21 December 2010 (gig)
03 January 2011
Adam Ant walked into my life a long time ago and promptly changed it. I probably would not be writing this otherwise, and tonight when I stumbled in on ‘Cartrouble’ I remembered exactly why.
Strumming his guitar with all the style and panache of the glory years Adam Ant controlled the stage with manic stares, trademark vocals and entertaining quips. Black leather trousers with trinkets attached, a waistcoat, bandana and glasses he looked and sounded every ounce the legend he is.
Adam performed two separate sets commencing I’m told at 7.45 which was too early for most punters including myself but as soon as I entered the newly refurbished Garage Adam’s electric presence immediately took over. With all the levels just perfect it was time to enjoy the nights proceedings. The earlier set was generally older material with ‘Dog Eat Dog’, ‘Cartrouble’, ‘Never Trust A Man With Egg On His Face’ and ‘Cock In My Pocket’ personal highlights.
The second set changeover saw energy levels rise as the charismatic frontman stepped out dressed in his pirate’s hat and red coat (no white stripe), as he popularised prior to any mention of the Pirates of the Caribbean fad currently doing the rounds. ‘Stand and Deliver’, ‘Prince Charming’ and ‘Ant Music’ were executed with a passionate frenzy that was palpable. The band looked well versed with just the one drummer, rhythm, lead and bass as well as two backing singers Georgina (Andrew Sachs’ granddaughter – yes just think Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross) and the gorgeous Sarah adding to the spectacle of the evening.
A true giant of the British music scene and for whatever reason; illness, aggression or just journalistic blindness, has been lurking in the shadows for far too long.
A plethora of songs were witnessed closing with a frenetic set of covers including ‘My Generation’, ‘Now I Wanna Be Your Dog’ and ‘Born In The UK’. In his fifty-sixth year Adam is going strong and showed no signs of slowing down. This was the last gig of 2010 that I saw and without a shadow of doubt the best.
My advice is to get down to see him it just might be your gig of the year too, and for you punk rockers that wear Sid Vicious t-shirts turn your musical angle to a man that still embodies that punk ethos and spirit.
And remember this, you don’t eat anything after an ice cream…
