Fangbase - Reviews

Telewest Arena, Newcastle

Friday 28th June 2002

We arrived at the venue just after doors opening - an unusual 9.30pm (We being: Wayne, Paul, Dego, Ma. M, Bro. Lee and myself.)

The 'goth disco' (or 'Snakebite and Black' club night as it's called) had already started and would preceded the Damned instead of a support band.

The music was... interesting, but the goth crowd didn't seem very lively - the dance floor was completely empty! While the rest of our group was still at the bar me and Ma. M walked easily to the front and took up a position at the barrier.

It was nearing 10.15 and the place started to fill up - now there was a lot more people at the barrier. Bang on time, the curtain went back to reveal the Damned already on stage. It was straight into 'Street Of Dreams' (from then on I can't remember the exact order of play).

The audience were a little slow to get going but soon got into the swing of things. (Now the goth crowd were lively!)

Later in the night, Captain said "This ones dedicated to the German football team - I hope they'll be singing this on Sunday night!" before launching into 'Just Can't Be Happy'. hehe!

Unfortunately the sound quality was absolutely awful (not the Damned's fault) however, they soldiered on and gave their usual brilliant performance.

After the gig we (our little group) were lucky enough to meet the band. (Me and Ma. M were so nervous we couldn't think of a thing to say! But we're still on cloud 9 now!) Thanks for another great night - and afterwards!

Moaner Lisa & Ma

Another...

To be honest this venue is not the best - the University is much better, although now the Mayfair has disappeared there's not a lot of places suitable in Newcastle now.

The crowd was a little sparse at the beginning & we easily found a space at the barrier. The sound started off badly and never really got any better although apparently it was better the further you got from the stage (at times you couldn't hear Sensible for the feedback). Performance wise the band were their usual magnificent selves, the set was varied (Under the Floor Again was excellent) but one question was asked by several - why did they play Eller-bloody-weeeeeeze and not New Rose?

Highlight of the night? - well it had to be me winning the signed copy of the anthology!!!! (who took the photo?).

Thanks for a great night lads (& Pat!), keep it up, the songs are timeless!

Gal

Photos supplied by Moaner Lisa