It’s been over 30 years since I first saw The Jesus and Mary Chain live, so their return to Newcastle at NX was an unmissable date in my diary. Back in 1987, I saw them at the Mayfair and vividly recall their loud, stark, and unrelenting sound—a band whose live shows were drenched in feedback, drama and attitude. Fast-forward to 2024, and their performance has evolved, but their music still feels as raw and vital as it did back then.
The NX website said: “One of the most influential bands of their generation and beyond, The Jesus and Mary Chain mark their 40th anniversary in 2024 with a new album, Glasgow Eyes.To be released on March 8th by Fuzz Club, this is the band’s first studio album since Damage And Joy (2017). 2024 promises to be a bumper year for devotees of the Reids: the brothers will also unveil their autobiography, a documentary, and a world tour starting in March.”
From my blog entry 30+ years ago: “So, the conversation went like this. Laura: “Dad, I thought you said you saw The Jesus and Mary Chain?” Me: “Yes. I’m sure I saw them at Newcastle Mayfair.” Laura: “Well it is not on your blog.” Me: “I must’ve forgotten about it. I shall add it!” Now when I wrote my blog, I took it from tickets, programmes, and my memory. And somehow, I had forgotten this one. Not surprising; my memory is not great. I went straight to eBay and what did I find, but a ticket for the show which I quickly purchased. I had no ticket so presumably must’ve handed it in on the night. I heard a lot about this band and how legendary they were.”
I read the following on their official site: “Few bands have had such a huge effect on musical culture, as The Jesus And Mary Chain. Their attitude alone, dressed in black, angry with the world, playing short sets drenched in feedback, set the benchmark in the post-Sex Pistols music scene of London. Their seminal debut album Psychocandy would go on to change the course of popular music, channelling the sneering angst and noise distortion of the live shows into hypnotic sweet melodies layered with dark lyrics that would beguile and bewilder. Released into the world, The Jesus And Mary Chain became the darlings of British press, as they searched to find the owner of the post punk crown in the mid-80’s.”
Pretty impressive! Now did my memories live up to this? It was a Wednesday night, and I had heard quite a lot about The Jesus and Mary Chain. So, I decided to go along, by myself, to the Mayfair to see what they were like. I recall stark black-and-white lighting and lots and lots of drums and noise. I would like to say I was blown away by the birth of grunge, but the truth is my memory of the concert is quite sketchy.
I remember thinking that they were different, loud, stark, very “in your face” and quite scary in a way. I wasn’t familiar with the material but enjoyed the show and came away quite impressed. I have since watched some of their material on YouTube, such as “Kill Surf City“, which completely drags the Jan and Dean classic through punk into grunge and wish I could go back and watch the gig again!
Move forward 30 years. Celebrating their 40th anniversary, this tour was in support of their latest album Glasgow Eyes. The new material felt fresh yet entirely in keeping with their legacy, slotting seamlessly alongside their classic tracks. The set opened with “Jamcod,” followed by the iconic “April Skies” and “Head On,” immediately pulling the audience into their dark, hypnotic world.
The NX was the perfect venue—intimate but buzzing with anticipation. The crowd, spanning generations, hung on every note, from the dreamy distortion of “Some Candy Talking” to the bittersweet beauty of “Just Like Honey,” which formed part of a spine-tingling encore.
What struck me most was how timeless their sound is. Songs like “Never Understand” and “Happy When It Rains” still embody that quintessential mix of sweetness and aggression, while the live renditions of “Nine Million Rainy Days” and “Reverence” left the room shaking with energy.
This was more than a gig—it was a celebration of a band that has shaped so much of alternative music. The Reid brothers remain enigmatic on stage, letting their music do the talking. As I walked out into the cold December air, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for having witnessed them again, proving they’re as important now as they were in the ‘80s.
Many thanks to Jackie for the photographs. The remainder of the images come from my own collection and Wikimedia Commons. Many thanks also to Laura for her help with the entry and Natalie for help with manipulating the site.
Setlist: Jamcod; April Skies; Head On; Happy When It Rains; All Things Pass; Chemical Animal; Some Candy Talking; Cracking Up; Nine Million Rainy Days; Pure Poor, Far Gone and Out; Venal Joy; Blues From a Gun; Sidewalking; Between Planets; In a Hole; Sometimes Always; Darklands; Never Understand.
Encore: Just Like Honey; Taste of Cindy; Reverence.
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Posted by ciarant1step on January 25, 2025 at 3:38 pm
Thanks Peter. Great review of an extraordinary band.
Posted by vintagerock on January 26, 2025 at 12:11 pm
Thanks Ciaran. Yes, I agree, they are indeed quite extraordinary. Happy days Peter