The Stranglers / City Hall / Sheffield

Mar 28

Mar 28 The Stranglers / City Hall / Sheffield

Review & Photos: Mike Smith

A trip up the M1 on a school night and I’m tingling with excitement for this one, as The Stranglers roll up to the City Hall in Sheffield on their “50 years in black” anniversary tour. Unlike most shows, there is no support, but with a back catalogue as large and diverse as the Stranglers, it’s no surprise that they deliver two sets of material for the eager crowd. What was brilliant was that the audience was a real mix of all ages. Yes, there were many life long fans in the building, but its great to see so many young faces, proof that great music is ageless.

The lights dim, the crowd shouts and out walk the men in black and they dive right in with

Just Like Nothing on Earth and Hallow to Our Men from 1981’s “The Gospel According to the Men in Black” album. And the halls fill, with that unique and iconic bass sound that only JJ can produce. Welcoming us to the show, JJ remembers lost colleagues Jet Black and Dave Greenfield, such an important part of the legacy of the band.We head back to 1979 and the iconic “The Raven” album for The Raven, Baroque Bordello and Genetix (along with North Wind Blowing from 1984’s “Aural Sculpture”). The less well known (to the casual fan) early tracks still resound with that earthy, heavy sound they are so iconic for.

Standing out in the first set is the excellent Breathe taken from the recent 2023 album “Dark Matters” with its echoing delicate guitar intro and slow mellow vocals. Its one of those enigmatic slow burners, that builds and becomes more intense before dropping off and tailing away. Its delivered beautifully and was a real highlight for me in this set.

The vocals are performed by both JJ and Baz, and they compliment each other so so well, giving the tracks their own unique sound. Jim Macauley having replaced Jet on drums, and Toby Housham replacing Dave on keys, were both outstanding. I can’t imagine what its like to replace such iconic and skillful players, but they both were outstanding not only honouring whats gone before, but bringing new life and vigour to the sound, especially that iconic Stranglers organ sound reverberating and bouncing off the walls – brilliant guys !

As the first set draws to a close with Hanging Around and Down in the Sewer from 1977’s album “Rattus Norvegicus”. The crowd are on their feet in the stalls digging the earthy rough edges of Down in the Sewer one of, in my humble opinion, the best punks songs of all time.

Set 1

Just Like Nothing on Earth

Hallow to Our Men

The Raven

Baroque Bordello

North Winds Blowing

Genetix

Princess of the Streets

Breathe

Hanging Around

Down in the Sewer

A short break and a trip to the bar for some refreshments and we’re back into the hall for more and as the second set starts we’re welcomed back by the sounds of Waltzinblack. The second set, is dominated more by those iconic, popular chart hits, and what’s not to like with that. Hit after hit just roll out at us, including Dagenham Dave (“No More Heroes” 1977), Peaches (“Rattus Norvegicus” 1977) Skin Deep (“Aural Sculpture” 1984), Always the Sun (“Dreamtime” 1986), Something Better Change (“No More Heroes” 1977) and of course Golden Brown (“La Folie” 1981). Each one has the crowd up, dancing and screaming out the vocals with JJ and Baz.

For me though, the highlight of the night was undoubtedly Ships that Pass in the Night from 1983’s “Feline”, instantly recognisable from the groovy smooth bass intro alone.

As if two complete sets of classics wasn’t enough, we stood and cheered and eagerly awaited an encore, and the guys duly obliged smiling and waving as they returned once more.

There perhaps aren’t many, if any better encores around, as first they belt out a powerful rendition of the iconic Go Buddy Go (“Rattus Norvegicus” 1977) instantly recognisable from it’s 50s rock and roll guitar intro and shout of “Boogie!......Woogie!” Toby’s keys skills fully on show with this one. Go Buddy Go reminds me so much of Psychobilly music, that classic rock ‘n roll track, but punked up to the max – stunning !

And what else could a 50th anniversary celebration end on, none other than No More Heroes (“No More Heroes” 1977) with JJ’s classic cascading deep grizzly bass intro bringing the house down as Toby kicks in with the keys. As a ten year old kid at the time, this track, like no other, was they sound of punk for me, and had a significant impact on my musical journey to follow. The crowd are all up, hands in the air, dancing, feet stomping, the atmosphere is electric. The track has everything, great lyrics, vocals, key and guitar solos and that dirty. Earthy bass sound. And as it builds to a crescendo, and as the final notes linger in the air, you can feel the electricity in the room.

What a stunning performance. Iconic hits delivered with skill and aplomb its hard to believe that The Stranglers have been rocking for 50 years. The sound is just as fresh, exciting and relevant today as it’s always been.

All I can say, is I can’t wait for the 51st, and maybe the 52nd anniversary tour…. Hint hint !

Set 2

Waltzinblack (intro)

Who Wants the World?

Dagenham Dave

Duchess

Time to Die

Ships That Pass in the Night

Peaches

Threatened

Skin Deep

Always the Sun