Blood Red Saints - Live Review, Manchester Academy 3, Sat 2nd April 2016

The latest and ongoing roadshow that is Blood Red Saints rode into town, the town being their 'local', Manchester. On arrival I was a tad worried as there were very few people there, what with it being T minus thirty. Thankfully the room (Academy 3) filled as they took the stage.

I'm a tad biased towards BRS are they are a great modern epitome of Melodic Rock. A lot of bands try to emulate some of the 'classic' bands of the 80s/early 90s, but not many do it as good, or as well, or as honest as BRS. Shit dudes, no one out there does with half the fun as these guys. Right from the off, the audience is brought along for the ride. Because what you get here are some great songs, played extremely well, and a bit of a comedy show thrown in for good measure

Tonight's gig was brought to you by its sponsors 'Covonia', and 'TW&SSC' (The Wheeltappers & Shunters Social Club). Why? Well, erstwhile singer/stand up comedian Pete Godfrey was suffering with a cold/dodgy throat, and secondly, I think he could be on a mission to convert BRS into The Grumbleweeds/Barron Knights (ok my references are as old as Petes humour, so we're on a par, and hopefully you are).

The set was quite short, just 30 mins, but with BRS being 'home', rebellion was just around the
corner with a proposed '32 minute' set planned. Romeos Daughter would allow them 45, but fuck it, they are at home and there was some serious drinking to be had later!

We were treated to a quite edited set from the recent HRH gig, but resplendent all the same. The BRS staple faves were in attendance, from Kicking Up Dust, the harmonious Mercy, with Pete Newdeck filling in some of the vocals. Let's face it, they can all fill in as few bands can offer you 5 part harmonies. Only the likes of Van Canto could do it better! Guitarist Lee Revill was a cross between Indiana (Jones) and Croc Dundee, and shines on the 80s influenced numbers as he channels his inner George Lynch. The new song 'Tragedy' sees Godfrey dig into his Steps DVD collection and mimic the same moves. If there isn't a Steps tribute band, I nominate 'G' to be a front runner should one ever be on the cards. Rob Naylor seems to get the most grief from Godfrey during the gig, but the jibes wash off him easily due to the slickness of his style!

If you're lucky enough  to get your asses down to Cardiff, or over to Milan, then you're in for a treat. Many can mimic, but few stand heads above the crowd like Blood Red Saints. A triumphant show of hook laden, catchy songs, and also a great laugh. What more could you want?