Manc legends heading to Toon
BY PHILIP TALLENTIRE
TO misquote Morrissey, Manchester has nothing to answer for.
The northern powerhouse of music has produced some of the world’s greatest and most influential bands.
Joy Division, The Fall, Stone Roses, New Order, Oasis, Happy Mondays and The Smiths, to name seven era-defining acts.
And two legends from the latter two bands named, Shaun Ryder and Jonny Marr, are on the road in their current incarnations.
Ryder’s band Black Grape will be performing at Newcastle Riverside on Friday, November 23, while Marr and his band will be headlining the city’s O2 Academy on Wednesday night.
Marr made his name as Morrissey’s writing partner in The Smiths while also additionally adding sublime guitar to classics like This Charming Man, How Soon Is Now and Panic.
His live solo gigs include Smiths gems but aren’t an exercise in nostalgia.
Marr’s solo albums The Messenger, Playland and this year’s release Call The Comet are more than strong enough to provide the foundations for make outstanding setlists.
Explaining the inspiration for his latest album, the 55-year-old said: “Call The Comet is my own magic realism.
“It’s set in the not-too-distant future and is mostly concerned with the idea of an alternative society.
“The characters in the songs are searching for a new idealism, although there are some personal songs in there too.
“It’s something that people like me can relate to.”
Black Grape returned from a long lay-off last year.
Their album It’s Great When You’re Straight Yeah was the cool, must have record of 1995 and singles Reverend Black Grape and In The Name Of The Father provided the soundtrack to a year remembered for the Britpop battle between Oasis and Blur.
Last year’s comeback album Pop Voodoo showcased the band’s first new material in 20 years.
Ryder and fellow founding member Kermit teamed up with ex-Verve producer Youth to record the album and in 2017 they played festival dates and arena shows with Richard Ashcroft.
Ahead of the latest tour, Ryder said: “I’m looking forward to getting back out on the road with Kermit for the Black Grape party – playing some new songs and of course some old favourites.”
Author Irvine Welsh is a huge fan of the band and he wrote: “I’m delighted to report that Black Grape are back on the road, and with new album Pop Voodoo.
“Shaun’s word play has never been deployed to such devastating effect, and he scores a bullseye whether he hits the obvious targets (Donald Trump), and the more obscure ones.
“The world is in a bit of a state right now... we need Manc street sass, intelligence and wit more than ever right now.
“This album has spades.”
Johnny Marr is playing at the O2 Academy on Wednesday, November 14.
Tickets cost £26 plus booking fee and area available from the venue or via www.ticketmaster. co.uk
Black Grape perform at Newcastle Riverside on Friday, November 23.
For tickets (£27.50 including booking fee) or more information, visit www.riversidenewcastle. co.uk that in