The
Wildhearts have made so much music over the years is so difficult to
keep track of all the albums, EP, b-sides, re-releases and
alternative versions, but at their peak you have got to admit they
are magic. Whatever mood the day may bring, there's a Wildhearts song
to cheer you up, psyche you up, chill you out, and generally make you
feel better about all the bullshit that goes on in our lives and
around the world. When physical violence is not a viable option, try
'Shut Your Fucking Mouth, and Use Your Fucking Brain' or 'Rooting For
the Bad Guy' – take as needed for the seething rage. Having spouse
related problems? 'Bi-Polar Baby', 'My Baby is a Headfuck' and 'Just
in Lust' will clear that itch right up.
So to the
Bristol O2 on a typically cloudy Summer evening in our country. The
venue floor was looking a bit bare for water-testers Baby Godzilla,
who's crazy heavy rock fused with screamed vocals sounded like a
demented Refused got a few feet shuffling and heads nodding by the
time they had beaten out their last song. The more radio friendly
Eureka Machines were much more widely received and there was a buzz
about the band after the gig, with many punters in agreement about
this reception.
The opening
riff of 'Greetings from Shitsville' rolled out just as if you were
listening to the record and was greeted by huge wave of approval. All
the way through the rest of the songs the crowed were continually
psyched and the band kept standards high. The second half of the gig
was no less entertaining, each song being picked by the audience. Two
tattooed dudes one stage right one stage left held up signs with a
song choice on them, and the premise was simple – scream for the
song you wanted to hear when the sign went up. A great idea and a
perfect way to top off an already special gig.
The one
thing I miss during a good old fashioned rock and roll gig is people
holding aloft lighters during a ballad or a slower song. This tired cliche has adapted to the modern age in the form of everyone setting
off flashes on their phones and digital cameras at the same time.
Before it happened that night, I was skeptical about this phenomenon
(Me skeptical? Nah!) but until you witness it first hand you don't
understand how breath-taking it can be so thanks to Ginger and the
guys for that one.
Strange
times we live in, when I first started going to gigs there was one
proper photographer/camera person, and getting hold of a copy of the
DVD would be nigh-on impossible. Now everyone but your mum was
filming the gig from the crowd and its got 10,000 You Tube views
before you've had time to get over your bang-over! So if you didn't
make it and you're a Wildhearts nut, just check the net, there will
be a video of some of this tour somewhere no doubt. Crazy yes, but if
this makes amazing music more accessible to the waiting world, here's
to the future.
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