Fangbase - Reviews

Rio's, Bradford

Thursday 29th July 2004

 

I first saw The Damned in Sheffield in 91 (I think it was 91) The classic Scabies, Vanian, Sensible, Gray line up. I remember this was a great gig (Apart from the gob!!) I've seen them many times since, and actually supported them in 95 at Barnsley civic theatre and many times at Rio's in Bradford.

Always at Rio's like at The Irish Centre in Leeds, the venue is near on full. The first Irish Centre gig with the current line up was amazing great atmosphere, the second one not such a great atmosphere, no fault of the band... what was wrong with the Leeds crowd that night?? But always the atmosphere at Rio's is great whether the band play well or not. (I've seen them with Garry Dreadful at Rio's and it was a joke!)

The latest gig at Rio's has to go down as one of the of the best gigs I've ever been to! Great music, entertainment, atmosphere. The band looked and played amazing. I must come clean with you... I'm a bigger Pistols fan than Damned fan, but I'd rather go see the Damned than the Pistols these days, and that's saying something, when I last saw the Pistols in Las Vegas last year, they were good...but not that good!

The only downside was that they didn't play more off 'Grave Disorder' but saying that it was great to hear 'Antipope' and 'Jet boy' Captain really getting into a fantastic version of the Softies song. The sound was the best I've heard the band, that I remember anyway. The new bass player adds a little extra in my opinion in terms of sound, and they are tighter than ever, and obviously are having a blast at the same time... LONG LIVE THE DAMNED. Captain's abuse of Paul Weller was hilarious and being an Ant fan It was funny to hear Pinch was an Ant once as he drummed the Kings of the Wild Frontier beat.

It really did leave me wanting more, it's a pity they aren't playing more dates, I'll look forward to the Autumn tour!? I can't remember the set list, but they did play 'Antipope & Jet boy' as well as all the classics, they played a couple off Grave Disorder. My mate was screaming for Democracy, but they didn't play it.

I actually thought after the gig, how will I cope when they finally pack it in!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great night boys, hope to see ya soon and next time you're around Leeds or Bradford can my band support you pleeeeeeeeeeeeease??

Bedders