Barrowland Ballroom Reviews
1 May 1996
The
Almighty w/ 3 Colours Red
So,
finally, here it was. The Almighty on their "Just Say Goodbye
Tour". It certainly was a sad day.
Opening
up were new Brit-Rockers 3 Colours Red, to a half empty Barrowland. This
meant that it wasn't their best reception ever, but they used every note to win
more people over. Their style of punk/pop/rock has been done before by bands
such as the Wild hearts, but the songs were good and easy to listen to, making
their set quite enjoyable. The lack of audience participation down the front was
a downer though, and during the only attempt at crowd surfing, there was so much
clear space that the guy who gave him a lift up had to carry him to the barrier.
Alternative, but original.
After
3 Colours Red's departure, it was back to music from DJ Diamond Dave. It was
nice to hear popular rock music being played, instead of an unknown album with
disgraceful sound. Everything from new stuff to `Run to the Hills` appeared, and
there was even some pogoing to the Sex Pistols. In between, Diamond Dave was
winding up the crowd in the slowly filling ballroom, giving a time countdown to The
Almighty.
Finally,
half way through Iggy Pop's `Lust For Life` came the announcement everyone was
waiting for. "Glasgow, would you please welcome, for the last time in
Scotland... ever... The ALMIGHTY!!!!" The end had begun!
By
this time, there was no holding the crowd back. The opener was `Wild and
Wonderful` spiced up for '96. Every word was sang, especially the chorus, 'You
drive me fuckin` crazy...`, where it seemed Ricky Warwick was being drowned out
by the crowd. Without pause, they flew straight into new hit `Do You
Understand`. It was fast and furious and went down just as well. That was a good
sign. Then came a short barrage of hits off of `Crank` which induced serious
slamming and moshing down the front. `Wrench` in particular created a constant
bounce which didn't slow, despite an extended version. It was about this point
my voice just croaked as I was spitting out the lyrics louder and with more
venom than it could take. I kept on trying though.
The
band kept pulling hits off all their albums, and every song went down like it
was the best song ever, although, `Addiction` and other songs off `Powertrippin`
were greeted like long lost friends. It was true class.
In
between songs, the crowd were amazing. Whenever there was the slightest break,
chants of "Al-Fuckin`-Mighty" started up, and the band were clearly
touched by the hometown crowd. At one point, Warwick announced, "I'd like
to tell you lot how fuckin` brilliant you are, but you already know
that!!!"
Another
classic quote was, "Did any of you see the Roswell thing on TV? I believe there's
been aliens on this planet for a long time now, living amongst us. How else can
you explain John Major and Virginia Bottomley!!!" before going into `All
Sussed Out`. Eventually, `Jonestown Mind` was unleashed, and the ferocity of the
band and the crowd was incredibly high. How Warwick's guitar strings survived to
this point after having the life punched out them I'll never know. No wonder
there was a break after this.
With
another opportunity for the fans to use their voice, the first few versions of
'Flower of Scotland started up. And mixed in with a lot more
'Al-Fuckin-Mighties`, my voice was virtually dead. After a short time, the show
continued. The pace of the first hour was kept though, and even a b-side was
sung by the crowd as if it was top 10 hit. That said it all.
The
final song in this batch was `Jesus Loves You But I Don`t`, which is my personal
favourite. It was the only time the pace slowed, but it's such an amazing song,
and with the backing of the audience it was excellent. As the song came to its
loud and powerful climax, it was a truly spiritual moment.
So,
it was time for another encore break, and the songs began again. This must have
been one of the best audiences ever ( and it was only three quarters full, cos it's
exam time here just now ). When the band returned, a Scotland t-shirt was thrown
on stage, and Ricky Warwick held it high over his face as 'Flower of Scotland'
was sung, perhaps as it was just too emotional to look at us, or maybe he just didn't
have the energy to go any higher.
All
that was left was a final goodbye speech, and a rendition of the Clash's `I
Fought the Law`. We wanted more, but that was that. Overall, it was pretty
amazing. Excellent sound, a half decent light show and sky high energy levels. I
can't find any faults, and if you think I'm biased cos` I believe The
Almighty are one of the best bands Scotland's produced, everyone else around
me jumped to every song and sang every single lyric too, so I'm not alone.
As
for the future, I've heard Ricky Warwick has already arranged a new project. Let's
hope Stumpy the drummer will stay in rock too, cos he's definitely one of the
best. His drumming is even more special when you consider he does backing vocals
too. It's a miracle he's still alive. Bassist, Floyd London has been getting
more involved with lead vocals, so he probably has something planned, and Wayne's
World star and guitarist Pete Freisen has brought a lot to the band since he
joined in `92 and I hope he does well.
Written by Steven McCarran
This
Review was Originally featured by
Steve McCarran
on
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