Fangbase - Reviews

Norwich, Waterfont

Sunday 14th December 2003

Well this one got off to an unprecedented start. I parked the car and was walking to the Waterfront when I was propositioned by not 1 but 2, er, young ladies offering their services (all in the space of about of about 10 yards). I naturally declined although I was tempted to use the old "looking for a good time dearie. Sorry I've only got a fiver. It's all right I've got plenty of change" gag.

Never been to the Waterfront before, but it seemed a nice little club. Just to prove you shouldn't believe all that the doom and gloom merchants post on the Messageboard, there was a very decent size crowd too - all but full I'd guess.

The Damned came on with the good Captain in full cop's uniform (Sargeant Sensible as Mr. Vanian called him) and Dave clad in a purple frock coat. He does need a haircut you know! Glad to see Patricia looking fit and well. Monty was in his skulls shirt and Pinch was all but invisible behind his kit right at the back of the tiny stage.

Ignite kicked off what I thought seemed a slightly shorter than usual (but excellent) set, then Disco Man (Dave dedicating to Brittney Spears), I Just Can't Be Happy Today (Sensible dedicating to Saddam Hussein "- He was only doing his job"). Once again I've forgotten the running order but there a really rocking song.com, Democracy (George W being Captain's target here), Amen, She, Thirteenth Floor Vendetta, History of the World (which gets better live every time I hear it). Wait For The Blackout made a welcome return to the set after being missing from the last few shows I've seen. See Her Tonite was there too with DV crediting Brian James as the writer "Brian's a lost icon" said Captain "along with that bloke off the telly in the beret who went Oooh Betty" This last character was identified as Algy Ward by someone in the audience before it was finally established it was Frank Spencer that Captain was on about.

Last of the main set was Neat Neat Neat still with Break On Thru in the middle, which fits in really well and sounds like it's always been there. As DV said "Without the aid of a safety net". In fact he did the whole set without the aid of a mic stand - something else unprecedented.

Before the encores Monty and the Captain did a bit involving a giant inflatable Santa and a rendition of Happy Talk.

The encores were New Rose (another very welcome return, complete with brief rattle on the keyboards by Dave at the start), with a highly enjoyable Eloise and Love Song. Smash It Up brought things to a close. I never get tired of hearing that song - by way of a change Captain prefaced it with a quick Bob Dylan impression.

All in all yet another fine night with the band as tight as ever and in good humour too. Just the one complaint. Why do I seem to always end up standing next to people who want to hold full blown conversations with each other through every song?

Froggy

Another...

Maybe it was me, or maybe it was just because they were so outstanding last year, but it just seemed a bit like another day at the office for the Boys.

The playing was great and the sound was good (Although it could have been a bit louder we thought) but that little bit of fizz was missing. You couldn't see Monty's great dancing, being tucked further back on the stage, and it would have been nice to hear some different songs. The crowd was a bit subdued too with the venue about 3/4 full.

As I said, it may just have been me but hey, I'll be back for more as always!

Andrew

Another...

This was the first time I've seen the Damned and I thought that it had high energy, and if some people enjoyed it, but thought there have been better, shows it just says what I've been missing.

It was fantastic seeing them live and in person and enjoyed the humour and good feeling around the show. It was fun although I agree it did seem to be a bit shorter than I expected.

Some of the songs "History of the world" took on massive power played live and above all I can't wait till they play again .

Steve Robbo

 

Thanks to Steve Final for these photos, and for the photo at the top of the page!