Fangbase - Reviews

Fleece & Firkin- Bristol

23rd November 2000

"Stranger on the Town" The Damned Live in Bristol, November 2000.

Arriving late in an unfamiliar city is never a good start to an evening - especially when its cold and raining, so after finally reaching the venue, getting a drink was priority number one. But bloody hell ! The place was packed and the bar seemed 10 people deep. Luckily a couple of mates spotted me arriving, and had already got a drink in, so normality began to resume. First impressions of Bristol's Fleece and FirkinÔ was that it was too small for a band of The DamnedÔs pedigree; on the up side though, the view would be as good as the atmosphere!

Entering the stage to the Theme from the Banana Splits, the band immediately launched into 'New Rose'/Wait for the Blackout'. Dave Vanian, in Vegas-style leopard spot silk shirt, leather gloves etc, had less room to move around the stage than usual, but his presence, (as well as his unique vocal), was nonetheless powerful. The intimate nature of the venue seemed to foster a different, more chatty Vanian persona than usual. A rocking Disco man came next, followed by DemocracyÔ - the first of the new songs. Hearing a punter (me!) comment about a "new deal", the band were unable to conceal their delight at the recent two album contract with Dexter HollandÔs Nitro label : ßI never thought IÔd end up saying "Gawd Bless The Offspring!" said Sensible; Vanian described the amusement of potentially having to say "O.K Boss" to Dexter.

A whole mixture of old, new, fast and slow material was played during the set - such an improvement on the previous tours' "greatest hits" . The depth of the bandÔs versatility was summed up by their ability to switch from '13th Floor Vendetta'Ô to' Neat Neat Neat'Ô then to 'Absinthe'Ô while keeping the atmosphere in the audience at a peak. All of the new material the band showcased went down really well. That they played so many new songs must surely be a sign of the band's confidence in the material. This bodes really well for the eagerly awaited new album. Highlight of the newbies was Song.comÔ, which sounds better every time I hear it. Old favourites from 'Machine Gun Etiquette' included "I Just Cant be Happy Today', 'Looking at You', 'Plan 9 Channel 7', 'Love Song' and 'Smash It Up'.

Captain Sensible played his big heart out - as always, and provided plenty of opportunity for between-song banter with the audience. The band have found the right way to deal with the odd idiot in the crowd - Sensible walked off stage mid-song for a moment, when a shower of beer landed on the himself and his guitar pedal. Despite a heavy cold, Monty soldiered on through the night, the swirling notes and chords from his keyboard were at best effect during 'Eloise'. Pinch seems the perfect choice of drummer for the current line-up, both musically (huge drum sound from a small guy!) and in terms of personality. Patricia really seemed to be enjoying herself on bass and looked as dramatically Goth-like as ever.

The Damned appear to be riding high at the moment, with some considerable momentum behind them. They are currently playing with the kind of tightness and confidence only gained from constant touring, and the entire band genuinely seems to be enjoying it. If this continues through to the recording of the new album, then we could maybe be facing an unstoppable force.

As I ventured back outdoors onto the Bristol streets, I noticed it had stopped raining. Checking the messages on my mobile as I crossed the river bridge, I paused, reflected on the current position and thought: "The futures bright - the futures Damned!"

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