The Quireboys / Mary McBride

As frost and ice threaten to cover every inch of the Midlands, most sensible folk would be wrapped up warm in front of a fire and not even dreaming about venturing out in search of a venue no human seems to of heard of but The Flowerpot, located towards the posher side of Derby’s shopping area, had started popping up frequently on gig guides of late and I was determined to find out why.

After driving past it twice (in big circles, might I add around a one way system from hell) the quaint public house swinging sign of a flowerpot, no less, finally jumped out at me. First thought were darts and dominos and I was honestly a little reluctant but the thought of The Quireboys luscious frontman’s kohl framed eyes swung it for me, and my accomplice for the night and I entered into the unknown. OK, Maybe slightly less dramatic than that! Inside was actually a very modernised bar and large lounge connected to a separate pre-gig bar and entrance to the stage area.

American support Mary McBride and her band give no grand entrance and make little cosmetic effort, although this may be purposeful to enforce the down to earth stance of this actually very successful artist, coming to England almost unknown. In reality McBride has all the glamour she requires, writing soundtracks for Hollywood and performing with world famous artists, but tonight she retains her allure and concentrates on winning affection with her amazing vocals and song writing skills. Within moments the growing audience are almost silenced listening to her heartfelt tales, warmth and passion gluing together every word. Her rendition of ‘Bottle and a Bible’ is as intense as it is subtle, along with her ability to make you believe every line is her own. Mary McBride was the wildcard in every sense.

Having had the pleasure and luck to of seen The Quireboys perform live many times over the years, I wasn’t at all apprehensive of what to expect. As with the title of their fourth album ‘Well Oiled’ the guys are certainly true to word and I don’t mean that in the drunk and plastered sense either although its no secret the guys are fond of the odd drink or two, the honesty only adds to their charm but they perform every song at every gig with effortless perfection.

Frontman Spike drops a cheeky grin and the loveable vagabond casually leads straight into ‘Don’t bite the hand that feeds you’ not being the most obvious opener but all the same gets the party well and truly started. There’s little room for much interaction as Spike writhes with the mike stand, throwing it in the air on several occasions. Recent addition to the band and replacement to Nigel Mogg is bassist Jimi Jimmi, almost redundant hidden behind the amps and just out of Spike's reach, can only be forgiven for not getting more involved by the fact that he is a little on the attractive side and had a great smile throughout! Keyboardist Keith Weir must have the most flexible fingers in music, flawlessly speeding up and down the keys without working up a sweat THAT is how a keyboard should be played.

Although this tour is to promote their new album ‘Homewreckers and Heartbreakers’ their setlist doesn’t entail pushing as many unknown tracks to the fore, instead The Quireboys tempt and entice their audience giving as much of what they want as possible and offering just a sample of the new. ‘Mona Lisa Smiled’ is perhaps the only taster they actually need because it’s a song just as worthy as any on their debut ‘A Little bit of what you fancy’ and if there was any justice it would have the same effect. Similarly ‘Late night Saturday call’ becomes as heartbreaking as ‘I don’t love you anymore’, with Spike's husky vocals being the only voice who could ever sing this song and make it so worthy.

Again an unobvious ‘Sweet Mary Ann’ has a crazy impact on the crowd, who by now are dancing and singing along to every word, arms waving etc, getting in all your photos, you know what I mean! But strangely becomes one of my favourites all over again.

From the well dressed suited gentlemen that enter the room to the rasping sticky sexy rockers that leave it, The Quireboys are a band who know how to please and don’t have any problems doing it.

FUTURE GIGS

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