The Pad Presents: RICHIE RAMONE, KLAMMER, THE DEGENERATES.
Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. Friday 5th February 2016.
For our promoters The Pad Presents, tonight does represent quite a coup, as they have managed to book a fully fledged ‘paid up member’ of The Ramones. Born in 1958, it was to be some twenty five years later when Richard Reinhardt became RICHIE RAMONE and this seminal bands third drummer. He was hired when Marky left to ‘dry out’ from the booze. Richie was to be an integral part of The Ramones in his four year tenure. Infact, Joey said at the time, that Richie saved The Ramones and gave them a fresh spirit. Sadly all the original members of this groundbreaking punk band have died, so the fleeting chance to see up close and personnel a link to their past is too good an opportunity to miss.
Needless to say, the room is packed and soaked in both alcohol and nostalgia, a most heady combination. There is a noticeable buzz of anticipation in the air for what is about to come. Whoops of delight emanate when the figures emerge amongst the darkened stage. I may, I feel, be in a minority of one, but I felt that at the end of the show, I knew as much about this New Jersey fella as I did at the start, which wasn’t a lot! Past Esquires evenings in the company of esteemed American rock stars have been both entertaining and informative. I mention Steve Conte (New York Dolls) and Ryan Roxie (Alice Cooper) as prime examples of brash, but super cool bravado, Richie Ramone lost a fair degree of that, it lacked anecdotes and introductions, something that I crave. Richie constantly moves from drum stool to front of stage to sing. A couple of well known faces from part of his band, they are namely Alex Kane and Claire Misstake, who at the turn of the Century, were regular performers at Esquires, with their band Anti Product. Richies biggest contribution to The Ramones arrived unexpectedly early, with his very own composition Somebody Put Something In My Drink. You sense that this is the highlight for the many knowledgeable fans in attendance. Richie has aged well, he looks fine for his fifty seven years. Solidly built, lean with tailored hair. The jacket is trademark leather. He drums with the emblazoned Ramones banner above and behind him. This evening’s show is the third night of his current UK and Ireland tour and I doubt if the reaction of his shows throughout, will be as good as here in Bedford. The encore that follows at the end shows Richie has thoroughly enjoyed it. Before that, I heavily cringe when Ms Misstake tamely squeals out “1-2-3-4.” Hastily I reflect, that to quote one of Mr Ramones compositions Cant Say Anything Nice. For this reviewer its best to describe this particular set as a ‘box ticking’ event. I feel the only way to remember The Ramones is to buy a CD, press play and turn the volume up to very loud. It’s good that Richie is a survivor and a huge adrenalised crowd are here to keep the memory of Joey, Jonny, Dee Dee and Tommy alive. I’m very sorry I cannot be anymore positive about a show that was loved, adored and will be remembered by so many. Gabba Gabba Hey!
The undoubted highlight of my evening lies with the support band to Richie Ramone. Please let me elaborate, I would clamour to see KLAMMER again. Hailing from Leeds, Klammer are a four piece, very much taking heavy influences from amongst others Wire and Gang Of Four. They were simply quite superb in everything they did and tried.
Klammer feature songs from their debut album Auslane, but were bold enough to introduce Reciprocate, which is from their forthcoming new release. Although this is centrally dark pop, the band try to cajole the crowd into some active participation on High Life “Let’s see you dancing.” The vocalist encouragingly shouts out. This is classy esoteric guitar strumming. Klammer succinctly twist their sounds into taut and complex structures all meted out with a post punk crunchiness. It creates such a full on mind melding whirl. Space Elevator begins to a colossally epic opening salvo. Somewhere New beautifully contrasts with some slower vibes. Throughout their set Klammer continually delve deep into so many avenues, with observational lyrics to match their musical nous, this Yorkshire band may not have been to everybody’s taste on this, their Esquires debut, but they certainly were mine. An excellent introduction to a most creative and different band. Very good.
Opening were the ever solid and dependable local garage pub rockers THE DEGENERATES . A smartly attired trio, who offered up some snappy riffs allied to their tightly driven rhythms. They performed a set with a real hefty gusto. A little primal power flickers occasionally as they prepare the many early arrivals for the night ahead.
Review by Martin Stapleton. www.bedfordalternativemusic.co.uk