SHED SEVEN.
AT YORK FIBBERS. 17/05/03.
After over an hour waiting inside the venue, Shed Seven finally wandered on stage at about 9.15pm. They opened with �Hanging On The Outside� and the crowd went wild. There was no support act for this gig but nobody seemed too bothered. The Sheds more than made up for it with what was pretty much a greatest hits set.
�High Hopes� followed �On Standby� which followed �She Left Me On Friday�. It was a great start to what was a fantastic night. There was a great atmosphere. Everyone was singing along and having a good time. The band were clearly enjoying themselves too, even though they had played the same venue for the two previous nights.
This gig was the final night of three at the tiny York Fibbers. It has a capacity of just 200 people. Before this weekend, Shed Seven hadn�t played here since 1995 when they came third in a battle of the bands competition.
The band reached their peak in 1996. In more recent years the music press has slagged them off. Not that the band or their fans have taken much notice. The day after this gig current single �Why Can�t I Be You� charted at number 23. Quite an achievement considering all the major radio stations refused to play the track. Rick was clearly chuffed with the news and pledged to buy new equipment with the earnings from the single.
At the very least they need a new bass guitar, one that actually works. They got through about 3 during the 90 minute set. While roadies sorted out the problems, each member of the band took it in turn to tell jokes to the slightly pissed crowd, made up of mainly 30 somethings. Some of which who had travelled from all over England just to be at this very special home coming gig.
�Disco Down� was one of the big highlights of the night. It was swiftly followed by a song called �Down & Out�. It was the best of the handful of new tracks that were aired. It will hopefully feature on the next studio album, due for release later this year. If the band have any sense it will also be released as a single. It�s even better than some of their older material.
The set was concluded with �Getting Better�. The track was started a total of three times.
In between songs Rick took the time to interact with fans. He is an amazing frontman and very, very funny. Energetic too.
The highlight of the encore was �Chasing Rainbows�, the chorus of which was sung by the crowd. �Dolphin� was the final track performed, allowing one last sing along. They�ve been together around 12 years. Whatever you think of them, Shed Seven are now better than ever and are here to stay. They are one of Britains finest bands and deserve your respect.
BY MR MARTYN. MAY 2003. |