I first saw the Inspiral Carpets back in 1988 at the Boardwalk in Manchester. It was a midsummer’s night, and the A&R frenzy that surrounded them had reached ludicrous heights. The band at this stage had released a number of singles and an EP all of which had reached the top 5 in the indie charts so needless to say they were serious hot property. After the gig most of the A&R guys wandered across the road to the Hacienda before heading back to the Crowne Plaza. If my memory serves me correctly Dave Haslam and Mike Pickering were DJing and there was a live set from “A guy called Gerald” which I think was pretty good. I say think as I don’t remember much about my early 90’s jaunts to Manchester and the Hacienda however suffice to say I always had an enjoyable time.
When I came back to the office on Monday morning I was almost stung up by my then boss Tracey Bennett of London Records. There was no evidence of me at the post gig schmooze fest and it was now a foregone conclusion that the band was to sign to EMI. They actually signed to Mute, which made a lot more sense, and released a number of brilliant records who along with The Stone Rose, Charlatans and er Mock Turtles defined the musical optimism of the late 80’s and early 90’s. However by the time Nirvana broke on the scene in the mid nineties the psychedelic pop sound of The Inspiral Carpets had become less fashionable and by the time Oasis emerged in 1993 they were about as naff as a smiley acid house t shirt. The funny thing is that the Inspiral Carpets probably employed one of the most famous roadies ever. I’m not sure what Noel Gallagher learned whilst on the road with the band however no doubt it was a formative time for him.
So 20 years later I find myself standing in the photo pit waiting for the carpets to take the stage not knowing what to expect. The years have certainly taken the toll on the band and anyone seeing them for the first time tonight could be excused for thinking that their heyday was the early 70’s. The band plodded through their various hits with projections of them from happier and younger days. I have to say half way through the set I did wonder why they bothered reforming. The enthusiasm was lacking and it looked like they had all embarked on a marathon. The venue was about 2/3rd full which is pretty poor for a Saturday night and the stage lighting was abysmal. I somehow suspect that they were not particularly interested in having photographers shooting the show. I guess why bother if no one is going to write about you!
So big question are the Inspiral Carpets still Cool as Fuck 20 years later? I’d love to say yes however I think the day has come to hand up the Paisley print shirts and call it a day. Very sad as I expecting a very different experience.
Written by John Rahim