The much awaited Never Ending tour, to accompany the fantastic single of the same name was about to kick off right in the heart of the capital. The 100 Club, in London is most famous for staging gigs for major cool jazz legends and was about to have its indie roots firmly established in place. A small red umbrella like 100 Club sign introduces you to the venue. Kinda blink and you'll miss the venue completely. As you walk down the stairs into this intimate arena, far from the bustle of Oxford street and its corporate surroundings, I couldn't help but think how suited Halo were to this small, dark, underground venue. Not the band, more the dark lyrics, dark setting, etc. Much as I love Halo, I started to worry that this time next year it would be all rows of security guys, barriers, and bag searches... *worries*The doors were set to open at 7:30pm, and while others more keen aimed for the stage, I took my rightful place... at the bar! Fairly reasonable prices, even for central London. I noticed far more people milling about the club than had been at the previous headline gig in London. Perhaps the playlisting on radio and word of mouth through supporting other great UK bands were taking their toll. Whatever it was nice to see!
At 8:30, Parva took to the stage. Whilst watching their energetic, mosh worthy set, I couldn't help but think that they reminded of the main band from the film 'Velvet Goldmine'. I felt that the lead singer with flailing limbs and microphone could be at liberty to do anything at any time. And I liked that stage take over presence of a band. They definitely had quite a following in the crowd. At one point even giving a fan the microphone on their last track of their set to vent his anger down.
An hour of tuning guitars, and putting of up circus skills sign later, Halo took to the stage amongst rapturous applause from the packed floor. After set favourites such as Still Here and Cold Light Of Day smashed through, the temperature was at boiling point. Graeme at one point said "it's so hot in here, it's all of us sharing a great big dirty bath". Miaow... It sure felt like it... The intensity of the heat, and the music, and the band playing a great set just contributed to one of the best Halo gigs I'd ever been to. The amazing crowd were totally loving every track, singing back the words straight back with such passion that as always I felt privileged to be there.
Then Halo turned up the quality with new astounding track 'Feel'. This had been previewed the very night before at a invitation only gig in Bristol. Halo were giving their all as usual, and despite a couple of technical difficulties, they kept the crowd entertained with amusing banter. Steve at one point looked like he was about to launch his guitar into the crowd as he appeared to have broken it. Or it broken on him.
Graeme then said "Not another one, is that the second one you've broken now?"
Steve "Yeah!"
Graeme (with a knowing look) "Don't worry Steve, I'll fix it for you later..."
Cue laughter from me. Nothing would give my twisted mind more pleasure than the thought that ran though my mind at that moment. Of course, entirely innocent thoughts....
The crowd cheered as Halo played upcoming new single 'Never Ending'. The crowd were positively melting before my eyes, as it had been suggested before all that was missing from this sauna like club was the Scandinavian babes in bikinis! As if it couldn't get any hotter, Jim's energy through my favourite Halo track 'Incinerator' was just amazing. And then I think Steve mentioned the term 'oral sex' about four times before he intro-ed the most suited track to the hot conditions - Vampire song. And there finished another fantastic gig from Halo....Annie ([email protected])