GIG: The Devout (Depeche Mode Tribute)

 

Back in 2017 we saw The Devout in their previous incarnation 'Speak & Spell' at the Flowerpot in Derby. To say it was packed would be an understatement. To say it was hot would also be an understatement. And guess what... here tonight in Coventry it was hot as well. Very hot. Though thankfully not as hot as it would have been the night before - that doesn't even bear thinking about.

The HMV Empire is conveniently situated slap bang next to the Barracks Multi Storey car park, and arriving somewhat earlier than expected we arrived to find the support band still playing. But knowing that The Devout were going to play for a very long time, we decided to head to the balcony to get some air before we went in. It was busy, but not rammed, if it hadn't been so hot outside it would have been comfortable, but with the heat it was a little 'sticky'. 

It was a good set, albeit I would have turfed out some of the early 'pop songs' and filled the space with songs taken from 1986/1997. 'It's No Good' was a notable omission, but hey Depeche Mode has a LOT of really good songs and you can't really complain when you look at what they did play.

The band were excellent, and very entertaining, especially vocalist Barclay, who really hammed his performance up constantly spinning and carrying on in a very Gahanesque manner. Full credit to him for keeping that up for two hours in this heat! 

I could have done without the Martin Gore songs to be honest, especially 'Somebody' which is pretty dreadful. But it was a good way to give Barclay a break and Reza sang them very convincingly.

We watched the first half of the set from the floor, but during 'Walking in My Shoes' Rose needed some air so we went out to the balcony for a few minutes. When we came back we realised we could actually stand at the top of the stairs without being in the way and watch from the side of the stage. It was a better view and a little cooler up there so we stayed their for the remainder of the show.

'Enjoy the Silence' was a highlight, though Reza's guitar was practically inaudible which put a bit of a damper on it since the guitar part is the song's focal point. Ah well. A minor gripe. Would definitely go and see them again. Hopefully on a cooler evening!

SETLIST: Black Celebration / A Question of Time / Policy of Truth / World Through My Eyes / Stripped / Sacred / Blasphemous Rumours / Leave in Silence / Photographic / Something to Do / Somebody / A Question of Lust / In Your Room / Walking in My Shoes / See You / New Life / People Are People / Shake the Disease / Blue Dress / Home / But Not Tonight / Personal Jesus / Everything Counts / Just Can't Get Enough / Enjoy the Silence / Never Let Me Down

GIG: The Spirit of Rush (Rush Tribute Band), Nuneaton

 

Many many moons ago, Rose and I visited a Rush convention and saw a Rush tribute band who we 'think' were called 'The Spirit of Rush'. But equally they may have been called 'YYZ'. Either way this is not the same band as their website tells us they are a 'new' band formed from members with years of experience. 

The band comprises three members - Owen (Geddy), Tim (Alex) and Tufty (Neil), Tufty in particular is the spit of Neil Peart when he's drumming - the other two not so much. Oh but what I wouldn't give to see Tim in a powder blue suit. 

Given Rush's huge catalogue, I wondered where they would pull the most songs from. I kinda hoped they didn't bother with anything after Counterparts to be honest, well I certainly got my wish there, the latest song played being 'Ghost of a Chance' from 1992's 'Roll the Bones' album. 

Indeed the set list was very varied and included numerous surprises. I mean, of course we got Tom Sawyer, YYZ, Closer to the Heart, Limelight, Freewill, etc... but for every one of those there was a Prelude, Analog Kid, or even Losing It. I bet no one expected them to play that! 

I wasn't expecting them to play so long either... and if our feet hadn't been hurting so much this would have been great. Well, it was still great (and great value) but unfortunately there was barely anyone their to see it. Given the 20 or so punters in the fairly sizeable room I wouldn't have blamed the band for cutting their set short. But no, after 1hr and 15m the band said they were taking a break. 

Well I figured they'd come back on and play another 30-40m, but no we got another 1h and 15m set! Just like the real thing. Full credit to the band for their endurance (especially Tufty who was apparently not very well - not that we could tell) and for learning so many songs! Quite an achievement.

Set one had closed with Marathon from the awesome 'Power Windows' album and set two commenced with the opening tune from that same album 'The Big Money'. Thoroughly enjoyed both of these as I love that album. And then we were into the heavy hitters, Tom Sawyer gave way to YYZ (including a superb drum solo) and then Limelight, and then throwing a curve with 'Different Strings' from Permanent Waves. Again, I would never have guessed they would play that.

But after that it was 70s classics all the way to the conclusion. A brilliant gig, slightly dampened by achey feet and a sparse turnout. I'd definitely go and see them again.

SET LIST: Prelude / Analog Kid / Red Barchetta / Jacob's Ladder / Subdivisions / Lakeside Park / Ghost of a Chance / Losing It / Freewill / Marathon / Interval / The Big Money / Tom Sawyer / YYZ / Limelight / Different Strings / La Villa Strangiato / The Trees / Xanadu / Closer to the Heart / 2112 (Overture / Temples of Syrinx) / The Spirit of Radio