Fangbase - Reviews

Robin II, Bilston

Monday 29th March 2004

 

Just back from Bilston so I thought that I would send in a review while I'm waiting for my ears to stop ringing! People (stupid people obviously) ask me why I go to see the Damned so often and the answer is because you are always guaranteed a fantastic time and tonight was no exception.

The gig started with Captain coming on dressed in some sort of leopard skin dress and carrying a bog brush, I think he was supposed to be a caveman but to be honest he looked more like a breastless Bet Lynch. He told us that they had messed around a bit with the set - well that was something of an understatement as it bore no resemblance to 2003. If you are going to a gig in the next month you're in for a treat but if you don't want to know what you're going to hear stop reading now.

They started off with a lovely quiet intro from Monty on the keyboard which exploded into Melody Lee which I haven't heard live for ages. This was quickly followed by I Fall and Plan 9, Channel 7. We then had a long interlude while they sorted out a technical problem with Stu's amp but this just gave the opportunity for plenty of banter between the band and a boisterous but good natured crowd. As usual Captain was the target for most of the abuse but we all know he loves it - and the abuse!

After a few prayers normal service was resumed with Amen (dedicated to Cliff Richard) and then Beauty of the Beast (which they should have dedicated to Monty who was claiming to be a Sex God!). From the newish - and there was promise of a recording in June - it was back in time for a rousing rendition of Nasty and then Fan Club.

We were then treated to a great instrumental towards the end of Neverland which just proved how well these guys can play. The pace then picked up again with See Her Tonite and a new one on me (apologies for my ignorance) the excellent Anti Pope.

Everyone was having a great time - even Monty was smiling but that was probably because he saw a couple of children in the crowd! We then had another great guitar solo from Captain during Would You Be So Hot (which we all were by then) which was followed by Ignite. Pinch's drumming was fantastic all night even though Captain described him as a Sex Dwarf - Pinch claimed he was sitting on a low stool but I think he meant toadstool!

Then came the superb History of the World - whoever decided to bring that back last year deserves a medal cos it's fantastic live - and then before going off for a well earned rest an excellent rendition of Neat Neat Neat with DV teasing us for ages before the final chorus.

Four oldies made up the encore, Looking At You, New Rose (by popular demand), Love Song and of course Smash It Up.

As for the new boy, it looks as if Pinch has introduced a worthy replacement (temporary or otherwise) for Patricia as Stu was excellent. For those that haven't seen him yet he looks a bit like a bald Dave with earrings - he even had to take his jacket off after a couple of songs like DV often does.

All in all a fantastic night. The boys were fresh, Dave's vocals and the sound were excellent and the crowd created a great atmosphere, oh and the Elf was there! It says a lot that the band can leave out such favourites as Disco Man, Wait For The Blackout, She, Democracy, Eloise, Song.com, I Just Can't Be Happy Today (add your own if I missed it) and yet nobody left disappointed. Go and see the new set - you'll love it.

Paul Newell

Another...

Support OK. Sounded like 10 Benson / Wedding Present, all in Black suits and the singer looked like Lee Evans. Bass player like the fat lad out of Liberty X. Drummer was ace though - he was from the Keith Moon school of drumming - if it was in range, he hit it.

Damned came on with Captain in a Cave Man Leopard skin outfit, with thong to match - we know this 'cos he kept showing his arse!

Kicked off with Melody Lee - it gets a bit blurry after this (Cider as usual). I know Amen was played, but just before this, the Bass player's Amp played up. During the wait, Captain had a rant about Busted and The Darkness; along the lines of how rubbish they are.

Other stuff played was Anti Pope, Neverland, Would You Be So Hot.., Neat Neat Neat, I Fall, Fan Club, Plan 9 Channel 7, New Rose.

Pinch was quite talkative for a change - bit of banter with him and Captain. Monty had a slagging off by Captain, about being a keybaord player in Punk band. We were told they're recording an album in June. Captain thanked us for being a fantastic crowd and kif they ever record a live album, it's going to be in Bilston, just due to the love shown.

My friend Martyn lost his shoes in the mosh pit! and gave his t-shirt away to a lad who'd lost his t-shirt and coat.

Keith