Suede Manchester Academy 1 31.10.13

Suede Manchester Academy 1 - 31/10/13

 

The last time I seen 'Suede' live it was 2002 during the 'New Morning' Tour,it was kind of a last hurrah for the band as solo and side projects beckoned, it was'nt the best way to close a recording career of 14 years they gave a great live performance but the songs on that album were weaker than what fans were used to comparing of course 'Suede', 'Dogman Star', and 'Coming Up' and not forgetting 'Head Music' in 1999.

 

When I heard that they were back in the studio and recording a new album I was excited, 'Neil Codling' was back in the line up and recent reviews had rated 'Bloodsports' as their best album in years, it echoed the sound everyone loved about them in the 90's but still managed to sound current and relevant.

 

So here I am poised for a very exciting night out,support tonight came from 'Taliman' they were a 90's throwback to 'Geneva' (you may remember they were signed to 'NUDE' records same as 'Suede' with a similar indie vibe)

 

The problem with tonight was to be supporting a prolific band like 'Suede', you have to be pretty good to start with and sadly 'Taliman' weren't ,matters made worse by a drummer who looked like he wanted sleep on the drumkit rather than play it, the music for me was going nowhere.

 

Soon after 9.10pm (a long wait) some classical music began the lights went down and dry ice,flash of the colour Logo 'Suede' on a rouched backdrop, the stage looked like it was '1993' again, the crowd were excited  and they took to the stage to rapturous applause an begin with a slow song the classic album track 'Still Life' from 'Dog Man Star' (only 'Suede' could get away with that),'Brett' walked up to the mic wearing white shirt and tight black jeans, 'Richard Oakes' was on guitar to the right, 'Neil Codling' to the left on keyboards (later on guitar) an 'Mat Osman' on bass also to the right ,and further back 'Simon Gilbert' on glittery Pink Drumkit.

 

Things soon liven up after the intense performance with 'Brett' crouching on floor already breaking out a sweat, already the crowd in the palm of his hands for the taking.

 

They play 'Barriers', and 'Brett' is leaping up and down and stepping on the amps 'Snowblind' follows and they play more songs from the new album 'Bloodsports' the crowd are going crazy I'm going crazy  'Brett' does his famous hip shaking microphone whipping and we are transported back in time to Brit Pop '1994',its hysteria made even more epic by 'Brett' standing on the platform in front of me and my guest (who has followed them from Nottingham to Leeds and on to Birmingham on this tour) Now I know why she goes back for more!!.

 

They played 'Filmstar' another track from 'Dog Man Star' called 'Heroine' its my fav album track from that album so it's  even more exciting.

'Brett' decides to join us on the barrier as he walks along putting the mic out over the crowd and holding hands making a point of personal contact with as many as he can and sharing his sweat which for some was all too much.

 

'Neil' stood out on the stage with his guitar smiling looking a little nervous but comfortable happy to let 'Brett' do the bonding, more hits and 'Killing Of A Flashboy' still a corker live, 'The Drowners' where 'Brett's hip thrusting rivalled even 'Jarvis Cockers's effort in Xmas 2012,his constant energy across the stage captivating like a whirlwind.

 

Next song 'Metal Mickey' and some acoustic choices did not disappoint either with 'The 2 Of Us' and 'Living Dead' being a highlight with 'Brett' expressing the emotion of the lyrics and crowd fell silent towards the end of the song you  could hear a pin drop.

 

Now drenched in sweat 'Brett' joins us again for a sing along ,not minding the attention, at one point my guest thinks all her Xmas's have come at once he leans backwards right in her face to which she promptly grabs his waist in appreciation, I try to restrain myself, as it seemed strange I'd only spoken to him hours before the soundcheck , so I manage a quick squeeze and let him get on with it.

 

'Trash' and 'Beautiful Ones' is a euphoric moment the crowd having not stopped moving all through the gig, this is the best 'Suede' gig I've ever been to, they have still got it!!

 The Whole band are amazing on stage 100% energy, I recommend you watch them if you haven't, They are awesome.

 

I am hoping I have some great live shots of the show to be uploaded soon with any luck ,more to come this November folks !!

 

 

 

Lmi   x