Fish - Newcastle Carling Academy Gig Review

For some time now “Fish” has been on my list of “must see” acts but, due to reasons unknown, he seemed to be unable to fit Newcastle into his touring ischedules. Finally though, on a warm September evening, Geordie “Fish fans” (including myself) gathered at the Newcastle Academy to at long last see their long time hero in action.

As I entered the concert hall “Stone Sole River” were already up on stage playing their fiery brand of blues-rock. The first thing that struck me was their amazingly crisp and clear sound. Here was a trio who knew how to rock in the traditional sense of the word. Special mention must go to the glorious guitar sound emanating from Marshall heads and Orange cabinets .The guitarist went between his Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocatser and showed us why these instruments are so revered in rock circles. I would describe the bands sound as somewhere between Government Mule, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix. One thing for certain they went down a storm and impressed many people in the audience. I for one would love to see this band again with the luxury of a full headline set.

There was a definite “buzz” in the audience in the minutes leading up to Fish taking the stage and as I looked around the hall I have to say it was very pleasing to see such a healthy turnout. As the lights went down a big screen at the back of the stage lit up and a video counting back from 1987 to the present entertained the audience as it put amusing captions to major events that took place during the relevant years. Some of the images and words were hilarious and some also very poignant and apt (A picture of George Bush with the caption “What the Fuck!” got one of the biggest cheers.)

I should explain that the reason for the countdown was two fold. Firstly it’s the twentieth anniversary of the Marillion album “Clutching At Straws” and currently in the present Fish has a new album out entitled “13th Star” (which is a real belter). In another nod to the twenty years of “Clutching As Straws” Fish took to the stage to the sound of the Beatles and the line “it was twenty years ago today…”(From Sgt’ Pepper).

Without further ado the band launched into “Slainte Mhath” from “Clutching At Straws”. The sound was perfect and from the reaction, from both Fish and the crowd, one sensed one was in for a special evening. After a note perfect and wonderfully energetic version of the track no time was wasted as the band went straight into “Circle Line” from the new album. In the live environment this sounds much heavier and as the band created modern textures and sound scapes one felt that here was music which sounds very “now” and cutting edge. In fact the whole rendition and delivery of this track brought to mind Porcupine Tree. Visuals on the big screen of the interior of a train on the underground really adding to the listening experience. More songs from the new album followed in the shape of “Square Go” which was sung with real passion and “Manchmal” which was preceded by a description of why the song was written and what it was about.

At this point in the show Fish had the crowd in the palm of his hand. He was humorous and genuinely engaging and appeared to be really enjoying himself. Next in the show was a trio of tracks from “Clutching At Straws” which brought the house down. We were treated to wonderful versions of “Hotel Hobbies”,” Warm Wet Circles” and “That Time Of the Night”. It was stirring stuff and, at no point, did it feel like nostalgia thanks to the very up to date sound and tasteful performance of the band. Fish took time out to introduce the band and special mention must go to Frank Usher (guitar) who played his socks off all night. It turned out he was a Gateshead lad and the last time he had been in the building was to see The Kinks when it had been called The Majestic.

“Dark Star” (from the new album) was a real highlight of the night. A video showing stormy skies and shooting stars really came to life thanks to Frank’s wang bar abuse of his guitar, creating the illusion of clashes of thunder. It was a great demonstration of music and visuals being used creatively. At this point of the show it has to be said that a rather drunk member of the audience who had been doing his own floor show between songs had started to get on a few peoples nerves. He was a happy drunk and not an abusive one but either way he just couldn’t seem to keep his trap shut. Fish had humoured him all night and on a few occasions had silenced him with a few choice one-liners. Sadly though I noticed a few frustrated glances from the guitarist on stage left. Fish is a big guy and a real professional but one felt the Academy could have done more to keep the drunk under control. Lets face it the main act shouldn’t have to be doing the role of security. For some more timid members of the audience one could feel that their concert was being rather spoilt. If anyone from the Academy reads this review could they please take action in future? Doing nothing is not an option when one member of the audience is spoiling it for the rest of us.

The show picked up speed again with cracking versions of “Sugar Mice”,” White Russian” and “Vigil In A Wilderness Of Mirrors”. Fish gave us two encores. Firstly a superb version of “Incommunicado” which had the audience all jumping along with reckless abandon and finally “The Last Straw”. Without a doubt this is one of the finest shows I have seen at The Academy this year. The sound was stunning, there were great visuals, the set list was a dream and the performance was impeccable. Fish also seemed pleased with the way the show went and did promise to return next year. I think we can safely say everyone who witnessed tonight s show will return again .You know what they say “everyone should have Fish in their diet as it’s good for you” and tonight’s musical feast proved it.