I received a last minute invite to go and see the Blossoms at the Brighton Dome on Tuesday night, and I rightly accepted.
Driving down and parking wasn't too bad, Martin (my friend and inviter) new the route and where to park.
A quick meal in a nearby LEON - Peanut Butter Chicken Satay and Rice - which was needed and so much healtheir (I think) than my usual choice of McDonalds.
We entered the venue, had our wrist tags placed on, grabbed and drink and headed into the dome. And it is a great venue and staging. 1920s opulence, balconies with Art Deco carvings, red drapes of thick velvet and comfortable seating for those with the wealth (we were standing and I am grateful we did - the atmosphere!)
The support act were Red Rum Club. A band I had never heard of, my lack of cultural capital is showing, but made a note to look up after. They're described as an alternative rock band and clearly right up my alley as I loved the mix of rock, indie, and trumpet with a mix of 1950s vibes mashing against 2000s rock.
They were infectious and as they played song after song, the crowd got further and further behind them. If you've got some time and the inclination, and you should have, look them up on your favourite streaming service or Youtube and give them a listen - like the crowd, you'll soon be hooked,
After some stage set-up, the Blossoms came on to massive applause and light show that reminded me of Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Tom Ogden, the lead singer, owns the stage - from the moment he walks on to it. Rarely smiling, giving knowing looks, occasionally looks that might edge towards irritated or stroppy, but with an attitude that just lets you know this is the act, this is the fun, and you're going enjoy the upcoming songs.
And, my God, we did.
I knew a few songs, but they blast through the decades, ransacking the 70s for Wah-Wah guitar, the 80s for keyboards, 90s for Indie, and bring it right up to date while hardking back to disco at times. They riff off Oasis lyrics at time, a hint that they may be a support band - possibly, Martin postulated.
Every song has some staging that just elevates the who show, from a static tableau which is held for an age but during which you can't look away, to intricate shadow plays with stage lights, short dance routines with guitarist, an acoustic moment, and much more than I just can't recall them all.
It just comes together in an amazing night of music and entertainment. And then Gary comes on the stage... something everyone had been waiting for and elevated it all another step!
This band are a lot of fun, write and perform great songs and know how to play to an audience. I listened to them again today on Spotify and I have to say it was great, but I preferred the live show more.
If you get the chance, go and see them play! You won't regret it!
A couple of my favourites:
GARY
THERE'S A REASON I NEVER RETURNED YOUR CALLS
PERFECT ME
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