I was offered a ticket to this sold-out gig after two friends mixed up who was buying, resulting in a spare. I had heard of the band but was not familiar with their work, but my friend promised me they were amazing live. With no work the next day, why not?
Prior to the gig, a few of us went for dinner at Bar SOBA, an Asian fusion street food restaurant in the Merchant City area of Glasgow, a short walk from the Barrowland. I had Yakisoba as my main and Mochi Balls for dessert. The latter seemed aptly named, as they had the texture of ice cream stuffed into a bull's testicle, albeit a mock one. I'm not sure I'd order it again.
The rain drizzled as we headed to the venue, now joined by Doug, the fourth member of tonight's troupe. After a brief security frisk, we headed inside, checked out the merchandise, and then went upstairs to the dancefloor, only to find all the rear barrier spaces taken. We stood near the fire doors at the back.
Support act Bad Nerves plays what they describe as fast music, reminiscent of The Ramones. It wasn't unpleasant or overly engaging, but the audience at the front went mad for them, jumping about and pumping their fists in the air. It wasn't really my thing.
As their set finished, so did my painkillers. My back twinges started up, and I began to wonder if I was going to survive the night standing. I knew Bob had accessibility access seats available to him and wondered if that might be the less painful option for me. Doug noticed me eyeing the seats and suggested we both make use of them (he'd had back problems, too, after a rugby injury). The security person guarding access to this section took some persuading to let us in, as Bob's Ticketmaster tickets didn't specifically mention 'accessibility', but he pointed out the pricing indicated he had access. She eventually relented and opened the barrier to let the two of us in. By this point, I didn't need to act about how much pain I was in as I climbed the steps, grasping the handrail like it was a crutch.
The Accessibility platform is probably not the best location to experience The Hives, but I have to say, situated above head height, the view was excellent. The seating is quite cramped, but at least no one expects you to stand when they want past to go to the bar or toilets.
If I thought the crowd was mad for Bad Nerves, it went up to the max when The Hives took the stage. Their frontman, Howlin’ Pelle, was in total control, whether it be making the crowd put their hands in the air, clap their hands or swing their arms from side to side. He was all over the stage, from side to side, flicking his microphone cord so it didn't get tangled, jumping on and off the risers and down to the audience, leaning over to slap their hands, nearly falling in a couple of times. His banter has the force of a Swedish Hitler (only with more humour and less intention to invade Poland), berating the audience for not being loud enough on his command. Even when he loses his train of thought, he delivers it with such power you can't help but love him for it. I didn't like the way he kept spitting on the stage, though, but maybe that's what they do in Sweden, like a dog leaving his scent.
While Pelle is the definite centre of attention, he is only one part of the band. Each member stands out musically and individually despite being costumed similarly. Their music is powerful and driven, the drums, bass, and guitars coordinating to increase our heart rate, and I would have loved to bounce about in that crowd. At the end, the band took their bows to the Carly Simon track "Nobody Does It Better." On tonight's evidence, I'd have to agree.
Ticket Price: £38.50.
Video Link Bogus Operandi
Video Link: Hate to Say I Told You So
Video Link: Tick Tick Boom
Setlist
Bogus OperandiMain Offender
Take Back the Toys
Two Kinds of Trouble
Rigor Mortis Radio
Walk Idiot Walk
Good Samaritan
Go Right Ahead
Stick Up
Hate to Say I Told You So
Trapdoor Solution
I'm Alive
Bigger Hole to Fill
Die, All Right!
Won't Be Long
Try It Again
Countdown to Shutdown
Encore:
Come On!
Smoke & Mirrors
Tick Tick Boom
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| One of the Ninja Roadies on percussion |
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