With two number one albums in the same year, the Shed Seven lads are breathing in rarefied air these days. They’re also on track to be one of our most frequented bands to the stage, so please welcome…
SHED SEVEN
Fellow Yorkshire lads The Sherlocks made a lasting impression on the crowd with their distinctive blend of classic indie rock that had a sharp, edgy twist. Although their set was brief, we’re eagerly awaiting their own headline show here in May – lyrically rich are songs such as Live For The Moment and Chasing Shadows (a rather apt juxtaposition to Shed’s own ode) that you can’t help but bob your head along. Keep an eye on this band.
Despite forming nearly forty years ago, Shed Seven are entering a new wave of success not experienced since their ‘90s heyday. They have always had a loyal and dedicated fan base, which is a testament to their live performances – and from the get-go lead singer Rick Witter instantly has the crowd within the palm of his hand. He has a natural charm and the comic nuance of a stand-up comedian, although his vocal power is no laughing matter. Room In My House gets things off to a pulsating start ahead of the huge beery sing-a-longs we’re induced within for the full two hours.
“Nottingham, it’s Friday night! It’s Rock City! You’re f**king amazing already! Looks like we’re gonna have a bit of a singalong tonight!”
Amongst the humour, there is an undercurrent of sentiment throughout the evening. The emphasis upon a brass section filtering throughout the show, much like within Ocean Pie, adds weight to guitarist Paul Banks’s swirling solos. Witter is in constant motion, and almost simian-like as he provides percussion with maracas, yet the band’s two chief protagonists are constantly intertwined across the set.
High Hopes kickstarts a breathless run of hits which rolls back the years to that pre-digital decade – On Standby, Bully Boy and Going For Gold. All of which the audience dutifully belt out, you’ll catch the same sentence spoken across the room throughout the night: “This is my favourite song!” A well-honed musical juggernaut with flair, the band has a rich back catalogue of hits to choose from which creates a greatest hit setlist for the gig. We suppose it’s an added bonus that they sound fantastic, too.
The joyous emotion in the air is palpable – after all, these songs have spent three decades soundtracking make-ups, break-ups, births and deaths. The Sheds are admirably no nostalgia junkies though: In Ecstasy (featuring a cameo from the ‘Queen of Manchester’ Rowetta bedecked in an impressive Shed Seven embossed kimono) and Talk Of The Town both land well.
“It just keeps getting better every time we’re here!”
As good as the material is live, it’s the between song banter which gives Shed Seven their point of difference to so many of their peers. Witter is a warm and natural storyteller and even takes time to read out a lengthy list of dedications as anniversaries, birthdays and first gigs are marked, which all adds to the occasion. A back drop of screens (a two-number-one-albums-in-a-year splurge, perhaps?) flash up pictures tipping a hat to Shed Seven’s stellar career throughout before transforming into a sweeping technicolour arch for the inevitable set closer, the indomitable Chasing Rainbows.
You get the feeling that the band can’t quite believe the resurgence they are currently experiencing – it’s one of the great stories of the year, and it’s so satisfying that our legendary Talbot Street venue has played a small part in their journey.
SHED SEVEN PERFORMED FRIDAY 13TH DECEMBER
WORDS: TALIA ROBINSON
ROCK CITY NOTTINGHAM
We’re not only Nottingham’s favourite venue and nightclub – we’re the UK’s best live venue with a rich history of performers that have played here. Chase the rainbow and you’ll find Shed Seven at the end of it. What a crackin’ show!
Also while you’re at it, why not check out our gig guide and see if any other of your favourite artists like Shed Seven are playing soon! We also have our club nights on a Thursday (Tuned), Friday (Get Lucky) and Saturday (Rebel Rebel) so check those out too!
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