Theatre of Hate / The Hairy Dog / Derby

Apr 30

Apr 30 Theatre of Hate / The Hairy Dog / Derby

A short trip along Brian Clough Way (the A52 that links Nottingham and Derby, both clubs Mr Clough managed) and a trip to the wonderful Hairy Dog to see the legend that is Kirk Brandon. Sunday bath night, and early doors at 5 for a matinee show (how civilised !). I’ve seen Kirk a number of times, performing as Theatre of Hate, Spear of Destiny and an acoustic set. He’s always delivered in bucketloads !

First up, we welcomed up onto the stager the London Sewage Company, a band I’d not come across before. Formed in 2013 at The 12 Bar Club in London’s Denmark Street by a group of friends with a mutual love of music. On some days, while crossing Denmark Street in the mornings, a scent of sewers would come wafting up through the drains and the name stuck !

Having supported the likes of (the utterly brilliant) The Men They Couldn’t Hang, they’ve played at Rebellion festival and at the beautiful Shepherds Bush Empire.

I have to say, I loved their set ! Musically tight, they play an old school punk style, but with a wide range of influences evident, such as SKA. The early crowd were in for a treat, with highlights being the brilliantly titled Where Have All the Toyshops Gone (bloody good point in my opinion !) and Kreuzberg. As the set drew to a close, there was a classic punk anthem for the crowd to sing along to in You’re Not Better.

I really enjoyed London Sewage Company, musically full of energy and a performance with fun at it’s heart, musicians that just LOVE what they do. (I’d love know where to get one of those gorgeous band logo Hawaiian shirts !) and I really hope to get to see them again soon.

Setlist

Trouble

Where Have All The Toyshops Gone

Pink Hair

Film Star

Palm Trees in Peckham

12 Bar Night

Marineville

Kreuzberg

Slade

You’re Not Better

Night of a 1000 Beards

A quick turnround on stage and the lights dimmed and the entrance music started up. The place was pretty full for an early Sunday show and the cheers started as Kirk stepped out into the light.

Kirk Brandon formed Theatre Of Hate in 1980 from the ashes of punk band The Pack. Their debut double-A-side single Original Sin/Legion, topped the independent chart in 1980, and their debut studio album “Westworld” which was released in 1982, was produced by none other than Mick Jones from The Clash and held the number one position for an amazing 21 weeks. The iconic single taken from the album Do You Believe In The Westworld? has become an anthem and is still widely played in clubs around the world today. In 1982, Kirk called it a day, disbanding Theatre of Hate, to go on and form Spear Of Destiny and went on to even greater success. Kirk has continued to tour as both ToH and SoD and in 2016 released the Theatre of Hate album “Kinshi” via PledgeMusic. Early in 2021 they released their latest album “Utsukushi-sa” (A Thing of Beauty) to rave reviews.

Kirk took to the stage supported by Clive Osborne on saxophone, Chris Bell on drums and the enigmatic stage presence of Stan Stummers on Bass and they hit things off off with their iconic hit Do You Believe in the Westworld.

Kirks voice is so unique and iconic – unmistakable, and tonight it sounds as good if not stronger than it did 40 years ago, as he delivers the dystopian world view lyrics which in many ways arer as meaningful today as they were back then (unfortunately ☹)are as good today as they were back then. We soon get some of the newer material with the title track A Thing of Beauty from 2022’s Utsukushi-sa a beautiful and emotive number which perfectly encapsulates the depth of feeling that is characterised by Kirk and the post-punk movement.

Of course the classic hits go down an absolute treat with the crowd, especially the likes of Freaks and Anniversary (from 1982’s “Westworld”) And Original Sin from 1983’s “Revolution”, the Derby faithful singing along to the words with gusto, and it’s clear they still hold Kirk in high regard.

The show ended with a three song encore of The Hop, Rebel Without a Brain and a new one from Utsukushi-sa in You Can’t Stop What’s Coming, which has some wonderful sax from Clive, an incredibly talented performer, he was right on form tonight. The sax element really adds to their sound on stage, and at times almost had a feel of a vocal backing performance.

Kirk seems to show no signs of slowing down, and again tonight Theatre of Hate delivered an outstanding set. Kirks voice was on great form and Stan bounds around the stage full of edgy energy. A simply brilliant night.

Setlist

Do You Believe in the West World (1982 Westworld)

My Own Invention (1983 Revolution)

Freaks (1982 Westworld)

A Thing of Beauty (2022 Utsukushi-sa)

Conquistador (1982 Westworld)

The Wake (1982 Westworld)

Façade (2018 Kinshi)

Original Sin (1983 Revolution)

Anniversary (1982 Westworld)

Dreams of the Poppy (1998 Aria of the Devil)

Grapes of Wrath (Spear of Destiny cover)