This has to be one of the oddest gigs that I have seen in ages. The line up included the Horrors (who I did’nt see) Evan Dando and the Jesus and Mary Chain. Time has certainly taken it’s toll on old Evan gone are the youthful good looks and the solo performance was at best unispiring. It’s well documented that everyone’s favourite post grunge pin up boy has battled with drink and drug problems however it’s puzzling why his comeback would be to support a band that has not played for almost a decade and perform his 90’s hits solo rather than with a backing band. My Drug Buddy and It’s a Shame about Ray are still excellent songs however poor Evan looked like he’d rather be somewhere else.
I used to love the Jesus and Mary Chain when I was growing up. Whilst Glasgow’s answer to the Velvet Underground were not the most authentic band that you’d every heard they made a pleasant change from the Texas, Hue and Cry, Wet Wet Wet and Deacon Blue and the other shite bands on the early 80’s Glasgow scene.This was their 8th gig in a mini tour and a lot more mellow that I expected. Whilst the gig was enjoyable in a kind of nostalgic way I left questioning their relevance and legacy. OK without JMC we would not have bands like BRMC however it’s disappointing that such an important band never made more of an impact.
Written by John Rahim
