Adam Ant @ Roundhouse - December 20, 2018

On a recent show in London with my usual concert buddy, we saw a poster for the upcoming Adam Ant shows at the Roundhouse. We laughed about it and then, being drunk, proceeded to sing Adam and the Ant songs all the way home, with requisite dance moves thrown in from time to time. You know, the signature Adam Ant sexy skip-in-place move.

We joked about it a few more times: "It would be so fun, but oh my god we can't!" "It's too expensive just for the nostalgia." And so on. But a few weeks later, she texted to say a job she had lined up in December fell through and why don't we just go for it.

We both were on the cusp of being teenagers during Ant's big years with the Ants and then as a solo artist. We couldn't resist the thought of getting to see the man himself live, and particularly seeing Stand and Deliver, Antmusic and Dog Eat Dog played. The opportunity had to be seized.

Not interested in the openers, we arrived to a packed floor full of 30- to 60-somethings all holding their ground with fierce determination. There was none of the squeezing-down-front possible that is our usual M.O., at least not until much later. We began by finding a fairly okay viewpoint on the left flank and were pleased to see the two drum kits set up speaking of faithfulness to the old Ant sound.

The crowd ratio was more male than we expected, making it about 50-50. But we noticed with amusement how many couples there were and how many of the (let's be honest) middle-aged women were dressed to the nines and looking hot. We speculated that this event would be a good early-date litmus test for a prospective mate, but once the show started we were surprised by just how many of the (straight-looking) men were really into the show. Assumptions...

We were similarly surprised and delighted by how much energy Adam Ant had throughout the entire show. He came out looking dapper in his recent-years look of straw hat, bandana and all-leather, and still as slim as ever. And I was truly thrilled by all his moves, the aforementioned skip, the 360-twirl, the air-sucked-through-teeth face, the flashing eyes. It didn't strike me at all as pastiche, but genuinely his natural performing mannerisms. He's lost little of his aloof charm as an entertainer.

The jacket was removed part-way through the set to reveal one of his own tour shirts. In fact the whole band, bar the female drummer, was wearing the same, which I thought was a bit much. But I guess we know who would call the shots on and off-stage.  Despite the double drums, on one song (wish I could remember which) two of the guitarists picked up marching snare drums to really pump the percussion up to the max. At about this time, Ant also gave a shout-out to the punk legend Jordan, his early manager, who was in attendance somewhere on the balcony.

The setlist was heavy with older material and each song elicited cheers of excitement from different parts of the audience. People clearly had their favourites they were there to hear. Unfortunately, the crowd were pretty unanimated. Certainly zero mosh pits appeared. There was very little movement, as no one would allow people through; mostly just dancing in place. My friend and I jumped up and down to Stand and Deliver, but I think we were the only ones.

All in all, a good night's entertainment, and a good time reliving some of those amazing songs that blew my young mind apart, all those years ago.

Setlist:
Plastic Surgery
Dog Eat Dog
Vive Le Rock
It Doesn't Matter
Friend or Foe
Antmusic
Beat My Guest
Ants Invasion
Killer in the Home
Lady
Fall-In
Room at the Top
Desperate But Not Serious
Cartrouble
Prince Charming
Zerox
Whip In My Valise
Strip
Puss 'n Boots
Kings of the Wild Frontier
Christian D'or
Stand and Deliver
Encore:
Goody Two Shoes
Red Scab
Physical (You're So)

Sleaford Mods @ Roundhouse - September 22, 2018

We missed Grey Hairs, only hearing the final song as we were entering and checking out the merch table. Consumer Electronics were the other openers and were ferociously loud and sonically challenging. It reminded me of some of the more abrasive Industrial music of the 90s, so parts did appeal to me, but it was all too much and the earplugs went in quickly as we backed to the far wall. My loose cargo pants were vibrating against my legs it was that loud!

This is my second time seeing Sleaford Mods, and I very much doubt the last time. It hasn't even been a year since the Norwich gig I went to, but I snapped up the tickets when I saw they were going to be doing a couple shows at the Roundhouse, a great venue.

These shows were to support their new EP and they played every track. In fact of the 18 songs, 9 were new or songs they didn't play last show I saw. They opened with two new tracks, Flipside and Subtraction, that aren't even on the new EP, but possibly will be on their next album they have planned for Spring 2019.

The new EP tracks, beginning with the first single Stick In a Five and Go, were interspersed between firm fan favourites that sent the moshpit jumping and shoving. The only other surprise was a 2014 Divide and Exit track, From Rags to Richards that they don't play live often. Tonight they skipped the pantomime of an encore, plowing through an energizing final run from Jobseeker to Tweet Tweet Tweet.

The stage is the same sparse setup as always, but Jason Williamson is getting to be even more of an amazing performer to watch. All the ticks and physicality are present along with some more, bolder playing about. Another great show. I'm excited to keep going to their shows.

Setlist
Flipside
Subtraction
Stick In a Five and Go
Moptop
Just Like We Do
Giddy on the Ciggies
TCR
Joke Shop
Bang Someone Out
From Rags to Richards
Routine Dean
Jolly Fucker
You're Brave
BHS
Dregs
Gallows Hill
Fizzy
Jobseeker
Tied Up in Nottz
Tarantula Deadly Cargo
Tweet Tweet Tweet

Faith No More @ Roundhouse, London - June 17/15

My friend couldn't make this gig in the end, and found someone who wanted the ticket. Turned out good for me, 'cuz Seaghan (who came over from Dublin for the show) was a massive FNM fan and a good concert pal.

The openers were The Pop Group, post-punk pioneers active from '77-'81 and then reformed in the past few years. I'd never even heard of them, so when I read up on them before the gig, I knew I had to check out this band that paved the way for Gang of Four and PiL. Roddy introduced them, and it was definitely that echo-y, sparse post-punk sound, I dig. "We Are All Prostitutes" was a highlight.

This was Night One of two Faith No More were playing in London, and unlike at the NY show, the gimp made an appearance to much cheering.

The show had the same great energy as the NY one, but they mixed up the setlist with 6 different songs which was awesome. Got to hear more of the new album live and some older faves. We Care A Lot was a more straightforward rendition, as there was no Rahzel, but Patton did pull out his trademark megaphone to good effect for the night's closing song.

I noticed more snarky banter with the crowd. Is this a big city thing, or a FNM thing? But Patton had no problem letting us sing the Midlife Crisis chorus. Patton's voice was amazing, showing much of his range. The whole band seemed to be enjoying themselves and invigorated by having new music to play for us. It was a great show, and I'd definitely see them again if I get the chance.

Setlist:
Motherfucker
Be Aggressive
Caffeine
Evidence
Epic
Black Friday
Richochet
Midlife Crisis
The Gentle Art of Making Enemies
Easy
Separation Anxiety
Last Cup of Sorrow
Digging the Grave
Matador
Ashes to Ashes
Superhero
Encore:
Sol Invictus
Everything's Ruined
We Care a Lot

The Pop Group Setlist:
Thief of fire
Citizen Zombie
She Is Beyond Good and Evil
Hell is Empty
King Stupid
We Are All Prostitutes
Nowhere Girl
St. Outrageous
We Are Time