The latest gig on our A to Z Musical Tour was ……
Looking back 30 plus years, it would seem The Charlatans continue to live up to the name of their debut album Some Friendly.
In the intervening decades, they have continued to release a string of indie albums and singles that have maintained strong links to their fanbase, especially those hailing from in and around Glasgow, a frequent stopping off point whenever they have toured.
On Sunday evening at Queens Park Recreational Ground, we were once again treated to a set list full of classic tunes that had the big tent bouncing and singing along as the band maintained their Some Friendly attitude which shone brightly upon those facing them in the massed ranks of devoted fans. It was great to see how much they appeared to be enjoying the occasion too.
The Charlatans have always been a delight to see live, with front man Tim Burgess pacing and dancing around the stage with the widest of smiles, occasionally having a break from singing duties to take photos of the audience with his phone mid song and happily letting the band all do what they do best on keyboards, drums, bass and guitar.
They look and feel like a band of brothers, each knowing what the others are doing, ready to take their place at the heart of the songs when required. It’s a togetherness that lets the rest of us enjoy the music and the spectacle before us.
The indie pop music continues to remain the focus though with the band’s signature Hammond organ sound driving the songs forward throughout the evening as one classic dance tune followed another.
Proof of their longevity though was the reminder played as a backdrop throughout the time they were on stage. A rolling montage of still images and video clips showing them as young men at the start of their long career.
While those on stage may be a little older, and possibly even a little wiser from their earlier exploits, what they do bring is years of experience to ensure the sounds are crystal clear for everyone singing and dancing along.
Sixteen songs after they kicked off with Then, we knew the night was coming to an end when the opening chords to standard set closer Sproston Green rang out.
With its long instrumental intro and exit it allows the band to flourish with Tim playing second fiddle as he waves one last goodbye to the crowd. Although anticipated, it’s become a live performance tradition, and somehow remains in keeping with the attitude that has pervaded their gigs throughout the years.
Another great gig with the whole band rolling back the years and every one of them still looking good for it too.
Somehow, I suspect it won’t be too long before I’ll be writing another review of the band, and safe to say Tim Burgess is more than likely to be looking forward to coming back to the city too.
Support acts
Being played on a Sunday, the big tent was also hosting three support acts from late afternoon to entice the crowd to arrive early and sample what was on offer.
And it fell to Big Day, Swim School and Callum Beattie to be given the roles of warming up the crowd ahead of the headline act.
In truth though, The Charlatans family of fans weren’t filling the tent in huge numbers to see them which was unfortunate, though each had their own fanbase to draw on.
In their own ways, each act played really well and said all the right things between songs in thanking the promotor and The Charlatans for being able to share the stage with them. However, where was the synergy between them that would attract the intended audience?
There just seemed to be a bit of a disconnect though between the music The Charlatans are renowned for and the indie rock and roll slant of the support bands.
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