The Darkness & Foxy Shazam: Glasgow, 02 Academy 10.11.2011

Ever since The Darkness announced that they we're reuniting and doing a UK tour I had been looking forward to this gig very much. Then they announced that Foxy Shazam were supporting them on the tour which made me very happy as I have been really into them for around a year now.

Foxy Shazam are a Six piece from Cincinnati, Ohio, USA , They have three albums out, "The Flamingo Trigger", "Introducing" and The self titled "Foxy Shazam" which in my opinion is there best album and has really put them on the map as a band.

On with the show...Foxy Shazam walked on to a good reception from the crowd which I was pleased about as I wasn't sure many people would have heard of them.

They opened with a track from there latest album called "Oh Lord" a favourite of mine I must admit and obviously a favourite of the Glasgow crowed too as they didn't hesitate to sing along.

Next up was "The Rocketeer" off of there second album "Introducing" and there brand new track "I Like it"which I think is a sign of good things to come for there new album.

Halfway through there set and the guys hit out with the fan favourite "Unstoppable" in which they incorporated an unexpected snippet of "Dragula" by Rob Zombie which went down a treat in the packed out 02 Academy.

Next up was the penultimate song of the set "Killin' it" which was with out a doubt my favourite song of the set, The high energy chorus made the Glasgow crowd go nuts.

And finally the guys closed there set with the powerful "The Only Way To My Heart..." which they extended out a bit while Eric spoke to the crowd while sporting a cowboy hat that was equipped with lights before ending the song in an explosive fashion and leaving the Glasgow crowd with one parting message which was "your all pregnant".

At this point a need to state that singer Eric Nally is one hell of a front man, I couldn't take my eyes off him as he ran around the stage on all fours like a monkey pulled out forward rolls from nowhere and not forgetting his signature dance moves with the mic stand , Dance moves I would say were closely rivalled by brass/backing vocalist Alex Nauth and keyboard player Schuyler Vaughn White however not to take anything away from the other guys each one of them is full of energy which makes Foxy Shazam in my opinion one of the best live bands out there.

Now on to the main event...The Darkness.

Since reforming with the original line up earlier this year The Darkness are touring material from their first two albums with a few covers, b-sides and new tracks thrown in for good measure.

From the get go the packed out 02 Academy was on top form, Singing along with the first two song of the set "Black Shuck" and "Growing on Me" the energy in the room was immense and it didn't die down at all during the set.

In-between songs singer Justin Hawkins managed to find time for a few costume changes which was everything from a tartan suit to the famous over the top catsuit.

After rocking through a few more songs including "One Way Ticket" and a new song called "Nothings Gonna Stop Us" the guys decided to take it down a notch with an amazing acoustic version of "Holding My Own" which made for another beautiful sing along between Justin and the crowd.

After belting out the powerful "Love is only A Feeling" The set got back up to speed with a favourite of mine "Friday Night" which I must admit I couldn't help dancing along to which was followed by an unexpected cover of Radioheads "Street Spirit (Fade Out)".

During the set it was obvious that the Justin, Dan, Frankie and Ed were happy to be back, they seemed genuinely over whelmed by the reception they were getting from the audience which made put every ounce of energy they had left into the rest of there set.

After a hilarious pantomime like interaction with the crowd the guys played there festive hit "Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End)" which of course included white confetti snow falling from the ceiling throughout the song.

It was now time for the encore which was opened by the amazing instrumental "Bareback" which was followed by another unexpected cover in the form of Queens "Tie your Mother Down" which kept the crowd fired up for the fan favourite "I Believe in a thing Called Love" which in my opinion got the biggest reaction and sing along of the night.

Last up was the gritty "Love On The Rocks With No Ice " during which Justin jumped on a member of the security teams shoulders and proceeded to do a full circle through the Glasgow audience while still managing to keep a solo going on his guitar. Once back on stage Justin got the crowd to sing along with him once last time before finishing the song .

This was an amazing gig and I highly recommend any rock fans to go see these guys, They are just as good if not better than they were back when they started and I for one am glad they are back and hope they will be around for a long time to come

SCOTROCK – Ryan

Contact SCOTROCK for information at [email protected]