Shed Seven – image from artists Facebook
As a duo of Britpop legends hit up Newcastle, Getintothis Lewis Ridley was there to see if they were going for gold.
“Saturday night in Newcastle, it doesn’t get much better than that, does it?” That’s what Rick Witter said as Shed Seven entertained the O2 Academy.
Shed Seven are standing the true test of time, they have got a new album out that’s one of their best efforts to date and their live performances remain top notch.
It is the cover art for Instant Pleasures that lights up the stage after a performance from Cast as support. Even if it felt most of the crowd were watching from the bar in queues that certainly tempted a few to Walkaway. Final track Alright sounded brand new. Three-pint cups in hand people did manage though, and when Rick Witter’s wirey, hip-thrusting character entered the fray it was non-stop great music.
Speakeasy was an early highlight, but young William in the front row will remember this gig for Where Have You Been Tonight being dedicated to him. After all, as Rick said, he and his generation are the future of rock and roll. The set was heavily laden with those old classics, and On Standby, Devil In Your Shoes and She Left Me On Friday had the Newcastle crowd going nuts.
Then, two-thirds of the way through the night, sly chords of I Am The Resurrection leaked into the back end of one song before the full outro of The Stone Roses’ set closer was played in all its majesty – a real moment of elation, and a bloody good cover, too.
Going For Gold saw the entrance of trumpets to the stage and a certain Witter Jnr. Rick’s son was to lead this one, with very similar hip movements and a mature connection with the crowd – he too did it justice.
A 3-song encore closed the evening, newbie It’s Not Easy is probably the best song on the new album and got the response it deserved before Getting Better and final track Chasing Rainbows. Circles of people singing every word who’ve seen a band develop over the years, from those in old lyric t-shirts to young William down at the front and an equally young lad fist pumping on shoulders at the back.
Shed Seven have rejuvenated themselves and have the aura of a band ready to hit the heights and not one who many would previously say were over the hill. They’ve plenty in the tank yet.
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