After an absolutely mad few weeks at work, I had been looking forward to this gig for ages. What's more it was at the start of a 2 week holiday, which made it even sweeter.We arrived at the venue about half way the support act, Ed Tenpole, of Tenpole Tudor fame. I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by Ed, who delivered a raw, belting set consisting of one man, a beaten up guitar, and lots of echo.
And so on to the main course ... the Damned. The last time I saw the Damned was way back in 1984, also at Bristol, so it was with some uncertainty that I entered into this. However, needless to say they did not disappoint. With just Captain Sensible and Dave Vanian left from the original line up, the newer additions to the group were more than up to the job.
They kicked-off with Fan Club from their 1977 debut album, Damned, Damned, Damned. An appropriate opener as the venue was certainly not full. Next up was Disco Man from their 1981, Friday 13th EP. Next on the list was I Just Can't be Happy Today from Machine Gun Etiquette.
I can remember most of the tracks after the first 3, but not the order. The list includes Love Song, Neverland, Eloise, New Rose, Neat Neat Neat, Stretcher Case Baby (which they denied stealing from the Sweet), Lovely, Jet Boy Jet Girl (which was a real treat), Thanks for the Night, and of course ending the show with Smash It Up, parts 1 and 2.
Throughout the show we were treated to various words of wisdom by the Captain who, amongst other things, informed us that the keyboard played used to be in the UK Subs, that Dave Vanian's leather gloves made him look like Alvin Stardust, that the success of Happy Talk had allowed him to live the champagne lifestyle for 3 weeks, and that he was now almost deaf following their recent stint supporting Motorhead.
Overall a great night out, even though it finished at 10pm, but at least there was time to get back to bed and my horlicks before midnight.
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