'Enjoy yourself. It's later than you think.'
A lyric written in 1949 by Herb Magidson that holds as much relevance today as it ever did. For me it sums up live music. There is NO better feeling than seeing a quality band enjoying what they do. I've seen bands play before who obviously didn't want to be there (Babybird springs to mind more than anyone) and by the end of the set the crowd that stay to endure the whole, painful performance fully share the wishing they weren't there sentiment.
The Leopard was blessed last night not only with three extremely talented bands,but bands who thrive on playing live for the pure enjoyment of it all.
The Coopers started proceedings. Flowers bedeck the mic stands and bass drum. They include the best hat/hair combo I've seen for a while, the finest mustache this side of Movember and a singer you will fall in love with immediately. Instrument changes mid song, an array of brightly coloured bells and songs that make you forget the snow outside and convince you it's summer. The pure joy of their tunes and performance are just infectious. Doncaster crowds can be notoriously stand offish. Within 2 songs this Leopard crowd is dancing, singing and clapping, the place awash with big smileys. The Coopers are like Arcade Fire on happy pills. They will storm the festival scene in the coming summers.
As individuals The Penny Lovers are probably the most experienced band on the Doncaster scene. It shows. Accomplished, professional catchy pop/folk tunes and in Neil Richards the best in onstage banter. I first heard Mick Humphrey sing some 27 years ago and always loved his voice. The passing of time has not diminished his effortless delivery, and with a band that are just pure confidence this is Yorkshire Americana at it's best. Another band that deliver smiles in abundance.
Famous Villains take the stage looking good as always. They're a good looking band. Suited and booted, looking cool, a class act. In a time of style over substance though Famous Villains deliver both. They kick straight into Burn This City and the crowd is bouncing, singing so loud Anthony's vocals are sometimes drowned out. It's and up for it crowd and an up for it band. Sweating already the band still ooze class. It's that enjoyment thing again. Tobin kicking his stool away and just hammering his keyboard, Chris on drums just never stops smiling, Anthony fling his guitar around in a madcap dance, Neil, well Neil's just Neil. Front of the stage, urging the crowd to come along for the ride, annoyingly talented. And Jarrad on bass the epitome of cool. The band slow things down with Changes In The Moon then the mass singalong that is Goodbye Life. More smiles. Every song is a gem, Willie Nile's One Guitar thrown in for good measure. They show their diversity with 8 o' Clock Blues but never lose that distinctive Famous Villains feel. We're into Millionaires. Last time I saw them live was the first time I'd heard Millionaires. So perfect a song it made me cry. It had the same effect last night. They finish with the epic Spies and it's all over too soon. A last hurrah as Anthony asks the crowd if they can join them. The 5 of them stand in the middle of the sweaty, smiling throng, belting out Neil Young's Heart Of Gold.
There's some serious musical talent in Donny right now and these guys are right at the forefront of it. With a management deal in place it promises to be a big year for the Famous Villains. I for one cant wait.
Famous Villains Set List
Burn this city
Changes with the moon
Goodbye life
Engine
Ready to Die
Valentine
One Guitar (Willie Nile cover)
Lying at the side of you
Beg and Steal
8 o clock blues
Millionaires
Spies
Heart Of Gold (Neil Young cover)
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