There are a couple of things the Peoples Republic Of Bradford can be relied on for: the curry houses and Rio’s, a top notch live venue along with the guys (and girls obviously) who loyally frequent the place. I’ve seen a good few bands here over the past couple of years and the crowd has never ceased to amaze me. Every last one of them is a true rock fan, they know their music like almost nowhere else in the country. And this night was to be no exception… 

Swiss rockers Gotthard were on the menu this evening and to be fair, they didn’t disappoint. I’d reviewed their “Lip Service” CD some time ago and was impressed with their overall sound, a fine mixture of old and new. Rockers and ballads, they have the lot and a reminder of the glorious (to me anyway) late eighties and early nineties. Kicking off with the utterly glorious “All We Are” from the new CD, the intention was clear, this was going to be a good one. By the time the band fired into “Dream On” the place was filling up a bit, with almost everybody in front of the band. 

Lead singer, Steve Lee, is obviously in his element. And it strikes me that Lee and the rest of the band are well used to this; almost half way into a sixty odd date European tour and the band were tight.  I also suspect that they are used to far bigger audiences and indeed, venues. Their collective confidence was clear, the music had punch, clarity and most of all humour. THEY looked like they were enjoying themselves and it made a massive difference. Steve Lee has one of those rare voices that sounds the same live as it is on the CD. After sixty dates, maybe not, but right now he was in exceptional form and he fronts an impressive band of musicians. For anyone who hasn’t visited Rio’s, it’s a smallish stage and Gotthard had gear enough for bigger platforms which, with six in the band made space limited but Gotthard looked like they owned every inch of available room. 

The set list spoke for itself and it was certainly well thought out. Twenty songs in total and not a mile away from two hours, ten from the new album and a mixture of favourites and classics. Deep Purple’s “Hush” and Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song “ sounded fresh, but the new album is what this band were all about. The opening shots, “Lift U Up”, “Cupids Arrow” and “I Wonder” all sat well with older tunes like “Firedance” and “Sister Moon”. As a live package, it’s a mix of tempo and it’s a bloody good fun. And even without a support band, for twelve quid and the best pint of Guinness for a good while, this was a top night out. Great venue, with a particularly good band who were in top form. Highly Recommended.

You can check out mote pictures from this show via this link

Return To Gig Reviews Main Menu