The 2nd June 2022 was a day that meant so much for so many. It was billed as a reunion, a comeback. However for many including myself, it was as if the band had never left us and the news that was announced that they would be playing once again, was something that could not be missed.
It was a re-coming together of the band members, Rob, Adam, Stu and Phil, who joined forces at such a primitive age and what does seem like an age ago, roared onto the scene with their own blend of music that resonated with so many. They had a sense of this is what we do, this is what we play and if you like it…. join us.
The band will have so many highlights without a doubt, but what has ultimately been uncovered since their farewell tour, The Last Dance in 2011, is the other side… the side that you don’t know, you don’t often hear and ultimately, the lead up to this gig has expressed so much of this with us as fans and them as a band.
Without discrediting any other members of the band, a huge mention has to be given to Adam Nutter, the lead guitarist of the band and someone who has very publicly discussed and broached these subjects, primarily in the format of his honest, often hard hitting, emotional and informative podcast.
Adam lays out most things about the band, about the troubles they all experienced and his own personal journey right up to the point of the band communicating once again and the fruition of the gig at Temple Newsam.
It was the following of this podcast and the interactions that Adam personally had with those who listened and followed, and inspired many, myself included to join him on this journey, hitting home many truths, enabling us to look at ourselves and connect with a band in a way that I haven’t done so before.
The podcast and news of this gig came along at a time when most people needed it. Covid was a headfuck, times felt weird and this process of the gig coming to life gave optimism to many.
All the band members joined at various stages on Adam’s podcast, discussing their own stories, raw and emotional, and since the 10 years since they last played, it felt like this gig was something much more than just a band playing their songs. It was in fact so much more.
The gig itself had to only be in one place. Leeds. The hometown of the band and a place they hold dear. It was due to be held the year before with covid having its say on that, but in what was an initial disappointment of the delay, it gave us all that little bit longer to embrace the journey to the new date in 2022.
The Music have released three albums and many other tracks and have a back catalogue enviable of many other bands. It is hard to decide, if not actually impossible to determine which album is the favourite of fans. Each album has its own story. Picking a setlist for the gig would prove to be a tricky one I am sure, with views openly aired in forums but what was played out in front of the thousands of fans who attended, could not be more perfect.
The day itself began early and there were notable high profile support acts announced on the billing for the day. The Skinner brothers kicked off the day in style. Style being the keyword with the band turned out in their Sunday finest and duly treated the early birds to a polished and energetic performance and got the ball rolling just perfectly.
The Snuts then entered the frame. Accompanied with confidence aplenty, guitars blasted out and the melodic tunes were suitably fitting for the afternoon and went down wonderfully with the ever-growing crowd.
It must be said that it did feel very much like a day of celebration…… a festival atmosphere that must be credited with the band and powers that be who chose the venue and the bands to support. It all was flowing seamlessly.
The Coral were next and they were a joy to watch. They were effortless and gave a timeless set, old and new songs blending perfectly and only heightened the feel good atmosphere.
The final support slot fell to the Cribs. Another West Yorkshire favourite, who having arrived especially from their own overseas tour to play here, smashed their indie vibe all over the place and treated us to some nostalgia that was perhaps somewhat forgotten by many.
The bands were a superb mix and gave a sense of something for everyone. They all seemed that they wanted to be there, wanted to show their support for the Music and that certainly came across to all in attendance.
It was now the time that we had all been waiting for and hoped that would not come to an end.
There was a sense of this is it. This is the time. This is what this has all been leading up to. I am not the only one I am sure to cast a thought to the band preparing backstage, who we all felt unbelievable pride and support for. It felt this was as much for them as it was for us….. and we were all ready to share in what was to come.
As with the location, there was only one choice of song that could possible kick off the gig. The Dance. A massive track that smashes you right in the heart, head and wherever else and drags you with it as it rages through. The band were loud… they were there on stage, they were here with us.
Take the Long Road and Walk it, the Truth is no Words and the mesmerising Human all followed. I am not ashamed to say that tears flowed as the songs were played. It meant so much to see them all playing and the crowd shouting every single word right back to them.
It felt like that shared experience that we had all hoped for. And my word did we enjoy the experience. Every song that followed was huge. There can be absolutely no complaints from the choice of songs on the setlist. It had everything that you could want.
The band were all so much on point. Phil was astounding on the drums, powering and driving the band from behind his set. Stu, the heartbeat of the bass and the monstrous beats that only he can create. Adam was smashing every note, riffs hit perfectly and is the dancing power to each tune. And Rob was mightily beautiful on vocals. He has a voice unlike any other. He can hit everything he wanted on the night and he just kept going. And so did the gig.
Moments of magic were created, and none more so than Inconceivable Odds. A truly beautiful tune….. a “hidden track” on their third album, Strength in numbers, that deserved its place on the set tonight. Rob and Adam took the lead and played out what seemed a pivotal moment not only on the night, but perhaps more personally for them both, and this was evidently felt from the crowd supporting.
Strength in Numbers duly followed and was followed by The People and the impeccable finale of The Walls get Smaller.
“Walls” is a massive track. All of the band play their instruments and build from delicate and carefully crafted notes and then builds….builds…..and builds further into a crescendo of uncontained noise. It is huge and only continues…. just when you thought it was coming to an end. An end we all didn’t want to come along.
But it had to come and although the gig had finished, it wasn’t the end for our love of the band and the journey we had all been on.
We all knew that it could be the last time that we ever see the band perform together again, but there were no calls before or even after for them to tour again….. or to make new music. There appears to be an understanding and appreciation that what we have had and have got with the band, is so much more. If they ever decide to create new music, we will all be there for certain, but I for one can cherish what they have already given us and that is what means the most.
That being said, independent ventures continue for the band. Rob continues to perform with Kasabian and his very own writing and successful producing. Adam has gone on to craft a beautiful album of his own – Badlands on Fire. An instrumental and mesmerising record that is spellbinding to listen to. A UK tour also follows for Adam in late 2023 of which I am overjoyed to share a link to Adam’s socials to book tickets too.
linktr.ee/adam_nutter
There is also a link to Adams podcast with the Prom King Pete @vPedroArrow which is worth every second to listen to.
https://open.spotify.com/show/5oaFW5qu5iJzkkrvbj7xDr?si=DVYqyweGQbOCYB6oWFhmsw
You may have gathered that this gig has been a personal highlight for me. It meant so much to be there and share in the moment with the band, the fans and everyone involved.
It has been inspiring, hearing insights into the band, what it meant to them and what can and does happen all too often in an industry which is brutal. I have connected with the band, with Adam and the loyal followers who remain, and will always remain part of the Music. Thank you
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