Five months ago when Ugly Kid Joe and The Virginmarys wrapped up their tour in Glasgow, I said the following:
They’re back on UK shores later this year for a festival appearance so fingers crossed they’re able to squeeze in a one-off somewhere (and bring The Virginmarys along for the ride!) because it’ll be the best night of live music you’ll get all year.
Now I’m not taking credit for this happening, but I will absolutely say I helped will it into existence.
Following a run of shows in Europe and an appearance at Stonedead, America’s least wanted and Cheshire’s finest reunited the previous night in Huddersfield before tonight’s show. Coming off a bank holiday and what seems to be a relatively new venue in Birmingham, it’s not a packed show like either band deserves, but for those who are there, we’re treated to another round of one of the best tours this country has seen in years. The Virginmarys quietly take to the stage before quickly making their presence known with “Trippin’ New York City” (formerly known as “NYC”) and with the first strike of the drums from Danny Dolan, splinters are flying off his sticks. The number’s been part of the set for a few years but now it’s been roughed up to sound grittier and punchier and in its new incarnation, is the perfect intro.
The alternative rock duo hammer through a whole lot of their newer material like “You’re a Killer” and classic “Just a Ride” alongside the call-to-arms of “Look Out For My Brother”. Meanwhile “Motherless Land” is as bouncy as ever and the finale of “Bang Bang Bang” is as explosive as ever.
Both are in fine form tonight, energised to be back out on the road with Ugly Kid Joe. Their authenticity is plain for all to see – not playing to the established fans nor trying to win over new ones, simply being themselves which thrills both the people here just to see them and newcomers. Ally’s throaty screams are as ionate as his guitar work, bouncing effortlessly off Danny’s frenetic drums, neither wanting to let up and they work together in perfect synchronicity, a display of trust and brotherhood and the rapidly increasing warm response to their set is the best possible way to kick off the tour in earnest.
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Four-fifths of Ugly Kid Joe take to the stage to run through Menace to Sobriety’s opening track, “Intro” before they’re ed by frontman Whitfield Crane as they launch into the venomous “V.I.P” As always, we’re seeing a band who live to play in front of an audience and whilst the venue might not be as rammed as Glasgow back in March (or even the previous night in Huddersfield), they’re undeterred and up for delivering the show of their lives. Which is exactly what they do as they pull from every release from the debut up to and including 2022’s Rad Wings of Destiny but Motel California is omitted (which does have some killer songs on it).
Crane, as always, is the master of ceremonies, the enigmatic frontman holding the crowd in the palm of his hand, as easy for him as it is to breathe. However, the focus isn’t just on him as the dual guitars of Klaus Eichstadt and Chris Catalyst drive the band forward. Eichstadt cuts a calm and collected figure, knowing all of these songs like the back of his hand, especially as he’s been playing some for over three decades at this point. He doesn’t do anything flashy but knows how to wield a six string with ease. Meanwhile Catalyst’s own performance is full of punky bravado but far more proficient on a technical level, it’s full of energy, adding both musical and visual light and shade to Eichstadt’s performance. And both of them are effortlessly cool whilst doing it. It’s with this pair creating melodies that Ugly Kid Joe know their sound without being formulaic about it. Indeed, many of their songs have become classics with numbers like “Neighbour”, “C.U.S.T” and “So Damn Cool” being so damn catchy.
While a lot of people are here to hear them play all the early stuff for the umpteenth time, the newer songs are met with just as much enthusiasm, the dark and moody “No One Survives”, the punchy “I’m Alright” and sneer of “Devil’s Paradise” are treated like the long-time staples they’ve become. Stairway to Hell may have been the comeback for them but that EP is just as vital as the first round and it certainly wasn’t a case of damp squib and having to work back to a fruitful creative period. There’s a couple of glaring omissions with “Jesus Rode a Harley” and “Mr Recordman” but they still manage to batter out a solid ninety-minute set. Those two usual staples aren’t there to prop up the set and hey, it’s an excuse to see them next time. Though with the strength of tonight, no excuses are needed.
Whilst grungy, punk-fuelled hard rock may be their raison d’etre, they know how to slow the pace at moments with their cover of “Cats in the Cradle” which has everyone singing along as well as the sedate “Busy Bee”. There’s a dedication to a child who’s attending their first ever show (I believe their name was Sam or Zav – if someone could clarify, we’ll credit you!) which comes quite a time after Crane mixes up Birmingham and the Black Country (but the band wins them back with some Black Sabbath and Judas Priest) and other various funny anecdotes.
Indeed, it would seem Ugly Kid Joe are not only embracing but living up to their classic status. There’s not many bands of their era who not only remain consistent but seem to get better with every tour and that’s what they’re doing. We’ve been spoiled with them coming over here so often in the last decade or so and frankly, I’m all for it to continue.
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