Promoted by
Dave Griffiths of
Fast Forward Promotions.
The refurbished Georgian Theatre looks smart from outside.
All clean lines, big glass and steel entrance, sparkling white reception area
and big, comfortable bar. The main hall has expanded and now has a capacity of
300 rather than 200. It’s a good job as not everyone here tonight would have
squeezed in to the old venue.
Opening the night Thornaby’s The Filth, one of the original
punk bands. Formed in 1979 they shared a 7”single with Teesside’s Discharge the
same year. Tonight they play all three songs from it. ‘Freedom’, ‘Blue Law’ and
‘Rise Of The Mods’. Proper street punk with an obvious nod of appreciation to
bands such as the Dead Kennedys the songs still sound good 38 years after first
seeing the light of day. 2015’s four track EP, ‘The Spoils of War’ is also
played in full and shows The Filth have lost none of their raw power or
attitude. Upcoming gigs with Barbed Wire Dolls and 999, both at The Westgarth,
Middlesbrough provide a welcome opportunity to catch The Filth again.
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| The Filth |
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| The Filth |
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| The Filth |
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| The Filth |
Spear Of Destiny are always welcomed with open arms on
Teesside and tonight is no exception. They walk on stage to the theme tune from
The Sweeney and as soon as they launch into the opening notes of ‘MK Ultra’ you
know it’s not going to be a night of songs everyone knows and loves. It’s not
going to be all the ‘classics’. Instead it’s a set that spans SOD’s career and
draws from a good number of their 13 studio albums. Kirk Brandon’s voice has
lost none of its unique sound over the years and with Adrian Portas (New Model
Army) on guitar and Craig Adams (Sisters of Mercy / Mission) on bass Spear Of
Destiny are a powerful live act. Tonight we’re treated to some real gems. Gems
that are heavy, rocky, dark, moody and not for the faint hearted. Stand outs include
‘Radio Radio’ and ‘Soldier Soldier’ from 1988’s The Price You Pay, ‘Lucky Man’ from 2003’s ‘Morning Star’, the reggae of ‘Rave On’ from SOD’s Law (’92), ‘Judas’ from 2001’s Volunteers sends shivers down your spine – such a gentle
introduction leading into such an immensely powerful song. In fact there’s not
a weak moment tonight. Over the years many fans have lamented the absence of a
saxophone from post 80’s SOD songs. It’s not needed. Portas’s guitar playing
more than makes up for any sax. Add in Brandon’s own guitar, keyboards and some
top drumming and todays Spear Of Destiny are a live force to be reckoned with. Anthemic
songs, great guitar riffs, lyrics that tackle real issues. Issues that keep
plaguing the modern world. Some of the classics are still here. ‘The Wheel’
from Grapes Of Wrath and ‘Come Back’
from World Service bring back
memories of student mosh pits from years ago and are certainly appreciated by
tonight’s crowd but for me they’re not the highlights.
They leave the stage after ‘I Can See’ only to return a few
minutes later to hammer through a blistering three song encore that includes
Joy Division’s ‘Transmission’ (from 2005’s Loadestone) and, of course,
‘Liberator’. Never failing to get a crowd moving it’s a fantastic end to a
brilliant gig.
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| Spear Of Destiny |
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| Spear Of Destiny |
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| Spear Of Destiny |
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| Spear Of Destiny |
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| Spear Of Destiny |
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| Spear Of Destiny |
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| Spear Of Destiny |
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| Spear Of Destiny |
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