Walter Lure

During their recent Underworld stint, Walter Lure and his London boys once again proved that they really can shake ‘em down! With the crowd being in the groove from the word go and a killer set, one was inclined to forget that all seemed over too quick.

Ex-Heartbreaker Lure (the original guitarist and co-vocalist with Johnny Thunders iconic band) made a welcome return to the capital, once again backed by guitarist Jez Miller (Lords Of The New Church), and Gunfire Dancers Ozzie (drums) and Rockin’ Ray Birch (bass).
To coincide with Lure’s UK mini tour, Jungle Records recently reissued Lure’s 1994 debut album ‘Rent Party’ from his days with The Waldos. As expected, the evening’s set list contained a mix of Heartbreakers as well as Waldos numbers. And a few surprises on top!

Dressed in his own merchandise (a black Walter Lure t-shirt, nicely accessorized with a red/white striped tie), the irrepressible frontman straight away drifted into his peculiar stomp-shuffle-n-step movements during opener ‘One Track Mind’. It only took a mere minutes before a very crowded venue jerked along to the rhythm, though there was precious little space left to imitate any of Lure’s dance steps.
This was swiftly followed by ‘Sorry’, a Waldos number which was well received by the punters. Next came the Heartbreakers classics ‘Little London Boys’ and ‘Cry Baby’ – both performed with spunk and attitude oozing from the stage. Jez, Ozzie and Rockin’ Ray (Lure jokingly referred to him as ‘Screamin Lord Sutch junior) had no problems keeping up with the fast pace each number required, and gave it their all.

The mood was all dirty blues-rock when ‘Busted’ was announced, and sure enough Mr. Thunders must have looked down from heaven (or upwards from hell) with a proud and big smile on his face during this one!
For ‘Chatterbox’, Jez took over on vocals while Lure concentrated on his guitar – with Rockin’ Ray following suit. Ozzie meanwhile was so drenched in sweat, at times it looked as if his drum kit released splashes of water!

‘Pirate Love’, ‘Take A Chance’ and ‘Get Off The Phone’ kept the crowd in riotous good spirit, with some attempts of stage diving and slam dancing going on – now that’s what I call a proper rock ‘n’ roll vibe! Staple ‘Born To Lose’ had the punters chanting along to the chorus, before the band paid musical homage to The Ramones ‘Chinese Rock’.

After a few seconds of catching breath, the evening’s special guest was announced, and promptly appeared in the shape of London Cowboy Steve Dior (furthermore of Filthy Lucre and The Idols notoriety). With his emaciated frame draped in a long black velvet coat (contrasting with his straggly silver-fox hair), and an altogether gaunt appearance, Mr. Dior looked the opposite of healthy living… so it seemed a tad off the mark (or perhaps it was intended irony) that the chosen number here was the Thunders/Lure penned ‘Too Much Junkie Business’. Nonetheless, it turned out to be one hell of a high-octane cracker that saw everyone at fever pitch! Shame that Steve Dior’s appearance was but a brief one; then again, what’s a band to do when a ridiculous curfew time of 10pm-ish is looming over good vibrations?

Still, there was time for an encore (two, in fact), which included ‘Let Go’ and ‘Seven Day Weekend’. For the crowning finale that not only saw the stage invaded by fans but by various members from the night’s support bands, Lure and Co. offered the old Contours hit ‘Do You Love Me’. Well then, how did ya guess that Lure’s sizzling hot version (performed by Jez, who showed horns and tails) wasn’t exactly motown? Never mind doing the mash-potato and doing the twist, the assembly on stage did the raw rock!

A pure treat for all those willing to be lured into the Underworld, despite an off-putting early start and early closing time, sigh.