Adam and the Ants

Brudenell Social Club, Leeds on Wed 22nd Apr 2015

Adam Ant first released the album in 1979 with prior Ants band members Matthew Ashman, Andy Warren and David Barbarossa, after their punk-inspired band rattled off several local gigs and EPs, gaining them enough of a following to warrant a Long Player. Written in full by Ant, it was greatly received, and its popularity led to a re-release in the early eighties by which point the band – with a new line up - was experiencing massive success with albums 'Kings of the Wild Frontier' and 'Prince Charming'. Some thirty odd years later, fans are once again being wowed by our dandy friend Mr Ant, as he and the current band take the album to venues nationwide.

Touts patrolling the nearby streets give good indication that musical royalty is in our midst this Hyde Park evening. To be fair, you would expect one of Post-Punk's pioneers to warrant a turn out and a half, and there is a real buzz both inside and outside the venue tonight, with the beer garden spilling over with punters and plenty begging to be let in regardless of having no ticket. After some build up, the band finally emerge into an electric room. Ant presents himself very much as you'd expect him to, dressed in leather from top to bottom, and with enough swagger and sufficient make-up to compliment the permanent glint in his eyes. With Panama hat covering long, black locks and five other musicians in tow, he immediately locks the crowd into ‘engage' mode and kicks into 'Car Trouble'.

What follows is a tight and seamless rendition of the album, each band member focused on their individual task as they collectively deliver a non-stop, no-chat, captivating show. Ant's repeated staring at various punters around the room draws all attention toward him and soon has everybody hypnotized. His voice is as engaging as ever and his moves as defining, with clenched fists and arms signifying a songs end and suggestive motions here and there of the type his fans have become accustomed to. Drums are more than integral to this ensemble, with two kits being standard and Ant music always clearly recognizable by the tribal sound they help to purvey. It is hard not to be completely mesmerised by the pounding of one set followed by the other, like a call and response of drum kits, or else a competition between percussionists which both are determined to win. The bass guitar also holds its place well, typical Ants style, providing almost a melodic touch to what are strong basslines. Ant takes to the guitar from time to time during the gig, accompanying two others in this capacity, although his vocals and overall persona are the standouts.

The die-hard fans – who hold the majority this evening – are clearly impressed and sing along with Ant word for word throughout. At the same time there is a sense of calm, at least until 'The Idea' closes out the album's rendition and the Ants move onto playing various singles and B sides from their hay day. It is as if everyone present was holding their breath during 'Dirk Wears White Sox', and suddenly a collective exhaling of air and noisy applause sees a climax reached and the crowd is now jumping, shouting and dancing with more purpose as old favourites 'Fall Out' and 'Fat Fun' ring out loud and proud. Ant himself seems to relish this latter part of the show, providing banter and amusing tales of A&R men and a certain bathroom scenario. After announcing there would be no encore as such and instead, "Let's just play more f**king songs hey?", they finish on a high with 'Kings of the Wild Frontier' and 'Physical (You're So)'.

Ant People live on it seems, in Leeds at least, and their chief won't be too concerned any time away from touring as the Ants has done the brand a disservice. A great show by a still great band.

article by: Deb Baynes

photos by: Richard Nicholson

published: 27/04/2015 17:45



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