The Damned - Manchester Acadamy - 19 November 2011
When The Damned announced a 35th Anniversary tour for this November, it was an gig
I was looking forward to more than the numerous other times I've seen them. Playing
"Damned Damned Damned" album and "The Black Album" in their entirety. Now over
the years they have turned more into a full on psych/punk band for me (no bad thing,
I love it) and "The Black Album" (released 1980) was heading that way even then. The
albums are (for me) at opposite ends of their career in terms of sound and style-even
though there is only 4 years separating their releases.
So after many times seeing them, seeing different line-ups of the band, and seeing them
evolve from punk to punk/psych, to goth, to goth/pop (c'mon! "Eloise" is a great song and their's
is a great version, but its the most poppiest song they did-unfortunately also, its the most well
known song of their's that non-fans will mention), then back to punk/psych, (with the later years
sounding (live anyway) more psych than punk), how will they be approaching the debut album
today? It's "full on punk" and just reading the song titles scream "PUNK!!" .."Stab Your Back" (sadly
missing from the tour setlist), "Born To Kill", "Feel The Pain", "So Messed Up"..you get the
picture..
So, the support slot starts by the very easy going Viv Albertine(ex The Slits). She is solo,
with just guitar. Her presence is dwarfed by the song subjects.."I Don't Believe In Love",
"Confessions of a MILF", "Needles" ("a song about Johnny Thunders and his non-performance
in bed!") and "Couples Are Creepy".She's still a strong headed lass is Viv, and even though the
subject matters can be thought provoking(hey, this is punk!), she has a sweet way of saying it.
I'll be checking her out again.
After 30 mins, "The Dambusters" theme is announcing The Damned's arrival. A short intro by the
Captain, and onwards they go, into the choppy seas of the "Damned Damned Damned" album
...and it evident straight away this will be played "a la punk!" Over the years, all the early stuff had
developed a psych leaning-which I love, as its too easy to churn out everything sounding
EXACTLY how they did it 35 years ago. They have progressed, unlike many other bands..
After a sharp "Neat Neat Neat", they hit the album at the same breakneck speed, all in album
order (except for afore mentioned "Stab Your Back"-written by Scabies, maybe that's why?).
The whole first set is brilliant, played as the album, with a more polished "rawness" -hey!
they've had 35 years to perfect it! The crowd is going mad -so is Monty (keyboards). His role
on the first part of this set is largely made up on jumping around like a mad scientist, providing
backing vocals and praying to the church of evil. He's a great showman, (wiki suggests he's 75
..really?!) but his keyboard skills are really something else, as noted much later.
The lack of much interaction between the band and crowd is noticable..which is a shame. The
Captain is usually high on japes, but tonight its straight into the business end of things. Maybe
its because this concert by is being recorded by Concert Live / time issues (there is a lot to fit in!)
Time flies-fast! "Damned Damned Damned" is finished off by a rousing "I Feel Alright", and
off they go for a short break and for the Captain to get out of his legendary "hairy monster" suit..
Part two.."The Black Album". A mix of punk tunes and psych/punk, it was their coming of age album
for me. The Captain again, gives a short introduction (now in his red and white striped
"FREAK" shirt..I want one!) and onwards we go, hitting "Wait For The Blackout" with a fuller sound-
Monty is now fully involved. Again, they hit the album as it was recorded but with extra polish. Vanian
is more comfortable with his "croning" vocal style now, Sensible has a personally more
"interesting" guitar role, with Stu West (bass) and Pinch (drums), as ever, providing the perfect
finished article. For me, this is easily the best Damned line up-ok, its not THE classic line up, but
the polished way each gig they perform is spot on.
Finally, we arrive to "Curtain Call"..the track I personally think is the best Damned song ever. Clocking
in at over 17 mins on the album, I've heard this performed live many times and always thought it
was half baked...always a very shortened version, which misses the whole feeling of the song-
tonight its clocking in at over 15 mins. If you're not familier with the track, it's a song split into 4 sections,
with heavy keyboards midway, it is very pysch influenced..even a rave feeling (how about that eh
..The Damned -pioneers of rave ..ok, i jest!)
Anyway, this was probably the greatest moment I've heard The Damned live. Monty's keyboards
was utterly remarkable, the Captain's guitar and second keyboard work complimenting him effortlessly.
What a moment! Finally, I had heard the song with the full respect it deserved. It wasn't a time to dance
like a loon, it was moment to savour-perfect.
After easily the biggest cheer of the night, the "albums" sections are finished, and its straight
into the usual crowd pleasers (via the usual"Captain is a wanker!" a Damned gig wouldn't be the
same without it!), "Disco Man","New Rose", a rousing "Eloise" and we finish with a perfect "Smash
It Up (Parts1-3). The Captain really is a very underated guitarist, as well as a great showman.
And with that it's all over. Easily the best Damned gig I've attended and it was great to hear the
old stuff as intended. I look forward to "Music For Pleasure"/"Strawberries tour next year..please!
The concert was recorded live by Concert Live, and is available to buy here for £20..very recommended.
www.concertlive.co.uk/product.php
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Stiff Little Fingers -Manchester Acadamy - 1 April 2011
"You've been a great crowd -thanks very much and Goodnight !!" ..
"Eh?" I think?! Have I really been jumping around like a possessed loony for over one and half hours, reliving my youth again ..was that really one and half hours?!!!
Jake was on form (is he ever NOT on form?).His energy and enthusiasm filters down from the stage to the crowd from his first steps, picking up his guitar and saying hello. He knows he is amongst friends. There is no hero worshipping, its just maximum respect for someone who has kept the Stiff Little Fingers flame blazing, with a healthy dose of petrol.
The band was tight and polished to shine-and shine they did.
All the usual favourites are blasted out, along with a few newer ones, and the anger of the injustices of life are still being acknowledged, with Jake (as in "Full Steam Backwards") asking why bankers are rewarded with obscene payoffs when they have failed, while the common man has to pay for it. He's pissed off..we are too.
From Suspect Device to Fly the Flag to Johnny Was, every tune was as fresh as back in '78/'79...and when ending with a great tribute to Joe Strummer with "I Fought The Law", you knew it was heartfelt.
And then it was over. I'm picked up off the floor (again..cheers mate!) by a stranger, I dust down and retire to the bar..much needed. PHEW!
HANX!
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AC/DC -Manchester Arena 21 April 09
I’ll get to the point about this..it was stunning!
It was my first possible chance (and maybe the last ever?) of seeing AC/DC and they didn’t disappoint!
On they rolled with the rock ‘n’ roll train,and it was the same tempo all night..rocking and energy.
Angus was on top form-the guy is a full blown entertainer,anyone who just points to the crowd and gets huge cheers knows he’s got ‘em in his hand..awesome!
Brian has a voice that i just can’t believe hasn’t ripped up on this huge world tour-he gives it absolutely everything and bounces around like a little 8 year old when not singing.
With Malcolm,Cliff and Phil in the background,and seemingly very happy to let the spotlight be somewhere else,the gig was as polished as you could expect.
The stage was gulfed with the AC/DC Rock ‘n’ Roll Train and 3 huge video screens-2 to the side and the larger one in the middle,showing videos and images from yesteryear.
But the highlight for me was undoubtedly “Whole Lotta Rosie”,quite possibly my favourite DC song ever and definitely the song that got me into them ..the train was mounted by a huge blow up “Rosie” that seemingly humped the train to the beat!!
Towards the finale,Angus was really on a roll,guitar solos really raining in,and some slick stage effects to boot.
“For those about to rock-we salute you” closed the show with the same energy it started nearly 2 hours earlier and then it was over..simply brilliant.
I really do hope they put their feet up after this tour and consider another in the future..born showmen and just an excellent night to be had.
If you are seeing them in the next few months,I’m jealous!
..And you’ll love it!
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Lux Interior RIP 1948 - 2009
Man..another of my idols falls away.
Today is sad day,tinged with mischievious happiness.
Lux and The Cramps were innovators of that hybreed mix of punk,surf,garage and rockabilly.
PSYCHOBILLY !!!
“Dirty rock ‘n’ roll” I once labelled them ..a giant leap beyond from the Stones in the sixties…no! in fact a huge galaxy beyond..ultra risque at its best!
The best living musical b-movie you’d ever want to hear!
A Russ Mayer musical…Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!!
They were just a brilliant band,with the most entertaining live frontman a band could want.
One of the greatest ever gigs in my life, was seeing the Cramps 1986 at Manchester Apollo.He just wrecked it!
Totally memorized,you couldn’t look away for one second-he was just mad..bad..crazy..funny..feckin awesome…unreal….it was a forever memorable performance.
Goodnight Gorehound…thanks for the music and happiness you shared….....buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!