THE STRANGLERS // ALHAMBRA THEATRE, DUNFERMLINE
THE STRANGLERS PLAY SOLD OUT DUNFERMLINE SHOW AS PART OF UK TOUR.
THE STRANGLERS PLAY DUNFERMLINE'S ALHAMBRA THEATRE
PICTURE BY: COLIN FOY PHOTOGRAPHY
The Stranglers were in town as part of their UK tour, and the legendary band from the Punk era of the late 70’s were welcome visitors with a sell-out crowd who were in high spirits to see their heroes, they were I have to say not disappointed, and there was the added bonus of another cult band from the same era supporting them, the impressive Ruts DC who gave us a commanding performance to kick the night off in style, the packed arena was buzzing with anticipation as the show began.
The Ruts DC got the crowd warmed up with a mixture of new music, interlaced with some of their classic tracks from the heady heights of the Punk era, and the crowd went wild with their classic number ‘Babylons Burning’ which really got the crowd warmed up for the next band, with their own unique sound, of course ‘The Stranglers’
The Arena erupted when the music to ‘Waltzinblack’ was played, the show was a about to begin.
The band played some of their most well known and loved tracks, I particularly loved the bass(Jean Jacques Burnel), alongside the fabulous keyboard sound(Dave Greenfield) which is synonymous with the band, the dulcet tones of Baz Warne on vocals to songs like ‘Nice and Sleazy’ and ‘Midnight Summer Dream’ were a joy to behold. Baz Warne had a great rapport with the audience, exchanging witty comments and general good banter with the crowd.
As the night progressed, the audience were drunk with the fantastic performance by the band, even I was pleasantly surprised how fresh the band and the songs are, a masterful performance which delighted the crowd, they were in ‘Stranglers’ heaven.
Alas, the show was nearly over and as the band departed everyone was waiting for the encore with baited breath, excited in wild anticipation of what songs they would finish with, I had my own hopes of what they would finish with, and I, like the crowd were not to be disappointed.
When the band re-appeared, the audience erupted once more as they played the last three tracks. The first being the fantastic ‘Hanging Around’... an absolute classic from their first album from 1977 ‘Rattus Norvegicus’ and secondly ‘Go Buddy Go’ a real rock and roll sound that got the audience singing and cheering with rapturous delight, but the biggest cheer of the night was for the superb classic song ‘No More Heroes’ Jean Jacques slamming the bass with the palm of his hand like the chiming of a bell, the sound was deafening, but no one cared, they were loving every moment of it as the band went into full flow with the song.
The crowd were in raptures as the band ended the gig, everyone I spoke to said they had a fantastic night, and that goes for me too. A rousing and energetic performance from a fabulous and well loved band, I for one hope they can visit Dunfermline again, that is how good they are and can’t wait to see them again, highly recommended. 10/10 for me.
THE STRANGLERS | UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
13 MARCH 2017 | NOTTINGHAM Rock City
14 MARCH 2017 | NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE O2 Academy
16 MARCH 2017 | LEEDS O2 Academy
18 MARCH 2017 | BIRMINGHAM O2 Academy
20 MARCH 2017 | SOUTHAMPTON O2 Guildhall
21 MARCH 2017 | GUILDFORD G-LIVE
23 MARCH 2017 | SOUTHEND-ON-SEA Cliffs Pavilion
24 MARCH 2017 | LONDON O2 Brixton Acdemy
25 MARCH 2017 | CAMBRIDGE Corn Exchange
27 MARCH 2017 | CARDIFF Y PLAS University
28 MARCH 2017 | BRIGHTON Brighton Dome
30 MARCH 2017 | BRISTOL O2 Academy
31 MARCH 2017 | LIVERPOOL O2 Academy
1 APRIL 2017 | MANCHESTER O2 Apoll