10 May 2007 (gig)
13 May 2007
It’s 6.15pm and already the queue of tonight’s sell out crowd is stretched right around the Academy. It is indeed testament to their growing army of fans that Rise Against are back over in the UK again just 8 months after their last visit. It seems the bands move of record label is paying off, which will at last silence those cynics.
Inside the atmosphere is one of longing and as the band hit the stage and launch straight into 'Drones’, the fans are already pumping their fists and yelling along to every word.
Barely pausing to talk to the crowd, Rise Against deliver a set gushing with energy and although slightly over animated, relative newcomer to the band Zach Blair fits in seamlessly. Optimistic yet defiant, tonight’s performance is everything a punk show should be and when teamed with their driving rhythms and sprawling vocals Rise Against effortlessly permeate the Academy masses with their adrenaline.
Although lasting just 45 minutes, the main set is first rate with tracks spanning the bands career and is marred only by the exclusion of crowd favourite 'Blood To Bleed’. Fans may feel a tad short changed; but there was never any danger of Rise Against boring anyone.
The stamping of feet and chants of 'Rise Against, Rise Against' ring out and almost on command, the solitary figure of Tim McIlrath enters the stage for the customary encore. Alone but for a guitar, he begins a beautiful cover of cult punks Jawbreakers 'Tour Song’ and then the habitual mobile phones and lighters are raised aloft for 'Swing Life Away’ dedicated to Tony Blair. I mean you can’t have a punk show without politics can you? Rise Against have come a long way over the years and tonight’s show brings to an end a blistering tour by one of the most hard working, humble bands around. Long may they continue.
