As it neared the hour of 9.00pm the venue has already played host to two very average sounding support acts, which the heavily intoxicated crowd gave a surprisingly warm reception to. Although, I’m not entirely sure if this was anticipation for the appearance of The Reverend and his band rather then gratitude for two average bands.
Anticipation grows as the lights dim and plunge the crowd into darkness. An ear piercing reception reverberates around the venue, which almost certainly signals the entrance of Reverend and The Makers.
The first glimpse we manage to get is Jon ‘The Reverend’ McClure standing with some arrogance, soaking up the ecstatic crowd atmosphere. Chants of ‘Reverend, Reverend, Reverend', can be heard working there way around the entire venue. McClure doesn’t flinch at the reaction of his entrance, despite it being so loud it sends chills down your back. After a good 10 minutes, the band finally launch into their first number ‘Silence is Talking’. This, of course, creates a mass of chanting from the very first word. It has been a very long time since I have experienced such an overwhelming atmosphere at a gig. You would feel out of place if you didn’t dance or sing along, a bit like that fat kid who used to bully everyone at school!
They then launch (with some gusto), into the classic ‘Heavyweight Champion of The World’ with that trademark bass line that sets off proceedings. The heat and humidity only three songs in is beginning to get seriously uncomfortable. A kick drum, some out of time clapping and the words “Manchester, are you with me?” are recited, before the middle 8 ‘To be like everybody else’ is sang, or rather shouted, in unison by a hot a sweat ridden crowd. Jon, finally, (after a good 10 minutes of out of tune chanting by the crowd), begins to wind things up singing the final chorus of ‘Heavyweight Champion of The World’. With the song complete it merits the best reaction of the night so far, from everyone, including myself.
Current single ‘No Soap’ is introduced with the words “Join me, lets do this together, F**k the BNP, peace, love and F**cking unity”. A thumping bass drum and almost tortured vocals grace the ears, before a less catchy chorus, this shown by a toned down crowd reaction, begins. Although the song still receives a good response. A slower number then emerges, by the name ‘Manifesto’. With raspy vocals, strumming an acoustic guitar and looking very calm, this is the side of him I saw earlier on in the day, the one which most rock stars hate to show. Although I was stuck on a balcony, high above the packed out venue with the rest of the press, I still felt a major part of this gig, the sense of unity that everyone was in this together was amazing.
Half way into this beautiful sweat infested assembly, which other people refer to as a gig, it was taking its toll on me. Now, sticky with sweat from the sheer humidity of the venue, I felt the bar had to become a feature of my night as I quite possibly wouldn’t be standing at the end of it. By the time ‘Open Your Window’ is belted out the roar that fills the venue is incredible, it is by far the best reaction of the night. The drunken howling and out of time clapping resumes once more and it seems everyone is embracing this band like there is no tomorrow.
As the show draws to an end Jon says “Are you enjoying yourselves?”which, of course, receives a rapturous applause from the crowd, he then says “Good, ‘cuz I’m having a f**king right time up ‘ere! This one’s for my good friend Tim Hampton, f**king respect mate, This one’s ‘He Said He Loved Me’. Seya!” His wife begins proceedings with vocals not to dissimilar to that of Lily Allen, however, slotted rather tastefully over an electro dance beat – which pulsates though your body. The encore then follows, their appearance is again, subject to a huge applause from the crowd. They finish with the track ‘Armchair Detective’. The crowd looking somewhat fatigued by this time, manage to muster up the energy to dance to one last number.
As people begin to trundle out, through the mass of beer cans and plastic bottles, taking at least 10 minutes to get to the venue entrance, they spot McClure outside. He is surrounded by a mob of people singing horrifically and has an acoustic guitar slung around his neck. He plays three numbers, appearing relaxed and at ease, despite the mass of people around him. After his three numbers he darts across the road towards the entrance of the venue, followed by a handful of crazed fans. For the less crazed fans among us, well, they desponded into to the night and events drew to a close.
One of the best atmospheres, crowds and bands that I have seen. A sublime night, which everyone should experience at least once in their life.
