THE STRANGLERS | LIVE REVIEW
Y Plas, Cardiff University Students’ Union, Tue 10 Mar
If you were at Cardiff University recently, you’d be forgiven if you thought it was Bring Along Your Parents’ (or Grandparents’) Night – if they were long-in-the-tooth rockers, punks and hellraisers, that is. A good portion of young recruits were there, also in Doc Martens, along with The Stranglers’ stalwart mainstay army.
The band who celebrated 40 years together in 2014 with a Ruby Anniversary tour never comfortably suited the punk label, along with the Sex Pistols et al, back in the 70s. Not only did the Stranglers’ lineup include uni graduates and a businessman, they were experienced musicians whose subject matter ranged from the apocalypse to the Vikings.
A tape of Waltz In Black (always reminds me of the late great Keith Floyd’s cooking shows!) announced the arrival of the real Meninblack, not government spooks. Opening with Longships, followed by The Raven, they then proceeded to let everything rip: Straighten Out, (Get A) Grip (On Yourself), and I’ve Been Wild. For about two hours, the group roared through their extensive catalogue of albums (save for a handful), doing most of their hits including the bouncy, testosterone-driven crowd-pleaser, Peaches.
Baz Warne, now with The Stranglers for about as long as former frontman Hugh Cornwell, was on top form with guitar and in voice. Notable highlights included his playing on Relentless, the spaghetti western-y Time To Die and the see-who-your-real-friends-are Skin Deep. Another thing always setting The Stranglers apart from the pack was JJ Burnel’s innovative bass playing, and he’s still got it – even taking lead vocals on some tunes, including the whirly Doors-like Freedom Is Insane. The excellent Dave Greenfield showcased his dexterity and mastery of the keyboards on everything. No-one can match him at what he does.
Also performed were the brilliant Always The Sun, Duchess and the most exquisite song ever,Golden Brown, about both an exotic female and heroin. As much as I prefer these softer songs to some others, I give the band a high rating because they put on a tremendous show. Fans were disappointed that drummer/founder Jet Black didn’t sit in on a few numbers (because of his age – 76! – and ill-health, he hasn’t been playing full sets), but Jim MacAulay’s been stepping up with no problems. The crowd went ballistic during the encores, which included the group’s ace-on version of All Day And All Of The Night and the coup de grace of No More Heroes.
Let’s hope The Stranglers don’t hang up their boots anytime soon because I want to be upfront and in the thick of it for their next show. Maybe I can join their army as a reservist? Grrrrr!!
words RHONDA LEE REALI photos JON HERRON