MIK SABIERS savours the first headline solo show of the stalwart of Brighton’s indie-punk outfit Blood Red Shoes
Latest editorial
A rapturous finale saves Marr’s bacon
New releases reviewed by IAN SINCLAIR
STEVEN ANDREW is moved beyond words by a historical account of mining in Britain made from the words of the miners themselves
CAILEAN MCBRIDE welcomes a refreshing and timely study of the way officialdom creates structures that exclude LGBT+ rights and humanity
The bard mourns the loss of comrades and troubadours, and looks for consolation with Black Country Jess
CHRIS MOSS relishes the painting and the life story of a self-taught working-class artist from Warrington
MARY CONWAY is disappointed by a star-studded adaptation of Ibsen’s play that is devoid of believable humanity
Meltdown Festival
Johnny Marr
Royal Festival Hall
★★★
Musician, guitarist, songwriter, singer, NME godlike genius, Johnny Marr has many strings to his bow and at a memorable Meltdown gig sprinkles his 19-strong set with songs from his long, illustrious career.
Opening with The Tracers from 2018 album Call the Comet, Marr’s immediately into full throttle getting the best from his guitar while behind him the band keep the rhythm and beat. The audience is however appreciative rather than adoring.
Then, as Marr launches into the opening of The Smiths’ Bigmouth Strikes Again, they jump to their feet as if welcoming an old friend. It’s the first of seven Smiths tracks that pepper the night.
More from this author
MIK SABIERS savours the first headline solo show of the stalwart of Brighton’s indie-punk outfit Blood Red Shoes
MIK SABIERS leaves The Itch gig rejuvenated and energised
MIK SABIERS detects a serious message beneath the fun and frenzy of a classic 1980s Grebo scene band
