I
had set off for this gig with a bit of trepidation, apparently the
Damned hadn't done the Isle Of Man gig due to problems Vanian had
at the airport on the way out. Rumours had been flying and I even
wondered if I was trailing out on a cold Sunday night for nothing.
There'd
been word that this gig wasn't selling very well (probably due to
the price which I know did put a couple of mates off). Was surprised
when I got there to see the place was chocka! So much for the tale
about tickets not selling well.
I
arrived just as The Lurkers were finishing their set so can't
give an opinion on them, but they seemed to have gone down well with
the crowd. First stop, the bar!!!
Next
up, Eddie and the Hot Rods. Caught all their set. They rocked!!!
The crowd was well pleased and I thought even if the Damned don't
show, it was worth coming out for The Rods alone. After they'd
finished, the crew started setting up for the Damned, things were
looking hopeful.
And
on they came… Cap, sporting a snazzy new silvery jacket, Vanian
in a sleek black PVC jacket, and black pants (which the ladies standing
round me really appreciated!!)
When
the first song started, I couldn't hear Vanian's vocals at all. The
sound was well off. After about the third song this problem was sorted
and his voice came over loud and strong. But the bad sound at the
start didn't affect their performance and they played a blinder.
The
new bass player really knows his stuff. I was well pleased! The Damned
are back to being 'boy band' once again!
Tribute
was paid to recently deceased DJ, John Peel (prompted by Pinch)
and there was also a 'mention' of rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard,
also recently deceased. Vanian reminded the audience that it was the
25th anniversary of MGE and in conjunction with that mentioned
it was his cousin's 25th birthday (she was there at the gig).
The
set list:
Started
with Street Of Dreams, then in no particular order:
Eloise
Ignite
Anti Pope (which Vanian said could also be called Anti Pop,
written by Cap's brother who also happened to be in the audience)
Just Cant Be Happy Today
Absinthe
Jet Boy Jet Girl
Neat x3
History Of the World
Looking At You
Would You Be So Hot
Ignite
Disco Man
The
encore: Cap came back on with a box of lager, to give out to the crowd.
He started throwing them, but the lucky recipients soon discovered
that the cans were empty! What a £$%&! haha! Started with
Jetboy/Jetgirl, Vanian and this blonde haired bloke (?) stood
to one side and did backing vocals - a rare treat to hear this live!
Second, New Rose, was dedicated to Vanian's cousin on her birthday.
The gig ended with the traditional 'Smash It Up' then they
were gone. The crowd hung around for a few minutes after until they
realised they weren't going to get any more. A cracking gig - made
a lot of happy people, cheers guys!
Daniel
R.
[Follow
on from Daniel R: "When I said that Absinthe didn't go down too
well with the crowd, I failed to mention that I personally like the
song, but mellow gothy type songs don't go down too well with rough
Geordies!" ..Was asked to edit
the above by Daniel R. - FB]
My
ears are still ringing after last nights gig at the Metro Arena Newcastle!
At
nearly 40 years old i still havent learned NOT to hang over the barrier
and dance like a man possessed ,feel battered but it was worth it.
The Arena had been fitted out quite well and we arrived at the bar
just as The Lurkers started their set with the place quite
full and everyone enjoying the sound of a proper punk band again.
Next up was Eddie and the Hot Rods, and again they sounded
good with some enthusiastic playing from all involved.
Even more people seemed to be coming in and i was down the front as
The Damned came on when all went manic in the crowd! great stuff.
Have to say the band all looked well, with smiles all round, and they
sounded superb, just seem to get better , and its great to see a band
that look like they are enjoying themselves almost as much as the
crowd .
20 odd years ago i saw the origional MGE tour and it was that
which had turned me into a life long fan. Great to hear the likes
of ' Melody Lee, noise,noise,noise, I just cant be
happy today, and of course Smash it up and Love Song,
alongside , Absinthe, Would you be so hot, I Fall,
New Rose, Neat neat neat, Ignite, History
of The world, and more!! my memory has gone , all exellent.
long may it continue.
Neil
T