Shame

Shame tore up Crookes Social Club with last week's show, which was sweaty, loud and instantly chaotic.

Arriving at the venue, it was already completely packed out with masses of gig-goers eagerly awaiting the arrival of one of the most exciting, explosive bands in rock right now.

They made their entrance, were given a warm Sheffield welcome and then Shame kicked off their Sheffield show with the full-throttle ‘Axis of Evil’. Frontman Charlie Steen was already prowling the front row, shirt half-undone, dragging the room into a mosh pit that erupted before the first chorus landed. 

The band followed up this 'Concrete', a high-energy rock anthem, with a rumbling undercurrent bass and thrashing drums. This translated so well; live with the band completely commanding the stage like seasoned pros. A special moment during this one was when the front man shouted “For what?!” with the crowd belting back “Nothing at all!” repeatedly, heightening the tension in the room even further.

With each song the mosh pits grew bigger and bigger; it's clear the band's infectious energy was being mirrored back to them by their fans. 

The band’s give-a-fuck ferocity and punk nature continued throughout the set, most prominently during ‘Cowards Around’, where Steen finally tore the shirt off completely and let the crowd embrace him. They also played many clear fan favourites, including ‘One Rizla’, ‘Six Pack’ and ‘Born in Luton', with the crowd singing along to every line, showing their passion and adoration for the band.

Shame closed their Sheffield set with ‘Cutthroat’, the title track from their latest album. It was riotous, reckless energy, the kind of performance that makes a small venue feel too small, too hot, and absolutely alive.

It's safe to say fans were buzzing that this Sheffield date was part of their last three shows before the band’s announced hiatus, forcing fans to savour each second of their set and really be in the moment, not knowing when they’ll next be at a Shame show.

I think everyone will agree; we hope they’ll be back on stage as soon as they're ready!