Glen Matlock - Solo Acoustic Show
Gramophone, London
Weds 19th April 2006
This elegant East London hangout has only been here since January, being opened by ex-Philistine Terry Edwards, however it has proved to be a popular venue for intimate evenings by a variety of performers.
Glen has by now played many of these types of evenings - his performance, particularly the vocals, sounding powerful and self-assured. Opening with "A Different World" and then perennial favourite "Burning Sounds", he moves up a gear and into more recent material with "Whose Side Are You On". By this time the crowd have moved stagefront and are instructed to help out with one of The Philistines' new tracks "Yeah Right". This audience participation hits the spot and so Glen seizes the moment and repeats the trick with "White Knuckle Ride", the crowd now gleefully screaming out the chorus.
Taking the tempo down a little, we're treated to Rich Kids' classic "Ghosts Of Princes In Towers". Of course the crowd don't need any coaxing into helping along with "Stepping Stone" and then Glen demands to crowd calls for "Pretty Vacant" - even Duran Duran's Andy Taylor can be seen chanting from the back of the venue.
A short but punchy set in great surroundings.
Review by Trixie Palmer
The Philistines at The Cavern Club, Liverpool, & Southampton 11th April.
Review now posted, plus live pix in the Gallery. thephilistinesuk.com.
The historic Philistines / Steve Jones show: go to thephilistinesuk.com.