Fangbase - Reviews

Civic Hall, Whitehaven

Tuesday 27th August 2002

When we heard that the band were to play Whitehaven, we thought it was a mistake. How many Punk / Damned fans live in the wilds of Cumbria?! We were concerned that there wouldn't be many people at this gig. We were mistaken...

We arrived at the venue in good time. People were still queuing up. Just before we went in, we met RancidTom and Daisy (and not forgetting Dego, Doss and Jackie who we met at our hotel).

Once inside it was straight to the front - no problem, plenty of space, as the support band, Diamond Dogs, hadn't even started.

Diamond Dogs, although not my usual taste in music, I quite enjoyed them, and Ma. Moaner thought they were "canny" as well. I'd definitely go and see them again.

While Diamond Dogs were on, the place was only about half full, by time the Damned came on, the place had filled to about 3/4. We saw lots of younger people (average age about 17-18), and we wondered if these 'skateboard punks' were here just out of curiosity.

The stage was a good size, but there were no curtains. So when the Damned came on it was from behind a veil of mist. Then it was straight into Street Of Dreams. I can't remember the exact order of the set list, but it included: Democracy; Song.com; She; Amen; New Rose; Neat Neat Neat; 13th Floor Vendetta; Under The Floor Again; Eloise; Plan 9; Smash It Up; Wait For The Blackout; Would You Be So Hot; Disco Man; and Ignite. (Captain told us all that back in the 80's, he'd asked DV to come up with a fast song, and it was Ignite that he came up with.)

The sound was perfect throughout, apart from about the 3rd or 4th song, when Captain seemed to have a small problem with his equipment. But this was quickly sorted, and didn't spoil any enjoyment.

The band were on top form, gave a great performance, and all looked very fit and loverrrly!

As mentioned, there were a lot of younger people in the audience, mostly wearing shirts for bands such as Green Day, Slipknot etc. However, they seemed to really get into the Damned. We noticed that the ones nearest to us, although they didn't know the words to some of the songs, they were certainly moshing along to them! Captain also explained, for the benefit of these younger members, his hatred for Cliff Richard. A lot seemed to agree!!

It seems that The Damned's music is finally starting to break through to younger music lovers!

My only moan of the night would be about the lighting. For starters, there was hardly any lights shining on the front of the stage (which gave DV a perfect link to 'Wait For The Blackout'), but too much coming from the back - it was blinding for us!

However, we were 'treated' to a laser show: "This is the first time we've had laser lights, and the first time we've played in Whitehaven." and later "What's with the laser show - we're not f***ing Punk Floyd!" - Captain.

At the end of the night the band went off-stage and the audience started stomping on the floor and chanting with impatience for them to come back on. Captain came back on to a huge cheer, and gave us all a rendition of Happy Talk as a reward!! This went down really well and even the young punks around us joined in.

This was another very enjoyable night with The Damned!

Moaner Lisa and Ma. Moaner

Another...

Not seen the group since 1986. Going to a place with no atmosphere, expecting to see some great memories tarnished by a group I grew up with - but christ was I blown away. This group not only have some of the finest, most underrated songs in their pocket, but can play live better now than the many gigs I saw as a teenager.

From Street of Dreams to the amazing re-vamped Neat Neat Neat, the smile on my face hurt. Fantastic stiff all the way through. Great line up, fine new stuff, fine sound and all played really tight.

I'll send the word out that this is one group to see not out of nostalgia but go because they are STILL fantastic. 13th Floor Vendetta - what other group could do something like that, go to Ignite and all places in between in such a place and come up smelling of ... roses.

Fine attitude, humour, fine musicianship, cracking songs. I would never normally be one to send something like this in to a group or website, but this stirred more than memories, this is now.

Does that keyboardist do dance lessons .. who cares.

Cheers, it will not be so long again

Ken and Linda

And another...

Good to see them in Cumbria - usually have to go to Newcastle or Glasgow.

Really enjoyed the concert, makes a difference when you can tell the band is enjoying themselves, seen them 3 times in last 10 months and they seem to be getting better.

The guy on the keyboards - Max Boyce on crack, was so funny I missed 2 records because I was laughing so much.

There was lots from Carlisle and its a pity we dont get the acts that Whitehaven seem to attract, hope its as good at Middlesborough.

Stuart, Carlisle