UGLY KID JOE // RIVERSIDE, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Returning to Newcastle Ugly Kid Joe perform a nostalgic set!
UGLY KID JOE PERFORMING AT NEWCASTLE'S RIVERSIDE - 07.09.2018
PICTURE BY: WILL GORMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
★★★★☆
When they released their debut album ‘Americans Least Wanted’, ‘Ugly Kid Joe’ were unheard of, yet still, have a small number of Top 40 hits. After a hiatus, they reformed in 2010 and have been going stronger than ever, with their twenty-sixth anniversary approaching.
Supporting the group was the duo ‘Haggard Cat’ that features Tom Marsh on drums and Matt Reynolds on guitar/vocals. With the recent release of their album ‘Challenger.’ With their chaotic and hardcore sound, they certainly were a great start to the night. Their short set featured favourites ‘American Graffiti’ and ‘The Patriot’ as well as “Bone Shaker.’
When the house lights dimmed and as the crowd cheered, the echo of a distorted guitar began. After the intro, they began with ‘neighbour’ which was one of their first hits. Known for its guitar riffs it certainly pleased the audience. Next up was ‘Madman’ another track off their debut album. This track is a mashup of metal, rock, and funk, showing Cranes vocals have only strengthened over the years.
‘Panhandlin’ Prince’ features heavy riffs and has plenty of guitar solos, at this point, the audience was into full swing with a mix of old and young, there was plenty of movement. During the show Crane has the audience in his control, getting them to clap along and having them sing tracks as loud as they can. This was especially true in ‘Cats in The Cradle’ where the audience was above the PA System. As the track finishes Crane coordinates the audience to sing the chorus one last time.
Up next was ‘I’m Alright’ from their most recent album, then from their second album featured ‘Milkman's Son’ and back to their debut was ‘Mr. Recordman.’ Finishing their set was ‘Busy Bees’, ‘Same Side’ and ‘Goddam devil.’ Throughout the night Crane was interacting with the crowd and asking individuals why they weren’t singing along. After briefly exiting the stage Crane returns and asks the audience if they want “two songs for the encore or three.” With the crowd erupting with screams of “Three!”. The four-piece finished with ‘V.I.P’, ‘Funky fresh’ and ‘Everything about you.’
After a great night, we can’t wait for Ugly Kid Joe to return to Newcastle!