Unfortunately due to an epic equipment failure I came away from tonight’s gig without any salvageable shots but, as the old saying goes, the show must go on. So sit back, put your feet up, and enjoy these words which I’ve put together to try and encapsulate the absolutely energetic carnage that Ginger et al brought to the Leadmill and the good people of Sheffield tonight.
As the opening band, Dirt Box Disco, took to the stage the floor had already started to fill up respectfully and when the first chords were struck it instigated a gentle sway of bodies moving to the punchy riffs and beats with arms held aloft in appreciation for the tunes which were being dispatched on this early evening. This was out and out, unadulterated punk, the tracks were catchy with energetic melodies, passionate vocals and a stripped back, fun and endearing spectacle. By the time the set was closing the whole venue was either singing along to the infectious tracks or simply soaking it all up with a smile planted firmly across their faces. DBB had undoubtedly made a few new friends in Sheffield tonight and most, if not all, would encourage and welcome another Dirt Box Disco gig ASAP.
Next up, and utilising every single inch of possible floor space on the stage, was Jim Jones Allstars and they hit us from the off with their brand of blues infused rock and roll. The vocals tonight were colourful and addictive, the skins created a backbone on which all the other elements hung off and the strings and wind fractions were tight knit in unison with one another which generated a pitch perfect, rhythmic and entrancing soundscape. The venue had filled up nicely for Jim et al and the response which was thrown back at the stage from the gathered masses was impressive, truly indicative of the enjoyment which was spreading through the building like wildfire. The ability to take all of the differing elements and instruments and conjure up the smooth and captivating spectacle is a unique talent which manifested itself in Sheffield as a hypnotic and bounce inducing 45 minutes, truly captivating and mesmeric from the opening chords to the last expulsion of breath down the saxophone reeds.
The stage was then hastily transformed for the arrival of The Wildhearts and Ginger et al attacked their workspace tonight like a pack of rabid dogs. The Leadmill was hit like a juggernaut, the level of energy was absolute mayhem and the opening carving of ‘Suckerpunch’ was absolutely sublime. The vocals from Ginger were caustic, spat out with a venomous intent and a passion which was infectious from start to finish. The fretboards were tamed with a decadent ease which only added to the luxuriously velvety and maniacal party which the rockers had brought to Sheffield tonight. ‘I Wanna Go Where The People Go’ ignited the party in the crowd and instigated a huge sing along which I’m sure the neighbouring towns and cities would have heard as clear as a whistle and the energy just kept building throughout the set with the likes of ‘Vanilla Radio’, ‘Sleepaway’ and ‘Everlone’.
The venue was packed, back to front, side to side and was as energetic off the stage as it was on, tonight had been a celebration of true rock legends serving up a quintessential rock gig to an absorbing, fanatical and adoring crowd with most in attendance potentially having been in The Wildhearts family since the early years, if not day one.
Simply put, hands down, absolute perfection personified.
