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Who's a lucky boy then?



I went to Wolverhampton Civic Hall to witness the continuing re-birth of one of those bands who are frequently mentioned as an influence by new comers on the music front - Jane's Addiction., I last saw this cornerstone of anti-pop back in 1990 or 1991 at the Birmingham Hummingbird. I was a lithe long haired lout sporting his latest rock chick, who had been impressed by my free tickets and back stage passes (oh those were the days when I had proper contacts, backstage passes mean so much more than a discount on various goods, a smile from a copper when pulled for speeding or always being able to get a table at the latest scoff house). Perry had just cut off all of his dreadlocks. Things were looking rocky as tales of infighting and pettiness filtered throught to the fans. Any embers of dischord were fanned by the press, quick to print with pride the fall of any group not easily pigeonholed.

Despite the whispers of harmony heading on the last lollapolooza bus out town JA shone brightly with an enviable charismatic display from Mr Farrell who grew in statute as he drained dry the adulation from the worshippers then managed to wring out some more. Few bands can parade popsters who appear visually larger than life on stage and that skill is something that is ever present if Sunday's showing is anything to go by. The front men look like they've ditched the drugs for a more stable lifestyle and were relying on natural reserves of energy as opposed to that found by mixing up a batch of chemicals. Old favs such as "Been Caught Stealing" were mixed with new comers like "Just Because". People bopped, moshed, shambled or foot tapped their way throught the set and were left wanting more at the end. Those that waited for 20 mins were rewarded with a 5 set encore to include "Jane Says" and "Mountian Song", which I've been singing or humming ever since.

I was worried that I would be the oldest git there but there was good mix of young, old and those who chose to or can't remember their last birthday.

The first band were a bit weak and the audience did their best to make them feel unwelcome. "Bad news for the next band" thought I however my fears were allayed - these kids had confidence. The innominate band played a strange mix of post punk and mature pixie with new romantic/young Bryan Ferry style vocals. Everyone was captivated.

The band is StellaStarr.


and I'll keep banging on about them until I convert someone :-)

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posted by kwacky at 7:55 pm