One year on and much has changed. Last year when I saw the band in the same venue they were at the point of retiring, as a result of the sad passing of original member and fantastic keyboards player Dave Greenfield. His Doors tinged keyboard mastery formed the backdrop and rhythm to many of their classic songs. Remaining founder member Jean Jaques Burnell felt strongly that it was time to call it a day and close The Stranglers. However after a strong cry from the fan community he decided it best to continue. And thus it was.
The other big change was the layout of the City Hall. Last time it was all standing downstairs with the wheelchair area on a raised platform to the rear of the hall, with a great view of the stage. This time it was all seated with wheelchair customers right at the front of the hall. The view was equally good. However it was surprising that the hall was seated rather than standing. Most energetic bands including heavy rock and new wave/punk usually warrant a standing setup. I was surprised at this and the band also seemed somewhat surprised. Nevertheless everything worked well.
Finally the stage setup was amazing with raised platforms for the drummer and keyboard player who sat behind an amazing keyboard arrangement. Everything was set out in grey. It looked wonderful.
The Strangler’ s latest nationwide tour marks their 50th anniversary in the music business. It seems hard to believe that they have been around so long. The show was in two parts with a short interval. The Stranglers took us right back to the start playing their greatest hits such as “Golden Brown”, ”No More Heroes” and “Peaches”.
The other noticeable change is that Jean Jacques Burnell has taken more of a leading role. It seemed to me that he sang a lot more of the songs and has to some extent reclaimed the legacy of the Stranglers. I could almost hear him saying “this is my band and I am proud to lead it”. And so he should be. Alongside him local lad Sunderland’ s Baz Warne has taken over the space fronting the band which was left by Hugh Cornwell many years ago. And a great job he does of it.
As we got to the end and the encores, Jean Jacques announced “We started in 1974. There are few bands that have been around that long and kept going throughout. We came from the pub rock movement. Some bands seem ashamed of that but we are proud to have been born as a pub rock band. So let us go right back to the start and our first single “Go Buddy Go”. Fantastic. The Stranglers are back and proud to be filling venues like the City Hall again where I saw them over 40 years ago.
Bought myself a lovely signed album. Many thanks to Jackie for taking the photographs and to Harvey for helping me navigate the site.
Setlist: Set 1: Just Like Nothing on Earth; Hallow to Our Men; The Raven; Baroque Bordello; North Winds; Genetix; Princess of the Streets; Breathe; Hanging Around; Down in the Sewer.
Set 2: Waltzinblack; Who Wants the World?; Dagenham Dave; Duchess; Time to Die; Ships That Pass in the Night; Peaches; Threatened; Skin Deep; Always the Sun; Golden Brown; Relentless; 5 Minutes; Lost Control; White Stallion; Something Better Change; Tank.
Encore: Go Buddy Go; No More Heroes.
It was great to see a classic pub rock/new wave/punk/pop band play their greatest hits in a classic venue. And the way which the band is almost reborn after a difficult period with their original bass player taking on the mantle, which he always held anyway, of front man. It was very clear whose band this was and so it should be. A great evening. A great concert. A great band. What could be better?
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Posted by TerriersFan on March 23, 2024 at 8:21 am
As you say, Peter – what could be better?
I disliked The Stranglers when I first saw them back in 1976 but my tastes have mellowed greatly since then and I play their Greatest Hits album fairly regularly.
Another good review and I’m glad that you enjoyed them.I
Roger 🤘👍
Posted by vintagerock on March 23, 2024 at 12:02 pm
Thanks Roger. I first saw the Stranglers in 1977 at Newcastle Poly. They were great then and remain great today. Happy days Peter
Posted by ciarant1step on March 23, 2024 at 2:04 pm
Hi Peter,
I saw this version of the band last year in Limerick’s Milk Market and they gave a great show. Unfortunately they didn’t come to Limerick this year but from what you’ve written it seems like this was a super 50th Anniversary concert, with a really interesting setlist. Long may they continue.
Posted by vintagerock on March 23, 2024 at 2:43 pm
Yes Ciaran they are still a great band . Happy days Peter