Due to traffic, parking etc by the time I get inside Andy Cairns is already leading the busy floor through a “James Joyce is f**king my sister” sing-a-long. ‘Knives’ and the timeless ‘Nowhere’ complete the trio of closing Therapy songs and the large bruises on my shins are from where I was kicking myself for arriving late.
The Stranglers continuing touring success must in part lie in their well-chosen setlists. The band don’t just roll out the same old tired ‘Best Of’ vehicle, in fact, tonight is almost the complete opposite. The lights dim as the seaside nightmare intro of ‘Waltzinblack’ ushers the Meninblack onto the beautifully lit Hexagon stage. ‘Bear Cage’, ‘Nuclear Device’ give way to the iconic bass intro of hit single ‘Peaches’ which in 2017 celebrated its 40th anniversary! The crowd are slightly subdued but The Stranglers aren’t a lager frenzy live act more a brandy band, one to be savoured, sipped and sluoshed around the taste buds rather than hurled down the throat. This doesn’t stop a trio of drunk morons front and centre who completely misjudged the crowd, band and frontman’s eyesight. Making wanker signs and flicking the V’s at Baz Warne is not a wise move and after a brief self-inflicted scuffle, they are thankfully removed. J.J handles the vocals on a host of tracks including ‘Don’t Bring Harry Down’ and the anthemic ‘Something Better Change’. ‘Golden Brown’, ‘Walk On By’ and an atmospheric ‘Always The Sun’ all kick the nostalgia glans and receive the heartiest of reactions. The disjointed set finds a natural rhythm as ‘Water’, ‘Duchess’ along with a towering ‘Hanging Around’ all resonate with tangible familiarity. ‘Go Buddy Go’ and (of course) we’ll get lynched if we don’t play it ‘No More Heroes’ satisfy the here to hear the hits date-nighters. The Stranglers remain a live thoroughbred professional, tight and always enjoyable. The setlists are constantly tinkered with and this helps keep both the band and audience on their toes. With so many acclaimed albums and songs in the locker The Stranglers thankfully still have a marathon of live and touring options to pursue. Nothing better change.