Browse Sections

• Magazine
• Food and drink

May's Reviewer of the Month entries

6/ 5/2008

MAY'S Reviewer of the Month winner is:

Public Enemy @ Academy 1

Joe Sparrow

THE news that Public Enemy were following the trend for old bands to play a whole classic album in one gig threw up a huge number of mixed feelings – but mainly concern.

I was worried that 20 years on, Chuck D and Flavor Flav’s rhetoric would be old hat; I was worried that they would be counting the cash and going through the motions; I was worried that it would tarnish the genuine brilliance of 1988’s masterpiece, 'It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back'.

I was stupidly, unequivocally wrong on all counts. It was a truly brilliant gig: angry, brutal, and winningly political, inevitably, but the actually important stuff - the songs - were astonishing to hear live.

Poundingly brilliant, terrifyingly funky and thrillingly loud - the crowd went berserk as they rolled out each grandstanding song.

Flavor Flav proved he was much more than his appearances as latter-day reality TV bizarro-fodder, geeing up the crowd until the sweat ran down the walls.

Chuck D charged between his twin assaults of his brilliant lyrical polemic and delivering his powerful political beliefs, insistent and sincere.

It was hard to have left without feeling that the world needs Public Enemy today more than it ever has before. Shockingly, brain-rattlingly good.

Click here to read Joe's blog.

And the rest....

Bruce Springsteen @ Old Trafford

Alan Maughan

BRUCE was Bruce, just perfectly brilliant as usual. Unfortunately, there were some either deaf or dead people standing around. Maybe some of the corporate guests who were not realy fans and just went as they were invited by some company.

I did overhear people talking. Its a bit like being invited to football without knowing what shape the ball is. My wife and I are true fans and were standing from 2.30pm at the ticket office and were dancing till the end.

Both in our early '50s & had great difficulty scalling the steps out of the stadium.

Well worth the stiff legs, aches and pains. How does Bruce still do what he does on stage at his age? It was a great day out and we met some really nice people.

All with one thing in common - a true performer who will go on for many years to come.

---

Bruce Springsteen @ Old Trafford

Kathryn Keir

SPRINGSTEEN and The E Street Band are in town. I wouldn't have wanted to have been anywhere else.
 
From start to finish, it was such an amazing experience that I doubt could be topped by any other band!  The atmosphere among the fans throughout the day was wonderful. Everybody was there for the same reason - to see the man who had changed their lives, in so many different ways, through his music.

I had arrived at 9.30am and was allocated no 55 in the queue for the pit. There were others who had camped out all night to see their hero and thoroughly deserved to be first in line as the weather hadn't been that great.

As it was, despite the forecast being for heavy rain, it hardly rained at all during the day, just a light drizzle in the evening during the show.
 
The people I got to know throughout the day were lovely and you could feel the bond between everyone.

During the afternoon, I saw E Street Band members, Little Steven Van Zandt and Nils Lofgren arriving at the back of the stadium.

Although we had a two-hour wait before the band was due on stage, the time seemed to fly by very quickly as people chatted excitedly, trying to predict what would be played that night.

Some were hoping for particular songs, others not really bothered as long as they got to see their hero.

At 7.50 pm the band walked on to the stage to an almighty cheer from the crowd and went straight into a rousing blast of No Surrender. What a great start! It was the start of a night filled with so much energy and fun.

Bruce was on top form and everyone could see he was really enjoying himself. From the slower, atmospheric tunes of Devil's Arcade and Magic to the rousing, pounding energy of Badlands and Born To Run, the whole crowd was with him all the way.
 
The recent loss of band member Danny Federici was felt by everyone but I felt that his sad and untimely death has brought out a renewed degree of energy in Bruce. Made him more determined to enjoy life to the full while he still can, and to make sure that everyone around him does the same. 

 Bruce collected a lot of requests from people during the show, some of which he fulfilled to the delight of the crowd. He came right out into the crowd, on the three platforms that were there, a lot during the course of the night, even getting down and laying back into the crowd at one point.

I even got to touch him myself at one point when he jumped down off the stage and on to the floor in front of the barrier where I was stood. He was out to entertain and please, and he certainly did that.

Whether they do tour again together or not, they will always be remembered by so many as the band that changed so many peoples lives, and will live on in their hearts. I know it was a night that I'll never forget.

--

Mutineers @ The Roadhouse

Natasha Naimain

RARELY do I catch a local band so early on in their journey where sheer passion and determination overwhelm an entranced crowd. On only their fourth gig, Mutineers have inspired a devoted gathering of fans and music lovers with their sweeping melodic tunes, enhanced by the haunting vocals of their striking and enigmatic frontman, Nicholas James Mallins.

On a wet Wednesday evening at The Roadhouse, an eager and expectant crowd of fans gather around the front of the stage, silent with anticipation. 

The opening song ‘Apologies’ emerges with a stirring and melancholic riff, reminiscent of the likes of The Cure. Mallins proclaims ‘I’ll take another chance on you and me, wait on your apology’ in apathy to love and life’s course, and his typically sardonic stance. 

The greatness of this mighty talented band is confirmed as each of the following songs overwhelms and is enjoyed more than the last.

‘Infidelity’ and ‘Stick Together’ lyrically charting the rise and fall of love and loss are sung along by the crowd.

My personal favourite ‘Hyde Road’ is anthemic, evocative and signifies the influence of the likes of James Dean Bradfield, a perfect dance floor filler.

The friendship and musicianship between the four band members is undoubted.

All have experienced the highs and lows of life and music and it seems that sheer determination and drive coupled with a bunch of amazing debut songs will be the course to their success. 

Upcoming gigs will no doubt be full, so I for one will be buying my ticket early – not wanting to miss out on the rise of Manchester’s best kept secret.

---

Bruce Springsteen @ Old Trafford

Steve Brennan

WHE does a stadium rock gig turn into community singing?  Last night at Old Trafford when Bruce Springsteen entered the Theatre of Dreams.

It wasn't really Springsteen's fault - he can still sing, he can still play and he still has some of that sprightly step that makes his jaunty walk look like that of a spot-welding pixie.

No, he's in good shape - it's the audience that have aged. The event was not so much a performance as a nostalgia-fest that left me feeling like an atheist at a gospel meeting.

From the band's rather sedate entrance onto the stage, the audience were clearly up for it, desperate to get in touch with their 1970s' selves while downing their Budweisers and Smirnoff Ices at three quid a pop.

They jigged, they roared, they pointed their fingers and they sang... my God, did they sing. Every number was accompanied by the toneless drone of the audience in unison; for most of it they were drowned out by the volume of the multiple speakers that hung in bunches like pulsating grapes around the auditorium but they received adequate encouragement from Bruce who intermittently pointed his mic in their direction.

Not that they needed any encouragement... it was an evening that had very little to do with music.

---

Shayne Ward @ M.E.N. Arena

Sarah Bloodworth

SHAYNE Ward is back. After London's O2 Arena, his Breathless tour came to his home town. And it was electrifying.

The dynamic futuristic opening set, the Vivaldi-inspired Tell Him, showed Ward's improved dancing techniques with robotic, Star Trek cyborg-esque shapes which were a visual joy. Dancers with cellos were exotic and sexy.

And, of course, Shayne in black leather - not normally a good look, was hot. The crowd went wild.

A highlight of the show was the moving acoustic version of Shayne's huge hit No Promises. But when he sang his new Timberlake-like songs from his album, You Got Me So and You Make Me Wish, he proved that he is not a one-trick pony but an evolving versatile artist.

In army battle togs, Shayne successfully danced and sang an exciting range of upbeat songs. The M.E.N. crowd was spellbound and enthralled by Shayne's change in musical direction. Covers included Mark Ronson's Valerie and Timbaland's Apologise, not easy to do but Shayne pulled it off.

The ballad Melt The Snow, was a show-stopper. It showed Ward's excellent range and in sharp contrast to his army uniform, his white baggy trousers and linen shirt, turned it into a magical live performance. And, when the crowd went wild at the end of this song, Ward was near to tears as were many in the crowd.

When finally, an emotional Ward sang the beautiful ballad Breathless, it felt like he was singing personally to every single person in the arena.

Shayne’s choreographer Priscilla said: "Shayne really is a lovely chap. He's highly focused and works up to 12 hours a day rehearsing. He is a brilliant singer and now a very good dancer."

Overall, the concert was impressive but most of all, as pop should be, fun.

---

The Osmonds @ M.E.N Arena

Shirley Walsh

THE fans have been waiting for this concert for a long time. We have been kept happy in between by various shows in nearby Blackpool, Buxton and Once In A Lifetime tours but this was the BIG one.

All seven Osmonds on one stage to celebrate the 50th anniversary in showbusiness of Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay.

The show kicked off with Crazy Horses and lots of other hits followed with background footage of their history.

Marie was here this time and sang songs including her most famous hit 'Paper Roses' and showed her comedy talent by choosing a man from the audience and letting him dance with her.

A magical moment when she teamed up with Donny to sing such hits as 'It Takes Two', 'Morning Side of The Mountain' and 'Little Bit Country'.

Donny carried on the experience when singing 'The Twelth Of Never' and the whole of the packed arena sang along with him. AWESOME.

A moving moment was when the group did songs from their best album ever ,The Plan. Any fan will know how personal that is to them and it was an honour to see it performed live.

Hit after hit followed and the arena rocked. Jimmy sang Long Haired Lover from Liverpool and sent a number of large balloons into the audience which were passed around and eventually 'popped'.

A drum solo by world class drummer Jay raised the roof and kept the large number of men in the audience happy(some are big fans now).

After they left the stage at the end the familiar chant of 'we want the Osmonds' began and filled the arena with a 'forever' moment.

The Osmonds all came back and sang 'Love Me For A Reason' along with the biggest choir in the world, (us).

Sadly I dont think we will ever witness anything as phenominal again - it was a privilege to be there.

---

The Osmonds @ M.E.N. Arena

Karen Toms

WHAT can I say? It was both exciting and comforting that The Osmonds came back to our shores and we could relive our youth.
 
As a nearly 42-year-old taking my sister for her birthday I was pretty much overwhelmed by the love and the warmth in the M.E.N. on Saturday night.

I could feel myself just smiling throughout, that's when I wasn't singing along with Donny to Twelfth of Never and Marie to Paper Roses etc of course.
 
i just want everyone to know who missed this event that you missed something lovely... we had a fantastic time and it was just so warm, exciting, fun and moving to see them all together on stage - especially Donny who we all cheered for very loudly.

---

The Osmonds @ M.E.N. Arena

Lynn Quinn

FOR two hours, I was transported back to the Seventies and to my teenage years, only this time there were no hysterical fans crying and fainting all around me like there was back then.

The predominantly female audience, of all ages, were chanting, singing, swaying and amid the occasionally shout of "Donny, Allan, Merrill, Jimmy, Jay, Wayne", (whichever was that particular fans favourite) and  "I love you".

Everyone was enthralled in the hits that were belted out one after the other from the stage, with all the energy and enthusiam of the teenage boy band, that The Osmonds once were.

Fifty years after Walt Disney spotted their talents, they proved they still have what it takes to melt hearts and entertain thousands, and the younger members, Donny, Marie and Jimmy had rejoined the four original brothers to bring to the UK and to the M.E.N. an absolutely fantastic reunion show.

The past and present were suberbly bought together with the backdrop of screens showing footage of The Osmonds' careers right from the very start.

Allan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay did their own spot, singing songs together that were theirs, with Jay's spectacular drum solo, followed by Marie, who made one man's night, and probably his year, by inviting him to sing and dance with her on stage.

Donny thrilled his fans by singing a medley of songs including his signiture tune 'Puppy Love', and Jimmy was the ultimate showman with his rendition of 'Long Haired Lover', this time without the squeaky voice.

The night was certainly an emotional night. My friend was in tears as Allan sang 'The Proud One' with his family, waving his stick aloft.

A true display of courage and determination. Loved oozed from the fans to the stage and from the stage to the audience.

The smiles on the faces of everyone in the arena were as big as the famous Osmond smiles.Everyone was having a ball. The night was over much too soon, and I had waited 29 years to see the entire Osmond family together again but it had been worth every second of the wait.

---

Finch @ Club Academy

Peter Tasker   
 
IT’S a glorious Thursday evening, and the sun is out. I then descend into the underground den that is the Club Academy to see the recently reformed Finch. From the atmosphere of the crowd there is high expectation of this show, a band that last played Manchester to a sell out Academy 1 crowd returning for this one off small show. 
 
When Finch take to the stage they genuinely seem surprised at how well the old songs are received, they break into ‘Insomniac Meat’ and the place goes mental. 

The band seems to feed off this and start thanking us all most graciously.

The band then play a variety of songs from their two full-length albums including ‘Project Mayhem’, ‘Bitemarks and Bloodstains’ and ‘Letters to you’.

The performance is intense with Nate Barcalow screaming like a man possessed but then in his next breath singing with the voice of an angel. 
 
The onstage/crowd banter has massively improved from when this guys just looked like scared teenagers previously, we’re all regaled with tales of the recent appearance at Give It A Name, and about how hot the singer of Paramore is! 

Also there is a hand raising exercise as to who owns ‘Say Hello To Sunshine’ (massively underrated second album) which the entire room seemed to holding up hands and again the band were awed into silence! 
 
For our dedication we were treated to a couple of new songs and the promise of a new album soon!

For an encore we got treated to a longer version of the classic ‘What It Is To Burn’ which left everyone very sweaty but very happy.

All in all it was like they’ve never been away and hopefully they will stay around a bit longer this time!

---

MGMT @ Academy 2

Katy Ratican

MGMT are another New York band to be lauded as ‘the next big thing’, promising to bring psychedelic indie and irresistible harmonies to their audiences, so the anticipation surrounding their visit to Manchester was partly justified.

The reality? Dull. Too simple a term, maybe, but no word has been more accurate to describe a band on a particular night before. Ever.

Achingly baby-faced singer Andrew VanWyngarden looked every bit the American rock star, complete with headband and tie-dyed low cut shirt. This should have been the first sign that the evening was going to be one of no-nonsense anthem rock.

After a five minute, slow guitar rift introduction, you got the sense that this gig should have been played in a stadium; not because the band stood a chance of filling such a venue, but because the tracks would be more suited to an audience of generic-looking soft-rock fans, all lolling their heads in an '80s fashion.

There’s no doubting that MGMT are musicians. The reservations come when people suggest they are performers. It turns out you can’t trust people. Aside from the odd bark of ‘next!’ from VanWyngarden, merely signalling another track, there is very little interaction with the audience; it was a night where a break would have been more than welcome.

The domination of guitars meant that the highs are not quite high enough. They almost made it on a couple of occasions with ‘Electric Feel’, but they need to strongly think about abandoning their continuous guitar onslaught and swapping it for some of the multi-dimensional sound that we hear on record.

‘Time to Pretend’, their biggest track to date, was received more warmly than the rest of the set, but it did not halt the obligatory exodus after its completion.

MGMT work as a team. They can play instruments. They carry tie-dye well. But if you’re looking for technicolor psychedelic indie, try elsewhere.

---

Rock @ Library Theatre

Frank Collins

'ROC' is about the creation of an icon. In the 1950s, Rock Hudson was top box office, working with legendary directors Douglas Sirk and George Stevens. However, he lived a lie until his death from AIDS in 1985.

Tim Fountain's play shows how, at the hands of agent Henry Willson, plain, high-voiced, effeminate Roy Fitzgerald, is transformed into that bastion of male ‘heterosexuality’, Rock Hudson.

Fountain suggests the process involves an inheritance of enacted masculinity from a troubled and abusive relationship with his stepfather.

It’s a superb script, with witty one-liners and knowing asides to Rock's eventual place in gay culture. When Henry first introduces Rock to Hollywood nightlife, the phone rings off the hook and Willson observes "that's the sound of middle aged homosexuals busting their balls, and middle aged women will be right behind them" about the effect the big, bassoon-voiced actor has, and will have, on his audience.

 A two-hander between Bette Bourne, as Willson, and Michael Xavier as Hudson, the drama moves from Roy Fitzgerald's original meeting through to Willson's self destruction in the 1970s.

Both leads are very credible, with Bourne affecting as the irascible agent who eventually spirals into drunken bitterness. Xavier pulls off an impossible task - how to begin to portray such a recognisable figure as Hudson - subtly showing the transformation from nervous, geeky boy into confident, but frustratingly closeted, Hollywood icon.

It's a play with potential and, themes of Hollywood gay repression aside, it touches on relevant 21st Century issues - what is gay identity and how is it constructed? - that will resonate with those who have struggled, and are still struggling, to come out of the closet, whatever their age.

---

Sandra Bernhard @ Opera House

Michael Coleman

THERE are many reasons why you may be aware of Sandra Bernhard. It may be because of her stint on American sitcom Roseanne, her did they/didn't they relationship with Madonna or through one of her controversial outbursts reported in the media.

It seems tonight's audience at the Opera House for the opening of this year's Queer Up North may know Bernhard for any, or all, of these reasons but don't quite know what to expect from the mouthy comedienne's live show.

Bernhard arrives on stage to rapturous applause from the far from capacity crowd and launches immediately into a tirade against Madonna.

From there the show revolves around scripted monologues, original songs and covers and many more swipes at celebrity targets.

Unfortunately some of these celebrities aren't household names in the UK and Bernhard is less than impressed when these (and other) parts of the show fall flat.

Bernhard blames being "forced" to have a support act and, subsequently, coming on stage later as the reason for the growing lack of enthusiasm from the crowd. An already bemused audience are unsure how to take Bernhard's ranting and some decide to leave before the show's conclusion.

It's a different world now than when Bernhard first toured 'Without You I'm Nothing' 20 years ago. She contemplated this with the example that 20 years ago people who were "flamboyant" complained about being persecuted and nowadays complained that so many others were flamboyant that they couldn't get a decent level of attention any more.

Sadly, it seems that Bernhard's act is facing a similar struggle.

--

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus @ The Roadhouse

Sarah Tarpey

A HUMBLE venue for a humble but excellent group; The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.

The band is almost unheard of in England but it’s a different matter in the USA where the Florida-based rock group have sold over one million copies of their first full-length album ‘Don’t You Fake It’.

RJA brought the sold-out crowd to life with their powerful collection of songs. With hits like ‘Face Down’, ‘Damn Regret’ and ‘Your Guardian Angel’ in their arsenal it wasn’t difficult for them to have every single member of the audience singing along and following their every command.

‘Your Guardian Angel’ was the highlight of the evening’s performance as the ballad began with just vocals and acoustic guitar until the rest of the band kicked in to truly rock Manchester. Red Jumpsuit finished in dramatic style with an eight-minute beast called ‘Grim Goodbye’.

The band are fronted by the bubbly Ronnie Winter whose soaring vocals and thundering screams placed the crowd firmly in the centre of his palm.

Unfortunately the other four members of the band were neck-strainingly difficult to see as the stage was level with the crowd. The objects at the front of the stage did however allow Ronnie to stand tall, and occasionally for guitarist Elias Reidy to get himself seen by those not at the barrier.

But I am certainly not going to complain about the size of the 200-capacity Roadhouse; never before have I been to a more personal and intimate gig to see such a successful band (across the pond at least).

And when I say personal I really mean it. After the gig The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and support bands Kill The Arcade and Sherwood casually strolled round the room and ordered drinks from the bar whilst fans were doing the same.

RJA’s Ronnie Winter was obviously going to be the main attraction for fan’s staying after the show, and he prepared for the long queue of people awaiting his autograph and picture by propping against the bar with a can in hand.

The down to earth singer generously gave each fan 5-10 minutes of his time to have a real and meaningful conversation with them; it was a great pleasure and lots of fun to meet him.

---

Shayne Ward @ M.E.N. Arena

James Makin

I WENT to see Shayne perform live at the arena on Sunday, May 25, a day I had been looking forward to since his last concert in February 2007. 

The atmosphere was amazing, you could tell how much Shayne loved performing in front of his home crowd back in Manchester. 

All the way through Shayne had us all on our feet supporting him and singing his songs from his new album, which are all amazing, and I enjoyed him singing other songs like Valerie.

He made the whole time I was their worthwhile and every time he comes back to Manchester he brings bigger and better things.

He’s a great singer, dancer and he looked great in his army outfit. He’s just so amazing, and I’m proud he’s from Manchester. I can’t wait for his next concert, because the one I just went to was definitely breathless.

---

Joe Satriani @ Apollo

Matt Stevens

ANOTHER amazing performance from Joe Satriani at the Apollo in Manchester. With the usual classics from 'Surfin' with the Alien' and 'Always With Me, Always With You' right through to much of his new album including the opening track of the night 'I Just Wanna Rock'.

Of course Satriani isnt everybody's cup of tea and lets face it, it is specialist music and so will attract its fair share of critics.

However to me it’s the bees knees and no-one could argue that he doesn’t know his instrument. He has taught many great guitarists over the years and influenced millions across the globe - me included. Ive been trying to learn his music for years now spending hours each time one picks up the guitar!

With a solid two-hour set and seeing the return of Stu Hamm on the bass with his famous bass solo, the set was spot on.

It would have been nice to hear one or two of Joes vocal songs as there are a few out there - but then again, this is not what Joe is famed for and not what the crowd expected.

Joe doesn’t have the on stage antics such as Kiss (another of my favourite bands) but clearly this wouldn’t fit and he certainly doesn’t need it when he packs out every venue time and time again - a difficult task for such a style of music. This truly shows he is the daddy of guitar!

The final nice touch of the night was when the rhythm guitarist personally handed some picks out the children on the front row - this really showed they cared and had an eye on the audience.

Rock on Joe!!!

---

Don Quixote @ The Lowry

Chris Read
 
ST Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre Company, founded in the 1740’s, are better known by their international touring name of the Kirov Ballet.

Although the ticket prices were steep (starting at £40), it is a rare treat to catch one of the best in the world perform at The Lowry. 

Alexander Gorsky produced this version of Don Quixote in 1900. The ballet focuses less on Don Quixote and his irksome sidekick, Sancho Panza, and more on the love story between Lorenzo (the son of a poor man) and Kitri (whose father is determined she marry into money).

In line with Russian sentiment of the era, the aristocratic love rival Basil is ridiculed, ignored and unsuccessful.

It’s a shame Don Quixote isn’t performed more regularly, as it enables the dancers to perform to their best.

There are a number of lead characters, and opportunity for group dances, meaning a number of virtuoso dance pieces. Igor Petrov as Lorenzo was fast and nimble, while Elena Sheshina as Kitri took a little time to warm to her role. At times, with around 50 dancers on stage, it was literally a large performance.

Don Quixote takes advantage of the bright traditional Spanish dress, and the stage soon fills with flowing Gypsy skirts and fluttering fans. For men, a costume of filly open necked white shirts and red matador capes enabled them to compete.

The middle act shows Don Quixote’s dream, allowing a more traditional ballet piece. The women, wearing coloured tutus, look fabulous.

Sadly, the unfamiliar ballet meant the expansive Lowry theatre only held 400 paying guests. For the first time in my experience, the company didn’t hang around for second encores.

Like me, they must have felt disappointed that most of Manchester had missed their fabulous performance.   

---

Pete Doherty  @ Academy 1

Anthony Bunch

LOOKING forward to the gig a lot, I prepare myself with a couple of pints of cider before entering the Academy just in time to see Pete walk on.

He walked on holding up a takeaway cup of tea with the tea bag string hanging over the side as if some sort of statement of soberness, but still pulling off the ‘suited scruffy haired bohemian in a trilby’ look.

Opening his set with East of Eden the fans were enjoying it from the start but if it was because they liked the song or just because they were watching their hero, I couldn’t tell.

A couple of songs into the set Pete starts playing some of the classics, Up the bracket, Time for Heroes, Last Post on the bugle that were played in a sort of skilled amateur way that you could imagine him playing like when he is wasted, and I love it.

It was so raw and played as if there were no setlist, telling us that it’s so hard to know what to play and asking the crowd for requests.

The crowd was very jumpy and loving every song he played and I was very much liking his guitar playing until a fan was on stage singing You Talk, which he didn’t do bad, but that is when Pete some how broke his Gibson es-125.

That is when the gig went down hill, Albion was cut short and Pete shouting to the soundman at the back to turn him up. It didn’t end well, but Pete did his best and performed as I expected him to - amazing!

---

The Music @ Academy 2

Daniel Seifert

I BELIEVE my exact words as I staggered out of the Academy, ears humming and a big grin on my face, were “Whoa!”

Other appropriate statements would have been “Immense!” “Bloody fantastic!” and “One of my best gigs yet.”

I’d not been too fussed about The Music before that night – I’d bought there albums, sure, and liked a fair few tracks, but that was it. Little did I realize that the way they sound on CD, ‘canned’, as it where, is about a millionth of the sheer raw power they exude onstage.

I say ‘they’, but it’s front man Robert Harvey who makes this band. Strutting around the stage with a shaved head and aggressive, fighters-stance dancing, he looks more like an Asbo waiting to happen than singer of one of the best live acts in England.

But then ‘Take the Long Road’ played, he started singing, and you could tell we were in for a good night. His high, energised voice, when paired with frenetic drumming and the wailing guitar and thrumming bass, just blew the crowd away.

And not just for the opening track, either; every single song, nay, every single note was played as if their lives depended on it, and it showed.

Old favourites like ‘The Getaway’ and ‘Freedom Fighters’ were fantastic, and the stuff from their new album ‘Strength In Numbers’ was no less impressive. ‘There Is No Weapon Sharper than a Will’ has the makings of an anthem already.  It’s two day's post-concert and I still can’t get it out of my head.

What’s more, my ears are still ringing, though probably in protest that the gig had to end more than anything else. What a night. What a band!
 
---

Harlem Globetrotters @ M.E.N. Arena

Martin Hutchinson

THE world famous Harlem Globetrotters took on the Washington Generals in a game of basketball where the winners were….. US.

Before the game, and to their unmistakeable theme tune ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’ we were treated to examples of the skills of each Globetrotter in their ‘Magic Circle’ routine.

Then the game, and the antics began.

Led by the ‘Clown Prince of Basketball’ – Showtime Gaffney, the ‘Trotters; began to dazzle the crowd – and dumbfound the Generals in a display of skill that you were almost wishing for a slow motion replay.

Showtime was shouting the plays, poking fun at the referee, as well as debagging one of his opponents. The actual game took second place to the fun, as it usually does in these exhibitions.

Even the audience were involved. Some being showered with water, and some being dragged onto the court to be used as human shields.

The other players: ‘General’ Grant, ‘Blenda’ Rodriguez, ‘Tank’ Mathews, ‘Hi Rise’ Brown (who continued the clowning as Showtime took a break), ‘Flight Time’ Lang and ‘Sweet Pea’ Shine, all took their turn to amaze the sell-out crowd, who were enthusiastic in their enjoyment.

At one point, the Washington Generals actually had the audacity to take the lead! Even this didn’t put a stop to the entertainment as the ‘Trotter’s ran out eventual winners 61 – 54.

However, the score didn’t matter. All that really mattered was that we had seen the legends in action and had had a great evening’s entertainment.

We all did, and can’t wait until they come again.

---

Sam Sparro @ Night & Day

Steven Liddiard

I WAS one of the lucky “20 tickets on the door” crowd - the queue snaking round the block – to see Sam at Night and Day on Friday.

And I am disappointed that the whole queue didn’t get to see him – one of the most intimate and high-quality gigs that I have been to in a while.

Sam – space invaders on your shirt, white framed glasses and charisma by the bucketful – I think you may have started something!

His vocals were amazing, note and pitch perfect and even more impressive when the earpiece was flung aside - he sounded even better! Its not often we see someone with talent, stepping outside of the box and, even, multi-tasking with a synth!

Perfect gig, come back soon!

---

The Zombies, The Yardbirds @ Bridgewater Hall 

Martin Hutchinson

AFTER a rocking yet bluesy set from The Yardbirds during which they played most of their best known numbers: ‘Heart Full Of Soul’, ‘Shapes Of Things’, ‘Dazed And Confused’ and ‘For Your Love’, The Zombies took to the stage.

To put it bluntly, they were outstanding. The keyboard virtuosity of Rod Argent shone through and Colin Blunstone’s voice still had that special quality: breathy and powerful but emotional at the same time.

The treated us to some of their new numbers and I do believe that ‘I Do Believe’ will become one of their classics.

Also performed with mastery were selections from Colin and Rod’s career away from the group. ‘What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted’, ‘Old And Wise’ (“for Jim.”) and ‘Hold Your Head Up’ were done with particular flair.

However, the best ovations were for the old Zombies numbers. For instance there were three songs in a row from their magnum opus ‘Odessey And Oracle’ – ‘A Rose For Emily’, ‘Care Of Cell 44’ and the worldwide hit ‘Time Of The Season’. The more than appreciative audience, who went wild when the opening bars of ‘She’s Not There’ rang out, ecstatically received all these.

Two innovative and influential bands. One unforgettable evening.

---

Here and Now Tour @ M.E.N. Arena

Lisa Nelson

I WAS feeling like a 20-year-old again in anticipation of seeing the likes of Rick Astley and Paul Young on Tuesday.

I'd bought my ticket the first day the went on say way back in October last year. Block A, Row E - just five rows away from seeing Paul and Rick. 
 
The likes of the Cutting Crew, Johnny Hates Jazz (was that their original singer who was on stage?), Curiosity Killed the Cat and ABC whet my appetite for the first half of the show. 

During the interval I made sure my future camera footage was working OK.
 
Then on came Paul Young. What a let down. Not sure whether it was his voice that was bad or the microphone sound was turned to low but I've seen him before many times and was totally disappointed.

My dreams had been shattered. When he did sing you could hardly hear him and in the meantime he had decided to throw himself across the stage or try to Riverdance - badly!! 

He seemed to have dyed his hair for the occasion as he did look considerably younger than when he was on Hell's Kitchen.

He didn't really connect with the audience. There was no banter just some muffling in between. To finish he sang 'Everytime You Go Away', not a bad song, but where was 'Whereever I Lay My Hat?'  In the end was glad to see the back of him.
 
Bananarama next. Amazing! Kept the crowd entertained with the sexy chemistry they had with their male dancers and sang all the songs we know. 10/10 girls.
 
When Rick came on I was on my feet with the rest of the crowd. A huge cheer greeted him and he immediately spoke to us and began to sing.

He took the mick out of his "dancing ability" which the crowd loved. He sang all his hits as well as holding up a very extra large pair of white y-fronts an admirer gave him from the crowd!

He thanked us all for our support before he left.  What a superstar!  Down to earth, genuine nice all round guy. If he doesn't make a successful comeback sometime this year, there's just no justice in the world.
 
---

Jonah Matranga @ The Roadhouse

Vicki Powell

THOSE of you who don't know him, Jonah Matranga was the singer in '90s band Far and later in New End Original and Gratitude and has also released solo recordings under the moniker One Line Drawing.

Now he is 'just' Jonah Matranga and is touring in support of his new album, 'And'. I've seen a lot of bands and artists over the years but few are as honest and genuine as Jonah is.

He started with some songs on his own and then almost made me collapse by playing 'Nothingman' by Pearl Jam - one of my favourite singers playing a song by one of my favourite bands - and really well.

He got the band on stage with him after that and played an almost Greatest Hits set.

We got New End Original songs like 14-to-41 and Lukewarm, Gratitude numbers like This is the Part but the warmest receptions were for old Far songs like Mother Mary and Bury White which still sound like he could have written them yesterday.

This is what emotional music is - none of this lightweight pop nonsense that gets labelled 'emo'.

There weren't even many fringes there. His voice is never perfect but always so genuine and expressive. There's always room for a little bit of screaming too, so that box is ticked.

Going to a Jonah gig always feels a bit like a gathering of friends.

He was saying how he's really pleased to be able to play his music for a living and that he thinks he's quite good at it, and there's not a hint of arrogance in him.

Everyone you meet who knows of him will tell you the same thing and I'm yet to meet someone familiar with his music who isn't totally floored by seeing him live.

---

Black Watch @ The Lowry

Laura Norder

WHAT a fantastic performance by the entire cast. And the sets were exceptional.

I was nervous that 100 minutes, in what was a very warm night in a Salford warehouse, would be daunting, but the time flew by too quickly. And despite there being no interval, it seems that around 300 other members of the audience felt the same.

No one left to 'pay a visit', which was just as well, as we were informed that anyone leaving the makeshift auditorium, would not be re-admitted - no one appeared to need to fulfil that function.

The opening monologue, set in a Fife pub, was inspired, and worthy of Rudyard Kipling, someone who knew, even 100-plus years ago, how badly  'Tommy' - or in this case 'Tam' Atkins - is perceived by the great British public... until they need him and his comrades.

The dialogue was ripe, but groups of squaddies do tend to relish the more colourful aspects of the language, and the performance would have been less for it had the cast adopted a 'crikey' and an oh, my gosh' approach to the performance .

There was humour and pathos in equal measure, and I couldn't help but notice some of the audience, who had perhaps experienced aspects of military life, almost imperceptibly nodding at some of the lines.

The performance certainly did not glorify the Iraq conflict - how could it, when so many people have lost their lives? Yet, it didn't adopt the alternative viewpoint either. Choosing to focus on how this group came together, their collective actions... their individuality shone through.

The choreography and elements of dance I had heard about, I was dreading. I needn't have bothered. I hardly noticed it. It was an integral part of the play and the cast were excellent in not turning it into some 'Guys 'n' Dolls-type separate production. Seem-less.

The violence, such as it was, was particularly well-acted. And while anyone that has ever spent time with the armed forces might think it slightly effete, it gets the anger and frustration of the cast members across to the audience.

The finale - arrived at in 'flashback' - is particularly moving, unsettling  and incredible well-constructed.

I genuinely woke up at 4.30 this morning with that performance on my mind, had a cold drink and returned to bed, troubled.  It was moving, touching, stark and, more to the point, very real.

The Black Watch - the regiment - has a well-deserved reputation as one of the UK's most gallant and decorated regiments - and this play does not let them down.

---


Dancing On Ice @ M.E.N. Arena

Martin Hutchinson

LAST years’ inaugural tour had to be seen to be believed, yet amazingly it has been bettered by this year’s skating extravaganza.

MC’d – as  last year – by Andi Peters, nine celebrities (the pick of all three series) and their professional skating partners, were put through their paces again. The format is exactly the same as the TV show, with the skaters doing their thing and the judges having their say. Harsh critic Jason Gardiner was being booed even after saying something nice!

Of course, it was all overseen by skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, whose own routines were spectacular.

After the highly competitive first half, and while the audience were all texting for their favourites, all the skaters came out again for a skating gala.

Head banging was much in evidence as the female skaters swept the ice with their hair.

Everybody enjoyed themselves and Clare Buckfield’s smile was even wider than last year. Bonnie Langford managed to get her legs into positions that would have had a normal person in traction for months afterward, and everyone skated as well – if not better – than we had seen on the box.

The clothes and overall design of the show was faultless and I’m afraid the word ‘spectacular’ fails to convey just what a great evening it was.

In the end, the Bolero skate-off was between the local heroes, Chris Fountain and Suzanne Shaw (although for me Bonnie and Kyran Bracken’s routines were breathtaking), with Suzanne being crowned the winner by the judges’ vote.

However, one of the biggest cheers from the almost sell-out crowd was in the finale when Andi Peters himself donned his skates. He’s presented last years’ tour in plaster after a skating injury.

The show cannot be faulted in any way. It’s slick and is a great family occasion.

Oh, and if you’re the kind of person who goes along to these shows waiting for someone to slip or fall…. Hard luck, even David Seaman and Andi Peters stayed upright.

---

Celine Dion @ M.E.N. Arena

Lynne Gore

HAVING been a fan of Celine for many years, I was always hoping that this concert was going to be something special and Celine certainly didn't let me down.

She's something of an enigma in the public eye, seemingly loved and loathed in equal measures.

However, she proved last night that, without doubt, she has the most incredible voice.

It's all the more extraordinary when you see her in the flesh. She's hardly an imposing figure and yet the power in her voice is breathtaking.

She has the ability to put such emotion and feeling into songs. Celine covered most of her hits, interspersed with songs from her new album.

It was always going to be the songs she is famous for that got the best reception (It's All Coming Back To Me Now, Because You Loved Me and, of course, the theme from Titanic) and so it proved.

My only slight quibble was a rather disappointing 'dance' version of I'm Alive which didn't really work and the rather bizzare section that included a James Brown cover.

Freddie Mercury being named as one of her inspirations raised a few eyebrows, but these are minor points.

Celine is extremely talented and it was a wonderful show, enjoyed by me and my fiance!

---

Celine Dion @ M.E.N. Arena

Chedi Knight

I BOUGHT two pre-sale tickets for Celines’ show at the M.E.N. in early November 2007. I wanted to treat my Mrs, but as I'm not a big fan myself I couldn't help wondering how many 'vin chauds' I could slurp on my new year Snowboarding trip with a £171.

It seemed a lot of dosh just to listen to somebody singing. Being a semi-pro musician I comforted myself with the thought that the band should be good at least.

Problems with the tickets meant we stressfully sat down only two minutes before the show started.

For the next hour and a half or so though, the audience, myself included were mesmerised by a show of impeccable quality.

Diva Dion was truly on form. Her voice was flawless, her manner honest and warm, her appearance breathtaking.

The band (especially the percussion player) surpassed my expectation.

The choreography was enthralling; the sound, lights and screen imagery flawless

£171 now seemed such good value for a show that must have taken the total commitment of all involved. Next time I’m on the 'piste', I’ll be raising a few 'vin chauds' to Celine Dion and her team.

---

Celine Dion @ M.E.N. Arena

TD, Stockport

I WAS so excited when I got my ticket for Celine's Taking Chances world tour and even more excited when the day came to see my idol back in Manchester on Friday.

The stage set up-and montage of her videos, posters and music were amazing.

Celine started with I drove All Night then followed it up with The Power of Love, Taking Chances, It's All Coming Back To Me Now, Because You Loved Me and To Love You More.

These songs show why Celine is the best female vocalist of all time.

Other amazing songs Think Twice, My Love, All By Myself, River Deep Mountain High, Alone and of course the last treat - the breathtaking My Heart Will Go On.

Celine's tribute to Queen, singing the stunning The show Must Go On, was yet another great moment for a Celine Dion fan and a Queen fan.

All I have to say is 'Celine please come back to the greatest city and venue in the UK'.

Think you can do better? If you fancy entering - click here . 

Most recent 1 of 1 user comments