Buzzcocks and the Lurkers, 13 January, Lemon Grove
By Abi Ralls
Tuesday isn’t usually a rocking night but no one had told that to the crowds that came out on a freezing January evening to worship at the altar of punk-pop legends, the Buzzcocks.
The grizzled beards and leather jackets of the original fans were mixed with the new generation of punks sporting some of the finest and most colourful Mohicans in the West Country. And they were in for a treat.
The Lurkers were fronted by the only remaining member of the original line-up, bassist Arturo Bassick, and no one would question why they have become one of the most enduring bands of their era. The set was short, but starters aren’t meant to fill you up and everyone was keen to get to their main course.
The atmosphere when the Buzzcocks took to the stage was electric. It wasn’t long before the pogoing had spread to the back of the hall and the front had degenerated satisfyingly into a mosh pit.
The performance was energetic and impressive – playing both ‘Another Music In A Different Kitchen’ and ‘Love Bites’ in there entirety was no mean feat and showed they still have the stamina and vibe that has made them one of Britain’s most loved bands.
My highlight, perhaps predictably, was hearing pop classic ‘Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn’ve?)’ performed live.
Nothing beats the thrill that comes from hearing music you love performed by the band that created it. The fans had a wild night, the bands seemed to as well, and it was all over early enough to be home in bed by midnight.