyone moved, and the place got even more full – I wonder why he said wryly😊?

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Review: Pet Shop Boys concert [22 May 2022] O2 London gig

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The 2 year pandemic delayed Dreamworld greatest hits tour was an interesting 1 hour 50 minute visual spectacle to a packed and colourful O2 arena audience.  I’d forgotten just how many hits these chaps have had, some much greater than others.  The audience was predominantly 50+ an eclectic mix of the overtly camp, housewives, old couples, gangs of girls dressed up for the occasion.  The majority of the all seated crowd spent the shows entirety on their feet dancing away merrily – I witnessed some great moves in front of me from a couple of elderly ladies who looked quite frumpy but were totally away with the music.

Neil started by saying “In Dreamworld being boring is a sin” – very cute! – and they proceeded to ensure that we all had a damn good time – whether dancing to the disco beat, raving or simply singing along clapping and waving arms in the air.

The first few songs were set to a sparse monochrome video screen backdrop with Tennant and Lowe performing under two streetlights.  A bare stage bar Chris behind a computer screen and synth.  Both dressed in white coats wearing strange elongated headwear (see the pics).  The backdrop lighting was also sparse with lots of white lines meandering across the stage and morphing regularly.  I though to myself, blimey they can surely do better than this, and right enough the streetlight props were moved and the curtain went up to reveal a much deeper stage with the bands supporting musicians and an array of multi-directional light panels, spots, caging and digital backdrops. 

Setlist (click on links to view videos)

  1. Suburbia
  2. Can You Forgive Her?
  3. Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money)
  4. Where the Streets Have No Name (Can’t Take My Eyes Off You)
  5. Rent
  6. I Don’t Know What You Want but I Can’t Give It Any More
  7. So Hard
  8. Left to My Own Devices
  9. Single-Bilingual / Se a vida é (That’s the Way Life Is)
  10. Domino Dancing
  11. Monkey Business
  12. New York City Boy
  13. You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You’re Drunk
  14. Jealousy
  15. Love Comes Quickly
  16. Losing My Mind
  17. Always on My Mind
  18. Dreamland
  19. Heart
  20. What Have I Done to Deserve This?
  21. It’s Alright
  22. Vocal
  23. Go West
  24. It’s a Sin

Encore:

  1. West End Girls
  2. Being Boring

Chris Lowe, in his customary Boy baseball cap, sunglasses and hoody after the initial few songs, was permanently hidden behind his computer screen/synth and was rather economical in both his keyboard playing and general movement.  He keep a low profile for the flamboyant Neil to take centre stage with his rather splendid and elegant costume changes – mind you he could have fitted into his silver trench coat at twice over it was that large.  Neil’s voice is remarkably intact at the age of  67.  He spoke little apart from a ditty about how ‘Domino Dancing’ got its name – they had little to do in St. Lucia in the evening and they played dominos every night being constantly beaten by a friend who would do a jolly little dance every time he won.

A lot has happened since the original tour dates so after a good old Cockney knees-up Neil changed the lyrics during ‘West End Girls’ encore singing “every city in every nation, from Mariupol to Kyiv Station” and dedicated ‘Being Boring’ to all those we lost in the pandemic. It was a poignant end to a wonderful nights entertainment.

In the end it was anything but boring.

Marko 23 May 2022

Review: Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy concert [26 April 2022] 229 London gig

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The flux capacitor is good to go and the Delorean car charged up as we head back to the heyday of 70’s prog rock excesses to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ELP.  I could pretty much refer you all to my previous blog from 2018 – ELP Legacy at the Bridge – as I’m never going to be so eloquent plus the majority of what I said then still stands.

The band remains the same – Paul Bielatowicz (guitar, vocals) and Simon Fitzpatrick (bass and Chapman stick) – absolutely top musicians reinterpreting ELP material (plus the odd bit of classical music and a dash of King Crimson) without the keyboards.  Carl is now 72 but that matters not – he still plays like a demon and managed an 8 minute 30 second drum solo during ‘Fanfare for the Common Man’ – follow the link further down to watch all 13 mins of it on my YouTube site!

‘Peter Gunn’ opens the set in thundering fashion before my favourite ‘Karn Evil 9’ barnstorms into life.  Reminds me of DJ Alan ‘Fluff’ Freeman on radio 1 Saturday slot in the 70s as this was his signature intro.  Pure pleasure.

Carl steps up from the smallish drum set regularly to introduce songs and banter with the audience.  He still looks fit as a fiddle, as he says “you can see this body is built for speed and not comfort”.  He even does the vocals for a cockney (for the non UK audience that’s a London dialect) version of ‘Benny the Bouncer’.  ‘Knife Edge’, ‘Trilogy’ and ‘Ces’t la Vie’ are excellent.  The predominantly male over 50 crowd are soaking it all up and letting the music just flow through them, occasionally eyes closed absorbing the melody.  Carl, Paul and Simon are virtuoso musicians and I just love the way Paul plays every note with his mouth – he is so into the music and continuously smiling like “fuck I’ve got the best job in the world” – totally infectious spectacle.

Set list (click on links to view the videos)

  1. Peter Gunn
  2. Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression, Part 2
  3. Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565
  4. Knife-Edge
  5. Trilogy
  6. C’est la vie
  7. Benny the Bouncer
  8. Clair de Lune
  9. 21st Century Schizoid Man
  10. Lucky Man
  11. Tarkus
  12. Hoedown
  13. Fanfare for the Common Man
  14. O Fortuna

The ELP classics keep on coming ‘Lucky Man’, ‘Tarkus’ plus King Crimson’s ‘21st Century Schizoid Man’ which Greg Lake made Carl and Keith learn back in the day “we had to learn it, he already knew how to play it😊” says Carl with a wry smile.

Fanfare pretty much topped the night off – Carl going mad on the drum kit and obligatory gongs, with only 1 small mistake almost losing a drum stick – but hey it’s live and we are all human.

So how to sum up?

  • Enjoyable
  • Mesmerising
  • Stunning
  • Immersive

And I also managed to get a signed copy of the Tarkus LP.  I’m so happy, it’s proudly on my wall now next to my signed Tarkus drum skin!

The 229 in London is far removed in size from ELPs heyday but I get the feeling that Carl is just happy to play to any size audience and I’m more that happy to see them in a small venue where you can get up close to the band and simply enjoy the ambience.

Can’t wait for the next tour chaps.

Marko – 30 April 2022

Gig Review: The Stranglers – Academy Brixton 05/02/2022

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The Final Full Tour 2022 – In Memory Of Dave

Finally after yet another twice re-scheduled date I finally get to see The Stranglers for the first time, albeit without keyboardist Dave Greenfield who passed away in May 2020.  Thankfully the band decides to honour Dave’s memory with one last final ever tour?  They are clearly still extremely popular given two sold out nights at the Brixton Academy – 10k people still want to pay homage to them.

So a set comprising a good mix of early classics, mid term gems and tunes from their new LP to showcase with their ‘family’.  The stage set had drums and keyboards raised about 5 feet above the stage with JJ and Baz stationed in front of each. The famous Stranglers logo emblazoned centrally on a huge backing canvas.  The lighting compromised decent enough visual displays with a number of circular and linear LED lights strewn across the stage.  It could have been more impressive.  My only gripe was the pink/red hue which a lot of the time played havoc with my camera’s focus.

It’s 21:00 on the dot when the stage goes dark and ‘Waltzinblack’ waves in through the speakers – as always signifying the arrival of The Stranglers (a bit like ‘Doctor Doctor’ with Iron Maiden).

J.J. Burnel the last original member now carries the flag for The Stranglers, but he doesn’t take centre stage at all.  Given the band changes over the years, ill health taking it’s toll, they have steadfastly remained faithful to their original sound throughout their career.  The newest recruit  Toby was hired from a Stranglers tribute band, perfect – he knows the songs, played them to perfection, and is a fan. He did Dave proud.

  • J. J. Burnel – Bass
  • Toby Hounsham – Keyboards
  • Baz Wayne – Guitar
  • Jim Macalay – Drums
The Stranglers – Brixton Academy 05/02/2022

‘Toiler on The Sea’ opened the set.  The bass and bass drum were mixed very high tonight, on overdrive in fact, and the incessant beat on certain songs e.g. Nice ‘n’ Sleazy literally travelled through your body.  Then ‘Something Better Change’ and ’Sometimes’ getting the hard-core mosh pit element bouncing.  The set itself was a good mix with more slow melodic numbers like ’Water’, ‘Strange Little Girl’ and ’Always the Sun’ going into audience sing-a-long.

For ‘Peaches’ Baz changed the lyrics to ‘I can think of a lot worse places to be… – Like down in the sewer, or 10 fucking Downing Street’ , nice brought a chuckle to my face.

The Stranglers Setlist (click on link to view YouTube videos)

  1. Toiler on the Sea (Black and White, 1978)
  2. Something Better Change (No More Heroes, 1977)
  3. Sometimes (Rattus Norvegicus, 1977)
  4. Water (Dark Matters, 2021)
  5. Skin Deep (Aural Sculpture, 1984)
  6. This Song Will Get Me Over You (Disciples of Spess cover, 2019)
  7. Nice ‘n’ Sleazy (Black and White, 1978)
  8. Don’t Bring Harry (The Raven, 1979)
  9. Strange Little Girl (Strange Little Girl, 1982)
  10. Always the Sun (Dreamtime, 1986)
  11. Peaches (Rattus Norvegicus, 1977)
  12. Golden Brown (La folie, 1981)
  13. The Last Men On The Moon (Dark Matters, 2021)
  14. (Get a) Grip (on Yourself) (Rattus Norvegicus, 1977)
  15. Curfew (Black and White, 1978)
  16. White Stallion (Dark Matters, 2021)
  17. Relentless (Suite XVI, 2006)
  18. Nuclear Device (The Wizard of Aus) (The Raven, 1979)
  19. Walk On By (Burt Bacharach cover, 1964)
  20. Straighten Out (No More Heroes, 1977)
  21. Duchess (The Raven, 1979)
  22. Hanging Around (Rattus Norvegicus, 1977)

Encore 1:

  • The Lines (Dark Matters, 2021)
  • And If You Should See Dave… (Dark Matters, 2021)

Encore 2:

  • 5 Minutes (No More Heroes, 1977)
  • Go Buddy Go (Rattus Norvegicus, 1977)
  • No More Heroes (No More Heroes, 1977)

I’m struggling to see how The Stranglers got tagged with their punk credentials, apart from timing and a few songs.  Essentially they are heavy synth and bass driven rock n roll band or even prog punk.  I think ‘Walk on by’ sums them up perfectly – basically a wonderful reworking of instrumental section of The Doors classic ‘Light my Fire’ – these guys could always play their instruments as opposed to the original punks circa 1976 – wonderful keyboards and guitar solos.

J.J. Burnel

‘Peaches’ and ‘Golden Brown’ – the band’s most widely acclaimed singles – were played back-to-back, the crowd ecstatic and a highlight of the night.  ‘Hanging Around’ finished the set off perfectly, prior to two encores.  The first comprised just JJ and Bas on guitars for two quiet stripped down tracks ‘The Lines’ and the heartfelt tribute to Dave Greenfield with ‘And If You Should See Dave’.  JJ introduced the song “I’m sure every family has been impacted by what’s been happening in the last 2 years in some form or another.  And we consider ourselves as a Stranglers family.  When you have known someone as long as 45 years like Dave it’s a huge huge empty space’.

The second encore harped back to 1977 and gave the crowd what they wanted a good old bop in the mosh pit.  The band finished on a big high.

Admittedly, there’s a sense of magic that’s sometimes lost when bands perform without their original line-ups.  Did they suffer?  I’ll never know as I never saw them back in the day.  Tonight they were an experienced set of musicians doing a professional well drilled set.  Dave would have approved.

Gig Review: Ruts DC

The openers for this tour are the well versed punk/reggae inspired Ruts DC, and long time mates of the band.

Ruts DC Setlist

  1. Something That I said
  2. S.U.S.
  3. You’re Just A
  4. It Was Cold
  5. Kill The Pain
  6. West One (Shine on Me)
  7. Born Innocent
  8. Jah War
  9. Rude Boys
  10. In A Rut
  11. Babylon’s Burning
  12. Psychic Attack

The Ruts did a well appreciated 45 min set.  The venue near capacity was a testament to their London punk credentials and popularity.  John and Leigh were dressed pretty sharpish both with proper Fedora hats whilst Dave did his best to look like a scruffy Fred Elliot of Coronation St 😊😊.

The band kicked off with ‘Something That I Said’ and ‘SuS’.  Now I must admit I know knew a couple of their songs and was surprised with the number of blistering solo’s performed by Leigh Heggarty on his black Gibson Les Paul.  Wow all those big solo’s on punk songs! The set was well received, and I aprticualrily liked the reggae inspired mid set numbers.  Dave started most songs off with a simple 1234 bish bash bosh.  The trio played well, energetic throughout and the crowd were very appreciative.

‘In a Rut’ and ‘Babylon’s Burning’ got widespread singing and bouncing in the mini mosh center front.  They were well worth their 45 mins.

Marko 6 Feb 2022

Live Review: Theatre of Hate – 229 The Venue London [19/12/2021]

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Theatre of Hate in comparison to their support band Spizzenergi were very much the dark side of post punk.  Their music is cold, heavy, bleak, desolate and unyielding (reminds me of a northern industrial town in 19th century), and I haven’t even got to the lyrics 😊 but for all that has many merits!

A quick 10 date ‘A Thing of Beauty’ tour 2021 ends in London – well you gotta move fast these days else we will be in another covid induced lockdown before you know it!

The band is stable these days – supporting Kirk is his original bass player Stan Stammers (resplendent in his Clockwork Orange-esque bowler and naughty t-shirt), guitarist Adrian Portas, Clive Osbourne on Sax and drummer Chris Bell – the band are as close to as good as it will ever get I suspect.  A tight knit unit.

Kirk is still the leader but tonight was carrying a recently sustained knee injury so less able to strut his stuff, no matter though coz Stan more than made up for it with his wonderful full frontal bass attack stomping about the stage whilst Adrian and John were rooted stage right.  I can’t think of any other band that has this unique noise (especially Clive’s eerie Sax), melodies that plough their own ghostly furrow, which is even more surprising given Kirk’s other more popular band Spear of Destiny sound far more accessible.

In the main the atmosphere was good natured although it nearly went off in the mini mosh pit a couple of times. Luckily there was plenty of room (lots of covid absentees I suspect) for everyone to find their place and enjoy the gig in their own way.  Theatre of Hate have a small but loyal following.  The crowd was male prominent and certainly a motley collection of various non-conformist types to whom the music speaks volumes.  Who wants to be a normal? 

Tonight’s set is half rooted at the beginning in the early 80s interspersed with his new Japanese titled output since 2016 (refer to the setlist).  Admittedly I’m not too familiar with all the songs on tonight’s bill but it’s easy to tell all songs were penned from the same mind, the newer songs sequence perfectly.  Theatre of Hate are as relevant now as back in the day still flying the post-punk wave vibrantly.

Setlist (click on link to watch the video on YouTube)

  1. Black Irony – (Kinshi, 2016)
  2. 63 – (Do You Believe in the West World, 1982)
  3. Solace – (Utsukushi-sa / A Thing of Beauty, 2020)
  4. A Thing of Beauty – (Utsukushi-sa / A Thing of Beauty, 2020)
  5. My Own Invention – (Live from the Lyceum, 1981)
  6. For Whom the Bells Toll – (Utsukushi-sa / A Thing of Beauty, 2020)
  7. Original Sin – (7” Single, 1980)
  8. Poppies – (He Who Dares Wins, 1982)
  9. Pariah – (Utsukushi-sa / A Thing of Beauty, 2020)
  10. Do You Believe in the West World? – (Do You Believe in the West World, 1982)
  11. Girl – (Utsukushi-sa / A Thing of Beauty, 2020)
  12. Rebel Without a Brain – (7” Single, 1981)
  13. Freaks – (Do You Believe in the West World, 1982)
  14. You Can’t Stop What’s Coming – (Utsukushi-sa / A Thing of Beauty, 2020)
  15. Day of the Dog – (Kinshi, 2016)
  16. Judgement Hymn – (Do You Believe in the West World, 1982)
  17. Legion – (Sensou, 2018)

encore

  1. Omen of the Times – (Aria of the Devil, 1998)
  2. Incinerator – (Heiwa, 2019)
  3. Propaganda – (B-side of Westworld 7”, 1982)

Lots of the songs begin with a throbbing base and drums before the guitars kick in e.g. ‘Propaganda’.  ‘Freaks’ is introduced as a pre ‘pc woke’ song and from that point onwards the tempo was upped, the final songs with wailing audience sing-along participation.

Overall a very interesting evening out, and for the price of the tickets an absolute steal.

Marko 20 Dec 2021

Ps – I’ve got a grumble with Kirk – I DM’d him on Twitter asking for ‘Eastworld’ to which he said “consider it done”.  Did they play it – not fucking likely!! ☹☹….

Spizzenergi Concert review (229 The Venue, London – 19 December 2021)

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Finally, 19 months after their last gig, Spizzenergi finally gig again, this time supporting Theatre of Hate.

And to mark this special occasion Spizz (Ken Spiers) finally gets to sing ‘Christmas in Denmark Street’ for the first time ever live on stage!  Plus, we also get to hear their new single a cover of Bowie’s ‘Valentine’s Day’ that captures the spirit of the original but with a new-wave front end. 

The show, starts in style, where it all began way back in 1978 with their first ever single ‘6000 Crazy’.  Spizz hits the stage all in Spizzenergi branded black cloths but lit up like a Christmas tree with his tell-tale glow in the dark scrolling text belt buckle, shoes and multi coloured rings (which are tossed into the crowd after a few numbers).  Obviously beamed down from the starship Enterprise Spizz was akin to a stick of radioactive Day-Glo about to explode (which is probably as well that he didn’t as the covid years have not been very kind to his waistline 😊.. ).

Spizzenergi were down to a 4-piece for this gig: Spizz, Luca, Ben and a new drummer but they sounded damn fine to me, loads of energy and playfulness.   Luca is reminding me more and more of Paul Raymond the late UFO guitarist in both cloths and hair, whilst Ben has a period Marilyn Manson cut with a rock band tattoos and stance.

Setlist (click on links to watch the videos on YouTube)

  1. 6000 Crazy – (SpizzOil EP, 1978)
  2. Shallow End – (Denmark St B-side, 2020)
  3. City of Eyes – (7” Single, 2014)
  4. European Heroes – (Do a Runner, 1980)
  5. Mega City 3* (7” single, 1982)
  6. Valentine’s Day – (Single, 2021 – David Bowie cover)
  7. Here Come the Machines – (7” single, 2017)
  8. Red and Black – (Do a Runner, 1980)
  9. Soldier Soldier – (Spikey Dream Flowers, 1981)
  10. Virginia Plain – (Spizz History, 1982 Roxy Music cover)
  11. Clocks Are Big – (Do a Runner, 1980)
  12. Where’s Captain Kirk? – (7” Single, 1979)
  13. Christmas in Denmark Street – (Single 2020)
  14. I Fought the Law – (The Bobby Fuller Four cover)

*  Released under Spizzenergi2 name

At the front the diehards were dancing away blissfully ignoring and putting two fingers up to the latest Omricon variant.  I sense the crowd was down on numbers given all the government doom and project fear, but those of us who turned up had a mighty good time, Let’s face it Spizzenergi are a fun band to see.  A bit of audience banter for good measure and then stopping ‘Virginia Plane’ in its tracks when we failed as one to shout the title loud enough – we were given 3 attempts to redeem ourselves however 😊.

‘Soldier Soldier’ would have horrified my American friends – Spizz kicking and stamping on the American flag (I think you’d be in jail if you did that in certain parts of the States!!), it is however a powerful chord driven song.  Obviously the crowd go into overdrive the minute they hear those inescapable bass notes that open ‘Where’s Captain Kirk’.  We get a choice for the finale – ‘The Model’ or ‘I Fought the Law’ – alas for me on this occasion the law won!!  All in all a wonderful 45 minute set and for the price of the tickets more than value for money!  If you’ve never seen then I suggest you do, you won’t be disappointed.

Marko – 20 Dec 2021

Concert Review: The Darkness at Southend Cliffs Pavilion on 21/11/2021

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A last-minute look in Classic Rock magazine for bands on tour and hey presto here we are in Southend to watch the outstanding and outlandish ‘The Darkness’.  They have a short UK tour to promote their latest album ‘Motorheart’ and boy were they bloody good.  The entire set was a roller coaster of fun and frolics and packed with enough Rock ‘n’ Roll anthems for everyone – I’ve still got a grin on my face from the show, it was epic.

Steve Harris’s British Lion were supposed to be support but pulled out to be replaced by Massive Wagons, something contractual apparently.  However, watching the Wagons have to clear away their own kit after their short 30 minute set I’m guessing Steve didn’t fancy any of that thank you !! 😊😊.

The Darkness – Cliffs Pavilion, Southend – 11 Nov 2021

There was plenty of standing room, a decent sized crowd of all ages, I’m probably guessing at 65% capacity, and seating probably 85% full.  Mind you as Justin quite rightly pointed out it’s been a while and a lot of punters are still very wary of going out to crowded places, he thanked us accordingly.

A stripped-down set with an arc of horizontal lights across the stage, dalek style lights on the drum raiser for Rufus and 4 Laney speakers.  Simple things that don’t distract the audience from the colourful and flamboyant Justin who more than makes up for drab backdrop.  It was somewhat different to the 8 Marshall speaker stack that Massive Wagons used.

At 21:00 the bagpipes start wailing as the band comes on and launches into a new song ‘Welcome Tae Glasgae’ promptly followed up by crowd favourites ‘One Way Ticket’ and ‘Growing On Me’.

Justin starts the show in a black cowboy style shirt and the biggest black slick flares I’ve seen since the 70’s.  Frankie wears a black polo neck and black leather jacket and trousers throughout the 1 hour 45-minute set. He must have been sweating under there!  Dan also all in black with a biker jacket, Thin Lizzy t-shirt and skinny jeans.  Rufus in shorts and t-shirt was buried behind the drum kit and hard to see, until his costume change but more of that later.

A very good stomping new song ‘It’s Love, Jim’ sees Justin top off proudly showing off his physique and countless tattoos.  There can’t be any singers with Lowestoft (a tribute to their home town) proudly tattooed on their belly!  For most of the subsequent set Dan starts the monster riffs and Justin dons the guitar halfway through for yet another stunning solo.  They all work wonderfully as a unit and Frankie stays in the shadows looking cool for most of the time!  Now that said in my eyes Justin is sort of morphing into Steve Tyler and I think Frankie and Richard Ayoade must have been separated at birth 😊.

The Darkness – Motorheart UK Tour 2021 posters

Set List (Some songs are missing – click on link to view the video in 4k)

  1. Welcome Tae Glasgae (Motorheart, 2021)
  2. One Way Ticket (One Way Ticket to Hell… and Back, 2005)
  3. Growing on Me (Permission to Land, 2003)
  4. Motorheart (Motorheart, 2021)
  5. It’s Love, Jim (Motorheart, 2021)
  6. Black Shuck (Permission to Land, 2003)
  7. The Power and the Glory of Love (Motorheart, 2021)
  8. Solid Gold (Pinewood Smile, 2017)
  9. Friday Night (Permission to Land, 2003)
  10. Love Is Only a Feeling (Permission to Land, 2003)
  11. Barbarian (Last of Our Kind, 2015)
  12. Get Your Hands Off My Woman (Permission to Land, 2003)
  13. I Believe in a Thing Called Love (Permission to Land, 2003)

Encore
14. Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End) (Permission to Land, 2003)

There was plenty of banter with the crowd stage right with people shouting requests and Justin checking the set list to see where the song was – “Yeah, it’s the next one good call!” to Black Shuck.  Justin set a rod for his own back as they kept shouting Black Shuck for every song 😊.  Justin kept engaging with the crowd, he really is a great frontman.  Very comfortable in his own skin, an extremely talented musician, ticks every cliched box for Rock Star looks and moves and does it all with the biggest smile on his face – you can tell he just loves every moment of it.  There’s plenty of songs to show off his flawless falsetto, a couple of ballads and the rest is pure RnR genius.

Justin Hawkins changes to one of his trademark jumpsuits – this time a silver glittering tasselled number with a lions mane down the back, characteristic and unforgettable.  A lot of ohh/ahh noise greets the (3 times) spoken word introduction to one of my favourites ‘Barbarian’ – check out the video link – we were having fun!  The fun continued with him messing about in between songs where he starts playing a couple of Oasis riffs then a quick audience sing along to ‘Wonderwall’ – bizarre.  More sing-a-longs to ‘Solid Gold’ – you know all the rude words (tee hee)

The rude version of ‘Get Your ‘fucking’ Hands Off My Woman’ sets up the final falsetto song ‘I Believe in a Thing Called Love’ of the show, and it’s a while till they re-emerge for the encore.  The delay wasn’t to milk the applause as they all turn up fully dressed for the final song (it’s kinda near Xmas after all) ‘Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bell’s End)’.  Justin in a glittery red catsuit and Santa hat; Rufus as a Xmas tree (don’t know how he even got on his drum seat); Frankie as some fat fairy and Dan being the sensible one in a Marshall Xmas jumper.

At the end the band throw plectrums to people they picked out (inc. yours truly) and trundle off after yet another wonderous performance.  So, there you have it, The Darkness deliver incredibly catchy ass songs with wonderful riffs and leave grins on everyone’s faces.  A masterclass from a tight and highly professional band, no one leaves disappointed.  I will be back!

Marko – 22 November 2021

Must also mention Massive Wagons.  I knew little about them but a bit of Googling tells me that this 5-piece from Lancaster have 5 studio albums and were formed in 2009.  They did a power packed 30-minute set with the front man reminding me of Angry Anderson such was his pent-up energy.  Alas the noise levels were too high for my liking and I could barely make out what ‘Baz’ Mills the singer was saying, let alone singing.  The songs though were good enough for me to check this band out.  Not totally sure of the set but ‘Bangin In Your Stereo’ and ‘In It Together’ were top notch and they certainly warmed up the audience for the main act.  My advice to the band – give Baz a wide breath or risk getting your head knocked off with the mic stand – very impressively handled whilst going for his own rock star poses.  You did good chaps.

Massive Wagons