Fangbase - Reviews

Hackney Ocean - London

21st December 2001

Another good 'un. Nice venue with a very large and appreciative crowd, all but a sell out I'd guess. Good to see such a loyal following. Not many young fans though, I'd say that just about everyone was over 30 with a large proportion (including me) being over 40.

Not a song by song account this time as the set list was pretty much the same as other recent gigs, but with "Eloise" as part of the main set instead of being one of the encore numbers. "Sanity Clause" was one of the encore tunes instead (see below).

Highlights:

DV's costume change for "Amen" featuring a bishop's robe with very large red cross on the front and illuminated tambourine.

The (new lyrics) "Sanity Clause" complete with DV (minus shades but plus beard!)

dressed as Santa and also featuring dancing festively clad young ladies. The dancers were back for "Smash It Up".

Captain's Neil Armstrong/Michael Jackson joke. Good taste and libel laws prevent me from repeating it.

Captain's riposte to the female "Sensible's a wanker" type heckler (once again good taste prevents me from repeating it, but suffice it to say that Dave quipped "I can see her blushing from here").

Captain breaking a string during "She" and trying to change guitars during the "Love Song" intro and not quite making it in time.

I know R.Scabies Esq has done it before, but Pinch's arson/demolition of the drum kit and reducing it to a smouldering wreck during the climax of "Smash It Up" was rather good.

Froggy

And another...

We started our horror-hike from South London at about 7.30pm - the roads jam-packed full of traffic. It was panic stations all the way thinking at one point that we were going to miss the gig. We eventually arrived at the Hackney Ocean very late, but were happy to see people still queueing outside. After a quick search at the door, we rushed inside.

The venue was very impressive and is the type of place really suited for a Damned gig.

By this time the support band had already finished and people were getting ready for the main show. We made a quick trip to the Merch. stall, just as the beginnings of Democracy? boomed through the venue.

Because of the huge crowd (the place was packed solid!), it took us till half way through the third song to get to the front. The backdrop looked like a ruined priory or castle - very spooky and looked fantastic - especially with the lighting effects!

For Amen, Dave Vanian came on-stage in a white priests cassock with a huge red cross on the front! Very appropriate for the song and a great laugh! Don't remember the set list, but it was pretty much the same as at recent gigs...

Even before the gig, we were hoping they would play 'There Aint No Sanity Clause' this year, so, when they all went off for the break before the encore, and Captain said 'We're off for a short rehearsal', we knew it just had to be Sanity Clause! And it was...! Captain came back on geared up in his pink tutu and wig whilst the others came on wearing Santa hats. Then DV came on wearing the hat, full beard and Santa coat! He even took his sunglasses off for the occasion! It was a real treat! I've never heard Sanity Clause played live before so this was a very memorable moment for me!

The 'Damsels' joined the band on stage, dressed in 'girlie' Santa outfits and danced around adding to the fun. They again joined the band for the 'Smash It Up' finale and added to the chaos whilst Captain rolled around the floor and Pinch set fire to his drum kit! A great end to a great gig!

Once again the Damned had given us a brilliant performance - for me, it was like an extra Christmas present! There was a good atmosphere throughout the night - everyone was in a jolly mood! The new songs went down very well - with the audience singing along. The band themselves seemed to be really enjoying the night - thats one of the things that really stood out to me.

Thank you to the Damned for what has been an absolutely fantastic year of gigs and, of course, the new album!!

Moaner Lisa & Ma. M

 

 

Thanks to Al Fiendish, Moaner Lisa and Kim for the photos!