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Newcastle University - Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
27th November 2001
What
a belter!
As usual an excellent Newcastle atmosphere, and we were all treated to a brilliant
gig.
The new songs sounded really good and the new album is a must. The new band
members linked up well with Dave Vanian and The Captain. Surely Vanian is
one of the best and most underated front men around.
The so called "New Punk" bands would have trouble lacing up these
lads boots
Keep
them coming lads!
Edsa
And another...
We
had arrived before 'doors open', so we couldn't get in. We went to a pub
round the corner to wait. This place was very full, they had the Newcastle
v Ipswich game on satellite T.V. As the match kicked off at 7.30pm, we
left and made our way round to the venue.
This venue is the students union; it's a medium sized place. The Damned had played Newcastle last year, at Trillians (I still twitch at the memories).Trillians was far too small, holds about 200 at a push, and there was at least double that squashed in there. After 10 minutes at the front, nearly getting killed, I had ended up pushed behind a pillar and didn't see a thing for the rest of the gig! So I was glad this place was larger.
The support band (whose name I didn't get), were okay but not my sort of thing. There was no moshing but people were interested. The place was still half empty when they finished their set at about 8.45pm.
Someone nearby mention that The Damned were due on at about 9.15pm. I had no trouble getting my spot at the front, beside the barrier. At 9.05pm the place was still nowhere near full - I was starting to get worried. Then, with just minutes to go, the place suddenly filled up! (I realised later that people would've been in the nearby pubs watching the match - Newcastle won btw.)
The Damned came on, and as soon as 'Democracy' began, the place sprang to life! Moshing started immediately. They (the Damned) all looked very fit - if they were tired after their recent US tour, it didn't show. They gave a brilliant performance.
There was a very good atmosphere, good banter between the band and the crowd. Captain told them that they couldn't call him *names* 'cos his brother was here tonight and "he's a policeman!" (Yes Captain's brother and family were there - no, his brother isn't a policeman. Louisa's family were at the gig too.) There was no 'glass' throwing, although some did throw the contents of the glass. But this seemed to be done more out of 'tradition' than malice. (Still a stupid thing to do though - liquid and electricity and all that…)
The set was a good mix of old and new, all played excellently! It was great to hear the new songs live again with the whole crowd joining in singing. They have quickly become like 'old favourites'. Everyone seemed to enjoy them. I was hypnotised watching Captain play! They did a brilliant version of one old favourite, Eloise (shame 'Eloise' from the MB wasn't there to hear it! I think she would've appreciated it!)
It was great to meet up with members of the Fangbase again - Rancidtom, Mugwort, Mr Claypole and Curtain Call. Also those not on the 'net - Wayne (thanks for the set-list you grabbed for me!), Dego and Paul.
What a fantastic night, but as usual after a Damned gig - I (ML) feel really depressed knowing that I'll have to wait 'till I see them again. Not long 'till Hackney though - can't wait!!
ML + MM