Sometimes a song on the radio sticks in your head so much, you feel compelled to learn more about the band, seeking out their back catalogue and searching the tour listings to see if they're coming to town. Such a song was "Man on Fire", a catchy head nodder that received heavy airplay on Planet Rock Radio. Having listened to and liked their other work, it was a no-brainer to go with the lads to this gig. Better still, it was on a Tuesday, my regular day off from work, so no problems getting there on time.
But we were meeting in the pub and some were running late so we didn't arrive at the venue till after seven (doors open at 6.30pm). The place was rammed. I've never seen The Garage so full so early. Valhalla Awaits were mid-set and it looked like we were going to struggle to find a spot except at the back. What I didn't know was we had booked a booth. With six of us crammed in, my nutsack came in for a bit of a crush, legs pressed together, and I knew this position would be untenable for the duration of the gig. Fortunately, Alan and Bob wanted to stand so the increased space became bearable.
Sitting properly on the seat, the view was poor. I could barely see the second support act, which I wasn't overly bothered about. The music didn't move me. They played their set. That's about all I can say about them.
I was here for Those Damn Crows. They did not disappoint. Choosing to perch against the wall on the top of the backs of the seats, my view was much improved except for the pipe on the underside of the balcony which restricted it marginally, becoming an issue only when the lead singer or bassist stood on the platform at the nearside of the stage.
The sound was good, the music had depth and the lead singer enjoyed himself immensely, teasing us that we couldn't be better than Swansea (the band are Welsh, as in fact were all the bands tonight). He even climbed onto the balcony to lead the singalong, returning to the stage through the crowd.
This was their first UK headline tour and I think they played safe picking the 700 capacity Garage. I don't know if they could have filled the Barrowland but that is a gig I want to see. Maybe there the other guitarist would have had more stage to play with instead of being stuck in the corner.
I predict great things from this band. They will fill arenas one day.
Setlist
Fill The Void
Wake Up
Sick of Me
Kingdom of Dust
Sin on Skin
Blink of an Eye
Who Did It?
Send the Reaper
Rock N Roll Ain't Dead
Go Get It
Takedown
Man On Fire
Waiting For Me
Encore:
This Time I'm Ready
Play Video
See You Again
Ticket Price: £18 plus fees.
 |
| The timings slipped slightly on the night |
 |
| James & The Cold Gun |
No comments:
Post a Comment