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Living On A Sledge Tour Report

Posted on November 27, 2004
Filed Under Personal Posts |

There’s not many bands who could close a concert by having their lead singer emerge from a plume of smoke, astride a stuffed white snow tiger, and fly over the crowd in front of sheets of flash bangs and stage pyrotechnics. Luckily, Justin Hawkin of The Darkness can.

Just come back from their live Arena show at Glasgow and it was bloody excellent. Huge stage show of lights, with a massive wall of colour behind the band. A stupid amount of fire and smoke. Just the opening burst of music, accompanied by a wall of flame (I kid you not) was enough to get the crowd on side and the band kept them there for almost two hours of music.

Given their only album is a ten track 40 minute burst of energy, that’s quite impressive. Lots of people (I’ve never been one of them) hgave said they’re a joke band trying to cash in. Well, they’re wrong. The gig opened with 3 new songs before going into one of the big hits that everyone knew. Brave, and the right decision. They really do want to be the best band around.

There were times that they walked right up to the edge of parody, looking back at seriousness, but they never quite crossed it. Sure, Dan could have easily stayed into “The Boy Are Back In Town” and “Back in Black” at a few points, and at one point I could have sworn they were about to riff Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” but there was only one cover throughou the night - Justin’s “Band Aid” tribute, which was almost worth the journey on its own.

Would I go back? Yes. Would I suggest you go? Yes. Was it better than Rolf/Steve Harris? Nope, but then no gigs are. B+: Must release new album before touring, otherwise, a classic.

Memo to self: do not listen to “Live After Death” before going to see a concert, because you’ll realise that nothing can top that gig.