The Quireboys, The A Band.
Lev 2 Esquires Saturday 20th December 2014.
2014 has been quite a momentous year for THE QUIREBOYS. It marks the 30th anniversary for these hard working rockers. Back in April they returned to The Half Moon in Putney, the venue where they played their first gig all those years ago. After touring extensively throughout the year, the band also released their 8th studio album called "Black eyed sons". It received much praise from the musical press. In what has become somewhat of a tradition at Esquires, The Quireboys are back in Bedford for their Christmas show.
There are few more reliable live acts than these. The fellas pair professionalism with five star entertainment. Tonight, as always, they deliver the goods. The room is naturally busy. It's a hoary old cliché, but rock 'n' roll music is alive and well. You've only got to shoehorn yourself into the level 2 room to witness that. As per usual the partisan faithful lift the show into the realms of something special. The six musicians stride on to the stage. The main attraction of The Quireboys is the irrepressible Jonathan Gray, more commonly known as Spike. This gentleman has lived the rock 'n' roll lifestyle ever since he first formed the band and has survived to tell the tale. With his suave attire and trusty bandana, there is also an ever present glint in his eye. His opening cry is loud and familiar; "This is rock 'n' roll".
The set list is a reliable journey through the band's long career. All the hits and more. Well, with The Quireboys you can never get "Too much of a good thing". The songs are liberally punctuated by Spike's witty comments. He clutches a glass and says that "It's Christmas. We're allowed a drink today". He grins mischievously before adding "I don't usually drink"! There are many shouts of "yee haa" throughout the night. After spending the last dozen or so years in Bedford, life is now changing for the ever popular Quireboys keyboard player Keith. Spike calls it a "sad day" as he announces "Mr Keith Weir is moving back to Ireland so The Ship will probably close down". He then says "potatoes" in a very bad Irish accent.
People in attendance with memories of the early days are richly rewarded with "There she goes again", "Roses and rings" and "This is rock n roll". The latter is about the mods and rockers clashes of the sixties. However, The Quireboys are not a band to wallow in nostalgia as they are constantly writing strong new material. "Mona Lisa smiles" and "What do you want from me" certainly tick those boxes. This is very much a hometown show for guitarist Guy Griffin and bass player Nick Mailing. Guy is ready to praise his local town and seizes an opportunity, although I do have to correct him. Guy recounts the time when Bedford Town beat Newcastle Utd 2-1 in the F.A. Cup at St James Park. Our guitar ace reckoned it was 1962, but it actually occurred two years later. A red faced Spike may have had his Geordie heritage slightly shaken by that tale, but he continues to be at his wisecracking best, even on such a sensitive subject. He informs us that guitarist Paul Guerin is playing despite having a broken finger. Spike then adds "That's alright cos I'm playing with a broken jaw"!
This ninety minute show is a euphoric headrush of huge tunes and they continue to come thick and fast. They include "I don't love you anymore", "Tramps and thieves" and of course "Hey you". The latter composition is especially close to our vocalist's heart as he says it is "a song that brings back a lot of memories". With a gorgeous and emotional rendition of "Beautiful curse" we all had to keep quiet for Keith's big moment. It was left to a harmonica infused "7 o'clock" to end the proceedings. An encore naturally follows which reaches it's zenith with an extended version of "Sex party". Spike ramps up the frenzy by challenging the crowd to participate (although not in an actual sex party!) as he implores "Let's hear you scream". Everybody does and it fully rounds off such a fun and successful gig.
THE A BAND are the support act tonight and roles are reversed as Spike introduces them to the stage. Normally a trio featuring Bruce, Richard and Tim, tonight they have a few guest musicians helping them out. These include Pete Bonas on guitar, keyboards maestro Mr Mark Ayles, plus Lee from Pearl Handled Revolver and Vinny from The Workshop Boys. Pure enjoyment emanated from the stage as these skilled technicians of music run through a covers driven forty minute set. This is highlighted by versions of "Dead flowers" and "Walking the dog". They are even joined by The Quireboys' vocalist on "You can't always get what you want". The crowd's reaction at the end of the set showed what a great effort The A Band had put in as the loud applause rang round the room.
Review by Martin Stapleton. www.bedfordalternativemusic.co.uk