You’ve listened to all their albums.  You’ve done your homework and read the bands wiki page.   You’re quietly confident, looking forward to reviewing an evening of anthemic ‘distorted pop’ – then you get the call.  “Due to illness, The Xcerts have postponed tonight’s show – but there may be press passes available for the other gig, Adam Ant and The Good, The Mad and The Lovely Posse, if you’re interested?”  Huh? The real Adam Ant?  The unpredictable eighties idol, live and unleashed…why not! 

Now, the last time I had read about Ant’s antics was in the music press last year, fuelling an unlikely row between Ant and Beady Eye frontman, Liam Gallagher – with Ant being quoted as saying he would ‘deal with him man-to-man’.  Fortunately for everyone involved, this fracas clearly never transpired.  But an hour later, and I find myself in the middle of the ants nest, armed only with my pen and reporter’s notepad.

Ant’s popularity in his heyday should not be taken lightly, and a legion of fans filled the 53 Degrees main stage floor.  Aging punks, some valiant face-painted look-alikes and of course a gang of giddy middle-aged women adorn the crowd, most paying a mere £25 a ticket to recapture a moment of their youth.

Tonight’s set opener delves back thirty-five years to the beginning of Ant’s pop journey in 1977, with the punky Plastic Surgery.  Ant rides out the heavy bass intro with his back to the crowd before revealing his highwayman finery and sporting a Napoleonic bicorne hat.  At fifty-seven years of age, Ant has overcome personal difficulties and gained a few pounds, but now thrust back into the spotlight he proudly wears his spectacles, a neatly trimmed Van Dyke beard, and finishes off the ensemble with multi-coloured painted fingernails.

It was 1980 when Ant made his first national television appearance on Top of the Pops with Adam and the Ants.  This latest line-up of musicians goes under the guise of Adam Ant and The Good, The Mad and The Lovely Posse and notably features an impressive lady and a gentleman on two drum kits, and backing vocals courtesy of reinvented good-time-girl Georgina Baillie, known for being ‘Manuel’s’ granddaughter (and fraternising with Russell Brand).

The first roof-raising cheer of the night comes with the 1981 number one sing-a-long, Stand and Deliver.  Ant gratefully poses for the crowd throughout the show and though maybe less vigorous, he still delivers an energetic performance and dominates the centre stage.  The banter was good humoured and Ant mentioned a comeback album due for release in summer 2012, apparently extravagantly entitled Adam Ant Is the Blueblack Hussar in Marrying the Gunner's Daughter – with new radio-friendly track Vince Taylor also featuring in the set.  Standout tracks include Kings of the Wild Frontier, Antmusic and Goody Two Shoes which are all well received, as is the set closer Lady/Fall In. 

If any of the older gents needed perking up and Miss Baillie’s sultry dance moves were not enough, her costume changes also became gradually more revealing – ending with her returning to the stage for the encores wearing a saucy corset, suspenders and stilettos number.  By this time Ant had picked up his guitar, and rolled back the years for crowd favourite, Prince Charming, complete with synchronised well-rehearsed hand gestures.  An interesting T-Rex medley of Get It On / Twentieth Century Boy brought the encore to a rock ‘n’ rolling end.  But to the crowds delight the talented band returned for one more tune, Physical (You’re So) – which proved all too much for one over-exuberant fan, whose failed attempt to invade the stage brought an untimely distraction to what should have been a triumphant finale to this voyage through Ant’s good, mad and lovely career.

http://www.adam-ant.net

Review: Liam Carroll

Photography: Zoe Taylor (ZT Photography)

John Lydon got Public Image Ltd back on the road in characteristically unconventional style – a reunion conveniently funded by a certain freshly churned British butter, some thirty-odd years after Public Image Ltd first formed back in 1978.  There had to be a reason why the legendary punk archetype and national treasure, Johnny Rotten, felt the need to prance around fields eating crumpets on our television sets.  But regardless, judging by the sold out crowd gathered at 53 Degrees, it is clear that being in one of the most important and influential bands of all time earns you a special respect from proper music fans of all ages.

These days Lydon has remained the only constant in Public Image Ltd’s line-up and rightfully so it is he who leads the way out on to the main stage.  In the instantly familiar voice Lydon beckons, “Hello Preston!  Or is it Depressed-on?  We’ll soon find out as soon as I start…”  A suitably eccentric introduction from the intimidating frontman as the band waste no time in opening the show with popular early track, Public Image.

There was no support act on the night, clearly a custom that Lydon can do without – and in return Public Image Ltd play an impressive set in excess of two hours long, including the bands biggest international chart success This Is Not A Love Song; and fan favourites Death Disco and Acid Drop are well received by the eclectic crowd. 

With a diverse and extensive back-catalogue at their disposal it is the driving basslines and experimental guitars accompanying Lydon’s snarling vocals that create an interesting noise, falling somewhere between the Happy Mondays mixed with the Sex Pistols.  During Religion Lydon declares, “Let the bass free your soul!” as Scott Firth’s solid, unforgiving bass guitar gets cranked up to an eyeball-tingling eleven. A proud punter holds aloft their crutches in a cross, apparently able to miraculously mosh once again.  It’s a surreal scene, as Lydon lurks back and forth, pulling faces and still living up to his Rotten reputation by blowing snot all over the place – but with a music stand on hand, I can only assume to serve as a discrete reminder of the lyrics.

Though the packed crowd was fairly quiet throughout, Lydon seemed happy that, “We’re all friends here!” and as long as we were all smiling his aggressive energy levels did not falter.  No evening spent with Lydon would be complete without a few rants as he reminds us not to trust politicians, not to vote Tory – though I’m not sure we needed to know about the absorbent qualities of his M&S undies.  One particular ‘second class citizen’ felt the full wrath after throwing a beer in Lydon’s direction – but all seemed to be forgiven – only after a public apology.

Stand out tracks include the pulsating Flowers Of Romance, the defiant Warrior and personal favourite Rise.  Guitarist Lu Edmonds has plenty of room to experiment – playing an impressive array of stringed instruments, using a violin bow and even what appeared to be a flashing Blackpool illuminations souvenir to play his guitar. 

The marathon gig comes to a close with the pounding Open Up, originally a collaboration between Lydon and Leftfield, then Lydon respectfully introduces the band members, who each receive an almighty cheer – and Bruce Smith’s flawless drum beats deserve a mention.  But an entertainer until the end, the iconic frontman himself says he prefers to remain nameless, “In case of Police reprisals.”

http://www.pilofficial.com

Review: Liam Carroll

Photography: Zoe Taylor (ZT Photography)  

No strangers to live shows, Villagers have been performing at several festivals and touring the world with the likes of Neil Young, Tracey Chapman and Elbow.  Their debut album Becoming A Jackal was released in 2010, and nominations for the Mercury Prize and Q Awards ‘Breakthrough Artist’ soon followed.  Most recently it has been announced that Villagers have been nominated for this years prestigious Ivor Novello Awards, in the category of Best Song Musically and Lyrically for the album title track.

Tonight, led by singer and songwriter talisman Conor O’Brien, the Dublin quintet bring their dense, eerie indie-pop melodies to the intimate 53 Degrees Club for the opening night of their tour.  Now try to resist conjuring up imagery of Irish musos Bono or Lynott because Villagers have more in common with the carefully crafted folk-rock of Simon and Garfunkel.

After a scrupulous sound check, the surprisingly boyish O’Brien takes his position at centre of the small stage and opened the gig with the solo acoustic Cecelia & Her Selfhood.  The song demands instant silence from the captivated crowd and as O’Brien catches you with his stare, without realising you are already hanging on his every word.

The rest of Villagers emerge in time for the second song of the night, album track The Meaning Of The Ritual.  Another slow tempo number, but played with a greater intensity than on the album, O’Brien sings every haunting, heartfelt verse with an unrelenting passion.  It is the energetic finish to the next song, Home, that sees the first proper applause of the show.

The set includes ten tracks from the critically acclaimed debut album.  Becoming A Jackal is certainly the type of song that will stick with you for days and sounds even better live.  The poetic lyrics are entrenched in a mysterious wall of sound, surely big enough to fill much larger venues in the near future.  Pieces sees O’Brien howling at the moon as the song reaches its manic crescendo and those sufficiently inebriated howled back in appreciation.  It’s a surreal moment but there are some genuinely touching ones too, when the more delicate members of the audience seem not to know whether to clap or cry. 

As things literally hot up in the club, the Radiohead-inspired The Bell, the charming Pact (I’ll Be Your Fever) and Down Under The Sea are welcome toe-tappers in the set.  We were also treated to faultless first live performances of The Grateful Song and Memoir.  The set closed with the bounding drumbeats of Ship Of Promises and O’Brien leaving his fans thirsty for more. 

A few cheers and howls later the band re-appeared for a three song encore, beginning with the Nick Drake-esque In A New Found Land You Are Free.  O’Brien announces that we will be ending, “On a depressing note,” with On A Sunlit Stage.  But the atmosphere is far from sombre as the talented band exit stage left to well earned echoes of applause.  “This has been a very nice start to the tour,” indeed.

As we gather our thoughts, it is time to find our way home – with the Jackal’s cry still ringing in my head.

Review: Liam Carroll

Photography: Zoe Taylor (ZT Photography)

The Hot Fuzz launch night at 53 Degrees promises no less than “101% indie rock ‘n’ roll” and topping the bill tonight are the hotly tipped band from the capital city, The Vaccines.  If you haven’t yet heard of the The Vaccines, you soon will.  Every few years a media frenzy elevates an unknown band to the mantle of saviours of a dwindling British guitar music scene – and I take great pleasure in introducing London’s worst kept secret.  The growing hysteria and excitement that surrounds The Vaccines has probably not been witnessed since those cheeky Arctic Monkeys tarzaned from the jungle of anonymity in to our CD collections back in 2005. 

It was announced only yesterday (12.12.2010) that The Vaccines have been shortlisted as one of three acts set to compete for the critics’ choice accolade at the BRIT Awards 2011.  With recent appearances on Later…with Jools Holland, some serious radio play and a slot on the NME Awards 2011 tour, it is easy to overlook that the band formed less than twelve months ago and their only release to date is the November 2010 single and tonight’s opening track Wreckin’ Bar – an enjoyable eighty-four second indie-rock romp, sang with an energy and conviction reminiscent of The Ramones in full swing.

Frontman Justin Young has seemingly hung up his acoustic guitar and lay to rest his folk troubadour alter-ego ‘Jay Jay Pistolet’ and teamed up with The Horrors’ Tom Cowan’s younger brother, Freddie Cowan on guitar; Arni Hjorvar on bass and drummer Pete Robertson complete the line-up.  A change of direction for Young and an apparent eclectic mix of musical tastes within the group keeps the vibe interesting, though there are some obvious influences such as The Velvet Underground, The Beach Boys and The Strokes.  There was a rare genuine buzz around the venue that this might indeed be a band at the beginning of a proper rock ‘n’ roll adventure.  The only real disappointment is that in these early touring days the mere thirty-minute set consists only of nine songs, so be prepared to embrace the quality, not quantity.  The set includes stand out tracks All In White, fast-paced If You Wanna, grungy A Lack Of Understanding and the indie-poptastic set closer Norgaard. 

There is a Libertines-esque cohesion between the band and throughout the exhilarating show Young and Cowan playfully jostle for the limelight, with Young prowling the small stage, letting the infectious melodies, punky guitars and gritty lyrics captivate the audience.  As the crowd warmed to their hosts, wishing they knew more words to sing-a-long, the cheers got louder and Young surrendered to his urge to join the front row – an instant crowd pleaser.

Young confessed that none of The Vaccines had previously been to Preston and I imagine if all goes to plan, they will be playing to a much larger adoring audience next time.  The highly anticipated debut album is set for release in ‘early 2011’ and seemingly unfazed by the weight of expectation manifested by the music press, The Vaccines look set to guide a guitar-led crusade against the pop tripe infecting the airwaves.

http://thevaccines.co.uk/

Review: Liam Carroll

Photography: Zoe Taylor (ZT Photography)

This fixture was postponed in September due to Half Man Half Biscuit frontman, Nigel Blackwell, suffering with a bout of laryngitis.  This time round, even eighty miles-per-hour winds and provincial powercuts could not halt proceedings.

With the 2010 Live UK award winning 53 Degrees venue slowly filling up, supporting tonight’s headline act were infectious indie/punk Wiganers, The Dead Shores.  Lucky revellers who picked up The Dead Shores self-financed album at the doors and found it intact, stuffed in their jeans pocket the following morning, should be pleasantly surprised.  Singer, Crag Whitfield demands your attention as he belts out an enjoyable set, with relentless crazy, hypnotic Ian Curtis-style dance moves and witty lyrics setting the tone.  Stand out tracks included I Want Nigel Blackwell’s Autograph, My Band’s Better Than Your Band and first single Modern Men.

By the time working-class heroes, Half Man Half Biscuit take to the stage a decent size anticipant crowd has gathered.  Championed by John Peel, the four lads from the Wirral achieved cult status many years ago.  ‘Avoiding proper work since 1985’, Half Man Half Biscuit have accumulated a dedicated fan base, and with eleven albums in the bag, the back catalogue is certainly spoilt for choice. 

It is the satirical, sometimes surreal lyrics and whimsical cultural references that still make the high-energy live shows such a draw and Blackwell revels in banter and telling jokes throughout the set to keep his loyal supporters entertained.  If lead guitarist, Ken Hancock, really felt the need for a ‘pre-gig haircut’, he should probably get his glasses checked – and don’t tempt him to play any Jean Michel Jarre.

The generous set was a mix of old sing-a-long numbers, including A Country Practice, We Built This Village on a Trad Arr Tune and A Lilac Harry Quinn and some new songs such as Tommy Walsh's Eco-House; and the boisterous mosh-pit seemed to be happy spilling beer and bouncing all night long.  Blackwell kept a relaxed rapport with the crowd, telling humorous tales between songs and teasing with ditties like Where Is My Pint? to the tune of The Pixies’ Where Is My Mind.

The experienced band were on good form throughout the gig and the set closes to a rapturous cheer and pleas for more.

The inevitable encore begins with an unexpected, yet faultless cover of Cher’s Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves, which does not descend in to mayhem as Blackwell predicted.  The gig is finally brought to a close with fan favourite Joy Division Oven Gloves, which enjoyed recent chart success thanks to an online Facebook campaign to save BBC 6 Music.  If you happened to bring your oven gloves – now was the time to get your mitts outs for the lads!

Would you risk it for Half Man Half Biscuit?  Why not – it’s nearly Christmas (expect another new album).

Words: Liam Carroll

Photography: Zoe Taylor (ZT Photography)

We were commissioned a few weeks back now to hold a photoshoot with Blackpool's Premiership captain Charlie Adam, published in national press throughout September and October. Blackpool FC are in EA Sports Fifa 11.

A fun day but extremely windy!!

According to folklore, it was on a cold winter’s morn back in 2007 that Adrian Edmondson awoke, after a heavy drinking session in Soho, and found that he had acquired a mandolin.  Unperturbed by the instruments mysterious origins, Edmondson began to teach himself to play some of the punk rock classics that he had learned in his youth and this opened the field gates – for an apparently overdue punk-folk amalgamation.  A few phone calls, favours and practice sessions later and The Bad Shepherds were born. 

Actor, comedian, writer, director and now musician, Edmondson, is probably best know for his TV comedy roles as violent punk-rocker Vyvyan Basterd (in The Young Ones) and crude lunatic Eddie Hitler (in Bottom) – and you could be forgiven for thinking that ‘punk and new wave songs played in a folk style’ must be a covers comedy act, but be assured that this band is no joke.  Edmondson has recruited two-time, All-Ireland Fiddle Champion Andy Dinan; multi-talented Troy Donockley on uillean pipes, cittern and whistles; and double-bass maestro Tim Harries, to create the necessary noises to complete the experienced line-up. 

Since releasing their debut album Yan, Tyan, Tethera, Methera! in May 2009, The Bad Shepherds have toured relentlessly – earning themselves a ‘Best Live Act’ nomination at the BBC 2 Folk Awards 2010 along the way – and tonight sees The Bad Shepherds herd their fans to the intimate upstairs club at 53 Degrees, Preston.

It was nice to see the venue close to capacity, with the anticipant crowd comprising of an eclectic bunch of young and old punks, dedicated followers of folk and Edmondson’s own fans, all being best of buddies for the night.  Tampering with classic punk songs can indeed be a dangerous game – particularly as these tunes maybe tattooed very closely to some people’s hearts, but being a self-confessed fan himself, Edmondson has no intention of doing any injustice. 

The set opened with covers of Sex Pistols, The Clash and Wreckless Eric – Anarchy In The UK, I Fought The Law and ‘two-chord classic’ Whole Wide World.  Edmondson gave an impressive account as a front man and his mandolin skills should not be underestimated.  Throughout the gig, Dinan’s effortless fiddling was frankly mesmerising; Donockley’s whistle and pipes created the enchanting atmosphere; Harries provided the ever-flowing basslines – and together they transformed well loved songs in to carefully crafted folk masterpieces.  The setlist included covers of The Stranglers, Kraftwerk, Motorhead, The Ramones, Public Image Ltd, The Members, The Specials and XTC numbers – and Edmondson delivered well-appreciated occasional moments of humour between tracks.

Personal highlights include covers of The Smiths’ Panic, The Jam’s Down In The Tubestation At Midnight and The Clash’s London’s Calling.  The set closes with an inspired reworking of Talking Heads’ Once In A Lifetime, which causes a rapturous deserved cheer, followed by deafening calls for more.  The Bad Shepherds oblige and after a toe-tapping rendition of album title track Yan, Tyan, Tethera, Methera!, the encore is brought to a close with crowd pleaser, The Clash’s White Riot.

The tour is set to continue deep into December 2010 and with a second album in the making, it is easy to see why The Bad Shepherds have won critical acclaim – check them out and have a folking good time!

http://www.thebadshepherds.com/

Review: Liam Carroll

Photographs: Zoe Taylor

I love 'em......Now, if you know me then you'll know that's a bold admission! But today I gave a "just wed" bride her wedding book and it gave me a sense of pride in my work. Yes, there is stress, yes, there is emotion, and that's just from me, let alone the bride!! But.....after all the photo taking, the hours of editing, creating, designing and proofing, there's something super duper about the way the happy couple grab that book from you with all the excitement of Christmas morning.

So, I'm bigging up weddings, let there be more, bring them on, shout it from the rooftops, tell all your friends....ZT Photography does weddings and they love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!yahoooooo!

x

Hi to you all

Well, the last few days have seen ZT Photography at a boxing event and a wedding. Both great, in different ways of course! But more on them soon.

Today, I want to tell you about our new 2010 Calendar, it's A3 in size and packed full of my favourite girlies. I hope you buy one and enjoy all year round! £1 goes to The Prostate Cancer Charity to help all the men (including my Dad) who suffer with this to get healthy.

So, click on the calendar page and follow the instructions, it's easy peasy and you'll be getting yourself a limited edition, signed and numbered calendar. I'm taking orders upto 30th November, so hurry!!

Ok, off now, speak soon.

z

x

Afternoon all

The last few days have been rather busy, I reckon one of the problems or disadvantages of being self employed is that you never know when to stop. An office workers average day is 9-5, then you come home and hopefully leave it all behind til the next day. Not so here folks, sometimes I find myself "doing stuff" long into the early hours but hey, dark shadows under the eyes are in this year!

So today I'm gonna introduce you to a new website I'm doing for Animated Canvas Uk Ltd, a fab new tattoo place in Thornton. Please click on the image below to take a look, the site is work in progress so take that into consideration.

If you need a website but don't have the time or just simply can't be bothered then give me shout and I'll send you some details!

Right, speak to you all soon.

Zoe

x

I'm a couple of days behind on this one, but never mind!

Both myself and reviewer Liam C went to 53 Degrees in Preston for Nerino Pallots gig.

She was lovely and Real Late Starter is definately my favourite.  Not sure it was Liams thing though!! To all the girls, her shoes were amazing and if I could walk in them as good as she could, I'd be a happy bunny!

Check it out! x Z

It was eight years ago that angelic home-grown singer/songwriter Nerina Pallot hit the scene with her first album.  Now making it on her own record label, October 2009 has seen Nerina unveil her third studio album to the world, The Graduate, and it will have been some relief that critics appear to agree these are her classiest, most sophisticated and adventurous pop songs to date.  Despite some industry recognition in 2007 with nominations at the BRITs and Ivor Novello Awards, commercial success has been a tough nut to crack for Nerina and tonight, for one night only, she finds herself showcasing her new songs at 53 Degrees, Preston.

Dedicated fans would already be well familiar with the new material, following a witty online campaign of acoustic renditions broadcast each week leading up to the albums release.  On arriving at this already intimate venue it was surprising to hear that the pit had been pushed forward at the special request of the band for the audience to get as close as possible to the musicians, something that is unheard of at my usual haunts.  The attendance was also far less than anticipated, but Nerina, who was in a talkative mood all night, suggested that this was because we were obviously a select group of intellectuals gathered to enjoy her live show and should she have known the turn out she could have baked us all fairy cakes – a policy all acts might consider to entice their sweet-toothed followers.

The three-piece band delighted fans with a beautiful set of piano-driven pop songs and the occasional guitar-led ballad; including the hopeful Everything’s Illuminated, the cheeky When Did I Become Such A Bitch, album bonus track God Of Small Things,  old favourites Patience and chart success Everybody’s Gone to War, plus forthcoming single Real Late Starter.  There are obvious comparisons to Sheryl Crow and Joni Mitchell’s sound, but Nerina’s captivating live performance is unique – and I was convinced she was singing every heartfelt lyric directly to me, only to look around and notice everyone else probably thinking exactly the same.  Between songs Nerina joked with her loyal fans about politics, religion and shoes; her innocence, honesty and humorous nature only adding to her naturally enchanting stage persona.

The show closed with a popular toe-tapping Elton John medley including Bennie And The Jets / Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting) and then Nerina was cheered back on stage for one last time to play Sophia as a final solo send off.

As The Graduate looks set to hit the UK Album Chart, there is a genuine sense that this tour might indeed be a defining moment in Nerina’s turbulent career.  We all left feeling warm and fuzzy inside, yet I suspect very slightly disappointed that Nerina had not worn that infamous white rabbit suit.

Review: Liam Carroll

Photographs: Zoe Taylor

Our Wedding Books!

Hi to you all, I just wanted to share with you how special our wedding books are.  The books we use our truly stunning.  It's not a secret, we use only the best: KISS Wedding Books .  They offer 7 amazing colours, from voluptuous black to passion pink, there's a colour to suit everyones style.  100% full-grain natural leathers are used to wrap the hand-made albums and lay flat binding ensures no photographs are cut down the middle.  They come in 3 sizes: 8", 10" and 12" And for a great present for your close family members or guests there is the beautiful 4" book.

Trust me, they are yummy!! x

Hi to you all and what a horribly rainy day!

Outside looks nasty and cold so today I've been mainly updating a couple of websites. 

Firstly my own, there have been a couple of changes to the page layouts, the galleries etc and all looks good, there's a few more bits that need doing.  And secondly, www.tattoocarnival.com has had a makeover. The layout has improved and new stuff is now in the shop, go take a look. The T-Shirts are great "Sit Down, Shut Up and Bleed"  Lol.  Love it. There isn't a photo of them yet but I'll be doing that soon.

Anyhow, I'm off to do other stuff.

Speak soon.

Z

x

Welcome

Well, Kirstie and myself went out for the Trash the Dress photoshoot a few days back now and we had a fab time. The weather was kind to us and didn't rain once, the wind wasn't too bad either considering we were on the sand dunes for a bit.

Kirstie looked amazing in the dress.  Especially as it was only £5.99, yep £5.99 from a charity shop, bargain!

We visited lots of places and a had a laugh, which is what it's all about at the end of the day, that and getting some fabulous shots, some of which you can see below.

Thanks Kirstie and look forward to working with you again in the future.  Right, I'm off to have a low fat hot chocolate,mmmm.  Speak soon.

Zoe

x

Hello to you all and welcome to the first day of my blog!

Thought I'd give it a go but how long it lasts is anyones guess! Not sure how it works, what I do, and how often!  But I suppose it''ll be used for a mixture of things, work, play, gripes, success, zt photos, miss tee, shopping, things I've made, photography hints and tips, anything like that.

Ok, off to do things and will back soon!

Bye for now

Zoe

x

Hi

Just a quick note to say I totally forgot to put on an Imelda May gig we did some time ago, so without any further ado, (!?) here it is:

Imelda May – 53 Degrees – 16/05/2009

As the thunder storm clouds began to clear on the way to 53 Degrees and a perfect double rainbow appeared above Preston, those lucky revellers with a ticket to the hottest show in town already knew they would be in for a real treat.

The 400 capacity upstairs club at 53 Degrees provided a smaller setting than expected, but this proved to be the ideal venue to experience sassy Dublin-born rockabilly star, Imelda May, performing her intimate set.

Southern rock ‘n’ rollers Tom Allalone & The 78’s seemed more than happy to warm up the crowd on their first night supporting Imelda on her UK tour, with an energetic set that pleasantly surprised onlookers.  Lead singer and guitarist, Tom, promised everyone a great night ahead and the band left a satisfied crowd bathing in the red glow of the stage lights – knowing that those late arrivals had already missed something worthwhile.

As the final instrument checks were being completed, the room appeared to quietly fill to capacity and though Imelda had attracted quite a mixed crowd, it was refreshing to see that the retro fashion influences were very prominent all around.

Imelda’s experienced band members, who were faultless all night, took their positions on stage almost bang on schedule and dived straight in to the opening bars of ‘Feel Me’ and the excitable crowd reciprocated with applause.  Imelda was wearing her trademark red lipstick and a leopard-print wiggle dress and her timely delayed entrance was greeted with a deafening barrage of heartfelt wolf-whistles.

Much of Imelda’s critically acclaimed album ‘Love Tattoo’ featured in the set list and her rich and sultry vocals that have already earned some high profile fans, such as Jools Holland, were in fine form from beginning to end.  Imelda gave a passionate performance, enjoying a dance between versus and playing the tambourine, while the band created the rockabilly, jazz-fused backdrop that became more infectious as the night went on.  There were even moments when you could have been forgiven for thinking you were part of the next Tarantino film soundtrack.

Crowd favourites ‘Love Tattoo’, ‘Big Bad Handsome Man’, ‘Smokers’ Song’, and ‘Falling In Love With You Again’ were all there – and the audience were also treated to a couple of new tracks from the recently finished second album, due for release in September 2009.

The set closed with Imelda picking up her bodhran for crowd-pleaser ‘Johnny Got a Boom-Boom’, but this only left the audience thirsty for more.  Much to the excitement of her fans, Imelda and the band returned to the stage for an encore and performed a sing-a-long cover version of ‘Tainted Love’ and the finale was one of Imelda’s personal favourites, a Muddy Waters oldie ‘Rollin’ and Tumblin’’.

Each member of the five-piece band received their well-deserved recognition from the audience, who left in buoyant mood knowing that Imelda May is a genuine talent.  If this is your scene, make sure you catch this ride when it’s next in town.

Review: Liam Carroll

Pictures: Zoe Taylor