THE BAD SHEPHERDS | LIVE REVIEW
The Globe, Cardiff, Wed 27 Nov
Having fallen head of heels in musical love with The Bad Shepherds only recently I had high expectations for a live performance of their folk/punk combination (trust me it works). I was certainly not left disappointed.
Support act Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou were a good choice for opening with their folksy bluegrass sound that threw me right into a good old folk mood. Their share-the-mic style worked particularly well in their final song: a cover of Charlie Parr’s Cheap Wine, which I could help playing again in my head while we waited for the stage to be set up for The Bad Shepherds.
When the band finally hit the stage they did it with energy and excitement from the very start as they threw themselves into a long, ceilidh tune like intro that soon turned into Anarchy In The UK. Having heard The Bad Shepherds version of this punk classic I knew what to expect, but it was great to see the overjoyed faces of those who suddenly realised what song the were listening to.
Though The Bad Shepherds have made their name recreating punk tunes on folk instruments this latest tour featured sample of their own songs, written for their new album Mud, Blood And Beers. Despite these tunes not having the same nostalgic feel as the covers they we still great tunes and shared the same soulful feel.
The music was excellent and exciting, the three members clearly know what they are doing and the plethora of different instruments played by Troy Donockly was great to watch (as well as listen to).
Having such a front man with a comic background certainly has its advantages when on stage, as Ade Edmondson filled the silence between songs with rude limericks and tale of his past. All of which added to, rather than extracted from, the fun folk/punk atmosphere in the room.
The Bad Shepherds gig at The Globe in Cardiff was a great night of music, and I can honestly say I haven’t experience folk quite like I did last night.
words HEATHER ARNOLD