This lot get better and better...
Let me first just say that these guys really don't need a review from me to help build their reputation on the local gig circuit! They already have half a dozen gigs booked in at the Beaumont Arms next year ( oh and this coming New Year's Eve too!) and the way things are going there's probably not that much room left in next years diary generally!
The venue , The Beaumont Arms in the Ladybridge area of Bolton, is a large pub with a great atmosphere (Brass Routes played there a couple of weeks ago and we were made to feel very welcome), and last night no expense had been spared by Graham and Julie in decking the place out with some amazing Halloween paraphernalia which included a life sized model of a witch on a broomstick. It was fancy dress too and I have to say that a lot of people went to a lot of effort to look the part and none more so than Julie looking fabulous as Cruella De Vil.
It's been about a year since I last saw Idle Promise , they were good then but , after a years solid gigging , they were even better!
It was Halloween and the usual set had been modified to include some 'spooky' classics. First set opening song was 'Monster Mash' with some great backing vocals from guitarists Steve and Anthony, then straight into 'I Fought The Law' and 'Seven Nation Army' without a break! Lead singer Alex had the audience in the palm of his hands - a great vocalist and entertainer too. The first set also included classics from AC/DC , the Cure, The Beatles etc (some might say an eclectic mix - but it works!) and my favourite from the first set was probably 'Psycho Killer'.
The second spot featured songs by Oasis, The KIllers, Nirvana etc also the Robbie solo version of 'Back For Good' (much rocking up involved!) all good stuff (ok I could have done without hearing 'Summer of 69' again , but that's just me lol!) and closing with a magnificent version of 'Time Warp' with much audience participation. The encore carried on with the theme of the night and a far better version of Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' than Nige had lead me to believe ( I vote they keep it in the set!). We then got 'Chelsea Dagger' and 'Mr. Brightside' and just when it all seemed to be over the band relaunched into 'Time Warp' for the big finish. Thanks to Nige, Chris, Alex, Anthony and Steve for a wonderful and very entertaining night out!
Note to venues - book this band now before they are fully booked for 2012!