Fangbase - Reviews

Plinston Hall - Letchworth

15th June 2001

Because we had been sitting in a pub nearby we arrived late, missed all of the first support band and most of the second.

Plinston Hall was quite a big place, and it was already pretty full. We managed to take up position at the front. There were no barriers, only a row of tables along the length of the stage.

By time the the Damned came on, at about 10.15pm, the place was even more full - glad we got our place beforehand. They started off with Democracy, which went down really well! The stage was big enough for D.V to whirl around etc. A couple of times he jumped up onto the drum platform, turned, jumped off, and continued whirling round the stage - all in one smooth movement!! (Right: DV in action)

Because we were behind the amps. on Monty's side, we couldn't see him at all, but we could hear his fantastic keyboards! We were impressed by Patricia's bass-playing! And we could just manage to see Pinch's head bobbing above the drums!

It was a good friendly crowd and there was plenty of moshing. There was very little trouble from the glass-throwers, so all the security (who looked like clerical workers with nice white shirts and ties!) had to do was hold back the moshers. There was lots of friendly banter going on in between songs, Captain even wishing "sound-man Andy" Happy Birthday.

All the other songs from the new album (Song.Com & She), went down really well also
- people seem to be getting familiar with them now and enjoy joining in.

Curtain Call started (Captain playing the intro. with a can of Red Bull), and the security bloke nearest to us was obviously lulled into a sense of false security by the gentle beginning. When the song got going, and the crowd lunged into 'moshing-mode', his face was a picture! I only wish I had caught it on my camera! We found it very amusing!

After Neat Neat Neat the Damned went off stage. The crowd shouted and were baying for more! Eventually Captain came back on and entertained us with a little sample of 'Big Break', followed by a slightly longer 'Happy Talk'.

The rest of the band came on for the encore and it was straight into Love Song, then Eloise and finishing with Smash It Up.

This was a brilliant night - good atmosphere; the Damned on top form; everyone enjoyed themselves - could they ever top this......?

Moaner Lisa

Above: Captain with Mugwort, Eloise and Rancidtom