08 December 2006 (gig)
09 December 2006
When Burgess steps on stage you know you’re always in for a treat and tonight with the trademark hat not in evidence sporadic and unprompted conversations broke out amongst the lively mass of bodies. Wig? Hair transplant? Or just no hat? Why is it even important? Who won the 1972 Grand National? Do aliens inhabit residential South London properties? Questions were suddenly being fired off in quick succession for no apparent reason, luckily The Charlatans seemed more interested in belting out a string of classic hits than be drawn on such trivialities. With a decidedly small Charlatans banner behind them Burgess and friends got stuck into what they do best. 16 years have been witness to nine albums and countless singles such as the legendry 'North Country Boy’ and 'Tellin Stories’ which both received an extremely warm welcome. The party atmosphere exploded when what can only be described as one of the best guitar riffs ever written resounded around the academy. 'One To Another’ heralded a huge CHARLATANS backdrop and the touch paper was lit. Having honed their skills for so long you come to expect special things from this band, but still every time I have to admit I underrate exactly just how good they are. Yes, I was pissed and that always helps but genius can’t be hidden and that’s what this bunch are, bloody genius. Promoting their singles collection they played 'Can’t Get Out Of Bed’, 'Love Is The Key’, 'Forever’ and 'The Only One I Know’. Strangers threw their arms around each other and connected in joyous unity, that’s what Charlatans music can do. It brings people together, because if you love The Charlatans then clearly you love life ... it’s that simple.
