The 12th gig on our A to Z musical adventure was ……
IDLES, Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany.
After selling out a near 12000 capacity venue, there’s probably a degree of expectation by the audience that has been, so far, unmatched by the band to date.
So it was with the IDLES last night, as they took centre stage at the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin.
If there were any nerves by the band headlining, in their words, the biggest gig of their career to date, it didn’t show.
Confidence abounded throughout the two hour set and their German fanbase, with a little smattering of the Irish and Scots, had a ball.
Tracks from the new album TANGK were liberally interspersed with fan favourites from their earlier four studio albums.
Lead singer Joe Talbot doesn’t hide his personal feelings and shortcomings or political leanings, and his honesty brought fan fervour to a series of crescendos as his personal well being, thoughts on royalty, the Tories and the fate of immigrants and Palestinians, intermingled with respect for the German people. He might not be a classic musical vocalist but, as a brilliant front man who knows how to work in tandem with his audience, who could argue that he has a presence?
When you add into the mix the energetic, some might say mental, guitar playing of Mark Bowen and Lee Kiernan, then each song carved a punkish rock soundscape across the vast venue.
On bass Adam Devonshire did what all good bass players do. They held it together for the three in front to take the limelight and fans adoration. No bass. No music in my opinion.
A special mention though to drummer Jon Beavis. As someone who couldn’t hit a brick with a mallet, and certainly not in time, I’m enthralled by how good drummers can bash out the beat with such energy and precision. Jon’s presence behind the stool makes IDLES what they are in the live setting. Joe may be the leader of the band but to my ears and eyes Jon is a leader of the music they play.
Highlight songs anyone?
It started so well with IDEA 01 (that’s an original title and starting point!!)
The penultimate song though encapsulated the whole night Danny Nedelko. It’s political. It’s a crowd favourite. It was sung with pride across the swaying, body surfing audience.
Thank you IDLES. Danke schön Berlin
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Support Act
Support on the night came from Brighton band DITZ.
On this showing alone it shouldn’t be too long before they’re headlining their own arena tours.
They didn’t steal the limelight from the IDLES. What they did do, and do it well, was set the musical tone and audience participation for the night.
Singer Cal Francis took to the stage as if he’d owned it for years. Confidence? Loads of it? Maybe even a little arrogance.
Together though, he knows what he wants. He has a fair idea what the audience wants and he gave it to them in spades.
The band also comprise of Caleb Remnant (bass), Anton Mocock (Guitar), Jack Looker (Guitar) and Sam Evans (Drums) and together they put together a formidable set.
A couple of days ago I hadn’t been aware of the band but I might just go out and buy their 2022 debut album The Great Regression.
My thoughts on the latest IDLES album can be found here
About the venue Max-Schmeling-Halle
Date 15 March 2024
Max-Schmeling-Halle is a multi-purpose arena, in Berlin, Germany, named after the famous German boxer Max Schmeling. Apart from Mercedes-Benz Arena and the Velodrom, it’s one of Berlin’s biggest indoor sports arenas and holds from 8,861 people, up to 12,000 people.
Located in: Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Sportpark
Address: Am Falkpl. 1, 10437 Berlin
Capacity: 11,900
Opened: December 14, 1996
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